Rodale’s Scuba Diving

THE CAYMAN ISLANDS: BETTER THAN EVER

Generally regarded as the birthplace of recreational dive travel in the Caribbean and continuously named among the top five places in the world for diving and snorkeling, the Cayman Islands are sure to please those in search of underwater fascination, time after time. Quite simply, the Grand Cayman, Little Cayman, and Cayman Brac are better than ever.

Bob Soto established the Caribbean's first dive operation on Grand Cayman in 1957. During the past 44 years, this Western Caribbean island trio has developed into one of the world's leading dive destinations and now has more than 40 dive operations spread across the three islands.

Great Diving

Although abundant fish, healthy reefs, and dramatic walls are obvious reasons for the Cayman Islands' popularity as a dive destination, there are other equally significant reasons, including: the quality and variety of scuba instruction available at all levels (and a variety of languages), from a basic one-day resort course through a four-day class with a Master Scuba Instructor as well as a range of certification agencies (PADI, NAUI, SSI, NASDS, IANTD, HSA, & BSAC); the unique variety of unusual and approachable marine life, including the Southern Atlantic stingrays at Stingray City, green and hawksbill sea turtles at the Cayman Turtle Farm, eagle rays, schools of tarpon and silversides, barracudas, angelfish, puffer fish, scrawled filefish, flying gunards, moray eels, and many others that allow divers and snorkelers to come within reach; calm, current-free conditions and generally exceptional visibility year-round (on Grand Cayman, regardless of the prevailing winds, there is always a leeward side to the island which divers and snorkelers can enjoy); easily accessible dive sites (divers and snorkelers don't have to endure long boat rides or dive deep to have extraordinary experiences and encounters with marine life year round; most sites are close and at shallow depths (between 25 and 60 feet)); protection of marine life through enforcement of Marine Parks and conservation laws; popular dive sites are marked by permanent boat moorings (more than 200 sites) to prevent anchor damage to fragile coral and other marine life; the local watersports associations governing bodies' insistence upon safety, education, and conservation among dive members and watersports operations; and the range of professional, quality dive operations and support services such as equipment repair, rentals and well-maintained, state-of-the-art dive boats.

Perhaps the Cayman Islands' most famous attraction, Stingray City provides the rare opportunity to dive (or snorkel) with more than two dozen relatively ‘tame’ Atlantic Southern Stingrays that seem to enjoy the company of humans. Often called the "world's best 12-foot dive," Stingray City is located in Grand Cayman's North Sound and is considered Grand Cayman's original tourist attraction. The site was ‘discovered’ around 1986 when local divemasters noticed the congregation of rays that allowed human interaction. This area had been known for many years by local fishermen who watched the rays gather to feed on scraps of fish from the cleaning of their catches.

Of course, all three islands offer many more incredible diving experiences. On Grand Cayman, the famed West Bay diving awaits, with a wide variety of wall, reef, and wreck dives enough for many weeks of underwater exploration. In addition, the East End and North Wall (and North Sound) are also gaining loyal followers with Grand Cayman veterans, thanks to additional operators and accommodations, less-visited dive sites, and more. Of course, shore diving near George Town, with Devil’s Grotto and the hugely popular new Mermaid, provide additional flexibility.

Over on Cayman Brac, the superlatives continue. Both the north and south of Cayman Brac start off at about 50 feet and drop off sharply, with lush formations and incredible conditions awaiting first-time visitors and the many Brac veterans. Most of the resorts are on the west end of the island and close to the most popular sites, including wrecks like the M/V Capt. Keith Tibbetts and more reefs just a bit further afield.

Little Cayman is anything but small when it comes to great Cayman Islands diving. Bloody Bay Wall is simply one of the best places to dive in the world. It starts at just 20 feet or less and drops off vertically from there, with relatively few divers, convenient resorts and operators, and pristine conditions awaiting luck visitors.

With three unique islands combining to provide a wide variety of world-class dive vacation experiences, it’s easy to see why the Cayman Islands attract so many first-time and repeat dive travelers. Whether it’s bustling Stingray City or a virtually unvisited site, the Cayman Islands continue to provide great diving and much more above and below the surface.

