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Cayman Brac is the last of the islands and also much less traveld than Grand Caymen. StingrayCity. It seems the dive guides hunt the lionfish and then feed the groupers, so they joined us right away each dive. Tourism volume is estimated based on in-market destination search query interest from Google and on travel.usnews.com in 2015-2016. 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). Choose your design and prove your PADI certified diver status across the world with a recycled plastic card, eCard or both. The Cayman Diving Season The islands are very much a year round diving destination. They have ladders that you can use to enter and exit the water safely. However, the Cayman Islands can be impacted by hurricanes primarily between June and November. The worst time is September during the hurricane season. If wall diving is your thing, check out diving in Turks & Caicos. 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. 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. Away from the reef, divers can look around the LCM David Nicholson wreck. Stingray City offers divers the opportunity to fully interact with these amazing creatures. 390 S Church St, George Town KY1-1106, Cayman Islands. Get in touch with our specialists for even more in-depth travel advice. Elkhorn corals adorn the tops of the ridges while large gorgonians, tube sponges, and hard corals occupy the gullies. 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. Boasting strong diving infrastructure, diverse types of diving, incredible walls and wrecks, and great visibility. The Cayman Islands hosts one of the best dives in the World: Bloody Bay Wall on Little Cayman. From 5 star restaurants to fish frys at the local gas station. Moray eels and angelfish move among the coral, and turtles are often seen cruising over the reef. 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. This is a wall that drops 2000 meters to the sea floor. Best Time to Dive in Little Cayman. 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. I guess thats one drawback of guided dives, everyone is constantly on the move, not ideal for photography, especially macro photography. 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. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. It does not make the product pricier for you. . Dining can be pricey but the meals I have had have been wonderful. Many divers who have been diving in this area said that this is really an up close and personal experience with stingrays as they are literally touching and surrounding you. East End 5. Roundabout is located along the North Wall in Grand Cayman. Learn to Dive in Cayman - Beginners and Refresher Courses 10 Go Scavenger Hunting At Seven Mile Beach. Clearly Cayman Group Specials - Big savings on 7-night stays! Cayman Islands Diving - Caribbean Sea - Dive The World You can hand-feed wild Southern stingrays. Discover these empowering women's history destinations selected by the U.S. News travel editors. The Cayman Islands are home to some of the best spots for scuba diving and snorkeling in the world. A 50% deposit is required at the time of booking with the final 50% . The islands are warm year-round with average highs. In the Cayman Islands, spring is in full force. 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. The protected Bloody Bay Marine Park lies in Little Cayman and offers magnificent marine life, great visibility, and spectacular bioluminescent corals. My favorite were the groupers who followed us like pets. For this reason, wreck junkies and aficionados often have the Keith on their to-dive lists. Hotels, resorts and cruise ships dont like unsold rooms and cabins, so they are more likely to offer discounts to attract customers. Exploring this site requires you to descend to 10 meters (33 feet) deep where you will arrive at the top portion of the reef. Welcome to my scuba diving bucket list. Everything most divers want. The wreck can be penetrated in some parts but speak for your guide or instructor beforehand. This is currently number 20 on the 100 Best Dives list. During this time, you can expect to see a variety of marine life, including turtles, rays, and a wide array of tropical fish. During winter, temperatures can drop down to the low 70s. 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;}. Crabs and lobsters are among the critters hiding in the crevices. I would appreciate if you don't as these referral links are what keep me posting and sharing on this blog. Princess Pennies Pinnacle is located on the North Wall in Grand Cayman. Click the link below to read our article about Eden Rock: Deep Stingray City is located in Grand Cayman. Besides the thick black corals, keep an eye out for tarpon, large yellow tube sponges, and ginormous barrel sponges. 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. Best Dive & Stay Packages in the Cayman Islands - Ocean Frontiers The Cayman Islands continues to receive global recognition and top the charts for diving. The seven mile beach area is beautiful for walking and photo opportunities. Below are our recommendations for the best months to dive in Cayman Islands, as well as our suggestions for the best places to dive in each month of the year. From our 24hr helpline to our expert local guides and selection of handpicked reading lists. It exceeds six inches in August and jumps again to more than eight inches in September and October. 