The Cayman Islands are known as one of the world’s premier places to snorkel and scuba dive. The Islands boast a wide variety of marine life in beautiful, crystal clear waters surrounded by healthy coral reefs and ideal temperatures year round.
The water is where some residents say the true beauty of the Cayman Islands can be found. With an abundance of tropical fish, unique colours and warm waters, this sport is a favorite pastime of many visitors and residents alike!
Snorkeling is an easy way to get started in your underwater adventures and many newcomers choose to start this way. There is plenty to be seen within just a feet from shore and it’s an easy way to get involved without a great deal of training and donning a full scuba outfit. Some of the species of fish you may encounter include Yellow Snapper, Tarpin, Stingrays and Blue Tang. If you are particularly fortunate, you may encounter a Sea Turtle or other more rare creatures.
There are several well known sites right in George Town on Grand Cayman for snorkeling and diving including Eden Rock and Cheeseburger Reef – named if you can believe it, due to its proximity to Burger King!
There are many other locations to explore outside the city including Cemetery Reef at the north end of the famous Seven Mile Beach and a great selection of locations along the south shore in Bodden Town. There are plenty other locations to visit and no shortage of places to explore!
Outside Grand Cayman, there are also world renowned dive sites on the Sister Islands; Cayman Brac and Little Cayman. Cayman Brac is now home to a 330-foot Russian destroyer, the MV Captain Keith Tibbetts, which was sunk in 1996 to become an artificial reef. Little Cayman boasts Bloody Bay Wall which starts at a depth of about 18 feet and plummet dramatically to over 1,000 feet (or much deeper depending on who you ask!).
New to Scuba? If you are interested in becoming PADI certified, there is probably no better place than the Cayman Islands. With a large number of certified trainers and dive centers on the Island you will be sure to gain proper instruction while having a great time!
Diving and snorkeling is one of the more common and enjoyable ways to spend free time in the Cayman Islands. With so much to see and explore, it is no wonder so many enjoy the sport!
Author: Jason Squires