For Memorable Scuba Diving – Check Out These Sites in Caymans
The Cayman territory consists of three islands: Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman. These three islands are some of the most sought after destinations for travelers seeking an intimate paradise along with scuba diving & snorkeling adventure. Locals will tell you that the Cayman Islands offer the best scuba diving in the Caribbean. Given the triumvirate of islands, there are scuba diving destinations in Caymans for every single day of the year – and it’s easy to enjoy each one. With 365 dive sites to choose from — there’s something for everyone! While every diver has their favorites, below are scoped out three of the Caymans' best spots to strap on a tank and dive in.
DOLPHIN DROP OFF – This site is home to a series of finger reefs that lead out to a wall and reaches a height of about 90 feet. With a steady current flowing through the area, soft coral proliferates on this site. From black dungeon and grouper to wrasse and horse-eyed jacks can be spotted in the Caymans roaming throughout the waters.
EDEN ROCK NORTH – This shallow reef, about 45 feet (14 m) deep, is often visited by snorkelers from the cruise ships that sit like massive spaceships only a few-thousand feet away. Although it’s still a relatively healthy reef, the real attraction here is the abundance of swim-throughs and the resident population of massive tarpon. Coral canyons offer the perfect perch for divers who want to snap up-close pictures of these lovely fish.
THE KITTIWAKE – Discover Grand Cayman's most requested dive site, the USS Kittiwake. This is one of Grand Cayman's signature dives that should not be missed. It is an impressive 251' ship and a fully equipped diver support vessel designed to assist submarines in distress. Following almost 50 years of active service in the US Navy, in the year 2011, it was deliberately sunk to make it an artificial reef, an ocean tribute to seafarers worldwide and considered to be a divers playground.
Although visitors are strictly prohibited from touching or taking back anything, there are endless memories that you can take from here. Each of the five decks offers a surprise: squirrel fish, a rainbow of rare sponges, Goliath groupers, and urchins. With such perfect conditions, it is an ideal location for scuba divers, those who are diving for the first time, and of course, for experienced divers.
BLACK FOREST – This deep wall dive site is paradise for experienced divers. The wall is covered in brightly colored large fan corals and barrel sponges where pairs of eagle rays can be seen gliding effortlessly through the water. Here, the large mounds of coral reefs are home to crustaceans which lurk under the many overhangs and ledges jutting out from the mini wall which drops to the sand.
PRINCESS PENNY'S PINNACLES – Princess Penny's is a beautiful pinnacle that is slightly separated from the main wall. Here you can see huge fans and whip corals stretching out towards the blue. The pinnacle appears like a beautiful ancient oak tree standing separate from the wall, encrusted with life. As you make your way through the pinnacle, look for eels and crabs inside the reef. As you glide on top of the reef, have a sneak peek into the crystal clear waters for passing Eagle Rays and possibly sharks. It is also a great place to spot Spiny Caribbean Lobster.
EAGLE RAY PASS – Eagle Ray Pass is a deep coral chasm leading to the wall. It is an awesome formation with towering coral heads, coral archways and narrow crevices filled with magnificent sponges, gorgonian fans, and black coral. This magical spot is also a regular gathering place for Eagle Rays that cruise along the face of the wall. As you drift through the canyon look out for the large star coral mound which hides grouper cleaning stations.
Grand Cayman, and its sister islands are the perfect destination for diving enthusiasts. Charter a private yacht equipped with all the equipment necessary for a memorable scuba diving experience. Regardless of your experience level, scuba diving destinations in Caymans offer endless variety. Come and experience them!
Comments