Few places in the world can match Grand Cayman for its combination of clear water, calm conditions, and unforgettable dive experiences. Among the many underwater wonders here, two stand out as truly iconic: the USS Kittiwake, a historic shipwreck transformed into a thriving reef, and Amphitrite, the stunning mermaid statue resting just off the shore of Sunset House.
Whether you’re a veteran diver seeking adventure or a new visitor hoping to experience our island’s underwater magic, these two Grand Cayman dive trips capture everything that makes our island a world-class destination for ocean lovers.
Scroll down to find out more about diving the Kittiwake wreck and Sunset House’s Mermaid. And if you think of any questions as we go, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
The USS Kittiwake – A Dive Through History
The USS Kittiwake is one of the Caribbean’s most famous wreck dives. And when you start your descent, you’ll understand why! This 251-foot ex-U.S. Navy submarine rescue vessel served for nearly 50 years before being purposefully sunk off Seven Mile Beach in 2011 to create an artificial reef. Today, it’s a thriving marine habitat and an incredible playground for divers of all levels.
Descending onto the Kittiwake is a surreal experience. The wreck sits in 40 to 60 feet of water, offering excellent visibility and plenty of natural light. You can explore its open passageways, visit the control rooms and chambers, and even swim past the massive propeller that has become one of the island’s most photographed dive sights.
Over time, coral, sponges, and sea fans have begun to cover the structure, attracting all kinds of marine life, from schooling jacks and angelfish to turtles and barracuda. It’s an exciting mix of manmade structure and natural beauty that perfectly represents wreck diving in Grand Cayman.
While the Kittiwake is suitable for most certified divers, it’s best enjoyed with an experienced guide who knows its layout. At Sunset House, we offer a dedicated Grand Cayman Kittiwake Dive led by local dive instructors who bring the site’s history to life while ensuring your safety.
Not a certified diver yet? You can still enjoy the Kittiwake from above! We welcome snorkelers onto our dive boats heading out to the wreck. When the divers head beneath the waves, snorkelers can swim on the surface, looking down at the site from above. Our Grand Cayman snorkel tours are ideal for friends and family of certified divers who want to join in the fun!
Amphitrite – The Mermaid of Sunset House Reef
Just steps from the shore at Sunset House, another underwater legend awaits: Amphitrite, the 600-pound bronze statue affectionately known as the Sunset House Mermaid. Sculpted by Canadian artist Simon Morris and installed in 2000, Amphitrite stands nine feet tall and represents the mythological queen of the sea. Over the years, she’s become one of Grand Cayman’s most photographed underwater attractions, and a rite of passage for visiting divers.
The mermaid dive in Grand Cayman is special because it’s both easy and endlessly rewarding. Amphitrite lies just 55 yards offshore at around 50 feet deep, perfectly placed for a relaxed shore dive straight from the Sunset House ladder. As you descend, you’ll see coral heads, sponges, and a kaleidoscope of reef fish, all leading up to the graceful figure of the mermaid herself, who seems to gaze serenely into the blue.
You can explore the site on our guided Grand Cayman Mermaid Dive or, for a wider ranging experience, join us for Grand Cayman Shore Diving at Sunset House Reef, which includes The Mermaid as well as numerous other highlights! Diving The Mermaid is especially popular with underwater photographers and beginner divers, as it offers calm conditions, short swim distances, and plenty of light for stunning images.
Given its ease of access, The Mermaid is also one of the best places to snorkel in the Cayman Islands.
Two Grand Cayman Dive Icons, Two Very Different Experiences
While the Kittiwake wreck and The Mermaid are both world-class dives, they offer distinct experiences that showcase different sides of Grand Cayman’s underwater world.
The USS Kittiwake is about history and exploration. It’s a vast structure filled with a captivating atmosphere and is perfect for divers who love to navigate wrecks and encounter larger marine life. It’s dynamic and adventurous, a playground for those wanting a sense of discovery beneath the waves.
The Mermaid at Sunset Reef, on the other hand, is about tranquility and artistry. It’s a meditative dive where you can focus on buoyancy, photography, and the simple joy of drifting among coral heads. It’s also an easy option for divers who prefer a relaxed, shore-based experience rather than a boat dive.
Together, they make the perfect pair: one grand, one intimate. Many visiting divers choose to experience both on the same trip, with Sunset House offering the perfect base to make that possible.
Looking for more vacation inspiration? Be sure to read our picks for the best things to do in Grand Cayman beyond diving when you have finished here!
When to Dive in Grand Cayman and What to Expect Year-Round
Grand Cayman’s diving conditions are among the most reliable in the Caribbean. Visibility typically exceeds 80 to 100 feet, and sea temperatures stay between 76°F in winter and 84°F in summer. Calm seas are the norm, particularly on the coast, where both the Kittiwake and Sunset House reef are located.
The best time for diving depends on your preferences. December to April brings the driest weather and slightly cooler water, ideal for peak-season diving. May to November offers warmer seas and quieter dive sites, though you may encounter brief tropical showers. Either way, conditions are excellent for most of the year.
Find out more about this topic in our blog What Time of Year is Best to Visit the Cayman Islands? If you’re new to Grand Cayman, Sunset House’s dive team can help plan your dives around weather, visibility, and certification level to ensure you get the most from each experience.
Dive with Sunset House – The Home of Cayman Diving
For over 60 years, Sunset House has been Grand Cayman’s premier hotel for divers, by divers. Our resort combines comfortable oceanfront accommodation with a full-service on-site dive center (Sunset Divers), professional instructors, and easy access to both shore and boat diving.
And no matter when or where you dive, you can start and finish your day with the outstanding dining at Sunset House, including the Seaharvest restaurant and My Bar, both of which offer stunning views of the Caribbean Sea.
Best of all, you can combine your dives and accommodation in one convenient bundle thanks to our Dive + Stay Custom Grand Cayman Dive Packages!
Ready to explore our part of paradise? Browse our range of Grand Cayman dive trips and find out more about what’s possible. And if you have any pre-booking questions for our team, please feel free to contact us.
