The Cayman Islands are really easy to get to and just a quick flight from the US. The three islands give you lots of options to see rays, sharks, and turtles among other creatures.
While getting there may be easy getting to each dive site could be a bit of a chore if you are only diving from the shore. Most reefs are just offshore and can be reached on a day trip but to fully experience all the sites you will need to hop on a liveaboard.
The nice thing about the Caymans is that there is only one liveaboard and it is top-notch.
Here at OtterAquatics, we have done all of the research for you, to inform you of all the options that islands offer, what sea creatures you could see on your dives, the top dive sites, what time of the year to take a liveaboard and other activities you can do on shore.
- Diving at all 3 Cayman Islands
- Hot tub on the sun deck
- Year-round diving
- Fuel and Port Fees
The Cayman Aggressor IV 33mtr/108ft, is a liveaboard that operates year-round, diving in the Cayman Islands. The Cayman Aggressor IV offers week-long diving expeditions to some of the best dive sites in the Cayman Islands, including the walls and shipwrecks of Grand Cayman, Little Cayman, and Cayman Brac including the Russian Destroyer, Bloody Bay Wall, Stingray City, Northwall, Southwall, Kittiwake, and Doc Polson wrecks.
The Cayman Aggressor IV is a spacious and well-appointed liveaboard, with comfortable cabins, a large air-conditioned salon, a hot tub, and a large sun deck. It has 9 recently refurbished cabins, 1 large master suite with a king-size bed, 6 deluxe with twin beds, and 2 twin staterooms with bunks. The ship also has a tender to get you to the islands throughout the week if you want to go ashore and enjoy the sites.
The boat is equipped with everything you need for a great diving experience, including diving gear, nitrox, and a camera area. The experienced crew is knowledgeable about the local dive sites and is dedicated to ensuring that guests have a safe and enjoyable diving experience. The onboard menu features a variety of American and local cuisine with complimentary soft drinks, iced tea, beer, and wine.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced diver, the Cayman Aggressor IV is a great choice for a liveaboard diving holiday in the Cayman Islands. With its comfortable cabins, top-notch diving equipment, and fantastic crew, it’s the perfect way to experience the best of what the Cayman Islands have to offer.
- # of Divers: 18
- # Dives: Around 22 dives
- Length: 8 days
- Wifi: Yes
- Nitrox: Yes
- Drinks: Included
- Port: Georgetown
- Route: All areas of Grand Cayman, the Russian Destroyer in Cayman Brac, and the Bloody Bay Wall area of Little Cayman.
Why go on a liveaboard diving holiday in the Cayman Islands?
The Cayman Islands are a popular destination for liveaboard diving holidays due to several reasons:
Diverse Marine Life – The Cayman Islands are home to an incredible array of marine life, including colorful coral formations, turtles, rays, and an abundance of tropical fish species.
Clear Waters – The waters around the Cayman Islands are crystal clear, which makes for fantastic visibility while diving.
World-Class Diving Sites – The Cayman Islands offer some of the best dive sites in the world, such as the famous Stingray City, the Kittiwake shipwreck, and the Twin Walls dive site.
Convenient Location – The Cayman Islands are conveniently located in the Caribbean, making them easily accessible from many North American and European cities.
Liveaboard Experience – A liveaboard diving holiday allows you to explore the best dive sites in the Cayman Islands in comfort, with all your meals and accommodation on board.
Professional Dive Guides – Many liveaboard diving holidays in the Cayman Islands are led by experienced dive guides who know the area well and can help ensure a safe and enjoyable diving experience.
Meet new people – On liveaboards, you will meet other like-minded people that love the underwater world.
Extended dive time – Liveaboard trips offer the opportunity to dive multiple times a day, allowing for more time underwater and a greater chance to explore the underwater world.
What you will see diving in the Cayman Islands
The Cayman Islands are known for their rich and diverse marine life and the sights you may see while diving in the Cayman Islands include:
Coral Reefs: The Cayman Islands are home to some of the most vibrant and healthy coral reefs in the Caribbean. You can expect to see a variety of coral formations, including brain coral, staghorn coral, and elkhorn coral.
Schools of Tropical Fish: The waters around the Cayman Islands are teeming with tropical fish, including angelfish, parrotfish, and trumpetfish.
Stingrays: One of the most famous sights in the Cayman Islands is Stingray City, where you can swim and interact with friendly southern stingrays.
Sea Turtles: The Cayman Islands are a breeding ground for green sea turtles, and you may encounter these magnificent creatures while diving.
Eels: Moray eels are common in the Cayman Islands, and you may see them peeking out of crevices in the reef.
Shipwrecks: There are several shipwrecks around the Cayman Islands that have become artificial reefs, attracting a variety of marine life.
Barracuda: You may see schools of barracuda, which are known for their large size and striking appearance.
Nurse Sharks: The Cayman Islands are home to a population of nurse sharks, which are typically docile and make for an interesting dive encounter.
