News
Ocean Frontiers Announces New Location at the Wyndham Reef Resort
Ocean Frontiers, an award-winning dive operation that has been providing dive services in Cayman for more than 20 years, has announced a new partnership with the Wyndham Reef Resort located in Grand Cayman’s remote East End. The dive company has added 4 new staff to accommodate its on-site dive shop, and they began operations last weekend.
“It is an exciting time for Ocean Frontiers and we are embracing the opportunity to partner with such a high-quality brand as the Wyndham Reef Resort,” says co-owner Steve Broadbelt. “We look forward to introducing their guests to the underwater world and all the wonders the Cayman Islands have to offer.”
“We are thrilled to welcome Ocean Frontiers to the resort team,” said Sharlene Brenkus, general manager of Wyndham Reef Resort. “Ocean Frontiers has an impeccable reputation and true passion and respect for the ocean and we are constantly seeking ways to offer a one-of-a-kind travel experience to our guests.”
All Ocean Frontiers signature scuba diving trips and regular two-tank boat dive trips will be available to guests at the resort. Divers will be transported to the company’s dock in Gun Bay with a short and convenient shuttle. Their Kittiwake Wreck trips for divers and snorkelers, leave from the Lobster Pot in George Town.
Because of East End’s remoteness, dive sites there remain relatively untouched. Pristine and diverse, these wonderful reefs offer world-class diving. Ocean Frontiers staff, trained in marine biology, know East End’s dive sites intimately and they enjoy sharing this extraordinary place with guests. With a friendly welcoming staff and its fleet of 5 dive and snorkel boats, resort guests will enjoy Ocean Frontiers’ famous “green shorts service.”
“Our dive staff wear green shorts as part of their uniform and our customer service is akin to having a ‘dive valet,’ so our regular customers call it green shorts service,” says Steve Broadbelt. “We have high standards for customer service and this has helped us build a loyal customer base over the past 20 years.”
Ocean Frontiers has a well-earned reputation as one of Cayman’s best and most conservation minded dive operators, for which it has received numerous awards. Steve Broadbelt says they also plan to earn high marks for their expanded snorkel program which offers plenty of adventures the whole family can enjoy. Guests can choose from seven different snorkel trips around Grand Cayman; East End, the North Sound and the Kittiwake, just off Seven Mile Beach.
The most exciting snorkel trip is the hour-long X Snorkel to a secret East End site. Described as a point-to-point trip, snorkelers are dropped off on a shallow reef and guided through a field of boulder corals. The corals’ heads are just below the surface, so snorkelers can see the reef up close. It’s a great experience for the whole family.
Ocean Frontiers also offers a variety of children’s dive programs, including the PADI Bubble Maker and PADI Seal Team for divers 8 -11 years old. Broadbelt, a dedicated environmentalist, is excited about introducing kids to Cayman’s renowned underwater world up close.
“These new youth programs will create the next generation of divers and those who are going to protect our oceans,” he said. “What is special about our new PADI Seal Team program is that when the kids have completed the pool sessions, they will visit a real coral reef and see for themselves how beautiful they are.” Broadbelt says they also plan to add a PADI Swim School program later in the year to teach kids over 5 about water safety and to help them develop swim stroke techniques.
Ocean Frontiers will also expand its training program at the Wyndham Reef to include more PADI dive certification classes and introduction to scuba experiences. Guests can try Scuba in the pool before signing up for a full class.
“Ocean Frontiers cares about the environment and we are dedicated to the responsible use of our marine resources,” says Steve Broadbelt. “We want to teach others to care about the environment too and we are excited about engaging the guests at the Wyndham Reef Resort and teaching them to share these same values.”
For bookings and reservations call toll free: 1 800-348-6096 or e-mail reservations@oceanfrontiers.com. In Grand Cayman (345) 640 7500 or e-mail wyndhamreef@oceanfrontiers.com. For more information visit www.oceanfrontiers.com.
About Ocean Frontiers
Ocean Frontiers Dive Shop was founded in 1996 with one dive boat and a dream to introduce divers to the wonders of East End diving. The company has grown into one of Cayman’s premier dive operations with a reputation for catering to small groups and having the island’s friendliest staff. Ocean Frontiers is also recognized as one of the most conservation-minded dive operators in the Cayman Islands with a long history of promoting ocean protection through its company programs, and an unwavering support for outside environmental projects. The winner of Project AWARE’s Environmental Achievement Award in 2004 and 2010, Ocean Frontiers has again been recognized in 2012. The company also received the PADI Green Star Dive Center accreditation in 2012 for demonstrating a dedication to conservation, the first dive operator in the Cayman Islands to receive this distinction.
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Renowned anti-whaling activist Paul Watson has been released from custody in Greenland after spending five months in detention. Denmark’s Justice Ministry rejected Japan’s request for his extradition, citing insufficient guarantees that his time already served in custody would be credited against any potential sentence.
The 74-year-old Canadian-American was arrested on July 21 in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, when his ship docked to refuel. His arrest was based on a 2012 Japanese warrant related to a 2010 encounter in Antarctic waters. Japan alleged Watson obstructed operations and caused damage to a whaling research ship during efforts to disrupt illegal whaling. Watson has consistently denied these claims, maintaining his commitment to marine conservation.
Denmark, which oversees extradition matters for Greenland, concluded that while the legal conditions for extradition were met, the lack of assurances from Japan regarding time-served credit made extradition untenable.
In a video shared by his foundation, Watson expressed gratitude and relief, saying, “After five months, it’s good to be out… and good to know they’re not sending me to Japan.” He added that the most difficult part of his time in custody was being separated from his two young sons.
Watson is a pioneering figure in marine conservation, known for founding the Captain Paul Watson Foundation in 2022 after decades of activism with the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. His bold efforts to defend marine life have earned him widespread support, including from celebrities and conservationists. His work has also been featured in the acclaimed reality TV series Whale Wars.
Watson’s lawyer, Jonas Christoffersen, praised the decision, stating, “We are happy and relieved that Paul Watson is now free.” He added that Watson is eager to reunite with his family and continue his vital work.
The arrest occurred while Watson’s vessel, the M/Y John Paul DeJoria, was en route to the North Pacific with a team of 26 volunteers to intercept a Japanese whaling ship. His foundation described the arrest as politically motivated and emphasized that Watson’s actions were focused on ending illegal whaling practices.
Japan resumed commercial whaling in 2019 after leaving the International Whaling Commission, asserting that whale meat is a cultural tradition. Conservationists, however, continue to challenge these practices, highlighting their impact on marine ecosystems.
Despite the challenges, Watson remains steadfast in his mission to protect marine life and bring attention to whaling practices. His dedication to ocean conservation has made him a globally respected advocate for the environment.
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