© Mares

Explore East End

Diving in the East End of Grand Cayman offers a unique and authentic experience for those seeking adventure beneath the waves. Known for its more traditional and "off the beaten track" atmosphere, this diving destination is perfect for explorers eager to discover the hidden gems of the Caribbean Sea. The East End boasts over 60 dive sites, featuring breathtaking walls interspersed with a myriad of caverns and swim-throughs that promise to captivate divers. Notably, the region's canyons, like Babylon and Jack McKenny, are renowned for their stunning formations and abundant marine life, including lionfish and typical Caribbean reef fish.

For those who appreciate diverse marine encounters, East End delivers with sightings of sharks and, on occasion, the majestic manta ray. A must-visit site, Dumbo’s Lookout, offers the chance to witness the elusive pygmy elephants, adding a playful touch to the underwater adventure. Whether you're wall diving at Black Rock Drop or simply exploring the vibrant coral reefs, the East End provides an unparalleled dive experience. With the option to dive from local resorts or explore via liveaboards, it's accessible for both casual and dedicated divers alike. This rich marine environment, coupled with the area's cultural charm, makes East End a standout dive destination.

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Dive Activity

Diving in East End

For novice divers who intend to take part in dive courses, there are a number of shallow sites with pristine reefs, such as Grouper Grotto where you’ll find Nassau grouper around every corner. While for the more experienced diver, there are staggering wall dives, some which drop down to the Cayman Trough, the deepest part of the Carribean Sea. Almost every wall dive is a labyrinth of fissures, caves, and swim-throughs - including The Maze, Snapper Hole, and Turtle Pass. - while at the Three Sisters dive site float among towering pinnacles adorned with a variety of corals.

Dive Centers

Ocean Frontiers Ltd.

Ocean Frontiers Ltd.

344C Austin Conolly Dr, KYI-1801 East End, Cayman Islands

Dive Sites

Ocean Frontiers Ltd., KYI-1801 East End
Chub Hole (★4.4)

Chub Hole (★4.4)

Southeast of the pin, the miniwall features a maze of tunnels, canyons, and archways. Northward, the reef opens with large overhangs and towering coral fingers.
Ocean Frontiers Ltd., KYI-1801 East End
Black Rock Reef (★4.5)

Black Rock Reef (★4.5)

Black Rock Reef features sandy channels, coral gardens, shallow hardpan, and freestanding coral heads with narrow passages. Ridges and a massive barrel sponge mark the vibrant site.
David S. (#3177691)
The Maze (★4.5)

The Maze (★4.5)

Located five minutes from the dock, The Maze sits at 40–45 feet atop the wall. The site is characterized by a complex network of narrow canyons, buttresses, and pinnacles. A shallow sand bowl near the mooring pin allows for extended bottom time and easy navigation back to the boat.
Ocean Frontiers Ltd., KYI-1801 East End
Lost Valley (★4.3)

Lost Valley (★4.3)

Lost Valley, a High Rock wall site, features pinnacles and deeper walls with currents, best explored via drift diving, showcasing rarely visited sections between sites.
Ocean Frontiers Ltd., KYI-1801 East End
Tarpon Terrace (★3.3)

Tarpon Terrace (★3.3)

Tarpon Terrace features a tall, narrow passage with rocky walls and giant freestanding coral heads on a sandy bottom, including a swim-through for added exploration.
Ocean Frontiers Ltd., KYI-1801 East End
The Arch (★4.6)

The Arch (★4.6)

Arch Point features a wide, gravity-defying arch, narrow cuts, and channels. A mini wall topped with hard corals, including Grooved Brain Corals, lies between the pin and arch.
Ocean Frontiers Ltd., KYI-1801 East End
Lodge anchor (★4.0)

Lodge anchor (★4.0)

Located in front of the site of the old Cayman Islands Dive Lodge, the namesake anchor of this dive site dates to 1794 during the wreck of the ten sails. It rests upright against the reef a short swim east of the mooring pin.
Ocean Frontiers Ltd., KYI-1801 East End
Scuba Bowl (★4.5)

Scuba Bowl (★4.5)

Named after a major scuba event in 1990, held after the DEMA trade show and near the Super Bowl. Located on the Corner of East End just outside the South Channel only 5 minutes from the nearby dock.
Ocean Frontiers Ltd., KYI-1801 East End
Gigglin’ Marlin Legacy (★4.7)

Gigglin’ Marlin Legacy (★4.7)

