adminGrand Cayman, Cayman Islands
Scuba Diving in Grand Cayman
In high school, I learned how to scuba dive in my Outdoor Education class. This was a two part lesson where half the class would learn how to kayak and the other half would learn the basics of scuba diving. I still remember how much I enjoyed scuba diving, even if it was just in the school pool. It was then I knew I wanted to behold the wonders under the sea at some point, rather than the bottom of kayaks from the deep end. I found the perfect opportunity on the last destination of my cruise before returning home. The final stop would be Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands. Once we arrived at port, the view from the cruise ship alone reassured me that I was going to have a great time. The weather was beautiful, and the water was crystal blue. I was so anxious to head off to the dive shop to partake on my first scuba dive in the Caribbean Sea.
After a quick ride to the dive shop, my group and I met with the PADI instructor for a briefing on the basics of scuba diving and skills required. Next, we entered the pool which turned out to be the perfect classroom to feel what it’s like to breathe underwater and become familiar with the equipment. Once we completed the pool session, we were ready to go on your ocean dive in the secluded waters of a protected marine park. The healthy house reef is home to a wide spectrum of marine life, including 700 species of tropical fish, 62 species of corals, turtles, stingrays, squid and sea urchins. There is a reason why the Grand Cayman waters are world famous for diving. The experience was incredible. I took my waterproof camera along with me during my dive and I was able to capture some great moments. Along with the epic schools of fish, we were also able to find an octopus stowed away at the bottom of the sea. I surprised myself with my scuba diving abilities once I got the hang of it. After I figured out how to adapt my body to the pressure of diving deeper, and use my breathing to stabilize my diving, I was able to relax and really take in the amazing opportunity to immerse myself in a world I had never seen before.
Overall I cannot say enough good things about my experience scuba diving in the Cayman Islands. Our instructor was very knowledgeable and a great instructor. The only negative feelings I can recall from the trip was the disappointment I felt when I realized we were back at the docks and the dive was over. I felt like I could’ve grabbed a fresh tank and spent the whole day diving. Swimming among the coral ecosystem and engaging with the marine wildlife was a brand new adventure that inspired me to scuba dive more in the future. I am know even considering becoming a certified PADI diver at some point, so that I can take my own underwater adventures in my future travels.
