| Resting atop a submarine mountain of coral, the | | | | population of tarpons at Tarpon Alley. These large, |
| island of Grand Cayman offers some truly distinctive | | | | strange fish are surprising friendly and will swim close |
| scuba diving opportunities. Off the shore, the coral | | | | to you if you move slowly. Along the coral wall, |
| walls that descend sharply into the Caribbean create | | | | experienced divers can visit Eagle Ray Pass and the |
| some incredibly unique and challenging dives. | | | | No Name Drop-Off for a glimpse of sea turtles, |
| Elsewhere around the island, there are plenty of | | | | exotic fish and dense coral reefs. |
| dives perfect for all ages and skill levels. Regardless | | | | While many dive tours only visit the South Wall when |
| of where you dive in Grand Cayman, however, you | | | | weather is poor off the western shore, there are |
| are sure to encounter an unparalleled variety of | | | | plenty of pleasant dives for all skill levels in the |
| underwater life. It also helps that the warm waters | | | | shallow southern waters. At sites such as Japanese |
| off the coast often boast visibility exceeding 100 | | | | Gardens and Oriental Gardens, divers are promised an |
| feet - a fact sure to impress snorkelers, as well as | | | | up-close view of colorful coral and sea creatures in |
| scuba divers. With over 250 unique dive sites in all, | | | | calm water perfect for photography. Slightly further |
| Grand Cayman stands as one of the most diverse | | | | from shore, these "gardens" sink into an intricate |
| dive destinations in the Caribbean. | | | | maze of tunnels, arches and underwater canyons. |
| Many of the most popular dive sites on Grand | | | | Adventurous divers will want to visit the eastern |
| Cayman are located off the western shore in an area | | | | shore of Grand Cayman. Though there are only a |
| known as the West Wall. Many of this area's dive | | | | few dive operators offering tours of this area, you |
| sites are located just a short boat ride from the | | | | are unlikely to find more pristine coral reefs |
| resorts lining Seven Mile Beach. At sites such as | | | | anywhere. Within the first slope of reef, you will find |
| Armchair Reef, Wildlife Reef and Aquarium Reef, you | | | | a series of tunnels, underwater caves and arches. |
| will be able to spot numerous species of underwater | | | | Sites in this area such as Grouper Grotto and Babylon |
| creatures. Many of these reef dives are suitable for | | | | are always teeming with fish, sponges and sea |
| novice divers and snorkelers as well. | | | | turtles. |
| As Grand Cayman is known for its wall diving, you will | | | | Lastly, what would a Caribbean scuba diving trip be |
| definitely want to explore the deeper water of the | | | | without a few wreck dives? The Balboa, a 375-foot |
| western shore. At the first steep drop-off of 60 | | | | cargo ship that sunk during a storm in 1932, sits at a |
| feet, you will find such sites as the Eagle's Nest and | | | | modest depth of 30 feet in Georgetown Harbor. |
| the Orange Canyon - named for its population of | | | | Today, the vessel is home to an assortment of the |
| colorful elephant ear sponges. Another fun challenge | | | | Caribbean's most photogenic residents. The most |
| is Bonnie's Arch, a unique site boasting a coral | | | | popular wreck dive in Grand Cayman is the Oro |
| archway wide enough to swim through. All in all, there | | | | Verde, a coral-covered freighter resting in 60 feet of |
| are more than 50 distinct dive sites located in the | | | | water off the shore from Seven Mile Beach. |
| West Wall area of the island. | | | | Additionally, Grand Cayman recently sank five vessels |
| Though the North Wall is on the windward side of | | | | in various locations for both the enjoyment of divers |
| the island and features incredibly steep coral walls, | | | | and the ongoing research of environmental scientists. |
| one of the world's most famous shallow dive sites | | | | There are over 40 experienced dive operators |
| rests along the sandy beach. A good part of this | | | | serving visitors to Grand Cayman, so finding a |
| popularity is owed to the fact that Stingray City is a | | | | knowledgeable guide is a breeze. Even if you have |
| perfect site for divers and snorkelers of all ages and | | | | never experienced scuba diving, you can become |
| skill levels. Once you are in the warm, clear water | | | | certified in Grand Cayman and then test your skills at |
| you will be able swim with families of gentle Southern | | | | some of the Caribbean's best dive sites. |
| Stingrays. With wingspans approaching four feet, | | | | Come to Grand Cayman and you will see why the |
| many visitors find a great thrill in Stingray City while | | | | island is celebrated by divers and snorkelers across |
| feeding and photographing these majestic animals. | | | | the globe. |
| Along the North Wall, you can also spot a large | | | | |