Address. Little Cayman was first discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1503. Keith Tibbets- This Soviet-built Frigate that was owned by the Cuban navy was given to the Cayman Islands to purposefully sink it. Before the USS Kittiwake was sunk, the Oro Verde was the wreck dive of choice in the Caymans. The Cayman Diving Season The islands are very much a year round diving destination. No crowds. There is a separate fee to dive this wreck that goes towards conservation, and you also get a nice yellow diver medallion to keep. While the upper part of the reef is already teeming with corals, it becomes denser as you traverse the vertical limestone where it is now intermixed with sponges and sea fans. Pinterest There are lots of options for great photography and for posing for memorable photos, such as by the Kittiwake sign, swimming by the prop, or pretending to steer the helm on the bridge. 390 S Church St, George Town KY1-1106, Cayman Islands. This 82 hectare (200 acres) protected area is the refuge of the largest red-footed booby population in the Caribbean and is a popular bird-watching site. info@bluewaterdivetravel.com, Visited on 04/2018 - Submitted on 02/04/2020, Visited on 03/2013 - Submitted on 08/31/2014, Visited on 02/2014 - Submitted on 04/19/2014, Visited on 02/2014 - Submitted on 03/01/2014, Visited on 08/2013 - Submitted on 02/21/2014, Big savings on 7-night group stays at Little Cayman, Cayman Brac and Cobalt Coast Resorts, live availability of some of the best liveaboards in the Cayman Islands. Plenty of schooling reef fish call Ghost Mountain home and the pinnacle is also carpeted in deep, bloody-red finger sponges. The Cayman dollar is exchanged at a rate fixed to the US dollar (CI $1 equals US $1.25). Your dive profile in Stingray City is relatively shallow since your maximum depth is just only 6 meters (20 feet) when you reach the sandy seafloor. PADI Dive Resorts for all budgets, in the best dive locations around the world. The people of the island are friendly and culturally diverse. I have lived in the corporate world for a few years now with very little excitement in my life. Rainfall starts to climb in May. Continue with Recommended Cookies. There are over 15 PADI 5-Star Centers in the Cayman Islands, ready to teach you everything you want to know about diving. The wall drop is not for the light-hearted as it can reach over 6500ft (2000 m), but along the drop, you can see yellow tube sponges, black and wire corals and waving sea fans. "High Season" at the hotels is mid-December to mid-April, so rates will be higher then. StingrayCity. Under its 1986 declaration covering an area of hectares (23 acres) are dive sites that are popular to tourists and divers alike. If you are vacationing in Cayman Brac, then you need to visit this spot. The seven mile beach area is beautiful for walking and photo opportunities. Thus, you can keep going back and still discover new sites. Cayman gives both the novice and the experienced some of the best diving in the world, as environmentally protected reefs surround each of our three islands. All content is copyright protected by either DIVEIN.com or respected copyright holders, Disclosure: We are reader supported, and earn. The entire experience is about 3 hours long from the time we pick you up from your hotel or condo along Seven Mile Beach to drop off. The best time to see whitetip reef sharks in the Cayman Islands is from May to August. Our mission has been to do this with the best crew, using the best equipment while offering the most competing Cayman Islands dive packages. The Cayman Islands dollar is legal tender in these islands. The Kittiwake wreck as well as other wrecks in the close vicinity add variety and interesting structure which I really enjoyed. I would like to mention 2 points though, one that it is a bit expensive, both the accommodations and the diving, and secondly, it looks like they allow open water divers to do the deeper wall dives, where you can be as deep as 100 feet, just an FYI, in case youre not comfortable at that depth. Matt Hampton was a guest of the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism (visitcaymanislands.com), British Airways, which has London returns from 688 (ba.com), and the Westin Seven Mile Beach, which . 1 is a 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom unit. This spot is about 20-feet deep, and has a lot of coral. Interested in diving the Cayman Islands? Grand Cayman is the most visited island in the Cayman Islands by Scuba Divers. [What You Need to Know]. Discover these empowering women's history destinations selected by the U.S. News travel editors. A highlight dive is the Tibbets wreck with great structure and lots of life. This is currently number 20 on the 100 Best Dives list.. Swim throughs, ledges, overhangs, and an average depth of 12 meters (40ft) make this a Cayman dive site for all experience levels to explore. dive in each month of the year. Located in the western Caribbean, just 480 miles south of Miami, Cayman is perfect for scuba diving and snorkelling, boasting some of the Caribbean's best excursions. However, there are large coral canyons that provide exciting swim-throughs for divers. Located near a popular resort is a vertical drop