Kelly’s Caverns - Grand Cayman

Milimani North offers a relaxed dive, starting with scattered bommies on a sandy bottom before a gentle hard coral reef appears around five meters. It slopes gradually down to about 15m. Visibility averages 12m, which is decent enough to spot some cool smaller stuff like Chestnut Blennies eyeing you from their holes or a Blotchfin Scorpionfish trying its best to blend in. We particularly like the cleaning station in the middle of the dive; it often has moray eels getting a scrub, and you might even catch a Giant Reef Ray passing by. This site is a solid pick for divers who appreciate taking their time to search for macro life and enjoy an easy drift.

Location
Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands, Caribbean
Coordinates
19.291300, -81.146000
Type
reef

Marine Protected Area: Frank Sound RpZ (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 Kelly’s Caverns

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 Kelly’s Caverns

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 Kelly's Caverns in the Cayman Islands?
Kelly's Caverns offers a typical depth range of 25-60 feet (approximately 7.6-18 meters). The maximum depth recorded for this site is 18 meters, making it accessible for various certification levels. This allows divers to explore different zones, including a mini wall and vast sand expanses.
What kind of marine life and underwater formations can divers expect to see at Kelly's Caverns?
Divers at Kelly's Caverns can explore a fascinating landscape featuring a network of canyons and tunnels, a mini wall with a rubble field at 45-50 feet, and expansive white sand areas. The site is home to unique marine life, including the rare Purple Crowned Sea Goddess nudibranch, pike blennies, and yellow-headed jawfish. Keep an eye out for large barracuda hovering above, and discover shy marine life tucked away in the reef crevices.
How difficult is diving at Kelly's Caverns, and what skill level is recommended for this dive site?
Diving at Kelly's Caverns is rated as intermediate difficulty. This suggests that divers should have some experience beyond entry-level certifications to comfortably navigate the site's features, such as its network of canyons and tunnels. It's an excellent site for divers looking to advance their skills in a diverse underwater environment.
What is the best time of year to dive Kelly's Caverns for optimal conditions and marine life sightings?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive Kelly's Caverns for optimal conditions or marine life sightings. For general information on seasonal diving in the region, you might consult our When to Dive guide.
What dive certifications are required or recommended for diving in the overhead environment of Kelly's Caverns?
The provided data describes Kelly's Caverns as having a "network of canyons and tunnels." While this suggests potential overhead environments, the data does not specify any required or recommended dive certifications for such conditions. Divers should always consult with local dive operators regarding specific certification requirements for navigating overhead environments.
What are the typical water conditions, such as currents, visibility, and water temperature, at Kelly's Caverns?
At Kelly's Caverns, divers can typically expect excellent visibility, averaging 24 meters (approximately 80 feet). The provided data does not include specific information on water temperature or typical current conditions. It is always advisable to check with local dive centers for the most current conditions before your dive.