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In the Cayman Islands, spring is in full force. Macro photographers should seek the banded coral shrimp and divers licensed to 30m/98ft will enjoy the gorgonian fans in the cavern at this depth. 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. Our reviews: We can make the world a little bit better with great in-depth reviews. The North Wall is one of the most visited diving sites and plunges to a depth of 6000 feet (1800 meters). I know there are shore dives that can be done, and we plan to do some of those next time. There's much to discover beyond theme parks in this Southeastern state. Please Sign-in or Register East End 5. 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. Having a less touristic crowd, Cayman Brac still has several tourism facilities like Cayman Brac Dive Resorts that are scattered along its narrow coast. The months of January and February are the coldest, with average lows in the low 60s. The top of the wall is around 9 meters (30ft) so the site can be enjoyed as a shallow or deep dive. Both Grand Cayman and Little Cayman have great diving. There are lots of other fish and coral. Bloody Bay Wall- Most scuba divers will say this is their favorite dive site in the Cayman Islands. Access to tools and resources at your fingertips, curated to enhance your diving experience. Devil's Grotto- Suitable for both beginners and advanced, it's a great shallow shore dive that features massive swim-throughs, chimneys and coral formations. Twitter 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? It was named Orange Canyon because of the large orange Elephant Ear Sponges that can be found here. for even more in-depth travel advice. The visibility at Donnas Delight on Little Cayman is typically good and the relaxed and easy diving here is suitable for all levels. Manage Settings The rainy season spans from May through October though showers usually only last for a few hours at a time. 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! The winter and early spring months are the most popular time in the Cayman Islands. You need to take a boat to reach this area. Best time to dive in Cayman Islands The diving is great year round in the Caribbean, something that is promoted with the dive 365 program. Roberts Wall is located on the North Wall in Grand Cayman. 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. December rainfall drops back down to about three inches. Dive Shop and Front desk is open 7 days per week | 7am to 6pm and can be reached directly on (345)-640-7500 Theyre not timid and as they surround you, these rays seem happy to receive a gentle stroke or two. Here youll find more than 50 dives sites including the famous Bloody Bay. In general, the tourism industry in the Cayman Islands is designed with divers in mind. The Cayman Islands dollar is legal tender in these islands. 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. There is also a small restaurant and dive resort. Best Times To Visit Cayman Islands The best time to visit the Cayman Islands is between March and June when the hotel rates drop. Here is a list of some of the marine animals you can likely spot when diving the Cayman Islands: There are over 300 dive sites in the Cayman Islands. Look in the blue off the wall for passing sharks, rays, and turtles. Macro photographers should keep an eye out for the neck and decorator crabs who make their homes here. The main dive spot of Little Cayman is located on the northwest coast in a marine protected area the Bloody Bay Marine Park. Choose from private or single rates, we will find you the best possible option to help you enjoy the famous Cayman Stingray City. Facebook Hotels, resorts and cruise ships dont like unsold rooms and cabins, so they are more likely to offer discounts to attract customers. The non-divers with us were content to lounge by the pool, visit the spa, ride bikes, and go for walks. 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. Hurricanes rarely hit Grand Cayman directly. This is a wreck worth a dive or two. 10 Go Scavenger Hunting At Seven Mile Beach. December to April is also the busiest time of year for tourism, so it's important to book your dive trips in advance. No crowds. 6. Please Sign-in or Register to save My Ideas for later, Our social channels Book your fun dives, snorkelling trips and courses online with thousands of PADI Dive Centers. You will need little more (and some prefer less) than a 3 mm full length wetsuit. . Usually you will see at least a few tarpon at this spot. This is a must-do dive for people vacationing in Grand Cayman. If you want to get rid of the tourist crowd in Grand Cayman and explore a dive site that is remote and that the diver to fish ratio is 1 to a million, then we suggest you head out northwest of Grand Cayman via a Cayman Liveaboard vessel in a site called Babylon. The water depth here is around 18-meters. 