Cayman Turtle Centre. This site is well-known and popular with divers, snorkelers, and glass-bottom boaters alike. If you enjoy diving, then you need to visit the USS Kittiwake during your vacation to Grand Cayman. Our Original Diving experts, made up of marine biologists, You may see hammerhead sharks if you are lucky. 4. Having a less touristic crowd, Cayman Brac still has several tourism facilities like Cayman Brac Dive Resorts that are scattered along its narrow coast. . Exploring this site requires you to descend to a depth of 18 meters (60 feet) where the entrance of this elaborate tunnel system starts. But these arent the only good and bad times. September can bring rougher waters if there is a tropical storm, and that is also the month with a higher chance of a hurricane, although hurricanes are not common. December through April are especially popular times to go because of low risk of rainfall and more moderate temperatures. Aside from the coral laden walls of Babylon, your divemaster will usually lead you to a pinnacle where its towering structures are dominated by whip corals. It is because of the sometimes extreme temperatures and rainfall that the Caymans have distinct spikes and dips in the number of tourists who visit each month. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Grand Cayman is the most commercial island, with a lot of resorts, great nightlife, and more tourist attractions. Wreck of the Oro Verde is located in Grand Cayman. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. A huge pinnacle branches out, creating a corridor-like passageway that is used by large pelagics cruising up from the abyss. Give the perfect gift for your favorite ocean lover and explorer. These Florida Keys resorts are ideal for family getaways and romantic retreats. It was named Orange Canyon because of the large orange Elephant Ear Sponges that can be found here. Aside from tourism promotion, marine conservation is in place in all the dive sites in the Cayman Islands. 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. The top of the wall is around 9 meters (30ft) so the site can be enjoyed as a shallow or deep dive. Best Time to Dive Cayman Islands Diving is available year-round. If you want to enjoy these five dive sites . Despite being small measuring only 16 x 1.6 kilometers (10 x 1 mile), tourism is booming and tourism facilities are sprawling especially in South Town. This is a wall that drops 2000 meters to the sea floor. The Cayman Islands are home to some of the best spots for scuba diving and snorkeling in the world. This dive site first became popular in the 90s when it was featured in the film The Firm, starring Tom Cruise. This is a fun dive spot that you can access from shore. Explore the top-rated styles for every type of trip to the beach. Click the link below to read our article about the USS Kittiwake: Wilderness Wall is located on the south-side of Cayman Brac. A few great choices are the Sunset House Hotel in Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac Beach Resort and the Little Cayman Beach Resort. And when it comes to marine life, there is lots to see! No crowds. It is only a 10-minute walk from the cruise ship port in George Town to Eden Rock. Crabs and lobsters are among the critters hiding in the crevices. 1. I like the idea of being able to dive off both islands while staying on one. Here are a few of our favourite dive sites in Grand Cayman: 1. View thelive availability of some of the best liveaboards in the Cayman Islandsand book online at the best price or check out our sidebar for land-based options! Cayman Islands has an average water temperature ranging from 26 29C (78 84F). A 2.75 meter (9ft) bronze statue of Amphitrite (the wife of the mythological god Poseidon) rises up from the base of the reef. For water sports lovers, there are great spots for snorkeling including night snorkeling with bioluminescence, options to go sailing or on a catamaran cruise. Grand Cayman scuba diving is also more popular than on the other islands due to the stingray population there. There's much to discover beyond theme parks in this Southeastern state. Best Times To Visit Cayman Islands The best time to visit the Cayman Islands is between March and June when the hotel rates drop. For us divers, the financial self-sufficiency of the Cayman Islands is only the icing on the cake. Aside from corals, barrel sponges are sprawling in this vibrant reef that is also filled with tropical reef fish like groupers, butterflyfish, angelfish, moray eels and lionfish which is believed to be an invasive species. Eels, rays, sharks, and turtles are frequently seen. While Grand Cayman receives the most publicity and visitors, all three Cayman Islands - Cayman Brac and Little Cayman being the other two -- offer outstanding scuba diving. From these locations, I was able to dive the west end and also the North Wall. We could easily get to reefs and wrecks by ourselves from shore and take as much time as our tanks allowed. Our mission has been to do this with the best crew, using the best equipment while offering the most competing Cayman Islands dive packages. Interested in diving the Cayman Islands? 7. 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. There is shopping, bars to hang out in, and live music. . Tourism volume is estimated based on in-market destination search query interest from Google and on travel.usnews.com in 2015-2016. Named for the bright orange elephant ear sponges that characterize this site, Orange Canyon doesnt contain a closed canyon per se, but an open channel with lively reef on either side. Kittiwake Shipwreck and diver in Grand Cayman - photo from Canva. 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. This is a deep wall that drops several hundred feet into the abyss. She met her end on the reef in the late 70s, allegedly due to mutiny aboard. divemasters and lovers of all things underwater, know the best time 1. Here youll find more than 50 dives sites including the famous Bloody Bay. You could spend . They can offer up their first-hand knowledge to ensure you know when to dive to enjoy the very best marine life, be it the tiny critters or bigger beasts of . Named for a historical anchorage, Anchor Point features a tight chimney-like descent at the beginning of the dive. Would also recommend spending an afternoon at Rum Point, where you can relax and also do some snorkeling if you like. 390 S Church St, George Town KY1-1106, Cayman Islands. From classic wide-brimmed hats to water-repellent trucker hats, find your ideal style. Penetration is encouraged but to get the most out of the experience, take a torch. Black coral and colorful sponges decorate the near-vertical face and the shallows are dotted with large coral heads teeming with marine life. 5. