Diving in the Cayman Islands - Bluewater Dive Travel 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. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content. Choose your design and prove your PADI certified diver status across the world with a recycled plastic card, eCard or both. 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. Learn to Dive in Cayman - Beginners and Refresher Courses But its not just the heat that matters when visiting the Cayman Islands. This is a shore dive, meaning that you enter the water from the shore, and then swim to Cheeseburger Reef. My poker stick resembled the dive guides spears, so they followed me closely and would even "show" me where the lion fish were, confused when I didn't feed them. 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. This is a must-do dive for people vacationing in Grand Cayman. This pristine wall on the south side of Cayman Brac features an abundance of hard corals, gorgonians, and massive red, orange, green, and purple sponges. Our reviews: We can make the world a little bit better with great in-depth reviews. Best and Worst Times to Visit Grand Cayman - Caribeez.com 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. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates. A favourite stop for those diving and snorkeling lovers, the Bay Islands' important three islands are Roatan, Utila and Guanaja. Apart from the elephant ear sponges, keep your eyes peeled for blacktip Carribean reef sharks in the blue. Questions about Cayman Island Diving | FAQs | Cayman Turtle Divers Photographers will love Greenhouse for its varied macro life. You can dive along this wall and explore the different entrances. They can offer up their first-hand Fiji: Dive the Soft Coral Capital of the World. 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. Ive been to Grand Cayman and Little Cayman. Diving in Little Cayman | PADI This site is well-known and popular with divers, snorkelers, and glass-bottom boaters alike. Live a life others only dream about. During the day rays, turtles, the occasional barracuda and plenty of reef fish mean theres a lot to keep divers engaged. He is the author of four books about cruising in the Caribbean, Alaska and Mexican Riviera. Grand Cayman is a beautiful dive destination with many options for accommodations and for diving. With over 40 operators and 365 sites marked with moorings, thrill-seekers from all over take the plunge here. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'scubadivegeek_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_14',101,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-scubadivegeek_com-medrectangle-4-0');The Cayman Islands has a tropical marine climate with two pronounced seasons: a rainy season that runs from May to October and a dry season from November to April. Continue with Recommended Cookies. If you don't feel comfortable using my referral links, you can always go directly to their site and bypass me. Besides the thick black corals, keep an eye out for tarpon, large yellow tube sponges, and ginormous barrel sponges. December and July are good times for families because children are out of school for the holidays and summer. For big animals - you can find a good number of turtles and groupers, tarpon, nurse sharks, great barracuda, and stingrays. These Florida Keys resorts are ideal for family getaways and romantic retreats. Cayman Brac offered multiple relaxed dive spots on reefs all along the edge of the island. Stingray City is in only 12ft (4m) of water and is a huge draw for divers and underwater photographers. Scott S. Bateman is a professional journalist who has traveled widely throughout the Caribbean and the Americas. Penetration can be done in this wreck courtesy from its numerous entry and exit points that were made before it was intentionally sunk to become an artificial reef. 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.. Just be prepared for a rain shower or two, as this is the start of the region's wet season. As the name suggests, this Cayman dive site is known for eagle rays. The best time to visit Grand Cayman is March and April. The 6 Best Dive Sites in the Cayman Islands - PADI Blog The months of January and February are the coldest, with average lows in the low 60s. Choose from private or single rates, we will find you the best possible option to help you enjoy the famous Cayman Stingray City. Before she was decommissioned in 1994, the USS Kittiwake was a Navy Chanticleer-class submarine rescue vessel. Little Cayman is a lovely, quiet little island with a population of less than 170. In addition, you're more likely to snag a hotel deal during these months. Macro photographers should seek the banded coral shrimp and divers licensed to 30m/98ft will enjoy the gorgonian fans in the cavern at this depth. Another great wall diving site in Little Cayman is Joys Joy. Use Add to ideas + to collect your trip ideas, share with friends or make If you want to escape the crowds of cruise ship passengers, the East End is the place to go. We have put together a comprehensive collection of packages to suit your needs. It was named after the famous free-diver Penny Ventura. The top of the wall is around 9 meters (30ft) so the site can be enjoyed as a shallow or deep dive. Despite the name, there arent actually caves here. 