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. We highly advise you ask your local dive shop on the dos and donts in diving a particular dive site. There is a lot of soft coral here, which makes for an interesting experience. Rainfall starts to climb in May. Most of the units for rent are 2-bedroom and 2-bathroons units. Grand Cayman has more dive sites than Little Cayman. The Seven Mile Beach area and the main city, Georgetown, are very developed with large hotels and resorts, restaurants, shops, etc. The largest among the three islands, Grand Cayman is highly popular among SCUBA divers from all over the world. I am the father of the best two children in the world and husband to the most patient woman on this planet. The ship was originally built for the US Army Transportation Corps over 70-years ago. Elkhorn corals adorn the tops of the ridges while large gorgonians, tube sponges, and hard corals occupy the gullies. On top of being generally warm, the waters are clear with underwater visibility running from 18 30 meters (60 100 feet). They make a difference for anyone visiting the Caymans by cruise who plans to spend more time shopping, dining and visiting attractions than spend time on the beaches. The Cayman Islands dollar is issued in units of $100, $50, $25, $10, $5 and $1 with coins of 25 cents, 10, 5 and one cent. Best Time to Visit The Cayman Islands are mostly sunny and warm year-round, but it may be best to visit between March and June when the hotel rates drop. Named for the bright orange elephant ear sponges that characterize this site, Orange Canyon doesnt contain a closed canyon per se, but an open channel with lively reef on either side. View Map. Water temperatures are usually low 80's F. Marine life is plentiful and varied. We understand that diving the best Grand Cayman Dives is the primary goal of your Grand Cayman Dive vacation. 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 . I have been diving in Grand Cayman several times. The Cayman Islands are widely regarded as the birthplace of recreational scuba diving, thanks to some pioneering efforts by local operators in the 1980s. Little Cayman is a lovely, quiet little island with a population of less than 170. an enquiry. 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. Take a walk along the coast line or rent a bicycle and ride around the island. The highlight of the dive is the photo opportunity with this Cayman reefs most famous resident. This world-class scuba destination is colorful, bright, and teeming with life. Our team will meet you at the airport and fast-track you through. These Florida Keys resorts are ideal for family getaways and romantic retreats. Trinity Caves is a popular dive site that is located off the coast of West Bay in Grand Cayman. Both of these sites are accessible from shore. And when it comes to marine life, there is lots to see! 4. Away from the stingray action, there are a number of coral heads with a variety of life to check out. 1. Most dive operators will take you there. The best time to see whitetip reef sharks in the Cayman Islands is from May to August. 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. Theres good diving, with great Walls and of course stingray city, where you can see and feed stingrays. 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. Eden Rock has lots of coral and fish, and Devils Grotto has underwater caves that you can explore. Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman house over 300 dive sites, making up the breathtaking Cayman dive map. When to go Best time Low season Off season Where to go when Enquire The wall dive also has several other topographical features including swim-throughs and tunnels. While the gazebo itself is actually an arch, this small dive site never fails to please. This dive site first became popular in the 90s when it was featured in the film The Firm, starring Tom Cruise. 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. The best time to visit the Cayman Islands is any time of year, but hotel rates drop in March and June and temperatures rise to around 80 degrees. 4. 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. Red Sail Sports have been Scuba Diving in Cayman for 40 years. Cayman Islands, as well as our suggestions for the best places to Only ten miles long and one mile wide, this is a place where you can truly focus on your opportunity to relax. 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. 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. I have stayed there several times at a dive resort with on-site dive operation. The best time to dive is between December and April when the water is at its warmest and the visibility is at its best. The USS Kittiwake is an ex-US Navy ship that was purposely sunk in Grand Cayman to create a new dive site. It exceeds six inches in August and jumps again to more than eight inches in September and October. As a photographer, I never lacked for subjects both wide angle and macro and anything in between. The water is about 10 to 20 feet deep. When we talk about Fiji, what immediately comes into our mind is a tropical dream holiday. The Cayman Islands hosts one of the best dives in the World: Bloody Bay Wall on Little Cayman. 