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Underwater
Scuba Diving
The Cayman Islands are universally recognized as a top dive destination. Since
1957, with the founding of the Caribbean’s first dive operation on Grand
Cayman, these islands have caught the attention of the diving world. Bob Soto
established that first operation and today over 40 such establish- ments provide
service on the three islands.
Today, the Cayman Islands Watersports Operators Association (CIWOA) estimates
that about one third of all overnight visitors are scuba divers and about 80%
enjoy some form of watersports during their stay (plus, about a fourth of the
cruise ship passengers enjoy watersports). The numbers continue to grow but,
because of the large number of dive sites in these islands, visitors can still
enjoy a feeling of discovery. Strict marine laws protect the beautiful reefs and
ensure pristine dive sites.
Just why is Cayman such a popular dive destination? The reasons are many.
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Dive sites start close to shore in shallow water (25 to 60 feet).
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A variety of dive experiences is available, for beginners as well as advanced
divers.
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Quality dive operations are found throughout the islands.
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Instruction is readily available through any of the certification agencies (PADI,
NAUI, SSI, NASDS, and YMCA).
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Green sea turtles are often sighted on dives.
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Scuba instruction is available in many languages; Much of the marine life is
approachable, such as the rays at Stingray City.
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Visibility is excellent year-round.
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A leeward side of each island ensures calm water (dive operations are so
confident of this that many guarantee diving 365 days a year)
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Strict conservation laws have protected the reefs.
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The Caribbean’s oldest underwater photography school is located here.
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A hyperbaric recompression chamber is available 24 hours a day.
Over 200 sites lure divers of all abilities, from beginners looking for shore
excursions and shallow reef dives to advanced divers seeking wreck and cave
explorations. You’ll find professional assistance from dive operators on each
of the three islands. These incluse resort courses, where you can sample diving
after a one-day course; full certification courses, which will award you a “c”
card; and advanced courses to teach you the use of scuba computers, the skills
of drift diving, and even underwater photography.
Incredible visibility, measured at 100 to 150 feet, helps make these islands
such spectacular dive destinations. With year-round water temperatures of 77 to
83°, visitors can dive comfortably and enjoy an underwater playground that’s
filled with marine life.
Grand Cayman offers approximately 130 dive spots, many less than half a mile
from shore. The island is surrounded by approximately 60 miles of drop-offs. One
of the most popular shallow dive sites is Stingray City on the North Sound. This
12-foot dive is memorable for the southern Atlantic stingrays that divers and
snorkelers can feed by hand.
Cayman Brac also offers drop-offs as well as coral gardens and caves. Little
Cayman is especially noted for Bloody Bay Wall, a drop-off that begins at just
18 feet below the surface and plunges to over 1,000 feet. Visibility here often
ranges to 200 feet.
The appeal of these dive sites has been maintained even in the face of rising
tourism and an increasing number of divers. Strict marine conservation laws
ensure the safety of the reefs and the marine life. Dive sites are protected
with permanent moorings (over 200 in the islands) so boats can moor rather than
anchor and risk damage to the fragile reefs.
To protect both the safety of the reefs and the divers who come to this island,
the Cayman Islands watersports operators adhere to strict regulations. The
Cayman Islands Watersports Operators Association (CIWOA) was founded in 1981 to
ensure the safety of the divers and the reefs. Members emphasize good neutral
buoyancy techniques to prevent damage to the corals because of improper
positioning in the water. Also, CIWOA dive boats visit only those sites with
moorings installed by the Department of the Environment’s Protection and
Conservation unit.
EARTH WATCH: Every year, members of CIWOA
organize and participate in reef and ocean floor clean-up projects. The
organization also works to make young Caymanians more aware of the local diving
industry and to consider a career in the field by offering free PADI
certification courses and snorkeling lessons for local schoolchildren and scout
groups during special programs. Call the CIWOA at (345) 949-8522 for more
information.
Divers who want to advance their skills will also
find technical instruction on Grand Cayman. Divetech Ltd., (345) 916-3582,
offers technical diving instruction, including certification in the use of
Nitrox/EANx. Nitrox is a combination of nitrogen and oxygen that has long been
used by military and technical divers and has now been approved for use by the
Cayman Islands Watersports Operators Association. Typical air has 79 nitrogen
and 21 oxygen. Combinations with a greater percentage of oxygen are called
Enriched Air Nitrox (EANx). The EANx mixture has 36 oxygen and is often used
for cave and wreck diving.
