Dive Cayman - Snorkeling Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands

Come experience the Cayman Islands

Your Subtitle text

Snorkeling Grand Cayman

Snorkeling
One fantastic aspect unique to Grand Cayman is how close everything is! It's a small, flat island, easy to get around and many reefs are just off the beach.

For those of you who are accustom to the Atlantic or Pacific oceans, this will be a different experience for you. Unless a storm is in the vacinity, there is no surf! Access into the water is gentle, a great way to introduce the sea to your kids (or to muster up your courage to try snorkeling again).

	Seven Mile Beach Not an "official" snorkel site but this is a beautiful beach with protected waters and little or no waves. Swim in from any hotel or condo site and you will find lots of fish and points of interest. For example, just off our condo at Plantana, there is a small outcropping of rocks dubbed "The Nursery" by my 9 year old... it is just a few kicks from shore, loaded with jouvenile fish, a conch, and a few lobster... hours of exploration and entertainment for her and her friends! LOCATION: Anywhere you walk in along this beautilful stretch of beach off of West Bay Road.
	Governors Reef This is a great location to snorkel. There are so many fish, they will bump into your legs! As tourists feed the fish here, visiting this reef feels more like a petting zoo than a reef! LOCATION: Next to the Westin on Seven Mile Beach with public access next to the Governors' mansion (hence the name Governors Reef!) and the governorsnext to the Westin on Seven Mile Beach. Cemetary Reef A bit of a swim to get to, but a great reef system. On the way out, keep your eyes open in the sand as we have seen flying gurnards in this area! LOCATION: On West Bay Road just passed Public Beach at the cemetary en route to Turtle Farm
	Smith Cove One of the islands' tucked away secrets. This quiet little "lagoon" is a great place for beginner snorkelers. Access is free, there is a picnic area and public bathrooms too. LOCATION: Savannah, just outside of George Town heading away from Seven Mile Beach. Beach is on right just past Kathy Church's place and there is some parking. Eden Rock I have to be honest, this is not my favourite site. Devil's Grotto is a part of the site and there are lots of tarpon to see, but this is close to the harbour and the water can be choppy. In close proximity to the cruise ship tenders, this is a popular spot for cruise ship visitors (and thus crowded so visiting on a Sunday or a Monday is recommended). If you are visiting via cruise ship, check out the other spots first and save this spot for last or if you don't want to travel far. LOCATION: George Town at Eden Rock heading away from Seven Mile Beach. Beach is on right with some parking.
	Sand Bar AKA Sting Ray City This is an absolute MUST when you come to Grand Cayman. Located on a sand bar in the middle of the north sound, these graceful, southern sting rays will surround you and amaze you. These gentle giants (and small ones too) have been visiting tourists in this area since the 1950's. Fisherman, such as Captain Marvin, used to return and find refuge from the surf in the shallows to clean their fish. It did not take long for the sting ray and the Caymanians to realize the benifical gain for eveyone in this area! Captain Marvin. offers fantastic half day and all day trips. All day trips include a really nice lunch at Kaibo yacht club and additional snorkeling stops.

Conservation Note ~ Nothing should ever be touched or taken when snorkeling. The reefs are having a hard enough time surviving, so please just enjoy them and be mindful of where your fins kick! As it takes coral nearly 10 years to grow a 1", your kick can set the reefs back considerably. Most of the island is a marine conservation park and removing conch shells and other "treasures" from these regularily patrolled waters is illegal ... so save the reef for the next trip and your money for another meal at Deckers!