390 S Church St, George Town KY1-1106, Cayman Islands. If you like diving in caves and grottos, Trinity Caves on Grand Caymans west side is the site for you. Our Original Diving experts, made up of marine biologists, divemasters and lovers of all things underwater, know the best time to dive in Little Cayman. Take your camera and get a snap with one of the abandoned bicycles that have also found a home here. 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. This is one of the top island destinations in the United Kingdom. "High Season" at the hotels is mid-December to mid-April, so rates will be higher then. MV Captain Keith Tibbetts is an ex-Soviet Union ship that was built in 1984 for the Cuban Navy. Find a Liveaboard -Practical Information - Book a Trip. Just south of Seven Mile Beach and approximately 46 feet below the surface are Eden Rock and Devil's Grotto, two of the most popular diving spots on Grand Cayman. When diving the Cayman Islands you can see a lot of large sponges, some good macro, and some tiny fish. If you want to escape the crowds of cruise ship passengers, the East End is the place to go. 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. I have traveled to the Cayman islands many times. Bert Brothers Boulders is also a great spot to see flying gurnards at around 5.5 meters (18ft). 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). Out in the open, spotted eagle rays are often seen swimming in groups of at least 5 individuals and their passing by is often correlated to the flyby of fighter jets in low altitude. Canyons and drop-offs provide a varied topography making the site a firm favorite with photographers. 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. Though scuba diving in the Cayman Islands is mostly known for close encounters with stingrays, it has much more to offer. 20 Best Dive Sites In The Cayman Islands (2023) In this article, we review the top 20 scuba dive sites in the Cayman Islands. You can dive along this wall and explore the different entrances. At night, this popular Caymans dive site is great for spotting octopus, lobster, and shrimp. There is a good amount of coral and fish here. If you have time, you should also take a flight to Little Cayman from Grand Cayman, and dive at Bloody Bay Wall. For us divers, the financial self-sufficiency of the Cayman Islands is only the icing on the cake. Around the coral fingers, stingrays, eagle rays and yellowhead jawfish rest on the sandy patches. Sidetrip: Grand Cayman is the biggest island and it is where most accommodations and restaurants are located. Explore the top-rated styles for every type of trip to the beach. Its also the historical rainfall patterns. Cayman Brac Beach Resort. You will see a lot of tarpon at this spot, as well as coral and other fish. During winter, temperatures can drop down to the low 70s. Honduras coast hosts the Bay Islands which is a compilation of eight islands and 53 small cays and these islands are one of the best scuba diving places in the world. This British overseas island is home to mystical caves, unscaled escarpments, tropical forests, diverse wildlife and a plethora of other unique experiences. They can offer up their first-hand Grand Cayman is a sophisticated Caribbean island with great nightlife, great resort options, and the wonderful attraction of stingray city, and very good wall diving. Stingray City has very large, friendly stingrays. Enjoy the comfort of an airport lounge with free drinks and snacks, even if you're flying economy. From classic wide-brimmed hats to water-repellent trucker hats, find your ideal style. Sea temperature varies little, from a high of 86F/30C in August/September to a low of 80F/26.5C in February. The islands' location in the western part of the Caribbean shields them from being hit too hard by the annual hurricane season, which lasts from June to November. If you want to enjoy these five dive sites . 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. Eden Rock & Devils Grotto are two dive sites that are next to each other. . As for temperature and weather, the Cayman Islands are tropical, meaning it's warm 365 days a year. 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. The seven mile beach area is beautiful for walking and photo opportunities. From April to October water temperature are at least 27 o C (81 o F) and can . at any point on your diving holiday) has to offer. 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. May through November, and especially September and October, are the riskiest months to visit. There are over 15 PADI 5-Star Centers in the Cayman Islands, ready to teach you everything you want to know about diving. You may see hammerhead sharks if you are lucky. It is rich with tunnels, chutes, cervices, and beautiful reefs. 