Kittiwake Shipwreck & Artificial Reef

See a shipwreck that isn’t technically a wreck in the Cayman Islands thanks to the Kittiwake Shipwreck, which is a submarine rescue ship that was sunk on purpose. The Kittiwake submarine was at one point part of the U.S. Navy’s fleet and served as a navy ship until 1994. In 2011, it was sunk to the bottom of the ocean off of Grand Cayman island to create an artificial reef.
The USS Kittiwake once carried divers on rescue missions and now scuba divers can explore its rooms during an open water dive while visiting Grand Cayman, including the mess hall and living quarters. In the head of the ship, the mirrors of the bathroom are still intact, giving divers a unique chance to see themselves as they dive. The ship has many exit points, making this an ideal dive for certified divers who haven’t done a wreck dive before. The Kittiwake Shipwreck rests just 15 feet below the surfers so snorkelers are also able to see the wreck from above. While there are some fish that make this unique artificial reef their home, sea life is not prevalent and makes the main draw the ship itself.

Practical Info

The Kittiwake Shipwreck and artificial reef is located in the West Bay of Grand Cayman. Scuba divers must pay a fee to dive here; the fees are used for the upkeep of the wreck and surrounding natural reefs.