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