off that is filled with all sorts of marine life the North Wall. If youre thinking Cheeseburger is an odd name for a dive site, you probably wont be surprised that this shore dive probably took its name after the Burger King that was located across the road! Flamingo tongues can be found on the sea fans, while arrow crabs, bristle worms, and long-spined sea urchins hide in the cracks and grooves. We gave our Gear Lovers one job: There is a lot of marine life among the coral and resident angelfish and groupers are found at the stern of the ship. #6 inBest Cheap Destination Wedding Locations, #4 inBest Places to Visit in January 2023. This is an especiallygreat time to visit clear, calm waters are perfect for snorkeling, diving, sailing and fishing. Cayman Islands has an average water temperature ranging from 26 29C (78 84F). The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. We'll whisk you through the security queues (where available). You can go hiking in the Mastic Trail where it has really nice views from the harbors and the beaches. Naturally, this is also the most expensive season, and reservations must be made at least three months in advance. You can enter different swim-through areas where the wall drops to great depths. Aside from taking photos at the solid bronze emblem at one of its 5 decks or at the stern with the propeller, penetration can be done with the USS Kittiwake courtesy from multiple sunlit entries and exit points. 1-800-652-1972. The water is about 12-feet deep here. Exploring its underwater habitats allows you to see an incredible reef that starts at 6 meters (20 feet) deep and slowly slopes down towards a vertical limestone wall that drops down up to 1,000 meters (3,300 feet) deep. Choose from private or single rates, we will find you the best possible option to help you enjoy the famous Cayman Stingray City. With over 40 operators and 365 sites marked with moorings, thrill-seekers from all over take the plunge here. Kittiwake Shipwreck and diver in Grand Cayman - photo from Canva. I guess thats one drawback of guided dives, everyone is constantly on the move, not ideal for photography, especially macro photography. I hope my research also helps you make a decision on your next scuba diving vacation.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[120,600],'scubadivegeek_com-large-billboard-2','ezslot_9',102,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-scubadivegeek_com-large-billboard-2-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[120,600],'scubadivegeek_com-large-billboard-2','ezslot_10',102,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-scubadivegeek_com-large-billboard-2-0_1'); .large-billboard-2-multi-102{border:none !important;display:block !important;float:none !important;line-height:0px;margin-bottom:15px !important;margin-left:auto !important;margin-right:auto !important;margin-top:15px !important;max-width:100% !important;min-height:600px;padding:0;text-align:center !important;}. All levels of divers can enjoy the site as there is plenty to see at shallow depths or at deeper parts. Situated not far from the north point on Grand Cayman, Ghost Mountain is probably named for the behemoth mushroom-like pinnacle that suddenly emerges from the blue as divers near it. Enquire Perhaps because of this, the coral isnt looking a healthy as it could. January and February are the coolest months with average lows in the high 60s. Both of these sites are accessible from shore. Photographers can make the worst dive buddies. Over 200 permanent boat moorings are installed to avoid damaging corals with the dropping of boat anchors. . Away from the reef, divers can look around the LCM David Nicholson wreck. As the name suggests, this Cayman dive site is known for eagle rays. There is slightly more rain during the summer months. Divers in the Caymans visit Kittiwake for the wreck itself. In general, the best time to dive in the Cayman Islands is between January and April, when the water temperature is warm and visibility is excellent. The best time to visit Grand Cayman is March and April. Cayman Islands, as well as our suggestions for the best places to The best time to visit the Cayman Islands is between March and April. Located just a short walk from George Town, the Sunset House Hotel is home to Sunset Divers, and both resort and dive center are favorites of divers. A huge pinnacle branches out, creating a corridor-like passageway that is used by large pelagics cruising up from the abyss. Courtesy of IreneCorti/Getty Images/iStockphoto. Diving in the Caymans offers something for everyone, whether divers are taking their very first fin stokes or have years of experience under their weight belts. The water drops over a hundred feet. The amazing diversity and dive sites for all levels are just one of the reasons why the Cayman Islands is also one of the top dive destinations in the Carribean. In effect, there are more registered businesses in Cayman Island as compared to its local population. Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Would also recommend spending an afternoon at Rum Point, where you can relax and also do some snorkeling if you like. The heat may be less of an issue for anyone planning to spend a week there mainly on the beaches during the day and shopping or having fun in the cooler evenings. Now large groups of southern stingrays are lurking around daily. Pelagics are attracted to the wall while schools of reef fish populate the shallows, swimming around the many purple, red, and yellow sponges. Income disclosure: We are reader supported, and earn affiliate commissions when you buy via links found on DIVEIN.com: If you find a good deal on our site, you click to the retailer and you buy the product, we get a commission of the sale. There is a reason you won't find under a 5-star review for Silver Thatch, they are the best. Give the perfect gift for your favorite ocean lover and explorer. Scott S. Bateman is a professional journalist who has traveled widely throughout the Caribbean and the Americas. Here, you can take diving lessons, go on a guided dive, or rent tanks and gear. . December through April are especially popular times to go because of low risk of rainfall and more moderate temperatures. If you love nature, you can go hiking or explore some caverns and caves. to save My Ideas for later. If hot temperatures are an issue, it is better to visit the islands from December through April when they average in the upper 80s Fahrenheit. The best part about the dive is the . In general, the tourism industry in the Cayman Islands is designed with divers in mind. We could easily get to reefs and wrecks by ourselves from shore and take as much time as our tanks allowed. There are also lots of tarpon and small silver sprats in this area. For beginners or those who get nervous in enclosed spaces, there are plenty of decks around the exterior to check out. Hop to the other islands by hiring a private boat operator, or better yet, arrange for a liveaboard tour and explore as many Cayman Islands diving sites as you can. There is a good amount of coral and fish here. If you want to escape the crowds of cruise ship passengers, the East End is the place to go. ASK US HERE! Bloody Bay Wall- Most scuba divers will say this is their favorite dive site in the Cayman Islands. 0 All the information you need to plan your dive vacations anywhere in the world. If wall diving is your thing, check out diving in Turks & Caicos. Manage Settings I am a scuba diving newbie, a Project Manager by profession, and an entrepreneur at heart. Sign up to get the latest updates, offers and more. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,100],'scubadivegeek_com-leader-1','ezslot_4',120,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-scubadivegeek_com-leader-1-0'); By descending down to 15 meters (50 feet) deep, you will arrive at what divers call the hanging garden which is a vertical limestone wall filled with black corals, barrel sponges, and purple sea fans. Web Visit website. December rainfall drops back down to about three inches. at any point on your diving holiday) has to offer. North Wall 2. stingray city 3. Divers can observe the bow guns and go along the rails to make some great photos. Part of the Bloody Bay wall, descending from the mooring here reveals a brightly colored vertical reef packed with sponges, corals, and vertebrate and invertebrate marine life. From 5 star restaurants to fish frys at the local gas station. Divers of all levels can explore the engines, pistons, and pieces of the wreck that are scattered at 18m/60ft. Bert Brothers Boulders is one of the most beautiful dive sites on Cayman Brac. Get forecasts each morning for every major island. We are proud to off-set 100% of the carbon generated by our clients' flights. If you like diving in caves and grottos, Trinity Caves on Grand Caymans west side is the site for you. Occasionally, a nurse shark rest on the sand. Cayman Brac Beach Resort. Fiji: Dive the Soft Coral Capital of the World. Stingray City has very large, friendly stingrays. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates. Hurricanes rarely hit Grand Cayman directly. While diving is a year-round activity in the Cayman Islands, June to August is considered to be the best time of year to dive Grand Cayman and the nearby islands of Cayman Brac and Little Cayman. It is easily possible to visit all 3 of the Cayman Islands in a single dive trip and be able to enjoy the diversity they provide. And, thanks to a keen focus on conservation, many of the country's famous underwater spectacles are still well worth a visit today. Dining can be pricey but the meals I have had have been wonderful. Both are wonderful underwater. Situated on a wide beach on the island's West End, the property offers 40 air-conditioned rooms (renovated in late 2015 and featuring soothing Caribbean . Not to be confused with the Anchor Point dive sites in Scotlands Loch Fyne, the Solomon Islands, or Sri Lanka, the Cayman dive site is located on Grand Cayman and is characterized by swathes of black coral. This site is a firm favorite among local dive masters, most likely because of the intriguing geological features but there is plenty of marine life here too. Another great wall diving site in Little Cayman is Joys Joy. Grand Cayman, the main island, is often one of the most popular destinations in the Caribbean, especially with western Caribbean cruises. Yes, that is true and get ready since the 333 islands of