Cayman Brac offers a good mix of wall, wreck and reef diving for all experience levels. Of course, the Soviets didnt call her Keith Tibbets, she was renamed for a local dive operator after the Cayman government purchased the wreck for dive tourism. Dive N Stay Vacation Packages - Compass Point Dive Resort - Cayman Islands (1st January 2023 - 31st December 2023) We offer pre-set Dive & Stay Vacation Packages for 3, 5 or 7 nights, and can also customize your package for any number of nights and for various group sizes. While Grand Cayman, the most popular island, has a mix of accessible shore and boat diving. The months of January and February are the coldest, with average lows in the low 60s. at any point on your diving holiday) has to offer. Diving is available year-round. Both Grand Cayman and Little Cayman have great diving. Yes, that is true and get ready since the 333 islands of Fiji will take you into a quintessential South United Arab Emirates: Unspoiled Dive Sites. Founder of Georges Watersports & Thingstodocayman.net. Discover these empowering women's history destinations selected by the U.S. News travel editors. Instead, they pass through the vicinity and bring heavy rains and wind to the island. December rainfall drops back down to about three inches. For us divers, the financial self-sufficiency of the Cayman Islands is only the icing on the cake. For beginners or those who get nervous in enclosed spaces, there are plenty of decks around the exterior to check out. Web Visit website. April is an especially good choice because it has the warmest weather of the entire five-month dry season. Boat rides were no longer than 15 minutes, with most being around 5 minutes. // ]]>, Call us today at+1-310-915-6677 or email us info@bluewaterdivetravel.com. Visibility in the Cayman Islands is wonderful, averaging between 60 and 100 feet (18-30 meters). Ghost Mountain Grand Cayman is another great spot for wall diving where you can further reach a protruding limestone that silhouettes like a ghost from afar. This is a wreck worth a dive or two. There are actually around two dozen dive sites within the bay, with Bloody Bay Wall top of the list. At night, this popular Caymans dive site is great for spotting octopus, lobster, and shrimp. marine life, be it the tiny critters or bigger beasts of the ocean. Top dives include the famous 1000 Steps, the Hilmer Hooker wreck, and Bari Reef. You will also notice that this tunnel system has a healthy population of whip corals and sponges that are all tall in size.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'scubadivegeek_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_0',126,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-scubadivegeek_com-large-leaderboard-2-0'); Scuba diving in Grand Cayman is not just only about wall diving. It is rich with tunnels, chutes, cervices, and beautiful reefs. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Little Cayman, Cayman Islands. A few great choices are the Sunset House Hotel in Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac Beach Resort and the Little Cayman Beach Resort. 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 . Twitter All levels of divers can enjoy the site as there is plenty to see at shallow depths or at deeper parts. Diving is available year-round. Tarpon Alley is part of the North Wall with depths between 15 to 25 meters (50-80ft). In the shallows, flamingo tongues cling onto sea fans while lobsters, eels, and jewfish can be found hiding in the ridges and gullies. There is also a dive shop and restaurant. Head to around 30m/98ft for some of the best wall views. The famous diver and explorer Jacques Cousteau said that Bloody Bay Wall is one of the top dive sites in the world. The depths start at around 12m/40ft and end at 30m/98ft. Stingray City offers divers the opportunity to fully interact with these amazing creatures. Best Liveaboard Destinations in the World, Vaccines recommended: Hep A; Typhoid if you will travel to rural areas, Visa: None needed for US citizens or European Union, Safety: Generally safe but petty theft can occur. Even if they are stingrays and have the potential to inflict painful wounds via their tail, do not panic as they are not in their aggressive or defensive mode. Get forecasts each morning for every major island. Originally coined 356, this wreck is now called the M/V Captain Keith Tibbetts after a well-known Cayman Brac politician. The units are privately owned and furnished, but they have 21 accommodations available for rental use. With world class conditions and a robust dive industry, the Cayman Islands is one of the best places to learn how to dive. Please Sign-in or Register to save My Ideas for later, Our social channels Pinterest Apart from the elephant ear sponges, keep your eyes peeled for blacktip Carribean reef sharks in the blue. 