Explore West Bay

Diving in West Bay, Grand Cayman, is a captivating experience, offering a blend of tranquil beauty and exhilarating adventures. Known for its breathtaking beaches and world-renowned wreck dives, West Bay provides divers of all skill levels with exciting opportunities. One of the most famous sites is the USS Kittiwake wreck, a former submarine rescue vessel that now serves as an artificial reef. Sitting at 18 meters/60 feet at its deepest point and 4 meters/15 feet at its shallowest, this wreck offers divers the chance to explore its decks and discover its underwater secrets.

The vibrant marine life around West Bay is another highlight, with divers often encountering a dazzling array of tropical fish, graceful sea turtles, and playful dolphins. The coral reefs are teeming with life, providing a colorful backdrop for underwater photography and exploration. Whether you prefer shore dives, boat dives, or even a liveaboard experience, West Bay accommodates every diving style. Each dive promises new discoveries and memories, making West Bay a must-visit for any diving enthusiast.

Places to explore

West Wall

West Wall

West Wall diving, stretching from the South West corner to the North West corner, is Grand Cayman’
Trinity Caves

Trinity Caves

Made famous in the ’90s by the crime thriller film ‘The Firm’, Trinity Caves has since become

Seven Mile Beach

Seven Mile Beach

Situated on the western side of Grand Cayman, Seven Mile Beach attracts visitors all over the world

Georgetown

Georgetown

Located on Grand Cayman, George Town is the capital of the Cayman Islands. The city has palm-fringed

Dive Activity

Diving in West Bay

West Bay, Grand Cayman, offers divers a spectacular array of sites, known for their vibrant marine life and diverse diving experiences. The Kittiwake wreck is a standout, resting at 18 meters/59 feet, allowing both novice and experienced divers to explore its well-preserved features and thriving ecosystems. Nearby, Turtle Reef is a popular shore dive, celebrated for its easy access and the chance to swim alongside turtles and eagle rays.

For those seeking a unique underwater experience, night dives reveal the mesmerizing bioluminescence of coral polyps and nocturnal marine life. West Bay balances shore diving ease with the adventure of liveaboard excursions, ideal for exploring the island's deeper reefs and outer wall. Whether you’re looking for accessible entry points or the thrill of open water, West Bay offers an engaging dive destination for all levels.

Top Wildlife Sightings in West Bay

West Bay, Grand Cayman, offers a vibrant underwater ecosystem, popular among divers for its diverse marine life. Among the colorful coral reefs, common species such as parrotfish, angelfish, and butterflyfish are frequently seen. Divers can also encounter schools of blue tangs and sergeant majors, providing a lively underwater experience.

Seasonally, West Bay is home to larger marine animals. From May to September, divers have a higher chance of spotting turtles, while southern stingrays are often seen throughout the year. Nurse sharks, although less common, can occasionally be seen in deeper waters. These encounters vary, with turtles more prevalent near the reefs and rays often found in sandy patches close to coral formations.

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
689 Sightings
J
54
F
46
M
100
A
70
M
48
J
60
J
82
A
62
S
21
O
28
N
57
D
61
Shutterstock-Shane Myers Photography
Green Turtle

Green Turtle
540 Sightings
J
43
F
35
M
73
A
54
M
31
J
46
J
66
A
39
S
24
O
26
N
59
D
44

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
495 Sightings
J
37
F
51
M
63
A
45
M
33
J
37
J
36
A
53
S
27
O
19
N
42
D
52

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
323 Sightings
J
37
F
18
M
57
A
32
M
15
J
18
J
36
A
38
S
7
O
24
N
16
D
25
Shutterstock-Andrey Armyagov
Hawksbill Turtle

Hawksbill Turtle
223 Sightings
J
13
F
15
M
25
A
15
M
17
J
37
J
26
A
27
S
2
O
5
N
23
D
18

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
151 Sightings
J
7
F
14
M
14
A
7
M
11
J
13
J
10
A
15
S
17
O
8
N
25
D
10

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
140 Sightings
J
16
F
9
M
15
A
11
M
9
J
17
J
13
A
11
S
7
O
10
N
14
D
8
iStock-ShaneGross
Loggerhead Turtle

Loggerhead Turtle
97 Sightings
J
8
F
4
M
24
A
23
M
7
J
15
J
5
A
1
S
2
O
4
N
3
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
983 Sightings
J
113
F
74
M
116
A
76
M
56
J
81
J
131
A
80
S
38
O
36
N
82
D
100

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
846 Sightings
J
82
F
59
M
101
A
66
M
55
J
88
J
97
A
80
S
29
O
32
N
89
D
68
Show More

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
838 Sightings
J
74
F
59
M
79
A
76
M
53
J
54
J
123
A
87
S
38
O
33
N
88
D
74

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
582 Sightings
J
39
F
47
M
75
A
55
M
22
J
40
J
82
A
59
S
32
O
31
N
54
D
46

