Written By Morritt's
Best Wrecks to Dive in Grand Cayman
Divers consider Grand Cayman a world-class diving destination. With protected marine reserves, clear water, deep drops, stunning coral reefs, and beautiful aquatic life, we can’t argue with that title.
Grand Cayman is also home to 240 legendary and accessible shipwrecks – all of which are unique and fun to explore. Are any of these on your bucket list?
1. Doc Paulson
Credit: WATERLOGGED!
The Doc Paulson was a Japanese cable laying ship, sunk in 1981 in Grand Cayman to create an artificial reef on Seven Mile Beach. 70ft long, this is a favourite amongst divers, as it is an easy and shallow dive that is great for beginners. The wreck sits upright on a bed of pure sand, and you can explore the inside… but be cautious, as there are exposed aged surfaces.
2. LCM David Nicholson
Credit: Marshall Karp
The Nicholson was a small landing craft that was purposefully sunk on South Sound in front of Sunset House. This is a great site for photographers, as there are plenty of sergent majors, snappers, angel fish, and yellow tube sponges who all hang out here. Keep an eye out for spotted eagle rays in the sand!
3. The Mermaid – Amphitrite (Siren of Sunset Reef)
Credit: Blue Oasis Dive Centre Ltd
Neighbouring the LCM David Nicholson is the famous Amphitrite – a stunning 9-foot tall bronze mermaid statue just off the coast of Sunset House. Named after the Greek goddess of the sea, this is a great photo opportunity and backdrop as a diving site in general. In 2015, she was joined by her companion, the Guardian of the Reef.
4. Guardian of the Reef
Credit: Jay Easterbrook
The Guardian of the Reef, is a 13-ft tall mythological half warrior, half seahorse. His sentry post is not far from his mermaid companion, on a sandy flat in 65 feet of water just off Lighthouse Point. With a shield and staff in hand, both symbolise the quest to protect the marine environment. Sunk in 2014, the Guardian is one of the newest additions to Grand Cayman’s shipwrecks dive scene.
5. USS Kittiwake
Credit: Cayman Compass
The USS Kittiwake was a United States Navy Chanticleer-class submarine rescue vessel in commission from 1946 to 1994. It served on many extraordinary missions while being in commission, some of which are still classified. Most notably however was its role in the 1986 recovery mission of the Space Shuttle Challenger. It is often misreported that the Kittiwake recovered the space shuttle’s black boxes, but it was actually one of the rocket boosters.
This ship had a rich 50-year history serving the Navy and it is one of the best-known wreck dives in the Caribbean. It is available for both snorkelling and diving.
6. Oro Verde
Credit: MrScubafan
Though the Kittiwake tends to get all the glory when it comes to wrecks in Grand Cayman, the Oro Verde is worth a visit as well. It was originally a US Army transport ship, but was reborn as a banana boat. The Spanish name “green gold” was acquired because its cargo was rumoured to have included substantial quantities of marijuana in addition to bananas. The Oro Verde eventually ran aground in 1976 on the reef surrounding Grand Cayman, allegedly due to mutiny by the crew, who wanted part of the illicit profits.
The ship sat on the reef until 1980, when the local dive community adopted the wreck. It was moved into shallower water and is now functioning as an artificial reef off Seven Mile Beach.
7. Pallas Wreck
Credit: Frickwick Adventures
Built in 1875, the Pallas was a three-masted Norwegian iron sailing ship. On October 13th 1910, it was on a voyage from Buenos Aires to Gulfport, when it sailed into a hurricane. It ran aground on the reef of the southwest point of Grand Cayman.
8. Wreck of the Cali
Credit: Trekka Productions
The Cali was a 206-foot-long cargo ship that was transporting 30,000 bags of rice from Ecuador to Cuba in 1948 when it developed a leak and started taking on water. Declared a hazard to navigation, it was blown up shortly after its sinking. The ship’s ribs are now exposed and scattered along the ocean floor, and are home to a diversity of marine life including many species of tropical fish and a resident population of silver Tarpon.
9. Balboa
Credit: Dallas Kincaid
The Balboa was a steel cargo ship that was transporting lumber from Texas to Jamaica in 1932. On this voyage, it had stopped in Grand Cayman for repairs, but was destroyed by the 1932 Hurricane. Now, the Balboa is a popular night dive and is situated among small surrounding reefs. It is recommended you use a dive company or boat to access the wreck.
10. The Gamma
Credit: Nick Alexopulos
The Gamma was a steel freighter that ran aground on an offshore reef during a storm in 1980. It can be observed both in the water and from the land, and it is a great wreck for beginners or snorkellers. You can access it through the public beach access next to Poinsettia Condos on West Bay Road.
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Grand Cayman Hidden Gems
Whether you’re a long-time Cayman visitor or someone thinking about spending more time here, there are so many things to do beyond the great places to eat, swim, sunbathe and relax. Here, we’ve gathered a few of our favourites that you may or may not know.