Fiji will take you into a quintessential South United Arab Emirates: Unspoiled Dive Sites. If you are into grottos or swim-throughs, then you must head out to the west side of Grand Cayman and explore the three long tunnel swim-throughs of the Trinity Caves. They became my favorite focus on the reef. Book your fun dives, snorkelling trips and courses online with thousands of PADI Dive Centers. You can dive from shore because they have ladders that you can use to enter and exit the water. In 2017, Tropical Storm Nate shifted the Kittiwake from her original position. Cactus coral, sea fans, great star coral, and tube sponges blanket the reef and provide refuge for a variety of sea creatures. Eden Rock Dive Center. With world class conditions and a robust dive industry, the Cayman Islands is one of the best places to learn how to dive. I quickly learned that if I poked at an area with my stick, the groupers would go right there, a great tool to get them to pose right where i wanted them in my reef scenes. The water depth here is around 18-meters. As of 2023, you can renew your passport online. Best time to dive When to dive in the Cayman Islands entirely depends on your own personal preferences. The ridges are carpeted in a variety of hard and soft coral, barrel and tube sponges, and purple sea fans that house a vast array of miniature sea creatures. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Facebook The North Wall is one of the most visited diving sites and plunges to a depth of 6000 feet (1800 meters). Indonesia. Bloody Bay Wall. Another top option for divers, Cayman Brac Beach Resort is, as its name implies, located on the third island in the Cayman Islands: 15-square-mile Cayman Brac. This is one of the best dive sites in Cayman Brac, and is a must-do experience. Eden Rock & Devils Grotto are two dive sites that are next to each other. During this time, you can expect to see a variety of marine life, including turtles, rays, and a wide array of tropical fish. We highly advise you ask your local dive shop on the dos and donts in diving a particular dive site. If you enjoy diving, then you need to visit the USS Kittiwake during your vacation to Grand Cayman. The depths start at around 12m/40ft and end at 30m/98ft. The Cayman Islands hosts one of the best dives in the World: Bloody Bay Wall on Little Cayman. The wreck was specifically set up for safe penetration, giving divers many interior rooms to explore. Everything most divers want. For scuba diving, the best time to dive the Cayman Islands is pretty much any time except peak hurricane season. It is 330-feet in length, and was sunk in Cayman Brac in 1996. Devilishly deep drop-offs, wicked wreck dives and some of the coolest coral in the Caribbean have made the Cayman Islands a world-class dive destination. Eagle rays glide past in the blue water, triggerfish, Nassau groupers, electric yellow sponges and much make this site popular with divers in the Caymans. Even though July is a popular month, it is not necessarily a good time to go because of the reasons below. The three islands that make up the nation, Cayman Brac, Grand Cayman, and Little Cayman, are diverse and have distinct diving. From the mooring, divers often descend through a cut in the reef and out onto the wall. This is a wall that drops 2000 meters to the sea floor. There is also an air pocket in a decompression chamber that you can pop into and chat with your buddy!! When to go Best time Low season Off season Where to go when Bert Brothers Boulders is also a great spot to see flying gurnards at around 5.5 meters (18ft). Here are a few of our favourite dive sites in Grand Cayman: 1. Sunset Reef is a popular shore dive just 60 meters (200ft) off the Sunset House Resorts pier. But these arent the only good and bad times. The chart to the right using data from the Caribbean Tourism Organization shows that March is the most popular month of the year to visit followed by December and July. PrivacyPolicy, 2023 Original Diving | Web Design by D3R. A shallow dive site, the colors here really pop making it a good choice for photographers. The best diving depth at this Cayman site, between 30 and 40 meters (98-130ft) means its best for deep certified advanced divers. While the visibility here is often a little clouded, thats thanks to the nutrient-rich flow of water which enriches the corals on the pinnacle. It also does not lack of options to go visit some museums, art galleries, go on walking eco-tours or historical tours, do some shopping and even have a blast at some amazing festivals. The USS Kittiwake is an ex-US Navy ship that was purposely sunk in Grand Cayman to create a new dive site. There is also a dive shop and restaurant. See and be seen at these stunning natural wonders. 4. Click the link below to read our article about Macabuca: Tarpon Alley is located at the North Wall in Grand Cayman. Before she was decommissioned in 1994, the USS Kittiwake was a Navy Chanticleer-class submarine rescue vessel. Intermediate divers can begin their dive at the chimney, a narrow tunnel starting at 12m/40ft and ending at 24m/80ft. As a diver, with a PADI account you can access your eLearning along with many more tools to help you on your adventures. This is really a divers paradise.