Cayman Islands scuba diving delights the senses, as there is no shortage of interesting things to see and experience while exploring the area waters. In addition to checking out the many reefs that can be found just offshore, divers who are enjoying a Cayman Islands escape can also explore underwater caves, inspect some fascinating grottos, and venture into some submerged tunnels. There are also a couple of shipwrecks to check out as well. The wreck of the Cali is the shipwreck of choice for those who are enjoying Grand Cayman scuba diving, and it can be conveniently found just off the Georgetown coast.

Most of the top dive sites in the Cayman Islands are easy to reach without a boat. Divers can simply enter the water at a choice spot along the shore and swim out to the nearby sites. This kind of Cayman Islands scuba diving is known as shore diving. The wreck of the Cali is an example of a shore diving site, as it can be found just 100 feet offshore. Once divers get out to this site, they can dive down and inspect the sunken schooner. For diving enthusiasts who enjoy the site of the Cali wreck off Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac's wreck of the Captain Keith Tibbets is also worth keeping on the radar. This Soviet frigate went under in 1996, and while the wreck site is relatively young, sponges and corals are present in good number, as are a variety of fish.

Sponges, corals, and a countless variety of tropical fish figure among the creatures that divers can expect to see while enjoying some Cayman Islands diving. The reefs, whether they are natural ones or artificial ones, are usually teeming with life, and they include the vibrant reef at Bloody Bay Wall. The reef at Bloody Bay Marine Park starts just offshore at a depth of around twenty feet, and there is plenty to see close to shore. Soft and hard corals alike cling to the mesmerizing reef, and the more mobile creatures include eels, lobsters, tiny shrimp, and numerous tropical fishes.

Cayman Islands Map

On Grand Cayman Island, divers who want to visit some reefs can also add Eden Rock and Devil's Grotto to the itinerary. When it comes to Grand Cayman scuba diving, these are two of the most popular reefs, partly because of the fact that they are simply dazzling. Miniwalls, grottos, caves, and tunnels wait to be explored at Eden Rock and Devil's Grotto, and divers can also admire the colorful sponges, sea fans, and tropical fish. Other great Grand Cayman dive sites include Julie's Wall and the Maze. The former is primarily known for its unique black coral formations, while the latter is a maze of coral ravines that is home to corals, sponges, and even the occasional green turtle, reef shark, or stingray. Speaking of stingrays, Stingray City is another site that deserves a look when it comes to Grand Cayman scuba diving.

Between the Grand Cayman diving possibilities and those that can be found on the other main islands, divers might never want to leave the Cayman Islands. Much like the Dutch Caribbean island of Bonaire, the Cayman Islands offer some of the best diving in the Western Hemisphere. The clarity of the waters that surround the Cayman Islands is exceptional, and divers and snorkelers alike benefit from the excellent visibility. Another thing that helps to make Cayman Islands scuba diving so attractive is the fact that it can be enjoyed by divers of all levels. The less advanced divers can always brush up on their skills with some lessons, and beginning divers can look to get certified at one of the dive shops.

For those who want to enjoy a lot of Cayman Islands diving, there are some fantastic vacation packages that are worth considering. The Little Cayman dive packages are ideal for those who want to get off the main island of Grand Cayman for a while, and they usually include a stay at one of the island's laid-back resorts. Back on Grand Cayman, the resorts along Seven Mile Beach are where the bulk of the tourists base themselves. A stay at some of these resorts can also be included in Cayman Islands scuba diving packages. As for the island of Cayman Brac, a stay at the Brac Reef Beach Resort might prove to be perfect. This resort is ideal for divers who want to enjoy a relaxed diving vacation, as it is affiliated with the best dive operator on the island.

The waters that surround the Cayman Islands were recently invaded by lionfish. The lionfish in Cayman Islands waters are native to the Pacific Ocean and the Indian Ocean. It is unknown how these voracious predatory fish got into the waters of the Caribbean Sea, and they have been spotted as far north as North Carolina. At any rate, these fish pose a problem to native species, and they can deliver a sting that is akin to a bee sting for humans. Divers can react differently to a lionfish sting, and as such, it is best to avoid them. Coincidentally, should anyone catch a lionfish while fishing in the Cayman Islands, they should leave it on the line and call the Cayman Department of Environment.