This mixture also increases the safety factor, making the nitrogen accumulation
the same as for a dive in waters 10 to 20 feet shallower. It reduces both the
possibility of decompression sickness and fatigue following a dive. Also, divers
can enjoy more bottom time with no decompression and a shorter decompression
time beyond those limits. These factors make it desirable for divers not in peak
physical condition and for older divers.
To use EANx, you must be a certified advanced open-water diver with a minimum of
10 open-water dives logged. The course for EANx use runs about US $220,
including four hours of classroom instruction and two EANx dives.
Divetech Ltd. also offers rebreather certification. Rebreathers offer divers a
silent dive with no bubbles or noise and are available for rent to divers
certified in their use.
To share the company of other divers, contact the British Sub Aqua Club (Cayman
Islands Divers, branch #360 BSAC, P.O. Box 1515 GT, Grand Cayman,
345-949-0685/ 949-2989). Visiting divers are welcome to join activities.
NOTE: The “Diver Down” red and white flag is
required throughout the Cayman Islands for both divers and snork elers in the
water outside an identified swimming area.
Dive Operators
Diving in the Cayman Islands is taken seriously as a business and the operators
here are excellent, upholding the highest safety standards. Two local
organizations, Cayman Islands Watersports Operators Association and the Cayman
National Watersports Association, help maintain the excellent professional level.
We’ve listed dive operators throughout the islands. With Grand Cayman’s
small size, many divers are picked up by complimentary shuttles from operators
on other parts of the island.
Grand Cayman Dive Operators
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Ambassador Divers, George Town
(800) 648-7748
This PADI affiliated operation specializes in computer diving. They offer four
daily dives on a 12-person boat.
Aquanauts Ltd., Seven Mile Beach
(800) 357-2212
With PADI, NAUI, and SSI affiliations, this operator offers four daily dives on
a 16-person boat. Instruction and customized dive packages available.
Bob Soto’s Diving, Seven Mile Beach
(800) BOB-SOTO
The Cayman Islands’ first dive operator, in business since 1957, this company
has five Seven Mile Beach locations. Grand Cayman’s only PADI 5-Star
Development Center. Also affiliated with NAUI, SSI, NASDS, and YMCA. Nine daily
dives offered.
Calico Jack’s Pirates Emporium, George Town
(345) 949-4373
Located at the restaurant of the same name, this new operator is PADI
affiliated. Certification courses, resort courses, day and night dives, and
snorkel trips offered, as well as gear and camera rentals.
Capitol’s Surfside, Seven Mile Beach
(800) 543-6828
In business for nearly three decades, this operator runs two dives daily. PADI,
NAUI, and SSI affiliated.
Capt. Marvin’s Aquatics, West Bay
(345) 945-4590
For over four decades Captain Marvin’s has offered all levels of diving. PADI
affiliated, the shop does three dives daily on a 40-person boat.
Cayman Dive College, Seven Mile Beach
(345) 949-4125
This teaching facility offers instruction in English, German, French, Spanish,
and Japanese. In operation 15 years and PADI affiliated.
Cayman Diving Lodge, East End
(800) TLC-DIVE
For 25 years, this small diving lodge has offered East End diving, including
one- and two-tank dives, night dives, and instruction. PADI affiliated.
Cayman Diving School, George Town
(345) 949-4729
Specializing in instruction, this school caters to all skill levels, from resort
to dive master. The PADI, SSI, and YMCA affiliated operation has been in
business for 11 years.
Cayman Marine Lab, Seven Mile Beach
(345) 916-0849
A 10-person capacity boat does three dives daily at this operation specializing
in small charters. Also offers marine lectures for undersea awareness and
appreciation programs. NAUI affiliated.
Celebrity Divers, George Town
(345) 949-3410
This small operation specializes in small groups with a boat capacity of 10
divers. PADI and NAUI affiliated.
Crosby Ebanks C&G Watersports
Seven Mile Beach at Coconut Place
(345) 945-4049
This operation has been in business over 36 years. Two daily dives on a boat
capable of taking 50 divers. They offer a Stingray City dive and a snorkel trip
as well as gear rental. PADI affiliated.
