kittiwake dive operators

To experience the USS Kittiwake you do not need any special training. This resulted in the stern of the Kittiwake hitting the Bergall's sonar dome. Kittiwake accompanied submarines during sea trials and maneuvers where its crew would monitor dive operations and practice underwater-rescue procedures. Ask for crew for your medallion as a keepsake of your dive. The ship is a few hundred metres off the beach and dive operators offer tourists the chance to dive through the ruins. Kittiwake is well worth the dive. Retail Dive Shops Divers Supply. The Kittiwake can now be found on its side at the top of the world famous underwater wall that surrounds Grand Cayman. Voted top dive operator in Grand Cayman, Deep Blue Divers has over 75 years combined underwater experience. Deep Blue Divers is one of the best scuba diving and scuba certification establishments in Grand Cayman. The fascinating story of this 251’ vessel continues to evolve. Snorkelers are welcome  on the boat for any of our trips subject to there being space. Support Divetech by buying photo prints! We have custom design these vessels to be the perfect dive platform for you. During the 1960's she continued to support submarines in Rota, Spain, and Greece. Since 2000, ScubaBoard has been the place to go for internet based discussions related to all things Scuba. Recently a new tenant has taken up residence on the massive shipwreck — a great barracuda. The Kittiwake is a source of pride for Divemasters (DMs) on the island, as many consider the wreck to be a highlight of their diving adventures. Why was Scuba Diving the Kittiwake on my bucket list? In July 2010 she was sunk off the west coast of Grand Cayman and became an artificial reef. This 251 foot long, ex-submarine rescue vessel is perfect for divers of all skill levels. Scuba Divers and snorkelers are given yellow plastic tokens to carry as tickets to dive the Kittiwake. Since the sinking in 2011, the Kittiwake has become home to a diverse range of marine life. Jul 24, 2018 - Explore Magnificent Blue Water's board "MARINE • USS Kittiwake, Cayman Island", followed by 534 people on Pinterest. Ask for crew for your medallion as a keepsake of your dive. All kinds of cool critters can be found living in the structure from macro life like peppermint shrimp, fire worms, arrow head crabs and banded coral shrimp to larger than life creatures like barracuda, schools of horse eyed jacks, turtles and even a semi resident goliath grouper. To visit the Kittiwake your must use a CITA licensed dive/snorkel operator. All divers and snorkelers must display their entrance fee BCD tag (for divers) or wristband (for snorkelers) which is issued to all passengers prior to jumping in. Cayman Diving Guide; Dive Operators; Wall Diving; Reef Diving; Shipwreck Diving; USS Kittiwake Diving; Shore Diving; Night Diving; Stingray City; Dive News; Dive Site Map; Dive Equipment and Rental; Fish ID Card; Underwater Webcam; Dining. info@deepbluediverscayman.com, 251 feet long with a 42 foot beam making it one of the largest shipwreck attractions anywhere, Five open decks for access into the wreck (wreck diving specialty required), 5 mooring balls from the bow to the stern of the ship providing space for multiple boats. Designed as a submarine supply ship, the USS Kittiwake was built in Savannah, Georgia, USA. Deep Blue Divers is proud to be one of the few dive operators licensed to use Grand Cayman's newest water sports attraction, the USS Kittiwake, which opened January 6th 2011. Kittiwake was launched 10 July 1945, by Savannah Machine & Foundry Co., Savannah, Georgia; sponsored by Mrs. Howard S. Rue, Jr.; and commissioned 18 July 1946, Lt. L. H. Collier in command.. Service history. The Kittiwake is situated in a Marine Park that is protected under law in Cayman, with no touching or taking of anything, no gloves allowed and no fishing allowed on the wreck/Kittiwake site. The best dive operators Grand Cayman can be found here. Those who want to visit the Kittiwake are asked to only use licenced operators. Also, I wanted to show the Kittiwake as a great wreck dive for beginner scuba divers. Deep Blue Divers: Kittiwake Dive (Carnival Cruise) - See 656 traveler reviews, 238 candid photos, and great deals for Grand Cayman, at Tripadvisor. Divers and Snorkelers visiting the Kittiwake site are required to pay the following entry fees, and must use a licensed dive/snorkel operator. The association is advising scuba dive operators to ensure their staff dive the site first, without customers, to get used to the new layout before guiding visitors. You don’t need to be wreck certified to dive the Kittiwake but if you’d like to get that training while you’re here then just let us know. There are all sorts of cool things to find on the wreck including her name across the stern, the propeller & rudder, mirrors that still hang