Cayman Islands Blog
USS Kittiwake
May 2013
We were supposed to have gone to the Cayman Islands the previous year but due to unforeseen circumstances we couldn't go. Undeterred we rescheduled for 2013 - I was determined to dive the Kittiwake (see pic) which is a truly awesome, purpose sunk wreck just off shore in Maine Park.
We booked to stay at the Sunshine Suites in George Town which turned out to be an excellent choice due to the on-site restaurant which was certainly one of the best, if not the best, value for money places to eat on the island. Not to mention the Cayman Island Brewery draught beers that were available in the bar which did their best to catch out the unwary drinker. The Ironshore Bock was 7% and it went down smooth as anything!
We had a few rainy days but it didn't matter because it was warm rain and everything dried out quickly when it stopped because it was so warm. We even went snorkelling in the rain, quite an exhilarating experience!
Through Bonnies Arch
Monday 27th May 2013
Orange Canyon & Bonnies Arch today. Living the Dream Divers were just 2 minutes away around the corner from the Sunshine Suites, and they came to pick me up in the morning, as they did every morning.
Orange Canyon was the first dive of the day, a nice easy dive but 24 Mtrs. Barracuda and reef fish in abundance, with lots of swim thru's which were nice.
The second dive was Bonnies Arch at 20 mtrs. A nice easy dive, some large Barracuda, Smooth Trunkfish, Blue Tang and small Moray with lots of coral and a lovely arch swim through.
Tuesday 28th May 2013
Ghost Mountain & Sand Hole today. A deep dive at nearly 29 mtrs but well worth it. Trumpet Fish, Snappers and Blue Tang in abundance. The ubiquitous Lion Fish has now reached these waters and with no natural predators has begun to take over. The dive guide speared them when he could, a culling action which is now part of the effort to control the numbers.
Sand Hole was 18 mtrs and saw two more Lion Fish speared, making a good meal for a large Parrot Fish. Barracuda and Trumpet Fish once again, and also Crab.
Wednesday 29th May 2013
Round Rock & Doc Poulson today. Round Rock was another deep dive at 28.5 mtrs with vis over 30 mtrs. Lots of swim thrus and gullys to explore with the ever present Barracuda.
Doc Poulson, named after Cayman's first diving doctor, is a wreck in West Bay at 16.5 mtrs. Once a cable laying ship, the wreck was penetrable but not over large, however, good swim thrus were possible. Lots of life and good visibility of 30 mtr plus. Fan Worms in abundance in the soft sand surrounding the wreck.
Since the Kittiwake was sunk this wreck receives a lot less attention from divers, which is allowing nature to take firmer hold with lots of opportunities for a keen photographer to snap that killer picture.
Doc Poulson wreck.
Turtle
Thursday 30th May 2013
Deep Drop & Wild Hammer today. Deep Drop lived up to its name. We dropped down to 30 mtrs to find Turtle, Barracuda and Lobster. Water temperature was 28C, vis 30 mtr plus and I was quite comfortable in a 3mm shorty. This is what diving is all about, even though the sky was overcast.
The second dive of the day was Wild Hammer, at 15 mtrs conditions were similar to the previous 30mtr dive. Wildlife of note were the Turtles which seemed to appear from nowhere and dissappear again into the same place. How do they do that? It's not like they move all that fast but one minute they appear and the next they're gone. Astonishing.
Governors Beach Snorkel
Went snorkelling off Governors Beach with Mrs C when I got back from the dives. Just a few mtrs from shore, a little reef abounding with life, including a lone Sting Ray with its attending Bar Jack. There were Parrot Fish, Blue Tang, Seargent Major, Angel Fish and Smooth Trunkfish. A real gem and easily accessible.
Friday 31st May 2013
Great House Wall and USS Kittywake today. Dive one was a great wall dive to 26 mtrs, nice and easy with lots to see and photograph. Highlights were the coral as well as Turtles, Lobster, Parrot Fish, Barracuda and some nice Spotted Drum Fish.
I watched a documentary about the preparation and sinking of the Kittiwake as an artificial reef and remarked to Mrs C that one day I would dive it. That day had finally arrived. The Kittiwake is situated in Marine Park, off Seven Mile Beach, and is protected under law in Cayman, with no touching or taking of anything, no gloves allowed and no fishing allowed on the wreck/Kittiwake site. It requires an entrance fee to visit from a licensed operator, with the fees going towards the ongoing maintenance and protection of the new artificial wreck/reef plus other natural reefs. An exception to taking fish is made for culling lionfish, an invasive species to Cayman waters.
At 20 mtrs the 251 mtr long wreck is easily accessible and offers some great, but relativly easy, swim thru's. Lots of life to be seen including Grouper, Trumpet Fish and Parrot Fish to mention some of the largest. Highly recommended dive!
Kittiwake - rudder and propeller.
The Stingrays gather.
Saturday 1st June 2013
Stingray City excursion. Went with Captain Marvin (also just 2 minutes away around the corner from Sunshine Suites) on the Stingray City tour. Having been on it I must say that it is a must for everyone to do, diver, snorkeller or other. So many Stingrays of all sizes, including youngsters, swim all around you, brushing up close and literally taking food from your hands (chopped up fish provided by the boat crew). Quite an experience and not one to be missed.
Sadly that brings a close to a great holiday. We visited several beaches and snorkelled, marvelling at the abundance and diversity of the wildlife. A trip around the local brewery was also good and was free when we went. Everyone was friendly and Sunshine Suite's bar/restaurant was packed everynight by guests and visitors alike. Pre-booking a table if you want to eat is recommended.
Bye for now!