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. The wall dive also has several other topographical features including swim-throughs and tunnels. Cathy Church has a shop at Sunset House where you can often meet her and see her beautiful underwater photos from the area. With world class conditions and a robust dive industry, the Cayman Islands is one of the best places to learn how to dive. The dive schedule would include a deep wall dive followed by a shallower reef or wreck. Wakatobi Dive Resort, a private island south of Sulawesi, understands thisand that shooters trek to this country, one of the most biodiverse hotspots on the planet, to capture images of every critter possible. My wife and I are traveling there in February 2015 and are PADI AOW and Nitrox certified with ten years of recreational experience diving. Scuba Divers can experience the world's best 12ft dive site at Stingray City, the beautiful Starfish Point and Bloody Bay . . PADI Dive Resorts for all budgets, in the best dive locations around the world. The main dive spot of Little Cayman is located on the northwest coast in a marine protected area the Bloody Bay Marine Park. Seven Mile Beach is considered the most popular tourist area in the Cayman Islands, thanks to its stunning white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters. Located in Little Cayman, the Bloody Bay Wall dive site is noted for its high visibility, rich marine life, and the presence of a sheer wall that drops 2000 meters into the deep ocean. From spotting blue iguanas to kayaking in a bioluminescent bay to diving through intricate shipwrecks, here is a guide to making the most out of a first-time visit to Grand Cayman. Greenhouse is a nice medium-depth reef dive with plenty of grooves and gullies to explore. Overall it is a place worth seeing. Out in the open, spotted eagle rays are often seen swimming in groups of at least 5 individuals and their passing by is often correlated to the flyby of fighter jets in low altitude. You can dive along this wall and explore the different entrances. This is the most famous dive site in the Cayman Islands - and with good reason. The famous diver and explorer Jacques Cousteau said that Bloody Bay Wall is one of the top dive sites in the world. 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. The water is about 10 to 20 feet deep. During this time, you can expect to see a variety of marine life, including turtles, rays, and a wide array of tropical fish. Get forecasts each morning for every major island. Originally coined 356, this wreck is now called the M/V Captain Keith Tibbetts after a well-known Cayman Brac politician. Grand Cayman is a sophisticated Caribbean island with great nightlife, great resort options, and the wonderful attraction of stingray city, and very good wall diving. 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. The largest among the three islands, Grand Cayman is highly popular among SCUBA divers from all over the world. While Grand Cayman, the most popular island, has a mix of accessible shore and boat diving. for even more in-depth travel advice. In a nutshell, its an island full of land and water adventures. Through this site,my intent is to be able to sponsor the new chapter in my life as a scuba diver. At night, this popular Caymans dive site is great for spotting octopus, lobster, and shrimp. I've stayed at hotels and used independent dive operators and I have stayed at dive resorts with on-site dive operations. Cactus coral, sea fans, great star coral, and tube sponges blanket the reef and provide refuge for a variety of sea creatures. There is also a small restaurant and dive resort. ASK US HERE! Having done a lot of dives in Florida, one thing we did notice was that there were not as many fishes on the reefs in Grand Cayman as in south Florida, but after looking at my pictures after this trip I did notice many small fishes and critters. Little Cayman GoPro Video Workshop: April 2023, Best Liveaboard Destinations for Beginners, shifted the Kittiwake from her original position. Recommended Level: Beginner Intermediate Advanced Dive Type: Boat Reef Wall Macro Wreck Canyon Shore Night Shallow Shark Cave Stingray Swim-Through Drift Liveboard Deep Great Wall East and West Little Cayman Great Wall West - Turtle Watch on Stingrays and turtles are known to swim here. As for temperature and weather, the Cayman Islands are tropical, meaning it's warm 365 days a year. This is brought to you by the paradise-features of diving Cayman Islands: three islands where the bounty of nature is amplified as you go underwater.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'scubadivegeek_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_3',115,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-scubadivegeek_com-medrectangle-3-0'); Who would ever think that at the peak of an undersea mountain range lies a country that has one of the Worlds largest financial centers? Welcome to my scuba diving bucket list. Photographers can make the worst dive buddies. They became my favorite focus on the reef. The seven mile beach area is beautiful for walking and photo opportunities. The Cayman Islands dollar is legal tender in these islands. 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. Eagle Ray Pass is located along the North Wall in Grand Cayman. Choose from private or single rates, we will find you the best possible option to help you enjoy the famous Cayman Stingray City. They look dark brown without light but the first time my strobes lit one up I was amazed at the super bright rich red color. The Caymans have one major event that also may impact the best times to go there. Youtube+ Enjoy 20% OFF select PADI eLearning programs, FREE ReActivate online refresher, subscription to Scuba Diving magazine + so much more when you join PADI Club. Out in the open, expect schools of Nassau groupers, turtles, and snappers. Pinterest Share your love of diving, experience new adventures, expand your dive skills, and help save the ocean. The primary reason why scuba divers frequently visit the Cayman Islands is to do a different kind of investment: definitely not monetary, but instead fun, enjoyment and great underwater adventures. 