The Grand Cayman offers some of the best scuba diving experiences worldwide. With over 365 diving sites across the Cayman Islands, this is certainly the place to explore the depths of the Caribbean.
But just how safe is scuba diving in Grand Cayman? You may be wondering about the risks, so we’ve put together a guide to all of your most pressing questions. Sunset House has been operating a diving resort outside George Town for just over six decades, hosting scuba divers from around the world. We have firsthand knowledge of these waters and have taken guests diving since our founding!
Keep reading for our breakdown to safely scuba diving in Grand Cayman, or feel free to get in touch with us regarding our Dive+Stay Grand Cayman packages for your ultimate diving vacation.
Is Grand Cayman Safe for Scuba Diving?
The seas surrounding Grand Cayman offer some of the best conditions for scuba diving. Water temperatures average 78°F and visibility can reach up to 100 feet. As a prime scuba diving destination, it’s relatively easy to find a diving buddy or guide to dive with and ensure you are never on your own. You can enjoy calm seas year-round, but it’s always advisable to check wind conditions before heading into the water to avoid rough waters.
Our blog What Time of Year is Best to Visit the Cayman Islands? takes a closer look at the conditions you expect throughout the year. Be sure to check it out when you have finished here.
What Experience Do You Need to Scuba Dive in Grand Cayman?
Anyone who wants to scuba dive in Grand Cayman needs to have a SCUBA diving certificate. This certification ensures you have received the necessary safety training to explore dive sites around the world.
If you want to obtain your certification, Sunset House offers Scuba Training and PADI Certification. We can train you in the pool as part of our Beginner Scuba Diving Course, or introduce you to our nearby dive sites as part of our PADI Open Water Course. Should you already have your certification, we also offer PADI Advanced Courses and PADI Specialty Courses in areas such as rescue and wreck diving.
The good news is that Grand Cayman is perfect for dive training, so there’s no better place to earn the qualifications you need!
What are the Health Risks of Scuba Diving in Grand Cayman?
Scuba diving does come with some health risks that may prevent certain people from being able to dive. Before training or diving, you will be required to fill in a medical evaluation form to determine your fitness for diving. People with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions and pregnant people are not able to scuba due to the pressure the body is placed under while diving.
If you are a certified diver, there are certain times when you should not dive, such as if you are experiencing a cold or congestion or are dehydrated. This can lead to barotrauma or decompression sickness. You may also not consume alcohol before diving or scuba dive within certain time limits before flying.
In the unlikely event that a diver does experience decompression sickness, Grand Cayman is well-prepared. As part of the Cayman Islands Hospital in George Town, a fully equipped, two-person hyperbaric chamber is available 24/7. Staffed by trained specialists, this facility provides hyperbaric oxygen therapy and has treated divers safely for decades. Its presence on the island offers an extra level of reassurance for visitors, ensuring that world-class medical support is close at hand should it ever be needed.
Are There Sharks in Grand Cayman?
While there are sharks in Grand Cayman, they are some of the calmest you’ll come across. Some of the species you may encounter include nurse sharks, Caribbean reef sharks, black tip sharks, lemon sharks, and hammerheads. This may seem like a lot, but attacks by any of these sharks are incredibly rare. Nevertheless, as they are still wild creatures it’s always advisable to exercise caution and to keep a respectful distance.
While scuba diving in Grand Cayman, you’ll also see an array of fish species. Read our blog on the 10 Aquatic Animals You Will Encounter in Grand Cayman to learn more.
Is it Safe to Swim with Stingrays in Grand Cayman?
Swimming with stingrays is perfectly safe and one of the most popular activities in Grand Cayman. In fact, we have an entire Stingray City! Located in the North Sound, this “city” is home to an abundance of stingrays. Tour boats frequent the waters here and you can step into the shallow waters and find yourself surrounded by the animals. The likelihood of being stung is slim and it’s even possible to touch them.
While you can’t scuba dive at Stingray City, you can snorkel. For more information on this attraction, read our blog on whether Stingray City is Worth the Visit in Grand Cayman.
Essential Safety Tips for Scuba Diving in Grand Cayman
- Complete a medical evaluation honestly before starting dive training to confirm your fitness for diving.
- Avoid diving when unwell — congestion, colds, dehydration, or fatigue increase your risk of barotrauma and decompression sickness.
- Never drink alcohol before diving and allow the recommended surface interval before flying after your last dive.
- Check your equipment thoroughly before every dive and don’t hesitate to ask a divemaster or instructor if you’re unsure about anything.
- Follow local dive briefings carefully — Cayman’s operators provide site-specific safety guidance, including currents, entry/exit points, and depth limits.
- Stay within your training and comfort level; avoid pushing depth or conditions that you’re not prepared for.
- Maintain good buoyancy control to protect both yourself and the coral reefs. Our Guide to Correctly Weighing Yourself for Neutral Buoyancy is a great starting point.
- Dive with a buddy and maintain communication throughout — the buddy system is a cornerstone of safe scuba.
- Keep hydrated and rest between dives to reduce the risk of decompression issues.
- Know where the nearest emergency facilities are located — in Grand Cayman, the Cayman Islands Hospital in George Town has a fully equipped hyperbaric chamber.
- Book with reputable operators like Sunset Divers who follow strict safety protocols and maintain their equipment to the highest standards.
How Does Sunset House Ensure Safety While Scuba Diving in Grand Cayman?
Sunset House is committed to upholding the best safety standards for our divers. Our Grand Cayman Sunset Divers shop is run by qualified and experienced divers who will take you on some of the most incredible excursions, from our Kittiwake Grand Cayman Dive to shore diving at Sunset House Reef. We perform safety checks on our equipment daily and keep first aid supplies, emergency oxygen, life jackets, fire extinguishers, and a radio on our diving vessels.
The opportunities for scuba diving in Grand Cayman are endless. At Sunset Hotel, a resort by divers, for divers, we are ready to welcome our guests and share with them the incredible sites our island has to offer. Contact us today regarding our accommodation, scuba diving packages, or courses. We can’t wait to show you paradise!