Old-school East End divers may remember this site as Parrot Fish Caves, but it was renamed when a Houston-based dive shop sponsored the mooring ball—hence Gigglin’ Marlin. This site is truly unique! Its standout feature is a massive cavern that’s wide yet low, creating a letterbox effect.
Ocean Frontiers Ltd., KYI-1801 East End
Sunrise Reef (★3.5)

Sunrise Reef (★3.5)

5 minutes boat ride from the dock. Located on the same reef system as the sister dive site Sunrise reef. Navigation is typical of a crescent from the mooring pin, 28ft, towards the south crossing over the coral nursery and up to the shallow reef at 9 feet.
Ocean Frontiers Ltd., KYI-1801 East End
Old Wreck Head (★0.0)

Old Wreck Head (★0.0)

Situated about ½ mile north of the 1962 Ridgefield wreck, just past the East Channel, this iconic East End dive site offers a breath-taking underwater landscape. This site lies within a no-dive zone, requiring boat charters to secure a dive permit from the Department of Environment (DoE) in advance.
Ocean Frontiers Ltd., KYI-1801 East End
Cinderella’s Castle (★4.9)

Cinderella’s Castle (★4.9)

Located just offshore from the Morritt’s Resort - 5 minutes from the nearby dock via the North Channel - is this fantasy sunken palace of passageways, pillars, and windows filled with tropical fish.
Ocean Frontiers Ltd., KYI-1801 East End
Roger’s Reef (★4.1)

Roger’s Reef (★4.1)

Named after Roger, who wrecked his small boat onshore, Roger’s Wreck refers to the reef just off this point. Located where the northern coastline curves south, this site sits in a dynamic area, making it a less frequent but exciting dive due to changing conditions.
Ocean Frontiers Ltd., KYI-1801 East End
Barrel Sponge Wall (★4.8)

Barrel Sponge Wall (★4.8)

Barrel Sponge Wall is named for its abundance of Giant Barrel Sponges, which thrive on north-facing sites. This site boasts 17 massive barrel sponges, all over 15 years old.
Ocean Frontiers Ltd., KYI-1801 East End
Turtle Pass (★4.0)

Turtle Pass (★4.0)

Turtle Pass is the first site west of Collier’s Channel and a prime spot for Loggerhead turtles—hence the name. Located on Grand Cayman’s north-eastern corner, it’s exposed to challenging conditions, but in good weather, it’s a spectacular dive. It starts at 60+ feet and slopes into white sand at 70+ feet.

The best Months to dive in the East End

East End diving is best in mid-March through to mid-August. Outside of these times, East End experiences strong winds and, while the wind doesn’t always affect dive operations, to experience scuba diving in East End at its absolute best visit in April, May, June or July. One of the grest things about diving on Grand Cayman is that the island is flat with no river-off, so the visibility is always incredible.

Top Wildlife Sightings in East End

Due to the incredible topography of East End’s underwater world, there’s an astonishing amount of biodiversity to be found in the crystal clear waters. Alongside huge brain corals and sea fans are countless colourful creatures, such as octopus, snapper and moray eels. Great barracuda and tarpon patrol sites while electric rays, yellow rays, and the giant southern ray can be found digging into the sand in shallow dive sites.

There are three types of sea turtles in the area, green, hawksbill and loggerhead and black-tip reef sharks are commonly seen assessing the scene below them. Caribbean reef sharks are occasionally seen at The Maze dive site while if you are very lucky divers, manta rays and hammerhead sharks may decide to make an appearance.

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 approx.: 27

iStock-Global_Pics
Barracuda

Barracuda
218 Sightings
J
14
F
4
M
17
A
27
M
36
J
21
J
24
A
18
S
8
O
20
N
17
D
12

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 200

Alamy-WaterFrame
Moray Eel

Moray Eel
146 Sightings
J
7
F
3
M
18
A
23
M
14
J
7
J
19
A
5
S
10
O
12
N
19
D
9

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 600

iStock/ultramarinfoto
Wrasse

Wrasse
87 Sightings
J
3
F
3
M
19
A
11
M
17
J
11
J
5
A
4
S
1
O
6
N
6
D
1
Shutterstock-Shane Myers Photography
Green Turtle

Green Turtle
58 Sightings
J
7
F
6
M
6
A
2
M
8
J
2
J
4
A
6
S
4
O
2
N
5
D
6

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 25

iStock/Juliosanjuan
Eagle Ray

Eagle Ray
46 Sightings
J
0
F
1
M
6
A
7
M
6
J
3
J
7
A
3
S
5
O
2
N
2
D
4
Shutterstock-Andrey Armyagov
Hawksbill Turtle

