The Cayman Islands are one of the Best Liveaboard Destinations in the World. Best Time To Visit Cayman Islands - Travel Tips For Every Season From our 24hr helpline to our expert local guides and selection of handpicked reading lists. Butterflyfish, triggerfish, shrimp, snapper, and more hand out in and around the large coral heads that sit nor far from the waters surface. Its also the historical rainfall patterns. For macro subjects, you can see angelfish, morays, lettuce slug nudibranchs and many more. Access to tools and resources at your fingertips, curated to enhance your diving experience. The visibility at Donnas Delight on Little Cayman is typically good and the relaxed and easy diving here is suitable for all levels. Click the link below to read our article about Eden Rock: Deep Stingray City is located in Grand Cayman. The main dive spot of Little Cayman is located on the northwest coast in a marine protected area the Bloody Bay Marine Park. Though Kittiwake is a very popular diving site on Grand Island, the shallow and crystal-clear waters of the site make it an equally amazing snorkeling spot as well. Cayman Brac offered multiple relaxed dive spots on reefs all along the edge of the island. Grand Cayman Dive Resorts I Packages I Wyndham Reef Resort [What You Need to Know]. The Pedro St. James National Historic Site is a great place for photography, or you can visit Rum Point for a true Caribbean beach experience. 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. Babylon is located on the North Wall in Grand Cayman. With 365 named dive sites, the enchanting Cayman Islands is a year-round underwater paradise. to dive in Cayman Islands. Grand Cayman makes a good dive vacation, but for us it was a great stop with plenty of good diving over 3 days on the way home from Cayman Brac. Grand Cayman is the most visited island in the Cayman Islands by Scuba Divers. Even though July is a popular month, it is not necessarily a good time to go because of the reasons below. This is how we pay ourselves. I am Dan, this site is my blog where I document my research on the best diving spots in the world. Naturally, this is also the most expensive season, and reservations must be made at least three months in advance. A shallow dive site, the colors here really pop making it a good choice for photographers. This is currently number 20 on the 100 Best Dives list.. Pelagics are attracted to the wall while schools of reef fish populate the shallows, swimming around the many purple, red, and yellow sponges. Twitter It now rests in an upright position at a depth of 27meters (89feet). Our Original Diving experts, made up of marine biologists, divemasters and lovers of all things underwater, know the best time to dive in Little Cayman. Another great wall diving site in Little Cayman is Joys Joy. Dive Shop and Front desk is open 7 days per week | 7am to 6pm and can be reached directly on (345)-640-7500 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. Use Add to ideas + to collect your trip ideas, share with friends or make 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 Best Time to Visit the Cayman Islands in 2023 | Travellers The water is about 10 to 20 feet deep. Topside, the community is expanding with ongoing construction. This British overseas island is home to mystical caves, unscaled escarpments, tropical forests, diverse wildlife and a plethora of other unique experiences. 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. The depths start at around 12m/40ft and end at 30m/98ft. Originally coined 356, this wreck is now called the M/V Captain Keith Tibbetts after a well-known Cayman Brac politician. Explore the top-rated styles for every type of trip to the beach. The seven mile beach area is beautiful for walking and photo opportunities. There are lots of beautiful beaches to visit and to relax. However, as we just mentioned, diving in the Cayman Islands is possible all year round. 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. The best dive site is either Bloody Bay Wall in Little Cayman or the USS Kittiwake in Grand Cayman. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates. With a PADI Travel account, you can favourite dive operators to come back to later on any device or computer. While at first the Oro Verde was a complete ship, rough seas and tumultuous weather have dispersed the wreckage. 7. Roundabout is located along the North Wall in Grand Cayman. Today, Cayman is one of the top dive destinations anywhere. While you can get some rain, it's not as common as during the summer. The dives are shallow and you can closely observe them swimming around or above you. You can hand-feed wild Southern stingrays. Often you can see massive tarpons, barracudas, and schools of silversides. Instead, they pass through the vicinity and bring heavy rains and wind to the island. Under its 1986 declaration covering an area of hectares (23 acres) are dive sites that are popular to tourists and divers alike. The wreck of the Captain Keith is unusual it is the only Soviet-made warship that divers can visit in the western hemisphere. 