Dive Inn Ltd., Seven Mile Beach
(800) 322-0321
For a decade this operation has run dives for all skill levels. Four dives daily
are offered from a 12-person capacity boat. PADI and NAUI affiliated.
Divetech/Turtle Reef Divers, Seven Mile Beach
(345) 949-1700
Specialty and technical training (including Nitrox) are available at this new
operation. Certification, resort course, and night dives offered. PADI and NAUI
affiliated.
Dive Time Ltd., George Town
(345) 947-2339
For 17 years, this PADI and NAUI affiliated operation has offered four dives
daily, including Stingray City, night dives, and more. Certification and resort
courses offered. A six-person capacity boat keeps the trips small.
Divers Down
(345) 945-1611
This new operation is PADI affiliated and runs two dives daily. Nitrox
certification courses are available.
Divers Supply, Seven Mile Beach
(345) 949-7621
This PADI operation has certification and resort courses, as well as Stingray
City and night dives.
Don Foster’s Dive Cayman Ltd., Seven Mile Beach
(800) 83-DIVER
This operator is PADI, NAUI, YMCA, and SSI affiliated and offers three dives
daily. Their boat has a capacity of 20 divers.
Eden Rock Diving Center Ltd., George Town
(345) 949-7243
With its proximity to the cruise ship terminal, this is a popular operation that’s
been in business 13 years. Unlimited shore diving available to some of George
Town’s best sites. PADI, NAUI, and SSI affiliated.
Fisheye, Seven Mile Beach
(800) 887-8569
This operator has three custom-built boats and operates a complete underwater
photography operation with rentals, processing, and repairs. PADI, NAUI, and
YMCA affiliated.
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Indies Divers, Seven Mile Beach
(800) 654-3130
There is a 12-diver maximum with this PADI affiliated operator. Three dives
daily.
Neptune’s Realm Divers, Seven Mile Beach
(345) 949-6444
Small groups of up to eight divers accommodated by this PADI, NAUI, SSI, and
NASDS affiliated operation. Five dives daily.
Nitrox Divers, George Town
(345) 945-2064
This is the only operation dedicated to Nitrox diving, with Nitrox and IANTD
certification courses. Maximum of eight divers per trip accepted at this PADI
affiliated operation.
Ocean Frontiers, East End
(345) 947-7500
This new operator offers free shuttle service to its East End location. Two
dives daily. PADI affiliated.
Off the Wall Divers, Seven Mile Beach
(345) 947-7790
For five years, this operation has offered a variety of dives to small groups of
up to 10. PADI and NAUI affiliated.
Ollen Miller’s Sun Divers, Seven Mile Beach
(345) 947-6606
Groups of up to eight divers are accommodated by this PADI affiliated shop that
offers three dives daily.
Parrots Landing, George Town
(800) 448-0428
This large operation has a fleet of seven dive boats as well as good shore
diving just south of the cruise ship terminals. Six dives daily; PADI, NAUI, SSI,
and NASDS affiliated.
Peter Milburn’s Dive Cayman, Seven Mile Beach
(345) 945-5770
For 18 years this operator has run dives for many skill levels. Three dives
daily. PADI, NAUI, SSI, NASDS, and YMCA affiliated.
Quabbin Dives, George Town
(800) 238-6712
For 17 years this operator has offered a variety of dives; the boat capacity is
30 divers. PADI, NAUI, and SSI affiliated.
Quabo Dives, George Town
(345) 945-4769
Offering North Wall and West Wall dives, this PADI, SSI, and YMCA affiliated
operator accommodates small groups.
Red Sail Sports, Seven Mile Beach
(800) 255-6425
Located adjacent to the Hyatt Regency Grand Cayman, this operator has three
dives daily with a boat capacity of 24. Complete dive packages available. PADI,
NAUI, SSI, and NASDS affiliated.
Resort Sports Ltd., Seven Mile Beach and West Bay
(800) 482-DIVE
Located at the Beach Club Colony and the Spanish Bay Reef hotels, this operator
has been in business 10 years. PADI, NAUI and SSI affiliated, they do two dives
daily for a capacity of 16 divers.
