West Side Scuba Diving Grand Cayman

Overall Rating 2.75 out of 5

Access - Moderate; boat only and about 15 to 20 minutes from Hotels on Seven Mile Beach
Depth to 60+ ft
Visibility - moderate
Current - minimal to none
Marine Species variety - Moderate to Good; Yellow Stingrays, Turtles, Angelfishes, Blue Tang
Reef health - moderate (poor closer to shore)

Cemetery Reef is just offshore of the north end of Seven Mile Beach and is a acceptable second dive after diving on the west wall It's also possible to snorkel off of the beach closer to shore. One may come across a variety of species pf fish on the dive site such as, Honeycomb Cowfish, Doctorfish, Blue-headed Wrasse, Blue Chromis, Spotted Drum and a lot more. The dive site has a variety of coral fingers and sand channels to check out and a few good Encrusting Octopus sponges.

Visibility on the site may be deminished some at this site as a result of the quantity of sand and bio matter in the water Yet, the dive site is compelling and if you take your time you will usually get several excellent underwater pictures. You may come across Yellow Stingrays on this dive scuba diving site partially buried in the sand. There is also an old lawn chair sitting in the sand where you can take a picture of your dive buddy.

There have been some Nurse Sharks on the dive site but this is not a frequent occurrence. The reef is in poor to average shape over a good deal of the dive site but you should still find some very good hard corals and soft corals. You should find a Green Morays or two hiding in the coral reef. Be sure you look at crevices in the coral reef. You will also come across Spiny Lobsters along with additional crabs, shrimps and clams. There a few expansive sandy flats that can be found at numerous places on this dive site and can be great places to search for different kinds of rays, such as the Yellow Stingray}. I have found several juveniles on this site once in a while.

Close-up wide angle and macro photography are probably the best to use on this dive site due to the quantity of sand and bio matter which are normally in the water. There is also a fairly fine mix of marine species on the site and you might see the elusive Spotted Drum on occasion. This is usually a dive site where you can dive as a buddy team otherwise you may follow your dive master on a guided tour. It can be a good variation from another of the usual second scuba diving sites off Seven Mile Beach especially if you haven't been to the dive site it is definitely worth at least one trip.

As in all dives I recommend going slowly and take the moment to appreciate this dive site. Read other site assesments on my blog and see other underwater artwork on my website and follow me on Twitter @ images2inspire.The pool is open...