USS Kittiwake

USS Kittiwake Diving Guide

The USS Kittiwake, a former US Navy submarine rescue vessel, is one of Grand Cayman's most popular dive sites. Intentionally sunk in 2011, it offers divers of varying skill levels a chance to explore a well-preserved wreck teeming with marine life.

Dive Details

Depth and Visibility

The USS Kittiwake sits upright in the sandy bottom. The top of the wreck is around 15 feet (4.5 meters) deep, while the bottom rests at approximately 64 feet (19.5 meters). Average visibility is typically excellent, often exceeding 50-80 feet (15-24 meters), contributing to stunning underwater photography opportunities.

Water Temperature

Water temperatures in Grand Cayman are fairly consistent year-round. Expect temperatures to range from 78-82°F (25-28°C) in the winter months (December-February) and 82-86°F (28-30°C) during the summer (June-August).

Difficulty Level

The USS Kittiwake is generally considered an accessible dive site suitable for beginner to intermediate divers. Open water certified divers can explore the exterior of the wreck and some of the shallower interior compartments. Advanced divers with wreck diving certification can penetrate deeper and explore more complex areas, but caution and proper training are essential.

Marine Life

The Kittiwake is a thriving artificial reef, attracting a wide variety of marine species. Divers can expect to encounter:

• Large schools of silversides, especially during the summer months
• Groupers, including Nassau groupers and black groupers
• Angelfish, parrotfish, and other colorful reef fish
• Barracuda
• Eels
• Sponges and corals encrusting the wreck's surfaces

Best Time to Visit

Grand Cayman offers excellent diving year-round. However, the best time to visit the Kittiwake is generally considered to be during the shoulder seasons: April-May and September-October. During these months, the weather is typically pleasant, crowds are smaller, and visibility is often at its peak. The summer months (June-August) can be hotter and more humid, and the risk of hurricanes is slightly higher, although statistically still low.

What Makes It Special

The USS Kittiwake stands out due to several factors:

• Its relatively shallow depth, making it accessible to a wider range of divers.
• The well-preserved condition of the wreck, allowing divers to explore various compartments and features.
• The abundant marine life that has colonized the wreck, creating a vibrant ecosystem.
• The ability to penetrate the wreck, adding an element of adventure for experienced divers.

Practical Tips

Consider these points when planning your dive:

• Currents can occasionally be present, so be prepared to swim against a slight current.
• Bring a dive light to fully appreciate the interior of the wreck, even in shallow areas.
• Respect the wreck and avoid touching or removing anything.
• If planning to penetrate the wreck, ensure you have the appropriate training and equipment.
• Book your dive through a reputable dive operator with experience diving the Kittiwake.