The Cayman Islands have a year’s worth of amazing dive sites! Really, there are around 365 different dives in Grand Cayman, Little Cayman and Cayman Brac, so it’s not a surprise these sister islands took the title of the best diving spot in the Caribbean and Atlantic in 2017, and there’s a huge chance they will defend the crown. So, if you’re planning to visit this tropical paradise, don’t hesitate to go under the sea and explore the riches of Cayman marine life. Here’s what you need to know before you take a plunge.
Wall diving
The Cayman Islands are practically the birthplace of wall diving, so make sure not to miss this exciting activity! Since the islands are practically surrounded by underwater mountains, the impressive drop-offs and cliffs and coral-clad walls are beloved by many divers and marine world enthusiasts. The walls come in all depths, from those perfect for beginners to really demanding ones for more experienced divers. However, the visibility is truly excellent (100 feet or more), no matter which wall you choose to explore! This means you’ll get to spot many fishes and other animals like eagle rays, colourful corals and lovely sponges! If you’re a beginner diver, start at Bloody Bay Wall and work your way from there.
Wreck diving
This experience is perfect for all history buffs and diving enthusiasts. The wrecks of USS Kittiwake and the MV Capt. Keith Tibbetts attract all sorts of marine life and divers who want to enjoy the spectacle of nature taking over what is manmade. Both of the ships were sunk on purpose, to serve as artificial reefs, but they will really make you feel like you’re circling war-struck sites! Also, both Kittiwake and Keith Tibbetts are very beginner-friendly dives with their depth of 100 feet tops, but it’s also more than popular with more experienced divers, too. So, no matter your level of expertise, try out some of the reliable Grand Cayman diving shop, book your trip and you’ll have an authentic Cayman Islands adventure! Don’t forget to bring your underwater camera and take plenty of pictures!
Stingray party
You’ve probably already heard about the mythical place where you can swim with friendly stingrays. Well, this place is very much real and it’s located right at the Grand Cayman! At Stingray City and Stingray Alley, you’ll get the best view and come face to face with gliding stingrays lazily swimming through the crowd looking for a snack from a friendly outstretched hand. This Cayman adventure is friendly and fun for all ages, and you don’t even have to wear a tank—it’s snorkel-only!
Relaxing snorkeling
If your perfect vision of exploring the underwater world includes you, your snorkel and stress-free white sands, look no further than the Seven Mile Beach on Grand Cayman. Just grab your gear, plunge into turquoise waters and see what’s down there! When you get tired, return to your lounger and dive into some cocktails on the beach!
When to dive?
The Cayman Islands are a real paradise for divers and snorkelers, because you can enjoy the marine world all year round. The Caymans are blessed with very pleasant temperatures that range from 20 to 27°C (70-80°F) and they only get a bit more rain in the summer! However, water temperature is very stable and it’s usually always around the perfect 27°C (80°F).
What to expect?
As the Cayman dives are usually named after the species that dominates the area, you can expect to see a lot of very diverse marine life. Visit Snapper Hole, Stingray City and Alley and Hammerhead Hill for some of the best diving and snorkeling experiences. The other places are full of sea turtles with a few moray eels. If you decide to visit Cayman Brac, you’ll get to see enormous groupers and very rare blue parrotfishes! Shallower reefs are home to many tropical fish such as damselfish, angelfish and sergeant majors and they also house many species of invertebrates and anemones that gently sway with the current.
Other Cayman attractions
Sure, the Cayman Islands are a true diving paradise, but there’s more to do than spend all your time underwater! All three islands are home to many terrestrial animal species with the most prominent being Little Cayman’s iguanas and Cayman Brac’s parrots! Plenty of red-footed boobies and other shorebirds can be seen at Little Cayman as well. So, hiking, bird watching and climbing the stony island parts are all available at the Cayman Islands. And we are not even mentioning all the rum, Tortuga cakes, fresh fried fish and delicious chicken!
If you’re looking for the best diving in the world, you’ve found your next vacation destination! The Cayman Islands are perfect for beginner divers and seasoned ones as well as snorkelers, so feel free to bring your whole family for an authentic tropical island experience. You’ll certainly rush to come back to the magical Caymans!
Photo credits: Beach Box TV, Cayman Turtle Divers and Sport Diver
Melissa Fann
Guest Contributor
Natasha Mitter