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. 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. You need to take a boat to reach this area. Everything here is very low key and there is a small local population. The protected Bloody Bay Marine Park lies in Little Cayman and offers magnificent marine life, great visibility, and spectacular bioluminescent corals. Choose from private or single rates, we will find you the best possible option to help you enjoy the famous Cayman Stingray City. 6. Before she was decommissioned in 1994, the USS Kittiwake was a Navy Chanticleer-class submarine rescue vessel. This is one of the top island destinations in the United Kingdom. 310-915-6677 for even more in-depth travel advice. A 50% deposit is required at the time of booking with the final 50% . Once you decide which route you want to go, it's time to get in the water! After being intentionally sunk to become an artificial reef, this former 76 meter (251 feet) long naval vessel now rests at 18 meters (60 feet) deep near the world-renowned Seven Mile Beach. There is slightly more rain during the summer months. They are located in George Town in Grand Cayman. 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. Our Original Diving experts, made up of marine biologists, The worst time is September during the hurricane season. The Cayman Diving Season The islands are very much a year round diving destination. DIVEMASTER AND INSTRUCTOR TRAINING SPECIALTY AND TECHNICAL COURSE KIDS DISABLED DIVERS SAFETY The Cayman Islands boasts state-of-the-art medical facilities including a hyperbaric chamber (located on Grand Cayman) and, in the event of an emergency, quality care can be provided in minutes. Grand Cayman Monthly Weather: Rain, Temperatures, Grand Cayman Vacation Tips: Hotels, Attractions, Weather, Cayman Islands overnight visitor statistics; Caribeez.com. Closely packed ridges form huge coral heads between the shore and the reef wall. We were lucky enough to see the tail end of silversides on the wreck of the Balboa right in the Harbor too. Though scuba diving in the Cayman Islands is mostly known for close encounters with stingrays, it has much more to offer. The Kittiwake wreck as well as other wrecks in the close vicinity add variety and interesting structure which I really enjoyed. However, there are large coral canyons that provide exciting swim-throughs for divers. Photographers can make the worst dive buddies. Penetration is encouraged but to get the most out of the experience, take a torch. . See and be seen at these stunning natural wonders. 10 Go Scavenger Hunting At Seven Mile Beach. Its also the historical rainfall patterns. I've stayed at hotels and used independent dive operators and I have stayed at dive resorts with on-site dive operations. Lionfish have become an invasive species and some of the dive operators offer culling excursions. You can enter different swim-through areas where the wall drops to great depths. Lighthouse Point is located in West Bay in Grand Cayman. Generally, the off-season is the cheapest time to visit Grand Cayman, from May through November. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. 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. Wreck of the Oro Verde is located in Grand Cayman. Cayman Islands, as well as our suggestions for the best places to A 2.75 meter (9ft) bronze statue of Amphitrite (the wife of the mythological god Poseidon) rises up from the base of the reef. View thelive availability of some of the best liveaboards in the Cayman Islandsand book online at the best price or check out our sidebar for land-based options! I guess thats one drawback of guided dives, everyone is constantly on the move, not ideal for photography, especially macro photography. When shopping and eating out, be sure to identify which currency prices . The Eden Rock Dive Center has everything you need for an unforgettable day underwater in the Cayman Islands. The shore diving was really easy to access with actual ladders or stairs and even showers at some sites. As a photographer, I never lacked for subjects both wide angle and macro and anything in between. 