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
482 Sightings
J
56
F
37
M
67
A
38
M
19
J
24
J
54
A
47
S
20
O
23
N
48
D
49

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
461 Sightings
J
44
F
40
M
51
A
32
M
32
J
52
J
56
A
39
S
16
O
16
N
47
D
36

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
389 Sightings
J
48
F
13
M
40
A
29
M
25
J
36
J
67
A
34
S
9
O
15
N
41
D
32

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
304 Sightings
J
28
F
33
M
50
A
24
M
19
J
29
J
31
A
23
S
2
O
10
N
35
D
20

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
284 Sightings
J
13
F
28
M
41
A
19
M
28
J
30
J
27
A
20
S
7
O
18
N
33
D
20

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
282 Sightings
J
32
F
31
M
31
A
19
M
21
J
17
J
22
A
31
S
8
O
12
N
28
D
30

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
265 Sightings
J
25
F
39
M
43
A
17
M
16
J
15
J
21
A
12
S
12
O
16
N
25
D
24

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
250 Sightings
J
30
F
22
M
34
A
14
M
16
J
18
J
25
A
29
S
14
O
8
N
18
D
22

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
245 Sightings
J
19
F
23
M
23
A
25
M
10
J
16
J
30
A
20
S
13
O
18
N
23
D
25

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
241 Sightings
J
12
F
13
M
39
A
13
M
17
J
32
J
27
A
23
S
15
O
6
N
29
D
15

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
219 Sightings
J
31
F
10
M
30
A
9
M
17
J
14
J
41
A
17
S
7
O
3
N
23
D
17

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
214 Sightings
J
22
F
10
M
24
A
13
M
12
J
19
J
23
A
27
S
9
O
14
N
26
D
15

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
208 Sightings
J
19
F
16
M
13
A
13
M
16
J
13
J
26
A
31
S
7
O
13
N
18
D
23

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
207 Sightings
J
17
F
12
M
38
A
23
M
10
J
9
J
18
A
19
S
8
O
7
N
19
D
27

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
202 Sightings
J
22
F
13
M
20
A
4
M
11
J
16
J
35
A
24
S
3
O
8
N
17
D
29

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
188 Sightings
J
14
F
19
M
29
A
20
M
12
J
11
J
30
A
13
S
2
O
4
N
20
D
14

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
171 Sightings
J
22
F
5
M
9
A
13
M
18
J
14
J
21
A
21
S
3
O
8
N
16
D
21

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
148 Sightings
J
21
F
7
M
9
A
9
M
8
J
4
J
24
A
14
S
19
O
4
N
11
D
18

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
130 Sightings
J
4
F
17
M
6
A
5
M
5
J
10
J
20
A
16
S
1
O
7
N
23
D
16

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
106 Sightings
J
12
F
2
M
9
A
7
M
0
J
10
J
20
A
4
S
11
O
2
N
12
D
17

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
106 Sightings
J
6
F
6
M
13
A
16
M
8
J
8
J
14
A
5
S
8
O
5
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.: 3400

Shutterstock-Shane Gross
Shrimp

Shrimp
106 Sightings
J
11
F
5
M
15
A
7
M
10
J
6
J
13
A
3
S
8
O
5
N
8
D
15

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
105 Sightings
J
2
F
3
M
19
A
8
M
6
J
13
J
11
A
11
S
8
O
5
N
14
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
100 Sightings
J
16
F
7
M
5
A
10
M
3
J
11
J
10
A
9
S
7
O
3
N
9
D
10

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
85 Sightings
J
10
F
8
M
11
A
12
M
2
J
3
J
15
A
3
S
0
O
4
N
8
D
9

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

Total number of species approx.: 300

Shutterstock_DiveIvanov
Squid

Squid
84 Sightings
J
6
F
3
M
15
A
3
M
5
J
14
J
20
A
6
S
7
O
0
N
0
D
5

The best Months to dive in West Bay

West Bay, Grand Cayman, offers excellent diving conditions year-round, making it a prime destination for divers. Water temperatures range from 26°C/79°F in winter to 30°C/86°F in summer, providing comfortable conditions for diving throughout the year. Visibility is typically superb, often exceeding 30 meters/98 feet, allowing divers to fully appreciate the vibrant marine life and stunning coral reefs.

While diving is possible all year, seasonal trade winds may affect conditions, particularly from December to March. During this period, stronger winds can create choppier seas and stronger currents, which might be less suitable for beginner divers. However, these conditions are generally manageable, and divers can still enjoy safe and rewarding experiences. Overall, West Bay remains a top choice for divers regardless of the season.

