Little Cayman, the smallest of the Cayman Islands, is an untouched paradise for scuba divers. It offers an idyllic diving experience with some of the most beautiful and well-preserved coral reefs in the Caribbean.
Best Scuba Diving Spots for Experienced Divers
Bloody Bay Wall: Recognized as one of the world's best wall dives, Bloody Bay Wall starts at just 20 feet deep, descending into a vertical abyss. It's a collection of multiple dive sites, each showcasing the striking diversity of corals and sponges and teeming marine life.
Jackson's Bight: An extension of Bloody Bay Wall, Jackson's Bight is famous for its stunning coral formations, undercuts, and sand chutes. It is an exciting exploration for experienced divers due to its complex underwater landscape.
Best Scuba Diving Spots for Beginners
Joyce's Reef: This shallow dive site offers ideal conditions for novices, with the opportunity to see green sea turtles, grouper, and even nurse sharks amidst the vibrant coral garden.
The Meadows: Here, beginner divers can explore several mini wall formations and sandy patches, hosting an array of marine life like eagle rays, barracudas, and various tropical fish species.
Marine Life
Little Cayman is a treasure trove of marine biodiversity. From giant sea fans and barrel sponges to parrotfish, angelfish, stingrays, turtles, and the elusive Caribbean reef shark, divers can witness a vibrant array of marine species. During certain times of the year, you might even encounter migrating spotted eagle rays and hammerhead sharks.
Dive Conditions
Dive conditions in Little Cayman are generally excellent. Visibility often exceeds 100 feet, and water temperatures remain between 78°F and 82°F throughout the year. The island's remote location means fewer divers and unspoiled underwater environments.
Cost
A two-tank boat dive typically costs between $130 to $150, which includes the boat trip, guide, tanks, and weights. Equipment rental and diver certification courses are an extra cost. An open water certification course will typically cost between $400 and $500.
From its thriving marine life to the stunning beauty of Bloody Bay Wall, Little Cayman offers an unparalleled diving experience for divers of all levels. It truly is one of the jewels of Caribbean diving.
