Scuba Diving in Grand Cayman (West Wall, Kittiwake & Beyond)

For certified divers, a trip to Grand Cayman means more than just warm water and good visibility — it’s about precision diving, incredible sites, and maximizing bottom time. At DiveTech, we don’t just take you diving — we help you plan the ideal dive profile for each world-class location.

This guide covers three of the Cayman Islands’ most iconic dive sites — North Wall, Kittiwake Wreck, and West Bay Reef — along with depth ranges, conditions, and what to expect on each dive. Whether you're into multilevel dives, deep walls, or shallow macro paradises, we’ll break down exactly what you’ll get.

1. North Wall

Type: Wall Dive Depth: 40 ft to 130+ ft (12–40+ m) Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced Access: Boat Only

The North Wall is one of the most stunning vertical drop-offs in the Caribbean. Starting at about 40 feet, it plunges nearly vertically into the abyss, offering some of the best deep diving in the region.

Dive Profile:

• Descend over the shelf to 70–100 feet for deep reef exploration

• Ideal for Nitrox divers and those seeking long no-decompression dives

• Rebreather support available at DiveTech for extended profiles

Marine Life:

• Spotted eagle rays, Caribbean reef sharks

• Black coral trees and sponges along the wall

• Turtles and large groupers

Conditions:

• Visibility 100+ feet on most dives

• DiveTech guides always monitor time/depth closely

2. Kittiwake Wreck

Type: Artificial Reef / Wreck Dive Depth: 3015–65 ft (105–20 m) Skill Level: All Levels (Advanced Recommended for Penetration) Access: Boat Only

The Kittiwake is an ex-U.S. Navy rescue vessel sunk in 2011 to create an artificial reef. Sitting upright in the sand, she offers multiple swim-throughs, photo ops, and a safe intro to wreck diving.

Dive Profile:

• Bottom depth: 65 feet at the sand

• Superstructure begins at 20 feet, making this a great multilevel dive

• Penetration dive is dive-friendly with Large holes cut in its hull to create simple swim-throughs.

Marine Life:

• Cardinals inside the wreck

• Sea turtles resting in the compartments

• Barracuda and schools of Jacks

• Sponge growth increasing annually

Conditions:

• Calm and clear most days

• Perfect for practicing buoyancy and navigation in enclosed spaces

3. West Bay Wall

Type: WALL/Reef Dive Depth: 30–130 ft (9–30 m) Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate Access: Boat (depending on site)

This reef system lies just offshore from DiveTech’s home base and includes several lush coral gardens and spur-and-groove formations. It's perfect for relaxing dives and spotting vibrant marine life.

Dive Profile:

• Start shallow (30–40 ft), explore sand channels

•  Ddescent to 80 ft for deeper exploration

• Extended bottom time on Nitrox or multilevel dive computers

Marine Life:

• Parrotfish, angelfish, trunkfish

• Lobsters and moray eels in the coral crevices

• Rays cruising across the sand

• Occasional nurse shark sightings

Conditions:

• Excellent for beginners or Advanced diverss

• Great visibility

• Guided or independent dive options

DiveTech Dive Planning: What We Offer

We pride ourselves on precision dive planning for all experience levels. Here’s what you get with every DiveTech excursion:

• Pre-dive site briefings with full dive profile planning

• Optional Nitrox mix for extended bottom time

• Custom gas blends and tech dive support (Helitrox, Trimix)

• Dive computers and backup gauges included

• Private guides for specialty dives or training dives

• Emergency O2, EFR trained staff, and safety gear on every boat

Which Dive is Right for You?

Site	Max Depth	Skill Level	Highlights
North Wall	80 ft	All	Vertical wall, deep reef, eagle rays
Kittiwake	65 ft	All	Wreck swim-throughs, easy navigation
West Bay Reef	80 ft	All	Vertical wall Coral gardens, turtles, macro life

If you're unsure, our team will help match you with the best site for your certification, interests, and comfort level.

Final Thoughts

Diving in Grand Cayman isn’t just about hopping in the water — it’s about planning the right profile to make the most of your time, gas, and skill level. With DiveTech’s expert instructors and top-tier dive planning, you can be confident that every dive will be safe, well-structured, and unforgettable.

Whether you’re hunting for lionfish on the reef, gliding down the North Wall, or exploring a historic shipwreck, we’ll help you dive deeper — with confidence.