Hawksbill Turtle
36 Sightings
J
3
F
2
M
5
A
4
M
2
J
2
J
4
A
4
S
2
O
1
N
2
D
5

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 300

Alamy/Reinhard Dirscherl
Octopus

Octopus
20 Sightings
J
2
F
1
M
3
A
0
M
2
J
0
J
4
A
2
S
1
O
0
N
4
D
1
iStock-ShaneGross
Loggerhead Turtle

Loggerhead Turtle
19 Sightings
J
0
F
1
M
0
A
6
M
7
J
2
J
1
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
1
D
1

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 100

iStock-burnsboxco
Parrotfish

Parrotfish
300 Sightings
J
13
F
13
M
32
A
33
M
33
J
39
J
36
A
18
S
11
O
23
N
32
D
17

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 90

Shutterstock-Rich Carey
Angelfish

Angelfish
254 Sightings
J
11
F
13
M
26
A
33
M
38
J
33
J
30
A
14
S
8
O
21
N
17
D
10

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 12

iStock/cinoby
Lionfish

Lionfish
210 Sightings
J
12
F
9
M
15
A
39
M
25
J
21
J
29
A
13
S
13
O
16
N
9
D
9

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 80

iStock/Extreme-Photographer
Stingrays

Stingrays
192 Sightings
J
14
F
12
M
25
A
25
M
11
J
14
J
14
A
13
S
14
O
13
N
22
D
15

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 130

Shutterstock_Krzysztof Odziomek
Butterfly Fish

Butterfly Fish
163 Sightings
J
7
F
6
M
21
A
20
M
23
J
24
J
19
A
11
S
0
O
19
N
7
D
6

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 110

iStock-Rainer von Brandis
Snapper

Snapper
145 Sightings
J
5
F
3
M
11
A
15
M
19
J
15
J
18
A
11
S
1
O
27
N
17
D
3

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 250

Shutterstock-Henry_and_Laura_Whittaker
Grouper/Basslets

Grouper/Basslets
144 Sightings
J
9
F
6
M
16
A
10
M
14
J
18
J
22
A
9
S
6
O
17
N
14
D
3

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 85

iStock-mirecca
Surgeonfish

Surgeonfish
126 Sightings
J
3
F
4
M
22
A
10
M
12
J
19
J
13
A
7
S
4
O
10
N
18
D
4

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 40

iStock-wrangel
Triggerfish

Triggerfish
117 Sightings
J
4
F
5
M
23
A
14
M
13
J
9
J
10
A
8
S
4
O
14
N
7
D
6

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 130

AdobeStock-JirinaVFR
Pufferfish

Pufferfish
117 Sightings
J
5
F
2
M
11
A
16
M
9
J
17
J
22
A
4
S
1
O
13
N
10
D
7

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 350

Alamy-Andre Seal
Damselfish

Damselfish
115 Sightings
J
3
F
6
M
16
A
14
M
22
J
17
J
12
A
6
S
2
O
9
N
3
D
5

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 40

iStock-Hoatzinexp
Jackfish

Jackfish
113 Sightings
J
4
F
2
M
12
A
6
M
23
J
18
J
12
A
11
S
0
O
12
N
10
D
3

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 60

iStock-Global_Pics
Squirrelfish

Squirrelfish
112 Sightings
J
2
F
3
M
16
A
6
M
15
J
18
J
17
A
6
S
0
O
10
N
10
D
9

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 150

Shutterstock-aquapix
Sweetlips and Grunts

Sweetlips and Grunts
87 Sightings
J
3
F
5
M
9
A
14
M
11
J
11
J
13
A
8
S
1
O
6
N
5
D
1

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 60

iStock-Global_Pics
Spiny Lobster

Spiny Lobster
85 Sightings
J
7
F
2
M
3
A
13
M
4
J
16
J
10
A
4
S
2
O
11
N
7
D
6

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 3

Shutterstock_Leo Lorenzo
Trumpetfish

Trumpetfish
82 Sightings
J
5
F
2
M
7
A
9
M
5
J
14
J
18
A
3
S
2
O
5
N
6
D
6
AdobeStock-Nikolai Sorokin
Blacktip Reef Shark

