Justin Burch asked:


Resting atop a submarine mountain of coral, the island of Grand Cayman offers some truly distinctive scuba diving opportunities. Off the shore, the coral walls that descend sharply into the Caribbean create some incredibly unique and challenging dives. Elsewhere around the island, there are plenty of dives perfect for all ages and skill levels. Regardless of where you dive in Grand Cayman, however, you are sure to encounter an unparalleled variety of underwater life. It also helps that the warm waters off the coast often boast visibility exceeding 100 feet - a fact sure to impress snorkelers, as well as scuba divers. With over 250 unique dive sites in all, Grand Cayman stands as one of the most diverse dive destinations in the Caribbean.

Many of the most popular dive sites on Grand Cayman are located off the western shore in an area known as the West Wall. Many of this area’s dive sites are located just a short boat ride from the resorts lining Seven Mile Beach. At sites such as Armchair Reef, Wildlife Reef and Aquarium Reef, you will be able to spot numerous species of underwater creatures. Many of these reef dives are suitable for novice divers and snorkelers as well.

As Grand Cayman is known for its wall diving, you will definitely want to explore the deeper water of the western shore. At the first steep drop-off of 60 feet, you will find such sites as the Eagle’s Nest and the Orange Canyon - named for its population of colorful elephant ear sponges. Another fun challenge is Bonnie’s Arch, a unique site boasting a coral archway wide enough to swim through. All in all, there are more than 50 distinct dive sites located in the West Wall area of the island.

Though the North Wall is on the windward side of the island and features incredibly steep coral walls, one of the world’s most famous shallow dive sites rests along the sandy beach. A good part of this popularity is owed to the fact that Stingray City is a perfect site for divers and snorkelers of all ages and skill levels. Once you are in the warm, clear water you will be able swim with families of gentle Southern Stingrays. With wingspans approaching four feet, many visitors find a great thrill in Stingray City while feeding and photographing these majestic animals.

Along the North Wall, you can also spot a large population of tarpons at Tarpon Alley. These large, strange fish are surprising friendly and will swim close to you if you move slowly. Along the coral wall, experienced divers can visit Eagle Ray Pass and the No Name Drop-Off for a glimpse of sea turtles, exotic fish and dense coral reefs.

While many dive tours only visit the South Wall when weather is poor off the western shore, there are plenty of pleasant dives for all skill levels in the shallow southern waters. At sites such as Japanese Gardens and Oriental Gardens, divers are promised an up-close view of colorful coral and sea creatures in calm water perfect for photography. Slightly further from shore, these “gardens” sink into an intricate maze of tunnels, arches and underwater canyons.

Adventurous divers will want to visit the eastern shore of Grand Cayman. Though there are only a few dive operators offering tours of this area, you are unlikely to find more pristine coral reefs anywhere. Within the first slope of reef, you will find a series of tunnels, underwater caves and arches. Sites in this area such as Grouper Grotto and Babylon are always teeming with fish, sponges and sea turtles.

Lastly, what would a Caribbean scuba diving trip be without a few wreck dives? The Balboa, a 375-foot cargo ship that sunk during a storm in 1932, sits at a modest depth of 30 feet in Georgetown Harbor. Today, the vessel is home to an assortment of the Caribbean’s most photogenic residents. The most popular wreck dive in Grand Cayman is the Oro Verde, a coral-covered freighter resting in 60 feet of water off the shore from Seven Mile Beach. Additionally, Grand Cayman recently sank five vessels in various locations for both the enjoyment of divers and the ongoing research of environmental scientists.

There are over 40 experienced dive operators serving visitors to Grand Cayman, so finding a knowledgeable guide is a breeze. Even if you have never experienced scuba diving, you can become certified in Grand Cayman and then test your skills at some of the Caribbean’s best dive sites.

Come to Grand Cayman and you will see why the island is celebrated by divers and snorkelers across the globe.

Chris Sutton asked:


Do you want to see a side of Maui like never before? Check out the beautiful island of Maui from a different view- underwater! There are many places in Maui where you can go scuba diving even if you have never been before. You can go on a guided tour, learn from an instructor or rent equipment if you don’t have your own. Below is more information about snorkeling and scuba diving in Maui.

Diving Trips

There are many different diving trips for you to choose from if you are staying in Maui. Many places offer small group SCUBA trips to at least two different destinations on each day of the week. Set out with other divers on a fully-equipped dive boat and enjoy comfortable seating and amenities (such as a bathroom) while you travel to your dive location.

There are knowledgeable crew members and diving instructors that can help you no matter what your level of experience and most dives are very affordable. If you are concerned with price, you might also look into package deals to save you money or go with a group.

There are also many specialty diving opportunities such as diving in caves or caverns. There are special excursions you can take with a professional tour guide to show you sights you probably never dreamed of before.

If you are a novice diver or if you are in a party with snorkelers, then you might want to take a different boat trip or tank dive trip. You will have to contact facilities that offer these to find out all the details. There are also many introductory dives and diving courses for you if you are new to the underwater world.

Snorkeling Trips

In addition to scuba diving, you might want to try snorkeling. There are many places that let you view gorgeous coral reefs and much more as well as the many exotic underwater living creatures of the Hawaiian Islands. Set out on a boat with many other snorkelers whether it’s your first time or you’ve been doing it forever. Head out to a nice snorkeling location such as a coral reef and friendly, knowledgeable crew will help you even if you have never done this before. There are “boogie boards” available to help you while moving through the water.

Even if you have been snorkeling before, you have likely never seen it like it is in Maui so it is well worth the time to go for at least one day and check it out. Snorkeling usually costs around $50 a day per person but you will have to call actual facilities since prices are subject to change. There are also group deals and discounts that you may be eligible for as well if you call and check into it.

Diving Courses

If you don’t know how to dive, you might want to look into getting some instructions first before you set out to go on a dive with people that know what they are doing. There are also many places that offer diving courses for those of you that may not have even been diving before. You can take classes on all the details of diving as well as go out on a boat with an instructor that will show you exactly how to do everything properly and safely.

If you are looking to find out exact pricing and diving schedules for different resorts and facilities, you will have to call them to find out all of the details. Equipment rentals can vary in pricing according to exactly what you need and what company you go through so you have to call to find out for sure. There are some places in Maui that offer trips and equipment that have their information available online and this may make it easier for you to plan ahead for your trip and find which location you want to use.

If you are going to be in Maui for vacation, you really need to take at least one day to go scuba diving or snorkeling and see the amazing underwater world in person for yourself. You might even want to take along an underwater camera to remember your adventure.

You can check into pricing, dive days and times as well as what certifications they have and what comes in their deals to help choose the one that suits your needs the best.

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