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