Blacktip Reef Shark
78 Sightings
J
5
F
4
M
8
A
9
M
7
J
2
J
4
A
5
S
7
O
5
N
10
D
12

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 60

iStock-Global_Pics
Soldierfish

Soldierfish
72 Sightings
J
2
F
0
M
8
A
9
M
12
J
8
J
11
A
7
S
1
O
7
N
4
D
3

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 28

Udo Kefrig
Clownfish

Clownfish
68 Sightings
J
4
F
0
M
5
A
13
M
4
J
7
J
11
A
9
S
2
O
9
N
4
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 2

AdobeStock-hakbak
Nurse Shark

Nurse Shark
62 Sightings
J
3
F
2
M
5
A
7
M
9
J
2
J
9
A
6
S
5
O
5
N
8
D
1

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 7000

iStock-Michael Zeigler
Crab

Crab
60 Sightings
J
2
F
2
M
3
A
10
M
13
J
5
J
8
A
4
S
3
O
4
N
3
D
3

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 90

Shutterstock-Levent Konuk
Goatfish

Goatfish
49 Sightings
J
2
F
1
M
6
A
1
M
10
J
11
J
6
A
2
S
0
O
9
N
0
D
1
AdobeStock-Marc Henauer
Grey Reef Shark

Grey Reef Shark
48 Sightings
J
3
F
7
M
1
A
5
M
2
J
1
J
10
A
4
S
4
O
2
N
4
D
5

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 8

Alamy-Reinhard Dirscherl
Bannerfish

Bannerfish
45 Sightings
J
2
F
0
M
4
A
8
M
9
J
5
J
6
A
2
S
2
O
4
N
1
D
2

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 25

AdobeStock_Vladimir Wrangel
Boxfish

Boxfish
39 Sightings
J
3
F
0
M
4
A
3
M
7
J
7
J
5
A
2
S
1
O
5
N
1
D
1

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 3400

Shutterstock-Shane Gross
Shrimp

Shrimp
34 Sightings
J
2
F
0
M
3
A
4
M
10
J
3
J
2
A
1
S
3
O
2
N
1
D
3

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 2

iStock-stock_colors
Tarpon

Tarpon
32 Sightings
J
3
F
0
M
4
A
1
M
3
J
0
J
2
A
4
S
4
O
9
N
1
D
1

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 250

iStock-Miguel-Angelo-Silva.
Scorpionfish

Scorpionfish
21 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
1
A
7
M
3
J
2
J
1
A
2
S
1
O
0
N
4
D
0
iStock-June Jacobsen
Whitetip Reef Shark

Whitetip Reef Shark
20 Sightings
J
3
F
3
M
2
A
4
M
1
J
0
J
0
A
2
S
0
O
0
N
5
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 80

iStock-bearacreative
Emperor

Emperor
16 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
1
M
5
J
5
J
0
A
1
S
2
O
2
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 55

Shutterstock-RLS Photo
Lobster

Lobster
13 Sightings
J
2
F
0
M
0
A
1
M
2
J
1
J
1
A
1
S
1
O
0
N
4
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 3000

SSI-Peter-Schinck
Nudibranch

Nudibranch
11 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
3
M
1
J
0
J
1
A
0
S
1
O
2
N
2
D
1

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 120

AdobeStock-Composer.
Flounder

Flounder
11 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
6
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
1
S
0
O
3
N
0
D
1
Alamy-Water Frame
Panther Moray Eel (Dragon Eel)

Panther Moray Eel (Dragon Eel)
10 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
3
M
0
J
0
J
3
A
1
S
2
O
0
N
0
D
1

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 15

Shutterstock-Al McGlashan
Tuna

Tuna
9 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
3
M
1
J
0
J
1
A
1
S
1
O
1
N
1
D
0
AdobeStock_cherylvb
Garibaldi Damselfish

Garibaldi Damselfish
9 Sightings
J
0
F
1
M
0
A
2
M
0
J
1
J
3
A
0
S
1
O
0
N
1
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 20

Shutterstock-Lewis Burnett
Guitarfish

Guitarfish
8 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
2
O
2
N
1
D
3

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 30

Shutterstock-s_a_j
Sand Eel

Sand Eel
8 Sightings
J
1
F
0
M
0
A
2
M
2
J
0
J
1
A
1
S
0
O
0
N
1
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species approx.: 20

iStock-stephankerkhofs
Porcupinefish

Porcupinefish
8 Sightings
J
1
F
0
M
0
A
3
M
2
J
0
J
0
A
2
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
0