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). Another top option for divers, Cayman Brac Beach Resort is, as its name implies, located on the third island in the Cayman Islands: 15-square-mile Cayman Brac. I know there are shore dives that can be done, and we plan to do some of those next time. Sign up to get the latest updates, offers and more. The dive resorts are more expensive than places like Roatan or Belize, but given the reputation of the islands and the quality and ease of the diving, we find the prices reasonable. Find & Book Adventures Book your fun dives, snorkelling trips and courses online with thousands of PADI Dive Centers. September is the worst month of the Caribbean hurricane season, which officially goes from June through November. With virtually no currents and outstanding underwater visibility, Cayman has amazing wall dives, coral reefs and wrecks for you to explore and discover. I've stayed at hotels and used independent dive operators and I have stayed at dive resorts with on-site dive operations. Divers of all levels can explore the engines, pistons, and pieces of the wreck that are scattered at 18m/60ft. We could easily get to reefs and wrecks by ourselves from shore and take as much time as our tanks allowed. 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. The Best Destinations for Underwater Photography | Scuba Diving Cayman Islands Reservations Phone: (345)-947-0000 Our Reservations Office is located on site at the Dive Shop & Resort in the Cayman Islands. Macro photographers should seek the banded coral shrimp and divers licensed to 30m/98ft will enjoy the gorgonian fans in the cavern at this depth. You may see hammerhead sharks if you are lucky. The 20 Best Scuba Dive Sites In The Cayman Islands (2023) Would also recommend spending an afternoon at Rum Point, where you can relax and also do some snorkeling if you like. If you love nature, you can go hiking or explore some caverns and caves. It is worth noting however that from June until October is the hurricane season in the Caribbean. 5. I quickly learned that if I poked at an area with my stick, the groupers would go right there, a great tool to get them to pose right where i wanted them in my reef scenes. Find a Liveaboard -Practical Information - Book a Trip. In February, the cost is roughly $1,044 round trip . Apart from the elephant ear sponges, keep your eyes peeled for blacktip Carribean reef sharks in the blue. Cruise ships visit here, so expect everything you would find in most international cruise ship ports. Dive Courses | Learning to Dive in Grand Cayman | Cayman Resident A 2.75 meter (9ft) bronze statue of Amphitrite (the wife of the mythological god Poseidon) rises up from the base of the reef. Despite being small measuring only 16 x 1.6 kilometers (10 x 1 mile), tourism is booming and tourism facilities are sprawling especially in South Town. Live like a local and get under the skin of a destination with our in-country concierges. Before the USS Kittiwake was sunk, the Oro Verde was the wreck dive of choice in the Caymans. at any point on your diving holiday) has to offer. I stayed at an all inclusive where the food was exceptional, prepared by a world class chef. There is decent shore diving from their dock. 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. PADI Dive Resorts for all budgets, in the best dive locations around the world. When to go Best time Low season Off season Where to go when The water is about 12-feet deep here. The sea is always warm in the Cayman Islands, with surface temperatures never dropping below around 25 o C (78 o F). Youtube+ While the visibility here is often a little clouded, thats thanks to the nutrient-rich flow of water which enriches the corals on the pinnacle. The three islands that make up the nation, Cayman Brac, Grand Cayman, and Little Cayman, are diverse and have distinct diving. The amazing diversity and dive sites for all levels are just one of the reasons why the Cayman Islands is also one of the top dive destinations in the Carribean. The dives are shallow and you can closely observe them swimming around or above you. Sidetrip: Visit Little Caymans Booby Pond Nature Reserve. We'll whisk you through the security queues (where available). The islands are warm year-round with average highs holding steady in the 80s. From classic wide-brimmed hats to water-repellent trucker hats, find your ideal style. The most interesting topside activities for us were exploring the island in a rental car and driving on the left side of the road. Cayman Brac offers a good mix of wall, wreck and reef diving for all experience levels. The main dive spot of Little Cayman is located on the northwest coast in a marine protected area the Bloody Bay Marine Park. Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. You could spend . Most people see flights, accommodations, and activities far cheaper during this time since fewer tourists are visiting. For diving, the reefs are easy to reach from many dive operators and offer a diversity of schooling fish, sponges, turtles, rays, and even sharks. If you have time, you should also take a flight to Little Cayman from Grand Cayman, and dive at Bloody Bay Wall. The best time to visit the Cayman Islands is any time of year, but hotel rates drop in March and June and temperatures rise to around 80 degrees. As a photographer, I never lacked for subjects both wide angle and macro and anything in between. Located in the western Caribbean, just 480 miles south of Miami, Cayman is perfect for scuba diving and snorkelling, boasting some of the Caribbean's best excursions. There is shopping, bars to hang out in, and live music. Wilderness Wall starts at 15 meters (50ft) before plunging down into the depths. It is possible to go scuba diving in Little Cayman all year round and the water temperature only varies from 21-27 degrees. Cayman Islands Seasonal Dive Planner The Caymans' hottest period is from May to November. A First Timer's Guide to Grand Cayman Island - AFAR Media Enjoy 20% OFF select PADI eLearning programs, FREE ReActivate online refresher, subscription to Scuba Diving magazine + so much more when you join PADI Club. The wall dive also has several other topographical features including swim-throughs and tunnels. The rainy season spans from May through October though showers usually only last for a few hours at a time. 