River Sports Divers Ltd.
Seven Mile Beach at Coconut Place
(345) 949-1181
All levels of divers are accommodated in groups no larger than 14. PADI and SSI
affiliated.
Seasports, West Bay
(345) 949-3965
For 24 years Seasports has catered to small groups, only two to eight divers per
boat. Pickup by boat from hotels and condos along Seven Mile Beach. PADI and
NAUI affiliated.
7-Mile Watersports, Seven Mile Beach
(345) 949-0332
Certification and resort courses as well as various dives. PADI and NAUI
affiliated operator.
Scuba Sensations, Seven Mile Beach
(800) 767-0445
Located at Treasure Island Resort, Scuba Sensations takes divers to walls and
wrecks around the island. PADI, NAUI, and SSI affiliated.
Soto’s Cruises, Seven Mile Beach
(345) 945-4576
This 20-person capacity operation caters to advanced certified divers. PADI
affiliated.
Sunset Divers, George Town
(800) 854-4767
At Sunset House. This 25-year operation has at least two daily dives as well as
offshore diving at Sunset Reef. PADI, NAUI, SSI, and NASDS affiliated.
Tortuga Divers Ltd., East End
(345) 947-2097
Located at Morritt’s Tortuga Club, this operator has taken out divers for 20
years. PADI affiliated.
Treasure Island Divers, George Town
(800) 872-7552
Behind Treasure Island Resort, this 10-year-old facility has two dives daily.
PADI, NAUI, and SSI affiliated.
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Cayman Brac & Little Cayman Dive Operators
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Brac Aquatics Ltd.
(800) 544-BRAC
For 20 years this operator has offered dives for all skill levels. Three dives
daily with a 14-diver maximum. PADI and NAUI affiliated.
Peter Hughes Dive Tiara
(800) 367-3484
This PADI 5-star dive and photo center leads visits to over 50 sites on Cayman
Brac and neighboring Little Cayman. Located at the Divi Tiara Beach Resort, it
has photo and video rentals. PADI, NAUI, SSI, and NASDS affiliated.
Reef Divers
(800) 327-3835
Located at Brac Reef Beach Resort, this dive service includes a full-service
photo and video center. Three dives daily with a 20-person maximum. PADI, NAUI,
SSI, and NASDS affiliated.
Little Cayman
Paradise Divers
(800) 450-2084
Groups of up to 16 accommodated by this facility, with three dives daily.
Complimentary beverages. PADI affiliated.
Pirates Point Resort
(800) 327-8777
Located at Pirates Point Resort, this shop offers two dives daily for groups up
to 20 divers. PADI, NAUI, and SSI affiliated.
Reef Divers
(800) 327-3835
Little Cayman Beach Resort is home to this facility, which includes a
full-service photo and video center. Three dives daily for groups of up to 20
divers. PADI, NAUI, SSI, and NASDS affiliated.
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Sam McCoy’s Fishing & Diving Lodge
(800) 626-0496
Located on Little Cayman’s north shore, this operator offers excursions to the
Bloody Bay Wall as well as shore diving along Jackson’s Point. PADI and NAUI
affiliated.
Southern Cross Club
(800) 899-2582
This fishing and diving resort has four dives daily for small groups (no more
than 10 divers). PADI, NAUI, and SSI affiliated.
Liveaboards
For those divers who want to eat, sleep, and drink diving, the liveaboard is a
good choice. You’ll spend a week with others who share your interest. There’s
no need to waste time reaching dive sites; what seems like your personal yacht
for the week just whisks you there.
Cayman Aggressor III
(800) 348-2628
This George Town-based liveaboard has five professional staff members and a
maximum of 16 guests. In operation for 12 years, it is PADI, NAUI, SSI, NASDS,
and YMCA affiliated and offers photo and video rentals. Divers enjoy sites off
all three islands. The all-inclusive cost of a week’s stay runs $1,495.
Little Cayman Diver II
(800) 458-BRAC
Based off Little Cayman, this liveaboard accommodates 10 passengers in five
cabins, each with a private bath. PADI, NAUI, SSI, NASDS, and YMCA affiliated,
this operator has been in business for 10 years. Video rentals available. The
cost of a one-week all-inclusive stay is $1,395-$1,595.
