Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
In the Water
Scuba
The West Bay area has some of the best diving sites on Grand
Cayman. For a list of dive operators, see pages 71-73.
Bonnie
'
s Arch:
Just off North West Point, this 50- to 70-foot dive
is a favorite with underwater photographers because of its arch formation,
which is covered with corals and sponges. Good for beginners, the dive of-
fers a good opportunity to view many types of marine life, from tarpon to
tangs.
Hepp
'
s Pipeline:
This 30- to 60-foot dive for beginners and intermediate
divers is not far from the Cayman Turtle Farm. It has two mini-walls and
can be a shore dive.
Big Tunnel:
Swim-throughs, canyons and a depth of 60-100 feet make
this a favorite with intermediate and advanced divers. It is located off the
North West Point (close to Bonnie's Arch and the Orange Canyon).
Ghost Mountain:
This deep dive, ranging from 80-120 feet, features a
pinnacle covered with corals, some black. Located off the north end of the
island.
Hepps Wall:
This 60-foot wall drops steeply, and is lined with soft corals.
Orange Canyon:
A 60- to 100-foot dive, the canyon is favored by interme-
diate and advanced divers. This wall dive is filled with color and is named
for its orange elephant ear sponges. Near Bonnie's Arch.
Trinity Caves:
Located in West Bay, the caves sit at 40-100 feet. Begin-
ners can enjoy a look at spectacular corals and fans, while intermediate
and advanced divers can enter the three channels that wind their way to a
wall where large species might be spotted. Look for turtles on this dive.
Ghost Mountain:
At North Point, West Bay, you will see a large coral pin-
nacle, the base of which lies on a sand slope at a depth of 140 feet. Large
schools of jack swim in and out of the cave at the base. This 70- to 100-foot
wall dive is for intermediate to advanced divers.
Spanish Bay Reef:
Walk right out to this shallow reef dive (30-60 feet)
near Spanish Bay Reef Resort. This site is also good for snorkeling, al-
though the waters can be rough.
Tarpon Alley:
This site, divided into east and west sections, is home to a
large school of tarpon. The dive is off the north end of the island.
Turtle Farm Reef:
Just east of the turtle farm, a short swim from the
shore, this site offers a steep mini-wall rising from a 60-foot deep sand bot-
tom. You can do this as a shore dive or enjoy the site as a snorkeler.
