West Side

The West side of Grand Cayman is the most popular area of the island to dive due to its calm sea conditions and proximity to both amazing deep wall and tranquil shallow reef sites. There are many dive sites suited to training dives, family dives and new divers as well as sites to thrill experienced divers. Based upon your wishes and experience level our crew will choose the best sites for you to enjoy. Northwest Point holds some of the more advanced sites including the famous “Big Tunnels” and “Orange Canyon” with spectacular sponge and coral formations and dazzling topography. Further into the ‘bight’ are two wrecks abundant with life and extremely photogenic. Remember to ask for “Trinity Caves” with lovely tunnel like swim-throughs and a pinnacle so full of life you could spend your whole dive just swimming around it!

West Side Dive Sites

Northwest Point Dropoff – Deep 64
Located on the North-western most point of Grand Cayman, Northwest Point Dropoff offers divers the absolute best in colour and photographic opportunities. Large elephant ear sponges and soft corals are displayed against a background of the cobalt blue abyss.

Dolphin Dropoff- Deep 70
One of Grand Cayman’s newest sites as part of the “Cayman 365 Dive Program” giant orange elephant ear sponges line the wall festooned with pristine brilliance and beauty. Sea whips and huge gorgonians are featured on this deep site. With the pin located at 70 feet this is considered and advanced profile.

Bonnie’s Arch - Mid-Depth 45
Bonnie`s Arch is a lovely site right off the Northwest Point of Grand Cayman. A huge archway above a “Caiman” hosts a large school of horse eye jacks alongside an abundance of barrel sponges. With a maximum depth of about 70 feet we normally dive this as our first dive or “deep” dive. Coral fingers stretch out from shore hosting an array of reef fish and other creatures. Great for macro photography up in the shallows!

Orange Canyon – Deep 61
Orange Canyon is one of the best known dive sites in the Caribbean. Canyon walls are separated by crystal clear waters and many types of colourful sponges. Divers enjoy a playground of crevasses with new critters around every corner.

Sentinel Rock – Deep 70
A lovely deep pinnacle suited to more advanced divers as the mooring pin here is at 70 feet. Big green moray eels have been spotted at the top of the pinnacle and robust corals and sponge life abounds!

Big Tunnels – Deep 55
A staff favourite pick with a deep archway at 100 feet framing the “big blue” of the deep wall. This dive is well suited for experienced divers with good buoyancy control. A second deep swim-through at the bottom of a pinnacle leads you up a spiral route up and around healthy sponge and coral life. Tarpon frequent the deep cuts in the top portion of the reef and many reef fish await you in the shallows. Maybe you will even find the green moray eel that lives in the area or one of the many turtles!

Easy Street – Deep 65
With a keyhole swim-through as your entrance to the dive this deep site is suited for intermediate divers looking to go a bit deeper. At a maximum profile of 100 feet you will see passing Hawksbill Turtles and healthy schools of schoolmasters watching over the reef inhabitants.

In Between – Deep 65
A classic West side wall site suitable for intermediate level divers wishing to look a little deeper. Coral fingers extend from the shallow sand flat and converge as they broaden out and drop over the deep wall.

Dragon`s Hole – Deep 70
A deep swim-through for experienced divers houses rope sponges, elephant ear sponges and spectacular coral formations.

Big Dipper – Deep 70
A profile more suited to advanced divers due to depth, this wall site has wonderful wildlife to offer.

Little Tunnels – Deep 58
A long tunnel leads you out to the picturesque deep wall where you should keep your eyes open for eels and turtles.

Chain Reef – Shallow 35
A large old anchor chain leads you from the mooring out to an intriguing array of coral forms housing plentiful animal life!

Round Rock – Deep 55
As its name would suggest there is in fact a round rock! The best part is that it is encompassed by a circular swim-through which opens out onto the deep wall at 70 feet. At the opening to the deep wall expect to be greeted by a big school of horse eye jacks. The top of the round rock is wreathed in lovely corals and attended by colourful schools of reef fish.

