Bloody Bay Wall is considered the epicenter of scuba diving in this marine park. Interested in diving the Cayman Islands? Scuba Divers can experience the world's best 12ft dive site at Stingray City, the beautiful Starfish Point and Bloody Bay . Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Grand Cayman Monthly Weather: Rain, Temperatures, Grand Cayman Vacation Tips: Hotels, Attractions, Weather, Cayman Islands overnight visitor statistics; Caribeez.com. Most of the units for rent are 2-bedroom and 2-bathroons units. The protected Bloody Bay Marine Park lies in Little Cayman and offers magnificent marine life, great visibility, and spectacular bioluminescent corals. The units are privately owned and furnished, but they have 21 accommodations available for rental use. Find the best and most popular products and review them. Three Fathom Wall is a popular night dive when eels, lobsters, and reef squid make an appearance. The rainy season spans from May through October though showers usually only last for a few hours at a time. MV Captain Keith Tibbetts is an ex-Soviet Union ship that was built in 1984 for the Cuban Navy. Income disclosure: We are reader supported, and earn affiliate commissions when you buy via links found on DIVEIN.com: If you find a good deal on our site, you click to the retailer and you buy the product, we get a commission of the sale. The best dive site is either Bloody Bay Wall in Little Cayman or the USS Kittiwake in Grand Cayman. Just be prepared for a rain shower or two, as this is the start of the region's wet season. Pinterest While many visitors come here to scuba dive, snorkel, or relax and soak up the sun on the beach, those looking for something more adventurous can try . To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Closer to the reef, turtles, groupers, horse-eyed jacks, and an over-abundance of lionfish make this colorful site even more interesting. If you have time, you should also take a flight to Little Cayman from Grand Cayman, and dive at Bloody Bay Wall. As you enter the cave, you will realize that it is not totally dark as it is illuminated by streaking sunlight streaming from overhead cracks and crevices. Often you can see massive tarpons, barracudas, and schools of silversides. The shore diving was really easy to access with actual ladders or stairs and even showers at some sites. We were lucky enough to see the tail end of silversides on the wreck of the Balboa right in the Harbor too. July has a jump in visits for families in part because school children are out for the summer. PADI Dive Resorts for all budgets, in the best dive locations around the world. Sidetrip: Visit Little Caymans Booby Pond Nature Reserve. When shopping and eating out, be sure to identify which currency prices . Greenhouse is a nice medium-depth reef dive with plenty of grooves and gullies to explore. Sunset Reef is a popular shore dive just 60 meters (200ft) off the Sunset House Resorts pier. divemasters and lovers of all things underwater, know the best time Matt Hampton was a guest of the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism (visitcaymanislands.com), British Airways, which has London returns from 688 (ba.com), and the Westin Seven Mile Beach, which . The non-divers with us were content to lounge by the pool, visit the spa, ride bikes, and go for walks. With over 365 dive sites, clear waters, coral reefs and abundant marine life, the Cayman Islands are one of the best diving spots in the world. The wreck can be penetrated in some parts but speak for your guide or instructor beforehand. Kittiwake- Though this wreck has been sunken rather recently and has not developed much coral yet, it is still a fantastic dive site for all levels. Grand Cayman is somewhat unique among major Caribbean destinations because it is one of the few islands that has average daytime temperatures exceed 90 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer and fall. The three islands that make up the nation, Cayman Brac, Grand Cayman, and Little Cayman, are diverse and have distinct diving. Best Time to Dive in Little Cayman. Cactus coral, sea fans, great star coral, and tube sponges blanket the reef and provide refuge for a variety of sea creatures. Cayman Brac offers a good mix of wall, wreck and reef diving for all experience levels. All levels of divers can enjoy the site as there is plenty to see at shallow depths or at deeper parts. There are lots of beautiful beaches to visit and to relax. Grab your gear and dive into the crystal clear waters of Grand Cayman! December through April are especially popular times to go because of low risk of rainfall and more moderate temperatures. Hurricanes rarely hit Grand Cayman directly. And, thanks to a keen focus on conservation, many of the country's famous underwater spectacles are still well worth a visit today. Photographers will love Greenhouse for its varied macro life. Bloody Bay Coral Reef Wall - one of the most beautiful dive sites in the Cayman Islands It's time to head back underwater for another jaw-dropping location: the Bloody Bay Wall. Along the drop-off, crevices and canyons cut through the reefs face. Though Kittiwake is a very popular diving site on Grand Island, the shallow and crystal-clear waters of the site make it an equally amazing snorkeling spot as well. The months of January and February are the coldest, with average lows in the low 60s. If you plan to do some land-based explorations on your trip, you'll have to choose between the busier warmer months (like April and November) or the cooler, but generally cheaper, months in between. Thus, you can keep going back and still discover new sites. The water drops over a hundred feet. A 50% deposit is required at the time of booking with the final 50% . Get forecasts each morning for every major island. The water is about 10 to 20 feet deep. Family Traveller Excellence Awards 2019 Winner. 