- The Captains Blog -

Digital Madness Photo Weeks 2012

2011-08-20T13:18:00.012-06:00

Ocean Frontiers is proud to once again be hosting Cayman Digital Madness, at Compass Point Dive Resort, their annual underwater photography workshop with Alex Mustard.

Be sure to book now to join a week jammed with specialized diving tailored for enthusiastic

underwater photographers, with one to one tutoring in the pool, lectures and group image review sessions under the expert guidance of Alex Mustard.

There are two workshop weeks available

Week 1: Understanding, Controlling and Exploiting Light Underwater / 14th - 21st January 2012

Week 2: Creative Lighting Techniques / 21st- 28th January 2012

The Package:

-7 Nights accommodation at the luxurious Compass Point Dive Resort where you can enjoy the luxury of rolling out of bed and onto the dive boat.

-6 days of action packed diving with Alex Mustard and Ocean Frontiers (approx 19 dives in total), almost every dive trip we make is exclusive to this workshop, which you can't do on a standard trip.

Package Price: US$2,245.00 per person double occupancy in a one-bedroom oceanfront condominium.

Summer Splash 5th Night Free!

2011-04-20T14:51:00.007-06:00

Why not escape, dive and save this summer! Take a break and relax on the East End of Grand Cayman. Enjoy pristine Reefs, breathtaking wall dives and a service style that will surpass your expectations. Roll out of bed and onto the waiting dive boat, take a bike tour, enjoy a Caribbean Sunrise, or learn a new skill above the waves and take some Kiteboarding lessons. What are you waiting for, with prices like these we make it very easy.

Only US$875.00 pp Dbl Occ

*2011 Summer Splash Package includes:
5 night stay in a one bed oceanfront condominium
4 days of East End Wall and Reef two tank dives
Car rental for the entire stay

Book today:
1 800 348 6096
www.oceanfrontiers.com
reservations@oceanfrontiers.com

Valid for a stay from 15th May 2011 through 6th September 2011 . All rates are in US dollars and are subject to availability. All rates quoted are based on double occupancy; all packages include 10% govt tax. Additional nights can be arranged as well as alternative rates based on room types, occupancy and non-divers. A 50% deposit is due at the time reservations are made. Final payment is due 45 days prior to arrival Cancellation policy: Full Refund if canceling with more than 14 days to arrival. No refund if canceling less than 14 days to arrival.

SOS SPECIAL-SAVE ON SPRING!

2011-02-03T08:08:00.007-06:00

The 7th Night Free
The 6th Dive Free
A day car rental Free

That's right we are simply giving away a whole night and day of dive vacation. Which adds up to a saving of over $400.00 per couple.

7 nights in a luxurious condominium at Compass Point Dive Resort
6 days of two tank dives with Ocean Frontiers
Car rental for the entire say with Avis

Now only $1,425.00 per person including tax based on double occupancy.

Roll out of bed and onto the waiting dive boat. Enjoy pristine reefs and breathtaking wall dives that the East End is renowned for. Plus, the "Green Short" service style will surpass your expectations. Ocean Frontiers offers freedom, safety and adventure with full "Dive Valet" services, making gear handling, storing, rinsing and set up hassle-free. If that is not enough, guests can shoos their own adventure. Hike the Mastic Trail or sign up for kiteboarding lessons. If the winds are not blowing, try paddleboarding or take a kayak tour - it's all waiting for guests to explore from their doorstep.

This offer is only available for a limited period so book now to avoid disappointment. Must be booked by 28th February 2011

Reservations must be confirmed for arrival between January 1st - 16th April 2011. These rates are subject to availability. Black out dates may apply. The above listed rates are based on double occupancy in a one bedroom condominium. Addittional nights can be arranged as well as alternative rates based on room types, occupancy and non divers.

2010-10-25T13:39:00.001-06:00

Delay the freeze and stay warmer longer with this super dive deal!

2010-09-13T09:02:00.001-06:00

Stay warmer longer and enjoy a dive vacation and give thanks to some great savings this November and December.

Kick back, relax and unwind and escape the hustle and bustle this dive trip. Located on the East End of Grand Cayman offering a secluded tranquil setting but with adventure right on your doorstep for the ULTIMATE DIVE VACATION.

Take advantage of these limited time early Winter savings and getaway on a diving adventure that will keep you warm right up until Christmas.

Book a minimum 7 nights stay and receive:

7 nights in a luxurious oceanfront condominium
6 days of two tank dives with onsite operator, Ocean Frontiers
Car rental for the entire stay with Avis
one evening pool deck island buffet - Divers Night pass

NOW ONLY $999.00 per person including tax based on double occupancy

That's a super saving of over $500.00 per couple !

So why not Roll out of bed and onto the waiting dive boat. Enjoy pristine reefs and breathtaking wall dives that the East End is renowned for. Plus, the 'Green Short' service style will surpass your expectations. Get away from the cold

Wondering about the cost of flights? Well check out the Cayman Airways offers - Only $238.00 round trip from JFK New York or $314.00 round trip from ORD Chicago plus taxes Check out Cayman Airways direct on : www.caymanairways.com

This offer is only available for a limited period so book now to avoid disappointment. Must be booked and paid in full by 1st October 2010

Reservations must be confirmed for arrival between 6th November 2010 through till the 20th December 2010. All rates are quoted on double occupancy; all packages include 10% govt tax. Additional nights can be arranged as well as alternative rates based on room types and occupancy. Full payment at the time of booking. Cancellation, full refund if canceling with more than 14 days to arrival. No refund if canceling with less than 14 days to arrival.

The Green Short Fall Special !

2010-08-13T08:30:00.011-06:00

Enjoy Super Savings on your Dive Vacation at Compass Point Dive Resort and Ocean Frontiers this Fall!

Compass Point's location puts you on vacation the minute you enter the sleepy village of East End on Grand Cayman. This district oozes a kick-back-and-relax style atmosphere - so much so that even the locals call it the Caribbean side of the island. The East End is a beacon to those tourists who want to step off the beaten path and leave the hustle and bustle behind. Here, divers will enjoy untouched beauty, endless ocean views and world-class scuba diving.
Take advantage of these limited time fall savings and getaway on a diving adventure that wont hurt your wallet but we guarantee will refresh your spirit.

The Deal
7 nights in a luxurious oceanfront condominium at Compass Point Dive Resort
6 days of two tank dives with onsite dive shop, Ocean Frontiers
Car rental for the entire say with Avis

ONLY $699.00 per person including tax based on double occupancy.
Contact our reservation office

While you are here you can take the green short challenge and start logging all 55 East End dive sites to earn your pair. With prices like these we make it easy to start your East End Adventure. The Green Short Challenge is a program that Ocean Frontiers is about to launch that has no expiration date. With our custom made log book we make it fun and exciting to start logging dives again. Complete and log all 55 East End dives and you can earn your prestigious pair of Green Shorts and be part of the family. Join in the fun, grab a log book, meet new divers and enjoy the party.

Roll out of bed and onto the waiting dive boat. Enjoy pristine reefs and breathtaking wall dives that the East End is renowned for. Plus, the "Green Short" service style will surpass your expectations. Ocean Frontiers offers freedom, safety and adventure with full "Dive Valet" services, making gear handling, storing, rinsing and set up hassle-free.

If that is not enough, guests can shoos their own adventure. Hike the Mastic Trail or sign up for kiteboarding lessons. If the winds are not blowing, try paddleboarding or take a kayak tour - it's all waiting for guests to explore from their doorstep.

This offer is only available for a limited period so
make your reservations today to avoid disappointment.
Must be booked and deposited by September 1st 2010

Reservations must be confirmed for arrival between 7th Septmember 2010 through till the 30th October 2010. All rates are quoted on double occupancy; all packages include 10% govt tax. Addittional nights can be arranged as well as alternative rates based on room types and occupancy. Full payment at the time of booking. Cancellation policy, full refund if canceling with more than 14 days to arrival no refund if canceling with less than 14 days to arrival.

Summer Splash Specials!

2010-04-16T15:56:00.002-06:00

It is time to start planning those Summer vacations and this year Ocean Frontiers and Compass Point make it easy for you to book your Grand Cayman Escape. We have taken the "Summer Splash" promotion and rolled them into dive vacation packages, making it simple and easy to book.

Kids go Free This Summer: Take advantage of these incredible family savings this summer and getaway on a family diving adventure without paying for the kids!

Stay 5 nights in one of our Oceanfront condominiums at Compass Point Dive Resort, Roll out of bed and onto the waiting dive boat for a two tank dive each day and discover touring the island with your family in the rental car included in the package.

Only $1,130.00* per adult, Kids Stay and Dive for FREE!!!!

* valid for a stay during May 15th - 6th September "kids are defined as Children 17 years or younger and offer applie for one free child per full paying adult. Children must be JNR OPW certified divers and have dived in the last 12 months. Prices are based on two adults and two children occupancy in a one bedroom unit. Full payment at the time of booking. No refund or exchange on unused portions. Additional nights can be arranged as well as alternative rates based on room types and occupancy.