Trinity Caves – Deep 50
Trinity Caves is probably the most requested dive site on the West Site of Grand Cayman and for good reason! If you like grottos this dive site is for you! The “Trinity” refers to three long tunnel swim-throughs where the coral fingers have grown up so tall that they almost touch! There is plenty of ambient light to see as you go through and you will pop out on the deep wall. An archway at the bottom of a pinnacle leads you through a lovely window out onto the deep blue. Wrap around the pinnacle and back up through another tunnel before exploring the shallow reef area. Keep an eye towards the sand flat for possible eagle rays! Fantastic topography!

Peppermint Reef – Shallow 41
A lively reef rich with colorful creatures. Bring your camera and swim slowly to spot plentiful macro critters! Also frequented by young eagle rays.

Neptune`s Wall – Deep 60
A classic West side wall site this dive has a deep plateau frequented by turtles and lobsters. Many colourful fish dance along the coral formations and stingrays and eagle rays feed along the sand flats in the shallow areas.

Wall Street – Deep 52
Pristine clear waters frame the deep wall in all her glory. Anticipate an abundance of healthy coral and sponge life for the reef creatures to venture among.

Sand Chute – Deep 55
Yes there is a Sand Chute here which was in fact the backdrop for a ski commercial some years ago! The sand could look snow-like if it weren’t for the warm lovely blue waters cloaking the area. A tunnel through the coral introduces you to the sand chute as you venture down to the deep wall amongst the amazing fish life. Follow the coral reef to the drop off and enjoy the abundant colour here!

   

Doc Poulson Wreck – Shallow 50
Discover the Wreck of the Doc Poulson where one of our current staff members actually was standing on her deck as she went down! Settle in to hear the extended briefing before venturing down to explore this wreck which has become host to various animals including a green moray, many corals and fish and sometimes an eagle ray will make a guest appearance. Extremely photogenic and great for new divers!

Memorial Reef – Shallow 30
Undercuts and crevices hide critters galore. This is a metropolis of seas life just waiting for you to discover!

Mitch Miller Reef – Shallow 30
Topographically a bit different from most of the shallow West side sites, the reef has undercuts along the sides which provide homes for lobsters and nurse sharks. Take a camera along to get a photo on the lawn chair underwater! Great for first time divers and training dives!

Marty’s Wall – Deep 50
Also adjacent to Doc Poulson wreck this wall site offers great sea life on a multi level profile. Lots of sponges and a great place to spot turtles and rays!

Knife – Deep 75
Considered an advanced profile due to the depth of the mooring pin, this less-dived site delves to the depths full of healthy corals. Look for Midnight-Parrot Fish and Green Moray eels here.

Victoria’s Secrets – Shallow 30
One of Cayman’s newest dive sites and named for “Victoria House” one of the original Seven Mile Beach condos that was lost to Hurricane Ivan. The mooring here was added in 2007 as a part of the Dive 365 program. We like this site as it is very pristine and healthy with an abundance of creatures to play with!

Lost Treasure Reef – Shallow 31
As history tells us Spanish galleons laden with treasure used to ply these Caribbean waters. From time to time one would wreck losing its fortune and if you talk with some of the older residents of the island they will tell you that after a big storm sometimes coins and things would wash ashore near this site! Brilliant shallow areas filled with animals galore! Great site for families and new divers.

Spanish Anchor – Shallow 40
Yes there is actually a Spanish Anchor here! You will see that there has been a piece removed from the ring to carbon date the anchor and it is in fact a legitimate Galleon anchor! We like to rub a bare spot for good luck. Look for Nassau Grouper, Angelfish and Nurse Sharks on your travels!

Three Trees – Shallow 35
Multi-coloured coral fingers are home to a captivating array of reef fish. Watch for Lemon Rays and Puffers!

Bolero – Shallow 30
Great shallow dive amidst sea fans and sponges! Generous fish life including Basslets, Blennies, Triggers and Jacks!

