Dive Review of Cayman University Divers/Cotton Tree in
Cayman Islands/Grand Cayman

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Cayman University Divers/Cotton Tree , May, 2014, by Steven Rubin, FL, US ( 1 report). Report 7598.
No photos available at this time
Ratings and Overall Comments 1 (worst) - 5 (best):
Accommodations		Food	N/A
Service and Attitude		Environmental Sensitivity
Dive Operation		Shore Diving	N/A
Snorkeling	N/A
Overall Rating
Value for $$
Beginners
Advanced
Comments	My wife and I flew down to Grand Cayman piggybacking on a business trip. We have dove all over the world, but had not been back to Grand Cayman in over 20 years. We were looking for a small intimate dive operation and after several recommendations reached out to Brad at Cayman University. We could not have been more pleased with our experience and only wish it could have been longer. We interacted quite frequently via e-mail and met Brad on Saturday morning at a private dock in Governor's Harbour, a short boat ride to the North Wall dive sites. There was no requirement to be at the boat at the crack of dawn and we decided on a more relaxed 9 AM start. We had the dive boat to ourselves that morning and after a short boat ride arrived at our spot. Brad hooked us up to his underwater communication devices - which we were a bit skeptical of at first as we generally enjoy the silence and tranquility underwater. But Brad uses the device with discretion and it was unique and we really enjoyed it. It was a nice touch and particularly helpful when we were face to face with a large moray eel looking for lion fish handouts. Certainly had never experienced that before and Brad's explanations underwater were great. Really enjoyed the wall and the health and beauty of the corals and fans was nice to see. Saw many turtles, lots of tropical and reef fish, and the aforementioned very friendly free swimming moray eel. The second dive, on a shallower reef was perhaps more beautiful. With great visibility, vibrant colors, and a pet mutton snapper following us around the entire dive hoping we would spear a lionfish for it. Brad guided us a bit and then let us finish our dive on our own. The next day was, unfortunately, stormy and Brad was in constant communication with us. He left it completely in our discretion whether we wanted to dive that day or not. He was willing to take us, but had no issue should we decide to skip it, which we ultimately did. Diving with Brad was like diving with a friend on their boat. He was completely flexible, incredibly knowledgeable about the dive sites and the area. His boat was fast and comfortable and the entire experience well exceeded our expectations. Brad is perfect for advanced divers but also, with his friendly and laid back personality, would be equally perfect for beginners. I also have to leave a short note about our accommodations. We stayed at the Cotton Tree Cottages, run and owned by Heather Lockington. Beautiful private homes on the beach. Heather and staff were incredible. We will be back, far sooner than 20 years, to dive with Brad and stay again at Cotton Tree.
Websites	Cayman University Divers Cotton Tree
Reporter and Travel
Dive Experience	251-500 dives
Where else diving	Belize, Little Cayman, Bonaire, Dominica, Cabos, Florida Keys, Cozumel, Micronesia, Bahamas, Hawaii
Closest Airport		Getting There
Dive Conditions
Weather	sunny	Seas	calm
Water Temp	83-85°F / 28-29°C	Wetsuit Thickness	2
Water Visibility	60-80 Ft/ 18-24 M
Dive Policy
Dive own profile	yes
Enforced diving restrictions	None- other than no decompression. Were permitted to dive our computers
Liveaboard?	no	Nitrox Available?	no
What I Saw
Sharks	None	Mantas	None
Dolphins	None	Whale Sharks	None
Turtles	> 2	Whales	None
Ratings 1(worst) - 5 (best):
Corals		Tropical Fish
Small Critters		Large Fish
Large Pelagics	N/A
Underwater Photography 1 (worst) - 5 (best):
Subject Matter	N/A	Boat Facilities	N/A
Overall rating for UWP's	N/A	Shore Facilities	N/A
UW Photo Comments	[None]

Subscriber's Comments

By Francesco Beninati in IL, US at Aug 16, 2015 12:51 EST

I, too, have been diving with Brad during the Summer of 2015. Everything stated in the description of his diving operation is absolutely true. I have a condo on Grand Cayman and have tried a number of large and small operations over the years. This was my first experience with Brad. I would like to focus on Brad's flexibility. He has no required departure time so within reason he is more than willing to go out at 9 or 9.30 if that's what his guests want to do. His underwater communication devices are unique and allow Brad to point out critters that others might not see. He runs a first class operation and I plan to continue to duve with him next time I am in Cayman. I am an experienced diver with 500 plus dives but a believe beginners will also enjoy diving with him in part because Brad can talk to them underwater.

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Dive Review of Cayman University Divers/Cotton Tree in Cayman Islands/Grand Cayman

Cayman University Divers/Cotton Tree , May, 2014,

Ratings and Overall Comments 1 (worst) - 5 (best):

Overall Rating

Reporter and Travel

Dive Conditions

Dive Policy

What I Saw

Ratings 1(worst) - 5 (best):

Underwater Photography 1 (worst) - 5 (best):

Subscriber's Comments

Dive Review of Cayman University Divers/Cotton Tree in
Cayman Islands/Grand Cayman