MV Capt. Intermediate divers can begin their dive at the chimney, a narrow tunnel starting at 12m/40ft and ending at 24m/80ft. This area is an international tourist destination and can be crowded. Roundabout is located along the North Wall in Grand Cayman. Sunset Reef is a popular shore dive just 60 meters (200ft) off the Sunset House Resorts pier. There is also a dive shop and restaurant. As a photographer, I never lacked for subjects both wide angle and macro and anything in between. Best Times To Visit Cayman Islands The best time to visit the Cayman Islands is between March and June when the hotel rates drop. 2. Book an introductory scuba diving package to learn the basics of diving from certified PADI instructors. 390 S Church St, George Town KY1-1106, Cayman Islands. Live like a local and get under the skin of a destination with our in-country concierges. Address. 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;}. We have put together a comprehensive collection of packages to suit your needs. 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. This is really a divers paradise. The Cayman Islands certainly offer diversity without a long trip from the states. Its not often divers can see a mermaid on a dive, but at Sunset Reef they can. Cayman Brac is the last of the islands and also much less traveld than Grand Caymen. The best part about the dive is the . 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. Sidetrip: Visit Little Caymans Booby Pond Nature Reserve. With a PADI Travel account, you can favourite dive operators to come back to later on any device or computer. Frugal travel planners can look for good deals during these months while keeping an eye on the 10-day weather forecast. Yes, that is true and get ready since the 333 islands of Fiji will take you into a quintessential South United Arab Emirates: Unspoiled Dive Sites. Most of the units for rent are 2-bedroom and 2-bathroons units. There's much to discover beyond theme parks in this Southeastern state. The Cayman Islands are one of the Best Liveaboard Destinations in the World. The top is at 15m/50ft but the bottom is around 90m/200ft so diver ought to watch their depth gauges carefully as they circle the mountain. For example, let's look at one airline flying from Miami to Grand Cayman. Yes, that is the Cayman Islands and this is due in part of the tax holiday being implemented that has attracted businesses worldwide. Look along the ledge by the mooring for crabs and check out the four massive barrel sponges. 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. In 2017, Tropical Storm Nate shifted the Kittiwake from her original position. GOT QUESTIONS ABOUT DIVING IN CAYMANS? 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. Youtube+ The best time to visit Grand Cayman is March and April. The North Wall is one of the most visited diving sites and plunges to a depth of 6000 feet (1800 meters). We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Find & Book Adventures Book your fun dives, snorkelling trips and courses online with thousands of PADI Dive Centers. The rainiest months in Grand Cayman are September and October during the height of the annual hurricane season. Keith Tibbets- This Soviet-built Frigate that was owned by the Cuban navy was given to the Cayman Islands to purposefully sink it. Resident Nassau groupers often keep divers company and if you look closely, you may be rewarded with seahorses and lettuce-leaf slugs. Some of the nicest dive resorts in the Caribbean are in the Cayman Islands, and many of them have great shore diving and boat diving. The water is about 12-feet deep here. I have stayed there several times at a dive resort with on-site dive operation. In general, the tourism industry in the Cayman Islands is designed with divers in mind. you are in the right place at the right time to see the very best Its land area is slightly bigger than Little Cayman with a measurement of 19 x 2 kilometers (12miles x 1.2miles). 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 world-class scuba destination is colorful, bright, and teeming with life. While Grand Cayman receives the most publicity and visitors, all three Cayman Islands - Cayman Brac and Little Cayman being the other two -- offer outstanding scuba diving. Click here to learn more. The Cayman Islands has also designated four special areas for protection such as marine park zones, replenishment zones, environmental zones, and no diving zones. Best Liveaboard Destinations in the World, Vaccines recommended: Hep A; Typhoid if you will travel to rural areas, Visa: None needed for US citizens or European Union, Safety: Generally safe but petty theft can occur. It seems the dive guides hunt the lionfish and then feed the groupers, so they joined us right away each dive. Hotel prices are sourced from a sample of U.S. News Best Hotels rates through 2015-2016. Greenhouse is a nice medium-depth reef dive with plenty of grooves and gullies to explore. It is because of the sometimes extreme temperatures and rainfall that the Caymans have distinct spikes and dips in the number of tourists who visit each month. No worries, the diving is world class on Bloody Bay Wall. 1. If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. The water is about 100 feet deep, and there is a good variety of soft and hard corals. Among the dive sites in Scuba Cayman Brac, the remains of a 100meter (330feet) long Russian Koni class frigate is considered one of the best underwater attraction in the Cayman Islands. From spotting blue iguanas to kayaking in a bioluminescent bay to diving through intricate shipwrecks, here is a guide to making the most out of a first-time visit to Grand Cayman. 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. On top of being generally warm, the waters are clear with underwater visibility running from 18 30 meters (60 100 feet). 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. 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. You can spot eagle rays, reef sharks, sailfin blennies, tilefish, peacock flounders, garden eels, or yellow-headed jawfish. We did not make it to Stingray city, but did get to the other must do dive in Grand Cayman - the USS Kittiwake, a submarine rescue vessel. The ship has been opened up with large access holes so that you can swim through the interior of the ship. Twitter Trinity Caves is a popular dive site that is located off the coast of West Bay in Grand Cayman. StingrayCity. Find a Liveaboard -Practical Information - Book a Trip. 