Southern Shore
The South Shore of Cayman Brac has some of the best beaches and diving sites on the island.
Explore Cayman Brac
Cayman Brac offers an unforgettable diving experience, making it a standout destination in the Caribbean. Known for its dramatic limestone bluff, the island features over 50 dive sites that cater to divers of all levels. Among these, the MV Captain Keith Tibbetts Wreck is a must-see, having transformed into a vibrant artificial reef since its intentional sinking in 1996. Besides, the East Chute dive site presents a stunning wall adorned with colorful sponges and the Cayman Mariner wreck. For those who prefer shallower dives, the West End offers the Kissimmee tugboat, accessible to novices and teeming with marine life.
Diving in Cayman Brac provides a kaleidoscope of coral gardens and wall dives. Sites like Anchor Wall showcase fascinating features such as a swim-through beneath a historic anchor. The reefs bloom with neon-yellow tube sponges and pink sea fans, creating a colorful backdrop for encounters with Nassau groupers, hawksbill turtles, and even the occasional Caribbean reef shark. Whether entering from the shore or a boat, divers can explore these underwater wonders in ideal conditions, especially from November to May, when the weather is warm and predictable. For those eager to explore extensively, liveaboard trips offer an excellent way to experience the island's riches.
Places to explore
Dive Activity
Diving in Cayman Brac
Cayman Brac, a diving gem in the Caribbean, offers a variety of top dive sites that cater to both shore and liveaboard divers. The MV Captain Keith Tibbetts, a renowned wreck dive, is a must-visit. This sunken Soviet frigate hosts vibrant marine life and offers an intriguing underwater experience. Additionally, the site known as "The Bluff" provides stunning wall dives that reveal dramatic drop-offs and coral formations, perfect for those seeking adventure. For shore divers, Buccaneer Reef is a popular spot due to its easy access and rich biodiversity. Night dives at this site reveal fascinating nocturnal marine behavior, with bioluminescent organisms lighting up the water. Divers can also witness the mesmerizing ballet of stingrays gliding gracefully through the sea. Whether you're exploring from a liveaboard or the shore, Cayman Brac promises a balanced mix of convenience and exploration, making it an ideal destination for dive enthusiasts.
Top Wildlife Sightings in Cayman Brac
Cayman Brac, renowned for its vibrant marine biodiversity, offers divers a chance to encounter a wide variety of species amidst its thriving coral reefs. Common reef fish such as parrotfish, angelfish, and butterflyfish are frequently seen throughout the year, creating a colorful underwater spectacle. Additionally, the reefs are home to various crustaceans and moray eels, providing an exciting experience for underwater explorers. During certain times of the year, divers may witness seasonal appearances of larger marine species. Nurse sharks and Caribbean reef sharks are occasionally seen cruising near the reef walls. Turtles, including the green and hawksbill varieties, are often spotted grazing on sea grass or swimming in open water. Stingrays and eagle rays are also likely to be encountered, particularly in sandy areas. These seasonal highlights offer a dynamic view of the diverse marine life that thrives around Cayman Brac.
Wildlife Sightings are Based on User Generated Content
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 27
iStock-Global_Pics
Barracuda
185 Sightings
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4
F
11
M
9
A
11
M
28
J
31
J
18
A
15
S
4
O
31
N
12
D
11
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 600
iStock/ultramarinfoto
Wrasse
66 Sightings
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2
F
1
M
0
A
0
M
14
J
9
J
1
A
15
S
3
O
17
N
1
D
3
Shutterstock-Ed Jenkins
Hawksbill Turtle
57 Sightings
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0
F
3
M
3
A
1
M
14
J
15
J
9
A
3
S
2
O
3
N
2
D
2
Shutterstock-Shane Myers Photography
Green Turtle
40 Sightings
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0
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2
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1
A
6
M
4
J
11
J
2
A
2
S
2
O
8
N
0
D
2
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 200
Alamy-WaterFrame
Moray Eel
26 Sightings
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3
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1
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0
A
6
M
1
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0
J
3
A
2
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0
O
3
N
5
D
2
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 25
iStock/Juliosanjuan
Eagle Ray
20 Sightings
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0
F
2
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0
A
4
M
5
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0
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4
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1
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2
O
2
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0
D
0
iStock-ShaneGross
Loggerhead Turtle
18 Sightings
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1
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0
M
0
A
3
M
2
J
2
J
3
A
1
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0
O
0
N
1
D
5
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 250
Shutterstock-Henry_and_Laura_Whittaker
Grouper/Basslets
224 Sightings
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7
F
4
M
6
A
10
M
26
J
57
J
30
A
25
S
4
O
31
N
12
D
12
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 80
iStock/Extreme-Photographer
Stingrays
197 Sightings
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6
F
2
M
10
A
15
M
24
J
30
J
30
A
22
S
6
O
34
N
13
D
5
The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.
Total number of species: 90
Shutterstock-Rich Carey
Angelfish
187 Sightings
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6
F
10
M
8
A
8
M
23
J
39
J
20
A
21
S
4
O
27
N
11
D
10
The best Months to dive in Cayman Brac
Cayman Brac offers excellent diving conditions year-round, with water temperatures ranging from 78°F (25°C) in winter to 86°F (30°C) in summer. Visibility is typically outstanding, often exceeding 100 feet (30 meters), allowing divers to fully appreciate the vibrant marine life and stunning underwater landscapes. Despite seasonal variations, diving is generally possible throughout the year. While winter months can bring stronger winds, creating choppier surface conditions, the island's location allows for sheltered dives on the leeward side. Currents are usually mild, making it suitable for divers of all skill levels. The summer months, although hotter, provide calm seas and are particularly favored for diving adventures.