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. 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. During the day rays, turtles, the occasional barracuda and plenty of reef fish mean theres a lot to keep divers engaged. When shopping and eating out, be sure to identify which currency prices . With 365 named dive sites, the enchanting Cayman Islands is a year-round underwater paradise. 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 1-800-652-1972. . There is also a restaurant, bar and dive shop at Macabuca. 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. Wheres the best place(s) to stay when looking into a diving trip in the Caymans? 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. Rum Point Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned diver, Grand Cayman has a dive site for you. This dive site first became popular in the 90s when it was featured in the film The Firm, starring Tom Cruise. It is Batabano, the countrys biggest festival, which is scheduled for early May each year. Kittiwake Shipwreck and diver in Grand Cayman - photo from Canva. But its not just the heat that matters when visiting the Cayman Islands. MV Captain Keith Tibbetts is an ex-Soviet Union ship that was built in 1984 for the Cuban Navy. Find the best travel insurance for you with these U.S. News ratings, which factor in expert and consumer recommendations. Situated on a wide beach on the island's West End, the property offers 40 air-conditioned rooms (renovated in late 2015 and featuring soothing Caribbean . This site is a firm favorite among local dive masters, most likely because of the intriguing geological features but there is plenty of marine life here too. The resident goliath grouper is a popular dive buddy at this Cayman dive site. The North Wall is one of the most visited diving sites and plunges to a depth of 6000 feet (1800 meters). You will find Nassau gropers, triggerfish, and other unique marine life at the Bloody Bay Wall. In this article, we review the top 20 scuba dive sites in the Cayman Islands. The water clarity is typically amazingly clear. Jacques Costeau loved diving in the Caymans and its easy to see why. 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. If you find a good deal on DIVEIN, you click to the retailer, and you buy the product, we get a commission of the sale. 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. A favourite stop for those diving and snorkeling lovers, the Bay Islands' important three islands are Roatan, Utila and Guanaja. Grab your gear and dive into the crystal clear waters of Grand Cayman! The water is about 10 to 20 feet deep. The 6 Best Dive Sites in the Cayman Islands - PADI Blog The best time to visit Grand Cayman is March and April. You need to protect your fingers from the eager snappers though. Best 5 Dive Resorts In Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands - Trip101 310-915-6677 Seven Mile Beach 4. Twitter Is this the world's best place to learn to scuba dive? - thetimes.co.uk Below are our recommendations for the best months to dive in Photographers can make the worst dive buddies. 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 visit Grand Cayman is March and April. This is how we pay ourselves. The waters here are 15 to 25 meters deep. Reservations Office is open Monday-Friday | 8:30am-5:30pm Cayman Islands time. This is really a divers paradise. Great diving. This is an especiallygreat time to visit clear, calm waters are perfect for snorkeling, diving, sailing and fishing. If you enjoy diving, then you need to visit the USS Kittiwake during your vacation to Grand Cayman. We have put together a comprehensive collection of packages to suit your needs. Trinity Caves is one Cayman dive site that never disappoints. If you like diving in caves and grottos, Trinity Caves on Grand Caymans west side is the site for you. The top is at 15m/50ft but the bottom is around 90m/200ft so diver ought to watch their depth gauges carefully as they circle the mountain. Scuba Diving the Cayman Islands | Scuba Adventures in Plano Plus, the water temperature ranges between 78-82F (26-28C). Scuba Divers can experience the world's best 12ft dive site at Stingray City, the beautiful Starfish Point and Bloody Bay . Explore the top-rated styles for every type of trip to the beach. Topside, the community is expanding with ongoing construction. The highlight of the dive is the photo opportunity with this Cayman reefs most famous resident. Stingrays, stingrays, and more stingrays is what draws divers to this Cayman site. No crowds. Here are a few of our favourite dive sites in Grand Cayman: 1. 10 Best Scuba Diving Companies In Grand Cayman (2023) 6. It is rich with tunnels, chutes, cervices, and beautiful reefs. Best Time to Dive Cayman Islands Diving is available year-round. Visibility in the Cayman Islands is wonderful, averaging between 60 and 100 feet (18-30 meters). Scuba Diving in the Cayman Islands | Explore Cayman Data sourced from the National Climatic Data Center.
