Instead, they pass through the vicinity and bring heavy rains and wind to the island. Explore the top-rated styles for every type of trip to the beach. You will see many sea creatures such as octopus and arrow crabs. Generally, the off-season is the cheapest time to visit Grand Cayman, from May through November. 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! This is one of the deepest sea-walls in the world. The Seven Mile Beach area and the main city, Georgetown, are very developed with large hotels and resorts, restaurants, shops, etc. The three islands that make up the nation, Cayman Brac, Grand Cayman, and Little Cayman, are diverse and have distinct diving. Drift dives are possible here depending on your operator. 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. 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. Would also recommend spending an afternoon at Rum Point, where you can relax and also do some snorkeling if you like. The primary reason why scuba divers frequently visit the Cayman Islands is to do a different kind of investment: definitely not monetary, but instead fun, enjoyment and great underwater adventures. I am a scuba diving newbie, a Project Manager by profession, and an entrepreneur at heart. 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. 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. Bloody Bay Wall- Most scuba divers will say this is their favorite dive site in the Cayman Islands. 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. Its land area is slightly bigger than Little Cayman with a measurement of 19 x 2 kilometers (12miles x 1.2miles). You can dive along this wall and explore the different entrances. Diving is available year-round. Youtube+ A favourite stop for those diving and snorkeling lovers, the Bay Islands' important three islands are Roatan, Utila and Guanaja. 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. Divers of all levels can explore the engines, pistons, and pieces of the wreck that are scattered at 18m/60ft. Princess Pennies Pinnacle is located on the North Wall in Grand Cayman. 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. Unfortunately, the tarpons that gave this site its name have moved on, but you may be lucky and catch a glimpse of these silver kings. 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. Overall it is a place worth seeing. Bloody Bay Wall Bloody Bay Wall is located in Little Cayman. Jacques Costeau loved diving in the Caymans and its easy to see why. 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. I hope my research also helps you make a decision on your next scuba diving vacation.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[120,600],'scubadivegeek_com-large-billboard-2','ezslot_9',102,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-scubadivegeek_com-large-billboard-2-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[120,600],'scubadivegeek_com-large-billboard-2','ezslot_10',102,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-scubadivegeek_com-large-billboard-2-0_1'); .large-billboard-2-multi-102{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;}. 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. Cheeseburger Reef is located in George Town, Grand Cayman. As a photographer, I never lacked for subjects both wide angle and macro and anything in between. For macro subjects, you can see angelfish, morays, lettuce slug nudibranchs and many more. 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. While the tropical vacation destination does see fewer crowds, this is the rainiest season in the Cayman Islands so you may have to contend with some showers. 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. ScubaDiveGeek.com is a participant in the Amazon.com Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. A 2018 poll listed Bonaire as the best dive spot for beginners, conservation, freediving, macro diving, shore diving, and snorkeling. Most of them are located around the Grand Cayman but a little over sixty sites stay around Cayman Brac and the Little Cayman. A huge pinnacle branches out, creating a corridor-like passageway that is used by large pelagics cruising up from the abyss. 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. 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. As the name suggests, this Cayman dive site is known for eagle rays. But these arent the only good and bad times. 1. There are 365 dive sites throughout the islands, offering something for all levels of experience. It sounds like the best time overall, based on the posts so far. 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. Today, Cayman is one of the top dive destinations anywhere. 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. (Closed Circuit Rebreathers/CCR) allows you to massively extend your dive time. The boat dives were offered mostly in the mornings, and we were on our own in the afternoons. 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. 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. Theyre not timid and as they surround you, these rays seem happy to receive a gentle stroke or two. If you are vacationing in Cayman Brac, then you need to visit this spot. View Map. Look out for the big groupers who sometimes get inside the huge barrel sponges, turtle, the occasional shark, plenty of reef fish, and the macro life at the cleaning stations. In this article, we review the top 20 scuba dive sites in the Cayman Islands. Still great for diving with great walls for all levels of divers and the walls and the Russian destroyer 356 aka Russian destroyer. Exploring this site requires you to descend to 10 meters (33 feet) deep where you will arrive at the top portion of the reef. Through this site,my intent is to be able to sponsor the new chapter in my life as a scuba diver. 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. Yes, that is the Cayman Islands and this is due in part of the tax holiday being implemented that has attracted businesses worldwide. 