Shelly The Turtle is Back!

2010-03-03T12:08:00.007-06:00

On March 26, 2008, Ocean Frontiers Photo Pro Elly Wray photographed a friendly hawksbill turtle at High Rock Drop-Off in the East End of Grand Cayman. Elly cites the encounter as one of her most memorable dives not only because of the close interaction with this endangered species, but also because it was her first dive photographing in a professional capacity for Ocean Frontiers. Images of this "lucky turtle" have since appeared in magazines and calendars. Two years later, on February 25, 2010, Elly had a similar encounter with a hawksbill turtle while filming on the very same dive site. The curious turtle put her beak right up to the port of the camera. Reminded of her "lucky turtle," Elly compared the video footage to her earlier photographs and was excited to discover that this was indeed the same turtle!

To see the video please visit http://vimeo.com/9867203

To contact Elly Wray: photopro@oceanfrontiers.com

Our little visitor

2010-02-17T12:59:00.005-06:00

Guess what we've found??

Credit is due to Lexie Lessing, our 13 yr-old mermaid, for spotting this rare treat at Sunset Reef. She spotted it on a certification dive with her younger sister. First she was pointing at a fish that was swimming by, but as her gaze followed her pointing finger her eyes fell upon a familiar fish that lives in the family fish tank. IDing it was a snap! Great job, Lexie!

The Longsnout Seahorse, also known as the Slender Seahorse, or Great Brazilian Seahorse, is the most common seahorse found in the Caribbean.
The Longsnout Seahorse generally mates for life and will impress the female with its dramatic color changes, energetic pouch displays, and graceful dancing. The female will then deposit as many as 1600 eggs in the male pouch. About 14 days later, the male will give birth between 50-500 perfect miniature replicas of the male.

Photo Credit: Mike Monfils

Congratulations Ellary Wray!

2010-01-31T12:25:00.007-06:00

We are very proud of our very own Photo/Video Pro, Miss Elly Wray, for winning the Grand Prize at the 2010 Underwater Photo Competition which was a part of the Underwater Film Festival!
30-40 entrants submitted over 100 entries and Elly's Stingray shot, pictured below, took home the Grand Prize, winning her one week on the Cayman Agressor. She also won the top prize of the Wide Angle category!
All of us at Ocean Frontiers are very proud of Elly and are thrilled that her incredible talent is being recognized like this.

Elly is available to come out on your trips with either her still camera or her video camera....that is until she becomes a world famous photographer ;) Get her while you can!

Dive With Wyland !

2010-01-12T10:04:00.004-06:00

The International Scuba Diving Hall of Fame is celebrating its 10 year anniversary this year and as an added bonus to the celebration The Cayman Islands is proud to host "Dive with the Greats," a series of dives with some of the industries most renowned divers. On Saturday, January 30th at 9.00am Wyland will host a two tank dive off the Cayman's East End, through the Maze and Ironshore Gardens with Ocean Frontiers. Cost is $100 per person. Don't miss out on this once in a life time opportunity and book your spot on the boat today. call 1 800 348 6096 or e-mail reservations@oceanfrontiers.com now. If you are unable to make this trip perhaps you can make the dive with Val and Ron Taylor on Friday, January 29th in the afternoon with Red Sail sports or Cathy Church on Sunday 31st in the morning with Deep Blue Divers.

For more information on The International Scuba Diving Hall of Fame visit www.scubahalloffame.com

2010-01-09T07:14:00.003-06:00

Congratulations are in order on the well-deserved recognition given to the Cayman Islands by Scuba Diving’s readers in the 2010 Readers Choice Awards. With Nine Top 3 placements within the Caribbean/Atlantic region for the Cayman Islands, including First Place for Overall Rating of the Destination. What a great start to the new decade! The survey was conducted in 2009 and over 5000 Scuba Diving readers from all over the globe submitted their rankings. Seven Readers Choice Awards categories are highlighted in the Jan/Feb 2010 Scuba Diving magazine issue, on newsstands now. The remaining categories can be found online here:

http://www.scubadiving.com

When the Jan/Feb issue is no longer available on newsstands, the complete results will be available on their website.

Merry Christmas, 2009!

2009-12-22T14:01:00.003-06:00

Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas from all of us at Ocean Frontiers!
Recently we have seen it again! The Christmas Manta paid Nauti-Cat a visit on the afternoon trip on December 21st. 'Tis the Season...

We're glad that we have been able to enjoy and share a good year of diving. Some highlights of the year include: semi-frequent hammerhead sightings throughout the year, summer of the juvenile spotted drum fish, Grouper Grotto silverside explosion in the late summer/early autumn, excellent coral spawning experience in September, a complete lack of hurricanes!, a very piratey Pirate's Week, Nauti-"Shark" in the Parade of Lights, Ocean Frontiers Football (Soccer) Club ends the year on top of their league with a 10-0 win, and the list could go on and on!
Though this year also brought the lionfish further south, the island's dive industry was well prepared and is doing all it can to keep it in check. OF staff have become veritable expert lionfish cullers and appreciate the help from all of our divers in assisting and spotting them!

We'd like to extend a big Congratulations to everyone that got certified or furthered their dive education with Ocean Frontiers this past year!

For those of you that missed a trip this year, we look forward to welcoming you and returning guests and owners to Compass Point Phase 2 in early Spring, 2010!
Wishing you all the best for the New Year..
Hope to see you soon!

Happy Holidays!

2009-11-24T12:50:00.003-06:00

Can you believe it's that time of year again? We can't!
With Thanksgiving just around the corner, Christmas came a little early this year as Santa, er.. MANTA, started making the rounds already. Three years in a row we have seen this large pelagic. The Cayman DoE is excited to hear about the pattern that seems to be evolving as the Manta is making the East End an annual stop in its migratory habits.
Last week divers enjoyed a fly-by at Old Isaac's.

*Photo courtesy of John Freeborg.

AAAAAAaaaargh!

2009-11-16T14:52:00.003-06:00

It's Pirate's Week in Grand Cayman! Beware on the high seas as pirates abound! The three vessels, Ocean Hawk, Eastern Skies and Nauti Cat are in hot pursuit of each other's flags and are racing to find the booty. This year we've added daily challenges to keep things interesting and everyone in a piratey mood.
Diver's Night is temporarily going to be "Pirate's Night" in honor of the festivities. We're even giving a bottle of Seven Fathoms Rum to the best dressed!!
If you're here during this week, you can even get to know each district's unique heritage by visiting their heritage day.
Yar!

Project Aware

2009-11-10T16:06:00.002-06:00

Searaiders, a dive group that has been coming to Ocean Frontiers for the past 3 years organized a Project Aware beach clean-up with Course Director TJ Staples before they came down.
Searaiders is a unique dive group whose unifying interest is the DOXA dive watch. Doxa and Project Aware have partnered up this year to show their commitment to numerous conservation initiatives. DOXA even released a limited series of 92 pieces to demonstrate their support.
Searaiders cleaned up the beach surrounding the Ocean Frontiers/Compass Point property and collected everything from rogue shoes to a still usable baking dish to an old tire.
Thanks Searaiders!

The biggest Dive Show in the World!

2009-11-07T14:25:00.008-06:00

DEMA Show 2009, Orlando, Florida, USA.

The Cayman Islands dive industry attended the Dive Equipment and Marketing Association's (DEMA) 2009 International Trade Show at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, November 4th-7th. The DEMA show is the largest dive show in the world and is 'The Show' to
exhibit at, network with industry buyers, partners and media. The Cayman Islands Pavilion was represented by over 15 dive resorts and operators from Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman, including Ocean Frontiers & Compass Point. The national airline, Cayman Airways was
a key component for Cayman, offering specials targeted at dive shop groups.

The theme for the Cayman Islands focused on 'Project Dive 365', which is an initiative to add 68 new dive sites between all three islands, to bring the total to 365 dive sites and stake Cayman is the most diverse destination in the region with year round diving, enabling divers to visit a different dive site for every day of the year. The International Scuba Diving Hall of Fame was also included in the Cayman Pavilion, where attendees were able to meet with a number of celebrity members and inductees.

Ocean Frontiers was promoting and setting up group trips for Dive Shops from all across North America. Check with your local dive shop and sign up for their next trip to the Cayman Islands with Ocean Frontiers & Compass Point in 2010.

Read the blog

Jazzed to Dive

2009-10-26T15:49:00.005-06:00

Need an excuse to go diving? Want a quick escape before the Holidays? Want to enjoy some jazz and harmony from some of the greatest in the business, including Alicia Keys; Peabo Bryson and many others. Then here is the short break dive getaway for you.

