With fantastic underwater
visibility and great marine life, the Caymans are a wonderful scuba diving
location with dive sites at varying depths. Below is information on Scuba
diving in the Caymans.
If there's one place that knows scuba diving, it is the
Cayman Islands. Known as the birthplace of recreational diving in the Caribbean, the
Cayman Islands were pioneers in scuba diving as a recreational sport to be enjoyed by the
general public in the Caribbean and the rest of the world as well. In 1957, the first dive
shop was opened on Grand Cayman. Today, there are more than 40 dive shops in operation
offering excursions to more than 200 dive sites.
It is made up of three islands that are actually the exposed top of an underwater
mountain. The islands are the Grand Cayman, the Cayman Brac, and the Little Cayman. The
mountainous nature of the islands contributes to numerous coral structures and vertical
walls directly offshore. In fact, most scuba diving locations here can be reached directly
offshore or within a few hundred yards of shore.
Scuba diving in the Cayman Islands is as diverse as the marine life that adds awe and
beauty to this great place. There is plenty to see and do for every level of diver no
matter if you are a first timer, still learning, looking to improve, or are considered a
master. You can dive in as little as 20 feet or plunge to the depths of 350 feet or more.
The bottom line is that you can find any type of scuba diving experience that you desire
and maybe even a few that you haven't thought of yet.
Here is a brief overview of the three islands and of the scuba diving to be found on
each:
Grand Cayman - It is the largest of the 3
islands and offers for main areas for scuba diving: the North Wall, the South Side, the
East End, and Seven-Mile Beach. Prevailing Southeasterly winds make scuba diving off of
the South Side a rarity but the experience is well worth waiting for favorable conditions.
Little Cayman - It is a sister to the Cayman Brac. It is most famous for the Bloody Bay
Wall located in the Bloody Bay Marine Park which starts at a depth of only 20 feet. The
best scuba diving on the Little Cayman can be found on the north and south sides but all
sites are not accessible year round. Another great attraction of this area is the Jackson
Bay Area.
Cayman Brac - It is most famous for being home to the only Russian Shipwreck that can
be reached by scuba diving in the Caribbean. It rests at a depth of 330 feet and is an
amazing sight to behold.
In addition to sheer vertical drops and shipwrecks, scuba diving in the Cayman Islands
will bring you into intimate contact with numerous coral reefs and colorful fish and
marine life that you have only imagined existed.
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Resting atop a submarine mountain of coral, the island of Grand Cayman offers some
truly distinctive scuba diving opportunities. Off the shore, the coral walls that descend
sharply into the Caribbean create some incredibly unique and challenging dives. Elsewhere
around the island, there are plenty of dives perfect for all ages and skill levels.
Regardless of where you dive in Grand Cayman, however, you are sure to encounter an
unparalleled variety of underwater life. It also helps that the warm waters off the coast
often boast visibility exceeding 100 feet - a fact sure to impress snorkelers, as well as
scuba divers. With over 250 unique dive sites in all, Grand Cayman stands as one of the
most diverse dive destinations in the Caribbean.
Many of the most popular dive sites on Grand Cayman are located off the western shore
in an area known as the West Wall. Many of this area's dive sites are located just a short
boat ride from the resorts lining Seven Mile Beach. At sites such as Armchair Reef,
Wildlife Reef and Aquarium Reef, you will be able to spot numerous species of underwater
creatures. Many of these reef dives are suitable for novice divers and snorkelers as well.
As Grand Cayman is known for its wall diving, you will definitely want to explore the
deeper water of the western shore. At the first steep drop-off of 60 feet, you will find
such sites as the Eagle's Nest and the Orange Canyon - named for its population of
colorful elephant ear sponges. Another fun challenge is Bonnie's Arch, a unique site
boasting a coral archway wide enough to swim through. All in all, there are more than 50
distinct dive sites located in the West Wall area of the island.
Though the North Wall is on the windward side of the island and features incredibly
steep coral walls, one of the world's most famous shallow dive sites rests along the sandy
beach. A good part of this popularity is owed to the fact that Stingray City is a perfect
site for divers and snorkelers of all ages and skill levels. Once you are in the warm,
clear water you will be able swim with families of gentle Southern Stingrays. With
wingspans approaching four feet, many visitors find a great thrill in Stingray City while
feeding and photographing these majestic animals.
Along the North Wall, you can also spot a large population of tarpons at Tarpon Alley.
These large, strange fish are surprising friendly and will swim close to you if you move
slowly. Along the coral wall, experienced divers can visit Eagle Ray Pass and the No Name
Drop-Off for a glimpse of sea turtles, exotic fish and dense coral reefs.
While many dive tours only visit the South Wall when weather is poor off the western
shore, there are plenty of pleasant dives for all skill levels in the shallow southern
waters. At sites such as Japanese Gardens and Oriental Gardens, divers are promised an
up-close view of colorful coral and sea creatures in calm water perfect for photography.
