Cayman Islands Snorkeling Sites
What are the best Cayman Islands snorkeling sites? Well, the definition of 'best' depends on who you are speaking to. This is one of the most peaceful activities in Grand Cayman. You can relax and take your time to search through the coral reef for fish, sea urchins, and other marine life. If you're lucky you may even see some sea turtles.
If you are taking a cruise, Caribbean snorkeling will be an inviting and fun experience. If you've never been snorkeling, you don't have to worry. Generally, shallow safe sites are chosen for passengers. You can see the fish or coral usually while close to shore. My father takes many cruises, and even though he's in his 70's, he recently took up snorkeling and absolutely loved it.
Cayman Islands Snorkeling
Squid at Smith Cove Beach
The most popular Grand Cayman snorkeling sites are:
Rum Point:
This beach is located in North Side. I've been there several times with my family. Although I really love this beach (it's one of my favorites), it's not too good for snorkeling. The water is shallow and warm. Also, there are usually tons of tourists splashing around in the water. I've tried to snorkel there, but I usually just see the occasional fish trying desperately to get away from the commotion. I also saw a stingray once.
Stingray City:
This is one of the better tourist snorkel spots. I've been there several times on the Captain Crosby Watersports tour. This tour always starts with a stop at Stingray city to feed and pet the stingrays. Snorkeling here is exciting, because the stingrays are stimulated by the food and move around in the water very quickly. The tour then continues to a nearby reef with lots of fish, stingrays, and other marine life. I've had some of my best photos on this tour.
Smith Cove Beach: (aka Barcadere Cove as of recent)
This beach is a little south of George Town, and it is my favorite snorkel spot. It's a little off the beaten path for tourists, and so it's not crowded during the week. This beach starts out with sand and gradually changes to rock. The rocks create a home for the coral, and the coral reef forms a home for a large variety of fish, squid, sea urchins, and various other marine life. One a clear day, you can see the wonderful details of the reef, the tiny fish hiding within the crevices of the rocks, and the schools of squid that drift by.
Cemetery Beach:
This beach is in West Bay, and as you may guess, it's right next to a cemetery. To get to this snorkel site you have to swim out from shore for a distance before you start to see the interesting fish and the occasional sea turtle. This is a very beautiful and quiet beach. We used to live nearby, and my daughter and I walked over from time to time.
Cayman Islands Snorkeling
Smith Cove (aka Barcadere Cove) Beach
Cheeseburger Reef:
This beach is in George Town opposite the Lobster Pot. It gets its name from the nearby Burger King. This reef is known to have lots of marine life. I haven't snorkeled here, but it is easy to get to if you are visiting on a Caribbean cruise trip.
Wreck of the Cali:
This site is located in George Town. It is a sunken freighter that is now the home of fish and several other marine animals. I also haven't snorkeled here, but it's pretty convenient for cruise ship passengers.
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