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Tethered Scuba
For those curious about the undersea world but not ready to take the plunge for
a full certification course, two outfits offer a tethered scuba experience to
depths of 20 feet.
Submarines
For underwater fun, Atlantis Submarine and Seaworld Explorer provide a peek at
the marine world (see Adventures, George Town). Atlantis plunges to a depth of
100 feet below the surface; Seaworld Explorer is a semi-submersible similar to a
glass-bottom boat.
Underwater Photography
As home of the Caribbean’s oldest underwater photography school, Grand Cayman
draws many beginning and advanced underwater photographers. One of the Caribbean’s
best known underwater photographers, Cathy Church, operates Cathy Church’s
Underwater Photo Centre at Sunset House Resort in George Town. Classes, rentals,
and processing services are available.
Underwater Photography Centers
Here’s a list of underwater photography centers in the Cayman Islands. Stop
here to rent underwater camera equipment, take lessons, or to have your shots
developed.
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Grand Cayman
Cathy Church’s Sunset Underwater Photo Centre
Sunset House Hotel, South Church Street and Coconut Place on West Bay
Road
(345) 949-7415, fax (345) 949-9770
Divers Supply
West Shore Centre on West Bay Road
(345) 949-4373, fax (345) 949-0294
Don Foster’s Ocean Photo
Seven Mile Beach
(345) 946-6607
Parrot’s Landing Underwater Photo Centre
South Church St.
(345) 949-7884
Fisheye Photographic Services
Cayman Falls on West Bay Rd.
(345) 945-4209, fax (345) 949-4208
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Cayman Brac
Brac Photographics Ltd.
(next to Brac Reef Resort)
(345) 948-1340
Reef Photo Video Center
Brac Reef Beach Resort
(345) 948-1323, fax (345) 948-1207
Little Cayman
Reef Photo & Video Centre &
Little Cayman Beach Resort
(345) 948-1033, fax (345) 948-1040
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And if you’re not ready to gear up with the
full underwater photography outfit, at least buy a disposable underwater camera.
These generally work to a depth of 15 feet and are perfect for capturing a few
memories of snorkel trips, Stingray City, and the underwater beauty of the
Cayman Islands.
Snorkeling
If scuba diving is not for you, consider snorkeling. Many of Cayman’s scenic
reefs can be enjoyed in water just a few feet deep with equipment as limited as
a mask and a snorkel. Snorkeling is an excellent introduction to the underwater
beauty and rich marine life found in the Cayman waters. Just yards from shore,
you can enjoy a look at colorful corals, graceful fans, and fish that include
friendly sergeant majors, butterfly fish, and shy damselfish.
And don’t feel that wreck diving is just for scuba divers. In Grand Cayman
snorkelers can also enjoy a look at a wreck just a short swim from George Town’s
shores. The Cali sits in shallow water and is an easy snorkel trip. (See George
Town, page 107.) Most resorts offer snorkel equipment at little or no charge.
TIP: To prevent your mask from fogging, rub
saliva on the inside of the lens. Dishwashing liquid and special alcohol- based
non-fogging formulas may also be used.
Snorkel trips are also offered by many dive
operators, the most popular being the excursion to Stingray City (see West Bay
chapter for more on the island’s top attraction and a list of operators that
offer snorkel trips to the site). Typically, these trips include drinks and
often lunch following the snorkeling adventure.
Snorkel Operators
The following list of operators offer guided half- and/or full-day snorkel
excursions. Most include equipment; some include beverages and lunch.
Complimentary shuttle services may also be offered.
