USS Kittiwake Shipwreck Cayman Islands

The USS Kittiwake Shipwreck, once a proud U.S. Navy submarine rescue vessel, now lies in the white Caribbean sand of the Cayman Islands. In January 5th, 2011 the ship was intentionally sunk in a designated and protected Marine Park area near the reef off Seven Mile Beach to create an unique artificial reef. Today, local and licensed tours shuttle tourists to the USS Kittiwake, offering a hours of snorkeling and diving around the wreck. These boat tours honor the ship’s maritime history while contributing to marine conservation efforts and encouraging sustainable tourism in the Cayman Islands.

The History of the USS Kittiwake

Commissioned in 1945, the USS Kittiwake served for nearly 50 years, participating in numerous critical missions, including the recovery of the (NASA Space Center) Challenger’s black box from the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean. Intentionally sunk in 2011 about a half mile off Seven Mile Beach near the natural reef, the ship was transformed into a dynamic dive site that blends maritime history with marine conservation. The USS Kittiwake stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of naval engineering and its vital new role as an artificial reef supports local biodiversity.

diver posing at the wheel house on Kittiwake deck

Dive Into Adventure

The USS Kittiwake offers an unparalleled dive and snorkel experience, with its shallow depth of just 64 feet off Seven Mile Beach, making it accessible to both novice and advanced divers. This iconic shipwreck is also ideal for snorkeling, allowing even surface explorers a chance to witness the grandeur of the ship from above. Scuba divers are limited to accessing the first three decks; advanced diving certification is required to go deeper.

Highlights of the 251-foot (77-meter) shipwreck include its mess hall, two recompression chambers, smoke stack, huge propellers, and the head with a still-intact mirror, allowing divers to get a glimpse of themselves underwater. The captain’s wheel is still in the wheelhouse, though the panels have been removed due to storm damage. The wreck is teeming with marine life and has been kept almost intact. Whether you’re looking for a relaxed shipwreck snorkel or an immersive dive, the USS Kittiwake promises an adventure that combines history, marine biology, and the thrill of underwater exploration. Safety precautions are in place by the Cayman Islands Tourism Association (CITA) and be sure to only visit the shipwreck with a licensed, local dive operators to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

dive excursion at kittiwake shipwreck and artificial reef

USS Kittiwake Shipwreck & Artificial Reef

The USS Kittiwake shipwreck, now a vibrant artificial reef, is located in a designated Marine Park protected by Cayman Islands’ laws offering an incredible underwater experience complete with underwater photo opportunities. Divers and snorkelers can capture photos of the shipwreck surrounded by colorful coral formations and an array of over 500 marine life species, including turtles, barracudas, groupers, and stingrays. You might also spot schools of jacks, arrowhead crabs, and even the occasional eagle ray gliding through the clear waters. The USS Kittiwake’s transformation into an artificial reef has significantly boosted local biodiversity, making it a “must experience” popular dive and snorkel site.

FAQ's - USS Kittiwake Marine Park (Shipwreck & Artificial Reef) Grand Cayman

What is the USS Kittiwake?

The USS Kittiwake is a retired U.S. Navy submarine rescue vessel that was intentionally sunk off the coast of Grand Cayman in January 2011 to create an artificial reef for divers and snorkelers to explore site. This former rescue ship, which served from the 1940s until its decommissioning in 1994, now rests in about 60 feet of water and is popular among divers and snorkelers for its marine life and intricate structures, making it a significant attraction in the Cayman Islands.

When was the USS Kittiwake Sunk in the Cayman Islands?

The USS Kittiwake was sunk in the Cayman Islands on January 5, 2011.

Where is the USS Kittiwake located?

The USS Kittiwake is located at the northern end of Seven Mile Beach, on the West side of Grand Cayman, at latitude 19 21.714’N and Longitude 081 24.073’W.

How much does it cost to visit the USS Kittiwake?

The only way to visit the USS Kittiwake is by boat through a local licensed Dive or Watersports company. The cost person person will range between $100 USD to $150 USD whether you are diving or snorkeling. Private boats may also visit the USS Kittiwake Marine Park but must pay a fee - please contact CaymanVisitor at 345-326-2701 for boat decals and visitor fees.
Scuba Divers will be issued a Medallion. Snorkelers will be issued a wrist band.
Individuals who visit the attractions without paying the fee or are not wearing the Medallion/wristband will be reported as trespassing to the Cayman Islands Authorities.

