The water depth here is around 18-meters. Eden Rock has lots of coral and fish, and Devils Grotto has underwater caves that you can explore. Reservations Office is open Monday-Friday | 8:30am-5:30pm Cayman Islands time. There are plenty of great dive resorts available, but liveaboard is the best option if you want to dive around all three islands. Northerners also want to get away from the cold and snow of winter. When we talk about Fiji, what immediately comes into our mind is a tropical dream holiday. 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. While accessible from shore, it is a long surface swim so diving the Oro Verde by boat is recommended. It does not make the product pricier for you. 1. Cruise ships visit here, so expect everything you would find in most international cruise ship ports. For beginners or those who get nervous in enclosed spaces, there are plenty of decks around the exterior to check out. Eagle rays glide past in the blue water, triggerfish, Nassau groupers, electric yellow sponges and much make this site popular with divers in the Caymans. 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. Indonesia. My wife and I are traveling there in February 2015 and are PADI AOW and Nitrox certified with ten years of recreational experience diving. Located 133 kilometers (83 miles) northeast of Grand Cayman is its little sister island Little Cayman. This is one of the deepest sea-walls in the world. This island is very small and there is little to do, other than dive. 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. Purposely sunk in 2011, she now sits upright in the sand at 18 meters (60ft) and is a teeming artificial reef encrusted with coral. 4. You can enter different swim-through areas where the wall drops to great depths. link to Fiji: Dive the Soft Coral Capital of the World, link to United Arab Emirates: Unspoiled Dive Sites, Wall diving, drift diving, cave diving, shore diving, boat diving, deep diving, and wreck diving, 100 different species of hard and soft corals plus over 500 species of tropical fish like the South-Atlantic stingrays, eagle rays, manta rays, nurse sharks, Caribbean reef sharks, flying gurnards, Nassau groupers, tarpon fish, Grand Cayman: Snorkeling at Stingray City, visit Dolphin Cove, hiking in the Mastic Trail, Pedro St. James National Historic Site, Cayman Islands National Museum, and the Cayman Turtle Farm. As said earlier, Grand Cayman has over 50 dive sites and we will not leave this section without mentioning other noted dive spots. Please Sign-in or Register Flamingo tongues can be found on the sea fans, while arrow crabs, bristle worms, and long-spined sea urchins hide in the cracks and grooves. Generally, the off-season is the cheapest time to visit Grand Cayman, from May through November. However, the Cayman Islands can be impacted by hurricanes primarily between June and November. 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. The Cayman Islands are a premier diving destination, boasting 365 dive sites, as well as the International Scuba Diving Hall of Fame . No diving trip in Grand Cayman would be complete without a dive at the infamous Stingray City. dive in each month of the year. 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. Boasting strong diving infrastructure, diverse types of diving, incredible walls and wrecks, and great visibility. This is currently number 20 on the 100 Best Dives list. Most people see flights, accommodations, and activities far cheaper during this time since fewer tourists are visiting. I am a scuba diving newbie, a Project Manager by profession, and an entrepreneur at heart. If wall diving is your thing, check out diving in Turks & Caicos. From Grand Cayman, you can transfer to Little Cayman or Cayman Brac. Collect your trip ideas, share with friends or make an enquiry. For big animals - you can find a good number of turtles and groupers, tarpon, nurse sharks, great barracuda, and stingrays. you are in the right place at the right time to see the very best 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. From these locations, I was able to dive the west end and also the North Wall. Cayman Islands International Film Festival. Aside from taking photos at the solid bronze emblem at one of its 5 decks or at the stern with the propeller, penetration can be done with the USS Kittiwake courtesy from multiple sunlit entries and exit points. [What You Need to Know]. Diving is available year-round. Your dive profile in Stingray City is relatively shallow since your maximum depth is just only 6 meters (20 feet) when you reach the sandy seafloor. Once you decide which route you want to go, it's time to get in the water! There is also a restaurant, bar and dive shop at Macabuca. You could spend . You can hand-feed wild Southern stingrays. All levels of divers can enjoy the site as there is plenty to see at shallow depths or at deeper parts. The best time to dive is between December and April when the water is at its warmest and the visibility is at its best. Corals and sponges are plentiful. The best time to visit Grand Cayman is March and April. I have traveled to the Cayman islands many times. 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. Click the link below to read our article about Macabuca: Tarpon Alley is located at the North Wall in Grand Cayman. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Besides scuba diving, there are plenty of other things to do on the Cayman Islands. Below are our recommendations for the best months to dive in There is shopping, bars to hang out in, and live music. Elkhorn corals adorn the tops of the ridges while large gorgonians, tube sponges, and hard corals occupy the gullies. 