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. Hop to the other islands by hiring a private boat operator, or better yet, arrange for a liveaboard tour and explore as many Cayman Islands diving sites as you can. Dive conditions could not have been more perfect, flat seas (the north side is supposed to be more choppy but the day we dived Eagle Ray pass, it was just 2 feet seas, the rest of the dives were on the west side, where the sea was flat both days), warm water (80 degrees for our stay), clear water with awesome 90-100+ feet visibility (great for wide angle photography). If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. See and be seen at these stunning natural wonders. The depths start at around 12m/40ft and end at 30m/98ft. This is currently number 20 on the 100 Best Dives list.. September is the worst month of the Caribbean hurricane season, which officially goes from June through November. I have worked in the corporate world and had little time for adventure. 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. There is a lot of soft coral here, which makes for an interesting experience. Eden Rock Dive Center. While Grand Cayman, the most popular island, has a mix of accessible shore and boat diving. 390 S Church St, George Town KY1-1106, Cayman Islands. Usually you will see at least a few tarpon at this spot. If you love nature, you can go hiking or explore some caverns and caves. I've stayed at hotels and used independent dive operators and I have stayed at dive resorts with on-site dive operations. The Cayman Islands is a world-class diving destination famous for its reefs, wrecks and rum. You could spend . Click the link below to read our article about Macabuca: Tarpon Alley is located at the North Wall in Grand Cayman. Stingrays, stingrays, and more stingrays is what draws divers to this Cayman site. Penetration is encouraged but to get the most out of the experience, take a torch. There is a lot of marine life among the coral and resident angelfish and groupers are found at the stern of the ship. Also, check out our article where we review the top 25 things to do in Grand Cayman. Dining can be pricey but the meals I have had have been wonderful. Northerners also want to get away from the cold and snow of winter. The people of the island are friendly and culturally diverse. Water temperatures are usually low 80's F. Marine life is plentiful and varied. Our team will meet you at the airport and fast-track you through. 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 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. From our 24hr helpline to our expert local guides and selection of handpicked reading lists. It does not make the product pricier for you. You can also go wreck diving as there are some shipwrecks that can be explored like the remains of USS Kittiwake. Cruise ships visit here, so expect everything you would find in most international cruise ship ports. And as you might imagine, the coral-encrusted archway makes for a fantastic photo opportunity. View Map. 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. 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. Data sourced from the National Climatic Data Center. This spot is about 20-feet deep, and has a lot of coral. These hot temperatures start in May and last into November. 20 Best Dive Sites In The Cayman Islands (2023) In this article, we review the top 20 scuba dive sites in the Cayman Islands. There is also a dive shop and restaurant. 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. There are also lots of tarpon and small silver sprats in this area. But Little Cayman also has good diving including Bloody Bay Wall dive, which means a Caymans Island liveaboard is the best way to experience all the best Cayman's diving. Cayman Brac Beach Resort. Cheeseburger Reef is located in George Town, Grand Cayman. In 2017, Tropical Storm Nate shifted the Kittiwake from her original position. This British overseas island is home to mystical caves, unscaled escarpments, tropical forests, diverse wildlife and a plethora of other unique experiences. Before she was decommissioned in 1994, the USS Kittiwake was a Navy Chanticleer-class submarine rescue vessel. . December to April is also the busiest time of year for tourism, so it's important to book your dive trips in advance. It should not be a surprise that January through April also happen to be popular months to visit the islands via western Caribbean cruises because of their ideal combination of cooler temperatures and low rainfall. If you enjoy diving, then you need to visit the USS Kittiwake during your vacation to Grand Cayman. The water clarity is typically amazingly clear. If you don't want to sacrifice weather for a break on hotel prices, plan a trip for the region's dry season, which runs from November to April. Named for a historical anchorage, Anchor Point features a tight chimney-like descent at the beginning of the dive. You need to protect your fingers from the eager snappers though. The ship has been opened up with large access holes so that you can swim through the interior of the ship. The prices of hotels and short excursions that would normally be prohibitively expensive fall to more reasonable levels during this time. 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 is rich with tunnels, chutes, cervices, and beautiful reefs. Schools of bright snappers brightened the reefs among colorful sponges. That's is how we pay ourselves. 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. Get in touch with our specialists for even more in-depth travel advice. 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. You can spot eagle rays, reef sharks, sailfin blennies, tilefish, peacock flounders, garden eels, or yellow-headed jawfish. 