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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Book an Island Tour and Have an Adventure!
There is nothing quite like a good adventure. Whether you are outdoorsy, or more of an ‘indoor adventure’ person, Cayman offers fun and exciting tours for all interests! Here are a few of our favourites – are there any here you’ve already tried?
Stingray City Tours by Red Sail Sports
No Cayman trip is complete without stopping to say hello to the friendly rays at Stingray City. Set sail on a luxurious 65’ catamaran, where your crew will show you the sights of Stingray City, a nearby coral reef, and finally a leisurely sail to Rum Point! (Psst – want to snag a free Stingray City tour, on us? Click here!)
Safari Tours by Cayman Safari Adventures
For an adventure-packed land excursion, your safari Land Rover awaits! Hop aboard this multi-sensory experience to Cayman’s rugged outer districts where you will hear, see, feel and taste every heart-pounding moment! On this tour you will learn all about Cayman’s culture, history and geography – from the historic Pedro St James to the mesmerising Crystal Caves, this is one tour you do not want to miss!
Rum Tasting Distillery Tour by Cayman Spirits
Not all tours have to take place outside – in fact, not all tours have to take place sober! For a slightly boozier experience, visit Cayman’s first and largest rum distillery. Your distiller guide will take you behind-the-scenes where all of the rum-making magic happens. This will be followed by a sample of several fresh batches of rum and vodka, and the seasonal “Distiller’s Special”, a rare creation only available at the Cayman Spirits Distillery!
Waverunner Snorkle Safari by Red Sail Sports
The ocean is calling! With Red Sail Sports, you can explore a different side of Cayman on your very own waverunner. Depending on the tour you book, this thrilling ride will take you to colourful coral reefs, through ancient mangrove forests, and even to some ship wrecks! There is also plenty of wildlife to be seen, from parrot fish to birds and much more. If being on the water is your thing, you won’t want to miss this one.
Motorcycle Tour by Cayman Motorcycle Tours
You haven’t lived until you’ve ridden a Harley. If you’re a thrill-seeker, this is your chance to experience amazing views with the wind in your face. This half-day tour will take you cruising along to some of Cayman’s most iconic attractions and includes a lunch stop.
Farm Tour by Beacon Farms
This is a tour you can feel good about. Beacon Farms is a non-profit organisation, assisting Caymanians in recovery from substance abuse in re-entering the workforce. The farm is the first of its kind to broaden the scope of crop production in Cayman. Stroll through tobacco fields, visit plant nurseries, and learn how coconut oil and flour is traditionally produced. Fun fact – the tobacco grown on this farm is used for wrapping and binding the local cigars made at The Cayman Cigar Company in Bodden Town!
Culinary Tour by Prime Food Tours
Hungry? Local Chef Dylan Benoit will take you on a mouth-watering journey to local flavours like authentic jerk, fresh fish and other Caribbean classics! Customisable tours are also available. They say to live a full life, you have to fill your stomach first and we wholeheartedly agree! Pass the jerk sauce, please.
Bioluminescence Tours
Kids and adults alike will delight at this glowing natural wonder in the Bio Bay. Night tours are available via kayak or boat where you will be able to view the natural splendour of glowing dinoflagellate plankton that twinkle like stars at the slightest movements in the water. The tour companies go out only when the moon phases are favourable and some provide gear for you to swim in the water to see the magic up close.
And when your adventure is over, we will be waiting for you with a mudslide by the pool. After all, the best part of an adventure is coming home!
July 19
