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