The wreck of the USS Kittiwake has become Grand Cayman's latest dive attraction. The dive site has been designated as a marine wildlife area for the use of snorkeling and scuba diving. The former submarine rescue vessel USS Kittiwake was purposely sunk in January 2011 to serve as a dive site for Cayman Islands, and is now managed by the Cayman Islands Tourism Association.
The Kittiwake is a Chanticleer-class submarine rescue ship which served the U.S. Navy from 1946-1994. Now the 251-foot-long rescue vessel is an artificial reef that sits at about 60 feet down on the sandy floor of the Caribbean Sea. The warmth of the water and visibility is so incredible that you can see it from the surface. The shipwreck provides a spectacular diving experience for divers as it boasts over 50 species of corals and nearly 500 species of tropical fish. Divers can easily explore the ship's corridors, recreation room, mess hall, crew quarters, navigation room and the main deck. The wreck is a “diver-friendly” site which makes it a great location for first-timers who wish to take part in a wreck diving specialty course.
Diving at the Kittiwake wreck site is open to all levels of snorkelers and divers alike. Come and explore this safe dive spot guided by the Yachts Caymans team! To book a charter or to learn more about our dive tours in Cayman Islands, send your queries to our email: info@yachtscaymans.com or contact us directly at the number listed at the top of the page.