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. Visibility in the Cayman Islands is wonderful, averaging between 60 and 100 feet (18-30 meters). Nature lovers are lured to diverse hiking trails, caves, and a variety of flora and fauna around the island. Hurricane Ivan in 2004 cleaved the 100m/328ft ship in half but divers can still explore both sections of the wreckage. Cayman Brac is the last of the islands and also much less traveld than Grand Caymen. Now it has become a beautiful artificial reef and home for colorful sponges, groupers, barracudas and other marine life. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates. There is also a restaurant, bar and dive shop at Macabuca. This is a fun dive spot that you can access from shore. Beginners can enjoy another smaller chimney instead. Furthermore, the islands are home to some of the world's best beaches, making them an ideal vacation destination. 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. There are lots of other fish and coral. 4. Ive been to Grand Cayman and Little Cayman. Originally coined 356, this wreck is now called the M/V Captain Keith Tibbetts after a well-known Cayman Brac politician. to save My Ideas for later. Each time has been a wonderful underwater adventure. This island is very small and there is little to do, other than dive. Although this is a wall dive, the cut in the sites name comes from the swim-through many divers use upon descent. Now large groups of southern stingrays are lurking around daily. 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. For big animals - you can find a good number of turtles and groupers, tarpon, nurse sharks, great barracuda, and stingrays. 1. Bloody Bay Wall Bloody Bay Wall is located in Little Cayman. Why? Eels, rays, sharks, and turtles are frequently seen. 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. Theres also Little Cayman thats the least developed of the 3 islands. Our review team always considers durability, price, quality, and value in their reviews. 10 Go Scavenger Hunting At Seven Mile Beach. I make money by sharing links to services that I personally use and recommend. Grand Cayman also offers accessible shore diving on great coral reefs with little to no current. Find a Liveaboard -Practical Information - Book a Trip. (Closed Circuit Rebreathers/CCR) allows you to massively extend your dive time. Some of those services give me a small percentage of what you pay as commission for my referral. The visibility at Donnas Delight on Little Cayman is typically good and the relaxed and easy diving here is suitable for all levels. North Wall 2. stingray city 3. The Cayman Islands certainly offer diversity without a long trip from the states. 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 best time to go to the Cayman Islands is in March and April because there is spring break from school and April has a combination of warm temperatures and a low risk of rain. No worries, the diving is world class on Bloody Bay Wall. Black groupers, sergeant majors, yellowtail snapper, and moray eels are just a few of the species you can expect to see. It is Batabano, the countrys biggest festival, which is scheduled for early May each year. Plenty of schooling reef fish call Ghost Mountain home and the pinnacle is also carpeted in deep, bloody-red finger sponges. 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. Stingray City- You can thank the local fishermen for this dive site as they used to clean their catch here that attracted the rays to the site. With the wall beginning at just 6 meters (20ft), the site is popular with both divers and snorkelers. 6. It is 330-feet in length, and was sunk in Cayman Brac in 1996. 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. but the best time to visit is between May and October. The Cayman Islands are one of the Best Liveaboard Destinations for Beginners. This area is an international tourist destination and can be crowded. Topside, the community is expanding with ongoing construction. Princess Pennies Pinnacle is located on the North Wall in Grand Cayman. You can dive from shore because they have ladders that you can use to enter and exit the water. Sharks and turtles are frequent visitors as are snappers, groupers, and grunts. We understand that diving the best Grand Cayman Dives is the primary goal of your Grand Cayman Dive vacation. 10 Best Dive Destinations in the Caribbean Best diving in the Caribbean 10 Best Dive Destinations in the Caribbean Cecily Russell 25 February, 2022 Vast blue waters, plummeting wall dives and pelagic life are just a few reasons why you'll find some of the world's best diving in the Caribbean. I would appreciate if you don't as these referral links are what keep me posting and sharing on this blog. This site is well-known and popular with divers, snorkelers, and glass-bottom boaters alike. Roundabout is located along the North Wall in Grand Cayman. Cathy Church has a shop at Sunset House where you can often meet her and see her beautiful underwater photos from the area. Even though July is a popular month, it is not necessarily a good time to go because of the reasons below. Trinity Caves is a popular dive site that is located off the coast of West Bay in Grand Cayman. Answer 1 of 11: Does anyone have firsthand experience with any of the dive operators on Little Cayman that they will share? Cayman Islands International Film Festival. All the information you need to plan your dive vacations anywhere in the world. 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. For example, let's look at one airline flying from Miami to Grand Cayman. Here youll find more than 50 dives sites including the famous Bloody Bay. Fiji: Dive the Soft Coral Capital of the World. Some resorts offer "Hurricane protection". It is worth noting however that from June until October is the hurricane season in the Caribbean. But these aren't the only good and bad times. Head to around 30m/98ft for some of the best wall views.
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