Locals will tell you the Cayman Islands offer the best scuba diving in the Caribbean.
It’s easy to believe them: whether you’re a certified diver or a complete newcomer, the diversity of the wall dive sites offers fantastic opportunities for some truly exciting dives!
Already a go-to destination for stingray spotting and dramatic drop-offs, this British Overseas Territory also offers superb wreck dives and the revitalisation of the Cayman Islands’ vibrant reefs are a success story.
While every diver will have their favourites, here are three top spots to whet your appetite if you’ve ever thought of moving there.
1. Bloody Bay Wall, Little Cayman
Hands down the best diving site in the Cayman Islands – and, according to the late Jacques Cousteau, the world – Little Cayman’s protected Bloody Bay Marine Park boasts a spectacular combination of marine life and unparalleled visibility.
Clinging to its sheer wall – which drops off almost 2,000m into the abyss – is an other-worldly vertical forest of neon-yellow tube sponges, giant waving fans and bioluminescent corals. Spectacular!
You can also see eagle rays, turtles, lobsters, Nassau groupers and cheeky triggerfish at any of the dozen-odd sites along the wall, but some of the most interesting moorings include Eagle Ray Roundup, Mixing Bowl and Randy’s Gazebo.
2. USS Kittiwake, Grand Cayman
Following an illustrious half-century in service, this former navy ship was sunk off the north end of Seven Mile Beach in the noughties.
With marine growth on the hull still minimal, the fun is in exploring the vessel – all five levels of her. After navigating through the mess hall, propulsion rooms, hospital station and ammunition lockers, you can even experience your own Titanic moment on the bridge. With a maximum depth of only 20m, this is a dive for all levels and even snorkellers can get a great view from above.
3. Stingray City, Grand Cayman
We couldn’t not mention the legendary Stingray City. Originally attracted to the sand bars off Grand Cayman’s North Sound by fisherman who used to clean their catch here, the local stingrays are so tame it’s possible to feed them by hand.
While many visitors opt for a tour of Stingray City that allows them to walk around in the shallows and hug the rays (I’ve done it a few times – it’s great!), divers can enjoy more of a 3D experience as the truly enormous stingrays come straight at you looking for snacks (guides in attendance provide squid to feed them). As one of the world’s best shallow dives, it’s perfect for novices.
If you are a lawyer or chartered accountant and interested in working in the Bermuda/Caribbean region, visit our jobs portal to see the latest vacancies. Our site also includes a downloadable All You Need to Know guide which will tell you all you need to know about living and working offshore.
Leave A Comment
You must be logged in to post a comment.