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. Enjoy the comfort of an airport lounge with free drinks and snacks, even if you're flying economy. There is a lot of marine life among the coral and resident angelfish and groupers are found at the stern of the ship. It lays at 60 ft (20 m) and scuba divers are able to explore all five levels of this 250 ft (75 m) vessel. Keith Tibbets- This Soviet-built Frigate that was owned by the Cuban navy was given to the Cayman Islands to purposefully sink it. Only ten miles long and one mile wide, this is a place where you can truly focus on your opportunity to relax. Web Visit website. Click the link below to read our article where we explain the difference between Deep Stingray City and Stingray City Sandbar: Macabuca is located in West Bay in Grand Cayman. Even though July is a popular month, it is not necessarily a good time to go because of the reasons below. Youtube+ Resident Nassau groupers often keep divers company and if you look closely, you may be rewarded with seahorses and lettuce-leaf slugs. With virtually no currents and outstanding underwater visibility, Cayman has amazing wall dives, coral reefs and wrecks for you to explore and discover. 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. Family Traveller Excellence Awards 2019 Winner. Ive been to Grand Cayman and Little Cayman. Diving is available year-round. 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. And, thanks to a keen focus on conservation, many of the country's famous underwater spectacles are still well worth a visit today. These hot temperatures start in May and last into November. Manage Settings A direct flight from Miami to Grand Cayman takes only 70 minutes. The famous diver and explorer Jacques Cousteau said that Bloody Bay Wall is one of the top dive sites in the world. They pickup from the Westin, Ritz and Kimpton Seafire beaches for their West Dives, which is one of their standout features. Rainfall starts to climb in May. We are proud to off-set 100% of the carbon generated by our clients' flights. We highly advise you ask your local dive shop on the dos and donts in diving a particular dive site. 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. Grand Cayman Island probably has the best diving as it has the North Wall deep drop-off dive and the USS Kittiwake wreck dive. September and October are clearly the least popular months to go because of a high risk of heavy rains along with hot temperatures. We have put together a comprehensive collection of packages to suit your needs. They became my favorite focus on the reef. I created this website to help answer common questions about vacationing in the Cayman Islands, and to help tourists find the best things to do. marine life, be it the tiny critters or bigger beasts of the ocean. at any point on your diving holiday) has to offer. The depths start at around 12m/40ft and end at 30m/98ft. Seahorses - While the Cayman Islands are best known for their stunning coral reefs and diverse marine life, don't forget about the amazing small critters that call these waters home . Head to around 30m/98ft for some of the best wall views. 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. 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. 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. 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. If you like diving in caves and grottos, Trinity Caves on Grand Caymans west side is the site for you. Divers in the Caymans visit Kittiwake for the wreck itself. Aside from the coral laden walls of Babylon, your divemaster will usually lead you to a pinnacle where its towering structures are dominated by whip corals. May through November, and especially September and October, are the riskiest months to visit. Choose from private or single rates, we will find you the best possible option to help you enjoy the famous Cayman Stingray City. Tarpon Alley is part of the North Wall with depths between 15 to 25 meters (50-80ft). With 365 named dive sites, the enchanting Cayman Islands is a year-round underwater paradise. June to October brings . This world-class scuba destination is colorful, bright, and teeming with life. Swim throughs, ledges, overhangs, and an average depth of 12 meters (40ft) make this a Cayman dive site for all experience levels to explore. If you are into grottos or swim-throughs, then you must head out to the west side of Grand Cayman and explore the three long tunnel swim-throughs of the Trinity Caves. There is a reason you won't find under a 5-star review for Silver Thatch, they are the best. 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. Cayman Brac offers a good mix of wall, wreck and reef diving for all experience levels. Cathy Church has a shop at Sunset House where you can often meet her and see her beautiful underwater photos from the area. Because the site is prone to strong currents, it isnt frequently dived which makes a trip to this very healthy reef even more special. Wilderness Wall starts at 15 meters (50ft) before plunging down into the depths. For deep divers, we highly suggest you explore the elephant-ear sponge laden reef of the Orange Canyon or go cave diving in Bonnies Arch. . 1. Best time to dive When to dive in the Cayman Islands entirely depends on your own personal preferences. As the name suggests, this Cayman dive site is known for eagle rays. Welcome to my scuba diving bucket list. The shore diving was really easy to access with actual ladders or stairs and even showers at some sites. 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. Our DSD is $99 USD per person and includes all equipment needed and a fantastic shallow dive to a max depth of 40ft. 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. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a country in Western Asia located at the northeast end of the Arabian Peninsula in the Persian Gulf. 