Jazzed to Dive Special 3rd - 6th December 2009
3 Nights accommodation at a Compass Point Dive Resort
2 days of two tank dives
Car rental for the entire stay
tickets to all jazz fest performances 3rd, 4th and 5th Event
Tickets to attend all three events included

ONLY $670.00 per diver including tax based on double occupancy.

Alternative rates are available based on alternative occupancy, room type and number of events attending. For more information contact our reservations office today 1 800 348 6096

Whats Next!

2009-09-14T15:17:00.004-06:00

With Summer coming to a close and having just experienced the amazing mass coral spawning one has to wonder what do we have to look forward to next? Well looking at the books we have a very busy September and October with a lot of divers heading our way having taken advantage of our two for one fall special. So we will look forward to welcoming them to or back to the East End. The Weather here has been fantastic and the seas are like glass, the viz is excellent and the Silversides are still in abundance at Grouper Grotto, what more could a diver ask for!

November offers us a chance to be naughty and enjoy a little Piracy with Pirates Week taking place during the week 14th - 21st November. Pirates week is a great time to come out and explore the local culture and traditions and we always promise a bit of fun and debauchery out on the high seas. After Pirates week comes Thanksgiving so if you fancy getting away from it all then let us know.

5 nights accommodation at Compass Point Dive Resort with 4 days of roll out of bed diving with Ocean Frontiers and a Car rental for the entire stay is only $960.00 per person double occupancy this Thanksgiving. Call and book your spot today 1 800 348 6096

Flame Box Crab and his Mate at Stingray City

2009-09-08T16:36:00.005-06:00

Wednesday's 3-Tankers were treated to a VERY rare sighting when a stingray sniffed out a flame box crab. Feeling threatened, the crab whisked his mate away to safety, carrying her in his claws! How romantic. Thanks go to Randy and Sue for pointing them out!

LAST MINUTE LABOR DAY SALE!

2009-09-04T12:52:00.000-06:00

We thought we would jump on the Labor Day Sale bandwagon and offer a Labor Day Sale special this weekend! Why not spend this Labor day weekend planning a last minute dive vacation to your favorite dive resort!

Book and stay during this September and enjoy a September Special nightly rate that includes accommodation, diving and car rental.

$100.00 per night per person based on Quad occupancy
$130.00 per night per person based on Triple occupancy
$160.00 per night per person based on Double occupancy
$200.00 per night per person Single occupancy

The above rates are based on a two bedroom condominium and include a two tank dive each day, except on day of arrival and departure. A car rental for the entire stay and accommodation at Compass Point Dive Resort.

Must be booked and paid for in full by 25th September 2009 for a stay throughout September 2009 All rates are in US dollars and are subject to change without notice. All packages include 10% government room tax. Full payment required at the time of booking. No refunds or exchanges on unused portions.

Coral Spawning!

2009-09-02T14:00:00.002-06:00

One week after the early September full moon, the corals conduct their annual ritual of spawning and we are hoping our divers will witness the rare sight again this year.

Mass coral spawning is one of the ocean’s most illusive sights; the majority of corals only spawn once a year, at night, and the whole show is completed in less than 15 minutes. Even marine biologists only learned how it happened during the 1980s. It may be rare, but the spectacle is astonishing. A coral spends most of the year doing a good impersonation of a rock but on this one night the whole reef explodes into effervescent life.

Seeing it remains a gamble, but over the last five years here at Ocean Frontiers with the guidance and help of Dr. Alex Mustard, we have successfully observed and documented this unique event.

Hard corals that divers have witnessed spawning in the Cayman Islands include: Staghorn Coral, Elkhorn Coral, Great Star Coral, Lobed Star Coral, Boulder Star Coral, Massive Starlet Coral and Symmetrical Brain Coral. In addition, soft corals such as Porous Sea Rods and Black Sea Rods have also had their spawning documented.

If you are going to be on Grand Cayman next week then be sure to book on one of our Coral Spawning Night Dives taking place on the 9th, 10th and 11th September, we guarantee you will not be disappointed!!! Call to book your spot today.

Blennies

2009-08-24T14:46:00.003-06:00

Sharks! Eagle rays! Turtles! Eels! ....These are the creatures that get us divers excited and are on the tips of our tongues as we climb up the ladder.
But what about the little guys? Such as....BLENNIES!

There are over 350 different species of these tiny fish! Common sightings in Grand Caymabn for those with keen eyes include secretary and arrow blennies. Secretary blennies live in tiny holes in coral and retract their bodies as you try to point them out to fellow divers. Arrow blennies look like tiny "j"s floating in the water that zip around as your finger comes close. Both are smaller than the diameter of a pencil.

About a year ago, we noticed a (highly coveted) Sailfin Blenny at Ironshore Gardens. Highly coveted for its photo opporunities...as can be seen in Alex Mustard's beautiful photo here.
The original Sailfin Blenny moved on, but very recently we have noticed 3 new residents in the area!

As all blennies are very feisty defenders of their territory, they are a very entertaining fish to watch and excellent training for the photographer. You can always get tips from Alex at the next Digital Madness event in January!

All things small and beautiful...

2009-08-07T08:01:00.003-06:00

That is the quote that gave this divesite its name. Do you remember which book it's from?

Valley of the Dolls....A Northside wall dive that epitomizes the beauty of the North of Grand Cayman and all that is waiting to be discovered there.

We had two very exciting sightings last week at the ever plentiful Black Rock Reef. Levavie Indieka spotted two very rare creatures.. Not one, but TWO pipehorses! And the second...a warty sidegill slug. Come again? Don't worry, I had to look it up, too ;)

Sidegill slugs have their gills on their sides just as their name suggests. Other slugs and nudibranchs have their gills on their backs. Did you know that is actually what all that frilly decor is? Their gills..

Another unique trait these slugs have is that they grow to be quite large... Much bigger than nudibranchs or closely related lettuce leaf sea slugs, some slug species in Australia have measured in at 30 cm! The species that Lev so keenly spotted is not only rare to see, but difficult to find. Good job Lev!!

Cayman Airways Announces Birthday Sales !

2009-07-29T15:51:00.002-06:00

Cayman Airways have just announced their birthday sale. Join in the celebration and take advantage of their generous offers, Miami & Tampa only $89 one way and New York $129 one way. The sale is offered for purchase through August 7, 2009 and these fares are available for travel through December 9, 2009

Why not combine this with our "Buddy goes Free" Deal during September and October and you really will be getting a Free Fall Deal !!!

for more information visit Cayman Airways

Leatherback leatherback

2009-07-19T14:29:00.003-06:00

It's the middle of turtle breeding season, and our divers are getting a little more than a PG-13 show ;)
On Friday two leatherback turtles were spotted mating at the surface! This is a special treat that we only get to see 2-3 times a year.
Typically we see green or hawksbill turtles while diving. The green turtles can get so large that they deceivingly appear to be leatherbacks, which tend to be the biggest of the three. Leatherbacks can be distinguished from the other species by their prominent ridges that run down their shells. Not to be confused with the easily recognizable typical (and sometimes seen as sunglass print) 'tortoise shell'.

The tale of prup-prup and the old wife...

2009-07-13T12:54:00.004-06:00

Come again?

We may know our favorite fish by their more scientific names, but did you know that in Cayman they have a whole other set of names from the local fishermen? What we know as the black durgon is called a 'prup prup', for the sound they make when they come out of the water.
Parrotfish, on the other hand, have a set of identification that does not include juvenile, intermediate and adult in their names.
An underwater favorite for its beautiful colors, the queen triggerfish, is known as 'old wife'. Hhhhmmmmmmmm...

Curiosity piqued? If you have any questions feel free to email Britta at britta@compasspoint.ky or find her the next time you're here to discover more local secrets!

Who knew?

2009-07-10T13:38:00.002-06:00

Ocean Frontiers has a football team!
Now, to all the Americans.. we call it soccer ;) Since we are outnumbered here, we'll leave it at football..

We are proud to announce the first win for our team!
Captain Brad Ross scored a goal, as the team won 6-5. Mark Elliott (UK), aka Hobbit, is the goal keeper and other members of the team include Lev Indieka (Kenya), Mark Landman (UK), Brian Williamson (Scotland), Brad Ross (Australia), Kerry Snow (UK), Steve Broadbelt (UK). Non-OF crew supporting the team are Chris and Johnny McLaughlin.

This is the second season that the team has been together. For the summer season they are part of the 5-a-side indoor soccer, sorry FOOTBALL, league. They hope to have a more competitive season this time around.. If you've been on the boats and have talkd to Team Manager, Brad, you'll know why :)

Stay, Dive & Drive for Free this Fall

2009-06-30T20:34:00.002-06:00

Book a 7-night dive vacation package for a stay during September and October 2009 and your buddy goes free!!! Roll out of bed and onto the waiting dive boat at Compass Point Dive Resort and with Ocean Frontiers, located on the tranquil and pristine East End of Grand Cayman. Our "Buddy Goes Free" deal offers a great price for a seven-night stay in September or October 2009. Only $670 per person. 7 nights accommodation, 6 days of 2-tank dives and a car rental for your entire stay.