Starfish Point
You’ll find this curious and isolated beach on the north side of Grand Cayman at the western extremity of Rum Point. The sea here is wonderfully clear and great for snorkeling, but the real attractions are the many red cushion sea stars that feed in the shallows. With ample parking, it’s an ideal place for a picnic and to watch the sunset but there’s little else there. Don’t expect bars or cafes. (If sea-life is your thing, you might also consider the more popular Stingray City, a series of shallow sandbars near George Town where you can swim with and pet stingrays.)
Bioluminescent Bay
See the swirling otherworldly colours as you move your hands through the water and imagine yourself in a science-fiction alternate reality. The magical bioluminescence at Rum Point is best seen when snorkeling at night as part of a boat or kayak tour that can also involve an astronomy element and an introduction to the starfish. We have several companies that depart from Kaibo, Starfish point or Rum point – and our local team can help you plan your bioluminescent adventure!
Cayman Farmer’s Market
The Hamlin Stephenson farmers’ market at the Cricket Square in George Town (Mon-Sat) is known for its fresh fruit and vegetables, arts and crafts, pastries, juices, sauces, preserves and other goods from Cayman’s farmers and craftspeople. Visit to discover freshly made lemonade, cassava cakes, coconut bread, scented candles, peppermint foot scrub, towels, hand-made jewellery, smoothies and houseplants among many other treats. Perfect for sourcing local ingredients or buying presents and souvenirs. See a list of vendors here.
The Mission House
Built in the 1700s, this historic structure is one of Cayman’s oldest buildings and once housed Presbyterian missionaries. You can take a tour to walk in the footsteps of early settlers, see a collection of interesting artifacts and learn how the building’s residents lived in the 1800s. The gift shop on-site offers the opportunity to buy souvenirs (all proceeds to the National Trust) and you should also look out for the traditional cooking and craft classes held here twice monthly. HOURS: Monday-Friday: 9am-5pm; Saturday: 11am-4pm. ADDRESS: Gun Square Road, Bodden Town. TEL: +1 345-945-3769
The 1981 Brewery and Tap Room
1981 may have been a year known for the emergence of electronic pop music, but that has nothing to do with the brewery named for the nautical co-ordinates of the Cayman Islands and famous for its craft beers: Cayman Blonde, Island Session and Tropical IPA. You can take a tour of the brewery and visit the tap room to sample some of the brews straight from the source. HOURS: Tuesday-Thursday: 3pm-7pm; Friday: 3pm-8pm; Saturday: 12pm-5pm; Sunday: Closed. ADDRESS: 273 Dorcy Drive, George Town, Grand Cayman. TEL: +1 345-945-0440
Cayman Cigar Company
Created to revive the art of handcrafting premium cigars, the company uses only the finest hand-selected boutique tobaccos sourced from passionate growers using organic, sustainable farming practices. Master Roller Barbara Garcia oversees the creation of premium smokes. Unusually, this is a non-profit organisation, with 100% of net profits going back into the island through charitable donations. To book a private cigar rolling event, schedule a tour of Beacon Farms or ask questions about how to roll or store fine cigars, contact the company directly: info@caymancigars.com. TEL: +1 345-946-2447
The Mastic Trail
Fancy a walk? The Mastic Trail is a 7.4km (4.6-mile) round-trip trail near Bodden Town and should take 2-3 hours. Expect to see beautiful wildflowers, small lizards, butterflies, crabs, snakes (non-venomous), parrots and woodpeckers, as well as a variety of trees, including a fine mastic tree after which the track is named. The route may not be suitable for the elderly or very young, and you’ll need solid shoes to negotiate the odd root or craggy volcanic rock. Guided tours are scheduled Tuesday and Thursday mornings by reservation via the National Trust website.
Pure Art Gallery
A centre of local art and island-style gifts for almost thirty years, this Cayman cottage just south of George Town offers Caymanian paintings, prints, jewellery, handmade crafts, gifts and more. Great for presents or just to treat yourself because, well, you deserve it! You’ll also find housewares and tempting treats such as pepper jelly, jams, hot sauces, spices, Cayman sea salt, Tortuga rum cake and Cayman coffee. HOURS: Monday and Tuesday 9am-4pm; Wednesday: closed; Thursday, Friday and Saturday 9am-5pm; Sunday: closed. ADDRESS: South Church Street, South Sound, Grand Cayman. TEL: 345-949-9133
Pony Park
What do kids love more than ingesting vast quantities of sugar? Petting cute animals! In the Pony Park, children can meet Lulu the donkey, Pebbles the miniature horse, bunny rabbits and goats – all of which love to be petted. You can also book the park for birthday parties. Entry fee: $5 per child (including pony ride). HOURS: Saturday mornings 9:00am to 10:30am. ADDRESS: Halfway Pond, just off the Linford Pierson Highway. TEL: 345-516-1751
Was there anything there that that you’ve not experienced? If so, let us know your recommendations to get the best of Cayman. We’re always looking for insider tips!
April 1
