The Cayman Islands are known as a diver’s paradise, but fans of wreck diving will be in absolute heaven here. The islands are home to a whopping 240 wreck sites, and many of them are located in Grand Cayman. From modern naval vessels turned artificial reefs to historic freighters resting in shallow bays, the island offers wreck dives suitable for every skill level.
Here at Tortuga Divers, we take visitors on all types of underwater excursions through our Grand Cayman East End Diving Tours, including to iconic wreck sites. Read our guide below to the best shipwreck dives in Grand Cayman, and don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about our dives.
USS Kittiwake
Location: Off Seven Mile Beach
Depth: 40-70 feet
Access: Boat
Arguably the most famous wreck dive in Grand Cayman, the USS Kittiwake was a former US submarine support vessel tasked with recovering the black box from the Space Shuttle Challenger that was intentionally sunk just off Seven Mile Beach to become an artificial reef. With the top of the wreck resting at a depth of 40 feet, it’s an ideal site for both beginner and experienced divers.
The wreck is still largely intact, and divers can swim through its corridors where marine life has taken over. Since its sinking in 2011, the USS Kittiwake has become encrusted with coral and sponges and is home to barracuda, turtles, groupers, and moray eels.
Only accessible by boat, our 2-Tank Kittiwake Wreck Dive in Grand Cayman provides the thrilling opportunity to discover this iconic wreck! Looking for a shorter experience? Then check out this 1-Tank Grand Cayman Kittiwake Wreck Dive provided by our parent company, Red Sail Sports.
Doc Poulson
Location: Off Seven Mile Beach
Depth: 50-60 feet
Access: Boat
This Japanese cable-laying barge was used in the digging of the channel for the Cayman Islands Yacht Club, and is today one of the most photographic dive sites in Grand Cayman.
It was renamed the Doc Poulson in honour of the pioneering local dive physician who secured the first hyperbaric chamber at George Town Hospital.
Located near Seven Mile Beach, the Japanese cable-laying vessel was sunk in March 1991. Sitting upright, it’s now adorned in corals, sponges, and sea fans, with parrotfish, groupers, and snappers all milling about.
Oro Verde
Location: Off Seven Mile Beach
Depth: 60 feet
Access: Boat
Built at the outbreak of World War II and originally known as the SS Navajo, the Oro Verde was the sister ship of the ill-fated SS Pueblo. The name Oro Verde translates as ‘green gold’ in Spanish. This ship was rumoured to be involved in marijuana smuggling, according to Lawson Wood’s book, “Shipwrecks of the Cayman Islands”. After a suspected mutiny, the ship was abandoned in Cayman’s waters in 1976.
Four years later, it became the first wreck to be sunk deliberately to create an artificial reef. Today it lies off Seven Mile Beach and has been broken up by storms, resulting in a large debris field that’s fun to explore — there’s even a bicycle you can ride! Divers can find scattered pieces of the hull among thriving coral and abundant fish life, including turtles, barracuda, and eagle rays.
You may notice that many of the best dive sites are located on the west of the island. If you’re wondering if East or West is Better When Diving in Grand Cayman, read our blog!
LCM David Nicholson
Location: Off the coast of George Town
Depth: 65 feet
Access: Shore
Named after the late David Nicholson, a dive master who worked for Sunset House and Bob Soto, this former US Navy Landing Craft used in the Korean War was decommissioned and used by the Cayman Islands Government as a mail ship, travelling between the islands.
Sunk in 1992, it now rests in the waters near Sunset House. She is a short swim from ‘Amphitrite’, the bronze mermaid statue named after Poseidon’s wife, commissioned by Sunset House and sculpted by Canadian artist Simon Morris, resting at 55 feet. Though smaller than some of the other wrecks, the David Nicholson is rich in marine life and frequently visited by stingrays, octopus, and jacks.
Wreck of the Gamma
Location: George Town
Depth: 15 feet
Access: Shore
Just 20 feet from shore, the partially submerged Gamma wreck is the perfect option for snorkelers and beginner wreck divers. Sitting in only about 15 feet of water, this old freighter is easy to access and provides a great introduction to wreck diving. Though small and deteriorated, it’s important to be careful and keep a distance of five feet away from the metal edges.
If you’re interested in exploring more of the island’s natural abundance, read our guide to the Best Coral Reef Dive Sites in Grand Cayman!
Balboa
Location: Off the coast of George Town
Depth: 25-40 feet
Access: Boat
One of the most historic wrecks in the Cayman Islands, the Balboa was a 1,389 gross ton, 375-foot freighter designed for general cargo that sank during a turbulent storm. Dashed on the pier during a hurricane in 1932, all her cargo of wood was salvaged and used to rebuild new homes after the hurricane. Due to her sinking in the harbour, she was deemed a danger to shipping and subsequently destroyed by blasting by the Royal Navy in 1957.
The wreck has been broken up over the years, but large sections remain visible, including its three-bladed propellers. Covered in corals and sponges, Balboa is rich in both marine life and history. It’s also a popular choice among night divers. If you’re interested in exploring the waters under the cover of darkness, check out our Grand Cayman Night Dive on the East End!
Wreck of the Cali
Location: Near George Town Harbour
Depth: 20-30 feet
Access: Shore
Another easy-to-access shore dive, the Cali is located in George Town and rests in just 30 feet of water. Sometimes referred to as the rice ship by locals, it ran ashore due to serious hull damage in George Town in 1948 while carrying a cargo of 30,000 bags of rice from Ecuador to Cuba. Registered as a navigational hazard, it was destroyed by blasting in 1957. Its massive propeller and ribs are now scattered across the sandy bottom, making for a rather eerie yet breathtaking sight. The shallow depth and clear water make it popular for snorkelers and novice divers.
Discover Grand Cayman with Tortuga Divers
Itching to go diving after reading about these incredible wreck sites? Then plan your adventure with Tortuga Divers! Our Grand Cayman Diving Trips take place across the island with our parent company, Red Sail Sports, with dive options ranging from walls to coral reefs and wrecks. If you have any questions about our tours, don’t hesitate to contact us!
