Devil’s Grotto North - Grand Cayman

Igloo is a weird, wonderful little spot off Diani, and we absolutely love it for that. Forget your natural reefs for a minute; this site is all about an abandoned underwater habitat, a concrete dome that looks like it dropped out of a sci-fi movie. We've heard it called an igloo, or even the Death Star, and it really does have that stark, almost alien feel. What makes it special, though, is how nature has completely reclaimed it. The structure itself is a magnet for life, with nooks and crannies absolutely crammed with fusiliers and schooling snapper. At a maximum depth of 18 meters, it’s a chilled-out dive, perfect for a relaxed afternoon. The average visibility hovers around 12 meters, which is plenty to appreciate the details. We often find ourselves circling the main dome, peering into crevices for moray eels – the undulated morays are quite common here. Lionfish are usually perched on top, posing for photos, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot a marbled spinefoot grazing on the algae that now coats the concrete. It’s a site that suits anyone looking for something a bit different, a dive with a story, and a chance to see how quickly the ocean embraces man-made structures.

Location
Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands, Caribbean
Coordinates
19.292800, -81.387500
Type
reef

Marine Protected Area: Old Pageant Beach - Sand Cay Apartments (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 Devil’s Grotto North

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 Devil’s Grotto North

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 Devil's Grotto North?
The maximum depth for diving at Devil's Grotto North is 15m. This makes it an accessible site for divers of various experience levels to explore the unique underwater formations. You can learn more about this site at Devil's Grotto North.
What marine life and underwater formations can divers expect to see at Devil's Grotto North?
At Devil's Grotto North, divers can expect to encounter impressive underwater formations including massive hulking coral heads, open chimneys, and exciting swim-throughs. These features are teeming with marine life such as tarpon, parrotfish, barracuda, and schools of silversides. Additionally, you may spot typical Caribbean species like nurse and reef sharks, eagle rays, turtles, stingrays, snapper, angelfish, grunts, and grouper. Explore more about marine species in our wildlife database.
How difficult is the Devil's Grotto North dive site, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
The Devil's Grotto North dive site is rated as intermediate in difficulty. However, it is also a popular site among beginners, suggesting that while some aspects might challenge novices, it remains accessible and enjoyable for those with less experience. This makes it a great spot to gain experience in Grand Cayman.
When is the best time to dive Devil's Grotto North for optimal conditions or to see silversides?
The provided data does not specify a particular best time to dive Devil's Grotto North for optimal conditions or to specifically see silversides. However, you can generally expect an average visibility of 23m at this site. For general information on dive seasons, please refer to our When to Dive guide.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive at Devil's Grotto North?
The provided data does not specify any particular scuba diving certifications required to dive at Devil's Grotto North. Generally, an Open Water Diver certification is sufficient for sites of intermediate difficulty and a maximum depth of 15m. Always check with your local dive operator for specific requirements before planning your dive, and ensure you have the appropriate equipment.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at Devil's Grotto North?
At Devil's Grotto North, divers can typically expect excellent visibility, averaging around 23m. The provided data does not specify the typical current conditions for this dive site.