Explore the Kittiwake: Grand Cayman’s Famous Wreck Dive
- Written:
- By Christian Llewellyn
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Introduction to the USS Kittwake wreck
The USS Kittiwake is a decommissioned US Navy submarine rescue vessel intentionally sunk off Grand Cayman’s Seven Mile Beach in 2011. Now lying at depths of up to 62 feet, it serves as an artificial reef and popular diving site known for its accessibility, intact structure, and role in marine conservation. Its location in clear Caribbean waters, combined with swim-through decks and preserved interiors, makes it suitable for divers of all levels and snorkelers.
The Story Behind the USS Kittwake
Built in 1945 and commissioned in 1946, the USS Kittiwake operated for over 50 years as a Chanticleer-class submarine rescue vessel. It supported Cold War-era naval operations, recovered practice torpedoes, and assisted in notable missions, including the 1949 salvage of the battleship Missouri. In 1986, it retrieved the Space Shuttle Challenger’s black box. Decommissioned in 1994 after a collision-damaged hull, the ship spent 15 years in Virginia’s “ghost fleet” before being transferred to the Cayman Islands.
After extensive environmental preparation, including toxin removal and dry-docking, the Kittiwake was towed to Grand Cayman in December 2010. On 5 January 2011, it was intentionally sunk upright to create an artificial reef. Initially resting with its top deck near the surface, Hurricane Nate (2017) shifted it to its port side, though it remains structurally stable. Divers now explore its preserved compartments, including decompression chambers and staircases, while marine life such as parrotfish, barracuda, and coral colonies thrive on the wreck. The site’s shallow depth and visibility—often exceeding 100 feet—make it a global destination for both recreational diving and ecological study.
The Stats: Depth, Conditions & Accessibility
15m
Minimum Depth
21m
Maximum Depth
Boat Dive
Dive Type
30m
Visibility
May – Sept
Season
27°C - 30°C
Water Temp
Where Is The USS Kittwake?
The Kittiwake wreck is located off the northern end of Seven Mile Beach in Grand Cayman. The site is easily accessible by boat, typically a short ride from various points along the beach. Grand Cayman itself is well served by the Owen Roberts International Airport, which offers flights from multiple major international cities, making travel to the wreck site relatively simple. Dive operators on the island are plentiful, offering scheduled trips to this popular dive site. Local amenities, including accommodations and restaurants, are abundant especially in the nearby city of George Town, providing a wide range of options for divers.
My Experience Diving The USS Kittwake
Diving the USS Kittiwake was an enriching experience, bolstered by the excellent services of Don Foster’s Dive. Sergio and his crew, known for their professional yet adaptable diving support, made the expedition seamless. Our dive group, a diverse mix of individuals from Argentina, the US, Canada, and the UK, embraced the challenges of navigating the wreck’s 45-degree tilt. With visibility around 20 meters and water temperatures hovering around 26°C, we enjoyed clear conditions with no current. The mid-water tranquility and structured dive intervals of 50 minutes facilitated our exploration, focusing on both the Kittiwake and the nearby Doc Polson wrecks.
My Experience Photographing the USS Kittwake
Photographing the USS Kittiwake presented unique challenges due to the variable lighting conditions underwater and the wreck’s angular position. I primarily used experimental lighting techniques to capture the essence of the compression chambers, which turned out to be my favourite shot. Employing wide-angle lenses helped in covering the vastness of the open chambers and the intricate structure of the artificial reef.
What You’ll See: Wreck Features & Marine Life
The USS Kittiwake wreck diving offers a panorama of not just a structurally intriguing artificial reef but also vibrant marine life. Coral formations and sponge life thrive on the sunken structure, providing a habitat for a variety of species including nurse sharks and eagle rays. The wreck itself, now slightly tilted, presents a unique exploration perspective with its fully intact chambers easy to penetrate, making it ideal even for less experienced divers. Seasonal sightings of marine life add to the allure, ensuring each dive is a unique experience.