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. For us divers, the financial self-sufficiency of the Cayman Islands is only the icing on the cake. The best time to visit Grand Cayman is March and April. The worst time is September during the hurricane season. Bloody Bay Marine Park is one of Cayman's best known dive sites and is named after the battles that took place between the British navy and its privateers following the outlaw of piracy. Around the coral fingers, stingrays, eagle rays and yellowhead jawfish rest on the sandy patches. Because great in-depth gear reviews will help you select the right products for your specific needs, budget, and interests. . January and February are the coolest months with average lows in the high 60s. 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 . Marine Life & Environment - Top Dive Spots - Diving Conditions, How to Get There-How to Dive Cayman Islands-Best Time to Dive, NEW! These hot temperatures start in May and last into November. Average rainfall jumps to more than five inches in May, June and July. The Cayman Islands dollar is legal tender in these islands. The depths start at around 12m/40ft and end at 30m/98ft. 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. Located 8 kilometers (5 miles) east of Little Cayman is another elongated island that is popular with anglers and scuba divers. 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. This is an especiallygreat time to visit clear, calm waters are perfect for snorkeling, diving, sailing and fishing. // , Call us today at+1-310-915-6677 or email us info@bluewaterdivetravel.com. 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. I have traveled to the Cayman islands many times. Hurricane Ivan in 2004 cleaved the 100m/328ft ship in half but divers can still explore both sections of the wreckage. The best part about the dive is the . Why? It now rests in an upright position at a depth of 27meters (89feet). In February, the cost is roughly $1,044 round trip . Out in the open, expect schools of Nassau groupers, turtles, and snappers. Grand Cayman is a beautiful dive destination with many options for accommodations and for diving. Plus, the water temperature ranges between 78-82F (26-28C). Little Cayman is a lovely, quiet little island with a population of less than 170. Our DSD is $99 USD per person and includes all equipment needed and a fantastic shallow dive to a max depth of 40ft. Purposely sunk in 2011, she now sits upright in the sand at 18 meters (60ft) and is a teeming artificial reef encrusted with coral. There is decent shore diving from their dock. "High Season" at the hotels is mid-December to mid-April, so rates will be higher then. You need to protect your fingers from the eager snappers though. For big animals - you can find a good number of turtles and groupers, tarpon, nurse sharks, great barracuda, and stingrays. It lays at 60 ft (20 m) and scuba divers are able to explore all five levels of this 250 ft (75 m) vessel. There are actually around two dozen dive sites within the bay, with Bloody Bay Wall top of the list. This is a wall that drops 2000 meters to the sea floor. divemasters and lovers of all things underwater, know the best time Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates. Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. This is also where you will board your liveaboard. Bert Brothers Boulders is also a great spot to see flying gurnards at around 5.5 meters (18ft). Thus, you can keep going back and still discover new sites. North Wall 2. stingray city 3. Grand Cayman, the main island, is often one of the most popular destinations in the Caribbean, especially with western Caribbean cruises. 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. Roundabout is located along the North Wall in Grand Cayman. This is a wall that drops 2000 meters to the sea floor. Discover these empowering women's history destinations selected by the U.S. News travel editors. Apart from the elephant ear sponges, keep your eyes peeled for blacktip Carribean reef sharks in the blue. 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). Sharp-eyed divers can find leopard flatworms and the tunnels are also popular hangouts for rays and green moray eels. A few great choices are the Sunset House Hotel in Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac Beach Resort and the Little Cayman Beach Resort. I have stayed there several times at a dive resort with on-site dive operation. Best Times To Visit Cayman Islands The best time to visit the Cayman Islands is between March and June when the hotel rates drop. If you enjoy diving, then you need to visit the USS Kittiwake during your vacation to Grand Cayman. But these aren't the only good and bad times. Divers in the Caymans visit Kittiwake for the wreck itself. If the forecast looks good, they should consider taking a last-minute trip to Grand Cayman if they also spot an attractive discount. Plus, along the wall, you can meet triggerfish, eagle rays, turtles, lobsters and many more! From these locations, I was able to dive the west end and also the North Wall. We conduct this course from our shore location where the water is ideal for new divers! Lionfish have become an invasive species and some of the dive operators offer culling excursions. The worst time is September during the hurricane season. 1. I have lived in the corporate world for a few years now with very little excitement in my life. September and October are clearly the least popular months to go because of a high risk of heavy rains along with hot temperatures. The water is about 10 to 20 feet deep. Sharks and turtles are frequent visitors as are snappers, groupers, and grunts. All the information you need to plan your dive vacations anywhere in the world. Get in touch with our specialists This is a shore dive, meaning that you enter the water from the shore, and then swim to Cheeseburger Reef. We could easily get to reefs and wrecks by ourselves from shore and take as much time as our tanks allowed. If you have time, you should also take a flight to Little Cayman from Grand Cayman, and dive at Bloody Bay Wall. The Cayman Islands continues to receive global recognition and top the charts for diving. Top 20 Best Dive Sites In Cayman Islands In 2023, The Best Starboard Paddle Boards: A Brand Guide, The Best iRocker Paddle Boards: A Brand Guide, Blackfin Paddle Boards: The Best Paddle boards from Blackfin, Top All-inclusive Resorts You Need To Visit, How To Choose a Kayak Paddle? This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content. While at first the Oro Verde was a complete ship, rough seas and tumultuous weather have dispersed the wreckage.
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