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Grand Cayman
Abanks Watersports & Tours Ltd., Seven Mile
Beach,
(345) 945-1444
Ambassador Divers, George Town, (800) 648-7748
Aquanauts Ltd., Seven Mile Beach, (800) 357-2212
Bayside Watersports, Ltd., Seven Mile Beach, (345) 949-1750
Black Princess Charters, Seven Mile Beach,
(345) 949-0400/3821
Bob Soto’s Diving, Seven Mile Beach, (800) BOB-SOTO
Calico Jack’s Pirates Emporium, George Town,
(345) 949-4373
Capitol’s Surfside, Seven Mile Beach, (800) 543-6828
Capt. Marvin’s Aquatics, West Bay, (345) 945-4590
Cayman Delight Cruises, West Bay, (345) 949-8111
Cayman Marine Lab, Seven Mile Beach, (345) 916-0849
Cayman Sunset, Seven Mile Beach, (345) 949-3666/3948
Celebrity Divers, George Town, (345) 949-3410
Charter Boat Headquarters, Seven Mile Beach,
(345) 945-4340
Crosby Ebanks C&G Watersports
Seven Mile Beach at Coconut Place, (345) 945-4049
Deep Sea Fox, George Town, (345) 945-4340
Dive Inn Ltd., Seven Mile Beach, (800) 322-0321
Divetech Ltd./Turtle Reef Divers, Seven Mile Beach,
(345) 949-1700
Dive Time Ltd., George Town, (345) 947-2339
Divers Down, (345) 945-1611
Divers Supply, Seven Mile Beach, (345) 949-7621
Don Foster’s Dive Cayman Ltd., Seven Mile Beach,
(800) 83-DIVER
Eden Rock Diving Center Ltd., George Town, (345) 949-7243
Fisheye, Seven Mile Beach, (800) 887-8569
Frank’s Watersports, Seven Mile Beach, (345) 945-5491
Indies Divers, Seven Mile Beach, (800) 654-3130
Island Girl Charts, George Town, (345) 947-3029
Jackie’s Watersports, West Bay, (345) 945-5791
Kelly’s Watersports, West Bay, (345) 949-1193/1509
Kirk Sea Tours, Ltd., George Town, (345) 949-6986
Ocean Frontiers, East End, (345) 947-7500
Ocean Safari, Ltd., George Town, (345) 945-1611
Off the Wall Divers, Seven Mile Beach, (345) 947-7790
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Oh Boy Charters, West Bay, (345) 949-6341
Ollen Miller’s Sun Divers, Seven Mile Beach, (345) 947-6606
Parrots Landing, George Town, (800) 448-0428
Peacemaker Charters, Seven Mile Beach, (345) 916-2478
Peter Milburn’s Dive Cayman Ltd., Seven Mile Beach,
(345) 945-5770
Quabbin Dives, George Town, (800) 238-6712
Quabo Dives, George Town, (345) 945-4769
Red Sail Sports, Seven Mile Beach, (800) 255-6425
Resort Sports Ltd., Seven Mile Beach and West Bay,
(800) 482-DIVE
River Sports Divers Ltd., Seven Mile Beach at Coconut Place, (345) 949-1181
Seasports, West Bay, (345) 949-3965
Sunlight Charters, George Town, (345) 945-4340
7-Mile Watersports, Seven Mile Beach, (345) 949-0332
Scuba Sensations, Seven Mile Beach, (800) 767-0445
Soto’s Cruises, Seven Mile Beach, (345) 945-4576
Temptress, Seven Mile Beach, (345) 949-0400
Tortuga Divers Ltd., East End, (345) 947-2097
Tourist Information & Activity Services, Seven Mile Beach,
(345) 949-6598
Treasure Island Divers, George Town, (800) 872-7552
Wet ‘n’ Wild Watersports, Seven Mile Beach, (345) 949-9180
Cayman Brac
Brac Aquatics Ltd., (800) 544-BRAC
Peter Hughes Dive Tiara, (800) 367-3484
Reef Divers, (800) 327-3835
Little Cayman
Paradise Divers, (800) 450-2084
Pirates Point Resort, (800) 327-8777
Reef Divers, (800) 327-3835
Sam McCoy’s Fishing & Diving Lodge, (800) 626-0496
Southern Cross Club, (800) 899-2582
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Swimming
If swimming’s your thing, call the Stingray Swim Club of Cayman (
345-949-8105). The club hosts several competitions and visitors are welcome to
participate in local events.
UNDERWATER ADVENTURE COSTS
These costs represent average prices for underwater activities (in US dollars):
Snorkel trip $25-$30
Stingray City snorkel trip $25-$45
Snorkel equipment rental $5-$8
Half-day snorkel trip $20-$35
Full-day snorkel trip $38-$45
Stingray City dive $45-$50
One-tank dive $35-$45
Two-tank dive $55-$65
Night dive $25-$50
Resort course $75-$90
Scuba certification course $250-$400
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