| Resting atop a submarine mountain of coral, | | | | large population of tarpons at Tarpon Alley. |
| the island of Grand Cayman offers some truly | | | | These large, strange fish are surprising |
| distinctive scuba diving opportunities. Off | | | | friendly and will swim close to you if you |
| the shore, the coral walls that descend | | | | move slowly. Along the coral wall, |
| sharply into the Caribbean create some | | | | experienced divers can visit Eagle Ray Pass |
| incredibly unique and challenging dives. | | | | and the No Name Drop-Off for a glimpse of sea |
| Elsewhere around the island, there are plenty | | | | turtles, exotic fish and dense coral reefs. |
| of dives perfect for all ages and skill | | | | While many dive tours only visit the South |
| levels. Regardless of where you dive in Grand | | | | Wall when weather is poor off the western |
| Cayman, however, you are sure to encounter an | | | | shore, there are plenty of pleasant dives for |
| unparalleled variety of underwater life. It | | | | all skill levels in the shallow southern |
| also helps that the warm waters off the coast | | | | waters. At sites such as Japanese Gardens and |
| often boast visibility exceeding 100 feet - a | | | | Oriental Gardens, divers are promised an |
| fact sure to impress snorkelers, as well as | | | | up-close view of colorful coral and sea |
| scuba divers. With over 250 unique dive sites | | | | creatures in calm water perfect for |
| in all, Grand Cayman stands as one of the | | | | photography. Slightly further from shore, |
| most diverse dive destinations in the | | | | these "gardens" sink into an intricate maze |
| Caribbean. Many of the most popular dive | | | | of tunnels, arches and underwater canyons. |
| sites on Grand Cayman are located off the | | | | Adventurous divers will want to visit the |
| western shore in an area known as the West | | | | eastern shore of Grand Cayman. Though there |
| Wall. Many of this area's dive sites are | | | | are only a few dive operators offering tours |
| located just a short boat ride from the | | | | of this area, you are unlikely to find more |
| resorts lining Seven Mile Beach. At sites | | | | pristine coral reefs anywhere. Within the |
| such as Armchair Reef, Wildlife Reef and | | | | first slope of reef, you will find a series |
| Aquarium Reef, you will be able to spot | | | | of tunnels, underwater caves and arches. |
| numerous species of underwater creatures. | | | | Sites in this area such as Grouper Grotto and |
| Many of these reef dives are suitable for | | | | Babylon are always teeming with fish, sponges |
| novice divers and snorkelers as well. As | | | | and sea turtles. Lastly, what would a |
| Grand Cayman is known for its wall diving, | | | | Caribbean scuba diving trip be without a few |
| you will definitely want to explore the | | | | wreck dives? The Balboa, a 375-foot cargo |
| deeper water of the western shore. At the | | | | ship that sunk during a storm in 1932, sits |
| first steep drop-off of 60 feet, you will | | | | at a modest depth of 30 feet in Georgetown |
| find such sites as the Eagle's Nest and the | | | | Harbor. Today, the vessel is home to an |
| Orange Canyon - named for its population of | | | | assortment of the Caribbean's most photogenic |
| colorful elephant ear sponges. Another fun | | | | residents. The most popular wreck dive in |
| challenge is Bonnie's Arch, a unique site | | | | Grand Cayman is the Oro Verde, a |
| boasting a coral archway wide enough to swim | | | | coral-covered freighter resting in 60 feet of |
| through. All in all, there are more than 50 | | | | water off the shore from Seven Mile Beach. |
| distinct dive sites located in the West Wall | | | | Additionally, Grand Cayman recently sank five |
| area of the island. Though the North Wall is | | | | vessels in various locations for both the |
| on the windward side of the island and | | | | enjoyment of divers and the ongoing research |
| features incredibly steep coral walls, one of | | | | of environmental scientists. There are over |
| the world's most famous shallow dive sites | | | | 40 experienced dive operators serving |
| rests along the sandy beach. A good part of | | | | visitors to Grand Cayman, so finding a |
| this popularity is owed to the fact that | | | | knowledgeable guide is a breeze. Even if you |
| Stingray City is a perfect site for divers | | | | have never experienced scuba diving, you can |
| and snorkelers of all ages and skill levels. | | | | become certified in Grand Cayman and then |
| Once you are in the warm, clear water you | | | | test your skills at some of the Caribbean's |
| will be able swim with families of gentle | | | | best dive sites. Come to Grand Cayman and you |
| Southern Stingrays. With wingspans | | | | will see why the island is celebrated by |
| approaching four feet, many visitors find a | | | | divers and snorkelers across the globe. |
| great thrill in Stingray City while feeding | | | | |
| and photographing these majestic animals. | | | | Justin Burch writes articles about travel in |
| Along the North Wall, you can also spot a | | | | Grand Cayman [ for the Marriott Resorts. |