Where can I purchase USS Kittiwake Boat License and visitor bracelets/medallion?

You can purchase your Kittiwake Boat Licenses Online at Cayman Visitor or visit our office: Unit #8 at 257 Owen Roberts Drive, Besides Dollar/Thrifty at the Airport Car Rental Plaza. Contact CaymanVisitor at 345-326-2701 with questions.

How long can vessels stay on a mooring at the USS Kittiwake site?

The maximum time a Vessel with divers stay on a mooring at the USS Kittiwake is 1.5 hours. The maximum time a Vessel with snorkelers can stay on a mooring is 1 hour. Time limit begins at tie up.

Can residents visit the USS Kittiwake?

Yes, residents using their private vessels are not required to become CITA members but are required to Purchase an annual USS Kittiwake license/decal. Rate: The Resident – Private/ Non-Commercial Boat price is $62.50 USD (50.00 KYD) per year. Annual resident license includes passes for 2 annual divers/snorkeler medallions. Contact CaymanVisitor at 345-326-2701 with questions.

Who can visit the USS Kittiwake?

Anyone can visit the USS Kittiwake through a CITA licensed dive or watersports operator. Due to the significant distance from the shore combined with heavy boat and jet ski traffic, swimming from the shore is prohibited. Many operators are available to arrange trips for both diving and snorkeling experiences at this popular site.

Where can I purchase a Medallion or Wristband?

When booking a tour to the USS Kittiwake through a Cayman Islands Tourism Association (CITA) licensed dive or snorkel operator, the operator will purchase and provide you with your dive medallion or snorkel bracelet. Most of the excursion tour pricing includes the admission cost.

Do divers require special certification to dive in certain areas of the Kittiwake?

-Open Water divers are only able to dive on decks 1 to 3 of the Kittiwake and must be supervised.
-Advanced Open Water divers may dive on all decks of the Kittiwake but must be supervised and should be taken only in areas of the Kittiwake where there is direct surface access.
-A diver holding a Wreck Specialty Certification or higher rating may have unsupervised access to all decks of the Kittiwake after a guided orientation dive.
-Guided orientation dives must be within 2 years of the previous dive on the Kittiwake.
-Absolutely no solo diving is allowed on the Kittiwake Site; all divers must be in buddy teams.

Are you able to visit the USS Kittiwake from Shore?

No! Swimming from Seven Mile Beach to the USS Kittiwake wreck is not advisable due to the half-mile distance and heavy boat traffic in the area that poses a danger to swimmers. To experience diving or snorkeling at the Kittiwake, you'll need to book with a tour or dive company that provides boat access to the site. For your convenience, consider reviewing our list of scuba diving companies in Grand Cayman, many of which offer trips to this popular diving destination. https://caymanvisitor.com/tours-experiences/shipwreck-diving-snorkeling/

Can vessels anchor near or pass directly over the USS Kittiwake?

No Vessels may anchor in the sand within 300 feet of the USS Kittiwake except those that have been granted a special permit to do so. No dive or snorkel Vessels may pass directly over the USS Kittiwake, except as required to pull on / off a mooring. The only exception to this is an emergency Vessel or other boat if it is on assisted duty.

Which Dive and Watersports Operators are Licensed to visit the USS Kittiwake?

Dive and Watersports Operators that are licensed and therefore provide the safety standards required to visit the USS Kittiwake Marine Park include the following: Cayman Aggressor Cayman Diving Cayman Paradise Pontoons Deep Blue Divers DiveTech DNS Diving Just Dive Cayman Living the Dream Divers Off the Wall Divers Ocean Frontiers Red Sail Sunset House Divers Wall to Wall Diving

While planning I always make sure to research the level of safety in my destination. Thankfully, Grand Cayman met my expectations and made me feel comfortable wherever I went.

My husband and I travel to Grand Cayman as often as we can for much-needed getaways. We love snorkeling, swimming, and relaxing on the beautiful beaches.

Grand Cayman Tours & Excursions

Choose the perfect Grand Cayman tour or excursion to make your Caribbean vacation unforgettable. Reconnect with nature or get up close and personal to a shipwreck. The options are endless in Grand Cayman.