. 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 is possible to go scuba diving in Little Cayman all year round and the water temperature only varies from 21-27 degrees. MV Captain Keith Tibbetts is an ex-Soviet Union ship that was built in 1984 for the Cuban Navy. You will see many sea creatures such as octopus and arrow crabs. There are also lots of tarpon and small silver sprats in this area. From full scuba certification courses to one-day experiences for those who've never breathed off a regulator, the Cayman Islands qualify as an scuba diving shrine. She met her end on the reef in the late 70s, allegedly due to mutiny aboard. So, what are you waiting for? The prices of hotels and short excursions that would normally be prohibitively expensive fall to more reasonable levels during this time. While the visibility here is often a little clouded, thats thanks to the nutrient-rich flow of water which enriches the corals on the pinnacle. 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. (Closed Circuit Rebreathers/CCR) allows you to massively extend your dive time. Photographers will love Greenhouse for its varied macro life. I like the idea of being able to dive off both islands while staying on one. Both are wonderful underwater. Orange Canyon is a popular dive site on the west-side of Grand Cayman. In 2017, Tropical Storm Nate shifted the Kittiwake from her original position. Find & Book Liveaboards Choose from a selection of more than 250 vessels and 18,000 trips worldwide. . The Cayman Islands dollar is legal tender in these islands. 4 Places to Go Shore Diving in Grand Cayman | The Residences In general, the best time to dive in the Cayman Islands is between January and April, when the water temperature is warm and visibility is excellent. 6. Trinity Caves is one Cayman dive site that never disappoints. The ship was originally built for the US Army Transportation Corps over 70-years ago. The ship has been opened up with large access holes so that you can swim through the interior of the ship. Grand Cayman has more dive sites than Little Cayman. In the Cayman Islands, spring is in full force. Its land area is slightly bigger than Little Cayman with a measurement of 19 x 2 kilometers (12miles x 1.2miles). Best Diving Destination in the Carribean: The Cayman Islands Best Dive & Stay Packages in the Cayman Islands - Ocean Frontiers You can spot eagle rays, reef sharks, sailfin blennies, tilefish, peacock flounders, garden eels, or yellow-headed jawfish. Black coral and colorful sponges decorate the near-vertical face and the shallows are dotted with large coral heads teeming with marine life. Bloody Bay Wall is located in Little Cayman. Aside from being outside the high season which means that Grand Cayman dive resorts all-inclusive hotel prices and Caribbean dive packages are cheaper, this is also the months that the diving parameters are at its best. The water drops over a hundred feet. The non-divers with us were content to lounge by the pool, visit the spa, ride bikes, and go for walks. 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. No diving trip in Grand Cayman would be complete without a dive at the infamous Stingray City. 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. divemasters and lovers of all things underwater, know the best time The Cayman Islands certainly offer diversity without a long trip from the states. Located in the western Caribbean, just 480 miles south of Miami, Cayman is perfect for scuba diving and snorkelling, boasting some of the Caribbean's best excursions. The water clarity is typically amazingly clear. Please Sign-in or Register 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. The rainiest months in Grand Cayman are September and October during the height of the annual hurricane season. For beginners or those who get nervous in enclosed spaces, there are plenty of decks around the exterior to check out. The Cayman Diving Season The islands are very much a year round diving destination. dive in each month of the year. The Best Diving in Cayman Islands 2022 - Divein An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. For diving, the reefs are easy to reach from many dive operators and offer a diversity of schooling fish, sponges, turtles, rays, and even sharks. Below are our recommendations for the best months to dive in Although the rays who made this site their home permanently have moved on, there is still a good chance of spotting them here. There are lots of beautiful beaches to visit and to relax. No worries, the diving is world class on Bloody Bay Wall. Reservations Office is open Monday-Friday | 8:30am-5:30pm Cayman Islands time. The Cayman Islands has also designated four special areas for protection such as marine park zones, replenishment zones, environmental zones, and no diving zones. The sea is always warm in the Cayman Islands, with surface temperatures never dropping below around 25 o C (78 o F). Facebook 6. Why? 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. Hurricane Ivan in 2004 cleaved the 100m/328ft ship in half but divers can still explore both sections of the wreckage. 