kittiwake dive operators

Since the sinking in 2011, the Kittiwake has become home to a diverse range of marine life. No detail has been over looked to guarantee a perfect dive charter. Participate in over 500 dive topic forums and browse from over 5,500,000 posts. 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. Diving the USS Kittiwake wreck is a spectacular experience as the wreck has managed to remain pretty much intact. Designed as a submarine supply ship, the USS Kittiwake was built in Savannah, Georgia, USA. Come and explore this amazing historical wreck dive today! 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 1950's she was stationed in the Atlantic and served "silent service" ships. 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 . See more ideas about Cayman, Cayman islands, Grand cayman. 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. The bridge personnel saw the submarine approaching and ordered an increase in speed to avoid the collision. People who are not certified to dive are able to experience the Kittiwake through our PADI Discover Scuba Diving program. ScubaBoard.com is the world's largest scuba diving online community. We have custom design these vessels to be the perfect dive platform for you. Date of experience: December 2016 Ask AfricaEddie about Kittiwake Shipwreck & Artificial Reef This 251 foot long, ex-submarine rescue vessel is perfect for divers of all skill levels. 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. All operators that visit the wreck are licensed and the marine park fee is included in the cost of the trip. Graceful Barracuda from iDive Global on Vimeo.. Not only is the ship itself fascinating, as an artificial reef it is teeming with fish. Retail Dive Shops Divers Supply. Prepare to be blown away! One notable example was when Kittiwake assisted the USS George Washington during the first successful firing of a Polaris missile … Kittiwake chicks instinctively know to stay still so they don’t fall from their cliff-side nests. Sitting in just 60ft of water, the Kittiwake shipwreck is one of Cayman’s most impressive dive sites. Deep Blue Divers is one of the best scuba diving and scuba certification establishments in Grand Cayman. 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. Tel; (345) 916 1293 Kittiwake accompanied submarines during sea trials and maneuvers where its crew would monitor dive operations and practice underwater-rescue procedures. According to the Kittiwake's website, these operators will do a 2 tank dive in the am. To experience the USS Kittiwake you do not need any special training. This 251 foot long, ex-submarine rescue vessel is perfect for divers of all skill levels. Retail Dive Shops Divers Supply. Once used as an old submarine rescue ship, it was purposefully sunk in 2011 and is now home to an abundance of marine life. In late 1965 the Kittiwake assisted in the recovery of a German submarine (S-171). George Town, Grand Cayman The cost of the fee is $8.00 for Scuba Divers and $4.00 for Snorkelers. Ocean Frontiers is a licensed operator. 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. This is a ex-US Navy vessel that was purposely sunk off of Seven Mile Beach for our island to dive at. Visibility was about 90 ft and the coral was incredible. Did a 2 Tank dive with Don Foster's in Grand Cayman on March 21, 2013. The Kittiwake can now be found on its side at the top of the world famous underwater wall that surrounds Grand Cayman. 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. 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. Those who want to visit the Kittiwake are asked to only use licenced operators. 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. In 1984 the Kittiwake collided with the the attack submarine USS Bergall. It was an excursion off the Carnival Conquest. The best dive operators Grand Cayman can be found here. 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. 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. Only licensed operators are allowed to enter, and fees go towards maintaining and protecting the wreck. 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 USS Kittiwake is Grand Cayman’s most impressive wreck and is often regarded as a “must do” for divers and snorkelers visiting the island. With year round diving conditions, this site is … Dive Operators There are tons of dive operators and snorkeling tours that will take you to the Kittiwake Wreck in Grand Cayman. 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. Cayman Islands Newest Dive Attraction, Kittwake Sunk Off Seven Mile Beach January 10, 2011. With year round diving conditions, this site is … 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. Divers and Snorkelers visiting the Kittiwake site are required to pay the following entry fees, and must use a licensed dive/snorkel operator. 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. All scuba divers visiting the Kittiwake are required to wear the medallion on their BCD and all dive vessels are required to be licensed. It launched on July 10th, 1945 and was assigned to support and rescue duty with Submarine Squadron 6. 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. Our most popular dive is at the Kittiwake. First, her history. According to the Kittiwake's website, these operators will do a 2 tank dive in the am. 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. 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. Only licensed operators are allowed to enter, and fees go towards maintaining and protecting the wreck. Dive Operators . Divers and Snorkelers visiting the Kittiwake site are required to pay the following entry fees, and must use a licensed dive/snorkel operator. After shakedown, Kittiwake departed Charleston, South Carolina, 3 October for Balboa, Canal Zone, arriving 8 October.. Given its proximity to the surface, the Kittiwake makes a great snorkel site too. To find Ocean Frontiers Dive Shop 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. The cost of the fee is $8.00 for Scuba Divers and $4.00 for Snorkelers. Snorkelers are welcome on the boat for any of our trips subject to there being space. The Kittiwake is a pristine wreck dive, situated in a marine park that is protected under law in Cayman. 