Book before the July 31, 2009 for a minimum seven-night stay during September 5th 2009-October 31, 2009. All rates are in US dollars and are subject to change without notice. All rates are based on double occupancy, all packages include 10% government room tax. Full payment required at the time of booking. No refunds or exchanges on unused portions.

Book your spot today call toll free 1 800 348 6096 or e-mail reservations@oceanfrontiers.com

Companion Flies Free

2009-06-22T16:05:00.005-06:00

Two tickets to Paradise for the price of one if you book now through to June 26 2009 !

There's never been a better time to travel to Cayman from New York, Miami or Tampa. If you book your round-trip Cayman Airways flight now, your companion flies free. Travel to Grand Cayman until September 30th 2009 and enjoy a summer vacation that's truly worth it.

Combine this with our Summer Saver or Buddy goes free in Fall deal and you really will be getting a deal!

To book today call Cayman Airways 1 800 4CAYMAN or visit www.caymanairways.com

Tiki Happy Hour

2009-06-17T14:07:00.005-06:00

If you haven't been here in a while, let us introduce you to the 'Tiki Hut'...

A place where you can check which boat you're on as you walk down the dock. A place where you can rent a camera or talk to Ocean Frontiers Photo/Video pro, Elly.

Where are the drinks, you ask? At Tiki Happy Hour! Come by every Monday night to get 'Tiki Tips' and find out where the locals eat, where to find silver thatch palm rope and the best place to play dominoes Cayman style!

It's that time of year again...

2009-06-09T14:10:00.004-06:00

Always a crowd-pleaser, the silversides are back and growing! Grouper Grotto, Jack McKenney's and High Rock Drop-off have reported populations.

Nauti-Cat's trip to Grouper today was graced with two blooming clouds. The bigger group is in the longest swim-through tunnel (you know the one), which made for lots of movement and delight under the water :)

As an added bonus, three tiny baby spotted drum fish welcomed us as we emerged from the clouds of silversides.

Photo notes: Silversides with tarpon NOT taken at Grouper Grotto today

Wanted

2009-06-04T15:13:00.003-06:00

Lionfish are quite captivating in their natural environment. Unfortunately, they are not native to the Cayman Islands or any of the other islands that they have inhabited over the last decade. All the way down the Atlantic Coastline to the Bahamas to Turks and Caicos to Cuba to Jamaica to Cayman, they are making their way south. This invasive species does not have any natural predators and could be detrimental to the Caribbean ecosystem, as they are a veritable eating machines. Not being finnicky eaters, they devour everything from small crabs and shrimp to juvenile grouper.

Ocean Frontiers is working in conjunction with the Department of Environment and other local dive operators to try and control the population before it gets to the point that they have to be put on the local restaurant menu. The crew have been trained and have an official 'license to cull' the lionfish. Shown here is our very own TJ after she carefully captured this 6" fish from Jack McKenney's Canyons.*

*TJ is a trained professional. Do not attempt this at home.

Photo credits: Ellary Wray/Ocean Frontiers Photo-Video Pro

What's in a name?

2009-05-21T14:24:00.005-06:00

Juvenile spotted drums were everywhere on the 3-tank safari trip as the divers and crew of Ocean Hawk headed to Babylon on May 20th. 4 sightings were reported here, with a few more at Snapper Hole later that afternoon.
They are a favorite amongst divers, but have you ever wondered how the drum gets its name?

The spotted drum is a unique member in the family of fish called Sciaenidae. These fish derive their common name from the croaking or drumming sounds that are produced by specialized muscles on the body wall connected to the swim bladder. The bladder serves as a resonating chamber that amplifies the sound.

Who knew? You learn something new everyday...

It really is affordable....

2009-05-08T13:59:00.002-06:00

As the winds drop and the water and air temperatures rise, the Ocean Frontiers divemasters start peeling away their wetsuits and replace them with skins, our indicator that summer is well on its way. As the school year comes to a close and thoughts of summer vacations come to mind we just wanted to point out that a dive vacation on the East End of Grand Cayman really is an affordable option.

We know that times are tough and every dollar counts but to escape to dive paradise this year really can be an affordable option. For one Ocean Frontiers and Compass Point Dive Resort are offering some great discounted dive vacation packages, that include offers you can not refuse - Kids dive Free and much more!!!

Now we know what you are going to say next.... "Its the airfare its so expensive"! Well the reservations team decided to do a price check on airfare to Grand Cayman and you will be surprised at what prices we were gettting for direct flights: Traveling from the 11th - 18th July US Air from Charlotte round trip $379.00, Delta from Atlanta round trip $385.00 Continental from Newark $370.00 round trip. Continental from Houston $359.00 round trip. couple these prices with our disconted packages and you really could have a very affordable Carribbean dive vacation this summer which will be filled with a life time of memories and perhaps some new friends. call and book your spot on the boat today !!!

Face lift, and.....

2009-05-07T12:45:00.002-06:00

Video!

We've been busy here in the East End..
Construction with Phase II is progressing nicely, the shop has received a face lift, and if you haven't been here in a while... Elly Wray, OF Photo/Video Pro, has debuted several DVD's featuring our favorite dive sites and visiting divers...

Ocean Frontiers HQ has expanded its retail selection to bring you a wider variety of snacks as well as moving The Reef's stock down here. Your one-stop shop for all your shopping needs :) Well, almost..

Elly is offering a variety of Photo/Video services to suit your needs. Everything from individual professional photos, which you can check out at www.oceanfrontiersphoto.com
to Open Boat Video Shoots and Private Video Shoots.

Email Elly at photopro@oceanfrontiers.com for a complete menu of services available and pricing.

Earth Day at Ocean Frontiers!

2009-04-29T13:54:00.003-06:00

With the help of a few customers, we cleaned up the stretch of beach that Thumper so thoroughly enjoys on his daily office breaks. Even an old scooter engine was discovered! It's amazing the things we find... Earth Day clean-up was a success with the participants receiving a t-shirt and one lucky person even got a free 2-tank dive out of it :)

Ocean Frontiers is furthering contributions to 'Earth Support' with the "green team". It's always been about the little things that we do...from caring for your gear to giving you a print-out of your dives. Now we're paying extra close attention to all the little things we can do to help REUSE REDUCE RECYCLE.
Stay tuned for details!

Earth Day 2009 - Can you help ?

2009-04-17T08:19:00.004-06:00

Earth Day is observed each year on April 22 by more than 500 million people and national governments in 175 countries. As always Ocean Frontiers will be participating in this event and hopefully with the help of you ?

We are going to be having a beach clean up along the shore line from Compass Point Dive Resort West towards the village. We will be equipped with trash bags, rubber gloves and iced water. This beach is in need of a little clean up. Plastic bottles and caps and old flip-flops or shoes are amongst the objects that mainly wash ashore . There also might be the opportunity to do some sea beaning too !!!

Divers can also participate in the Earthy activities by completing underwater 'Reef Watch' surveys. These surveys note how many fish, what kind, what corals and other marine life related questions. All the surveys are then returned to Cayman Islands Department of Environment for their records and data comparison to previous years.

If you are on island next week then be sure to ask about the Earth Day activities and show your support by helping out.

Happy Easter

2009-04-12T07:59:00.004-06:00

From all of us at Ocean Frontiers, we hope that you enjoy this holiday weekend, whether you're at church, Easter brunch or on an egg hunt!

It's busy out here in the East End, as every year it is Caymanian tradition to go camping over the long holiday weekend. Camping spots are staked out a few weeks ahead of time and some serious beach clean-up and preparation goes into this favorite holiday.

For us, it's an absolutely perfect day to be out on the water with the sun shining, just the right amount of Caribbean breeze, and inviting warm, calm and blue waters...

Congratulations New Instructors

2009-04-05T12:16:00.005-06:00

Living the Dream.......
April fools day was the final day of the PADI Instructor Exam for 10 hopeful candidates including our very own James Jordan. After I put him and the other students through a tough 9 day course they attended the 2 day assessment with Gary Newman the Examiner from PADI. However I am not joking when I tell you how well they all did and welcome them to the wonderful world of teaching scuba diving.
Why not join me on our next Instructor Development Course starting 6th July 09.

Wait a minute!

2009-04-01T14:10:00.003-06:00

You see it's a big animal.. yup, it's a shark. But wait. It's not just any shark...it's a hammerhead!
If you've ever seen one, you know the feeling as you realize that this big thing is not your usual reef shark. Special as that feeling is, and rare as they are to see in the EE, we've had two sightings in the past week!
The first was with Captain Sean Crothers and Instructor Katie Wand at Jack McKenney's Canyons on Tuesday. Today Captain/Owner Mo Fitzgerald and Instructor Lev Indieka saw the second of the week at High Rock Drop-off :)
We like this....