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. Eden Rock has lots of coral and fish, and Devils Grotto has underwater caves that you can explore. Share your love of diving, experience new adventures, expand your dive skills, and help save the ocean. Booming and sprawling are not just words describing the tourism facilities in Little Cayman, but it can also be used to describe its world-class dive sites. Facebook This pristine wall on the south side of Cayman Brac features an abundance of hard corals, gorgonians, and massive red, orange, green, and purple sponges. Having done a lot of dives in Florida, one thing we did notice was that there were not as many fishes on the reefs in Grand Cayman as in south Florida, but after looking at my pictures after this trip I did notice many small fishes and critters. The Cayman Islands are one of the Best Liveaboard Destinations for Beginners. It does not make the product pricier for you. Book your next cruise vacation on one of these floating megaresorts. It is Batabano, the countrys biggest festival, which is scheduled for early May each year. This British overseas island is home to mystical caves, unscaled escarpments, tropical forests, diverse wildlife and a plethora of other unique experiences. Besides scuba diving, there are plenty of other things to do on the Cayman Islands. Intermediate divers can begin their dive at the chimney, a narrow tunnel starting at 12m/40ft and ending at 24m/80ft. December through April are especially popular times to go because of low risk of rainfall and more moderate temperatures. This is a must do dive. No diving trip in Grand Cayman would be complete without a dive at the infamous Stingray City. dive in each month of the year. I would appreciate if you don't as these referral links are what keep me posting and sharing on this blog. Three long, wide tunnels, accessible to the majority of divers, extend from the sand flats to open out onto the reef wall. This is a wall that drops 2000 meters to the sea floor. 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. The Caymans have one major event that also may impact the best times to go there. Tieneke, Joe, and Kevin went out of their way to accommodate our dive group and show us a really great time. This area is an international tourist destination and can be crowded. The water is about 10 to 20 feet deep. This is a wall that drops 2000 meters to the sea floor. Reservations Office is open Monday-Friday | 8:30am-5:30pm Cayman Islands time. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates. Beginners can enjoy another smaller chimney instead. Head to the turret guns for a superb photo opportunity and keep your eyes peeled for barracuda, bright sponges, and schooling reef fish. 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. I am Dan, this site is my blog where I document my research on the best diving spots in the world. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Grand Cayman is the most commercial island, with a lot of resorts, great nightlife, and more tourist attractions. June to October brings higher topside temperatures (up to 33C, 91F). Still great for diving with great walls for all levels of divers and the walls and the Russian destroyer 356 aka Russian destroyer. . Part of the Bloody Bay wall, descending from the mooring here reveals a brightly colored vertical reef packed with sponges, corals, and vertebrate and invertebrate marine life. A shallow dive site, the colors here really pop making it a good choice for photographers. Here youll find more than 50 dives sites including the famous Bloody Bay. Give the perfect gift for your favorite ocean lover and explorer. With 365 named dive sites, the enchanting Cayman Islands is a year-round underwater paradise. Rum Point Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned diver, Grand Cayman has a dive site for you. Dining can be pricey but the meals I have had have been wonderful. The main dive spot of Little Cayman is located on the northwest coast in a marine protected area the Bloody Bay Marine Park. In addition, you're more likely to snag a hotel deal during these months. Best Times To Visit Cayman Islands The best time to visit the Cayman Islands is between March and June when the hotel rates drop. Find & Book PADI Adventures App Grab your gear and dive into the crystal clear waters of Grand Cayman! Fiji: Dive the Soft Coral Capital of the World. You will find the Cayman Islands to be very diverse, from quiet Little Cayman, to bustling Seven Mile Beach on Grand Cayman. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Welcome to my scuba diving bucket list. 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. 1-800-652-1972. 