CAYMAN TRADER - Ocho Rios

The Cayman Trader, resting just off Ocho Rios, isn’t about depth, it’s about accessibility and history. This 91-meter carrier, deliberately sunk in 1977, now sits in barely two meters of water, making it perfect for snorkelers, freedivers, and even first-time divers getting comfortable. We love drifting over the main deck, the sunlight dappling through the water, illuminating the ghostly remains of cargo holds and superstructure. You can easily spend an hour finning back and forth, spotting schools of sergeant majors darting through portholes and the occasional barracuda lurking in the shadows. What makes the Cayman Trader special for us is its sheer scale so close to the surface. You get a real sense of its former life as a working vessel. We often find ourselves peering into the engine room, now a haven for juvenile snapper, or tracing the outline of the bow, covered in soft corals. It's an easy, relaxed dive, ideal for those days when you want to take it slow and really appreciate the details of a wreck without any pressure. Our best tip? Go early in the morning before the day boats arrive; you'll have the old girl almost entirely to yourself.

Location
Ocho Rios, Jamaica, Caribbean
Coordinates
17.891666, -76.816666
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
2m

Marine Protected Area: Palisadoes- Port Royal

Best Time to Dive in Ocho Rios

The warmest water temperatures in Ocho Rios occur in January, averaging 27.4°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 27.4°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 27.4°C (air: 24.7°C)
  • February: 27.4°C (air: 24.6°C)
  • March: 27.4°C (air: 25.1°C)
  • April: 27.4°C (air: 25.9°C)
  • May: 27.4°C (air: 27.0°C)
  • June: 27.4°C (air: 27.6°C)
  • July: 27.4°C (air: 28.0°C)
  • August: 27.4°C (air: 28.1°C)
  • September: 27.4°C (air: 27.9°C)
  • October: 27.4°C (air: 27.1°C)
  • November: 27.4°C (air: 26.0°C)
  • December: 27.4°C (air: 25.1°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Ocho Rios

Nearest Dive Centres to CAYMAN TRADER

Marine Life in Ocho Rios

Home to 367 recorded species including 309 reef fish, 31 hard corals, 7 sharks & rays, 3 seagrass & algae, 3 sea urchins, 3 sea snails & nudibranchs.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for CAYMAN TRADER

Based on average water temperature of 27.4°C.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 27°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 the Cayman Trader wreck?
The maximum depth for diving the Cayman Trader wreck is 2 meters. This makes it an exceptionally shallow wreck dive, allowing for extended bottom times and excellent natural light penetration for exploration of the 91.1m long vessel.
What kind of marine life and corals can divers expect to see at the Cayman Trader dive site?
Information regarding specific marine life and corals at the Cayman Trader dive site is not available in our current database. However, as a wreck in Jamaica, it likely serves as an artificial reef, attracting various Caribbean reef fish and potentially some coral growth over time. For general information on marine life, you can visit our wildlife database.
How difficult is the Cayman Trader wreck dive, and what skill level is recommended?
The Cayman Trader wreck dive is classified as intermediate in difficulty. Divers should possess an intermediate skill level, comfortable with wreck diving techniques and potentially navigating around a structure that is 91.1m long and 12.5m wide.
What is the best time of year to dive the Cayman Trader for optimal conditions?
Our current data does not specify the best time of year to dive the Cayman Trader for optimal conditions. For general guidance on diving seasons in Jamaica and the Caribbean, please refer to our when to dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are required or recommended to dive the Cayman Trader?
While specific certification requirements are not listed, given the intermediate difficulty of the Cayman Trader wreck dive, an Advanced Open Water Diver certification or a Wreck Diver specialty certification would be highly recommended. These certifications ensure divers have the necessary skills and experience for exploring such sites safely.
What are the typical currents and visibility like at the Cayman Trader dive site?
Information regarding typical currents and visibility at the Cayman Trader dive site is not available in our current database. Divers should always check local conditions with their dive operator in Ocho Rios before planning their dive to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.