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DNS Diving — Grand Cayman

The wreck

A Navy rescue ship, now an artificial reef

The 251-foot USS Kittiwake served as a U.S. Navy submarine-rescue vessel before being intentionally sunk off Grand Cayman in 2011. Today, its decks, open passageways, and surrounding reef create one of the island's most memorable dives.

She was decommissioned in 1994 and now rests off the West Side, near Seven Mile Beach, working as an artificial reef and one of Grand Cayman's best-known dive sites.

Maximum depth is approximately 70 feet, with much of the wreck considerably shallower and accessible at different levels.

Locally owned & operated in Grand Cayman since 2009

Who it suits

Explore it your way

The Kittiwake is best suited to Advanced divers, although experienced Open Water divers may be able to join after DNS reviews their recent diving experience and comfort in the water.

Stay outside and take in the full scale of the ship, move across the decks, or follow your guide through selected open passageways. The route is adjusted to the group's experience and comfort.

Many sections offer wide, clearly defined swim-throughs with visible exits. Your guide will choose the route according to certification, experience, buoyancy, conditions, and individual comfort.

There is plenty to explore without entering the wreck. Divers who are comfortable and suitably experienced may follow the guide through selected open passageways, while others can remain outside and explore the decks, structure, and marine life. Entering any overhead environment always requires appropriate buoyancy control, supervision, and judgment — it is never something we treat as automatic.

The wheelhouse — one of the open, well-lit spaces with clear exits, dived only when the guide judges it right for the group.

How to dive it with DNS

Two ways to fit it into your trip

The Kittiwake can often be included as one dive on a two-tank outing, or arranged as a separate afternoon one-tank trip. Availability depends on the day's schedule, conditions, and diver experience.

As part of a two-tank morning

$155

One dive may be the Kittiwake, with the second normally another West Side reef or wall site. Site choice depends on conditions, scheduling, diver experience and availability.

As a separate afternoon dive

$115

A one-tank afternoon trip, offered when scheduling and conditions allow. Useful if you specifically want the wreck, or want to add it to another dive day.

Standard diving prices apply — there is no separate Kittiwake surcharge. The multi-day rate applies only under the existing five-day rule, on the multi-day diving page. See all diving prices

Pairing it with a wall or reef dive

A Kittiwake outing may be paired with another West Side reef or wall dive. The nearby Sand Chutes area offers dramatic wall scenery and can make an excellent second site when conditions and scheduling allow.

Marine life

Jacks, barracuda, and the occasional eagle ray

Schools of horse-eye jacks are a frequent highlight around the wreck, along with barracuda, groupers, turtles, reef fish, and the occasional eagle ray.

Coral and sponge growth continues to develop across the structure, so the wreck looks a little different each season.

Marine life is wild and moves on its own schedule — we can tell you what's been around lately, but we can never promise a particular animal on a particular dive.

Included

What comes with the trip

  • Air tanks and weights
  • Water and homemade snacks where applicable
  • Valet-style gear assistance
  • Complimentary pickup for confirmed bookings within the established pickup zone
  • Dive lights when needed
  • Standard DNS service and guided planning

Optional extras

  • Nitrox — $20 per tank
  • Rental equipment if you need it
  • Photography when separately arranged

Planning & expectations

How we'll plan your dive

Tell us your certification level, recent diving experience, and whether you prefer an exterior tour or selected swim-throughs. We'll plan the dive around the group, conditions, and your comfort.

  • We'll review your certification level and recent diving experience
  • The route depends on conditions and diver comfort on the day
  • Advanced certification is preferred
  • Experienced Open Water divers may be considered after review
  • No diver is ever required to enter the wreck
  • Overhead passages are used only when appropriate for the group
  • Final site and route decisions belong to the DNS captain and dive professional

Questions

Kittiwake FAQ

Is the Kittiwake suitable for Open Water divers?
Advanced certification is preferred. Experienced Open Water divers may be accepted after DNS reviews their recent experience, comfort, and the day's conditions.
How deep is the Kittiwake?
The deepest portions are approximately 70 feet, with much of the structure shallower.
Do I have to enter the wreck?
No. The exterior, decks, and surrounding marine life make an excellent dive without entering any passageways.
Can it be included in a two-tank trip?
Yes, depending on scheduling, availability, conditions, and diver experience.
Can I book it as one afternoon dive?
Yes, DNS may offer a separate afternoon one-tank Kittiwake trip when scheduling and conditions allow.
Is there a special Kittiwake price?
Normal one-tank or two-tank diving prices apply, depending on how the trip is arranged.
What marine life might I see?
Horse-eye jacks are a common highlight, along with barracuda, groupers, turtles, reef fish, and occasional eagle rays. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.
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