Cayman Brac Underwater Adventures
Scuba Diving
Without a doubt, the diving off Cayman Brac is one of the island's prime attractions. Over 50 prime dive sites tempt all levels of divers.
The latest attraction is a Russian frigate deliberately sunk in September 1996. Renamed the M/V Captain Keith Tibbets, this 330-foot freighter was built for use by the Cuban navy. It lies approximately 200 yards offshore northwest of Cayman Brac. The bow rests in about 90 feet of water; the stern is just 40 feet below the surface. This is Cayman's first wreck dive site to allow multi-level computer wreck diving experience. The site is marked with three permanent dive moorings.
Before sinking the vessel, the ship was modified to be safe for divers. Divers can now swim through the upper three decks, although the hull and lower decks cannot be entered. Divers can see into most of the ship and should be able to spot the missile launcher, fore and aft deck cannons, and living quarters.
It doesn't take long for marine life to discover additions to their underwater home; already divers have spotted eagle rays, stingrays, Queen angelfish, filefish, four-eyed butterfly fish, puffer fish, batfish, snapper, red soldier fish, sergeant majors, French grunts, barracuda, jacks, and more.
The sinking of the vessel was recorded by Jean-Michel Cousteau Productions in a documentary film, Destroyer of Peace.
Anchor Wall: Located on the south side of the island off Dennis Point, this wall dive is considered intermediate level. Don't miss the anchor of an old Spanish galleon; it marks the entrance to a tunnel leading to a vertical wall that drops into the deep blue abyss.
Charlie's Reef: On the north side of the island near Cotton Tree Bay, this 20- to 60-foot dive is a favorite with beginners and is named for a green
moray.
Inside Out: This wall dive off South East Bay is a favorite with beginners because of its shallow (15 to 50 feet) depth. With coral heads, a tunnel, and plenty of marine life, it's a good choice for anyone.
Radar Reef: Off Half Way Ground on the island's north side, this shallow dive can be reached from shore and is a favorite for night diving. Look for octopus!
East Chute: This all-level dive, located on the north side of the island in White Bay, has something for everyone. Wreck divers will find the remains of a 65-foot vessel in its waters; those looking for spectacular formations will find canyons and tunnels.
Scuba Operators
Brac Aquatics Ltd
(800) 544-BRAC
For 20 years this operator has offered dives for all levels. Three dives are offered 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 also offers photo and video rentals. PADI, NAUI, SSI, and NASDS affiliated.
Reef Divers
(800) 327-3835
At Brac Reef Beach Resort, this dive service includes a full photo and video center. Three dives daily; 20-person maximum. PADI, NAUI, SSI, and NASDS affiliated.
Snorkeling
The wreck of the M.V. Captain Tibbets can be enjoyed by snorkelers. Located just a short swim off shore, the wreck sits in 50-100 feet of water and is already home to a good selection of marine life.
Snorkel operators include:
Capt. Frankie Bodden - (345) 949-1428
Shelby Charters - (345) 948-0535
Southern Comfort - (345) 948-1314
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