Shipwreck diving in The Cayman Islands

The Cayman Islands, located in the Caribbean, are a scuba diving and snorkeling paradise. Whether you dive on your own or use a Cayman Island dive operator this may be the vacation experience for you. A popular type of dive there is called "wreck" diving or diving and snorkeling at shipwreck sites. Although divers can enjoy several different kinds of wrecks to dive at, including ship and boats, submarines, airplanes, and automobiles, this blog will focus on shipwrecks, the most common type found in The Cayman Islands.
When you've figured out that you want to dive at a shipwreck you must first know the three types of dives there are in wreck diving, non-penetration, light penetration, and full penetration. A non-penetration dive is one in which the diver swims above the wreck taking pictures and admiring the sea life. A light penetration dive is one in which the diver penetrates the structure of the ship but only to a certain point, there is still some external light visible for the divers use. A full penetration dive is one in which the diver goes as far into the structure of the ship as it safe, they must use an auxiliary light source. Also, to scuba dive at a shipwreck you must be certified by PADI or another dive certification organization in either wreck diving or deep water diving.
Once you find your way to The Cayman Islands, you may be wondering where do I go to find a shipwreck appropriate for my skill level? Don't worry! There are many recommended dive operator in The Cayman Islands. Your next question might be which wreck should I choose to explore first? The answer to that question is really hard but I have made the following list to help you make that crucial choice.

1. ANNA MARIE- A tug boat wreck which lies upright at a depth of 50 feet. This 25 foot wooden hull tug was lost in a storm in 1987. It can be found on Devil's Grotto at Eden Rock near Grand Cayman Island.
2. WRECK of  the BALBOA- Remains of a 375 foot freighter which sank in 1932 en route from Cuba to The Cayman Islands. Very little of this ship remains intact, most of The Balboa is now just the wreckage of a shipwreck. Found off of Grand Cayman
3. CALLIE or CALI SHIPWRECK- Remains of a 4 mast 220 foot steel schooner. Callie now rests less than 40 yards off shore in 20-30 feet of water. This wreck remains a popular destination for beginning divers.  Cruise ships that visit Georgetown Grand Cayman often offer a shipwreck/reef tour to this wreck.
4. CARRIE LEE- A 100 foot freighter which sank in rough seas near the east end of Grand Cayman in 1984.  Lying at a depth of 150 -200 feet this intact wreck is not for beginning divers. Recommended only for divers with deep diving and/or wreck diving  certifications.
5. GAMMA SHIPWRECK- Wreckage of a 200 foot steel freighter that went down in in a nor'wester storm in 1980. The Gamma lies partially in and out of the water making it a great photo opportunity. Also good for snorkeling and beginning divers.
6. WRECK of the KIRK PRIDE- 170 foot cargo vessel lying in 3,000 feet of water. This ship is not a dive site for your average diver. But The Kirk Pride is a haven for deep water and extreme water enthusiasts.
7. ORO VERDE SHIPWRECK- An 84 foot steel cargo vessel purchased and scuttled off  Grand Cayman Island. Lying 100 yards off shore at a depth of  40-50 feet this wreck makes a great photo opportunity.
8. RIDEFIELO- This 440 foot freighter ran aground and sank in 1962. Now it is mostly a pile of debris.
9. DOC POLSON- A 100 foot tug boat wreck that is 80% intact. Sank in 1982 near the southern end of  7 mile beach on Grand Cayman Island.
10. USS KITTIWAKE- A United States Navy vessel bought by the government of The Cayman Islands and scuttled off the North West point of Grand Cayman Island. The USS Kittiwake is most well know for its help with the grim task of recovery after the space shuttle Challenger disaster in1996.  In order to dive or snorkel at the USS Kittiwake wreck you must book a tour thru a Cayman Island Dive operator, who will give you a tag or a token that allows access to the site. Entry fee range from $4.00 for snorkelers and $8.00 for divers.
11. KEITH TIBBETTS SHIPWRECK- Scuttled in 1986 for an artificial reef and a recreational dive site. Lying 200 feet off the shore off Cayman Brac, The Keith Tibbets is too far out for a shore dive but any dive operator will offer a tour to this wreck. The Keith Tibbets is good for a shallow or a deep dive.
12. SOTO TRADER SHIPWRECK- This 60 foot steel freighter caught fire and sank in 1975 near Little Cayman Island. It lies in 60 feet of water and is 90 percent intact.

These twelve shipwreck are just a few diving options in The Cayman Islands. If you desire to snorkel or dive here just do a bit of preparation and soon you too will be in the depths of the briny seas just like King Neptune!

Mystery in the Caribbean.

Most of us have heard of the Lost City of Atlantis, a few of us by way of a campy '70's show "Man From Atlantis", but did it really exsist or was it just a fantasy from antiquity?
Atlantis was first described in literature written in 360B.C. by Plato, a classical Greek philosopher. Since then it has intrigued generations of those curious about the ancient world. Even though there has been little proof such as a civilization existed. At least until the 1960's. When the Bimini Road was discovered by a pilot flying over the Bimini Islands in the Bahamas.
Called the Bimini Road or the Bimini Wall, this1/2 mile long beach rock formation lies one mile off North Bimini Island in 15 feet of water. These stones are called the Bimini Road or Bimini Wall because the rock are lined up in straight rows, much like a human-made road or wall. That's why many think the Bimini Road is part of a road to Atlantis or part of one of Alantis' walls.
Because of this "connection" those interested in discovering or disproving if indeed the Bimini Road is part of Atlantis or not, have been exploring the area since the 1970's.