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. The ship has been opened up with large access holes so that you can swim through the interior of the ship. 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. There are 365 dive sites throughout the islands, offering something for all levels of experience. Cayman Islands Travel Guide - Cayman Islands Travel Tips & Attractions Little Cayman GoPro Video Workshop: April 2023, Best Liveaboard Destinations for Beginners, shifted the Kittiwake from her original position. 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. They were all guided dives. 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). Frugal travel planners can look for good deals during these months while keeping an eye on the 10-day weather forecast. Located in popular Bloody Bay, Donnas Delight is home to some classic Cayman wall diving: Giant barrel sponges, arching sea fans, and bright corals. 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. Hurricane Ivan in 2004 cleaved the 100m/328ft ship in half but divers can still explore both sections of the wreckage. Share your love of diving, experience new adventures, expand your dive skills, and help save the ocean. dive in each month of the year. Stingrays and turtles are known to swim here. A 50% deposit is required at the time of booking with the final 50% . Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman house over 300 dive sites, making up the breathtaking Cayman dive map. The North Wall is one of the most visited diving sites and plunges to a depth of 6000 feet (1800 meters). Data sourced from the National Climatic Data Center. The units are privately owned and furnished, but they have 21 accommodations available for rental use. Exploring its underwater habitats allows you to see an incredible reef that starts at 6 meters (20 feet) deep and slowly slopes down towards a vertical limestone wall that drops down up to 1,000 meters (3,300 feet) deep. There is a lot of marine life among the coral and resident angelfish and groupers are found at the stern of the ship. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a country in Western Asia located at the northeast end of the Arabian Peninsula in the Persian Gulf. September and October are the riskiest months to visit Grand Cayman because of the higher than normal amounts of rain. Seven Mile Beach is considered the most popular tourist area in the Cayman Islands, thanks to its stunning white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters. This is a deep wall that drops several hundred feet into the abyss. And when it comes to marine life, there is lots to see! This site is my attempt to live the adrenaline my life is missing and be able to live real-life storybook stories with my wife and children. For big animals - you can find a good number of turtles and groupers, tarpon, nurse sharks, great barracuda, and stingrays. Wreck of the Oro Verde is located in Grand Cayman. Scuba diving in Little Cayman and Cayman Brac | ZuBlu I have worked in the corporate world and had little time for adventure. See and be seen at these stunning natural wonders. We are proud to off-set 100% of the carbon generated by our clients' flights. Best Dive Sites in the Cayman Islands for a Magical - pickyourtrail Eagle Ray Pass is located along the North Wall in Grand Cayman. This is the most famous dive site in the Cayman Islands - and with good reason. 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. Best Time to Visit The Cayman Islands are mostly sunny and warm year-round, but it may be best to visit between March and June when the hotel rates drop. Little Cayman, best time of year for diving | Page 2 | ScubaBoard Look in the blue off the wall for passing sharks, rays, and turtles. This is a must do dive. A direct flight from Miami to Grand Cayman takes only 70 minutes. Best Times To Visit Cayman Islands The best time to visit the Cayman Islands is between March and June when the hotel rates drop. Now large groups of southern stingrays are lurking around daily. In this article, we review the top 20 scuba dive sites in the Cayman Islands. The waters here are 15 to 25 meters deep. Our review team always considers durability, price, quality, and value in their reviews. This is one of the deepest sea-walls in the world. Yes, that is the Cayman Islands and this is due in part of the tax holiday being implemented that has attracted businesses