Cayman Brac offers a good mix of wall, wreck and reef diving for all experience levels. As for temperature and weather, the Cayman Islands are tropical, meaning it's warm 365 days a year. Grab your gear and dive into the crystal clear waters of Grand Cayman! 4. Plenty of schooling reef fish call Ghost Mountain home and the pinnacle is also carpeted in deep, bloody-red finger sponges. Just be prepared for a rain shower or two, as this is the start of the region's wet 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. Situated not far from the north point on Grand Cayman, Ghost Mountain is probably named for the behemoth mushroom-like pinnacle that suddenly emerges from the blue as divers near it. It lays at 60 ft (20 m) and scuba divers are able to explore all five levels of this 250 ft (75 m) vessel. It was then sunk in Grand Cayman in 1980 to make a new dive site. The rainy season spans from May through October though showers usually only last for a few hours at a time. The best diving depth at this Cayman site, between 30 and 40 meters (98-130ft) means its best for deep certified advanced divers. I guess thats one drawback of guided dives, everyone is constantly on the move, not ideal for photography, especially macro photography. 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. They pickup from the Westin, Ritz and Kimpton Seafire beaches for their West Dives, which is one of their standout features. 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. Use Add to ideas + to collect your trip ideas, share with friends or make Today, Cayman is one of the top dive destinations anywhere. to save My Ideas for later. Bloody Bay Marine Park is a particularly popular diving destination as it is home to 12 different dive sites, gorgeous coral, and diverse marine life. Away from the stingray action, there are a number of coral heads with a variety of life to check out. Even if they are stingrays and have the potential to inflict painful wounds via their tail, do not panic as they are not in their aggressive or defensive mode. Drop us a comment below and tell us your favorite site! 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. While accessible from shore, it is a long surface swim so diving the Oro Verde by boat is recommended. I would like to mention 2 points though, one that it is a bit expensive, both the accommodations and the diving, and secondly, it looks like they allow open water divers to do the deeper wall dives, where you can be as deep as 100 feet, just an FYI, in case youre not comfortable at that depth. Trinity Caves is one Cayman dive site that never disappoints. The dive boat did make the excursion across to Little Cayman's Bloody Bay wall one day which is very achievable from Cayman Brac. The Cayman dollar is exchanged at a rate fixed to the US dollar (CI $1 equals US $1.25). This site is well-known and popular with divers, snorkelers, and glass-bottom boaters alike. Theyre not timid and as they surround you, these rays seem happy to receive a gentle stroke or two. 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. Usually you will see at least a few tarpon at this spot. Despite the name, you arent guaranteed to see tarpon here. If you want to enjoy these five dive sites . From April to October water temperature are at least 27 o C (81 o F) and can reach over 30 o C (85 o F). 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. Otherwise, it is clear that December through April are the best months of the year to visit Grand Cayman, especially early April. There is a separate fee to dive this wreck that goes towards conservation, and you also get a nice yellow diver medallion to keep. 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. I am a scuba diving newbie, a Project Manager by profession, and an entrepreneur at heart. 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. You can spot eagle rays, reef sharks, sailfin blennies, tilefish, peacock flounders, garden eels, or yellow-headed jawfish. Facebook The water depth here is around 18-meters. Grand Cayman Dive Resorts I Packages I Wyndham Reef Resort I would appreciate if you don't as these referral links are what keep me posting and sharing on this blog. Grand Cayman, the main island, is often one of the most popular destinations in the Caribbean, especially with western Caribbean cruises. Through this site,my intent is to be able to sponsor the new chapter in my life as a scuba diver. Now it has become a beautiful artificial reef and home for colorful sponges, groupers, barracudas and other marine life. But the main reason for diving here are the sharks, especially hammerheads. Top 12 Beautiful Places to Visit in the Cayman Islands You will see a lot of tarpon at this spot, as well as coral and other fish. While the gazebo itself is actually an arch, this small dive site never fails to please. He is the author of four books about cruising in the Caribbean, Alaska and Mexican Riviera. to dive in Cayman Islands. 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. All content is copyright protected by either DIVEIN.com or respected copyright holders, Disclosure: We are reader supported, and earn. There is slightly more rain during the summer months. From these locations, I was able to dive the west end and also the North Wall. There is also an air pocket in a decompression chamber that you can pop into and chat with your buddy!! Under its 1986 declaration covering an area of hectares (23 acres) are dive sites that are popular to tourists and divers alike. 