Super Snorkeling

Snorkeling is something the entire family can enjoy because it provides a glimpse of the exciting underwater world experienced ‘in-depth’ by divers. From encounters with the rays at Stingray City, to floating above dive attractions such as the Amphitrite, located off Sunset Reef in Grand Cayman, the Cali and Balboa off Grand Cayman, or the M/V Capt. Keith Tibbetts off Cayman Brac. Great snorkeling (and diving) can be found close to shore on all three islands.

SASY & SNUBA

Adults and children looking for the dive experience, but not ready or qualified for the real thing, will want to try SASY (Supplied Air Snorkeling for Youth) and SASA (Supplied Air Snorkeling for Adults). Invented by Cayman resident and owner of Cayman Aggressor (live-aboard dive boat), Wayne Hasson, SASY and SASA units look like the real thing, consisting of a life vest, small scuba tank and regulator. Another way to get the ‘real’ diving experience is with Snuba. Snuba uses a 20-foot hose connected to a tank that floats in a raft above the diver with a regulator strapped to the diver's shoulder. Snuba is a guided dive accompanied by a rescue diver.

Thus, the diving of the Cayman Islands continues to draw visitors from around the world. Whether you choose one, two, or all three islands, it’s easy to see why this diver’s Mecca remains one of the top underwater wonders of the world.

RE-ENERGIZE CAYMAN ISLANDS STYLE

Save Money Through October 31

For words that are music to the ears, try "free" and "20 percent off." They call the tune during the "Get Re-energized in the Cayman Islands" promotion that lasts through October 31. Participating airlines will take 20 percent off applicable fares and accommodations will offer five nights for the price of four (plus free stays for kids under 12.

In the same key, the program offers a privilege card with the package that delivers discounts from watersports operators, car rental agencies, and attractions. The card keys in good value at more than 20 restaurants around Grand Cayman, with free meals for kids under 12 and adult premiums (from 10 percent discounts on food and beverage to free welcome cocktails and drinks, appetizers and desserts). Good news for singles, couples, and families seeking an active summer vacation that won't break the bank, the "Get Re-energized" package can be booked at most travel agencies for flights from several gateways.

During the "Get Re-energized" period, Cayman Airways, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Air Jamaica will all lower its net published fares by 20 percent on direct flights. Cayman Airways, the Cayman Islands national carrier, offers the discounted fares from Miami, Tampa, Orlando and Houston. Take advantage of the savings on American Airlines from Miami and on Delta Air Lines from Atlanta. Air Jamaica's discounted gateway cities to Grand Cayman include Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Ft. Lauderdale, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, Newark, Orlando, Philadelphia, and Phoenix (via Montego Bay).

On Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman, leading hotels, villas and condos are offering five nights for the price of four, with free accommodations for children (and, in some cases, free meals).

To rent some wheels for getting around, just present the "Get Re-energized" privilege card at Soto's 4X4, Budget Rent-A-Car, or Andy's Rent-a-Car for 20 percent discounts off daily rates. At CICO/Avis, the card gets you seven days for the price of five or four days for the price of three.

More than 20 top watersports operators are offering up to 25 percent discounts on services, instruction, and select merchandise. Highlights include: four morning dives for the price of three; three tank dives for the price of two; a night dive and a morning dive free with five dives; and three days of boat diving for the price of two.

The card also secures a tour and 10 percent discount on purchases at the Tortuga Rum Company and privileges at the Sunrise Family Golf Center including free golf for kids under 12, 25 percent off greens fees and 10 percent off at the golf shop.

Don't forget to buy the Heritage Passport, which provides discounted admissions to Cayman's heritage sites: Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park, Pedro St. James Historic Site, Cayman National Museum and Cayman Turtle Farm. Passports are available at hotel concierge desks and heritage sites.

The privilege card is only obtainable through the travel agent, when the "Get Re-energized" package is purchased. Visitor's can go online at www.caymanislands.ky for updated offers.