Sunset Cruise

2009-03-29T16:00:00.003-06:00

Not just for divers anymore....

Every Sunday Ocean Frontiers will be offering a Sunset Welcome Cruise to leisurely tour the East End and find just the right spot to watch the sun set! Aboard we'll have the obligatory Rum Punch, a few munchies, music to match the laid-back mood and of course, a
lively and entertaining crew.

Don't miss the boat the next time you're here!
You can even book in advance... email britta@compasspoint.ky.

Shop till ya drop

2009-03-11T08:33:00.004-06:00

With our new website less than a month old we certainly hope you like what you see.
But did you realize how many little extras and conveniences that we have added to the site with you, our customer in mind.

If you have recently visited with us and enjoyed diving the East End, then why not write a testimonial directly on our site

If you haven't got time to write an e-mail or make a call on our toll free number to our reservations team then why not buy your Dive Vacation package on our website using our shopping cart feature. Its as easy as 1 2 3 click.

As an added incentive for all those who book a dive vacation package online throughout the month of March, using the shopping cart feature we will give you a FREE Night Dive each.

Lastly, if you are needing some new Ocean Frontiers T's or caps for this summer then why not order directly online using our Retail Store

Whatever your needs we are happy to serve you.

Kayak Express

2009-03-04T14:02:00.004-06:00

A new Ocean Frontiers adventure... :)
You, your kayak and your friends will be taken on a one way boat ride, to simply the best coral reef, snorkel and kayak area on Cayman!

You will be left to explore and discover. Kayak your way leisurely back home to Compass Point at the end. What a great way to spend your time not diving!

Mardi Gras!

2009-02-26T13:30:00.006-06:00

Every year, it's Cayman's biggest party...Caymanians, locals, and tourists all come together to celebrate this public holiday at Kaibo Yacht Club.
Kaibo's always a favorite for Mudslides, their french fries and island atmosphere, and every Ash Wednesday, it turns into Cayman's biggest hot spot with ferries from Seven Mile and a general island-wide migration to the Northside.

With a full van of happy divers, Ocean Frontiers was on "the list" to be able to go straight to Kaibo and bypass the hassle of parking and catching the shuttle. We enjoyed the daytime party with plenty of beads, drink and live music and left just after the sun went down and all mayhem ensued ;).

Pictured are Stacie and Tom from Michigan enjoying the sun and good times!

Water Baby

2009-02-21T14:21:00.004-06:00

Ocean Frontiers' new website is only 3 days old, so it only seamed fitting to show off something else new to Ocean Frontiers: 'Sierrah May Broadbelt' is the new (now 5 months old) daughter of OF Co-Founder/ Co-Owner- Steve Broadbelt and his wife Shannon. It won't be long before we have her scuba diving.... and then not long after that, filling tanks, driving boats and taking customers diving ;) [click on the photo to see a larger image]

Live The Dream....Go Pro with Ocean Frontiers

2009-02-18T14:43:00.005-06:00

Why not get paid to Dive? Make the Ocean your new office.

Take your IDC with Ocean Frontiers and get trained to be a professional in a very professional environment. Our facilities and resources are beyond compare and offer modern air conditioned classroom. confined water training pool on site accommodation and not forgetting a year round tropical climate.
Our very own Course Director - TJ Staples is happy to announce that the next IDC will be taking place 21st - 31st March 2009 and we still have a couple of spots left. Why not take the plunge and start a new adventure !

If these dates are not suitable what about our May or July dates?

The EE

2009-02-17T15:17:00.002-06:00

Bike tours, Mastic trail hikes, yoga, kayaking, kiteboarding, paddleboarding, full moon parties on the beach..
..and of course DIVING.

You love the East End, we love the East End. We know you love the East End.
If it's been a while, maybe it's time to come back soon!
We miss you.

Winter diving has been lush, with great visibility and happy divers and happy crew.
The wind's been on and off, so kiteboarders are carving some sick butter and are stoked.

This is how we roll

2009-02-03T08:36:00.000-06:00

Ocean Frontiers has always strived to be as green as is possible. From the corn-based biodegradable drinking cups to the earth-friendly laundry detergent we wash your favorite boat towels in to the biodiesel that goes in the boats that take you diving... We've got the recycled green bags for your grocery store runs. We even use grey water to keep our landscaping green.

OF and CP have always supported the only recycling program that has been available on the island by having our "Aluminum cans only" bins available to crew and guests. Recently Caybrew Brewing Company has introduced the first bottle recycling program on the island! Ocean Frontiers/Compass Point is proud to be an East End drop-off point where Caybrew drinkers can recycle their Caybrew bottles.

Look for the green bin in the recycling area to put your cans and the blue crates to put your Caybrew bottles in.

Help Ocean Frontiers/Compass Point make Cayman green!

and now for something completely different...

2009-02-02T14:19:00.003-06:00

..go carve some sick butter!
Wind's a blowin', diving's still good.
Kiters and divers alike are happy!
George Evans, former OF boat captain turned Kiteboard instructor, is shown here as his usual self :)
Not sure what carving sick butter means? Next time you're here, give kiteboarding a try! You can take lessons from George or Mike.

Careful.. it's addictive! Since Mo started about a year ago, on his board is where he can be found on a windy day...as long as work doesn't get in the way.

Hat trick kind of day

2009-01-29T14:37:00.002-06:00

Yesterday afternoon, Nauti-Cat crew Cpt. Brad, PhotoPro Elly, and yours truly enjoyed a fantastic afternoon of diving with the 8 divers on board. Sightings on the deep dive at Anchor Point included Spongeface of course, a good sized (and rarely seen northside) Caribbean Reef shark, green moray eel, sleeping stingray and to put the icing on the cake: an EAGLE RAY!
On the shallow dive at Black Rock Reef, divers first came across another green moray tucked underneath a usual creature hiding spot.. a photo friendly turtle, Pillar coral, and a Peacock flounder.

This is what Cayman diving is all about!

Check out Elly Wray's photos at:
www.oceanfrontiersphoto.com
Click on January diving and January 28th PM 2-tank to have a look!

Project Aware

2009-01-27T12:31:00.003-06:00

Members of Class 3H from Cayman Prep School were out a few weeks ago to do a Project Aware session with Course Director, TJ Staples. The 24 students were here with teacher Rachael Fairbrother for an afternoon of education, environmental awareness, and of course FUN!

The class first sat with TJ in the classroom to talk about what they would be doing before heading to the pool to practice their snorkel skills. Once all were checked off they set off to Sunset Reef for a snorkel adventure and some fish ID and to bring Project Aware into full circle, finished with a bit of a beach clean-up.

Thanks to TJ, Rachael, and all members of the 3H class for doing a great job and helping to keep the beaches of East End clean!

More to see than meets the eye...

2009-01-16T09:42:00.006-06:00

THE MASTIC TRAIL. Discover the heart of Cayman!

You've been to Cayman before, you know all the spots to eat, probably even come back to see some familiar faces...Maybe you've been meaning to go, but have just not been able to fit it into your busy vacation schedule ;)
Next time you come, don't miss this beautiful trail that leads you from mangroves to a silver thatch palms/mahogany/mastic tree forest to agricultural meadow. You'll see ancient roots intertwined with gnarly ironshore while green parrots, bananaquit, and woodpeckers sing throughout the tree tops.
Now you can go with Ocean Frontiers to discover another dimension of Cayman!
These photos were taken on the 15th of January hike with some divers from OF...

Memorable first breaths underwater!

2009-01-15T12:28:00.004-06:00

Yesterday Michael Jessup (Instructor) took a family diving for the first time.

This is something the youngest son had been wanting to do for a long time.. go scuba diving. and it was finally happening! The dive lasted 40 minutes that probably felt like some of the best 40 minutes of his life. An excited new diver came into the dive shop to tell our favorite shop tart Sam Collins (Instructor) all about it.
He wanted the "I blew my first bubbles at Ocean Frontiers" shirt, with special request that Michael sign it. (see photo to right)

Hey, you may see it on ebay someday ;)

Got ink?

2009-01-13T14:45:00.003-06:00

A delightful sighting that has been frequent in the past week is.. SQUID! Is it a squadron? A formation? No, it's still a school. But it's a very exciting and unusual school to see! From the west side to the east end, there have been several squid sightings.

New recruits, Greg Lewandowski (Divemaster) and Sam Reynolds (Mechanic, Divemaster, Kiteboarder.. all around handy-man) saw a small school on their shore dive at Sunset House. The next day, a dive group aboard Nauti-Cat got to see quite the show. First a formation of 10 squid, big and small, were dancing for the 8 divers watching them. At the end of the dive, Earle Ellis (Divemaster) and his group watched as flashes of silver (barracuda) attacked a few more squid. Luckily, or unluckily, depending on the perspective, the squid got away with the use of their clouds of ink.

