A scuba diving experience Grand Cayman will leave you exhilarated. Consistently ranked among the world’s best scuba diving sites, the Cayman Islands offer a visual feast of beautiful coral and exotic marine animals that will be one of the highlights of your trip.
World-renowned oceanographer Jacques Cousteau, who had arguably explored more ocean than any human in history, loved Grand Cayman so much that he would visit the islands in his free time to do a little diving and snorkeling for fun. After one dive, you’ll understand why. (I assume this is verified)
Marine Life
The waters off Grand Cayman are like an expansive aquarium. From sea turtles to spotted eagle rays and hundreds of fish species, you may not always recognize what you’re seeing, but you will be excited to see it.
Animal attractions in the waters off Grand Cayman include the fascinating Flamingo Tongue, a brightly-colored snail-like creature that feeds on the coral reefs and live in male-female pairs. Their vivid visual palette is designed to scare off predators, warning Hogfish and other predators about the poison they will emit if attacked. Grand Cayman scuba divers will also likely see spotted rays, which can travel in groups as numerous as 30 or more, and the Hawksbill sea turtle, a critically endangered species due to overfishing that has seen an increase in population in recent years.
Coral Reefs
Grand Cayman’s coral reef is also a vital part of the island’s marine biodiversity and a joy to see for any scuba diver. But it also contains an important story about rejuvenation: Around the world, coral reefs are disappearing due to several environmental factors.
However, restoration efforts in Grand Cayman have restored a significant amount of reef and it remains one of the best places in the world to view this fascinating and beautiful ocean phenomenon.
One of the most popular attractions for Grand Cayman scuba diving is the island’s “wall.” Grand Cayman Island is technically the top of an underwater mountain, and divers are able to explore the steep mountainsides, which are full of spectacular coral and other sea life.
The four walls surround the island and each one has their own unique features, giving you the possibility to do multiple dives and experiencing a new adventure each time. (I assume this is verified)
Shipwrecks
The USS Kittiwake is a United States Navy ship that was in active use for 49 years, beginning in 1945. The 251-foot, 2,200-ton ship traveled all around the world on U.S. Naval missions until its decommission in 1994. Many of its activities are still classified, but a major purpose of the ship was to help monitor the Navy’s deep sea dive operations.
Its involvement in diving is one reason why the Grand Cayman authorities wanted to use the ship for use as an artificial reef. And in 2011, they bought the retired ship from the U.S. government and transferred it from Norfolk, Virginia, to its current residence off of Grand Cayman’s Seven Mile Beach.
Today, the USS Kittiwake is considered one of the best shipwreck dives in the world and must-see for Grand Cayman scuba divers.
Grand Cayman Island is a must-do for divers. Click here and explore Wyndham Reef Resort offerings for the ultimate diving experience.