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. Located south-east of the Gulf of Mexico and close to Jamaica, Cuba, and Haiti, diving in the Caymans offers classic Carribean underwater scenes and the chance to spot both large and small marine life. Now it has become a beautiful artificial reef and home for colorful sponges, groupers, barracudas and other marine life. [] Trinity Caves is one Cayman dive site that never disappoints. My wife and I are traveling there in February 2015 and are PADI AOW and Nitrox certified with ten years of recreational experience diving. Along the drop-off, crevices and canyons cut through the reefs face. If you find a good deal on DIVEIN, you click to the retailer, and you buy the product, we get a commission of the sale. Exploring this site requires you to descend to 10 meters (33 feet) deep where you will arrive at the top portion of the reef. The best dive site is either Bloody Bay Wall in Little Cayman or the USS Kittiwake in Grand Cayman. If the forecast looks good, they should consider taking a last-minute trip to Grand Cayman if they also spot an attractive discount. Divers of all levels can explore the engines, pistons, and pieces of the wreck that are scattered at 18m/60ft. 1. Princess Pennies Pinnacle is located on the North Wall in Grand Cayman. It does not make the product pricier for you. Moray eels and angelfish move among the coral, and turtles are often seen cruising over the reef. 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. 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. As of 2023, you can renew your passport online. 3. Grand Cayman makes a good dive vacation, but for us it was a great stop with plenty of good diving over 3 days on the way home from Cayman Brac. From Grand Cayman, you can transfer to Little Cayman or Cayman Brac. We understand that annual leave is precious so we can ensure that While at first the Oro Verde was a complete ship, rough seas and tumultuous weather have dispersed the wreckage. While accessible from shore, it is a long surface swim so diving the Oro Verde by boat is recommended. The wreck was specifically set up for safe penetration, giving divers many interior rooms to explore. you are in the right place at the right time to see the very best Our travel experts have highlighted our favourite places to visit each month, Terms & Conditions Sharp-eyed divers can find leopard flatworms and the tunnels are also popular hangouts for rays and green moray eels. Corals and sponges are plentiful. The most striking and common marine life for me were the brightly yellow colored tube sponges. They have ladders that you can use to enter and exit the water safely. Grand Cayman Monthly Weather: Rain, Temperatures, Grand Cayman Vacation Tips: Hotels, Attractions, Weather, Cayman Islands overnight visitor statistics; Caribeez.com. There are lots of options for great photography and for posing for memorable photos, such as by the Kittiwake sign, swimming by the prop, or pretending to steer the helm on the bridge. 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. For scuba diving, the best time to dive the Cayman Islands is pretty much any time except peak hurricane season. In February, the cost is roughly $1,044 round trip . 0 Clearly Cayman Group Specials - Big savings on 7-night stays! But its not just the heat that matters when visiting the Cayman Islands. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates. The water is about 100 feet deep, and there is a good variety of soft and hard corals. This island is very small and there is little to do, other than dive. Pinterest I guess thats one drawback of guided dives, everyone is constantly on the move, not ideal for photography, especially macro photography. The Kittiwake wreck as well as other wrecks in the close vicinity add variety and interesting structure which I really enjoyed. While the Cayman Islands are famous for its encounters with stingrays in Stingray City where the rays are said to be almost tame, there are many more sites that the islands offer. [What You Need to Know]. Average rainfall jumps to more than five inches in May, June and July. Find the best and most popular products and review them. Collect your trip ideas, share with friends or make an enquiry. All content is copyright protected by either DIVEIN.com or respected copyright holders, Disclosure: We are reader supported, and earn. Black coral and colorful sponges decorate the near-vertical face and the shallows are dotted with large coral heads teeming with marine life. 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. And as you might imagine, the coral-encrusted archway makes for a fantastic photo opportunity. Answer 1 of 11: Does anyone have firsthand experience with any of the dive operators on Little Cayman that they will share? . Interested in diving the Cayman Islands? We are proud to off-set 100% of the carbon generated by our clients' flights. You can go hiking in the Mastic Trail where it has really nice views from the harbors and the beaches. Were a free review guide run by passionate Divers, Sports, and Outdoor fanatics. Cayman Islands International Film Festival. Little Cayman, Cayman Islands. Nature lovers are lured to diverse hiking trails, caves, and a variety of flora and fauna around the island. Eden Rock Dive Center. (Closed Circuit Rebreathers/CCR) allows you to massively extend your dive time. to save My Ideas for later. Grand Cayman and Little Cayman are the main diving areas in the Cayman Islands which are recognized as having one of the best wall dives in the world. The reef slopes gradually from 5 to 17 meters (17-55ft), and is covered in hard corals, sea whips, small sponges and gorgonians.