Cayman Islands Snorkeling and Diving
There are several factors which make snorkeling and diving in the Cayman Islands so exceptional.
The waters are warm and clear due to the land having no runoff. Between the Cayman Islands and the island of Jamaica is the Cayman Trough, the deepest waters in the Caribbean, which extend to a depth of over four miles in places. Just south of the Cayman Islands is the Barlett Deep where depths of 18,000 feet have been recorded. The Cayman Islands are all surrounded by unspoiled coral reefs which provide drop-offs and dramatic walls. These are some of the best conditions for scuba diving and sport fishing.
The Cayman Island have more than 200 dive sites and 40 diving operations. One of the world's best and most legendary dive sites is the Bloody Bay area off Cayman Brac. The sheer coral wall begins at 20 feet and plunges to 6000 feet and is covered in sponges and corals in a stunning array of colors.
Whatever your skill level, the Cayman Islands can provide some superb diving and snorkeling experiences. There are many dive shops which offer courses, equipment and day trips out to some of the best spots on the reef.
The area also has some interesting and accessible wrecks. Stingray City and Cemetery Reef are two of the best known locations for viewing stingrays, shoals of colorful fish and turtles.
Those who prefer to view the reef without getting their hair wet may prefer to take a trip in a semi-submersible or a submarine. Atlantis Submarines carry up to 48 passengers and the Seaworld Observatory takes 40 passengers on underwater adventures just five feet below the surface.
The smaller Cayman Submarines has room for just 2 passengers on the Seamobile sub which dives to a depth of 60 feet with a 360 degree view. The Nautilus is a larger air-conditioned craft with a glass hull which also offers superb views of the colorful corals, anemones and shoals of fish of all sizes which live in these beautiful Cayman Island seas.
Image: Cayman Brac Reef