Recommendations for Diving the USS Kittwake
1. Check the dive site conditions online before your trip to plan effectively.
2. Dive with a reputable company like Don Foster’s for a guided experience.
3. Utilize the onboard facilities like the camera tank and fresh water rinse.
4. Listen to the briefing carefully to understand the wreck’s layout.
5. Keep an eye on your dive buddy, especially in sections with complex navigation.
6. Use a dive computer to monitor your depth and dive time.
7. Maintain buoyancy control to avoid damaging the marine ecosystem.
8. Take a safety stop at the hang tank to decompress safely.
9. Plan your dive according to your certification and comfort level with underwater navigation.
10. Enjoy the marine life but do not touch or disturb the habitat.
Tips for Photographing the USS Kittwake
1. Use appropriate lens and lighting gear for the varying visibility and structure.
2. Experiment with different angles, especially given the wreck’s tilt.
3. Review and plan your shots beforehand to maximize your dive time.
4. Utilize manual settings to adjust to the specific light conditions of the wreck.
5. Consider carrying a backup camera or lens in case of technical failures.
6. Capture both macro and wide-angle scenes to show the diversity of the site.
7. Aim for early morning or late afternoon dives for the best natural light penetration.
Practical Dive Info & Booking a Trip
Diving with Don Foster’s Dive Cayman comes highly recommended. Average cost for diving at USS Kittiwake varies, generally around £100 ($117, €108). Their knowledgeable crew and well-equipped boats make the dives not only enjoyable but also safe. Remember, while diving, it’s important to adhere to responsible diving practices to protect the wrecks and surrounding marine life for future generations.
My Rating & Final Thoughts
Diving and photographing the US Kittiwake was nothing short of spectacular. From the vibrant marine life that has made this wreck their home to the thrill of exploring an important piece of maritime history, every aspect was memorable. The well-preserved state of the wreck and efficient dive operations by Don Foster’s made it an exceptional experience. My rating for this dive would be firmly placed at a strong 8.
8/10
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Diving conditions at the Kittiwake wreck are generally excellent, with visibility often exceeding 100 feet. Water temperatures range from 78°F in winter to 86°F in summer, making for comfortable dives year-round. Mild currents may be present, depending on weather conditions.
The ecosystem around the Kittiwake wreck is rich and diverse, hosting a variety of marine life including groupers, barracudas, and schools of tropical fish. The structure is encrusted with sponges and corals, attracting smaller marine creatures. Occasional sightings of sea turtles and rays make it even more exciting.
The Kittiwake wreck is accessible to both beginners and experienced divers. The top of the wreck starts at about 15 feet, while the bottom lies at approximately 60 feet. However, penetration of the wreck should only be done by those with advanced training in wreck diving.
Standard scuba gear is suitable for the Kittiwake wreck. However, those intending to penetrate the wreck should carry appropriate wreck diving equipment, including a flashlight, a line reel, and a redundancy in air supply. Always check your equipment before the dive for safety.
Divers should avoid touching or taking anything from the wreck. Maintain good buoyancy control to avoid kicking up sediment or damaging the marine life. It is also vital to follow all local rules and guidelines to preserve this historical site.
The best time to dive the Kittiwake wreck is during the calmer sea conditions of the summer months, from May to September. However, the wreck can be visited year-round due to the Cayman Islands’ generally stable weather and good visibility.
While the Kittiwake wreck is considered a safe dive site, divers should be aware of potential hazards such as sharp edges inside the wreck. It’s important to dive within your limits and follow dive plans. Also, always keep a close watch on current strength and visibility.
Several reputable dive operators in Grand Cayman offer trips to the Kittiwake wreck. Operators like Ocean Frontiers, Red Sail Sports, and Divetech are known for their safety standards and experienced guides. It’s advisable to choose an operator with good reviews and proper credentials.
Diving the Kittiwake wreck is often described as a poignant experience due to its history as a former navy ship. Many divers feel a strong connection to history while exploring the sunken vessel. The sense of adventure and exploration, combined with the marine life and the eerie quiet underwater, contributes to a uniquely emotional dive.
Night diving is allowed at the Kittiwake wreck and provides a completely different experience compared to daytime. The wreck takes on a mysterious aura at night, and divers may see nocturnal sea creatures. However, night dives should only be conducted by those with appropriate experience and always in groups for safety.
References
https://www.visitcaymanislands.com/en-us/ourcayman/kittiwake-wreck
https://www.diverboycayman.com/kittiwake-shipwreck
https://www.scubadiving.com/diving-kittiwake-wreck-grand-cayman
https://www.caradonna.com/blog-article/Kittiwake-Grand-Caymans-shipwreck
https://www.padi.com/divetravel/grand-cayman/kittiwake
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