10 Reasons Why Scuba Divers Love Little Cayman
Stuart HillGrand Cayman’s diminutive sister island offers arguably the most breathtaking wall diving in all of the Caribbean.
1) Three Fathom Wall
Among more than a dozen sites along legendary Bloody Bay Wall, this vertical plunge stands apart as one of the few great Caribbean wall dives that snorkelers can appreciate too. The top starts at 18 feet — you guessed it, 3 fathoms — and is covered with black-coral trees and huge sponges. Schooling snapper and grunts are often packed like sardines into a crevice called the Mixing Bowl.
2) Marilyn’s Cut
Deep canyons cut into the reef make this site a fish magnet. Bold Nassau grouper are prone to follow divers, turtles go about their business like you’re not there, and schooling horse-eye jacks add to the circus.
3) Red-footed boobies
The thousands of red-footed boobies nesting in a pristine, landlocked saltwater lagoon on the southwestern end of Little Cayman are a sight to behold. The population is thought to represent more than a third of all red-footed boobies remaining in the Atlantic and Caribbean.
4) Randy’s Gazebo
Train your eyes on the shy and smaller things at this impressive wall dive loaded with wonders. But first, a grand entrance — you’ll swim down headfirst through a chimney at around 40 feet to pop out in the blue, roughly 80 feet down on the wall. The locals here include cute sailfin blennies, octopuses, hawksbill sea turtles and arrow crabs.
5) Eagle Ray Roundup
Tasty crustaceans trying to escape their fate in the sand are to thank for the reliable presence of foraging eagle rays at this sandy-bottom site. You also might see nurse sharks patrolling among the surgeonfish and Nassau grouper.
Divers Guide
Average water temp: 82˚F
What to wear: 3 mm fullsuit
Average viz: From 60 to 100 feet
When to go: Year-round
Contact: Aggressor Fleet; Little Cayman Beach Resort; Southern Cross Club
6) Owen Island
Deserted beaches tempt swimmers to make the 200-yard crossing to this 11-acre island (rent a kayak from Southern Cross Club for a drier traverse). Once you get there, play hopscotch over conch shells while strolling the shoreline, or snorkel in the diamond-bright shallows.
7) Cumber’s Caves
If swim-throughs are your jam, be sure to put this Jackson’s Bight spot — which happens to be the island’s top shore dive — on your list. The top of the wall starts around 45 feet, with various swim-throughs popping you out into the blue between the 80- and 100-foot marks.
8) Salt Rock Nature Trails
Give way to iguanas as you explore Little Cayman on two wheels. A scooter rental is ideal for sightseeing on your own time. Hit up the Salt Rock Nature Trails to spot butterflies and tropical plants, catch sunset from the Salt Rock Dock, and stop at the Hungry Iguana restaurant for some conch chowder.
9) The Meadows
If you seek a dive loaded with action and lengthy bottom times, it’s hard to top this shallow dive that bottoms out around 35 feet. Fin through a winding landscape of coral heads to spot razorfish, garden eels, frolicking rays and the occasional shark. Between the natural light and abundant fish life, the whole scene is a photographer’s dream.
10) Beach Nuts Bar
Pick a perch by the pool and toast to another great day of diving at this favorite open-air watering hole at the Little Cayman Beach Resort. The fish tacos and build-your-own nachos are perfect fuel for another day on the walls.