Top scuba Dive Sites in the Cayman Islands
The Cayman Islands are known for their world-class scuba diving, and there are several must-see dive sites in the area.
Some of the top dive sites in the Cayman Islands include:
Stingray City: This is one of the most famous dive sites in the world and offers an opportunity to swim and interact with southern stingrays in shallow waters.
The Kittiwake: This is a recently sunken shipwreck that has become an artificial reef, attracting a variety of marine life.
The Bloody Bay Wall: This dive site is known for its vertical drop-off, which provides a unique and dramatic perspective of the underwater world.
The Twin Walls: This dive site is named for its two large coral formations that rise up from the seafloor and offer a stunning backdrop for underwater exploration.
Eden Rock and Devil’s Grotto: This dive site features a series of swim-throughs, caverns, and tunnels that are home to an abundance of marine life.
Cheeseburger Reef: This dive site is known for its vibrant coral formations and diverse array of marine life, including colorful tropical fish and sea turtles.
Jackson’s Bight: This has healthy coral formations and abundant marine life, including schools of fish and eagle rays.
These are just a few of the top dive sites in the Cayman Islands, and there are many more to explore. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced diver, the Cayman Islands offers something for everyone.
When To Dive in the Cayman Islands
The best time to dive in the Cayman Islands depends on several factors, including water temperature, visibility, and marine life activity.
In general, the best time to dive in the Cayman Islands is between January and April, when the water temperature is warm and visibility is excellent.
During this time, you can expect to see a variety of marine life, including turtles, rays, and a wide array of tropical fish.
From May to November, the water temperature can become a bit cooler, but the visibility is still good.
During this time, you may encounter migratory species, such as sharks and manta rays.
The Cayman Islands are located in the hurricane belt, and the risk of a hurricane is highest from June to November.
However, the risk of a hurricane is relatively low, and dive operators in the Cayman Islands have emergency evacuation plans in place.
Regardless of when you visit, it’s always a good idea to check with local dive operators to see what conditions are like and what species you may encounter.
The Cayman Islands offer year-round diving, and with its warm waters, it’s no wonder that it’s a popular destination for divers from around the world.
How to Get to the Cayman Islands
The Cayman Islands are located in the western Caribbean, and there are several ways to get there:
Flying:
The main airport in the Cayman Islands is Owen Roberts International Airport (GCM) on Grand Cayman. There are several airlines that offer flights to Grand Cayman from major cities in North America and Europe, including Miami, Atlanta, New York, London, and Frankfurt.
Ferry: There is a ferry service that operates between Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac, making it possible to explore both islands during your visit.
Once you arrive in the Cayman Islands, it’s easy to get around. Taxis, buses, and rental cars are all available. Getting to the Cayman Islands is relatively easy, and there are several options to choose from depending on your budget and travel preferences.
What Makes up the Cayman Islands
The Cayman Islands are a British Overseas Territory located in the western Caribbean Sea.
The territory is made up of three islands: Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman.
Grand Cayman: This is the largest of the three islands and is home to the capital city of George Town, as well as the majority of the territory’s population and infrastructure. Grand Cayman is known for its pristine beaches, luxury resorts, and vibrant nightlife.
Cayman Brac: This island is located about 87 miles (140 kilometers) east of Grand Cayman and is known for its rugged terrain and natural beauty. Cayman Brac is a popular destination for bird-watching, rock climbing, and snorkeling.
Little Cayman: This is the smallest of the three islands and is known for its quiet, laid-back atmosphere. Little Cayman is a popular destination for diving and bird watching, and it is home to some of the best dive sites in the Caribbean.
Each of the three islands has its own unique character, and together, they make up the Cayman Islands, a tropical paradise that is known for its turquoise waters, lush vegetation, and abundant wildlife.
On-Shore activities to do in the Cayman Islands
In addition to its world-famous dive sites, the Cayman Islands also offer a variety of on-shore activities for visitors to enjoy.
The liveaboard gives you opportunities daily to head to the islands.
Some of the top on-shore activities in the Cayman Islands include:
Beach activities: The Cayman Islands are home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean.
Watersports: In addition to swimming and snorkeling, the Cayman Islands offer a wide range of other water activities, including kayaking, windsurfing, kiteboarding, and more.
Wildlife watching: The Cayman Islands are home to a diverse array of wildlife, including sea turtles, rays, and a wide range of bird species.
History and culture: You can explore the Cayman National Museum in Georgetown, which showcases the history and culture of the Cayman Islands.
Shopping and dining: The country is known for its upscale shopping and dining experiences.
The Cayman Islands offers something for everyone, whether you’re looking for relaxation, adventure, or cultural experiences.
There are plenty of on-shore activities to keep you entertained, making it the perfect destination for a Caribbean holiday.
You will likely need to take a plane to get to the departure point unless you are sailing around the world.
We would recommend reading our tips on flying with dive gear and if you want an even easier trip think about getting a travel BCD for more ease on those flights and travels to your dive destinations.
