Bear’s Paw - Grand Cayman

Dale Point. This is one of those Fiordland spots where you just drop in and feel the place wrap around you. We love a wall dive, and here it’s an absolute stunner, plunging down to 21 meters, thick with those ancient black corals. They’re everywhere, some branching like skeletal trees, others just a solid mass, draped in yellow zoanthids that look like someone splashed luminous paint all over the place. Visibility averages 11 meters, which in Fiordland terms, is perfectly good for soaking in the details. Keep an eye out for the smaller stuff; we’ve spotted Swarming Squat Lobsters clinging to the black coral branches and nudibranchs grazing the walls. Butterfly perch drift in schools, and you’ll inevitably find kina (sea urchins) and Red Rock Lobsters tucked into crevices. It’s a site that really shows off the density of life in the fiords, suiting divers who appreciate a slow, deliberate exploration of a vibrant temperate reef.

Location
Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands, Caribbean
Coordinates
19.397900, -81.360200
Type
reef

Marine Protected Area: Head of Barkers - Flats (Grand Cayman)

Best Time to Dive in Grand Cayman

The warmest water temperatures in Grand Cayman occur in September, averaging 30.4°C. The coolest conditions are in February at 26.9°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 27.3°C
  • February: 26.9°C
  • March: 27.0°C
  • April: 27.7°C
  • May: 28.7°C
  • June: 29.2°C
  • July: 29.8°C
  • August: 30.3°C
  • September: 30.4°C
  • October: 30.0°C
  • November: 29.0°C
  • December: 28.0°C

Nearby Dive Sites in Grand Cayman

Nearest Dive Centres to Bear’s Paw

Marine Life in Grand Cayman

Home to 332 recorded species including 276 reef fish, 30 hard corals, 5 other, 5 seagrass & algae, 4 whales & dolphins, 4 sharks & rays.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Bear’s Paw

Based on average water temperature of 28.7°C, currents 9 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 maximum depth for diving at Bear's Paw dive site in Grand Cayman?
The maximum depth for diving at Bear's Paw in Grand Cayman is 18 meters. This makes it a great spot for divers looking to explore a relatively shallow reef system.
What kind of marine life and underwater topography can divers expect to see at Bear's Paw?
Divers at Bear's Paw can expect to explore a fascinating reef environment featuring a unique mini wall. This topography includes an outcrop that, with a bit of imagination, resembles a bear's paw. Keep an eye out for vibrant marine life such as trumpet fish, puffer fish, and potentially even lionfish camouflaged within the mini-wall.
What is the difficulty level for diving at Bear's Paw, and is it suitable for intermediate divers?
The difficulty level for diving at Bear's Paw is classified as intermediate. This makes it an excellent and suitable dive site for intermediate divers looking for an engaging underwater experience.
What are the best months or time of year to dive at Bear's Paw in Grand Cayman?
Unfortunately, the provided data does not specify the best months or time of year to dive at Bear's Paw in Grand Cayman. For general information on optimal diving seasons in the region, you might consult our When to Dive guide.
What scuba diving certifications are recommended or required to dive at Bear's Paw?
The provided information does not specify any recommended or required scuba diving certifications for Bear's Paw. Given its intermediate difficulty and maximum depth of 18m, an Open Water Diver certification is generally sufficient for similar sites, but it's always best to confirm with a local dive operator.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility at Bear's Paw dive site?
Divers at Bear's Paw can typically expect excellent underwater visibility, averaging around 23 meters. The provided data does not, however, include specific details about the typical current conditions at this dive site.