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. Find & Book Liveaboards Choose from a selection of more than 250 vessels and 18,000 trips worldwide. Choose your design and prove your PADI certified diver status across the world with a recycled plastic card, eCard or both. They can offer up their first-hand Yes, that is the Cayman Islands and this is due in part of the tax holiday being implemented that has attracted businesses worldwide. Scott S. Bateman is a professional journalist who has traveled widely throughout the Caribbean and the Americas. Great Wall is the kind of dive that makes you feel like a tiny speck in the ocean as you hang near a wall that drops dramatically to more than 1,800 meters (6,000ft). Cayman Brac offered multiple relaxed dive spots on reefs all along the edge of the island. You can dive along this wall and explore the different entrances. Most of them are located around the Grand Cayman but a little over sixty sites stay around Cayman Brac and the Little Cayman. Little Cayman GoPro Video Workshop: April 2023, Best Liveaboard Destinations for Beginners, shifted the Kittiwake from her original position. Best Time To Dive The Cayman Island If wall diving is your thing, check out diving in Turks & Caicos. Divers can observe the bow guns and go along the rails to make some great photos. Instagram, My Ideas The wreck was specifically set up for safe penetration, giving divers many interior rooms to explore. This is a deep wall that drops several hundred feet into the abyss. 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 . Bloody Bay Wall- Most scuba divers will say this is their favorite dive site in the Cayman Islands. The people of the island are friendly and culturally diverse. 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. I have been diving in Grand Cayman several times. Stingray City has very large, friendly stingrays. MV Captain Keith Tibbetts is an ex-Soviet Union ship that was built in 1984 for the Cuban Navy. (Closed Circuit Rebreathers/CCR) allows you to massively extend your dive time. The three islands that make up the nation, Cayman Brac, Grand Cayman, and Little Cayman, are diverse and have distinct diving. Grand Caymans North Wall plunges deeper than 1800 metres/6000 feet and offers beautiful wall diving with opportunities to see spotted eagle rays and sea turtles. Out in the open, expect schools of Nassau groupers, turtles, and snappers. They have ladders that you can use to enter and exit the water safely. In a nutshell, its an island full of land and water adventures. Bloody Bay Wall. Located 133 kilometers (83 miles) northeast of Grand Cayman is its little sister island Little Cayman. The best dive site is either Bloody Bay Wall in Little Cayman or the USS Kittiwake in Grand Cayman. #6 inBest Cheap Destination Wedding Locations, #4 inBest Places to Visit in January 2023. It sounds like the best time overall, based on the posts so far. Grand Cayman is a beautiful dive destination with many options for accommodations and for diving. Named for a historical anchorage, Anchor Point features a tight chimney-like descent at the beginning of the dive. We gave our Gear Lovers one job: The best time to visit the Cayman Islands is between March and April. Bert Brothers Boulders is one of the most beautiful dive sites on Cayman Brac. Keith Tibbets- This Soviet-built Frigate that was owned by the Cuban navy was given to the Cayman Islands to purposefully sink it. But these arent the only good and bad times. 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. We understand that annual leave is precious so we can ensure that In February, the cost is roughly $1,044 round trip . The wreck of the Captain Keith is unusual it is the only Soviet-made warship that divers can visit in the western hemisphere. Although this is a wall dive, the cut in the sites name comes from the swim-through many divers use upon descent. 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. Find & Book Adventures Book your fun dives, snorkelling trips and courses online with thousands of PADI Dive Centers. The 20 Best Dive sites in Caymans? 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. They became my favorite focus on the reef. And when it comes to marine life, there is lots to see! Recommended Level: Beginner Intermediate Advanced Dive Type: Boat Reef Wall Macro Wreck Canyon Shore Night Shallow Shark Cave Stingray Swim-Through Drift Liveboard Deep Great Wall East and West Little Cayman Great Wall West - Turtle Watch on The wall drop is not for the light-hearted as it can reach over 6500ft (2000 m), but along the drop, you can see yellow tube sponges, black and wire corals and waving sea fans. No crowds. The Cayman Islands certainly offer diversity without a long trip from the states. From April to October water temperature are at least 27 o C (81 o F) and can . 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. 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. You could spend . I stayed at an all inclusive where the food was exceptional, prepared by a world class chef. September and October are the riskiest months to visit Grand Cayman because of the higher than normal amounts of rain. Get certified to scuba dive. When diving through the cut itself, look under and in crevices, plenty of little critters make homes for themselves here.
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