Lighthouse Reef - Cayman Brac - Cayman Brac

Ochi Mokoko is a gentle slope, just a short boat ride from Nabucco Spice Island, that eases down to a sandy plateau around 20 metres. We often find it a relaxing dive, well-suited for a checkout dive or for newer divers getting comfortable with their buoyancy. Look closely in the staghorn coral for the tiny blackbelly pygmygobies, they're surprisingly charismatic. We’ve seen giant pufferfish gliding over the sand and filefish picking their way through the reef, along with the occasional blacktip reef shark cruising by. Visibility averages a decent 18 metres, making it easy to spot the scorpionfish blending into the reef.

Location
Cayman Brac, Cayman Islands, Caribbean
Coordinates
19.682100, -79.886900
Type
reef

Marine Protected Area: Cayman Brac East

Best Time to Dive in Cayman Brac

The warmest water temperatures in Cayman Brac occur in September, averaging 30.5°C. The coolest conditions are in February at 27.1°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 27.4°C
  • February: 27.1°C
  • March: 27.2°C
  • April: 27.9°C
  • May: 28.8°C
  • June: 29.3°C
  • July: 30.0°C
  • August: 30.4°C
  • September: 30.5°C
  • October: 30.1°C
  • November: 29.0°C
  • December: 28.0°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Cayman Brac

Nearest Dive Centres to Lighthouse Reef - Cayman Brac

Marine Life in Cayman Brac

Home to 141 recorded species including 111 reef fish, 23 hard corals, 2 whales & dolphins, 2 other, 1 sea snails & nudibranchs, 1 seagrass & algae.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Lighthouse Reef - Cayman Brac

Based on average water temperature of 28.8°C, currents 6 cm/s.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 29°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical depth range for diving at Lighthouse Reef in Cayman Brac?
Diving at Lighthouse Reef in Cayman Brac offers a diverse depth range. The top of the reef is approximately 20 feet, extending down to the sand at about 45-50 feet. The maximum depth for this site is 18 meters (around 60 feet), providing a good range for exploration.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Lighthouse Reef, Cayman Brac?
Divers exploring Lighthouse Reef in Cayman Brac can expect to encounter an inner reef system featuring multiple exciting swim-throughs. The site is home to standard reef fish such as parrot fish, wrasse, and butterfly fish. Keep an eye out for lobsters and the occasional Nurse shark, often found tucked away under the overhangs, adding to the vibrant marine life experience.
How challenging is the Lighthouse Reef dive site in Cayman Brac for different skill levels?
The Lighthouse Reef dive site in Cayman Brac is classified as an intermediate difficulty dive. Its inner reef features multiple swim-throughs, which require good buoyancy control and comfort in enclosed spaces. While not overly challenging, it is best suited for divers with some experience.
When is the best time of year to dive Lighthouse Reef in Cayman Brac for optimal conditions?
Unfortunately, the provided data context for Lighthouse Reef in Cayman Brac does not specify the best time of year for optimal diving conditions. For general information on seasonal diving, please refer to our When to Dive guide.
What scuba diving certifications are recommended or required to dive Lighthouse Reef in Cayman Brac, especially considering its swim-throughs?
Given that Lighthouse Reef is an intermediate dive site and features multiple swim-throughs, an Open Water Diver certification is generally sufficient. However, for enhanced comfort and skill in navigating swim-throughs, an Advanced Open Water Diver certification or specialized training in buoyancy control is highly recommended. Always ensure your equipment is suitable for reef diving.
What are the typical current and visibility conditions at Lighthouse Reef in Cayman Brac?
Divers at Lighthouse Reef in Cayman Brac can typically expect excellent visibility. The average visibility at this site is a remarkable 24 meters (approximately 80 feet). Information regarding typical current conditions for this specific site was not provided in the available data.