Kittiwake Shipwreck Attraction

Are you looking for a spot to snorkel? Do you like to suba dive? The Kittiwake Shipwreck attraction is just for you. This manmade reef is brand new to the island. THe ex-USS Kittiwake was a Submarine Rescue vessel (ASR-13) and part of the 6th Submarine squadron home ported in Norfork, VA. After serving for 54 years, the US Navy laid it up. An invitation was issued to both US and international applicants to apply for the donation of the ship for the purposes of artificial reefing. After the Cayman Islands were awarded the ship and began cleaning the ship and making it safe for scuba divers and snorkelers alike. The Kittiwake is the cleanest wreck ever to be sunk as an artificial reef.

*Photo courtesy of Alex Mustard

This 251 foot long ship, weighing 1800 tons, was sunk at the northern end of Seven Mile Beach in West Bay in just 60 seconds. The Kittiwake rests 64 feet deep at the bottom, but only 15 from the surface, making it ideal for both divers and snorkelers.

You can snorkel overhead and see the main decks and topography of the ship, along with the beautiful fish and marine life that surrounds it. Since the Kittiwake Ship is a private park and attraction managed by the Cayman Islands Tourism Association, there is a small entry fee. It costs CI$8/day for to scuba dive or CI$4/day to snorkel. For more information on this once in a lifetime attraction, visit http://www.kittiwakecayman.com/.

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