The Grand Cayman’s secluded location in the Caribbean makes it one of the prime diving destinations in the world. With its warm, clear waters, you can discover everything from kaleidoscopic coral reefs to shipwrecks.
Home to hundreds of diverse dive sites, Grand Cayman is perfect for experienced divers and novices alike. Red Sail Sports has run Grand Cayman Scuba Diving Trips for over 30 years, so we have a good idea of why you need to go diving in Grand Cayman.
Read our blog for more details on diving in Grand Cayman, or feel free to get in touch with us about our excursions. Let’s dive in!
Grand Cayman’s Excellent Diving Conditions
Grand Cayman has some of the best diving conditions you could ask for. Water temperatures never drop below 77°F (25°C) and you can experience up to 100 feet of visibility! Scuba diving is possible any time of year in Grand Cayman. The island experiences a tropical climate with a dry winter season between November and April and a wet summer season between May and October.
The dry season provides optimal visibility due to the lack of rain, but this doesn’t mean you can’t dive in the summer. Rainfall during this period is sporadic, with frequent gaps that still shore up optimal diving conditions. To keep track of the weather during your visit, you can follow the Cayman Islands National Weather Service website.
Learning to Scuba Dive in Grand Cayman
If you are just beginning your scuba diving journey, Grand Cayman is an excellent place to learn. Before going straight into open waters, you can try out scuba diving in the pool with our Resort Scuba Course in Grand Cayman. Then, you’ll have the opportunity to dive into the ocean for an introduction!
Should you be ready to get certified, you can check out our two- or three-day Grand Cayman Scuba Certification courses, allowing you to receive your certification and start diving during your stay!
Incredible Diving Sites in Grand Cayman
Across the Cayman Islands are a whopping 365 diving sites. Of these, 240 can be found in Grand Cayman! These range from shore dives to more remote locations that require boat access.
Dive sites in Grand Cayman can be found across the island, including the West Bay, East End, and North Side, each offering its unique appeal. On each side of the island, you will also find phenomenal wall dives, thanks to the Grand Cayman’s location above the Cayman Ridge, an undersea mountain range.
Here are some of our top diving sites in Grand Cayman:
USS Kittiwake
Arguably the most famous shipwreck in the Cayman Islands, the USS Kittiwake was deliberately sunk off the coast of Seven Mile Beach in order to create an artificial reef. Today, it’s teeming with life, making it one of the most popular diving locations in Grand Cayman. To experience its beauty 60 feet below the surface, you can join us for our 2-Tank Kittiwake Wreck Dive in Grand Cayman.
Devil’s Grotto and Eden Rock
The Devil’s Grotto and Eden Rock sites are easily accessible shore dives located near George Town. You can enter the water using a ladder and choose between either site, which is situated next to each other. At Eden Rock, you’ll find an incredible array of corals and marine life, and at Devil’s Grotto, you can dive through breathtaking tunnels.
Lighthouse Point
Lighthouse Point is known for its iconic underwater statue, the Guardian of the Reef. This bronze sculpture, towering over 13 feet, has become a major attraction since it was installed to promote environmental conservation. Located in the West Bay, you can shore dive to this incredible site.
Babylon
Falling in the East End, Babylon is renowned for its soft corals, sea fans, and towering pinnacle. While it’s possible to shore dive from here, it’s recommended to take a boat out to the site. You can dive up to 100 feet and may even spot sea turtles and reef sharks!
For even more ideas on where to dive, have a look at Our Dive Instructors’ Favorite Dive Sites in Grand Cayman.
Grand Cayman’s Marine Life
There are plenty of opportunities to encounter marine life while diving in Grand Cayman. However, there’s no need to fear coming face-to-face with a great white or an orca. The sea creatures in the Cayman Islands are largely harmless, but it’s always important to respect them and give them adequate space.
Grand Cayman is home to Caribbean reef sharks and nurse sharks which will likely ignore your presence if you steer clear. Sea turtles are in abundance, as are eagle rays and stingrays, which you can encounter at the famed Stingray City. Other intriguing creatures you’ll discover include moray eels, octopuses, and flamingo tongues.
Diving Safely in Grand Cayman
While scuba diving in Grand Cayman is incredibly safe, there are always risks involved. It’s important that you never dive alone and always check conditions before heading into the water. We always recommend diving with professional instructors for additional safety measures, especially if you’re a beginner.
At Red Sail Sports, we uphold the highest safety standards. All of our instructors are professional divers, and we will always provide safety briefings and have emergency equipment available during our dives.
Dive Grand Cayman with Red Sail Sports
Are you ready to dive in Grand Cayman? Red Sail Sports has diving and watersports centres across the island from where you can embark on a scuba diving tour or rent equipment. Whether you’re wanting to learn how to dive or explore the best sites in Grand Cayman, we’re here to make your diving dreams come true. If you have any questions about our dives or services, feel free to contact us.