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;}. Besides scuba diving, there are plenty of other things to do on the Cayman Islands. May through November, and especially September and October, are the riskiest months to visit. Many divers who have been diving in this area said that this is really an up close and personal experience with stingrays as they are literally touching and surrounding you. Visibility in the Cayman Islands is wonderful, averaging between 60 and 100 feet (18-30 meters). "High Season" at the hotels is mid-December to mid-April, so rates will be higher then. September and October are the riskiest months to visit Grand Cayman because of the higher than normal amounts of rain. PADI Dive Resorts for all budgets, in the best dive locations around the world. The Cayman Islands are widely regarded as the birthplace of recreational scuba diving, thanks to some pioneering efforts by local operators in the 1980s. The main gateway to the Cayman Islands is through Grand Cayman. 4. Eden Rock Dive Center. Courtesy of IreneCorti/Getty Images/iStockphoto. Clearly Cayman Group Specials - Big savings on 7-night stays! A 2.75 meter (9ft) bronze statue of Amphitrite (the wife of the mythological god Poseidon) rises up from the base of the reef. In this article, we review the top 20 scuba dive sites in the Cayman Islands. Along the wall you'll spot black coral bushes, barrel sponges and sea fans where barracudas, turtles, eagle rays and parrotfish like to show up. December to April is also the busiest time of year for tourism, so it's important to book your dive trips in advance. In the Cayman Islands, spring is in full force. There are 365 dive sites throughout the islands, offering something for all levels of experience. Dive Shop and Front desk is open 7 days per week | 7am to 6pm and can be reached directly on (345)-640-7500 All content is copyright protected by either DIVEIN.com or respected copyright holders, Disclosure: We are reader supported, and earn. Best Time to Dive in Little Cayman. 5 of the Best Scuba Diving Sites in the Cayman Islands Collect your trip ideas, share with friends or make an enquiry. Dining can be pricey but the meals I have had have been wonderful. Take your camera and get a snap with one of the abandoned bicycles that have also found a home here. divemasters and lovers of all things underwater, know the best time Stingrays and turtles are known to swim here. 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. If you are vacationing in Cayman Brac, then you need to visit this spot. This island is very small and there is little to do, other than dive. Named for a historical anchorage, Anchor Point features a tight chimney-like descent at the beginning of the dive. Three long, wide tunnels, accessible to the majority of divers, extend from the sand flats to open out onto the reef wall. Best Dive & Stay Packages in the Cayman Islands - Ocean Frontiers Bay Islands, Honduras. Drift dives are possible here depending on your operator. Turtles munched on big sponges with no worries about divers hanging about. 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. There are lots of other fish and coral. Enjoy 20% OFF select PADI eLearning programs, FREE ReActivate online refresher, subscription to Scuba Diving magazine + so much more when you join PADI Club. I am a scuba diving newbie, a Project Manager by profession, and an entrepreneur at heart. Usually you will see at least a few tarpon at this spot. Located in the Bloody Bay marine park on Little Caymans north side, Marilyns Cut is largely unspoiled and offers up pristine soft and hard corals. And as you might imagine, the coral-encrusted archway makes for a fantastic photo opportunity. Only ten miles long and one mile wide, this is a place where you can truly focus on your opportunity to relax. Scuba diving in Little Cayman and Cayman Brac | ZuBlu 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 Pedro St. James National Historic Site is a great place for photography, or you can visit Rum Point for a true Caribbean beach experience. The worst time is September during the hurricane season. Get in touch with our specialists for even more in-depth travel advice. Intermediate divers can begin their dive at the chimney, a narrow tunnel starting at 12m/40ft and ending at 24m/80ft. Family Traveller Excellence Awards 2019 Winner. There is also a restaurant, bar and dive shop at Macabuca. Exploring this site requires you to initially descend to 18 meters (60 feet) deep where the wall starts. 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. This area is an international tourist destination and can be crowded. I am the father of the best two children in the world and husband to the most patient woman on this planet. From 5 star restaurants to fish frys at the local gas station. The Cayman Islands hosts one of the best dives in the World: Bloody Bay Wall on Little Cayman. 