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. Both Grand Cayman and Little Cayman have great diving. Today, Cayman is one of the top dive destinations anywhere. Its a very easy and fun dive, we saw some angelfish and eagle rays. Along the drop-off, crevices and canyons cut through the reefs face. Drop us a comment below and tell us your favorite site! When diving the Cayman Islands you can see a lot of large sponges, some good macro, and some tiny fish. Replace or update your card, buy a Special Edition or Project AWARE version of your PADI certification card, or go digital with the purchase of a PADI eCard. Grand Cayman is the most commercial island, with cruise ships visiting, but it has some wrecks and the wall dives are close boat rides. It seems the dive guides hunt the lionfish and then feed the groupers, so they joined us right away each dive. "High Season" at the hotels is mid-December to mid-April, so rates will be higher then. It does not make the product pricier for you. The 20 Best Dive sites in Caymans? The Cayman Islands are home to some of the best spots for scuba diving and snorkeling in the world. Located 133 kilometers (83 miles) northeast of Grand Cayman is its little sister island Little Cayman. Divers in the Caymans visit Kittiwake for the wreck itself. . The worst time is September during the hurricane season. Collect your trip ideas, share with friends or make an enquiry. We understand that annual leave is precious so we can ensure that GOT QUESTIONS ABOUT DIVING IN CAYMANS? The main dive spot of Little Cayman is located on the northwest coast in a marine protected area the Bloody Bay Marine Park. This is how we pay ourselves. 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! 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. Crabs and lobsters are among the critters hiding in the crevices. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. May through November, and especially September and October, are the riskiest months to visit. Grand Cayman has beautiful beaches and probably the most topside activities or restaurants anyone would want. 4. Learn to Dive in Cayman - Beginners and Refresher Courses This is a wall that drops 2000 meters to the sea floor. Most dive operators will take you there. Best Diving sites in Cayman Islands - Scuba dive reviews by Divezone Best Time To Visit Cayman Islands - Travel Tips For Every Season I guess thats one drawback of guided dives, everyone is constantly on the move, not ideal for photography, especially macro photography. For macro subjects, you can see angelfish, morays, lettuce slug nudibranchs and many more. If the forecast looks good, they should consider taking a last-minute trip to Grand Cayman if they also spot an attractive discount. Look in the blue off the wall for passing sharks, rays, and turtles. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. It was quite crowded with dive and snorkel boats when we got there, but it was no big deal once we got in the water. Eden Rock & Devils Grotto are two dive sites that are next to each other. Now it has become a beautiful artificial reef and home for colorful sponges, groupers, barracudas and other marine life. I would appreciate if you don't as these referral links are what keep me posting and sharing on this blog. 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. 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. Grand Cayman's North Wall plunges deeper than 1800 metres/6000 feet and offers beautiful wall diving with opportunities to see spotted eagle rays and sea turtles. With a PADI Travel account, you can favourite dive operators to come back to later on any device or computer. Black groupers, sergeant majors, yellowtail snapper, and moray eels are just a few of the species you can expect to see. This is a deep wall that drops several hundred feet into the abyss. Best Time to Dive Cayman Islands Diving is available year-round. I thought it might be too touristy, but it was a lot of fun. 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. Divers of all levels can explore the engines, pistons, and pieces of the wreck that are scattered at 18m/60ft. 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. Over 200 permanent boat moorings are installed to avoid damaging corals with the dropping of boat anchors. As for temperature and weather, the Cayman Islands are tropical, meaning it's warm 365 days a year. Live like a local and get under the skin of a destination with our in-country concierges. 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. A favourite stop for those diving and snorkeling lovers, the Bay Islands' important three islands are Roatan, Utila and Guanaja. Head to the turret guns for a superb photo opportunity and keep your eyes peeled for barracuda, bright sponges, and schooling reef fish. In general, the tourism industry in the Cayman Islands is designed with divers in mind. knowledge to ensure you know when to dive to enjoy the very best 20 Best Dive Sites In The Cayman Islands (2023) In this article, we review the top 20 scuba dive sites in the Cayman Islands. For scuba diving, the best time to dive the Cayman Islands is pretty much any time except peak hurricane season. For big animals - you can find a good number of turtles and groupers, tarpon, nurse sharks, great barracuda, and stingrays. an enquiry. The North Wall is one of the most visited diving sites and plunges to a depth of 6000 feet (1800 meters). 