Explore Northern Shore

Located at the Northern Shore of Cayman Brac, this dive site offers an exceptional underwater experience that is both captivating and diverse. The region is renowned for its stunning wall dives, where divers can explore the dramatic drop-offs adorned with vibrant coral reefs and sponges. These walls are teeming with life, offering glimpses of majestic stingrays gliding by, massive turtles navigating their way along the reef, and the occasional sighting of the elusive hammerhead shark.

Diving in Cayman Brac is a year-round affair, but the best conditions are from October to May when the weather is not only warm but also inviting for marine exploration. The waters are perfect for both shore and boat diving, allowing divers of all levels to immerse themselves in this underwater paradise. One of the intriguing highlights of the area is the Guardian of the Reef bronze statue, a unique attraction that dates back to 2014 and adds a touch of artistic intrigue to the underwater landscape. Whether you are a seasoned diver or a novice, the Northern Shore of Cayman Brac promises an unforgettable adventure.

Places to Explore

Captain Keith Tibbetts

2 Divesites

On the northwest side of Cayman Brac - the second-largest island in the Cayman Islands - lies the wreck of the MV Captain Keith Tibbets. In 1984, the Soviet Union built this 100-metre long Koni II class frigate for the Cuban Navy. After years of storage, the Cayman Islands government purchased the ship which was then sunk off the shore of Cayman Brac in 1996, where it has since been renamed the MV Captain Keith Tibbets after a local dive operator.

Top Dive Sites Map

Scubapro

★★★★☆ Fisheries

The most westerly dive site on the north side of Cayman Brac. From the mooring pin, follow the mini wall past two sandy chutes and you reach a large pillar coral. Top of the coral is approx. 30ft/9m and reef floor sits at 50ft/15m.

150
Logs
138
Divers
17.0 m
⌀ Depth
25.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Aqualung

★★★★☆ Turtle Alley

Shallow dive site on the North West End of Cayman Brac.Colorful miniwall that starts at 30 ft flanked by silver sand and patches of coral at a depth of 55 to 65 ft.

124
Logs
113
Divers
19.0 m
⌀ Depth
22.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Mares, Janez Kranjc

★★★★☆ Lobster Pot

Shallow dive site on the North West End of Cayman Brac. A sloping miniwall starts at 10m/30ft and meets the sand at a depth of 16m to 20m/55 to 65 ft. Abundant patches of coral surround the miniwall.

178
Logs
135
Divers
18.0 m
⌀ Depth
24.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Mares

★★★★☆ Double Wall

Double Wall is the first wall dive site on the North West End of Cayman Brac. Barrel sponges and colorful corals surrounded by all sorts schools of fish and turtles.

11
Logs
10
Divers
22.0 m
⌀ Depth
20.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Mares, Predrag Vuckovic

★★★★☆ West Chute

North side dive site with wall drop off starting about 50ft. Sand chutes lead on to the wall drop off. A large pinnacle of coral stands between two of the edges of the reef wall.

18
Logs
18
Divers
23.0 m
⌀ Depth
25.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Mares, Janez Kranjc

★★★★☆ Middle Chute

A number of sandy channel leading to the reef wall and drop off. Top of the reef is an average of 50ft. Many cleaning stations and barrel sponges to be seen.

36
Logs
36
Divers
22.0 m
⌀ Depth
24.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Aqualung

★★★★☆ East Chute

Beautiful wall dive site with a swim through and a small wreck. The top of the wall at East Chute is 45-50ft with sandy channels down to the wall. The Cayman Mariner wreck lies in the sand at about 55ft and home to a lot of macro life.

93
Logs
88
Divers
26.0 m
⌀ Depth
25.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Scubapro, Stephen Frink

★★★★☆ Coral Anchors

Using the same mooring pin as Knuckles, swim towards East Chute (west) and you are on Coral Anchors dive site. There is an anchor sticking out of the reef at 80ft and another one at about 90ft farther towards East Chute.

11
Logs
11
Divers
31.0 m
⌀ Depth
22.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Mares

★★★★☆ Buccaneer Reef

Buccaneers Reef is an easy entry shore dive on the western end of Cayman Brac. A thriving reef great for beginning divers and snorkelers alike. Lots of reef life to see.

610
Logs
434
Divers
15.0 m
⌀ Depth
23.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Mares, Janez Kranjc

★★★★★ MV Captain Keith Tibbetts (Wreck)

This spectacular wreck lies on the northwest side of Cayman Brac but is also accessible by boat from Little Cayman. This 330-foot-long Koni II class frigate was built for the Cuban Navy by the Soviet Union in 1984. It was purchased by the Cayman Islands and sunk in 1996 as an artificial reef and dive site.

957
Logs
708
Divers
25.0 m
⌀ Depth
25.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Scubapro

★★★★☆ Sylvia’s Reef

East of the Government Shipping Dock on the north side road. Look for the end of white cement wall and you’ll find a small turn left to a small dirt path road, leading to the cut where you can park.

44
Logs
33
Divers
17.0 m
⌀ Depth
20.0 m
⌀ Visibility

Diving in Norhtern Shore

Northern Shore, Cayman Brac, offers an exciting array of dive sites that cater to both shore diving enthusiasts and those seeking liveaboard adventures. Among the top attractions is the wreck of the MV Captain Keith Tibbetts, a Russian-built frigate that now serves as a vibrant artificial reef teeming with marine life. This site is accessible from the shore, making it a popular choice for divers looking to explore shipwrecks without venturing too far offshore. For those interested in unique underwater experiences, the island provides exceptional night diving opportunities. Divers can witness nocturnal marine life and observe fascinating behaviors such as bioluminescent displays and the hunting activities of predatory fish. The balance between shore and liveaboard diving allows travelers to enjoy the flexibility of exploring nearby sites or venturing further for more isolated and pristine dive locations.

The best Months to dive in Northern Shore

The Northern Shore of Cayman Brac offers exceptional diving conditions throughout the year, with water temperatures ranging from 25°C–28°C/77°F–82°F. This consistency allows for year-round diving, making it an ideal destination for enthusiasts at any time. Visibility typically reaches up to 30 meters/98 feet, providing clear views of the vibrant marine life and stunning underwater formations.

While diving is possible all year, divers should be aware that the winter months can bring stronger winds and slightly choppier seas, which may affect surface conditions and entry points. However, these factors rarely impede the overall diving experience, ensuring that the Northern Shore remains a sought-after location for divers seeking both adventure and relaxation.

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Dive Activity & Environmental Conditions