Snorkeling in Grand Cayman is both
simple and exciting. The Cayman Islands are regarded as a
World leading destination for scuba diving and snorkeling; mostly
because of the water clarity, year round warm water temperature and
the Island's shore proximity to pristine underwater reefs. You can take
advantage of Grand Cayman's underwater beauty just a "few steps"
away from the Port of George Town.
Eden Rock and Devil's Grotto
What Is It?
Eden Rock and Devil's Grotto are
located close together about 4 minutes away from the Cruise Ship
Terminal. Here you will find a magnificent coral formation in
just 10 to 30 feet of water and fish everywhere! You
cannot fit all that fish in an aquarium! This is Grand
Cayman snorkeling at it's finest!
How To Get There
Walk to the right as soon as you get off the tender at either
South or North Terminal. Walk along the water passing the
Blue Iguana, you will see the road taking a bend with beautiful
pine trees overhanging the coast line. Look for the sign
for
Club Paradise. (By now you have
walked about 4 minutes.) There you will find an easy
entrance to the reef
.
Wreck of the Cali
What Is It?
The Wreck of the Cali is an
old freighter that sank right beside George Town Harbor.
It is now in pieces, resting in barely 20ft of water. The
Ship's ribs are exposed and scattered along the ocean's floor holding many different species of sponges and
fish life.
How To Get There
Walk immediately to the left of the Cruise Ship Terminal.
You will pass by the Old Fort Monument and Lighthouse (don't
look for a huge lighthouse, this one is barely 20ft high) on the
waterfront. You will see a cove where vendors are selling
fresh fish on a little beach. (By now you have walked about 4
minutes) You can get in the water right off that beach and
snorkel to the little white buoys to the right just a few feet from shore.
Cheese Burger Reef
What Is It?
Cheese Burger Reef is so named due to the
landmark found there. Here is a hint, it's not two big
arches...The Reef is spread out over 3 to 4 acres and the coral
formation has some of the most vibrant colors found. You
can snorkel with turtles that frequent the reef in search of sponges
.
This spot holds some of the most beautiful snorkeling in Grand
Cayman.
How To Get There
Walk to the left as soon as you get off the tender at either
South or North Terminal. This area is past the Wreck of
the Cali so read above and just keep on walking. Right
past Burger King you will see a small beach cove. (By now you
have walked 10 minutes) Get in the water and snorkel to the
many buoys found just off the beach.
Wreck of the Gamma
What Is It?
The Wreck of the Gamma is
another freighter that sank and crashed onshore right past
George Town. It is now in pieces, resting in barely 20ft of
water. The wreck is pretty neat but it's resting out of
the water. The beauty is found nearby the wreck with
beautiful juvenile fish, sponges and shallow coral formations.
How To Get There
Walk to the left as soon as you get off the tender at either
South or North Terminal. This area is past the Wreck of
the Cali and past Cheese Burger Reef so read above. Keep
walking past those two spots and you'll find a cemetery by a
stop light. Immediately after you will see a big beach
area. Walk to the beach and you will see the wreck out of
the water. There is a nice little beach there where you
can enjoy sun tanning with a beautiful view of your Cruise Liner
after a great snorkeling experience. If you snorkel to the
left of the beach and stay close to the shoreline you will be
able to view huge Grand Cayman salt water Tarpons.
You cannot snorkel
to Stingray City! Unless of course you are a marathon snorkeler!
Stingray City is located 5 miles from the George Town area but
only 1 1/2 miles from Rum Point. At any rate, you need to
go with a tour operator to play with the Rays.
