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!