Snorkelling Sites

Cayman Brac Snorkelling Sites

Northern Sites
Look to the north shore to offer several inter-connected, shore accessible sites clustered mid-island between the Bight and Stake Bay. Greenhouse Reef, Jeff's Reef, Jan's Reef, Radar or Snapper Reef are a few of the names. All these reefs consist of sparse but interesting shallows leading to well-populated, highly developed spur and groove systems in depths ranging from 10 to over 50 feet. Shore access is over the ironshore, so exercise caution. Given the lifestyle on the Brac, there's a great way to see these sites. Grab a bike at one of the resorts, pedal over, put your gear on and enjoy! A little to the west of these sites, located off the old Buccaneer's Inn, is the famous M/V Capt. Keith Tibbetts, a Russian destroyer sunk in 55-100 feet of water. This site is accessible from shore but is also offered as a boat snorkel. You'll be able to see the superstructure itself, schooling fish and coral formations at the bow of the boat. In the other direction, to the west of the mid-island sites, is Handcuff Reef, named for its location across from the police station.

Southern Sites
Three adjacent sites, all with a very similar profile, offer some of the best snorkelling to the south. Pillar Coral Reef, Hedy's Reef and Fry Cave exhibit a traditional spur and groove formation with an abundance of schooling fish. The coral formation is excellent, with elkhorn and pillar corals dominating the top structure and brain and star corals prevalent below. Clouds of sergeant majors and yellowtail snapper live up to their reputation as "Cayman piranha" during feeding sessions. You'll find Fry Cave seasonally filled with masses of silversides. These sites are slightly deeper, 20 to 50 feet in the best areas, but with interesting shallow sections also. Because the reefs sit well offshore, these are all considered to be boat dives. Two other boat accessible sites, located to the east of those, are Tarpon Reef and Lighthouse Reef.