Dive Centers

Octopus

Octopus

Vistra (Cayman) Limited, KY1-1205 Grand Pavillon, Cayman Islands
CAYMAN AGGRESSOR IV

CAYMAN AGGRESSOR IV

George Town, Cayman Islands
Divetech @ Lighthouse Point Dive Resort

Divetech @ Lighthouse Point Dive Resort

Box 31435, KY1-1206 Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
Off The Wall Divers

Off The Wall Divers

37 Seafarers Way, KY1-1201 George Town, Cayman Islands

Indepth Watersports Ltd

857 N W Point Road, West Bay, Cayman Islands

Atlantis Dive Center

37 Seafarers Way, KYI-1104 Georgetown, Cayman Islands

Sunset Divers

390 South Church St., KY1-1106 George Town, Cayman Islands

Dive Sites

Melissa H. (#2528645)
Devil’s Grotto North <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.5)</span>

Devil’s Grotto North (★4.5)

Located off George Town, Devils Grotto is a popular dive site among beginners as well as intermediate snorkelers. Devil’s Grotto features massive hulking coral heads with open chimneys and swim-throughs filled with tarpon, parrotfish, barracuda and schools of silversides.
Melissa H. (#2528645)
Disneyworld <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.3)</span>

Disneyworld (★4.3)

2 massive coral heads are located west of the mooring line in the middle of the sand. The dark spots can been seen from the surface, reminiscent of a certain mousey friend. At the bottom of the mooring line, you’ll find the hardpan stretching towards shore and the mini-wall parallel to shore.
Melissa H. (#2528645)
Eagle Ray Rock <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.3)</span>

Eagle Ray Rock (★4.3)

Located on the edge of the big wall are massive coral heads and a sloping sandy bottom with a few canyon ways to swim through at the bottom of the mooring line.
Melissa H. (#2528645)
Armchair Reef <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.2)</span>

Armchair Reef (★4.2)

Bottom of the mooring line is 35 ft. This dive site is full of colorful reef around the edges of the mini-wall. The maximum depth can reach 70ft where you can see nice massive sponges.
Melissa H. (#2528645)
Mermaid Reef <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.4)</span>

Mermaid Reef (★4.4)

Located off of Sunset House, this is the area of the reef where the “mermaid“ statue is located. The “mermaid“ statue is easiest located if you enter through the sea pool, swimming directly out the cut and following the “sandy area“ to the statue
Melissa H. (#2528645)
Sunset House Reef <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.4)</span>

Sunset House Reef (★4.4)

Sunset House Reef is the most popular dive site in all of the Cayman Islands. This is shore diving at its best with so much to see in shallow clear water, it’s an amazing dive for both scuba divers and snorkelers alike.
Melissa H. (#2528645)
Killer Pillar <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.3)</span>

Killer Pillar (★4.3)

Only 1 of the very few sites in all of the Cayman islands to find this rarely seen pillar coral growing. Other marine life to be seen include grunts, snappers, parrot fish, and octopuses too!
Melissa H. (#2528645)
Lone Star Reef <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.4)</span>

Lone Star Reef (★4.4)

Beautiful shallow reef system with ledges all over the dive site. There is an exit to an underwater fresh water cave system located on the southern part of the site, which on a rainy day you can feel the thermocline exiting the system.
Melissa H. (#2528645)
Wildlife Reef <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.5)</span>

Wildlife Reef (★4.5)

Long stretching coral fingers with big open sandy patches. Hardpan like bottom on shore side; plenty of reef or sand to explore in both directions.
Melissa H. (#2528645)
Meridian Drop <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.4)</span>

Meridian Drop (★4.4)

An enchanting wall dive with a with a nice sandy patch with a chance to be engulfed with oceanic trigger fish and the mini wall with bright orange elephant ear sponges.
Ocean Frontiers Ltd., KYI-1801 East End
USS Kittiwake (Wreck) <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.7)</span>

USS Kittiwake (Wreck) (★4.7)

The Kittiwake is one of the best-known wrecks in all of the Caribbean, if not the whole world, and sits just offshore from Seven Mile Beach. Due to its shallow depth (no deeper than 65 feet) it’s popular not only among scuba divers but freedivers and snorkelers as well.
Mares, Predrag Vuckovic
Christina's Wall <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.3)</span>

Christina's Wall (★4.3)

This dive site description is under construction and a brief description with all the dive details will be added soon, stay tuned for more info soon.
Aqualung
Pallas <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.2)</span>

Pallas (★4.2)

One of the best sites of the south side, Pallas Reef features beautiful, wide canyon-like finger corals sloping down into sand patches with a dotting of swim-throughs, small archways, and overhangs. Be sure to spend time on the shallow top reef as well, home to soft corals and juvenile reef fish.
Mares
Gary’s Wall <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.2)</span>

Gary’s Wall (★4.2)

If you like deep this is your site with the mooring pin starting at 82 ft and the sheer drop of the wall with overhanging coral formations along the top and sand channels between the fingers.
Scubapro, Stephen Frink
Laura's Reef <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.4)</span>

Laura's Reef (★4.4)

A beautiful South-side dive, Laura’s Reef is a winding maze of canyons, finger corals, and swim-throughs, all bordered by a picturesque sloping sand patch that stretches out towards the trench. The topography really shines on this dive site. There is always a new nook or cranny to explore here.