Eagle Ray Pass - Grand Cayman

Jardim dos Corais, off Alcatrazes, is one of those sites that genuinely makes you pause. We love it because it’s a living snapshot of what Arraial's reefs used to look like, before the local pressures really kicked in. You drop down into just 13 metres, often feeling that cool thermocline brush past in summer, and the visibility averages a solid 12 metres, sometimes better. What hits you first are the huge brain coral colonies, just massive structures, some the size of small cars. They’re absolutely thriving here, which is rare to see these days. We've spent ages just drifting over these formations, spotting the usual suspects: slender parrotfish nibbling away, a shy honeycomb cowfish tucked into an overhang, and plenty of molly millers darting between the coral heads. If you're patient, keep an eye out for Baird's dragonets on the sand patches – they’re tiny but brilliant to find. This spot is generally sheltered, so it’s pretty relaxed diving, perfect for photographers or anyone who just wants to soak in a healthy reef without a strong current whisking them away. It truly feels like stepping back in time.

Location
Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands, Caribbean
Coordinates
19.383800, -81.324900
Type
reef

Marine Protected Area: Stingray City Wildlife Interaction Zone

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 Eagle Ray Pass

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 Eagle Ray Pass

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 typical depth range for diving at Eagle Ray Pass?
Diving at Eagle Ray Pass typically involves depths ranging from the top of the wall at about 55 feet (approximately 17 meters) down to a maximum depth of 25 meters. This site features a dramatic wall dive with a shear drop into the abyss, offering a dynamic experience for divers.
What kind of marine life can divers expect to encounter at Eagle Ray Pass, beyond just eagle rays?
Beyond the majestic eagle rays implied by the site's name, divers at Eagle Ray Pass can expect to encounter a diverse array of marine life. Keep an eye out for sharks passing by on the wall, stingrays in the sandy patches, and colorful trumpet fish and trunk fish. Additionally, you'll often see schooling grunts, adding to the vibrant ecosystem of this Caribbean dive site.
How challenging is the Eagle Ray Pass dive site, and is it suitable for beginner divers?
The Eagle Ray Pass dive site is classified as intermediate difficulty. While it offers stunning wall diving, its depths and potential conditions mean it is generally not recommended for beginner divers. Divers should have appropriate experience and certifications to safely enjoy this site.
What is the best time of year to dive Eagle Ray Pass for optimal conditions and eagle ray sightings?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year for optimal conditions or increased eagle ray sightings at Eagle Ray Pass. For general information on diving seasons in the Cayman Islands, you might consult our When to Dive guide.
What scuba diving certifications are recommended or required to dive at Eagle Ray Pass?
While the data does not explicitly state required certifications, given that Eagle Ray Pass is an intermediate-level dive site, an Advanced Open Water Diver certification or equivalent experience is highly recommended. This will ensure divers are comfortable and proficient with deeper wall diving and potential current conditions.
What are the typical current conditions and visibility like at Eagle Ray Pass?
Divers at Eagle Ray Pass can typically expect excellent visibility, averaging around 25 meters (80 feet). The provided data does not specify the typical current conditions for this site. However, wall dives can sometimes experience varying currents, so it's always wise to check local conditions before your dive.