A DIVING COCKTAIL OF REEFS, WRECKS AND FISH

The Cayman Islands is one of the oldest scuba diving destinations. The warm waters, shallow walls and endless visibility make our Cayman Islands liveaboard scuba diving trip perfect for new divers and snorkeling enthusiasts.

The Cayman Islands is an autonomous British Overseas Territory in the western Caribbean Sea. The three islands of Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman are located to the south of Cuba and northeast of Honduras. The area is one of the top scuba diving destinations in the world. The visibility ranges from 18 – 30 meters and the average water temperature is 26 – 28°C. 

The islands offer dramatic walls that plunge deeper than 1800 meters. The Cayman Islands are famous for its encounters with stingrays in Stingray City where the rays are said to be almost tame. And the island of Grand Cayman plays host to a turtle farm, so it is rare to dive without seeing at least one of the resident species.

BEST TIME TO VISIT THE CAYMAN ISLANDS

The most popular season is between mid-December and mid-April as these is the time with the most tourists. However, the Cayman Islands have decent weather conditions the whole year. In September there is a little chance for hurricanes but hurricanes are not common here. Air temperatures are between 24 and 28 degrees while the water temperature is between 26 and 30 degrees.

BEST CAYMAN DIVE SITES

3 Fathom Wall (Mixing Bowl). This is the crossroads of Bloody Bay Wall. Here, the “shear” wall, meets the “gentle slope”. This site offers more fish than any site in Little Cayman. Schools of Bermuda chub, 3-spotted goatfish, snappers and grouper of all sorts can be identified here. The dive site is home to an array of creatures, including the timid yellowhead jawfish, lobster, turtles and early rays. Occasionally reef sharks or nurse sharks can be spotted too.

David Nicholson (wreck). This “front end loader” was named for the late Dave Nicholson who was a diving icon of the Cayman Islands. Lying just offshore of the Sunset House Hotel, one can sometimes find lobster and large grouper under the stern of the wreck. A great “photo op” is also available at the statue of the Mermaid (designed by Simon Morris).

Devils Grotto/Eden Rock. One of the dives that made Grand Cayman so famous. Located just off the shore outside of George Town, one can explore the passages of these two dive sites. The maximum depth is 13m.

More dive sites: Angelfish Reef, coral fingers and small coral heads make this sight truly enjoyable for night diving as well as a day dive. The Balboa wreck that is located in only 12m. This site is usually done as a night dive. And Big Tunnels, highlighted by three swim thru’s ranging from 24m-39m. Tarpon is sometimes found in and around this site.

LIVEABOARDS IN THE CAYMAN ISLANDS

The liveaboards in the Cayman Islands will show you the best of the three islands. The ships are luxurious and comfortable and the diving is unlimited. The Cayman Islands cater for divers with all levels of experience, whether you are new to the world of scuba or a diving veteran.