Angelfish Reef – Shallow 35
French Angels, Grey Angels and Queen Angels! See if you can locate all three!

Aquarium Reef – Shallow 35
Just like your fish tank at home only better! Wildlife is ample as you cruise the coral fingers viewing a real life aquarium. Great for all levels!

Great House Wall – Deep 60
Directly off the beach from “The Great House” this deep dive features coral buttresses above the deep wall drop. Great multi level profile.

Killer Puffer – Shallow 35
Great dive for families and new divers with an abundance of wonderful life. A deep cut on the North side of the reef provides shelter for cleaning stations. Ask to hear the tale of the infamous “killer puffer”. Home to a resident green moray and a good spot to see turtles!

Paradise Reef – Shallow 35
A spur and groove coral reef offering vivid displays of sponges and fish life.

Eagles Nest – Deep 60
Colourful sponges intertwined with staghorn corals create a backdrop for spotted eagle rays to fly by. Also a great place to see turtles.

Jax Dax – Shallow 40
Delightful coral reef perfect for photography with brain, star, staghorn and plate corals home to an abundant reef fish population.

Peters Reef – Shallow 35
Named for Peter Milburn, long time diver and business owner here in Cayman this site if perfect for training and family diving. Neighbouring the Oro Verde Wreck gives a good variety of scenery. Lots of Grouper, Snapper and Bermuda chub.

Oro Verde Wreck – Shallow 50
Affectionately referred to as the “Wreck of the Wreck of the Wreck of the Oro Verde” originally a transport vessel for fruit from Central America to Florida this ship met its end as a transit vessel in the North Sound of Grand Cayman and was originally sunk as a deep wreck on the West wall. Hurricane Gilbert picked her up and rolled her up against the reef where she sits today – mostly in pieces. You can get a great look at her boilers, props and deck plates scattered on the sand flats making a great home for an abundance of fish life! Great for beginners and experienced divers alike. P.S. Remember to try riding the bicycle underwater!

Holiday Inn Drop-off – Deep 65
Deep wall drop-off for intermediate level divers. Soar above the depths escorted by our friendly local Angelfish and Grouper population.

Hammerhead Hole – Shallow 30
As its name would imply this used to be a site to spot Hammerhead sharks. Populations have declined however we still spot one here now and again. Lovely reef site with tons of shallow life!

Wildlife Reef – Shallow 39
Great shallow site that photo buffs will love! Full of fish and corals this site is a myriad of colour!

Caribbean Club Sand Chute – Deep 55
A gradually declining sand chute, this is a great spot to see eagle rays and stingrays as they love to forage in the sand!

Lone Star Reef – Shallow 30

Coral garden reef with brightly coloured schools of Schoolmasters, Parrotfish and Blue Tang.

La Mesa – Shallow 34
How is your Spanish? “La Mesa” means “The Table” and this flat topped reef formation definitely resembles its name. It also has a fun undercut along the Northern side that is a pleasure to explore! Expect TONS of great fish life here!

Royal Palms Ledge – Shallow 40
A brilliant array of colour atop a mushroom-like ledge formation. Very photogenic and enough life atop the mushroom to keep you riveted! Great for new and experienced divers alike.

Armchair Reef – Shallow 35
Seldom dived Armchair reef is a mini-wall that forms a “U” shape much like a giant armchair. Look for the resident BIG green moray, lots of turtles and amazing soft corals.

Smith Cove – Shallow 32
A shallow patch coral reef also available as a shore dive. Coral heads along the sand bottom provide homes for many reef animals including eels and turtles.

Eagle Ray Rock – Deep 52
This large coral structure has a deep cut through its center which is a fabulous start to a magnificent dive site. Corals here have grown into very tall hill-like shapes and are home to a wealth of reef creatures for your diving pleasure.

Kittiwake – Deep 60
Launched in 1945 as a submarine rescue vessel, the USS Kittiwake sits upright in 60 feet of beautiful crystal cleer Cayman water. Sank on the 5th of January 2011, Grand Cayman's newest dive.