Whether you are a geologist who wants to prove that the Bimini Road is nothing more than an unusual underwater beach rock formation or a person intent on uncovering the secrets of Atlantis, this area makes a great Bahama vacation destination. You can take a boat a sea plane to the Bimini Islands, just 50 miles off the coast of Miami, Florida. Once there it is easy to find a snorkel or scuba dive tour to take you out to the Bimini Road site. Then YOU can decide the truth Atlantis or not?

Travel Safety in the Caribbean.

When we plan that dream vacation to the Caribbean or any other trip no one expects the worst to happen. Usually, everything goes just fine and we have the time of our life and then some. But sometimes things can and do go wrong. Instead of panicing a traveler needs to know what to do. So, I have scoured the internet for some tips to help the beleagured traveler.

1. Have a check up from your medical professional 4 to 6 weeks before departure. They can make sure your immunizations are up to date. Also, if you need any immunizations or malaria shots get them early enough for them to be effective.
2. Protect yourself from insects. Use a product containing 20-30% DEET insect repellent.
3. Never go barefoot, even on the beach. There may be hidden glass and sharp coral. If you do get cut watch for infection.
4. Consume only well cooked food. Eat only fruits and vegetables you can peel.
5. Swim only in well chlorinated pools and salt water. Avoid freshwater such as rivers, lakes, ponds, and streams.
6. Pack a basic first-aid kit. Include Tylenol or ibuprophen for pain, Neosporin for minor skin wounds, Benadryl for allergies, and Immodium AD for diarrhea. You may want to ask your medical professional to prescribe an antibiotic appropriate for the country you are traveling to.
7. Adults and children should learn to swim in the surf which is different from swimming in calm water.
8. Check local weather, in the Caribbean, tropical depressions, tropical storms, and hurricanes can greatly up the hazards of being in the sea. Even if the island you are visiting doesn't take a direct hit.
9. Be aware of  sea life. Aquatic plants and animals can be hazardous. Leave animals and plants alone. Coral can cause serious cuts and and species like the jellyfish can inflict painful stings.
10. If you are caught in a rip tide, remain calm. Do not fight the current but swim parallel to the shoreline. If you find yourself losing energy and cannot get back to the shore, tread water, and wave your arms and yell for help.
11. Do not take an independent tour of a strange country without asking your concierge. He or she can steer you away from the bad areas of the islands.
12. A good local guide can buffer you from troubled areas, but can also buffer you from pan handlers, pushy street vendors, potiental con artists, and other sketchy characters.
13. Be careful at street parties, dance clubs, bars, or anywhere locals and tourists mix. Alcohol use lowers your inhabitions and raises your risks for things such as pickpockets, physical assault, and sexual violence. Mixing with the locals can be a great experience but don't do it alone and be cautious.
14. If your passport is lost or stolen contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the country you are visiting.
15. Last but not least, be sure to purchase the appropriate travel insurance to cover your trip before you leave home.

I hope that if you chose to travel to the Caribbean now or in the future, that you have a happy and safe trip. Just use a bit of common sense and be cautious and your trip will be the trip of a lifetime!

Carnival in Trinidad and Tobago.

We've all heard of Mardi Gras which takes place in New Orleans, Louisiana. But few of us are familiar with Carnival in Trinidad and Tobago. Carnival is the most significant cultural and touristic event in this beautiful Caribbean nation. There are many competitions such as musical competitions, costume contests, limbo, and stick fighting, all leading up to the Street Parade held on the Monday and Tuesday before Ash Wednesday.
Calypso music competitions and costume contests are the highlight of pre-parade activities. The winners of these competitions often receive some prestigious titles. Calypso Monarch is the greatest honor of Carnival. The winner receives a huge trophy, a car worth up to 2,000,000 Trinidadian dollars (314,960 USD), possible endorsements and other contracts. Also crowned are King and Queen of the Bands.
Many strange He and unusual characters are to be found at Carnival. Four of them include:

1. Pierot Grenade- He gives talks on issues of the day, speaking completely in rhyme.
2. Minstrels- Wandering musicians called "Minstrels". Who wear white face paint.
3. Midnight Robber- A character whose grandiose bragging known as "robber talk" that has evolved from traditional African storytellers called " The Griot."
4. Jab Jab- French Patois (a language common to Jamaica) for devil. His costume is one of short pants or cut-offs, mask, and horns . He sometimes carries a pitchfork and he always paints his body in red, white, or green.  He is bound in chains carried by imps who make music on pans and tins. The imps try to "restrain" him as he dances and gyrates to the music.

All the above and more can be found at Trinidad and Tobago's Carnival. So, next time you want to experience the Caribbeans next big pre-lent party, hop a plane down to Trinidad and Tobago!