For those wishing to dive into paradise, or rather, the Cayman Islands Grand Cayman is the place to start. Being the largest of three islands, it is home to the Robert Owens International Airport, which receives numerous flights from Canada, the US, and various Caribbean islands every week. From there, the options are nearly endless. For those looking for a little adventure, and willing to get off the beaten trail, step aboard an island hopper flight to be whisked off to either Little Cayman, or Cayman Brac. Experience the ultimate dive vacation aboard the Cayman Aggressor which provides one week liveaboard trips to multiple dive sites in the area. Due to the Caymans’ proximity to the equator, one can find warm breezes and sunshine throughout most of the year, although the months of May and October tend to see a bit of rain.

Little Cayman, aptly named, is the closest island to Grand Cayman. Spanning only 16 square kilometers, this little slice of paradise is home to both a Nature Reserve as well as a marine park. Known for the pristine beaches and abundant wildlife, Little Cayman is a great place to get away from the hustle and bustle of tourists. But this is more than just any picnic location. Little Cayman has become famous for the phenomenal diving found along its westward-facing coasts. The “Bus Stop” offers the unique experience of plunging down a sand tunnel, into over 60 meters of dark blue water. Also, the “Great Wall” offers several sites along its sheer ridge. Keep an eye out for schools of grouper, as well as jellyfish as divers explore. Bloody Bay Marine Park is home to a breathtaking coral wall that reaches a depth of almost 2000 meters.

One can also fly to Little Cayman’s slightly larger neighbour, Cayman Brac. This island is home to a handful of very friendly locals, who welcome tourists and divers alike. Many divers choose to stay at one of the local hotels that are scattered around the island, or perhaps at the Brac Reef Beach Resort. Or why not rent a private villa or condo for the duration of the stay. Aside from the friendly locals and quaint accommodation, Cayman Brac is home to soaring limestone cliffs that plunge straight into the crystal clear water below. These impressive features make for some very unique wall dive locations including the breathtaking Anchor wall, as well as Orange canyon. Sites situated near the cliffs often have phenomenal drops as well as many tunnels and caves burrowed into the soft limestone. The shallower sites on the north western side of the island, such as East Chute and Kissame offer outstanding dives to shipwrecks that litter the coastline. Water clarity here is typically outstanding, and the sandy ocean floor does not tend to reach depths of past 25 meters. Regardless of whether you’re exploring a sunken wreck, or the labyrinth of limestone tunnels, Cayman Brac will not disappoint.

Finally, for those looking to stay closer to civilization, Grand Cayman gives divers access to 159 world class dive sites without the hassle of embarking on yet another flight. Numerous dive operators provide guided boat tours of the best locations, as well as instruction, or underwater photography tours. Although there are a few notable dive points situated off the East End of Grand Cayman, the real diving experiences are located near the infamous Seven Mile Beach. For more experienced divers, there are some deep-water sites that should not go unseen. Notably, “Sand Chute” offers divers gorgeous panoramas of the sandy slope, that somewhat resembles a ski hill littered with “moguls” of hogfish mounds. There are also many beginner dives closer to shore, although water clarity is slightly compromised here due to such high traffic. The northern side of the island is comprised of a string of notable dive sites situated along the mouth of the bay that is the shape of the island. Mini-wall reef creates a unique and diverse environment where divers can swim amongst sea sponges, lush coral, as well as countless species of sea life. Due to the distance offshore, these dives tend to be deeper and therefore not ideal for beginners, but make excellent second or third dives. Finally, be sure to stop by Stingray City, the world renowned tourist attraction where divers can get up close and personal with more stingrays than one can imagine.