When it comes to diving in the Grand Cayman, you have a whopping 240 dive sites to choose from. From West Bay to the East End and North Side, the island is replete with phenomenal diving locations. So where do you begin?
Since the west coast of Grand Cayman often attracts plenty of divers and snorkelers, the north and east coasts provide a more tranquil diving experience. At Tortuga Divers, we specialize in Grand Cayman East End Dives with a prime position at Morritt’s Resort.
In this blog, we break down Grand Cayman Dive Sites: East End vs. North Wall for a comprehensive overview of what you can expect from these two fantastic dive areas. Ready to dive in? Keep reading below, or feel free to get in touch with us if you have any questions about our dives.
What’s the Difference Between the East End and North Wall in Grand Cayman?
The main difference between the East End and the North Wall is their location in Grand Cayman. The East End dive sites are located on the east coast, stretching all the way from Old Man Bay to Frank Sound. Meanwhile, the North Wall spans the North Sound between West Bay and Rum Point.
At the East End, you’ll find 55 dive sites, from shallow reefs to steep walls. At the North Wall, you can find around 45 dive sites, including the famous Stingray City. The East End is often chosen for its more remote dives and pristine ecosystems, while the North frequently ranks as one of the best wall dives. Whichever you choose, you’re bound to enjoy an unforgettable dive!
Always remember that safety comes first! Make sure you check the weather before you head into the water. You can use the Cayman Islands National Weather Service for up-to-date information.
Best East End Dive Sites in Grand Cayman
The diversity of dive sites at Grand Cayman’s East allows you the opportunity to choose between shallow reef dives, wall dives, and more. Here are some of our top picks:
Babylon
Named after the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, the Babylon diving site is a spectacle to behold. Discover a kaleidoscopic array of sea fans, sponges, and anemones, as well as its iconic pinnacle. The top of the wall begins at 45 feet and plunges to 100 feet in total, making for a spectacular wall dive. Babylon is also a popular place to spot eagle rays and sharks!
You can dive at Babylon and other surrounding sites like Anchor Point, Turtle Pass, and Northern Lights as part of our 2-Tank Wall Dive in East Grand Cayman, giving you the chance to take part in a guided dive to 100 feet!
Black Rock Reef
Black Rock Reef is one of the most popular shallow dive sites in the East End. Swim at depths from 30 feet and find yourself surrounded by scores of fish, including Bermuda chub, barracudas, and Caribbean reef squid. At 50 feet, a dramatic ledge provides shelter for shy lobsters and eels.
Omega Reef
Located east of Babylon, Omega Reef looks like something out of a postcard. The brightly coloured corals reflect the health of the ecosystem and attract plenty of marine life, from hawksbill turtles to parrotfish and cero. Beginning at 25 feet, you can dive up to 60 feet to see more of the wall.
Ironshore Gardens
Ironshore Gardens provides a blissful shallow dive, where you can dive between craggy rock walls and through swim-throughs, one of which is even named “The Throat”. This site is a haven for marine life, with tarpons, turtles, and rays all bustling about.
The Maze
The Maze is named after the labyrinthine network of canyons and tunnels you’ll explore at this incredible dive site. Diving at depths of up to 100 feet, you’ll experience a spellbinding journey through the water, coming across a mosaic of corals.
For even more dive sites to choose from, read our blog on the Best Diving on Grand Cayman’s East End!
Eagle Ray Pass
If you’re hoping to see eagle rays, then Eagle Ray Pass is the place to be. Swim between walls from 40 feet and see the animals go flying past! They’re certainly not the only marine life you’ll see here, with lobsters clinging to the rocks, reef sharks lurking in the depths, and grouper milling around.
Princess Penny’s Pinnacle
Dive up to depths of 100 feet and circle around the statuesque Princess Penny’s Pinnacle. Corals and sea fans seem to burst from the natural tower, while critters like lobsters and eels flit about in the surrounding reef. While here, you may even spot some sharks!
Ghost Mountain
Looming underwater, Ghost Mountain is one of the most intriguing formations along the North Wall. You can find its peak at 50 feet, appearing as though it had been ripped out of a wall and left adrift. Beautiful corals grow from the eerie mountain, with turtles often spotted circling around it.
Discover Grand Cayman with Tortuga Divers
Ready to dive into the Grand Cayman? Tortuga Divers is here to help you have the best diving experience possible! Whether you want to go to the East End or North Wall, our dive trips will allow you to explore the beauty of the Cayman Seas. To start arranging your ultimate diving adventure, contact us today!
