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USS Kittiwake wreck dive or snorkel with Red Sail Sports

Drop onto a 251-foot former US Navy submarine-rescue ship, deliberately sunk off Seven Mile Beach in 2011 and now an artificial reef teeming with grouper, barracuda and silversides. Divers can swim through the wheelhouse and decks; even snorkelers see the superstructure clearly thanks to Cayman's legendary visibility, with the top of the wreck just 12-15 feet down. It's one of the Caribbean's premier, most accessible wreck dives.

What to expect

Boats depart Seven Mile Beach for the short run to the site in the marine park. Visibility regularly exceeds 80-100 feet, and the wreck sits upright in 15-60 feet, so it suits everyone from first-time snorkelers to advanced divers. Marine life has colonized the hull densely, and the shallow placement means long, relaxed exploration without deep-diving demands. Currents are usually mild but can pick up.

Who to call — book direct
Red Sail Sports
~USD 100/person for a 2-tank Kittiwake dive (varies); USD 25 marine-park fee typically included; snorkel trips lower
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Beats the ship · vs the cruise line

Cruise lines bundle Kittiwake snorkel/dive trips at a markup and on a fixed schedule. Booking direct with a CITA-licensed operator like Red Sail is usually cheaper and gives you a smaller boat and more bottom time. Honest caveat: certified-diver excursions require your C-card and have firm timing, so leave generous margin before all-aboard.

Good to know

You must use a CITA-licensed dive/snorkel operator (Red Sail qualifies); a USD 25 marine-park fee applies. Certified divers need their certification card; bring it or pre-arrange a refresher. Pre-book direct and confirm the morning departure leaves enough buffer for the tender back to your ship.

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