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Location: George Town.
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This is one of twin popular sites that lie in close proximity to each
other (the other being Eden Rock) and is easily accessible from the Eden
Rock Diving Center. Directly offshore and an easy swim or snorkel away.
Located on the south side of Hog Sty Bay (George Town harbor), it is
also not far from town. The coral heads are located in fairly shallow
water, making the site highly popular and frequently crowded with divers
and snorkelers alike. Since the attraction of the site is its amazing
labyrinth of tunnels, they appear in the drawing in a cutaway view to
show them in all their intricacy. Although Eden Rock and Devil's Grotto
are separated only by a sand gully, we recommend diving each site
separately in order to see as much as possible, yet the two dives can be
done one after the other since they are relatively shallow.
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Enter the water near the Eden Rock Dive Shop where your
equipment can be readied and you can simply walk into the water. You can
conserve air by snorkeling out to the dive site since it's only a 140m
(150yards) swim from shore to the buoys that mark the site, protecting
divers below from speedboats and water-skiers. These buoys are visible
from the shore and are clearly apparent in the aerial photograph. The
sea floor is sandy and covered with small coral outcrops, rocks and
sea-fans until you reach the large coral heads. The rocks become more
and more frequent until they form a mini-wall. Past this the sea floor
is sandy, but level and cleaner.
As you approach the sand gully (A), turn left (south) to Devil's Grotto.
Light penetrates some of the caves from above while others are
completely dark, so we recommend bringing along a flashlight.
The best camera prey here is Glassy Sweepers who love the darkness of
the tunnels. This is an excellent site to photograph these and other
nocturnal fish and a night dive by flashlight is highly recommended.
This is a favorite tarpon haunt in the springtime, although there are
always few around throughout the year. Take your time in the grottos and
don't try to cover everything in a few minutes. Don't forget to explore
the outside of the coral heads also. If you become confused and lose
your sense of direction in the caves, remember that as a rule, they run
lengthwise from the shore. Don't try to swim up and out – just follow
the cave to its end and you'll be able to find your bearings.
The D-Log with interactive divers guide to diving in The Cayman Islands
is available at Eden Rock diving Center.
Other Dive Guides are available at
www.dlog.com
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