As an impoverished technical manager in a British theatre, I set out to book a diving holiday in Grand Cayman - which has the reputation of being one of the world's pricier destinations - as cheaply as possible.
Having done some research, my boyfriend and I took up an Airtours package deal, sold through high street travel agents and linked up with a dive operator on the island.
You fly cattle class, are taken out diving in sometimes large groups, and still have to watch expenditure on Grand Cayman's pricey food and drink. But, for its overall cost, we came home well satisfied with our diving holiday.
Our fortnight's trip, in late September/early October, was based on Airtours' Caribbean brochure, which offers everything from flights with one night's accommodation to all-inclusives. We booked a Sundeal 4 weeks ahead and received flights and room-only accommodation at £550 each. For a little more you can book a self-catering apartment.
Airtours' hotels are based along Seven Mile Beach, to the north of Grand Cayman's capital, Georgetown. We ended up conveniently located beside Don Foster's, our designated dive centre, but all the dive centres will pick up clients from their hotels.
Our Airtours/Foster's dive package cost £150 each for 12 boat dives, unlimited shore diving around the island, and one night dive. Included were cylinders and weights, plus a free T-shirt for posing back home.
Diving was split between the west and north sides of the island, and we found the Don Foster's staff keen to take you somewhere new each time. The west coast wreck of the Oro Verde makes a good day or night dive, while Tarpon Alley is a favourite northern shore dive. We took our dives at the rate of two a day for six consecutive days. The boat masters keep surface intervals to a minimum, so don't push the recommended limits. Note, too, that they work to the imperial system of psi and feet.
To enable us to get around the island for shore diving and for sightseeing trips, we decided to hire a Jeep for a week (public transport on Grand Cayman is practically non-existent).
We paid Just Jeeps in Georgetown under US$200 for 7 days, including a collision damage waiver and the required $5 driving permit fee. Fine shore dives included Eden Rock and Devil's Grotto in Georgetown; Turtle Farm as a drift dive; and the Babylon and Chisholm walls at the island's East End, where Tortuga Divers at Morritts Tortuga Club were offering good deals. Snorkelling was enjoyable, too, including the fish-filled coral gardens off Cemetery Beach, north of Seven Mile Beach.
After being stung for the equivalent of £5 for a bottle of Sol, we were careful where we ate and drank. Many bars run speciality nights which can represent good value and, for us, Georgetown's Hog Sty (curries) and the Pirates Den on Seven Mile Beach served reasonably priced food and beer.
Beware, though, of items or services priced in Caymans dollars. During our visit, these had a less favourable exchange rate than US dollars. All in all, the Caymans, though exclusive, are not beyond the reach of us mere mortals, given a bit of careful thought and planning. So get saving and have a great time!