Island Profile: Cayman Islands

The most photographed reefs in the Caribbean Since the 1950s Grand Cayman has been at the heart of recreational diving and for good reasons: variety, visibility and an almost weatherproof geography provide diving year round. This long history also means Cayman has a well-developed support structure for dive travelers. West End Wall and Stingray City are the best-known sites, but there is everything from shore diving to advanced technical diving available. Virtually every type of reef structure and inhabitant can be found somewhere around the island. Sister islands Cayman Brac and Little Cayman trailed the big island's development and today have retained their Old World feel. The Brac is 80 miles west of Grand Cayman and has similar walls to the north and south. The Keith Tibbetts wreck is a great addition to the walls and reefs. Spelunkers will want to hike to the caves on top of the bluff for a day of subterranean exploration. Little Cayman, 10 miles farther west, is known for Bloody Bay Wall along its north side, one of the most photographed locations in the Caribbean. The Soto Trader wreck lies just off the south side. A hammock or chaise is practically required equipment. Cayman dollars have a fixed exchange rate of US$1 = CI$0.80. Cayman Airways provides service from four U.S. gateways. American, Delta and Continental also service the islands. Connections to the Sister Islands are via Grand Cayman. Regional airlines also fly into the Caymans from other Caribbean islands. For information about traveling to the Cayman Islands, accomodations, diving services and special dive packages, click on the home page below. For more information about diving the Cayman Islands, click on the home page below.