Cayman Brac diving
Cayman Brac is the second biggest of the three Cayman Islands. There is a large variety of dive sites to choose from which correspond to all levels of expertise and snorkelers. The dives here are mainly walls reef and wreck diving. Shore diving is also possible. The underwater life is vibrant and abundant.
Always dive according to your level of training. Never enter the water without checking with the local dive center for safety, additional information, level required for each dive site and without being accompanied by a professional.
All the information provided is purely informative for our readers and shouldn't be used as is to plan your immersion.
Cayman Brac has at least 40 dive sites to choose from which cater for different levels of divers. There are walls, reefs and wrecks. The reef dives are mostly shallow with beautiful coral rising close to the surface, which have a depth of 20-60 feet (6-18 metres). However the walls offer deeper diving opportunities with depths of approximately 70-100 feet (21- 30.5 metres) and which would be better suited for the advanced diver. Most dives are done by boat but shore diving is also done. With the variety of dive sites novices to the seasoned diver will find something to suit their taste and even non-divers have numerous possibilities for snorkeling. Underwater is very colorful and boasts lots of colourful sponges and corals of various sizes on the wall dive sites. Expect to see a lot of marine life which may include lots of invertebrates, rays, turtles and a variety of pelagics. The good visibility makes it possible for snorkelers to enjoy the underwater scenery to the fullest.
On the north side of the Cayman Brac there is a popular dive spot where you can do wall diving as well as wreck diving all in one dive. A wall starting at about 50 feet (15 metres) plunges into the blue with a small wreck on the inshore side. There are barrel sponges, yellow tube sponges and red rope sponges along this wall. You may encounter of eels, rays, turtles, barracuda and groupers. The wreck, the Cayman Mariner which was sunk in 1986 and lies in about 60 feet (18 metres) of water. You may spot lots of lobsters, snails and brittle stars.
Since the Cayman Islands are so close, departing from Cayman Brac you can go diving on the Little Cayman on the famous Bloody Bay Marine Park. This park has spectacular wall diving and is composed of underwater ledges that start at a depth of about 20 feet (6 metres) then drop to great depths. This wall is one mile long and is close to the deepest part of the Caribbean Sea. There are lots of coral, sponges, fish and a wide variety of marine life inhabiting the area. You will also see lots of caves and crevices.
A popular wreck dive is the MV Capt, Keith Tibetts, a former Russian warship. It's a vessel measuring 330 feet (100.5 metres) that rests in roughly 55 feet (17 metres) of water. It's easily accessible by divers and snorkelers alike. Its deepest point is at 110 feet (33.5 metres) and rises to within approximately 15 feet (4.5 metres) of the surface. Hundreds of tropical fish have made it their home and this includes moray eels and barracuda. The wreck was sunk in 1996 and is still relatively intact. In the shallow end you can see a radar tower and guns. This wreck can be penetrated in various places but before going into a wreck always check with your local guide.
Well established dive schools on Cayman Brac will guide you through your choice of dive sites. They offer daily diving excursions and training. For beginners, you can learn to dive in the warm waters and make your first open water experience. More advanced divers can simply enjoy the opportunities the island has to offer.