1st Rate Dive Operator. The fascinating story of this 251’ vessel continues to evolve. 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. Assigned to support and … Diving at the wreck is open to all levels of dive experience. Scuba Divers and snorkelers are given yellow plastic tokens to carry as tickets to dive the Kittiwake. Voted top dive operator in Grand Cayman, Deep Blue Divers has over 75 years combined underwater experience. The ship is a few hundred metres off the beach and dive operators offer tourists the chance to dive through the ruins. This is a great dive operator, highly recommended. Cayman Islands 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. People who are not certified to dive are able to experience the Kittiwake through our PADI Discover Scuba Diving program. Learn more. tel: (345) 916 1293 ... the USS Kittiwake, or world-famous dive site Stingray City! 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. Recently a new tenant has taken up residence on the massive shipwreck — a great barracuda. To visit the Kittiwake your must use a CITA licensed dive/snorkel operator. 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. Deep Blue Divers: Kittiwake Dive (Carnival Cruise) - See 656 traveler reviews, 238 candid photos, and great deals for Grand Cayman, at Tripadvisor. SCUBA Diving. During the 1960's she continued to support submarines in Rota, Spain, and Greece. Just recently it was in the spotlight again when hurricane Nate passed by leaving a trail of destruction throughout the Caribbean. Communicate privately with other divers from around the world. 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. Kittiwake is well worth the dive. Ask for crew for your medallion as a keepsake of your dive. This is a ex-US Navy vessel that was purposely sunk off of Seven Mile Beach for our island to dive at. Deep Blue Divers Ltd 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. You can swim in and out of a lot of the the wreck safely without needing technical diving skills or equipment. Voted top dive operator in Grand Cayman, Deep Blue Divers has over 75 years combined underwater experience. 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. 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. Construction and commissioning. They took us to Eagle's nest reef and Wildlife reef. I have dove the Kittiwake a couple times and it continues to be an amazing wreck dive. The Cayman Islands Tourism Association (CITA) is aware of the after-effects of this week’s Tropical Storm Nate on The Kittiwake dive site. In July 2010 she was sunk off the west coast of Grand Cayman and became an artificial reef. 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. 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. tel: (345) 916 1293 ... the USS Kittiwake, or world-famous dive site Stingray City! Scuba Divers: US$10.00 / CI$8.00 per day The best dive operators Grand Cayman can be found here. Jul 24, 2018 - Explore Magnificent Blue Water's board "MARINE • USS Kittiwake, Cayman Island", followed by 534 people on Pinterest. In the time that the wreck has been open for exploration it has enjoyed fame around the world as a premiere dive site. 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. Deep Blue Divers is one of the best scuba diving and scuba certification establishments in Grand Cayman. 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. This is very popular with our guests, since it offers a unique … 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. Our concierge service is more than happy to help you choose which will be best for you! There are tons of dive operators and snorkeling tours that will take you to the Kittiwake Wreck in Grand Cayman. 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. There are several operators who can organise trips to dive or snorkel the Kittiwake. Our most popular dive is at the Kittiwake. Our concierge service is more than … As there is a significant amount of boat and jet ski traffic around the Kittiwake site, swiming from shore is prohibited. The sight of the Kittiwake resting next to the reef in the white Caribbean sand surrounded by crystal clear blue water is truly phenomenal. PO Box 11369 Ask for crew for your medallion as a keepsake of your dive. 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. It's unusual because there is almost no silt. 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. 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. For a list of licenced operators click here. Deep Blue Divers: Kittiwake Dive (Carnival Cruise) - See 656 traveler reviews, 238 candid photos, and great deals for Grand Cayman, at Tripadvisor. This resulted in the stern of the Kittiwake hitting the Bergall's sonar dome. Support Divetech by buying photo prints! The USS Kittiwake was decommissioned on September 30, 1994 and then purchased by the Cayman Islands government in 2004. The Kittiwake is a designated Marine Park and is only accessible by licensed CITA watersports operators such as Divers Down. 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. 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. Learn more. Let our trainer, experienced and friendly crew take you on an unforgettable private drive charter. Come explore this simple and safe wreck guided by the Deep Blue team! In July of 1960 the USS Kittiwake stood ready to assist the George Washington, which launched the first successful Polaris ballistic missiles. The cause was a miss-wired main drive which caused it to operate in the opposite direction than expected. 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. Also, I wanted to show the Kittiwake as a great wreck dive for beginner scuba divers. This is very popular with our guests, since it offers a unique … 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. Grand Cayman The Kittiwake now sits in 75’ of water with the shallowest part of the wreck just 27’ below the surface. What's Included: Boat Trip, Air Tank, Guide, Towel, Drinking Water, Lead Weights, Belt, Kittiwakes are the only gull-like bird in the world to make cliff dwellings. 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