As the schools have been comprised of quite a few different sizes, we all wonder if it's not squid spawning season. Maybe we'll ask Alex Mustard what he thinks when he comes next week for an exciting two weeks of DIGITAL MADNESS!

Good Morning

2009-01-12T12:40:00.002-06:00

As the crew starts their work day and Compass Point guests' alarm clock of the clanging of tanks and engines of boats slowly wakes them up, this is how the day begins in the East End...

A tribute..

2008-12-31T13:20:00.003-06:00

...to some of our boat crew and all of Ocean Frontiers! This card was received a few days ago from two young ladies, Lyn and Julia. We thought you might enjoy this caricature of us, especially of Mo, as much as we did.
Happy New Year from all the crew at Ocean Frontiers. We hope to see you again soon!

Are you in need of some Winter Sun ?

2008-12-30T13:04:00.012-06:00

If your looking to get away and dive into the Caribbean sea this winter but need that steal of a deal to motivate you to pulling out the dive gear then this offer should give you the push you need.

Continental Airlines have just announced their Caribbean Sale!

Look Here

From as low as $239.00 round trip from Newark to Grand Cayman you could be pulling off the snow shoes and flipping on the fins :)

Turtle Power.

2008-12-24T13:10:00.004-06:00

Its Christmas Eve and what a treat. The divers on Nauti-Cat today were delighted to see a huge turtle on Crushers Wall.
We often see turtles on our dives, but not as big as this. Mertle as we have named her was 4-5ft in size, meaning she is a very old lady. As you can see from the photo (taken by Elly our photo pro) she is barnacle encrusted but is still smiling.
She was happy to pose for photos and every one got a great view as she rested on the reef. I wonder how many divers she has seen in her life?

Remember to check www.oceanfrontiersphoto.com for all of Elly's photos.

Merry Chritmas everyone.

Full Moon Party... East End style!

2008-12-20T12:42:00.000-06:00

OF has recently launched its version of the full moon party...East End style! We live and vacation here for a reason: to enjoy the island. As an alternative to the parties in town, OF debuted its monthly party on the beach with bonfire, food, and ice provided on the 12th of December.

In preparation for the party, the crew went out and collected over 6 bags of trash. Party with a purpose! Not only do we get to enjoy the secluded beach by the bluff, but we're taking care of the environment. Guests and crew alike enjoyed the quiet ambience of the bonfire on the beach along with some cheeky drinks, local favorite fish & fritters, and some island music. Next full moon is the 11th of January. Plan to be there!

Manta Ray!

2008-12-14T11:41:00.004-06:00

We've been seeing a Manta Ray from the boat a few times in the past couple weeks, usually near the dive site Playing Fields. Well this morning on our way back from half moon bay, we spotted him once again just below the surface, so with a quick command to don masks, most of the divers were in the water in seconds viewing this gentle giant! Long time staff member Britta was ecstatic, seeing her first Manta ever! Manta's are rare for the Caribbean in general, but this friendly fella has been in the area for a while now, just like the one we saw last year at this time.... Apparently this Manta likes to take his december vacation out on the East End!

-Capt. Sean

Compass Point Phase II

2008-11-13T15:18:00.003-06:00

Construction on our Compass Point Dive Resort Phase II development is fully under construction and making swift progress. The ocean view patios, which form part of the ground floor slab, were poured today.

Phase II consists of 11 Deluxe One Bedroom Ocean View Condominiums and one Penthouse Suite. Units are available for sale as full ownership or fractional ownership in 5 week increments. These condominiums make the perfect vacation home for divers.

For more information on real estate opportunities at Compass Point, email:

patty@compasspoint.ky

Pirates At Large in East End

2008-11-13T11:00:00.003-06:00

The Ocean Frontiers' Pirates are at Large and ruling the high seas (actually flat calm) this week during the annual Pirates Week Festival in Grand Cayman.

Divers are participating in underwater treasure hunts and other fun activities!

Just another day in the office

2008-11-12T11:46:00.000-06:00

Yeah - it's a tough job, but someone has to do it :)

Grand Cayman is experiencing some amazing weather and we can boast about some of the best diving conditions we have seen in a long time - As you know it is always good.... but right now is just beyond perfection!

Wish you were here.

Business as Usual - DIVE, DIVE, DIVE

2008-11-09T23:33:00.003-06:00

Ocean Frontiers was out diving today with Ocean Hawk and 12 eager divers departing the dock at 8:30am, as usual :) It was lonely out there with not another boat in sight - but Capt. Sean was soon to report back that the reefs were in excellent shape and suffered zero damage from Hurricane Paloma.

The morning started out with a wall dive on Jack McKenney's Canyon, followed by a shallow reef dive on Little House on the Prarie. The afternoon was another two-tank dive along the South side of East End, which enjoyed perfect flat calm conditions!

Paloma - ALL CLEAR

2008-11-08T09:14:00.002-06:00

The official All Clear was issued at 7:00AM for Grand Cayman. We are grateful that Grand Cayman was spared, but remain deeply concerned for our friends, family and colleagues in the Sister Islands of Cayman Brac and Little Cayman.

Tourism businesses in Grand Cayman are reporting only very minimal damage. Many hotels and resorts have remained open or will re-open within 48 hours. Many Restaurants and bars will re-open today or tomorrow. Water Sports operators and other attractions will most likely resume operations from Monday. Many commercial and public docks remain in tact - primarily due to the lower than expected storm surge.

Hurricane Paloma Update

2008-11-07T16:52:00.003-06:00

We are currently riding out the storm and after a hard day of preparations and now all staff, guests, friends and family are in a safe and secure location. Wind speeds are presently 60 mph and expect it to intensify over the next 4-6 hours. We expect to lose power and internet soon. Will report back as soon as we have the all clear.

The image below shows the various computer models that predict the hurricane's path.

www.wunderground.com

DEMA Show - Las Vegas

2008-11-03T14:30:00.003-06:00

Ocean Frontiers just returned from the biggest dive expo on earth - the DEMA Show. If you haven't heard about it - it is because it is a trade only show, where we exhibit and talk shop to dive shop owners in from around the world who sell and promote dive travel. Other industry professionals also attend or exhibit- from organizations such as the training agency PADI, dive gear manufacturers and underwater camera equipment suppliers.

Next year the show is in Orlando: www.demashow.com

Halloween Scuba

2008-11-02T08:17:00.005-06:00

Yes- we actually carved pumpkin lanterns underwater. We had great difficulty keeping their candles lit and we were concerned that we'd scare all the fish away.

The Winner was the Pumpkin Pirate by Jonathan Clark who won a Free 2-tank dive. The
Runner-up was the Cayman Islands Pumpkin by Suzanne Burton who won a free T-shirt.

Endless Beauty - Non-Stop Flights

2008-10-20T05:59:00.004-06:00

Announcing new Non-Stop flights from Chicago (ORD) and Washington D.C. (IAD) starting in December 2008.

Prices starting from US$368 and a $100 resort credit at Compass Point Dive Resort.

Chicago Schedule: Weds/Sunday
DC Schedule: GCM-IAD Tues/Sat + IAD-GCM Weds/Sat

Don't forget- non-stop flights also from JFK 4 times a week.
Book Direct on:
http://www.caymanairways.com

The A Team

2008-08-12T18:56:00.001-06:00

After a hard days work and a few beers on the Pool Deck, this is what we look like. Easily spotted around the dive shop and resort by the 'Green Shorts' which are pretty much made synonymous by OF with 'White Gloves' in the dive business.

It's a tough job, but someone has to do it- and it may as well be us! If you are interested in 'living the dream' - quit your desk job and sign up for our next Instructor Development Course in October - email TJ for details:

instructor@oceanfrontiers.com

Drifting & Painting

2008-08-11T06:43:00.004-06:00

Every diver likes to leave their mark, check out where other divers have come from and to see who has come the farthest.

Located at the foot of the world famous Ocean Frontiers dive boat dock - is a solid post waiting to be decorated each week by our visiting divers.

Divers are turning out to be quite talented with the brush and have created some master pieces!

Check with the front desk next time you check in- to find out when the weekly painting session will be. Suitable for all ages, kids, adults and the artistically challenged!

PADI Course Director - Congrats to TJ!

2008-08-02T09:58:00.000-06:00

TJ Staples has just returned from an intensive training program at PADI Headquarters in California, USA. TJ successfully completed and passed the PADI Course Director Program, the highest professional rating an instructor can reach.

A PADI Course Director is an 'Instructor Trainer'. They can teach all levels of instruction, through Dive Master and Open Water Scuba Instructor. TJ is also qualified and experienced to teach a wide selection of specialty programs.

Ocean Frontiers will be offering Instructor Development Courses year round, which will be conducted with the masterful instruction of TJ. TJ is now one of only two Course Directors that live and work in the Cayman Islands and we look forward to offering these classes to new and existing customers.

