Dive the Kittiwake

The newest dive site in the Cayman Islands is the ex-USS Kittiwake, a U.S. Navy submarine rescue vessel, sunk in 60 feet of water on the west side in January 2011 as an artificial reef. But there's nothing artificial about the thrills that await you down there on this Grand Cayman excursion!

Commissioned in July 1946, she served the Navy proudly until 1994. Measuring 251 feet long with a 42 foot beam, there are five decks on the 47-foot tall Kittiwake. The upper decks accommodate two bridges along with the radio and navigation room. The sonar has been removed. The Captain and XO's quarters are also located on the upper decks. On the main deck, you will find the rec room, mess hall, and re-compression chambers. You will note the large A-frame structure on the stern that supported submarines and hard hat divers, as well as the diving bell where divers would enter to return to the ship from the ocean. This certified one-tank dive is led by a dive master in guided groups of six or less.