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. Little Cayman GoPro Video Workshop: April 2023, Best Liveaboard Destinations for Beginners, shifted the Kittiwake from her original position. Choose your design and prove your PADI certified diver status across the world with a recycled plastic card, eCard or both. 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. Hotels, resorts and cruise ships dont like unsold rooms and cabins, so they are more likely to offer discounts to attract customers. Trinity Caves is one Cayman dive site that never disappoints. Theres good diving, with great Walls and of course stingray city, where you can see and feed stingrays. Diving is available year-round. Grand Cayman is a beautiful dive destination with many options for accommodations and for diving. 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. It is 330-feet in length, and was sunk in Cayman Brac in 1996. 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. Welcome to my scuba diving bucket list. Divers of all levels can explore the engines, pistons, and pieces of the wreck that are scattered at 18m/60ft. Sidetrip: Grand Cayman is the biggest island and it is where most accommodations and restaurants are located. When to go Best time Low season Off season Where to go when Click the link below to read our article where we explain the difference between Deep Stingray City and Stingray City Sandbar: Macabuca is located in West Bay in Grand Cayman. StingRay City on scuba with a small group was so much fun feeding the rays. This is brought to you by the paradise-features of diving Cayman Islands: three islands where the bounty of nature is amplified as you go underwater.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'scubadivegeek_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_3',115,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-scubadivegeek_com-medrectangle-3-0'); Who would ever think that at the peak of an undersea mountain range lies a country that has one of the Worlds largest financial centers? Canyons and drop-offs provide a varied topography making the site a firm favorite with photographers. The water is about 10 to 20 feet deep. January and February are the coolest months with average lows in the high 60s. Theyre not timid and as they surround you, these rays seem happy to receive a gentle stroke or two. This island is very small and there is little to do, other than dive. The highlight of the dive is the photo opportunity with this Cayman reefs most famous resident. The best diving depth at this Cayman site, between 30 and 40 meters (98-130ft) means its best for deep certified advanced divers. Seven Mile Beach 4. Photographers will love Greenhouse for its varied macro life. From these locations, I was able to dive the west end and also the North Wall. Cayman Islands International Film Festival. You will see a lot of tarpon at this spot, as well as coral and other fish. Cayman Brac Beach Resort. Through this site,my intent is to be able to sponsor the new chapter in my life as a scuba diver. Water temperatures are usually low 80's F. Marine life is plentiful and varied. The main dive spot of Little Cayman is located on the northwest coast in a marine protected area the Bloody Bay Marine Park. Butterflyfish, triggerfish, shrimp, snapper, and more hand out in and around the large coral heads that sit nor far from the waters surface. It was named Orange Canyon because of the large orange Elephant Ear Sponges that can be found here. 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. Moray eels and angelfish move among the coral, and turtles are often seen cruising over the reef. Generally, the off-season is the cheapest time to visit Grand Cayman, from May through November. It is an amazing sight, and a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience. There are over 15 PADI 5-Star Centers in the Cayman Islands, ready to teach you everything you want to know about diving. If you want to enjoy these five dive sites . 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. Share your love of diving, experience new adventures, expand your dive skills, and help save the ocean. The wall dive also has several other topographical features including swim-throughs and tunnels. 4. 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. Bert Brothers Boulders is also a great spot to see flying gurnards at around 5.5 meters (18ft). Their sister company, Tortuga Divers, operates from Morritts Tortuga Club in East End. The wreck of the Captain Keith is unusual it is the only Soviet-made warship that divers can visit in the western hemisphere. I've stayed at hotels and used independent dive operators and I have stayed at dive resorts with on-site dive operations. Despite the name, there arent actually caves here. Stingray City offers divers the opportunity to fully interact with these amazing creatures. Naturally, this is also the most expensive season, and reservations must be made at least three months in advance. Overall it is a place worth seeing. Everything most divers want. July has a jump in visits for families in part because school children are out for the summer. Even though July is a popular month, it is not necessarily a good time to go because of the reasons below. 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. Closely packed ridges form huge coral heads between the shore and the reef wall. 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. Tarpon Alley is part of the North Wall with depths between 15 to 25 meters (50-80ft). Wakatobi Dive Resort, a private island south of Sulawesi, understands thisand that shooters trek to this country, one of the most biodiverse hotspots on the planet, to capture images of every critter possible. I guess thats one drawback of guided dives, everyone is constantly on the move, not ideal for photography, especially macro photography. Continue with Recommended Cookies. 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. 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. This is currently number 20 on the 100 Best Dives list.. A direct flight from Miami to Grand Cayman takes only 70 minutes. 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. 