With its crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and abundant marine life, Grand Cayman offers an underwater experience like no other. And while the walls, arches, tunnels, and wrecks are all incredible sights, in this blog we focus on the marine life you will encounter in Grand Cayman’s waters.
At Red Sail Sports, we’ve been leading scuba diving trips in Grand Cayman for decades, so we’ve come face to face with just about every creature that calls the ocean around our island home. With all this experience, we’re perfectly placed to share some of our favourites!
Let’s dive into the top 10 aquatic creatures you can see when diving in Grand Cayman! And if you have any questions for the Red Sail Sports team, please don’t hesitate to contact us for the answers you need!
Grand Cayman’s Elegant Juvenile Spotted Drum
Eques punctatus
Graceful, elegant, and full of flair, the Juvenile Spotted Drum is one of the ocean’s most captivating dancers. This black-and-white-striped beauty can be spotted near coral ledges and under overhangs. With their long, ribbon-like dorsal fins flowing as they swim, they appear to be in constant motion, spinning and twirling in circles.
Though small in size, their mesmerising movements leave a big impression. Divers are often delighted by these graceful fish, making them a favourite sighting on our dives.
The Curious Puffer Fish
Tetraodontiformes
Everyone loves a Puffer Fish! Known for their unique ability to inflate themselves as a defence mechanism, these shy creatures are a charming sight underwater. You’ll find them tucked under rocks or coral formations, quietly observing their surroundings with large, black, curious eyes. When not inflated, Puffer Fish range in size from a few inches to nearly two feet.
Their unassuming grey and white colouring may not be flashy, but their distinctive puff-up behaviour makes them unforgettable.
Looking for more travel inspiration as you plan your Cayman adventure? Our blog What to Do and Eat on Grand Cayman for 5 Days is packed with local insights and recommendations!
Don’t Forget to Look Out for Blue Tang!
Paracanthurus hepatus
One of the most eye-catching fish on the reef, the Blue Tang, or “Dory” as some may affectionately call it, is a beloved reef inhabitant. With a deep blue, almost purple body and a vibrant yellow tail, these fish are as important to the reef’s health as they are beautiful to watch. They feed on algae, keeping the coral clean and preventing overgrowth.
Look out for schools of Blue Tang grazing peacefully over the reefs — they’re a delight to see on any dive!
Silversides and the Famous Grand Cayman Silver Rush
Atheriniformes
If you’re diving around Grand Cayman in the summer, you’re in for a treat — the arrival of Silversides! These small, shimmering fish travel in huge schools, moving together in dazzling formations that create a breathtaking effect called the ‘silver rush’. The way they dance in the water, reflecting the sunlight, is one of the most captivating underwater spectacles.
These tiny fish use their numbers for protection against predators, and the sight of them swarming in perfect unison is simply awe-inspiring. Eden Rock, on Grand Cayman’s west coast, is a favourite spot for Silversides, but you can find them on our island’s walls, shallow reefs, and wrecks throughout the summer.
If you’re already determined to come diving with us during your trip, we think you’ll appreciate our Ultimate Guide to Diving in the Cayman Islands. Read it when you have finished here to make the most of your time in Grand Cayman.
Green Moray Eel: Surprisingly Non-Aggressive Giants
Gymnothorax funebris
Despite their intimidating appearance, the Green Moray Eel is a surprisingly gentle giant. These long, sinuous creatures are not actually green; their true colour is a deep blue, but their yellowish mucus gives them a green tint. You’ll often find them peeking out from holes in reefs or gliding smoothly along the bottom, seemingly emerging from the shadows.
Though they might look fearsome with their gaping mouths, they are just breathing — showing off their sharp teeth but meaning no harm.
Sea Turtles are a Highlight of Grand Cayman Ocean Adventures
Chelonia mydas, Eretmochelys imbricata, Caretta caretta
Grand Cayman’s waters are synonymous with sea turtles. In fact, the Spanish name for our islands is Las Tortugas, thanks to the abundance of these majestic creatures. You’re most likely to encounter Green or Hawksbill turtles when diving and snorkelling here, but massive Loggerhead turtles also appear during the early summer mating season.
All three of these gentle species can be found leisurely gliding along the reefs or munching on seagrass in shallower waters. Loggerheads, with their massive size and ancient, barnacle-covered shells, are particularly impressive and just one of many reasons why you need to go diving in Grand Cayman.
Sharks are a Common Sighting in Grand Cayman
Various species
Few underwater sightings stir excitement like seeing a shark. Grand Cayman is home to several shark species, including Caribbean Reef Sharks, Black Tip Sharks, Nurse Sharks, and occasionally Hammerheads. Contrary to their fearsome reputation, most of these sharks are docile and uninterested in humans, but they are still thrilling to observe in the wild.
We frequently see reef sharks at many Cayman dive sites, especially on the East End and some North Wall locations, where they join Hammerheads. Nurse sharks inhabit the west side of Grand Cayman, particularly shallow sites.
If you’re looking to discover our island’s famous North Wall, be sure to check out our 2-Tank AM Grand Cayman North Wall Dive! And for a more complete experience, discover more about diving trips in the Grand Cayman’s East End with Tortuga Divers, our sister company.
Eagle Rays are the Image of Grace
Myliobatidae
With their distinctive spotted bodies and wide, sweeping wingspans, Eagle Rays seem to fly through the water with effortless grace. They can often be seen in groups, cruising along the sandy seabeds or soaring above coral reefs. Their characteristic long tails and shovel-shaped snouts are used to search for food buried in the sand, often small crustaceans.
One of the best places to encounter Eagle Rays is near the Kittiwake wreck or along the island’s stunning walls, a topic we look at in more detail in our blog What is There to See When Snorkelling in the Cayman Islands?
Southern Stingrays are Grand Cayman Icons!
Hypanus americanus
One of Grand Cayman’s most famous residents, the southern stingray is best known for its starring role at Stingray City. This shallow sandbar is home to dozens of these friendly rays, who have become accustomed to human interaction. If you’re diving or snorkelling here, expect these velvety creatures to glide around you, brushing against your legs. You can even hold or kiss them. According to local legend, puckering up will bring you seven years of good luck!
Sound like your idea of a must-do activity? We think you’ll love reading our Ultimate Guide to Stingray City in Grand Cayman when you have finished here.
Grand Cayman’s Coral Reefs are Animals Too!
Last but certainly not least, we have to mention the coral reefs themselves! While they are sessile — meaning they ‘take root’ by attaching themselves to the sea bed — they also don’t produce their own food as plants do. So, despite not having distinctive body parts or even faces, corals are part of the animal kingdom.
More importantly, they are also the lifeblood of the ocean’s ecosystem. Grand Cayman’s coral formations are home to hundreds of species of fish, invertebrates, and marine plants, all contributing to the island’s biodiversity.
From vibrant brain coral to delicate sea fans and towering sponges, the reefs are alive with activity and colour, making every dive a new discovery. Read our Guide to Exploring Coral Reefs in Grand Cayman to find out more about these fascinating formations.
Book Your Diving Trips in Grand Cayman with Red Sail Sports
Now that you know just 10 aquatic animals you’ll encounter in Grand Cayman, it’s time to find some more in real life! Browse our range of scuba diving trips in Grand Cayman and start planning your experience here in our part of paradise.
If you have any pre-booking questions, please just get in touch for the answers you need!
