Reef & Wreck Snorkel

OVERVIEW

Observe schools of brightly colored fish and other marine life while snorkeling a barrier reef and a shipwreck that serves as an artificial reef. The reefs off Grand Cayman are teeming with sea life, and you will likely see an abundance of creatures that may include stingrays and sea turtles. Tropical fish are plentiful and many of them are easy to identify because of their distinct colors. You might see brilliant blue tangs darting in and out of the coral, neon-colored parrotfish and Spanish hogfish, a species whose colors change as they age. If you spot purple-and-yellow ones, they are juveniles. The wreck of the Cali also attracts huge numbers of fish. This grain freighter was scuttled about 75 years ago in the shallow waters just outside the George Town harbor. It now offers an excellent, easy-to-reach snorkeling site. Be sure to ask the crew why the ship was intentionally sunk, as it’s a somewhat bizarre story.

HIGHLIGHTS
• See an abundance of neon-colored fish and other marine life while snorkeling a reef.
• Snorkel around a shipwreck that now serves as an artificial reef teeming with fish.
• Look for loggerhead and green sea turtles, whose numbers have increased recently.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing with a swimsuit underneath.
• Bring a towel and sunscreen.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.