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. Located 8 kilometers (5 miles) east of Little Cayman is another elongated island that is popular with anglers and scuba divers. Our mission has been to do this with the best crew, using the best equipment while offering the most competing Cayman Islands dive packages. Of the three main islands, Grand Cayman is where most divers go where you can explore over 50 dive sites allowing you to do virtually all types of diving and is suited for all levels of certification.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[120,600],'scubadivegeek_com-box-4','ezslot_16',103,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-scubadivegeek_com-box-4-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[120,600],'scubadivegeek_com-box-4','ezslot_17',103,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-scubadivegeek_com-box-4-0_1'); .box-4-multi-103{border:none !important;display:block !important;float:none !important;line-height:0px;margin-bottom:15px !important;margin-left:auto !important;margin-right:auto !important;margin-top:15px !important;max-width:100% !important;min-height:600px;padding:0;text-align:center !important;}. Answer 1 of 11: Does anyone have firsthand experience with any of the dive operators on Little Cayman that they will share? Here are a few of our favourite dive sites in Grand Cayman: 1. 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. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Before the USS Kittiwake was sunk, the Oro Verde was the wreck dive of choice in the Caymans. At night, this popular Caymans dive site is great for spotting octopus, lobster, and shrimp. 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. Cayman Islands, as well as our suggestions for the best places to The water is about 12-feet deep here. As a photographer, I never lacked for subjects both wide angle and macro and anything in between. Cayman Brac Beach Resort. The visibility at Donnas Delight on Little Cayman is typically good and the relaxed and easy diving here is suitable for all levels. Instagram, My Ideas Today, Cayman is one of the top dive destinations anywhere. Grand Cayman is the most visited island in the Cayman Islands by Scuba Divers. Along with the vertical structures of the wall are small cracks and crevices that have become the refuge of marine critters like crabs, lobsters, moray eels and octopus. 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). As well as healthy coral and large pelagic species, you can expect to catch sight of Nassau groupers, stingrays, angelfish, snappers, horse-eye jacks, and turtles. Bay Islands, Honduras. She met her end on the reef in the late 70s, allegedly due to mutiny aboard. Bert Brothers Boulders is also a great spot to see flying gurnards at around 5.5 meters (18ft). Drop us a comment below and tell us your favorite site! Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. July has a jump in visits for families in part because school children are out for the summer. Wreck of the Oro Verde is located in Grand Cayman. If you want to enjoy these five dive sites . Facebook Phone +1 345-949-7111. Otherwise, it is clear that December through April are the best months of the year to visit Grand Cayman, especially early April. Get forecasts each morning for every major island. Water temperatures are usually low 80's F. Marine life is plentiful and varied. There are lots of beautiful beaches to visit and to relax. You can spot eagle rays, reef sharks, sailfin blennies, tilefish, peacock flounders, garden eels, or yellow-headed jawfish. No worries, the diving is world class on Bloody Bay Wall. Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. The three islands that make up the nation, Cayman Brac, Grand Cayman, and Little Cayman, are diverse and have distinct diving. This area is an international tourist destination and can be crowded. 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. From Rolex watches to Caymanite earrings to a shell necklace. Most of them are located around the Grand Cayman but a little over sixty sites stay around Cayman Brac and the Little Cayman. Because great in-depth gear reviews will help you select the right products for your specific needs, budget, and interests. Not to be confused with the Anchor Point dive sites in Scotlands Loch Fyne, the Solomon Islands, or Sri Lanka, the Cayman dive site is located on Grand Cayman and is characterized by swathes of black coral. My favorite were the groupers who followed us like pets. This is one of the top island destinations in the United Kingdom. And as you might imagine, the coral-encrusted archway makes for a fantastic photo opportunity. Cayman Brac offered multiple relaxed dive spots on reefs all along the edge of the island. The best time to visit Grand Cayman is March and April. Cayman Islands Reservations Phone: (345)-947-0000 Our Reservations Office is located on site at the Dive Shop & Resort in the Cayman Islands. Both are wonderful underwater. It was then sunk in Grand Cayman in 1980 to make a new dive site. The dives are shallow and you can closely observe them swimming around or above you. Best Time to Dive in Little Cayman. When diving through the cut itself, look under and in crevices, plenty of little critters make homes for themselves here. The USS Kittiwake is an ex-US Navy ship that was purposely sunk in Grand Cayman to create a new dive site. Closely packed ridges form huge coral heads between the shore and the reef wall. Interested in diving the Cayman Islands? Drift dives are possible here depending on your operator. This British overseas island is home to mystical caves, unscaled escarpments, tropical forests, diverse wildlife and a plethora of other unique experiences. 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! Bert Brothers Boulders is one of the most beautiful dive sites on Cayman Brac. View Map. For macro subjects, you can see angelfish, morays, lettuce slug nudibranchs and many more. Our travel experts have highlighted our favourite places to visit each month, Terms & Conditions
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