Kittiwake Wreck

The Kittiwake is a popular dive site located off the coast of Grand Cayman. This former United States Navy submarine rescue vessel was intentionally sunk in 2011 to create an artificial reef that has become a haven for marine life.

To get to the Kittiwake, you can take a short boat ride from Seven Mile Beach, located on the western side of Grand Cayman. The dive site is situated in the waters surrounding the northwest tip of the island, approximately 1.5 miles off the coast. The exact coordinates are 19.3985° N, 81.4085° W.

The Kittiwake is a well-known and well-loved dive site, and as such, there are many dive operators who provide diving services to the site.  Here is short list of dive operators who provide diving in the Kittiwake:

1. Living the Dream Divers

   Living the Dream Divers is a highly rated and reputable dive operator in the Cayman Islands, located on the north side of Grand Cayman. They offer personalized diving experiences and small group sizes for divers of all levels, and are known for their attention to detail and exceptional service.

2. Red Sail Sports

   Red Sail Sports is one of the largest watersports operators in the Cayman Islands, offering a wide range of scuba diving activities, from shore diving to boat dives, and certification courses.

3. Cayman Turtle Divers

   Cayman Turtle Divers is a PADI 5-Star Dive Resort offering daily scuba diving trips to some of the best dive sites in the Cayman Islands.

4. Ocean Frontiers

   Ocean Frontiers is a dive resort located on the East End of Grand Cayman, offering diving excursions to the pristine reefs of the island’s less-traveled areas.

5. Eden Rock Diving Center

   Eden Rock Diving Center is one of the oldest dive operators in the Cayman Islands, offering guided dives and snorkeling trips to some of the island’s most famous dive sites.

6. Sunset House

   Sunset House is a dive resort located on the southwest coast of Grand Cayman, offering diving trips to the island’s best dive sites, including the famous wreck of the USS Kittiwake.

7. Off the Wall Divers

   Off the Wall Divers is a PADI 5-Star Dive Resort located on the east side of Grand Cayman. They offer daily boat and shore dives, as well as wreck diving and night diving.

8. Tortuga Divers

   Tortuga Divers is a dive operator located at the Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa, offering daily diving trips to the island’s top dive sites, as well as certification courses and snorkeling trips.

9. Don Foster’s Dive

   South Sound location offers great diving and snorkeling just offshore, as well as boat trips to other popular sites. Fleet of 6 boats, large staff and dive shop, instruction, snorkeling tours and gift shop. Conveniently located for cruise ship visitors. Dive packages and complimentary transportation from Seven Mile Beach.

10. Deep Blue Divers

    Dive into the deep blue and experience the ultimate dive freedom. “Relax under pressure” with Deep Blue Divers, an owner operated dive company that loves to take divers in small groups on fast, un-crowded custom-built dive boats. With a maximum of 8 divers on board you will get more bottom time to explore the off the beaten path dive sites Cayman has to offer and they guarantee a great dive vacation.

11. DNS Diving

    Departs from the Public Beach area along Seven Mile Beach between 7:30 am and 7:45 am. If the weather cooperates, we will depart from the Cayman Islands Yacht Club, to dive the North Wall. This early departure time guarantees that our boats are the first out to pick the best dive sites. Our first dive is a guided wall dive.

The best time to go diving at the Kittiwake is during the dry season, which runs from December to April. During this time, the weather is generally sunny and dry, with little to no rainfall. The water temperature is warm, with an average temperature of around 80°F (27°C).The cost of diving at the Kittiwake varies depending on the dive operator and the services you require. On average, a two-tank dive to the Kittiwake will cost around $120-$150 USD, which includes equipment rental and a guided tour. Some operators also offer discounted rates for groups or multi-day dives.

Diving at the Kittiwake is an unforgettable experience that offers divers the opportunity to explore a unique underwater environment teeming with marine life. From schools of colorful fish to massive coral formations, the Kittiwake is a must-visit dive site for every seasoned Scuba diving enthusiast visiting the Cayman Islands.