worldwide. Lighthouse Point is located in West Bay in Grand Cayman. But these arent the only good and bad times. We were lucky enough to see the tail end of silversides on the wreck of the Balboa right in the Harbor too. Both Grand Cayman and Little Cayman have great diving. that the underwater world (and overwater, if you plan on surfacing You need to take a boat to reach this area. "High Season" at the hotels is mid-December to mid-April, so rates will be higher then. 20 Best Dive Sites In The Cayman Islands (2023) In this article, we review the top 20 scuba dive sites in the Cayman Islands. Cayman Islands Diving - Everything You Need to Know Pinterest However, the Cayman Islands can be impacted by hurricanes primarily between June and November. Learn to dive in the Cayman Islands by Living the Dream Divers Named for a historical anchorage, Anchor Point features a tight chimney-like descent at the beginning of the dive. Diving in the Cayman Islands | PADI Its land area is slightly bigger than Little Cayman with a measurement of 19 x 2 kilometers (12miles x 1.2miles). Honduras coast hosts the Bay Islands which is a compilation of eight islands and 53 small cays and these islands are one of the best scuba diving places in the world. If you want to go a little more remote, try Little Cayman. If you want to enjoy these five dive sites . The winter and early spring months are the most popular time in the Cayman Islands. Closely packed ridges form huge coral heads between the shore and the reef wall. Theyre not timid and as they surround you, these rays seem happy to receive a gentle stroke or two. In addition, you're more likely to snag a hotel deal during these months. 10 Best Dive Destinations in the Caribbean // The 6 Best Dive Sites in the Cayman Islands - PADI Blog 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 . Get certified to scuba dive. This is one of the top island destinations in the United Kingdom. Northerners also want to get away from the cold and snow of winter. 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. Purposely sunk in 2011, she now sits upright in the sand at 18 meters (60ft) and is a teeming artificial reef encrusted with coral. 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. Its a very easy and fun dive, we saw some angelfish and eagle rays. There are plenty of great dive resorts available, but liveaboard is the best option if you want to dive around all three islands. Trinity Caves is a popular dive site that is located off the coast of West Bay in Grand Cayman. Get in touch with our specialists As a photographer, I never lacked for subjects both wide angle and macro and anything in between. Living The Dream Divers Diving Packages | Grand Cayman Exploring this site requires you to descend to 10 meters (33 feet) deep where you will arrive at the top portion of the reef. Plus, along the wall, you can meet triggerfish, eagle rays, turtles, lobsters and many more! Once you decide which route you want to go, it's time to get in the water! Both of these sites are accessible from shore. It was named after the famous free-diver Penny Ventura. 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 created this website to help answer common questions about vacationing in the Cayman Islands, and to help tourists find the best things to do. It lays at 60 ft (20 m) and scuba divers are able to explore all five levels of this 250 ft (75 m) vessel. You can dive from shore because they have ladders that you can use to enter and exit the water. 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. The islands' location in the western part of the Caribbean shields them from being hit too hard by the annual hurricane season, which lasts from June to November. The Cayman Islands-- Grand Cayman, Little Cayman, and Cayman Brac--have been attracting scuba divers for decades, including beginners! 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. Moray eels and angelfish move among the coral, and turtles are often seen cruising over the reef. Named for the bright orange elephant ear sponges that characterize this site, Orange Canyon doesnt contain a closed canyon per se, but an open channel with lively reef on either side. Cayman Islands | Maduro Dive | Exclusive Scuba Diving Packages Cayman Islands, as well as our suggestions for the best places to Theres also Little Cayman thats the least developed of the 3 islands. The Cayman Islands certainly offer diversity without a long trip from the states. Eden Rock Dive Center. Sign up to get the latest updates, offers and more. Little Cayman, Cayman Islands. Best Times to Visit Cayman Islands | U.S. News Travel 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. Cracks in the ceilings let in plenty of natural light making it easy to search the nooks and crannies for the many crustaceans and other marine creatures that occupy the tunnels. Boat rides were no longer than 15 minutes, with most being around 5 minutes. They became my favorite focus on the reef. The months of January and February are the coldest, with average lows in the low 60s. 