Big Eyes Lair - Bay of Islands

Devil’s Grotto North is one of our favourite dive sites when we’re in Grand Cayman, especially if you’re looking for something a bit different from the standard reef drift. We love the dramatic topography here, a real maze of huge coral heads sculpted with swim-throughs and chimneys. Sunlight shafts pierce the gloom, illuminating the schools of silversides that often pack the grottoes so densely you can barely see through them. It’s an immersive experience, feeling the cooler water as you duck under an archway, then emerging into the brighter open water again. Keep an eye out for the smaller critters tucked into crevices – we’ve often spotted roughhead blennies and the shy brotula here. Tarpon lurk in the shadows, unperturbed by divers. While it’s often touted for beginners, we think experienced divers will appreciate the intricate layout and the chance for some fantastic light play photography. Maximum depth is around 15 metres, so you get plenty of bottom time to explore. We’d suggest going in the morning before it gets too busy.

Location

Bay of Islands, New Zealand, Australasia

Coordinates

-35.181800, 174.316200

Type

cave

Marine Protected Area: Oke Bay