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. Click the link below to read our article about Macabuca: Tarpon Alley is located at the North Wall in Grand Cayman. Click the link below to read our article about Cheeseburger Reef: Sunset House is located on the south-side of Grand Cayman, near George Town. In addition, you're more likely to snag a hotel deal during these months. Cayman Islands, as well as our suggestions for the best places to If you love nature, you can go hiking or explore some caverns and caves. But its not just the heat that matters when visiting the Cayman Islands. 10 Best Scuba Diving Companies In Grand Cayman (2023) Both are wonderful underwater. It's the kind of peaceful place where you will make your own fun. It does not make the product pricier for you. Stingray City has very large, friendly stingrays. 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. Cayman Brac offered multiple relaxed dive spots on reefs all along the edge of the island. Often you can see massive tarpons, barracudas, and schools of silversides. 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. Great views, amazing stay - Review of Ocean Cabanas Dive Resort, West Scuba Divers can experience the world's best 12ft dive site at Stingray City, the beautiful Starfish Point and Bloody Bay . Watch your buoyancy and head out into the blue, look back to really appreciate the Great Walls sheer size and impressive drop-off. The Cayman Islands are one of the Best Liveaboard Destinations for Beginners. Learn to Dive in Cayman - Beginners and Refresher Courses Dive Into the Cayman Islands | Cond Nast Traveler Grand Cayman is the most commercial island, with cruise ships visiting, but it has some wrecks and the wall dives are close boat rides. Click here to learn more. Look in the blue off the wall for passing sharks, rays, and turtles. Besides the thick black corals, keep an eye out for tarpon, large yellow tube sponges, and ginormous barrel sponges. 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. Scuba Diving in the Cayman Islands | Explore Cayman These Florida Keys resorts are ideal for family getaways and romantic retreats. It is only a 10-minute walk from the cruise ship port in George Town to Eden Rock. Over 200 permanent boat moorings are installed to avoid damaging corals with the dropping of boat anchors. Grand Cayman is the most visited island in the Cayman Islands by Scuba Divers. Answer 1 of 11: Does anyone have firsthand experience with any of the dive operators on Little Cayman that they will share? Schools of bright snappers brightened the reefs among colorful sponges. The sea is always warm in the Cayman Islands, with surface temperatures never dropping below around 25 o C (78 o F). 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. While Grand Cayman, the most popular island, has a mix of accessible shore and boat diving. Some of those services give me a small percentage of what you pay as commission for my referral. 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. We understand that annual leave is precious so we can ensure that The visibility at Donnas Delight on Little Cayman is typically good and the relaxed and easy diving here is suitable for all levels. Get in touch with our specialists for even more in-depth travel advice. (Closed Circuit Rebreathers/CCR) allows you to massively extend your dive time. Elkhorn corals adorn the tops of the ridges while large gorgonians, tube sponges, and hard corals occupy the gullies. Frugal travel planners can look for good deals during these months while keeping an eye on the 10-day weather forecast. Cheeseburger Reef is located in George Town, Grand Cayman. Cactus coral, sea fans, great star coral, and tube sponges blanket the reef and provide refuge for a variety of sea creatures. Jacques Costeau loved diving in the Caymans and its easy to see why. Cayman Islands Diving - Everything You Need to Know You will find Nassau gropers, triggerfish, and other unique marine life at the Bloody Bay Wall. For beginners or those who get nervous in enclosed spaces, there are plenty of decks around the exterior to check out. We were lucky enough to see the tail end of silversides on the wreck of the Balboa right in the Harbor too. With a PADI Travel account, you can favourite dive operators to come back to later on any device or computer. 10 Things To Do At Cayman Islands Besides Scuba Diving Hurricanes rarely hit Grand Cayman directly. The water is about 10 to 20 feet deep. Head to around 30m/98ft for some of the best wall views. Originally coined 356, this wreck is now called the M/V Captain Keith Tibbetts after a well-known Cayman Brac politician. Tieneke, Joe, and Kevin went out of their way to accommodate our dive group and show us a really great time. MV Captain Keith Tibbetts is an ex-Soviet Union ship that was built in 1984 for the Cuban Navy. Grand Cayman has more dive sites than Little Cayman. 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.

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