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. Diving in the Caymans offers something for everyone, whether divers are taking their very first fin stokes or have years of experience under their weight belts. Wheres the best place(s) to stay when looking into a diving trip in the Caymans? 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. // ]]>, Call us today at+1-310-915-6677 or email us info@bluewaterdivetravel.com. Stingray City is in only 12ft (4m) of water and is a huge draw for divers and underwater photographers. Diving in the Cayman Islands - Bluewater Dive Travel Best time to dive When to dive in the Cayman Islands entirely depends on your own personal preferences. Here youll find more than 50 dives sites including the famous Bloody Bay. For scuba diving, the best time to dive the Cayman Islands is pretty much any time except peak hurricane season. Welcome to my scuba diving bucket list. Besides scuba diving, there are plenty of other things to do on the Cayman Islands. You can spot eagle rays, reef sharks, sailfin blennies, tilefish, peacock flounders, garden eels, or yellow-headed jawfish. North Wall 2. stingray city 3. If you want to escape the crowds of cruise ship passengers, the East End is the place to go. We'll whisk you through the security queues (where available). Best Time to Dive Cayman Islands. It was named Orange Canyon because of the large orange Elephant Ear Sponges that can be found here. The largest among the three islands, Grand Cayman is highly popular among SCUBA divers from all over the world. All levels of divers can enjoy the site as there is plenty to see at shallow depths or at deeper parts. Give the perfect gift for your favorite ocean lover and explorer. It is common to see barracudas and schools of horse-eye jacks in this area. Top dives include the famous 1000 Steps, the Hilmer Hooker wreck, and Bari Reef. you are in the right place at the right time to see the very best If you enjoy snorkeling, then check out our article where we discuss the top 25 snorkel spots in Grand Cayman. As the name suggests, this Cayman dive site is known for eagle rays. December to April is also the busiest time of year for tourism, so it's important to book your dive trips in advance. [] The water is about 12-feet deep here. Click the link below to read our article about Macabuca: Tarpon Alley is located at the North Wall in Grand Cayman. The Best Diving in Cayman Islands 2022 - Divein Click the link below to read our article about the USS Kittiwake: Wilderness Wall is located on the south-side of Cayman Brac. Besides the thick black corals, keep an eye out for tarpon, large yellow tube sponges, and ginormous barrel sponges. Bert Brothers Boulders is one of the most beautiful dive sites on Cayman Brac. Best Time to Dive in Little Cayman. 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). He is the author of four books about cruising in the Caribbean, Alaska and Mexican Riviera. Diving in the Cayman Islands | Cayman Resident You can go hiking in the Mastic Trail where it has really nice views from the harbors and the beaches. Also, check out our article where we review the top 25 things to do in Grand Cayman. info@bluewaterdivetravel.com, Visited on 04/2018 - Submitted on 02/04/2020, Visited on 03/2013 - Submitted on 08/31/2014, Visited on 02/2014 - Submitted on 04/19/2014, Visited on 02/2014 - Submitted on 03/01/2014, Visited on 08/2013 - Submitted on 02/21/2014, Big savings on 7-night group stays at Little Cayman, Cayman Brac and Cobalt Coast Resorts, live availability of some of the best liveaboards in the Cayman Islands. Is this the world's best place to learn to scuba dive? - thetimes.co.uk If you are vacationing in Cayman Brac, then you need to visit this spot. 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! 