Underwater Photography At Its Best!

Text by Geri Murphy

Animal Encounters
One of the most compelling reasons photo pros travel to the Cayman Islands is the incredible array of undersea animals, concentrated in a small area. Encounters that would be rare on other islands are often commonplace here.

A good example is the huge population of friendly stingrays that can be photographed at Stingray City and Sandbar. On most islands, close encounters with stingrays are rare, but here you will have dozens of the magnificent creatures flapping in your facemask. Close-up photos are easy. In addition to their abundance, the stingrays reside in 6 to 12 feet of water, where the white sand bottom reflects sunlight like a Hollywood studio.

Just 100 yards away, on the outside of the barrier reef, you will find a spectacular vertical drop-off that serves as a highway for cruising Spotted Eagle Rays. These long tailed creatures look much different than the stingrays and their graceful maneuvers are awesome.

Another favorite photo subject of the Cayman Islands is the elusive, reclusive Tarpon. In most parts of the Caribbean, Tarpon are difficult or impossible to approach, but here they are both common and easy to engage. These giant silvery fish hang almost motionless like a fleet of dirigibles. They can be seen and photographed at a dozen different locations, ranging from Grand Cayman's West Wall, North Wall and East End, to Cayman Brac's Tarpon Reef.

Let us not forget the magical morays that abound on these reefs. The Cayman Islands have at least three species that are common and easily photographed: the Green Moray, the black and white Spotted Moray and the Purplemouth Moray.

 As for coral reef fish, the Cayman Islands have the usual collection of groupers, Coneys, Trumpetfish, puffers and hamlets. However, the most memorable are the incredibly friendly angelfish. At least three major species are plentiful in these waters: Gray Angelfish, French Angelfish and Queen Angelfish. The French and Gray Angelfish are remarkably inquisitive and will come right up to your facemask. The Queen Angelfish are a little more of a challenge, yet full frame photos of all three are a snap.

As for schooling fish, the Cayman Islands have more than their share. Schools of Horse-eye Jacks can be seen cruising along the edge of the drop-off or among the medium depth reefs. On the shallow coral reefs, you can find great schools of grunts and snappers-several different species of each.

And, if you're lucky, you may encounter one of the many larger creatures that inhabit these waters. A giant Jewfish resides on the Russian Wreck off Cayman Brac. Manta Rays, Wahoo and Tuna are photographed during chance encounters on wall dives. About once a year, divers encounter a Whale Shark or other impressive pelagic.

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