Kittiwake

Divers exploring the Kittiwake will find a lot to love. The vessel sits in shallow water, allowing plenty of bottom time to take in the sights — highlights include the mess hall, the massive propellers and towering smoke stack, two recompression chambers and the head complete with an intact mirror. The iconic wheel house had its panels removed after being damaged by a storm in early 2017. Scuba divers can still pose at the captain’s wheel, although they may feel more like they are driving the world’s largest convertible.

Tropical Storm Nate hit Kittiwake in October of 2017. The wreck was mostly unharmed, but it now sits at an odd angle. Open-water divers are limited to the first three decks, but those with advanced certifications — such as a rescue diver or wreck-diver — can fully explore all five decks. Consider taking a course while scuba diving in Grand Cayman if you don't already have it — Kittiwake is a great place to start.

Kittiwake, on the other hand, is more than a shipwreck; it's also an artificial reef, and the marine life here can be just as much of a draw for divers. Peppermint shrimp, arrowhead crabs, fire worms, and banded coral shrimp are among the macro life found on the wreck. Garden eels have taken up residence in the sands around the ship, attracting southern stingrays and eagle rays. Barracuda, schools of horse-eye jacks, turtles, and grouper are among the fish that frequent the area.

Location: Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands