After reading through the postings in this forum, I chose Divers Down
for my recent trip to Grand Cayman. For my next trip back, I will
choose one of the other small operators on the island. On balance, my
experience was terrible.

First, the good part. The small group size is great...we saw plenty
of other cattle boats loaded with divers. That is not the way to go.
In addition, the dive masters were competent and helpful, including
complete set up of all equipment. Pick ups were convenient and
on-time.

My bad experience stems from the very difficult interactions I had
with Andy, the owner. He was rude, short-tempered, and made comments
that were, at the very least, culturally insensitive. After some
initial troubles with my dive buddy (he forgot his c-card, and I was
very understanding of Andy's decision not to take him diving...I
wouldn't either), every interaction with Andy was difficult. Even
though I wasn't pushing him on his decision, he repeatedly said "you
people sue" (meaning Americans, which I'll grant is true, but I have
never sued anybody and didn't appreciate the comment). He complained
incessantly about our trying to charter a boat so my buddy could at
least do a resort dive, and he was antagonistic and short during each
of our subsequent interactions.

Finally, when I was settling my bill ($700 total...we chartered a boat
for a day), I asked to purchase a t-shirt and asked how much is cost.
When he told me $20 Cayman ($25 US), I reacted with some surprise at
the price. He lost his temper! He slammed down the credit card
receipt, pointed his pen at me, and told me in a very angry tone
"Look, if you don't want it, don't buy it. Jesus!" I was planning to
buy it, even at $20 Cayman. I was just shocked at the price, and
didn't say anything that warranted the response I got from him. That
was the last thing he said to me...I signed the credit card papers and
left without saying another word.

I have dove all over the world and have never had an experience like
this. I was also not an "ugly American" here with unrealistic
expectations or demands. I didn't deserve the way he treated me. I
sent him an e-mail expressing my displeasure a week ago and did not
get a response.

If you are going to the Cayman Islands, I hope this causes you to
consider a different operator. There are many other small operators