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