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. Cayman Islands Diving | Silver Thatch Water Sports | Breakers You need to protect your fingers from the eager snappers though. Booming and sprawling are not just words describing the tourism facilities in Little Cayman, but it can also be used to describe its world-class dive sites. The Cayman Islands has also designated four special areas for protection such as marine park zones, replenishment zones, environmental zones, and no diving zones. 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;}. Don't forget to visit Stingray City before leaving Grand Cayman. Scuba Divers can experience the world's best 12ft dive site at Stingray City, the beautiful Starfish Point and Bloody Bay . She met her end on the reef in the late 70s, allegedly due to mutiny aboard. Elkhorn corals adorn the tops of the ridges while large gorgonians, tube sponges, and hard corals occupy the gullies. A shallow dive site, the colors here really pop making it a good choice for photographers. Wilderness Wall starts at 15 meters (50ft) before plunging down into the depths. Eels, rays, sharks, and turtles are frequently seen. The three islands that make up the nation, Cayman Brac, Grand Cayman, and Little Cayman, are diverse and have distinct diving. 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! 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. The rainiest months in Grand Cayman are September and October during the height of the annual hurricane season. Because the site is prone to strong currents, it isnt frequently dived which makes a trip to this very healthy reef even more special. Over a 30-year history, the islands have averaged less than two inches of rain from January through April and a little more than two inches in December, according to the Cayman Islands National Weather Service. 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. Aside from tourism promotion, marine conservation is in place in all the dive sites in the Cayman Islands. Located near a popular resort is a vertical drop off that is filled with all sorts of marine life the North Wall. There are plenty of great dive resorts available, but liveaboard is the best option if you want to dive around all three islands. For deep divers, we highly suggest you explore the elephant-ear sponge laden reef of the Orange Canyon or go cave diving in Bonnies Arch. You can see Spotted Eagle Rays flying passed this area from depths of about 30 to 100 feet. Generally, even with up to four dives per day on offer Cayman Islands scuba diving . You can dive from shore because they have ladders that you can use to enter and exit the water. I have lived in the corporate world for a few years now with very little excitement in my life. Perhaps because of this, the coral isnt looking a healthy as it could. I thought it might be too touristy, but it was a lot of fun. The best diving depth at this Cayman site, between 30 and 40 meters (98-130ft) means its best for deep certified advanced divers. It seems the dive guides hunt the lionfish and then feed the groupers, so they joined us right away each dive. If you find a good deal on DIVEIN, you click to the retailer, and you buy the product, we get a commission of the sale. at any point on your diving holiday) has to offer. Now it has become a beautiful artificial reef and home for colorful sponges, groupers, barracudas and other marine life. Little Cayman, Cayman Islands. This world-class scuba destination is colorful, bright, and teeming with life. Moray eels and angelfish move among the coral, and turtles are often seen cruising over the reef. The 6 Best Dive Sites in the Cayman Islands Cecily Russell 3 April, 2022 The trio of Cayman Islands is a British Overseas Territory situated in the western Caribbean Sea. Reservations Office is open Monday-Friday | 8:30am-5:30pm Cayman Islands time. 4. Orange Canyon is a popular dive site on the west-side of Grand Cayman. There are lots of beautiful beaches to visit and to relax. Most of them are located around the Grand Cayman but a little over sixty sites stay around Cayman Brac and the Little Cayman. Around the coral fingers, stingrays, eagle rays and yellowhead jawfish rest on the sandy patches. Purposely sunk in 2011, she now sits upright in the sand at 18 meters (60ft) and is a teeming artificial reef encrusted with coral. These hot temperatures start in May and last into November. June to October brings higher topside temperatures (up to 33C, 91F). Canyons and drop-offs provide a varied topography making the site a firm favorite with photographers. The sea is always warm in the Cayman Islands, with surface temperatures never dropping below around 25 o C (78 o F). With over 365 dive sites, clear waters, coral reefs and abundant marine life, the Cayman Islands are one of the best diving spots in the world. From Grand Cayman, you can transfer to Little Cayman or Cayman Brac. Living The Dream Divers Diving Packages | Grand Cayman Our Original Diving experts, made up of marine biologists, divemasters and lovers of all things underwater, know the best time to dive in Little Cayman. A direct flight from Miami to Grand Cayman takes only 70 minutes. Book an introductory scuba diving package to learn the basics of diving from certified PADI instructors. It exceeds six inches in August and jumps again to more than eight inches in September and October. ASK US HERE! Now large groups of southern stingrays are lurking around daily. Bloody Bay Marine Park is one of Cayman's best known dive sites and is named after the battles that took place between the British navy and its privateers following the outlaw of piracy. The Kittiwake wreck as well as other wrecks in the close vicinity add variety and interesting structure which I really enjoyed. With the wall beginning at just 6 meters (20ft), the site is popular with both divers and snorkelers. 