The Cayman Islands are known around the world as one of the Caribbean’s best diving destinations. And while numerous aspects create such an appealing prospect for divers, the shipwrecks in the waters off Grand Cayman are highly popular. At Red Sail Sports, we have been leaders in Grand Cayman Scuba Diving experiences for decades. As such, we have a deep knowledge of the turquoise waters surrounding our paradise island and the hidden treasures beneath the waves.
We’ve used our expertise to put together this Guide to Shipwreck Dives in Grand Cayman. Scroll down to find all the information you need to know! And if you have any questions about our scuba diving tours or boat excursions, please feel free to get in touch.
Experience a USS Kittiwake Dive and Explore One of Grand Cayman’s Most Famous Sites!
In a highly competitive field, the wreck of the USS Kittiwake is easily one of the best and most renowned dive sites in Grand Cayman and the Cayman Islands. This 251-foot former submarine rescue vessel was intentionally sunk a short distance off Seven Mile Beach in 2011 to create an artificial reef teeming with marine life.
As you explore its well-preserved decks and chambers, keep an eye out for curious sea turtles, vibrant tropical fish, and perhaps even a sneaky moray eel lurking in the shadows. With multiple entry points and a maximum depth of 64 feet, this dive is perfect for both beginners and seasoned wreck enthusiasts.
Are you ready for an adventure at this incredible wreck site? Read all about our amazing 2-Tank Kittiwake Wreck Dive. And don’t miss our blog about the history of Grand Cayman’s Kittiwake wreck for some fascinating pre-dive reading!
Discover the Oro Verde in Grand Cayman, a Ship that Ran Aground After a Mutiny
After running aground on a reef in 1976 following a mutiny, the Oro Verde lay stranded until it was eventually sunk in 1980. Today, this scattered wreck rests on a sandy bottom, creating an ideal habitat for an array of marine species. As you swim past the corroded hull and rusted relics, the ghostly charm of this underwater time capsule will leave you spellbound. The magic of this and all the wrecks on this list is just one of the reasons why Grand Cayman is the ideal destination for scuba divers.
Keep your eyes peeled for majestic eagle rays gliding gracefully through the water, enhancing the sense of otherworldly wonder. Another gem of a wreck located off Seven Mile Beach, the Oro Verde is a popular site on our Grand Cayman west coast dives, including the 2-Tank AM West Wall Dive.
Explore The Gamma Wreck, a Haven for Marine Life in Grand Cayman
Dive into the vibrant world of The Gamma, a 100-foot-long cargo ship that met its watery fate during a storm in 1981. This wreck sits in only around 9ft of water and is around 20ft away from the shore at the southern end of Seven Mile Beach. As such, it’s a perfect snorkel site! And due to how easy it is to access, it’s absolutely worth a visit. It’s not recommended for absolute beginners, and anyone swimming out to the wreck is advised to stay around 5ft away from it at all times to avoid injury from sharp metal edges.
Are you interested in snorkelling as well as diving? You’ll love our range of Seven Mile Beach snorkelling excursions. And if you’re staying in the Seven Mile Beach area during your vacation, make sure you read our Ultimate Guide to Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman!
Dive Grand Cayman’s Balboa Wreck and Discover Underwater Mysteries
Embark on a captivating voyage to the Balboa, a wreck that lies in the depths just off Grand Cayman’s western shores. The remnants of this freighter, which sank during a hurricane in 1932, have become a fascinating playground for divers. This is a true “wreck” as most of the ship is no longer intact. However, due to the thriving marine life and fascinating relics, this is still a wonderful dive site.
If you get the chance to dive the Balboa, expect to see coral, sponges, tarpon, and so much more. However, due to its location in the main transfer channel between George Town Dock and visiting cruise ships, it’s becoming more difficult to dive here.
As you may have already noted, many of Grand Cayman’s best wrecks are on the west side of our island. But there’s another spectacular world of wonder waiting off the east coast too! Browse our East End scuba diving experiences to find out more!
Experience a Colourful Underwater Oasis at the Cali Wreck
Prepare to be enchanted by the vibrant beauty of the Cali wreck, a sunken four-mast schooner resting in the crystal-clear waters just north of Georgetown. When the Cali sank in 1944, it was deemed a hazard to navigation. As a result, the boat was blown up! Today, the remains of this wreck — such as the ship’s ribs, hull, winches, and boilers — create a mesmerising oasis for coral formations and an abundance of marine creatures.
As you navigate through this underwater paradise, you’ll encounter colourful angelfish, parrotfish, tarpon, and delicate sea fans swaying in the gentle current. With an average depth of 26 to 30 feet, this dive welcomes both beginners and seasoned photographers eager to capture nature’s kaleidoscope. Be sure to read our blog 10 Aquatic Animals You’ll Encounter in Grand Cayman to find out more about the creatures you might see beneath the waves.
Do you still need to qualify for your diving certification or refresh your diving skills? At Red Sail Sports, we also provide a wide range of dive courses in Grand Cayman, ensuring you don’t miss out on incredible diving experiences.
Dive into Grand Cayman’s History at the Pallas Wreck
Located off the west coast of Grand Cayman, the Pallas Wreck offers divers a glimpse into history. This three-mast iron sailing ship was built in 1875 before sinking during a hurricane in 1910. The wreck sits in shallow water, but the effects of time and nature have eaten away at the ship. But the good news is that what remains of the wreck is teeming with tropical fish and coral formations.
When combined with our island’s famous outstanding visibility — which is yet another reason why you need to go to diving in Grand Cayman — the Pallas Wreck is a joy to explore.
The Doc Poulson is A Photographer’s Dream
Prepare for a thrilling adventure as you dive into the deep waters surrounding the Doc Poulson wreck. This impressive 80-foot-long vessel is a former Japanese cable-laying ship that now rests at a depth of approximately 60 feet. As you descend, you’ll witness the ship’s imposing silhouette emerge from the blue.
Much like the USS Kittiwake, the Doc Poulson was also purposefully sunk to create an artificial reef. The wreck sits on a bed of white sand, and the water here has startling clarity. When combined with the impressive coral, sponges, sea fans, and diverse marine life, this is as much an underwater photography studio as it is a shipwreck dive site!
Have you looked into transportation options for your time in Grand Cayman yet? Check out our previous guide How to Get Around in the Cayman Islands for tips and advice from locals!
Grand Cayman’s LCM David Nicholson is a Coral-Rich Wreck
Sunk in front of the Sunset House Hotel, the LCM David Nicholson was a small landing craft. Sitting at a depth of around 65ft, the wreck has witnessed an explosion of coral growth. Expect to see tall purple finger sponges and yellow tube sponges as well as angel fish, snappers, sergeant majors, and plenty more fish species.
Looking for even more dre-dive reading? We think you’ll love our blog Exploring Grand Cayman’s Hidden Dive Sites: A Diver’s Paradise.
Discover a Breathtaking Underwater World with Our Grand Cayman Scuba Diving
We hope this Guide to Shipwreck Dives in the Cayman Islands has inspired you to start planning your adventure here in paradise. And remember, this list is only an introduction to the many incredible diving experiences you can find in Grand Cayman. Find out more about the adventures waiting for you by browsing our range of Grand Cayman Scuba Diving trips.
And if you have any questions about anything you see, please feel free to contact us.