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. Diving is available year-round. If you enjoy diving, then you need to visit the USS Kittiwake during your vacation to Grand Cayman. Grand Cayman has dives for all experience levels, and our on-site dive shop Ocean Frontiers Diving Adventures offers a range of PADI dive courses and signature dive adventures. The best part about the dive is the . Best Time to Dive in Little Cayman. The wall dive also has several other topographical features including swim-throughs and tunnels. Along the wall you'll spot black coral bushes, barrel sponges and sea fans where barracudas, turtles, eagle rays and parrotfish like to show up. In 2017, Tropical Storm Nate shifted the Kittiwake from her original position. Exploring this site requires you to initially descend to 18 meters (60 feet) deep where the wall starts. The non-divers with us were content to lounge by the pool, visit the spa, ride bikes, and go for walks. The Seven Mile Beach area and the main city, Georgetown, are very developed with large hotels and resorts, restaurants, shops, etc. Bloody Bay Wall is considered the epicenter of scuba diving in this marine park. Thus, you can keep going back and still discover new sites. but the best time to visit is between May and October. This area is an international tourist destination and can be crowded. Occasionally, a nurse shark rest on the sand. Bert Brothers Boulders is also a great spot to see flying gurnards at around 5.5 meters (18ft). Hotels, resorts and cruise ships dont like unsold rooms and cabins, so they are more likely to offer discounts to attract customers. Bloody Bay Wall is located in Little Cayman. 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. With regards to transportation, you have to take note that there are no taxis in Little Cayman and the best way to explore the island is by renting a bike. December rainfall drops back down to about three inches. Located south-east of the Gulf of Mexico and close to Jamaica, Cuba, and Haiti, diving in the Caymans offers classic Carribean underwater scenes and the chance to spot both large and small marine life. If you love nature, you can go hiking or explore some caverns and caves. The best diving depth at this Cayman site, between 30 and 40 meters (98-130ft) means its best for deep certified advanced divers. The Cayman Turtle Farm is one of the most visited land attractions on the island.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'scubadivegeek_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_1',121,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-scubadivegeek_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'scubadivegeek_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_2',121,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-scubadivegeek_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0_1'); .large-mobile-banner-1-multi-121{border:none !important;display:block !important;float:none !important;line-height:0px;margin-bottom:7px !important;margin-left:auto !important;margin-right:auto !important;margin-top:7px !important;max-width:100% !important;min-height:50px;padding:0;text-align:center !important;}. Our DSD is $99 USD per person and includes all equipment needed and a fantastic shallow dive to a max depth of 40ft. A favourite stop for those diving and snorkeling lovers, the Bay Islands' important three islands are Roatan, Utila and Guanaja. Continue with Recommended Cookies. These hot temperatures start in May and last into November. The rainy season spans from May through October though showers usually only last for a few hours at a time. Babylon- Grand Cayman Island is surrounded by a wall, but what makes the Babylon site special is the pinnacle with a canyon cutting the north wall. There are also lots of tarpon and small silver sprats in this area. marine life, be it the tiny critters or bigger beasts of the ocean. But the main reason for diving here are the sharks, especially hammerheads. The boat dives were offered mostly in the mornings, and we were on our own in the afternoons. So, what are you waiting for? She met her end on the reef in the late 70s, allegedly due to mutiny aboard. 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. My poker stick resembled the dive guides spears, so they followed me closely and would even "show" me where the lion fish were, confused when I didn't feed them. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. There is a lot of soft coral here, which makes for an interesting experience. MV Captain Keith Tibbetts is an ex-Soviet Union ship that was built in 1984 for the Cuban Navy. . Best Diving Destination in the Carribean: The Cayman Islands The islands are warm year-round with average highs holding steady in the 80s. Grandview Condominiums are located on the south end of 7 Mile Beach in George Town on the scuba diving island of Grand Cayman. 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. 4. On Grand Cayman, I stayed at hotels on the west end along Seven Mile beach. The highlight of the dive is the photo opportunity with this Cayman reefs most famous resident. When shopping and eating out, be sure to identify which currency prices . . The reef slopes gradually from 5 to 17 meters (17-55ft), and is covered in hard corals, sea whips, small sponges and gorgonians. You may see hammerhead sharks if you are lucky.
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