Slightly further from shore, these "gardens" sink into an intricate maze of
tunnels, arches and underwater canyons.
Adventurous divers will want to visit the eastern shore of Grand Cayman. Though there
are only a few dive operators offering tours of this area, you are unlikely to find more
pristine coral reefs anywhere. Within the first slope of reef, you will find a series of
tunnels, underwater caves and arches. Sites in this area such as Grouper Grotto and
Babylon are always teeming with fish, sponges and sea turtles.
Lastly, what would a Caribbean scuba diving trip be without a few wreck dives? The
Balboa, a 375-foot cargo ship that sunk during a storm in 1932, sits at a modest depth of
30 feet in Georgetown Harbor. Today, the vessel is home to an assortment of the
Caribbean's most photogenic residents. The most popular wreck dive in Grand Cayman is the
Oro Verde, a coral-covered freighter resting in 60 feet of water off the shore from Seven
Mile Beach. Additionally, Grand Cayman recently sank five vessels in various locations for
both the enjoyment of divers and the ongoing research of environmental scientists.
There are over 40 experienced dive operators serving visitors to Grand Cayman, so
finding a knowledgeable guide is a breeze. Even if you have never experienced scuba
diving, you can become certified in Grand Cayman and then test your skills at some of the
Caribbean's best dive sites.
Come to Grand Cayman and you will see why the island is celebrated by divers and
snorkelers across the globe.
About the Author:
Justin Burch writes articles about travel in Grand Cayman [
http://marriott.com/hotels/travel/gcmgc-grand-cayman-marriott-beach-resort/ ] for the
Marriott Resorts.
There is much to be said when discussing Grand Cayman scuba diving due to the history
that is in the oceans there as well as because of the captivating underwater scenery.
Grand Cayman offers probably one of the best places in the world to experience scuba
diving as compared to Seattle with the Starbucks. On every corner in the Cayman islands,
there is a scuba diving shop that offers up lessons and diving adventures just as every
corner in Seattle has a Starbucks coffee shop or a vendor. It is a plentiful and demanding
hobby, and for some, it is a career.
Wall and Wreck
Offered here are the adventure of a lifetime by going underwater and observing magical
and marvelous walls that surround the entire island. The first wall when going diving is
located about sixty feet down and is not a terribly difficult dive and offers the view of
many different kinds of underwater foliage as well as sea life from a sting ray to the
infamous sea turtle.
They also provides a diver with the opportunity to dive into wrecks that are around the
island and is a marvelous sight. Ships that have sunk still remain with an abundance of
sea life that has made the ships and wreckages a home and they are very nosy when someone
comes knocking on the door and are excited when they receive guests from the scuba diving
groups. This can often be seen in photography taken from previous dives, the aqua life
really enjoy posing for pictures.
The Choices
There are many sites in which to dive, learn how to dive or fine-tune your current
diving skills. It has the most intriguing collection of underwater life including both
plant and animal than any dive spot in the world.
There are, as mentioned above, beautiful walls that are peppered with an assortment of
coral and underwater sponges of all different varieties and colors. This area is also home
of the legendary Stingray City in the North Sound and is a literal hot spot of scuba
diving. The safety guideline of scuba diving has also recently been changed to allow a
130-foot depth limit so there is more available to day for Grand Cayman scuba diving then
any place in the world.
So have you made your decision yet? I hope this information has informed you of what
you will have to look forward to on your future holiday.
About the Author:
If you want to learn more about scuba diving course please visit our site which is free
to the public. You'll find the best tips on everything to do with scuba diving equipment
In the Cayman Islands there is one
attraction that many tourists flocked to, Stingray City. Since the crocodile hunter, Steve
Irwin, died from a poisonous barb while diving at the Great Barrier Reef, tourism to the
Stingray City has significantly dropped.
The popular site was noticed about fifteen years ago. Many fishermen would guide their
boats over the reef to the calmer and shallower waters to clean their catch. A little
later they notice that the stingrays, scavengers by nature, would hang around the boats to
get a free lunch. As this information got around a very brave dive master got into the
water to hand feed them and Stingray City was born. Now those stingrays are very tame.
Stingrays are often feared due to the sharp barbs in their tails and the poison they
contain, but the stingrays at Stingray City are not aggressive and they would not attack
unless it is in self defense. If humans approach them in a peaceful manner they will not
attack.
Stingray City has an excellent safety record and the Department of Environment intends
to keep it that way. They have drafted a set of restrictions for the North Sound area
where Stingray City is located. They are restricting the number of tourists in the water
and the number of boats carrying paying passengers to the site. Lifting a ray out of the
water and is strictly forbidden. Boats are not allowed to anchor over the reef. Nothing
other than squid or fish may be fed to the rays.
Tour operators are responsible for not leaving any excess food at the site. Each boat
must have laminated sheets available for passengers to read about the Stingrays Biology.
Anyone who participates in the feeding program must be made aware of the potential dangers
of feeding the rays. Anyone that breaks these restrictions will be fined $5,000.00 and his
license will be revoked.