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. After being intentionally sunk to become an artificial reef, this former 76 meter (251 feet) long naval vessel now rests at 18 meters (60 feet) deep near the world-renowned Seven Mile Beach. at any point on your diving holiday) has to offer. The Cayman Islands hosts one of the best dives in the World: Bloody Bay Wall on Little Cayman. December and July are good times for families because children are out of school for the holidays and summer. Great Wall is the kind of dive that makes you feel like a tiny speck in the ocean as you hang near a wall that drops dramatically to more than 1,800 meters (6,000ft). Most people see flights, accommodations, and activities far cheaper during this time since fewer tourists are visiting. marine life, be it the tiny critters or bigger beasts of the ocean. 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. Twitter Still great for diving with great walls for all levels of divers and the walls and the Russian destroyer 356 aka Russian destroyer. Tarpon Alley is part of the North Wall with depths between 15 to 25 meters (50-80ft). From Rolex watches to Caymanite earrings to a shell necklace. Courtesy of IreneCorti/Getty Images/iStockphoto. Bloody Bay Wall is considered the epicenter of scuba diving in this marine park. In 2017, Tropical Storm Nate shifted the Kittiwake from her original position. The Cayman Islands are widely regarded as the birthplace of recreational scuba diving, thanks to some pioneering efforts by local operators in the 1980s. As said earlier, Grand Cayman has over 50 dive sites and we will not leave this section without mentioning other noted dive spots. Indonesia. I stayed at an all inclusive where the food was exceptional, prepared by a world class chef. There is a separate fee to dive this wreck that goes towards conservation, and you also get a nice yellow diver medallion to keep. You will also notice that this tunnel system has a healthy population of whip corals and sponges that are all tall in size.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'scubadivegeek_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_0',126,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-scubadivegeek_com-large-leaderboard-2-0'); Scuba diving in Grand Cayman is not just only about wall diving. Bloody Bay Coral Reef Wall - one of the most beautiful dive sites in the Cayman Islands It's time to head back underwater for another jaw-dropping location: the Bloody Bay Wall. This is really a divers paradise. This is a must do dive. Find & Book Adventures Book your fun dives, snorkelling trips and courses online with thousands of PADI Dive Centers. Everything most divers want. Located 8 kilometers (5 miles) east of Little Cayman is another elongated island that is popular with anglers and scuba divers. 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. Another great wall diving site in Little Cayman is Joys Joy. It's the kind of peaceful place where you will make your own fun. Most dive operators will take you there. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates. The water is about 100 feet deep, and there is a good variety of soft and hard corals. Great diving. Our review team always considers durability, price, quality, and value in their reviews. Sunset Reef is a popular shore dive just 60 meters (200ft) off the Sunset House Resorts pier. Besides scuba diving, there are plenty of other things to do on the Cayman Islands. Grand Cayman has more dive sites than Little Cayman. Purposely sunk in 2011, she now sits upright in the sand at 18 meters (60ft) and is a teeming artificial reef encrusted with coral. The shore diving was really easy to access with actual ladders or stairs and even showers at some sites. There is a good amount of coral and fish here. We are proud to off-set 100% of the carbon generated by our clients' flights. In addition, you're more likely to snag a hotel deal during these months. While the gazebo itself is actually an arch, this small dive site never fails to please. . Take your camera and get a snap with one of the abandoned bicycles that have also found a home here. 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! If the forecast looks good, they should consider taking a last-minute trip to Grand Cayman if they also spot an attractive discount. Best time to dive in Cayman Islands The diving is great year round in the Caribbean, something that is promoted with the dive 365 program. Perhaps because of this, the coral isnt looking a healthy as it could. If wall diving is your thing, check out diving in Turks & Caicos. 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. See and be seen at these stunning natural wonders. With over 40 operators and 365 sites marked with moorings, thrill-seekers from all over take the plunge here. There are over 15 PADI 5-Star Centers in the Cayman Islands, ready to teach you everything you want to know about diving. Although the rays who made this site their home permanently have moved on, there is still a good chance of spotting them here. 310-915-6677 Its a very easy and fun dive, we saw some angelfish and eagle rays. Thus, you can keep going back and still discover new sites. 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. In this article, we review the top 20 scuba dive sites in the Cayman Islands. After exploring the area, here are some of the best dive sites in the Cayman Islands: 1. Of the three main islands, Grand Cayman is where most divers go where you can explore over 50 dive sites allowing you to do virtually all types of diving and is suited for all levels of certification.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[120,600],'scubadivegeek_com-box-4','ezslot_16',103,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-scubadivegeek_com-box-4-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[120,600],'scubadivegeek_com-box-4','ezslot_17',103,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-scubadivegeek_com-box-4-0_1'); .box-4-multi-103{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;}.
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