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. I have lived in the corporate world for a few years now with very little excitement in my life. iFrameResize({log:true, enablePublicMethods:true}); Plenty of schooling reef fish call Ghost Mountain home and the pinnacle is also carpeted in deep, bloody-red finger sponges. Exploring this site requires you to initially descend to 18 meters (60 feet) deep where the wall starts. Get forecasts each morning for every major island. Little Cayman was first discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1503. A 2.75 meter (9ft) bronze statue of Amphitrite (the wife of the mythological god Poseidon) rises up from the base of the reef. Despite the name, you arent guaranteed to see tarpon here. Away from the stingray action, there are a number of coral heads with a variety of life to check out. Please Sign-in or Register to save My Ideas for later, Our social channels Flights to Grand Cayman arrive at Owen Roberts International Airport. Great views, amazing stay - Review of Ocean Cabanas Dive Resort, West Its also the historical rainfall patterns. If you want to escape the crowds of cruise ship passengers, the East End is the place to go. 2. The units are privately owned and furnished, but they have 21 accommodations available for rental use. Get in touch with our specialists for even more in-depth travel advice. Cayman Islands Diving | Scubago If you enjoy snorkeling, then check out our article where we discuss the top 25 snorkel spots in Grand Cayman. Roberts Wall is located on the North Wall in Grand Cayman. Dive vacations in the Cayman Islands are a good choice for underwater photographers with their many opportunities to capture the beauty of the place and wonderful visibility, and also for travellers looking for deep dives - you can find many along the Cayman walls. Located 2.5 kilometers (1.6 miles) northwest of the Capital City of George Town is one of the most popular dive sites, not just in the Cayman Islands, but in the Caribbean the Stingray City which is classified as a sandbar that has been naturally aggregated with southern stingrays that have been accustomed to human presence because of feeding. Choose from private or single rates, we will find you the best possible option to help you enjoy the famous Cayman Stingray City. I have worked in the corporate world and had little time for adventure. I am Dan, this site is my blog where I document my research on the best diving spots in the world. 5 of the Best Scuba Diving Sites in the Cayman Islands You can hand-feed wild Southern stingrays. The USS Kittiwake is an ex-US Navy ship that was purposely sunk in Grand Cayman to create a new dive site. Clearly Cayman Group Specials - Big savings on 7-night stays! The dive schedule would include a deep wall dive followed by a shallower reef or wreck. Cayman Islands, as well as our suggestions for the best places to 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. The best time to dive is between December and April when the water is at its warmest and the visibility is at its best. Along with the vertical structures of the wall are small cracks and crevices that have become the refuge of marine critters like crabs, lobsters, moray eels and octopus. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. There is also a small restaurant and dive resort. Best Time to Dive in Cayman Islands - Original Diving Grand Cayman is a beautiful dive destination with many options for accommodations and for diving. The Cayman Islands boasts world-class beaches, luxurious properties, worldwide culinary influences, high-end shops, local stores, and everything in between. During winter, temperatures can drop down to the low 70s. You need to protect your fingers from the eager snappers though. 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. 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. The best time to see whitetip reef sharks in the Cayman Islands is from May to August. Eden Rock Dive Center. Diving in the Cayman Islands - Bluewater Dive Travel We rarely boast about our service but we believe it's what sets us apart and makes us truly original, so please forgive this moment of unabashed self-promotion. It is only a 10-minute walk from the cruise ship port in George Town to Eden Rock. Interested in diving the Cayman Islands? If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. The Cayman Islands is a world-class diving destination famous for its reefs, wrecks and rum. 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. Dive Shop and Front desk is open 7 days per week | 7am to 6pm and can be reached directly on (345)-640-7500 If you like diving in caves and grottos, Trinity Caves on Grand Caymans west side is the site for you. Settle on the sand at just 3.7 meters (12ft) and have hordes of southern stingrays glide gracefully around you. 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. Cayman Islands Snorkeling: Discover The Best Spots in this Complete Guide 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.

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