If you were stuck on an Island?

2008-07-19T09:46:00.000-06:00

We have now added an 'Emergency Mini-Mart' section to our retail store - just in case you are stuck on an island and either forgot something, lost something or just ran out of something. As the grocery stores are closed on Sundays and you may have lost your luggage or didn't rent a car for your entire stay - we thought our 'Emergency Mini-Mart' may come in handy from time to time.

More Wi-Fi

2008-07-09T11:38:00.000-06:00

More Wi-Fi in more places at Compass Point- We have upgraded the network with some new and powerful antennas to reach every corner of our dive resort.

We understand how important it is to torment those back home with your under water photos of the day...... post to facebook, Youtube your videos and read our blog :)

Paddle Boarding at Compass Point

2008-07-01T09:27:00.000-06:00

Try something different on your next dive vacation to the Cayman Islands. After you are done with your AM 2 tank dive- plan on taking a Paddle Boarding lesson and guided tour with our expert guide, Mike (in photo on left). This activity is a cross between kayaking and surfing and was first practiced by ancient Hawaiian Kings.

For more information on what this is all about:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paddle_boarding

DAN Research

2008-06-06T07:22:00.001-06:00

Divers Alter Network (D.A.N) is working with Ocean Frontiers for the 4th year in a row, to conduct important dive profile surveys. Liz's objective is to break last years record and collect over 4000 dive profiles.

For more information on this project:

http://www.diversalertnetwork.org/research/projects/pde/index.asp

Eastern Skieeeeeees!

2008-05-24T19:01:00.006-06:00

Eastern Skies underwent open heart surgery and is now re-powered with a brand new engine. She is now more powerful, more fuel efficient and zero black smoke :)

'Skies' as she is affectionately called by all the staff, was the latest addition to our fleet and was a used boat and went in to service in June 2007. Prior to going in to service she had her face lift and all the cosmetic work taken care of to bring her up to Ocean Frontiers standards. The engine was still in good working order but approaching the end of her working life. Retirement came for the V8 Caterpillar engine 11 months later and the Cummins replacement sat nicely in to the same shoes.

An in-water change of the propeller was in order due to the size of the new engine and to make sure everything was in sync. Next was the sea trials and time was running out as the sun was setting. As you can see from the photo below - she is running better than ever before.

Commencing in August, Eastern Skies will be the boat of choice for our new 3-Tank Safari trips. These new trips will feature virgin sites that are unmarked and don't even have a mooring to tie up to. They will run every Wednesday and Friday and include a stop with lunch. These trips will no longer include a Stingray dive. Stand by for more details on these exciting new trips with Ocean Frontiers!

Yoga for Divers

2008-04-29T13:29:00.000-06:00

Find your Zen and try some Yoga during your stay at Compass Point Dive Resort.

Don't worry - the fins are just for show and to prove a point :)

The Yoga Guru in the photos is our very own 'Britta', who will be your guide if you care to join her.
Check with the front desk and they'll let you know the weekly schedule for the sessions.

Yoga for Divers is open to all guests of Compass Point and all divers who are diving with Ocean Frontiers.

GPS'd Dive Boat Fleet

2008-03-09T18:48:00.001-06:00

Ocean Frontiers dive fleet is now fully equipped with GPS technology, fully loaded with the entire Cayman Islands dive site data base directory.

Although all of our dive sites are within sight of land and most of them have moorings installed - we have now gone high-tech to help roll out our new 3 Tank Safari schedule that will be available later this year. Before we can offer a schedule of virgin sites that have never been visited before - we have a lot of exploring to do and need GPS monitoring to log our new sites and be able to return to them. We'll keep you posted as we find new dive sites and look forward to showing them to you on our special 3 Tank Trips.

O What A Night- Divers Night!

2008-02-17T16:41:00.000-06:00

Join us every Wednesday for a evening where divers get together, enjoy some dive movies and partake in some fine island cuisine from our Caymanian Buffet. Make sure you sign up early for this evening social as space is limited for this popular night. It is also the best deal in town, US$20 per person, All You Can Eat!

George's Manta Ray

2007-12-14T18:13:00.000-06:00

A Giant 12 ft Manta Ray has been hanging around East End for the last month, clocking up sightings almost on a weekly basis. We are not Sure what Capt George's secret is, but he is the one that the Manta keeps coming to visit. Katheryn Arant managed to get this shot off while doing a safety stop under our dive boat at Lighthouse Wall on the South side of East End. Mantas are rare in the Cayman Islands, but from time to time they can take residence on our reefs and stay for extended periods if the food is good.

Who knows- perhaps you'll be lucky enough to meet George's Manta on your next dive trip with Ocean Frontiers.

Hydrofoil Fast!

2007-11-01T17:26:00.000-06:00

Nauti-Cat returned from her annual face-lift with custom designed Hydrofoil installed between the 2 hulls of the catamaran design. This new improvement has increased speed and handling in rough seas.

Nauti-Cat is a favorite boat of many of our repeat customers- she is very wide, stable and an overall great platform to dive from.

Back Open for Business after Hrricane Dean!

2007-08-24T10:41:00.001-06:00

Ocean Frontiers is diving again and back open for business. Compass Point is also back open and The Reef Resort is also back fully open from Saturday August 25th.

We have had a solid 4 days of clean up operations to get the island back in shape. Ocean Frontiers lost the dive boat dock, but it was insured and we'll be starting work on a new one in the next few days. To get to the dive boats we are using skiffs as a temporary measure to get customers back and forth from the shoreline.

In the photo above is one of Ocean Frontiers' boat Captains, Ian Kingsley, taking a big dive out of a bucket truck and in to our pool after a long hard days work.

Hurricane Dean- the day before the storm

2007-08-19T12:43:00.000-06:00

Ocean Frontiers, Compass Point, The Reef Resort and everyone else in Cayman is well prepared for Hurricane Dean- we learned a lot from Hurricane Ivan. We still have internet access, phone lines are still working and power and water is still on.

From the latest predictions, it looks like the storm will pass to the South of Grand Cayman, and we will only get the outer bands of the storm- still potentially up to 70 mph winds. It is also expected that the Power and Water companies will shut down early Monday AM as a precaution.

At the current forward tracking speed of this storm, we hope that we'll be seeing the back of Dean by Monday evening. It is projected that the closest point Dean will reach will be 60-70 miles to the South at approximately 12 o'clock Monday.

For updates visit:
http://www.noaawatch.gov/2007/dean.php

As soon as we can get internet access on Monday or Turesday, we'll post updates. There will be no other posts until after the storm passes.

Check In tonight, Sleep Late Tomorrow!

2007-08-13T11:55:00.000-06:00

Check in the night before your Cayman Airways flight so you can skip the counter the next day.
All Passengers traveling on Cayman Airways now have the option of checking in the day prior to the flight. Early check-in is available 6-9 pm every evening at the airport.
Passengers traveling with out any checked baggage can go straight to the departure gate the following day, however, passengers needing to check luggage will be required to drop it
off at the 'Fast Bag' drop off.

If you are staying at Compass Point, The Reef Resort or Morritt's Tortuga Club- you could work this in on your last night of vacation with a nice meal in George Town or Seven Mile Beach.

For more info call 345-949-2311

The Back Office

2007-05-27T11:35:00.000-06:00

Although working in the dive business is a 'dream job'- there is plenty of dirty work and it is not all fun and games. Dive Boats need much TLC to keep up to the standards our customers expect.

Pictured in the photo is Chris, our #1 Mechanic, putting back on a newly balanced prop after a new bottom paint job.

Departure Lounge

2007-05-17T11:29:00.000-06:00

The Ocean Frontiers HQ at Compass Point has added a little extra creature comfort for our divers, a few picnic tables and umbrellas is all that was missing - We needed a shady spot for divers to hang out before and after their dives, while waiting to be picked up, filling in dive log books, chatting with the dive staff or just waiting to board the dive boat, because you forgot to change your watch and arrived 1 hour too early for your dive.

Free coffee is also brewed fresh every morning to help wake you up for those early morning dives.

If I Was a Slug

2007-05-10T14:05:00.000-06:00

These fellas were discovered just off the Ocean Frontiers dock in just inches of water. If I was a slug, this is exactly where I'd live.

More info, courtesy of wikipedia:

Sea hares are small marine gastropod molluscs of the suborder Anaspidea in the subclass Orthogastropoda, class Gastropoda, phylum Mollusca. Their common name derives from the projections on their bodies which somewhat resemble rabbit ears. Their scientific name (Anaspidea) is derived from the Greek for "without a shield" and refers to the lack of the head shield which characterises other members of the Opisthobranchia.

Sea hares are large, bulky creatures, reaching a length of up to 75 cm and weight of up to 2 kg. They have soft bodies with an internal shell and are all hermaphroditic, acting as male and female simultaneously, even during mating.

