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Adventures Underwater
Scuba Diving
The West Bay area has some of the best scuba diving sites in Grand Cayman:
Bonnie's Arch: Just off North West Point, this 50- to 70-foot dive is a favorite with underwater photographers because of its arch formation, which is covered with corals and sponges. Good for beginners, the dive offers even more than the spectacular arch, with many types of marine life, from tarpon to tangs.
Hepp's Pipeline: This 30- to 60-foot dive for beginners and intermediate divers is not far from the Cayman Turtle Farm. It has two mini-walls and can be a shore dive.
Big Tunnel: Swim-throughs and canyons and a depth of 60 to 100 feet make this a favorite with intermediate and advanced divers. Located off the North West Point (close to Bonnie's Arch and the Orange Canyon).
Orange Canyon: A 60- to 100-foot dive, the canyon is favored by intermediate and advanced divers. This wall dive is filled with color and is named for its orange elephant ear sponges. Near Bonnie's Arch.
Trinity Caves: Located in West Bay, the caves sit at 40 to 100 feet. Beginners can enjoy a look at spectacular corals and fans, while intermediate and advanced divers can enter the three channels that wind their way to a wall where large species might be spotted. Look for turtles on this dive.
Ghost Mountain: At North Point, West Bay, you will see a large coral pinnacle, the base of which lies on a sand slope at a depth of 140 feet. Large schools of jacks swim in and out of the cave at the base. This 70- to 100-foot wall dive is for intermediate to advanced divers.
Spanish Bay Reef: Walk right out to this shallow reef dive (30 to 60 feet) near Spanish Bay Reef Resort. This site is also good for snorkeling (although the waters can be rough).
Turtle Farm Reef: Just east of the turtle farm, a short swim from the shore, this site offers a steep mini-wall rising from a 60-foot sand bottom. You can do this as a shore dive or enjoy this site as a
snorkeler.
Snorkeling
One of the top snorkel spots on the island is located near the cemetery. Follow West Bay Road north from Seven Mile Beach. As the road begins turning west into West Bay, you'll see a small cemetery between the road and the sea. Nearby, there's public access to the beach and it's a short swim from here to Cemetery Reef.
Another popular snorkel spot is the Turtle Farm Reef. It's just a short swim from the shoreline and offers snorkelers a look at a mini-wall and abundant marine life.
These West Bay operators offer guided snorkel trips of either a full or half-day. They provide a good opportunity to travel to the reefs beyond the reach of shore swimming. Great for beginners to get an introduction.
WEST BAY SNORKELING OPERATORS
Capt. Marvin's Aquatics (345) 945-4590
Cayman Delight Cruises (345) 949-8111
Jackie's Watersports (345) 945-5791
Kelly's Watersports (345) 949-1193
Oh Boy Charters (345) 949-6341
Resort Sports Limited (800) 482-DIVE
Seasports (345) 949-3965
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