North Side

Just got back from a trip to GC. Did 12 shore dives in total. I dove Anchor point as my second shore dive one morning. There is a very narrow dirt road that leads directly to an entrance point (right before Barefoot Beach) where you can park your car. From there is only a 25 yard walk. Booties are advisable but not absolutely necessary. I didn't wear them and was fine but my feet are fairly tough from years of running. There are a few entry points. I chose one off to the left since the leading entrance has some breakers hitting it. The entry and surface swim were definitely not the easiest so be careful. I personally felt that Babylon was a good bit easier (if you use the lesser known of the two entrances). That being said, the dive itself is nothing short of spectacular and one I will certainly not miss when I return. I encountered a new species of shark (tiger perhaps?) right along the wall that I hadn't seen on the west coast dives. It was exhilarating and beautiful all at the same time.

Queens Monument is on the NE side of Grand Cayman. Past Morritts Tortuga Resort on the road to Rum Point. Small side road through the trees where speed limit changes and a monument on the side of the road. Very remote. Best snorkeling I have ever seen. You will be the only one there.

I am not sure what the previous reviewer was talking about (cruise ships on the north side???). It sounds like they were talking about the west side in the Georgetown area. The shore diving sites I am reviewing are McCurly's Wall, Babylon, and Julie's Wall. You can dive all three moving east to west from the same entry point (McCurly's mooring). The wall here is spectacular and the reef is in great shape. The entry can be a bit of a scramble and it is a good little swim out to the mooring balls. However, during the summer months the conditions are quite tame. This is one of the best sites on the island and you can do it at your own leisure. The wall starts at 45 feet! If you have the opportunity to take the drive to this part of the island, don't miss it. Some publications list these sites as east end dives and others list them was north wall sites. Either way, take the drive and you will not be disappointed you did.

Constant grind from the overhead cruise ships, excess cruise ship crowds and the poor condition of the reef make this a low ranker from this shore diving queen. Nice swim-throughs were the only redeeming factor.