The main dive spot of Little Cayman is located on the northwest coast in a marine protected area the Bloody Bay Marine Park. Choose from private or single rates, we will find you the best possible option to help you enjoy the famous Cayman Stingray City. 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. With regards to transportation, you have to take note that there are no taxis in Little Cayman and the best way to explore the island is by renting a bike. ASK US HERE! Thus, you can keep going back and still discover new sites. If you love nature, you can go hiking or explore some caverns and caves. If you want to enjoy these five dive sites . DIVEMASTER AND INSTRUCTOR TRAINING SPECIALTY AND TECHNICAL COURSE KIDS DISABLED DIVERS SAFETY The Cayman Islands boasts state-of-the-art medical facilities including a hyperbaric chamber (located on Grand Cayman) and, in the event of an emergency, quality care can be provided in minutes. Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman house over 300 dive sites, making up the breathtaking Cayman dive map. They have ladders that you can use to enter and exit the water safely. Continue with Recommended Cookies. The Cayman Islands-- Grand Cayman, Little Cayman, and Cayman Brac--have been attracting scuba divers for decades, including beginners! All the information you need to plan your dive vacations anywhere in the world. December to April is also the busiest time of year for tourism, so it's important to book your dive trips in advance. I am Dan, this site is my blog where I document my research on the best diving spots in the world. Would also recommend spending an afternoon at Rum Point, where you can relax and also do some snorkeling if you like. This is really a divers paradise. Stingrays and turtles are known to swim here. Do you love diving in the Caymans? Naturally, this is also the most expensive season, and reservations must be made at least three months in advance. The best time to dive is between December and April when the water is at its warmest and the visibility is at its best. This island is very small and there is little to do, other than dive. Cracks in the ceilings let in plenty of natural light making it easy to search the nooks and crannies for the many crustaceans and other marine creatures that occupy the tunnels. Though scuba diving in the Cayman Islands is mostly known for close encounters with stingrays, it has much more to offer. 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. (Closed Circuit Rebreathers/CCR) allows you to massively extend your dive time. Divers can observe the bow guns and go along the rails to make some great photos. Little Cayman is a lovely, quiet little island with a population of less than 170. 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. Besides scuba diving, there are plenty of other things to do on the Cayman Islands.
Grand Cayman Dive Resorts I Packages I Wyndham Reef Resort Best Time To Dive The Cayman Island The Pedro St. James National Historic Site is a great place for photography, or you can visit Rum Point for a true Caribbean beach experience. Originally coined 356, this wreck is now called the M/V Captain Keith Tibbetts after a well-known Cayman Brac politician.
Living The Dream Divers Diving Packages | Grand Cayman 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. "High Season" at the hotels is mid-December to mid-April, so rates will be higher then. Phone +1 345-949-7111. Get certified to scuba dive. The Kittiwake wreck as well as other wrecks in the close vicinity add variety and interesting structure which I really enjoyed. 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.. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. 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. Megan Johnson|Sharael KolbergMarch 3, 2023, Holly Johnson|Erin EvansFebruary 28, 2023, U.S. News Travel EditorsFebruary 28, 2023, Kyle McCarthy|Catriona KendallFebruary 22, 2023.
Great views, amazing stay - Review of Ocean Cabanas Dive Resort, West Best Time to Dive in Little Cayman - Original Diving Questions about Cayman Island Diving | FAQs | Cayman Turtle Divers dive in each month of the year. As the name suggests, this Cayman dive site is known for eagle rays. Sidetrip: Visit Little Caymans Booby Pond Nature Reserve. Turtles munched on big sponges with no worries about divers hanging about. but the best time to visit is between May and October. 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 . Babylon- Grand Cayman Island is surrounded by a wall, but what makes the Babylon site special is the pinnacle with a canyon cutting the north wall. Macro photographers should keep an eye out for the neck and decorator crabs who make their homes here. Flights to Grand Cayman arrive at Owen Roberts International Airport. Both Grand Cayman and Little Cayman have great diving.
Best Diving Destination in the Carribean: The Cayman Islands Swim throughs, ledges, overhangs, and an average depth of 12 meters (40ft) make this a Cayman dive site for all experience levels to explore. I have been diving in Grand Cayman several times. The three islands that make up the nation, Cayman Brac, Grand Cayman, and Little Cayman, are diverse and have distinct diving. My favorite were the groupers who followed us like pets. Cayman Islands Seasonal Dive Planner The Caymans' hottest period is from May to November. Tourism volume is estimated based on in-market destination search query interest from Google and on travel.usnews.com in 2015-2016. In this article, we review the top 20 scuba dive sites in the Cayman Islands. The Cayman Islands boasts world-class beaches, luxurious properties, worldwide culinary influences, high-end shops, local stores, and everything in between. Three Fathom Wall is a popular night dive when eels, lobsters, and reef squid make an appearance. Clearly Cayman Group Specials - Big savings on 7-night stays! Take a walk along the coast line or rent a bicycle and ride around the island. This is a must-do dive for people vacationing in Grand Cayman. Web Visit website. I have stayed there several times at a dive resort with on-site dive operation. Grand Caymans North Wall plunges deeper than 1800 metres/6000 feet and offers beautiful wall diving with opportunities to see spotted eagle rays and sea turtles. Look along the ledge by the mooring for crabs and check out the four massive barrel sponges. Bloody Bay Wall. Grand Cayman scuba diving is also more popular than on the other islands due to the stingray population there. Schools of bright snappers brightened the reefs among colorful sponges.