1 is a 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom unit. Located 133 kilometers (83 miles) northeast of Grand Cayman is its little sister island Little Cayman. Eden Rock Dive Center. Fiji: Dive the Soft Coral Capital of the World. Apart from the elephant ear sponges, keep your eyes peeled for blacktip Carribean reef sharks in the blue. Located just a short walk from George Town, the Sunset House Hotel is home to Sunset Divers, and both resort and dive center are favorites of divers. From Rolex watches to Caymanite earrings to a shell necklace. If you have time, you should also take a flight to Little Cayman from Grand Cayman, and dive at Bloody Bay Wall. Beginners can enjoy another smaller chimney instead. Divers can observe the bow guns and go along the rails to make some great photos. As a diver, with a PADI account you can access your eLearning along with many more tools to help you on your adventures. The sea is always warm in the Cayman Islands, with surface temperatures never dropping below around 25 o C (78 o F). If the forecast looks good, they should consider taking a last-minute trip to Grand Cayman if they also spot an attractive discount. Our travel experts have highlighted our favourite places to visit each month, Terms & Conditions PADI Dive Resorts for all budgets, in the best dive locations around the world. 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. The rainy season spans from May through October though showers usually only last for a few hours at a time. The ship was originally built for the US Army Transportation Corps over 70-years ago. Sharks and turtles are frequent visitors as are snappers, groupers, and grunts. Boasting strong diving infrastructure, diverse types of diving, incredible walls and wrecks, and great visibility. You can see Spotted Eagle Rays flying passed this area from depths of about 30 to 100 feet. Eden Rock has lots of coral and fish, and Devils Grotto has underwater caves that you can explore. 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. Founder of Georges Watersports & Thingstodocayman.net. Because great in-depth gear reviews will help you select the right products for your specific needs, budget, and interests. At night, this popular Caymans dive site is great for spotting octopus, lobster, and shrimp. If you enjoy snorkeling, then check out our article where we discuss the top 25 snorkel spots in Grand Cayman. Exploring this site requires you to descend to a depth of 18 meters (60 feet) where the entrance of this elaborate tunnel system starts. The depths start at around 12m/40ft and end at 30m/98ft. (Closed Circuit Rebreathers/CCR) allows you to massively extend your dive time. From Grand Cayman, you can transfer to Little Cayman or Cayman Brac. 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. So, what are you waiting for? From classic wide-brimmed hats to water-repellent trucker hats, find your ideal style. 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. This site is well-known and popular with divers, snorkelers, and glass-bottom boaters alike. The top of the wall is around 9 meters (30ft) so the site can be enjoyed as a shallow or deep dive. Jackson's Bight- Located also in the Bloody Bay Marine Park, it does not fail to provide scuba divers with an amazing dive. 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. Also, check out our article where we review the top 25 things to do in Grand Cayman. The winter and early spring months are the most popular time in the Cayman Islands. North Wall 2. stingray city 3. dive in each month of the year. Marine Life & Environment - Top Dive Spots - Diving Conditions, How to Get There-How to Dive Cayman Islands-Best Time to Dive, NEW! Would also recommend spending an afternoon at Rum Point, where you can relax and also do some snorkeling if you like. Here are a few of our favourite dive sites in Grand Cayman: 1. The famous diver and explorer Jacques Cousteau said that Bloody Bay Wall is one of the top dive sites in the world. The months of January and February are the coldest, with average lows in the low 60s. 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. This 82 hectare (200 acres) protected area is the refuge of the largest red-footed booby population in the Caribbean and is a popular bird-watching site. The chart to the right using data from the Caribbean Tourism Organization shows that March is the most popular month of the year to visit followed by December and July. This spot is about 20-feet deep, and has a lot of coral. They can offer up their first-hand knowledge to ensure you know when to dive to enjoy the very best marine life, be it the tiny critters or bigger beasts of . 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. 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. Before the USS Kittiwake was sunk, the Oro Verde was the wreck dive of choice in the Caymans. It exceeds six inches in August and jumps again to more than eight inches in September and October. My favorite were the groupers who followed us like pets. You will need little more (and some prefer less) than a 3 mm full length wetsuit. Facebook This British overseas island is home to mystical caves, unscaled escarpments, tropical forests, diverse wildlife and a plethora of other unique experiences. Usually you will see at least a few tarpon at this spot. 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. The reef slopes gradually from 5 to 17 meters (17-55ft), and is covered in hard corals, sea whips, small sponges and gorgonians. The heat may be less of an issue for anyone planning to spend a week there mainly on the beaches during the day and shopping or having fun in the cooler evenings. Tourism volume is estimated based on in-market destination search query interest from Google and on travel.usnews.com in 2015-2016. "High Season" at the hotels is mid-December to mid-April, so rates will be higher then. From April to October water temperature are at least 27 o C (81 o F) and can . Cayman Islands Reservations Phone: (345)-947-0000 Our Reservations Office is located on site at the Dive Shop & Resort in the Cayman Islands. Give the perfect gift for your favorite ocean lover and explorer. 6. Cayman Islands has an average water temperature ranging from 26 29C (78 84F). Penetration is encouraged but to get the most out of the experience, take a torch. 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. But the main reason for diving here are the sharks, especially hammerheads. Red Sail Sports have been Scuba Diving in Cayman for 40 years. //