Nancy’s Cup of Tea - Cayman Brac

We love Putahataha for a relaxed dive in the Bay of Islands, especially when the weather is playing up. The island offers a sheltered side, perfect for a gentle drift along the rocky, kelp-fringed reef. You start shallow, around 10 meters, before the reef gradually slopes down to 17 meters as you round the island. The main draw here is a fantastic underwater cavern. It’s about 5 meters wide at the entrance, and inside, the light shifts beautifully, giving everything a muted, ethereal feel. We've seen some impressive snapper here, often a little curious, which is a real testament to the local *rahui*. Keep an eye out for mottled and yellow morays peeking from the rocks. There are also plenty of packhorse crayfish tucked away, and if you’re patient, you might spot a Greenbone or a banded morwong gliding past. Visibility averages around 12 meters, so it’s never a super wide vista, but it’s usually clear enough to enjoy the details. This site is brilliant for divers who appreciate a quiet, unhurried exploration and want to experience the benefits of local conservation efforts firsthand.

Location
Cayman Brac, Cayman Islands, Caribbean
Coordinates
19.656300, -80.089500
Type
cave

Marine Protected Area: Preston Bay - Main Channel MP (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 Nancy’s Cup of Tea

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 Nancy’s Cup of Tea

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 Nancy's Cup of Tea?
The Nancy's Cup of Tea dive site offers a maximum depth of 25 meters, making it suitable for a wide range of recreational divers. As part of the famous Bloody Bay Wall, divers can explore various depths along the wall and around the coral pinnacle. This allows for flexible dive profiles depending on your certification and interests.
What kind of marine life and coral can divers expect to see at Nancy's Cup of Tea dive site?
At Nancy's Cup of Tea, divers can expect to encounter a vibrant coral pinnacle teeming with life. Special highlights include impressive lobsters over a foot long, numerous other fascinating critters, and the unique lettuce leaf sea slugs. Keep an eye out for reef sharks patrolling the area, adding an exciting element to your dive and offering great opportunities for wildlife spotting.
How difficult is the Nancy's Cup of Tea dive site, and is it suitable for beginners?
The Nancy's Cup of Tea dive site is rated as intermediate difficulty. While it is suitable for both diving and snorkeling, beginners should ideally have some prior experience or dive with an experienced guide. Its features along the Bloody Bay Wall offer an engaging experience for divers comfortable with moderate conditions.
What is the best time of year to dive at Nancy's Cup of Tea for optimal conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive at Nancy's Cup of Tea for optimal conditions. However, the Cayman Islands generally offer excellent diving year-round. For general information on seasonal conditions in the region, please consult our When to Dive guide.
What scuba diving certifications are required or recommended to dive at Nancy's Cup of Tea?
Given the maximum depth of 25 meters and its intermediate difficulty rating, an Open Water Diver certification is generally sufficient for Nancy's Cup of Tea. However, for enhanced comfort and to fully explore the site's features, an Advanced Open Water Diver certification is highly recommended. This will allow you to confidently navigate the wall and enjoy the full depth range.
What are the typical current and visibility conditions at Nancy's Cup of Tea?
Divers at Nancy's Cup of Tea can typically expect excellent visibility, averaging around 21 meters. This allows for clear views of the coral pinnacle and abundant marine life. The provided data does not specify typical current conditions for this site.