The thing that is not widely known is that the ray that killed Steve Irwin was a bull
ray. Bull rays can be found only in South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. This a much
more aggressive ray than the ones found at Stingray City. The rays at Stingray City are
non aggressive and will allow interaction with humans in their territory.
Be sensible when you are visiting Stingray city. Don't chase the rays or pull on their
tails. When feeding them put the squid or shrimp on the back of your fisted hand. Always
let the stingrays come to you. If you have food they will. And don't be afraid if they
gently bump with their snouts, they are looking for food. You do not have to be a good
swimmer as the water where the rays congregate is only waist deep if you are an average
sized adult.
If you are still not convinced that it is safe to swim and feed the stingrays, opt for
a glass bottom boat tour. You will be able to see these magnificent creatures of the sea
in action.
Although some people will now not go to this unique attraction because of Irwin's death
you truly do not need to fear the Rays at Stingray City. It is one of the most enjoyable
attractions that you will see in the Caribbean.
Mary Hanna has traveled the world by Air and Ship while writing eBooks,
Software Reviews and Practical Articles on Internet Marketing, Cruising, Gardening and
Cooking. Visit her websites at: http://www.CruiseGold.com
Everyone is familiar with the mythic city of Atlantis - the
ancient Greek civilization that Plato famously claimed had succumbed to tragedy and came
to rest at the bottom of the Mediterranean Sea. However, no one has ever seen an
underwater city - until now. Thousands of miles from the classical civilizations in the
warm waters of the Caribbean, a sculptor has been quietly constructing his own vision of
Atlantis off the coast of Cayman Brac. Though the sculptor is only a few years into the
massive project, the undertaking has already attracted the attention of scuba divers and
thrill seekers from throughout the world.
The Cayman version of Atlantis is the brainchild of a somewhat mysterious local artist
known only as Foots. Now in his 50s, Foots has stated that he has been obsessed with the
myth of Atlantis since he was a small boy. Working almost entirely by himself, Foots has
already completed a number of giant sculptures and laid the foundation for Atlantis. After
completing the sculptures, Foots places his work on a naturally sandy stretch of the
Caribbean's floor, always mindful of the delicate submarine ecosystem. Though there is
much for divers to enjoy in this Caribbean Atlantis, Foots will continue working on this
massive project indefinitely, adding new sculptures to the underwater city every six
months. Most surprisingly, Foots has not made any drawings of his underwater project,
choosing instead to work only from his imagination, allowing the city's plans to develop
and change as the civilization grows.
The entrance to Cayman's Atlantis is marked by the giant Archway of Atlantis. With each
of the bases weighing over ten tons, scuba divers will immediately find themselves in the
midst of an awe-inspiring environment. The great archway opens onto what Foots has called
The Elders' Way. At the end of this path lined with classical temple columns, the sculptor
has placed stylized sculptures of human figures - known to the sculptor as
"Prophets" - to watch over the underwater city. To insure that locals were able
to get involved in the project, Foots modeled each one of these sculptures after
individuals who have contributed to Cayman society. The figures of the prophets look out
across a large courtyard on the seafloor known as the Inner Circle of Light. In Foots'
version of the Atlantis myth, a young girl made sure that the torches atop the city's
eleven columns were always lit and no shadows ever passed over the great sundial. Divers
will find the sundial in the middle of the courtyard, protected by the city's great
columns. At the center is a representation of the Circle of Light, the space where all
time was said to be endless.
One of most important aspects of the underwater city is the care given to its location
at the bottom of the Caribbean Sea. Though surrounded by dense coral reefs on all sides,
the site for Atlantis was chosen because no coral needed to be removed to accommodate the
sculptures. Furthermore, as the sculptures are made of simple concrete and won't harm any
of the area's sea creatures, the city will always be able to support vibrant life. In
fact, though the Cayman Atlantis is currently set on several acres of featureless sand,
divers will notice that the city has already attracted a wide variety of residents.
Everywhere you look in the underwater city, hard corals have begun branching out, sponges
have found homes amongst the sculptures and numerous species of tropical fish swim through
the city each day.
Resting at a shallow depth (only 40-50 feet), divers are guaranteed excellent
visibility. Most of the Cayman Islands' dive operators visit this special site everyday.
Unlike many of the Cayman Islands' popular wall dive sites, Atlantis is a great dive for
all ages and skill levels. Thanks to the shallow overall depth and excellent underwater
visibility, the site can also be enjoyed by snorkelers.
If you want to experience a dive site unlike any other in the world, be sure to make
the short trip to Grand Cayman's sister island, Cayman Brac. Already the world's first
underwater city and the largest collection of underwater sculpture, the Caymans'
"Lost City" will continue developing and welcoming submarine life for years to
come.
This article was written by Justin Burch. Justin writes select pieces about
vacationing in the Caribbean for the Grand
Cayman Islands.
To learn more about the Cayman Islands, visit our other Cayman Pages
