Explore the Kittiwake Marine Park Shipwreck
- Exclusive adventure to explore the majestic Kittiwake shipwreck
- Opportunity to dive or snorkel in the stunning waters of the Cayman Islands
- Immerse yourself in the crystal-clear waters surrounded by vibrant marine life
- Experience the history and beauty of the iconic Kittiwake wreck
- Expert guides providing fascinating insights into the ship's past
- Perfect for both seasoned divers and curious explorers
- Unforgettable day of exploration, discovery, and adventure
- Create lifelong memories
- Once-in-a-lifetime chance to get up close and personal with the Kittiwake
A Treasure Chest for Exploration
The historic Ex-USS Kittiwake has been on the ocean floor since it’s sinking in January of 2011. In service from 1945 to 1994, the ship’s most memorable duty was the diligent recovery of the Challenger Space Shuttle. Over the years, the underwater wreck has blossomed into a beautiful and dynamic environment for marine life. It has since become a sought-after site for divers of every skill level as well as snorkellers to explore as it is less than 50 feet below the surface and easily accessible. Divers can explore this 251-foot vessel and its five decks, overflowing with a rainbow of rare sponges, goliath groupers, squirrelfish and urchins. Here, you will find more than 50 species of coral and more than 500 species of fish! Keep an eye out for garden eels, stingrays, arrowhead crabs, barracuda, and even sea turtles. You can even swim through the ship to see the remnants of its original gear and equipment.
History of the USS Kittiwake (ASR-13)
This historic vessel was first launched in the year 1945. Crafted in Savannah, Georgia, the USS Kittiwake made journeys all over the world during her first fifty years. Kittiwake was decommissioned on 30 September 1994 and struck from the Naval Vessel Register on the same day. Her title was transferred in November 2008 for an undisclosed amount to the government of the Cayman Islands for the purpose of using Kittiwake to form a new artificial reef. Originally intended to be sunk in June 2009, she was finally sunk off Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman, on 5 January 2011 in Marine Park.[4] The wreck has since become one of the most popular dive and snorkel sites in Grand Cayman, with its moorings often in constant daily use by local dive operators.
A 2011 episode of the documentary television series Monster Moves covered moving and sinking the ship. Divers are not allowed to touch or take anything from the dive site. At its most shallow, the wreck of Kittiwake was 15 feet (4.6 meters) below the water's surface and at its deepest, 64 feet (20 meters) below the surface.[4] In October 2017, the wreck moved towards a nearby natural reef. It fell to its port side due to wave action from passing Tropical Storm Nate. The wreck is now approximately 20 ft (6.1 m) deeper at its most shallow.
Marine Park Fee is required for visiting the Shipwreck
Bracelet to explore the Kittiwake - For Private Boats
Classic Medallion Coin to dive the Kittiwake - For Autorized Dive Operators
Cost of Dive & Snorkel trip not included