in the bathroom, diving bell, recompression chambers, water cannon, smoke stack, steering wheel, compass and so much more. The best dive operators Grand Cayman can be found here. A very cool dive site, the best way to see it is by scuba, but it is in shallow enough water that it makes a great snorkel destination as well. In 1984 the Kittiwake collided with the the attack submarine USS Bergall. We ask that if you see a non-licenced vessel/individual at the Kittiwake you report it to the Cayman Islands Tourism Association (CITA): (345) 949 8522 or Kittiwake@cita.ky . One notable example was when Kittiwake assisted the USS George Washington during the first successful firing of a Polaris missile … There are tons of dive operators and snorkeling tours that will take you to the Kittiwake Wreck in Grand Cayman. The wreck of the USS Kittiwake and the surrounding area is designated a marine wildlife area dedicated for the use of snorkeling and scuba diving. Ocean Frontiers is a licensed operator. It was an excursion off the Carnival Conquest. The cost of the fee is $8.00 for Scuba Divers and $4.00 for Snorkelers. After shakedown, Kittiwake departed Charleston, South Carolina, 3 October for Balboa, Canal Zone, arriving 8 October.. Voted top dive operator in Grand Cayman, Deep Blue Divers has over 75 years combined underwater experience. ScubaBoard.com is the world's largest scuba diving online community. The cost of the fee is $8.00 for Scuba Divers and $4.00 for Snorkelers. Over the weekend, it was discovered that due to heavy waves and currents, one of Cayman’s beloved dive sites, The Kittiwake artificial wreck and reef was turned on its p ort side and shifted from its resting place. Being sunk in only 65 feet of water, the top of the bridge and smoke stack will be 20 feet from the surface -- perfect for snorkelers,” commented Easterbrook. The Kittiwake will be an interesting attraction, with lots of rooms such as the recompression chamber, air bank storage, engine room and dive locker for divers and snorkelers to explore. I have dove the Kittiwake a couple times and it continues to be an amazing wreck dive. The Kittiwake can now be found on its side at the top of the world famous underwater wall that surrounds Grand Cayman. These briefings often reference the involvement with the Challenger salvage operation and are sometimes punctuated with a story about how she recovered the black box from the wreckage. It's unusual because there is almost no silt. Deep Blue Divers is one of the best scuba diving and scuba certification establishments in Grand Cayman. This is very popular with our guests, since it offers a unique … Learn more. This is a ex-US Navy vessel that was purposely sunk off of Seven Mile Beach for our island to dive at. She was the first US Navy ship intentionally sunk outside of US waters and throughout her naval service, had a storied career as an Auxiliary Submarine Rescue vessel. Although Nate was a good distance away from the Cayman Islands, the storm surge was so powerful it managed to shift the retired naval vessel to where it currently lies. In some instances, the ship would act as a running target or recover practice torpedoes and mines. This is very popular with our guests, since it offers a unique … Diving at the wreck is open to all levels of dive experience. In July of 1960 the USS Kittiwake stood ready to assist the George Washington, which launched the first successful Polaris ballistic missiles. Snorkelers are welcome on the boat for any of our trips subject to there being space. Participate in over 500 dive topic forums and browse from over 5,500,000 posts. Tel; (345) 916 1293 Communicate privately with other divers from around the world. In late 1965 the Kittiwake assisted in the recovery of a German submarine (S-171). Divers and Snorkelers visiting the Kittiwake site are required to pay the following entry fees, and must use a licensed dive/snorkel operator. This 251 foot long, ex-submarine rescue vessel is perfect for divers of all skill levels. SCUBA Diving. KY1-1008, 245 N Church St All divers and snorkelers must display their entrance fee BCD tag (for divers) or wristband (for snorkelers) which is issued to all passengers prior to jumping in. It requires an entrance fee to visit from a licensed operator, with the fees going towards the ongoing maintenance and protection of the wreck, and other natural reefs. With year round diving conditions, this site is … 1st Rate Dive Operator. The garden eels that thrive in the sand surrounding the wreck attract southern stingrays as well as eagle rays so be sure to keep a lookout for those. Construction and commissioning. Scuba Divers: US$10.00 / CI$8.00 per day Whether you have dived the Kittiwake before or want to make your first ever wreck dive, the new angle is guaranteed to deliver an outstanding experience. Ocean Frontiers Dive Shop tel: (345) 916 1293 ... the USS Kittiwake, or world-famous dive site Stingray City! Graceful Barracuda from iDive Global on Vimeo.. Divetech is open for resident business! More than 30 dive operators are doing business throughout Grand Cayman, offering everything from an introductory resort course to technical diving courses and instructor training, as well as trips to the Kittiwake. All scuba divers visiting the Kittiwake are required to wear the medallion on their BCD and all dive vessels are required to be licensed. She then assisted with search and recovery of torpedoes while stationed in Norfolk, Virginia. Guide to the Kittiwake wreck in Grand Cayman - a great dive and snorkelling located on the West side of the island between Seven Mile Beach and West Bay. Did a 2 Tank dive with Don Foster's in Grand Cayman on March 21, 2013. George Town, Grand Cayman The Kittiwake is a designated Marine Park and is only accessible by licensed CITA watersports operators such as Divers Down. The cause was a miss-wired main drive which caused it to operate in the opposite direction than expected. Cayman Islands With year round diving conditions, this site is … To find Just recently it was in the spotlight again when hurricane Nate passed by leaving a trail of destruction throughout the Caribbean. I'd prefer Eden Rock or Divers Down, but Divers Down doesn't do 2 tank dives there in the am, and Eden Rock is by request, and they require 4 divers to do the trip. Date of experience: December 2016 Ask AfricaEddie about Kittiwake Shipwreck & Artificial Reef Both kinds of Kittiwake – the Black-Legged Kittiwake and the Red-Legged Kittiwake - are found in North America, but only the Black-Legged Kittiwake is found in Europe. As there is a significant amount of boat and jet ski traffic around the Kittiwake site, swiming from shore is prohibited. Visibility was about 90 ft and the coral was incredible. The Kittiwake is situated in marine park that is protected under law in Cayman, with no touching or taking of anything, no gloves allowed and no fishing allowed on the wreck/Kittiwake site. She was tugged to the west side of Grand Cayman and sunk to serve as an artificial reef and the final dive site featured in Cayman’s Dive 365 Initiative. The bridge personnel saw the submarine approaching and ordered an increase in speed to avoid the collision. Given its proximity to the surface, the Kittiwake makes a great snorkel site too. Prepare to be blown away! Dive Operators There are tons of dive operators and snorkeling tours that will take you to the Kittiwake Wreck in Grand Cayman. In 2011 the decommissioned ship was successfully situated underwater in an almost perfectly upright position, six years later however, the power of mother nature repositioned the wreck by lying it on its port side. The Kittiwake is a Chanticleer-class submarine rescue ship that served with the 6th Submarine Squadron for 49 years during World War II. In the time that the wreck has been open for exploration it has enjoyed fame around the world as a premiere dive site. Deep Blue Divers: Kittiwake Dive (Carnival Cruise) - See 656 traveler reviews, 238 candid photos, and great deals for Grand Cayman, at Tripadvisor. The Kittiwake is a designated Marine Park and is only accessible by licensed CITA watersports operators such as Divers Down. Our most popular dive is at the Kittiwake. Our concierge service is more than happy to help you choose which will be best for you! Come and explore this amazing historical wreck dive today! Learn about the history of the Kittiwake, find dive operators and snorkel trips for guided tours, view photos, and more from Cayman's best travel guide. Following 50 years of active service in the US navy as a submarine support vessel, the Kittiwake was sunk near Seven Mile Beach to make an artificial reef and playground for divers. The first dive will be a guided dive on the wreck of the Kittiwake, which is then followed by a second dive to a shallow reef or top of the wall site. The wreck of the USS Kittiwake and the surrounding area is designated a marine wildlife area dedicated for the use of snorkeling and scuba diving. The Kittiwake now sits in 75’ of water with the shallowest part of the wreck just 27’ below the surface. Only licensed operators are allowed to enter, and fees go towards maintaining and protecting the wreck. You can swim in and out of a lot of the the wreck safely without needing technical diving skills or equipment. Let our trainer, experienced and friendly crew take you on an unforgettable private drive charter. Divetech offer one and two-tank trips out to the Kittiwake on different days throughout the week. See more ideas about Cayman, Cayman islands, Grand cayman. With such perfect conditions, she’s an ideal location for snorkelers, people diving for the first time and of course those that are fully certified. The sight of the