Sea hares are herbivore/herbivorous and are typically found on seaweed in shallow water. When there is a shortage of food, they burrow themselves. They have an extremely good sense of smell. They follow even the faintest scent with their rhinophores, which are extremely sensitive chemoreceptors. They will only eat seaweed that matches their color; if the slug is red, it will feed on red seaweed.

They rely for protection on their coloration, which camouflages them from predators. When disturbed, a sea hare can release ink from its ink glands, providing a potent deterrent to predators such as sea anemones. This release acts as a smoke screen, while, at the same time, affecting the scent of their predators. The color of the ink is white or reddish, depending on the color of the pigments of the seaweed. Their skin contains a similar toxin that renders sea hares largely inedible for many predators.

The After Party!

2007-05-04T11:15:00.000-06:00

How do you get 40 East End kids to pick up trash in the hot sun? - Easy, promise them some free time in the diver training pool at Ocean Frontiers when they are finished. Although they are too young for Scuba, there were some budding Divemasters in the pack. You never know, they may be driving one of our boats in years to come.

Ocean Frontiers with the help of the East End Primary School Kids managed to clean up over 20 garbage bags of trash from the East End beach. We arrange these clean ups twice a year- evry April and September. And of course, finish off with an after party in the pool.

Everybody's doing it!

2007-04-20T20:02:00.000-06:00

More visitors to the Cayman Islands are learning to Scuba dive than ever before. The buzz is back in the sport and sense of adventure and being close to nature is what it is all about. Whole families are coming to stay at Compass Point and then learning to dive together as a group.

New divers can do their book work and class work at home and then just do the dives with Ocean Frontiers in the warm Caribbean sea :)

If you have tried a Resort Course before and want to make it official- get certified this summer. Find a dive buddy, hop on a plane and come and spend some quality time under the sea.

Ocean Frontiers has special learn to dive packages that include accommodations, dive classes, equipment and a rental car.

Forbiden Fruit

2007-03-25T19:26:00.000-06:00

Havana- Cuba, is one of those places / cities that everyone must visit before they die. A cultural experience that words can not describe. Although US Citizens are not suppose to visit, there were an alarming number of Texans and New Yorkers within earshot in any restaurant, bar or hotel. In addition, as if by magic, the Cayman Airways flight that leaves Miami, connects (I think it is even the same plane) directly to Havana. After all, it is not illegal to visit- only to spend money there ;)

The main purpose of the trip was to relax for my (Steve) Birthday and buy some Cigars (Cohias) to stock up The Thirsty Surfer's new Humidor.

You may want to consider tying in a trip to Cuba on your next Cayman dive vacation... 7 days in Cayman, and 3 days in Cuba.

PS- they don't stamp your passport either.

Treasure Hunters

2007-02-17T19:40:00.000-06:00

A journalist from Islands Magazine visited us last week for an article on Snorkeling in Grand Cayman. I offered and took him to some of the 'off the beaten path' sites, such as Anchor Point / Barefoot Beach. The weather was perfect and we checked out the coral reefs and marine life along the shoreline for a while. Before we came in to shore I asked if he was up for a 'bit of a swim' and he had no objections. Near this area there is an old wreck, The Geneva Cathlene. We swan to the East for 10-15 minutes and we explored what was left of the site after almost 80 years and several hurricanes tearing her apart. After we were done we swam back to the beach in a different direction and discovered an new piece of wreckage. I've surveyed this wreck many times with University Groups and the local Museum- and this one winch wheel (?) was never spotted. We suspected that it was burried in Sand until Hurricane Ivan moved things around and exposed this rare find. As this wheel is solid metal, it should be around for a while.

Worth A Visit- Pedro St James

2007-01-21T17:15:00.000-06:00

Only 15-20 mins from East End- a good way to spend a few hours one afternoon if the weather isn't so good for the beach or you are just too much of a history buff......

The story goes....... At a time in the Cayman Islands when most people lived in tiny, thatch-covered houses, a wealthy Englishman, using slave labour from Jamaica, created an astonishing 3-storey building called Pedro St. James that was so impressive it was given the honorary title of “castle”.

With its massive stone walls, slate roof, and rambling mahogany verandas, Pedro Castle, as it is still known, is the restored centre-piece of a national historic site overlooking the Caribbean Sea with the best view in Grand Cayman. Visitors can stroll through the edifice built along the lines of the Caribbean plantation Great Houses and containing period furniture and interesting artifacts from that long-lost time. Visit the gift shop and don’t miss the site’s multi-sensory 3-D show that runs every hour.

Rated the best in the Caribbean, it’s an experience you will long remember.

Open daily from 9 to 5
Admission: CI$8 (US$10)
(Ages 12 and under are FREE!)
http://www.pedrostjames.ky/

Christmas Beef

2006-12-20T15:01:00.000-06:00

An old time Caymanian tradition and especially in the village of East End, is to have 'Christmas Beef' for dinner on December 25th. Families will fatten up their livestock all year long in order to provide for the holiday feasts. Each cow is inspected by the Environmental Health Officer before it is slaughtered and certified as fit for human consumption.

Many of you may cringe at the image on this post, but the cows are killed quickly and the meat is as fresh and organic as you can buy anywhere in the world.

It is not always easy to find, as you won't see it in the super markets and is often not even advertised in the villages- You have to know someone. If you are visiting next Christmas and what to partake in the best beef you'll ever taste- ask at Ocean Frontiers and we'll hook you up.

Rum Point- everything under CI$10!

2006-11-20T18:01:00.000-06:00

Rum Point may have had a reputation for high prices.... But something must have changed- or I never really noticed. Last weekend I was having lunch at Rum Point Beach Bar and one glaring fact jumped out at me... there was not one single item on there for more than CI$10! You name it, they had, Mahi Sandwich, Cheese Burger, Chicken etc, etc.... And- they are all cooked fresh to order and taste 1st class.

So, we're recommending that you spend one afternoon chillin' at Rum Point while you are not diving and just taking it easy. If you go on a weekend, especially on a Sunday or Holiday- expect it to be packed with locals spending time with their families and friends.

You'll need a rental car to get there- but if you are staying on the East End, you probably have one anyway.

Sal The Sea Horse

2006-10-29T12:42:00.000-06:00

For the last 8 days, the dive site of 'The Maze' on the South East corner of Grand Cayman has had a new resident. First discovered over a week ago by East End diving veteran, Sal Perconti- rightly so, our new best friend was named after our good friend 'Sal'.

These shy creatures are quite difficult to photograph- I spent most of a 60 minute dive sitting in a sand patch, in front of the sea rods where 'Sal' was hanging on. Kaz and I took turns- he was shooting video and I was shooting stills. We were so determined to get good images of this rare find- that we completely ignored at least 2 different reef sharks that cruised by.

'Sal The Seahorse' appears to be quite happy on The Maze. Located withing eye-shot of the mooring pin in just 50 ft of water. We hope he sticks around for a while and finds a mate.

Baby Update!

2006-10-25T18:25:00.000-06:00

Jennifer had a beautiful baby boy, 9.5 pounds :)

Birthday was Tuesday, October 24th 2006

Digital Madness 2006

2006-09-16T15:31:00.000-06:00

Billed as "a digital underwater photographer's dream for beginners through pros," Cayman Digital Madness got underway on Saturday, Sept. 16th, as participants began to arrive at host hotels Sunset House and Compass Point on Grand Cayman Island. It's a week that promises great diving, seminars and workshops geared toward the underwater digital photographer. Grand Cayman is the perfect island for hosting an underwater digital event. The island is the undisputed wall-diving capital of the Caribbean and it's also one of the Caribbean's marine life meccas. Add to that chart-topping visibility, and you've got the ingredients for a dream destination for underwater photographers. The event also boasts world-class dive buddies: Photo pros Cathy Church, owner of Cathy Church's Photo Centre, Dr. Alex Mustard and Stephen Frink are on hand to ensure participants get hand-on instruction, both in the water and during seminars and workshops to be held during the week. The culmination of the event is a photo competition divided by camera systems (point-and-shoot and digital SLR) in various categories. The prizes include all-expenses trips for two, camera gear and dive equipment. Excited participants got busy on Day One, Sunday, Sept. 17th, in an attempt to hone their skills and capture winning images.

The View from Above

2006-08-20T15:16:00.000-06:00

Thanks to a trusty bucket truck (Thank you Brad), a digital camera and a wide lens- I was able to get some birds-eye-view shots of Ocean Frontiers' HQ and Compass Point Dive Resort. As you can see, going from your 'Room to the Reef' couldn't be easier. There is not a boat in sight on this image- they are all out diving. The conditions the last few weeks have been amazing and not a hurricane in sight. Some of you guys had noticed we lost the webcam for a few days. We had a few minor powercuts (common for the summer), which upset the configuration of our webcam- Everything is fixed and offering a similar view:

http://www.oceanfrontiers.com/files/CIDau/PGNmm-webcam