Marilyn’s Cut - Cayman Brac

Petrie's Pillar on Klein Bonaire is a site we return to again and again. It’s got that classic Bonaire feel, a gentle slope down to around 20 metres, but what we really love here are the smaller details. Keep your eyes peeled for blennies, especially Spinyheads bobbing from their holes in the coral. We've had great luck spotting Orangespotted Filefish flitting amongst the Yellow Pencil Coral. The name comes from a pillar Captain Don named for a friend, and while the pillar itself is just a memory, the reef keeps giving. The coral is healthy, lots of Great Star Coral, and the light penetration on a sunny day is just beautiful, really making the blues and yellows pop. We’d suggest a morning dive, the light is usually best and you often get a bit less boat traffic. It’s a comfortable drift, good for just soaking it all in. We’ve had a few loggerheads cruise past us here too, always a treat. For divers who enjoy a relaxed pace and appreciate seeking out those smaller, more unique species, Petrie's Pillar is a real standout.

Location
Cayman Brac, Cayman Islands, Caribbean
Coordinates
19.684700, -80.079100
Type
reef

Marine Protected Area: Bloody Bay - Jackson Point (Little Cayman)

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 Marilyn’s Cut

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 Marilyn’s Cut

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 Marilyn's Cut?
Marilyn's Cut is a gorgeous drop-off dive site with a maximum depth of 23 meters. Divers can explore this popular site in the Bloody Bay Marine Park, enjoying its unique features within this depth range.
What kind of marine life and unique features can divers expect to see at Marilyn's Cut?
At Marilyn's Cut, divers can expect to encounter a large swim-through and the famous Sid Vicious, a damselfish with anger issues. The site also boasts typical Caribbean marine life, including nurse and reef sharks, possible eagle rays, turtles, stingrays, and a variety of fish like snapper, angelfish, grunts, parrot fish, and grouper. For more on marine life, visit our wildlife database.
How difficult is the Marilyn's Cut dive site, and what skill level is recommended?
Marilyn's Cut is classified as an intermediate dive site. This means it is suitable for divers who have some experience beyond entry-level certifications. Its features, including a large swim-through, are best enjoyed by those comfortable with slightly more challenging conditions.
What is the best time of year to dive Marilyn's Cut for optimal conditions and visibility?
The provided data indicates that Marilyn's Cut offers excellent average visibility of 26 meters. However, specific information regarding the best time of year for optimal conditions is not available in our current data. For general guidance on seasonal diving, please consult our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are required or recommended for diving Marilyn's Cut, especially considering the swim-through?
Given that Marilyn's Cut is an intermediate dive site and features a large swim-through, it is recommended that divers have at least an Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent experience. While specific certifications aren't listed, comfort with navigation and overhead environments is beneficial for enjoying the swim-through safely.
What are the typical current conditions and water temperatures at Marilyn's Cut?
Our current data for Marilyn's Cut does not specify typical current conditions or water temperatures. Divers planning a trip should consult local dive operators for the most up-to-date information on these environmental factors.