Kittiwake resting next to the reef in the white Caribbean sand surrounded by crystal clear blue water is truly phenomenal. According to the Kittiwake's website, these operators will do a 2 tank dive in the am. tel: (345) 916 1293 ... the USS Kittiwake, or world-famous dive site Stingray City! For a list of licenced operators click here. Tour Operators; Caribbean Dive Home. Once used as an old submarine rescue ship, it was purposefully sunk in 2011 and is now home to an abundance of marine life. We prefer to visit the ship in the afternoon when the area is not so busy and the sun is directly overhead providing the best natural visibility and conditions for photography. Learn more. Our concierge service is more than … Our most popular dive is at the Kittiwake. The Cayman Islands Tourism Association (CITA) is aware of the after-effects of this week’s Tropical Storm Nate on The Kittiwake dive site. Three deafening bangs interrupted the morning silence in the Cayman Islands, as the Valhalla pirate ship gave a three-canon salute to the Kittiwake, as it prepared to sink to the bottom of the ocean. All operators that visit the wreck are licensed and the marine park fee is included in the cost of the trip. Diving the USS Kittiwake wreck is a spectacular experience as the wreck has managed to remain pretty much intact. First, her history. Scuba diving on the USS Kittiwake Wreck is a must when you are diving in the Cayman Islands.The former World War II ship was bought by the Cayman Islands government in 2010 and sunk in Grand Cayman for scuba divers to enjoy. There are several operators who can organise trips to dive or snorkel the Kittiwake. The first dive will be a guided dive on the wreck of the Kittiwake, which is then followed by a second dive to a shallow reef or top of the wall site. For rates on Kittiwake dives please refer to our general Boat Diving page. People who are not certified to dive are able to experience the Kittiwake through our PADI Discover Scuba Diving program. Not only is the ship itself fascinating, as an artificial reef it is teeming with fish. They took us to Eagle's nest reef and Wildlife reef. It launched on July 10th, 1945 and was assigned to support and rescue duty with Submarine Squadron 6. The Kittiwake is a pristine wreck dive, situated in a marine park that is protected under law in Cayman. Kittiwake chicks instinctively know to stay still so they don’t fall from their cliff-side nests. In the 1950's she was stationed in the Atlantic and served "silent service" ships. The USS Kittiwake was decommissioned on September 30, 1994 and then purchased by the Cayman Islands government in 2004. More than 30 dive operators are doing business throughout Grand Cayman, offering everything from an introductory resort course to technical diving courses and instructor training, as well as trips to the Kittiwake. Deep Blue Divers Ltd No detail has been over looked to guarantee a perfect dive charter. I'd prefer Eden Rock or Divers Down, but Divers Down doesn't do 2 tank dives there in the am, and Eden Rock is by request, and they require 4 divers to do the trip. Sitting in just 60ft of water, the Kittiwake shipwreck is one of Cayman’s most impressive dive sites. This is a ex-US Navy vessel that was purposely sunk off of Seven Mile Beach for our island to dive at. The USS Kittiwake is Grand Cayman’s most impressive wreck and is often regarded as a “must do” for divers and snorkelers visiting the island. Retail Dive Shops Divers Supply. PO Box 11369 We operate the newest dive boats in the Cayman islands. Cayman Islands Newest Dive Attraction, Kittwake Sunk Off Seven Mile Beach January 10, 2011. Dive Operators . What's Included: Boat Trip, Air Tank, Guide, Towel, Drinking Water, Lead Weights, Belt, According to the Kittiwake's website, these operators will do a 2 tank dive in the am. Grand Cayman Once aboard the dive boat he commented, “I’ll be curious to see what they left on it and what the government had removed to avoid polluting the water. On the day of the dive Larson checked in with local dive operator Divetech, who had been instrumental in the acquisition and sinking of the Kittiwake. People who are not certified to dive are able to experience the Kittiwake through our PADI Discover Scuba Diving program. Deep Blue Divers is proud to be one of the few dive operators licensed to use Grand Cayman's newest water sports attraction, the USS Kittiwake, which opened January 6th 2011. Kittiwakes are the only gull-like bird in the world to make cliff dwellings. This is a great dive operator, highly recommended. Scuba Divers and snorkelers are given yellow plastic tokens to carry as tickets to dive the Kittiwake. Assigned to support and … Only licensed operators are allowed to enter, and fees go towards maintaining and protecting the wreck. Come explore this simple and safe wreck guided by the Deep Blue team!