The Top 3 Dive Sites in the Cayman Islands

The Cayman Islands isn’t the kind of destination where traveler's can claim they’ve “been there, done that.” With 365 named dive sites and three diverse islands, I believe there's always something new to discover beneath the surface, offering new diving experiences for every skill level—no matter how many times you return.

 

That being said, with 365 dive sites—one for each day of the year—it can be hard to choose.  So here are my personal top 3 must do dive sites in the Cayman Islands.

1) USS KITTIWAKE Shipwreck

The ex-USS Kittiwake, a former US Navy Submarine Rescue Vessel, was deliberately sunk on January 5, 2011, off the coast of Grand Cayman in the Cayman Islands. Its purpose was to establish an artificial reef and a shipwreck site.

The ex-USS Kittiwake is one of my favourite dive sites for a few reasons:

• The wreck is incredibly well preserved, making it perfect for divers of all skill levels to explore.

• The multiple decks, open compartments, and swim-throughs offer a safe yet exciting experience.

• You can dive though various rooms and compartments to explore, including the engine room, medical facilities, and crew cabins. 

• It is an incredible opportunity to discover the inner workings of a real naval vessel.

What I love most is the marine life it attracts. Over time, the Kittiwake has transformed into a thriving artificial reef, with colourful corals, schools of fish, and even the occasional ray or turtle passing through 

                        

 Please read more about the Kittiwake and its history Here

2) BABYLON Pinnacle

Babylon takes its name from the Hanging Gardens of Babylon — and it more than lives up to its famous name.

I would say Babylon is the most spectacular and stunning dive site on the North wall and its star of the show is its freestanding, towering pinnacle. However this dive site is one of the most challenging sites to reach due to its distance, and the northern area often being affected by strong winds and rough seas. 

As a dive master in Cayman, this is one of the most requested sites by divers I receive. Due to its reputation as an Ancient Underwater Garden it's featured in nearly every dive guidebook.

 

•  Babylon will show you some of the best preserved sponges and corals in Cayman waters

•  Squadrons of eagle rays and Caribbean reef sharks regularly are present, and on every dive here somebody befriends a hawksbill turtle.

For me, it’s hard to put into words just how incredible this site is. I feel fortunate to be able to take divers there and guide them through such an amazing experience.

3) BLACK ROCK REEF 

Black Rock Reef gets its name From a local legend that ties the name to the days of pirates in the Cayman Islands. The story goes that, long before Disney dramatised pirates walking the plank, wrongdoers were punished with the "Black Rock Drop," where cannonballs made from black rock were nailed to their ankles, and they were thrown overboard on this site.

If you were to ask any crew member from any East End Diving company about their favourite shallow dive site, Black Rock Reef would definitely be mentioned. It certainly is mine.

            

During my training as a professional PADI Divemaster, I was assessed at Black Rock Reef, where I had to map out the entire dive site and its also where I guided/led my fist scuba diver. - I discovered a tunnel swim-through, now known as 'Judes Junction,' named in my honour after my discovery. It's a spot that divers now frequently pass though.

• There is a resident school of Caribbean Reef Squid at this site (look at the video above of myself with them).

• Large schools of fish such as Bermuda Chubb, Yellowtail Snapper, Barracudas and Groupers are always present.

• The Maco life is incredible bellow the boat, Lettuce Sea Slugs can always be found.                           

         

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These are just a few of my favourite dive sites in the Cayman Islands, each offering something unique and unforgettable. Whether you're a seasoned diver or just starting out, the underwater world here has endless adventures waiting for you. I hope this guide inspires you to explore these incredible spots and discover even more on your own diving journey. Dive in, and see for yourself why the Cayman Islands is a diver’s paradise!