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Best Diving sites in Cayman Islands - Scuba dive reviews by Divezone Seven Mile Beach 4. Eels, rays, sharks, and turtles are frequently seen. This site is my attempt to live the adrenaline my life is missing and be able to live real-life storybook stories with my wife and children. It does not make the product pricier for you. This is a shore dive, meaning that you enter the water from the shore, and then swim to Cheeseburger Reef. With over 40 operators and 365 sites marked with moorings, thrill-seekers from all over take the plunge here. Grand Cayman is a beautiful dive destination with many options for accommodations and for diving. They make a difference for anyone visiting the Caymans by cruise who plans to spend more time shopping, dining and visiting attractions than spend time on the beaches. The Cayman Islands are widely regarded as the birthplace of recreational scuba diving, thanks to some pioneering efforts by local operators in the 1980s. Grand Cayman is somewhat unique among major Caribbean destinations because it is one of the few islands that has average daytime temperatures exceed 90 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer and fall. Ocean Cabanas Dive Resort: Great views, amazing stay - See 33 traveler reviews, 112 candid photos, and great deals for Ocean Cabanas Dive Resort at Tripadvisor.
The Best Diving in Cayman Islands 2022 - Divein 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.
Best Dive & Stay Packages in the Cayman Islands - Ocean Frontiers 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. A shallow dive site, the colors here really pop making it a good choice for photographers. There's much to discover beyond theme parks in this Southeastern state. This dive site first became popular in the 90s when it was featured in the film The Firm, starring Tom Cruise. Away from the reef, divers can look around the LCM David Nicholson wreck. 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! Hotel prices are sourced from a sample of U.S. News Best Hotels rates through 2015-2016. Bert Brothers Boulders is also a great spot to see flying gurnards at around 5.5 meters (18ft). If you like diving in caves and grottos, Trinity Caves on Grand Caymans west side is the site for you. Apart from the elephant ear sponges, keep your eyes peeled for blacktip Carribean reef sharks in the blue. This world-class scuba destination is colorful, bright, and teeming with life. Access to tools and resources at your fingertips, curated to enhance your diving experience. The Cayman dollar is exchanged at a rate fixed to the US dollar (CI $1 equals US $1.25). The waters here are 15 to 25 meters deep. Despite the name, you arent guaranteed to see tarpon here. Butterflyfish, triggerfish, shrimp, snapper, and more hand out in and around the large coral heads that sit nor far from the waters surface. 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. Divers of all levels can explore the engines, pistons, and pieces of the wreck that are scattered at 18m/60ft. From April to October water temperature are at least 27 o C (81 o F) and can . Get forecasts each morning for every major island. The main gateway to the Cayman Islands is through Grand Cayman. You can go hiking in the Mastic Trail where it has really nice views from the harbors and the beaches. A direct flight from Miami to Grand Cayman takes only 70 minutes. Some resorts offer "Hurricane protection". There is a separate fee to dive this wreck that goes towards conservation, and you also get a nice yellow diver medallion to keep. Crabs and lobsters are among the critters hiding in the crevices. Sign up to get the latest updates, offers and more. StingrayCity. We have put together a comprehensive collection of packages to suit your needs. September and October are the riskiest months to visit Grand Cayman because of the higher than normal amounts of rain. See and be seen at these stunning natural wonders. East End 5. The water depth here is around 18-meters. Orange Canyon is a popular dive site on the west-side of Grand Cayman. Sunset Reef is a popular shore dive just 60 meters (200ft) off the Sunset House Resorts pier. 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. 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. Most of the units for rent are 2-bedroom and 2-bathroons units. 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. "High Season" at the hotels is mid-December to mid-April, so rates will be higher then. 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. Drop us a comment below and tell us your favorite site!
Cayman Islands Liveaboard Diving | Scuba Diving Earth Courtesy of IreneCorti/Getty Images/iStockphoto. The water drops over a hundred feet. With the wall beginning at just 6 meters (20ft), the site is popular with both divers and snorkelers.
