Page 25 - Dive Guide

PhOtOgraPher: JOn gladStein

kITTIWAkE

GRAND CAYMAN

You can snorkel overhead and see the main decks Sinking OF the kittiwake
and topography of the ship plus take a look down PhOtOgraPher: cOurtney Platt
the smoke stack that opens up straight down to the
bottom of the hull and the engine rooms. Or you
can dive deep where there is no end of rooms to
explore this wreck, that has become an artificial reef,
enhancing the marine environment with new fishery
stock and habitats for marine life.

ThE hIsToRY of ThE kITTIWAkE
After an illustrious service of nearly 50 years as a PhOtOgraPher: Jaxx kienaS
submarine rescue vessel, the Kittiwake made her
final home in Grand Cayman’s waters. A
cooperative effort by the Cayman Islands
Government and the Cayman Islands Tourism
Association (CITA) over the course of eight years kITTIWAkE GRAND CAYMAN
brought the Kittiwake a new life through the U.S.
Maritime Administration (MARAD) artificial reefing
programme. With the sinking being broadcast live
around the globe, the Kittiwake met instant fame
as a premier dive site. The Cayman Islands is
pleased to bring you an exciting opportunity to PhOtOgraPher: lOiS hatcher / Ocean FrOntierS ltd.
explore both our beautiful marine habitat and a
piece of history all at the same time!
oNE of ThE WoRLD’s ToP 12 WRECk DIvEs*
With five decks and numerous rooms to explore,
divers and snorkellers will enjoy a snapshot of the
Kittiwake during a single visit – or return time and
time again to watch her transformation into a living
reef that teems with marine life! Located in 65 ft.
(19.8 m) of water, it is a perfect introduction to those
who are new to wreck diving. inSider dive tiP:
“Visit Kittiwake’s shaft alley for
Divers venturing inside the Kittiwake will appreciate a cool surreal trip or drop down
the large access holes that allow sunlight to pour the smoke stack 50 ft. into the
through the top decks. Snorkellers will also enjoy engine rooms…there’s nothing like it
the view below as they swim about 15 ft. (4.6 m) on earth!”
from the bridge. – Jay Easterbrook
*as indicated by Scuba Diving Magazine, June 2011
www.divecayman.ky 25