During the month of September, divers will be able to book some of the best dive deals of the year in the Cayman Islands during its 2nd annual Legend’s and Lions scuba celebration. Building on the success of last year’s inaugural weeklong event,Cayman’s dive industry is extending the celebration for a whole month. From September 5 – October 3 divers can take advantage of value-packed travel packages offered by dive operators and hotel partners using off-season rates during this traditionally slow time of year to offer the best possible prices.
2014 inductees to the International Scuba Diving Hall of Fame included: (L-R) Dan Orr, Neil Watson, Alese and Mort Pechter, Bill Acker and Chuck Nicklin. Photo courtesy CI Dept of Tourism
“It’s a great time of year to visit Grand Cayman because the island is quiet and less crowded. The bargains help fill hotel rooms and dive boats, and our guests get the best deal possible for fantastic diving. It’s a win-win for everyone,” said Red Sail Sports Operations Manager Rod McDowall.
In addition to terrific prices for diving, participants will also enjoy topside events that range from equipment demonstrations to photo clinics to special Lionfish seminars. Those who book their dive trip during the last week of September will also attend the International Scuba Diving Hall of Fame(ISDHOF) induction ceremony, scheduled to cap off the month of activities. They’ll also have a chance to dive with the industry legends being inducted. The Hall of Fame was established by the Cayman Islands to honor men and women who have made significant contributions to the dive industry. The nominees this year include:
· Peter Hughes – who helped establish several big name dive resorts and whose name is synonymous with live-aboard diving.
· Dr. Jose Jones – who helped integrate diving and founded the National Association of Black Scuba Divers, which currently has 50 branches worldwide.
· Bill High – the author of the book recognized as the authority on high-pressure cylinder inspection and a major contributor to each edition of the NOAA Diving Manual.
· Captain Wally Muller – who explored unchartered reefs and atolls in remote areas of the Great Barrier Reef and the Coral Sea. He also established the live-aboard industry in Australia and worked with diving’s most famous videographers.
· Dimitri Rebikoff (1921 -1997) – the man who developed the first portable electronic under water flash, constructed the first underwater scooters and the first remotely operated vehicle (ROV).
A tasty Lionfish dinner was the highlight of the celebration’s street party in 2014. Photo courtesy Courtney Platt.
2015 LEGENDS AND LIONS DIVE PACKAGES
Sept. 5-12, Sept. 12-19, Sept.19-26 packages will include the following:
· 7 nights accommodation
· 6 two-tank dives
· Photo Clinic with the option to submit photos for the final week competition
· Scuba social – e.g. catamaran to Rum Point Club for Beach BBQ
· Lionfish seminar with Lionfish dive
· Treasure hunt or similar activity
· Equipment manufacturer’s demo
The final week, Sept 26-Oct 3 will include the following:
· 7 nights accommodation
· 6 two-tank dives, with the option to dive with ISDHF members
· Photo Clinic
· Photo competition (winners announced at Scuba street party)
· Scuba street party
· Lionfish seminar with Lionfish dive
· Tickets to the International Scuba Diving Hall of Fame Induction Dinner
“LEGIONS AND LIONS” PACKAGE PRICES
Divetech: $1,499 per diver; $925 per non-diver (double occupancy/oceanfront)
Sunset House: $1,473.95 per diver; $921.95 per non-diver (double occupancy)
Red Sail Sports/Westin Seven Mile Beach Resort: $1099 per diver (double occupancy)
Cayman’s dive leaders plan to grow Legends and Lions into the destination’s signature annual dive event promoting Cayman’s spectacular diving, presented by the best dive operators in the business, and topped off with exceptional Caymanian hospitality.
A photo contest will also be a big part of the Legends and lions celebration. Here Guy Harvey presents one of the winners with a prize. Photo courtesy Courtney Platt
“We want our annual dive celebration to be on every diver’s calendar, so we will keep coming up with creative ways to showcase Cayman’s diving,” said Sunset House General Manager Keith Sahm. “We all know it’s hard to beat the Cayman Islands as a dive destination – fantastic reefs and dive sites, great accommodations and airline service, and a dive industry that utterly believes in the dive product.”
To book a Legends and Lions package visit www.divecayman.ky.