Is this the world's best place to learn to scuba dive? - thetimes.co.uk 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. Keith Tibbets- This Soviet-built Frigate that was owned by the Cuban navy was given to the Cayman Islands to purposefully sink it. The winter and early spring months are the most popular time in the Cayman Islands. 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. Use Add to ideas + to collect your trip ideas, share with friends or make Of course, the Soviets didnt call her Keith Tibbets, she was renamed for a local dive operator after the Cayman government purchased the wreck for dive tourism. Closer to the reef, turtles, groupers, horse-eyed jacks, and an over-abundance of lionfish make this colorful site even more interesting. Beginners can enjoy another smaller chimney instead. There is a lot of marine life among the coral and resident angelfish and groupers are found at the stern of the ship. Trinity Caves is a popular dive site that is located off the coast of West Bay in Grand Cayman.
Diving the Cayman Islands - SCUBA Travel This area is an international tourist destination and can be crowded. Explore the top-rated styles for every type of trip to the beach. In a nutshell, its an island full of land and water adventures. Just south of Seven Mile Beach and approximately 46 feet below the surface are Eden Rock and Devil's Grotto, two of the most popular diving spots on Grand Cayman. If you want to escape the crowds of cruise ship passengers, the East End is the place to go.
Grand Cayman Diving - Scuba Diving in the Cayman Islands Only ten miles long and one mile wide, this is a place where you can truly focus on your opportunity to relax. While the tropical vacation destination does see fewer crowds, this is the rainiest season in the Cayman Islands so you may have to contend with some showers. Rainfall starts to climb in May. Wonderful restaurants nearby.
11 Best Things to Do in Cayman Islands | U.S. News Travel Usually you will see at least a few tarpon at this spot. The best time to visit Grand Cayman is March and April. We did see some nurse sharks, sea turtles and a few rays. an enquiry. I would appreciate if you don't as these referral links are what keep me posting and sharing on this blog. Here is a list of some of the marine animals you can likely spot when diving the Cayman Islands: There are over 300 dive sites in the Cayman Islands. A highlight dive is the Tibbets wreck with great structure and lots of life. They became my favorite focus on the reef. Its also the historical rainfall patterns. The North Wall is one of the most visited diving sites and plunges to a depth of 6000 feet (1800 meters). Water Temperatures: Ranges from around 22C (72F) in December to 29C (84F) in July. If you plan to do some land-based explorations on your trip, you'll have to choose between the busier warmer months (like April and November) or the cooler, but generally cheaper, months in between. The shore diving was really easy to access with actual ladders or stairs and even showers at some sites. As a photographer, I never lacked for subjects both wide angle and macro and anything in between. Water temperatures are usually low 80's F. Marine life is plentiful and varied. Our DSD is $99 USD per person and includes all equipment needed and a fantastic shallow dive to a max depth of 40ft. 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. Facebook Grand Cayman has more dive sites than Little Cayman. Booming in the sense that Little Cayman has over 15 dive sites that have attracted divers from all parts of the globe, and sprawling since all the dive sites are teeming with marine life. In the 2019 Scuba Diving Magazine Readers Choice Awards, the Islands were named one of the Best Overall Dive Destination in the Caribbean/Atlantic and scored first place for Best Advanced Diving and Underwater Photography. Click here to learn more. Read more about diving in Bonaire. For shark diving, we suggest the Maze, Scuba Bowl and the Grouper Grotto which is also filled with lots of good-size groupers. Along the drop-off, crevices and canyons cut through the reefs face. Its land area is slightly bigger than Little Cayman with a measurement of 19 x 2 kilometers (12miles x 1.2miles). It was named Orange Canyon because of the large orange Elephant Ear Sponges that can be found here. The months of January and February are the coldest, with average lows in the low 60s. 2. link to Fiji: Dive the Soft Coral Capital of the World, link to United Arab Emirates: Unspoiled Dive Sites, Wall diving, drift diving, cave diving, shore diving, boat diving, deep diving, and wreck diving, 100 different species of hard and soft corals plus over 500 species of tropical fish like the South-Atlantic stingrays, eagle rays, manta rays, nurse sharks, Caribbean reef sharks, flying gurnards, Nassau groupers, tarpon fish, Grand Cayman: Snorkeling at Stingray City, visit Dolphin Cove, hiking in the Mastic Trail, Pedro St. James National Historic Site, Cayman Islands National Museum, and the Cayman Turtle Farm.
Diving in the Cayman Islands | PADI Hurricane Ivan in 2004 cleaved the 100m/328ft ship in half but divers can still explore both sections of the wreckage. You could spend . Photographers will love Greenhouse for its varied macro life. 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. Drift dives are possible here depending on your operator. Devil's Grotto- Suitable for both beginners and advanced, it's a great shallow shore dive that features massive swim-throughs, chimneys and coral formations. It should not be a surprise that January through April also happen to be popular months to visit the islands via western Caribbean cruises because of their ideal combination of cooler temperatures and low rainfall. Bloody Bay Wall is located in Little Cayman. You can even make a side trip to "Hell", a small area with black volcanic rocks, a few curio shops, and an actual post office you can send mail from with a postmark from Hell.