Ten Delicious Places to Dip into Diving

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Ten Delicious Places to Dip into Diving
Cayman Islands: The Divers' Disneyland

By Paul McMenamin

The Caymans are the most popular dive destination in the Caribbean, and despite the heavy use, there are few better dive locales in the Northern Hemisphere. The water is warm, the wall-diving is world class, and the visibility is consistently excellent—the best in the central Caribbean.

While the Caymans have countless good dive sites, Grand Cayman can be crowded, and those in the know prefer Cayman Brac and Little Cayman. The coral is less chewed up, and there are more fish. Little Cayman's Bloody Bay Wall is spectacular, while favorites on Cayman Brac include Sea Fan Wall and Butterfly Reef.

No trip to the Caymans would be complete without a chance to dive with stingrays in the shallows of Grand Cayman's North Sound. At Stingray City and Sand Bar, divers can hand-feed the rays in crystal clear 10- to 15-foot waters. While on Grand Cayman, don't miss its famed North Wall. But dive with some caution; it starts fairly deep, at 70 feet, so you must monitor your dive times carefully.

Practically Speaking
The quality of the dive shops in the Caymans is high—a result of the intense competition. You won't go wrong with any of the top operators. Most offer day-trips and longer, live-aboard programs that will give you a wide sampling of the treasures offered below the waves.

Next Page: Micronesia: Lagoonatics

Paul McMenamin is the author, editor, and photo director of the original Ultimate Adventure Sourcebook.

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