North Wall

The North Wall of Grand Cayman is a world class spectacular sheer drop off boasting fabulous sponge and coral life as a backdrop to the other reef residents. Commonly spotted in the deep cobalt blue waters are eagle rays flying in ‘fighter jet’ formation of up to seven animals. This is also the most likely location to spot a shark and is home to a myriad of other critters including turtles, lobster, eels, octopus and a vast variety of fish from tiny to huge! Stare into the abyss below as you hover along the side of the wall – you feel as though you are flying! As you roll over and gaze upwards you will see the abundant reef fish backlit by sunshine and silhouetted at the top of the precipice awaiting your return to the shallows. Once you move up to the top of the wall to complete your multi-level profile make sure to check under ledges and coral heads for hiding animals – you never know what you might find. As you hover at your safety stop remember to keep looking down as the parade of wildlife will continue to entertain you as you wait to return to gravity!

Most days on the North side you will dive the ‘top of the wall’ as your second/shallow dive. This affords more opportunity to encounter large pelagics once again and enjoy the view of the drop-off from the top. In addition there are some shallow reef sites known for large turtles and lovely macro life. Expect to move slowly and search for tiny animals like anemone shrimp, decorator crabs and leopard flatworms to name a few! The slower you cruise, the more little creatures will appear right before your eyes!

North Side Dive Sites

Hepp’s Wall – Deep 60
North of the Northwest Point of Grand Cayman this site is made up of large hill-like coral mounds effused with brightly coloured life. An area where current is prevalent to feed the corals and sponges it is so pristine you may feel as though no one else has ever dived here!

Hepp’s Pipeline – Shallow 25
A mini wall formation laden with shades of orange, red, purple and yellow is home to a breathtaking array of animal life.

Ghost Mountain – Deep 75
Only accessible during appropriate weather conditions this deep pinnacle looks like a giant ghost looming out on the deep wall! Covered in a carpet of creatures this dive site is extraordinary.

Bear’s Paw – Shallow 30
Coral fingers resembling the shape of a bear’s paw host an array of hard and soft corals and is a great spot to see large sea turtles!

Blue Pinnacles – Deep 60
A part of the sheer drop that makes up the North wall of Grand Cayman, pinnacles rise up the wall sporting gorgonian fans and giant sponges!

Hole in the Wall – Deep 60
Deep crevasses lead to the deep blue of the North Wall.

Main Street – Deep 60
Long cuts along the topside of the reef mimic the “Main Street” of a city however minus the skyscrapers and add lots of fish and lobster!

   

Stingray City – Very Shallow! 15
The quintessential “Cayman Experience” plunge into this shallow sandy site to interact with Southern Stingrays! They fly around you like aircraft in search of some tasty treats. Also keep your eyes open for the resident green moray eel – always entertaining! The nearby coral heads also host a variety of life.

Tarpon Alley – Deep 55
Arroyos previously filled with Tarpon (who relocated just down the reef after Hurricane Ivan!) are fun to explore and are the most likely in the area to see sharks along this section of wall.

Princess Penny’s Pinnacle – Deep 46
A staff favourite this pinnacle rises up along the edge of the wall creating a swim through and hosting a plethora of bright sponges and gorgonian coral fans. Look for the Green Moray known to sit atop this pinnacle!

Black Forest North – Deep 50
Named for the “forest” of black coral this wall site is an impressive drop-off plentiful with life!

Eagle Ray Pass – Deep 52
Another staff pick this site is right outside one of the cuts allowing animal life in and out of the North Sound. For this reason it is a marvellous place to view spotted eagle rays. A large archway/swim-through is your gateway to the dramatic vertical drop-off!

Lemon Reef – Shallow – 30
Copious amounts of soft corals wave gently atop coral fingers. Plentiful colour and great for macro photography.

Lemon Wall – Deep 55
Lemon sharks were commonly seen here leading to the name of this beautiful sheer wall site. Now frequented by many eagle rays this is also a great place to spot lobster hiding under the coral heads!

Blue Peter Reef – Shallow 30
Tucked in near the barrier reef this site is home to lobsters, crabs and eels! Great fish life and lots of healthy coral!

Leslie’s Curl – Deep 60
Another fantastic eagle ray viewing site this vertical drop boasts stunning topography and profuse colour!

Hammerhead Hill – Deep 50
This is definitely a special sort of hill adjacent to the deep wall and known for big fish and hammerheads!

3 B’s Wall – Deep 62
Crystal clear waters provide a dazzling means of viewing this deep sea cliff. Superb colours!

Dream Weaver – Deep 55
Weave among coral pinnacles, buttresses and swim throughs! Tremendous colour and coral here.

Chinese Wall – Deep 58
Two coral masses frame a mini-wall where a resident nurse shark awaits your visit! Also a great place for turtles.

Robert’s Wall – Deep 50
Spur and groove formations lead out to the deep wall where you can expect barrel sponges, giant anemones and black coral.

Gail’s Mountain – Deep 55
A coral garden formed by a sea mount with a ravine and many fissures! Blue Chromis schools and purple creole wrasse swim by the colourful sponges.