MV Captain Keith Tibbetts (Wreck) - Cayman Brac

Punta Sur’s Devil’s Throat is where Cozumel really earns its stripes, a proper adventure dive for those with a few logs in their book. We’re talking about a narrow, downward-sloping cavern that starts around 27 meters and spits you out much deeper. The entry itself is a squeeze, and then you’re navigating tight passages, feeling the rock close around you before it opens into a truly grand cathedral-like space. That moment when you emerge into the light, often with a school of fusiliers swirling past, is pure magic. Visibility here is usually excellent, around 27 meters, which is a blessing because you want to see every detail of those reef sharks and eagle rays that often cruise by the cavern’s exit. While you’ll spot plenty of Goldspot Gobies and Sharpnose Pufferfish tucked away, the real draw is the geology and the thrill of the journey. It's not a relaxed drift, so save this one for when you’re comfortable with your buoyancy and ready for a serious current.

Location
Cayman Brac, Cayman Islands, Caribbean
Coordinates
19.694900, -79.884900
Type
cave

Marine Protected Area: Scotts Anchorage - White Bay (Cayman Brac)

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 MV Captain Keith Tibbetts (Wreck)

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 MV Captain Keith Tibbetts (Wreck)

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 are the typical depths for diving the MV Captain Keith Tibbetts wreck?
The MV Captain Keith Tibbetts wreck offers diving to a maximum depth of 25 meters. This makes it an accessible dive for many certified divers looking to explore this impressive artificial reef.
What kind of marine life and wreck features can divers expect to see on the MV Captain Keith Tibbetts?
Divers exploring the MV Captain Keith Tibbetts can expect to encounter a 330-foot-long Koni II class frigate, originally built for the Cuban Navy in 1984 and sunk in 1996. This artificial reef is now home to a vibrant array of marine life, including nurse and reef sharks, possible eagle rays, and turtles. You'll also spot numerous fish species such as snapper, angelfish, grunts, and grouper, alongside anemones. For more on marine species, visit our wildlife database.
How challenging is the MV Captain Keith Tibbetts wreck dive, and is it suitable for all skill levels?
The MV Captain Keith Tibbetts wreck dive is rated as intermediate in difficulty. While not suitable for absolute beginners, divers with some experience will find it a rewarding and engaging site to explore.
When is the best time of year to dive the MV Captain Keith Tibbetts wreck for optimal conditions?
Information regarding the best time of year to dive the MV Captain Keith Tibbetts wreck for optimal conditions is not provided in the available data. For general guidance on diving seasons and conditions, you can consult our when to dive guide.
What dive certifications are recommended or required to explore the MV Captain Keith Tibbetts wreck, especially for penetration?
While the MV Captain Keith Tibbetts wreck dive is rated as intermediate, exploring its interior (penetration) would typically require specialized wreck diving certifications. Divers should ensure they have appropriate training and experience before attempting any form of wreck penetration.
What are the typical currents, visibility, and water temperatures at the MV Captain Keith Tibbetts dive site?
Divers at the MV Captain Keith Tibbetts wreck can expect excellent average visibility of 26 meters. However, specific information regarding typical currents and water temperatures for this dive site is not provided in the available data.