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. From Rolex watches to Caymanite earrings to a shell necklace. Bloody Bay Wall is considered the epicenter of scuba diving in this marine park. Both are wonderful underwater. "High Season" at the hotels is mid-December to mid-April, so rates will be higher then. 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. Discover these empowering women's history destinations selected by the U.S. News travel editors. 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. There is a lot of marine life among the coral and resident angelfish and groupers are found at the stern of the ship. I like the idea of being able to dive off both islands while staying on one. Diving Season: The best time to dive Cuba's Jardines de la Reina is during the dry season, from November to late April, as this time has the most ideal visibility and sea conditions. Though Kittiwake is a very popular diving site on Grand Island, the shallow and crystal-clear waters of the site make it an equally amazing snorkeling spot as well. Sharks and turtles are frequent visitors as are snappers, groupers, and grunts. 11 Dive Resorts in the Cayman Islands | PADI Travel Find & Book Adventures Book your fun dives, snorkelling trips and courses online with thousands of PADI Dive Centers. All levels of divers can enjoy the site as there is plenty to see at shallow depths or at deeper parts. Theres good diving, with great Walls and of course stingray city, where you can see and feed stingrays. The most striking and common marine life for me were the brightly yellow colored tube sponges. This spot is about 20-feet deep, and has a lot of coral. If you don't want to sacrifice weather for a break on hotel prices, plan a trip for the region's dry season, which runs from November to April. A 2018 poll listed Bonaire as the best dive spot for beginners, conservation, freediving, macro diving, shore diving, and snorkeling. There is decent shore diving from their dock. Marine Life & Environment - Top Dive Spots - Diving Conditions, How to Get There-How to Dive Cayman Islands-Best Time to Dive, NEW! Our team will meet you at the airport and fast-track you through. If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. 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. Stingray City offers divers the opportunity to fully interact with these amazing creatures. . This is one of the deepest sea-walls in the world. 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. 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. 1 is a 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom unit. You can spot eagle rays, reef sharks, sailfin blennies, tilefish, peacock flounders, garden eels, or yellow-headed jawfish. Over 200 permanent boat moorings are installed to avoid damaging corals with the dropping of boat anchors. Best Times to Visit Cayman Islands | U.S. News Travel The Eden Rock Dive Center has everything you need for an unforgettable day underwater in the Cayman Islands. Despite the name, you arent guaranteed to see tarpon here. Keith Tibbets- This Soviet-built Frigate that was owned by the Cuban navy was given to the Cayman Islands to purposefully sink it. It is Batabano, the countrys biggest festival, which is scheduled for early May each year. Eagle Ray Pass is located along the North Wall in Grand Cayman. They pickup from the Westin, Ritz and Kimpton Seafire beaches for their West Dives, which is one of their standout features. Watch your buoyancy and head out into the blue, look back to really appreciate the Great Walls sheer size and impressive drop-off. Our Exclusive Dive-only Packages in the Cayman Islands - Ocean Frontiers The seven mile beach area is beautiful for walking and photo opportunities. Explore the top-rated styles for every type of trip to the beach. Dive conditions could not have been more perfect, flat seas (the north side is supposed to be more choppy but the day we dived Eagle Ray pass, it was just 2 feet seas, the rest of the dives were on the west side, where the sea was flat both days), warm water (80 degrees for our stay), clear water with awesome 90-100+ feet visibility (great for wide angle photography). As well as healthy coral and large pelagic species, you can expect to catch sight of Nassau groupers, stingrays, angelfish, snappers, horse-eye jacks, and turtles. For macro subjects, you can see angelfish, morays, lettuce slug nudibranchs and many more. The best time to dive is between December and April when the water is at its warmest and the visibility is at its best. Share your love of diving, experience new adventures, expand your dive skills, and help save the ocean.