News
Celebrating Two Iconic Shipwrecks in the Cayman Islands
Since her sinking five years ago, a great number of divers have explored the Kittiwake Wreck, one of Grand Cayman’s hottest dive sites, but none with the personal connection of Kelly Stuart who dove the wreck in December. Stuart served as a salvage diver on the USS Kittiwake when she was in active service during the ‘70’s. The former serviceman made a dive on his old ship on his 60th birthday.
“When I first entered the water I could not see her. As we descended, this dark mass started to take shape, and once I made out the ship, I felt a great sense of nostalgia,” said Stuart, who was hosted by Joanna Mikutowicz, owner of Divetech.
“The first thing I did was reach out and touch the gunnel rail, and thought, ‘what a Birthday gift!” he said. Going through the wreck Stuart swam down memory lane – seeing his reflection again on a familiar bathroom mirror; touching the recompression chamber and dive bell that were once his domain; and being in the wheelhouse again.
“It was a bit ghostly, but I felt a real sense of accomplishment and pride having been a diver on board her,” he said.
“Shipwrecks are monuments to the sailors who served on them in their glory days, now silent reminders of our seafaring heritage, and of Mother Nature and her occasional wrath,” says Nancy Easterbrook, of Divetech.
The wreck of the MV Captain Keith Tibbetts
This year Cayman is celebrating the 5th anniversary of the Kittiwake and the 20th anniversary of another iconic shipwreck, the MV Captain Keith Tibbetts in Cayman Brac, acknowledging their special places in the exemplary dive product of the Cayman Islands.
“The Cayman Islands Department of Tourism (CIDOT) is honoured to celebrate this significant milestone with our partners in the dive community,” said Mrs. Rosa Harris, Director of Tourism. “The continued health of our marine environment at these unique wreck dive sites are a top priority in order to deliver a quality underwater experience.”
Both wrecks attract divers from across the world. The Capt. Keith Tibbetts is a 330-foot-long Russian frigate once used in Cuba, and now a coral-encrusted shipwreck covered with sponges, and home to all kinds of marine creatures. With depths that range from 30 feet near surface to100 feet at the seafloor, this multi level wreck challenges divers of all skill levels.
Five years after it was intentionally sunk off Seven Mile Beach, the Kittiwake is one of Grand Cayman’s most popular dive sites. The wreck dive has received a TripAdvisor® Certificate of Excellence award from the travel website for great customer reviews. 64 feet deep at the bottom and 15 feet from the surface and now teeming with life, travelers say the Kittiwake dive is easy for beginners, but also challenging for experienced divers who choose to explore the ship’s many levels.
Kelly Stuart spent an hour diving his old ship, and as an experienced Navy diver, he’s impressed with the wreck.
“The Kittiwake is the perfect size ship to dive on because it has lots of escape areas so it is very safe for anyone. Even more exciting was to see how the fish and other animals were already using her as a living reef,” he said.
Dive industry leaders who worked hard to bring the Kittiwake to Cayman are proud to see that five years after her sinking, the wreck is living up to expectations.
Kelly Stuart diving the wreck of the Kittiwake
“The Kittiwake is well known as a new wreck dive in the Caribbean and it draws people to Cayman,” says Red Sail Sports Operations Manager Rod McDowall. “The wreck adds so much to our diving − it offers diversity and rounds out the whole Cayman diving experience. It’s a big, spectacular wreck in clear, shallow water, and the Kittiwake’s got a lot of marine life now living in it. The process of creating an artificial reef has started, there are corals and sponges growing there.”
Cayman has10 named shipwrecks; some wrecked by natural causes and others, like the Kittiwake and the Capt. Tibbetts, sunk intentionally to create artificial reefs. All contribute to Cayman’s maritime history and marine environment, bringing with them the mysteries and history this is compelling to divers worldwide.
“I dove many sunken ships during my Navy diving career and each time I entered a ship I thought about the sailors who walked the passages and decks,” says Kelly Stuart. “I know first hand what its like to live and work on a ship, so I could almost feel a ghostly presence of the people who served on her. I think that’s the compelling force that excites divers to dive shipwrecks. It’s not a scary feeling, but you get a keen sense of history and nostalgia every time you do it.”
“Undoubtedly, diving in the Cayman Islands is recognised year over year as being the best in the Caribbean, and the wrecks add to the diverse dive offerings our destination provides. As a pioneer, the importance of diving to the Cayman Islands is paramount to the visitor experience and the CIDOT will continue to promote the sport of scuba diving as an integral part of our strategic marketing focus for the destination,” said Mrs. Harris.
Kelly Stuart plans to return soon to make another dive on the Kittiwake. “It should be on top of the list for any experienced diver. It’s a dive you will not forget!”
Red Sail Sports and Divetech are both running anniversary dive specials to mark the celebration this year.
Red Sail Sports: WRECK ANNIVERSARY PACKAGE
Divetech: KITTIWAKE 5TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL
Ho Ho Ho! Vobster Quay’s recording-breaking charity Santa diving event returns on Sunday 15th December 2024 for another round of festive fundraising frivolities. Run in aid of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Help For Heroes, this ever-popular annual fundraising event aims to raise sack-loads of cash for these two very deserving charities.
Divers of all levels are invited to grab their Santa outfits – and as much festive cheer as they can muster – and head down to Vobster Quay near Mells, Somerset for a mass sponsored Santa dive in aid of charity. In previous years, the event has attracted divers from the far corners of the UK to join in the festive merriment for a final festive dive before the Christmas and New Year break. Back in 2015, the event smashed the world record for the most Santa divers with 188 divers taking to the waters donning their festive finery – a record that remains unbeaten to this day!
Vobster Santas isn’t just about setting records – it’s also about raising some serious cash for charity. Vobster Quay encourages all divers to get into the spirit of the season to raise much-needed funds for two very deserving charities – the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Help For Heroes.
Through individual sponsorship and online donations, divers can invite their friends, family and work colleagues to sponsor them to plunge into the balmy waters of Vobster Quay dressed in full festive finery. Since the very first Santa dive in 2007, the event has raised over £52,000 for charity. “It’s been over 17 years since the very first charity Santa dive took place at Vobster Quay and every year the event just keeps getting bigger and better” enthused Vobster Quay owner, Amy Stanton.
“Vobster Santas is a great way for divers to say a massive thank you to the both the RNLI and Help For Heroes – two very deserving charities close to our hearts. We’re immensely proud of all that Vobster Santas has achieved and hope that even more divers will join this year’s event on Sunday 15th December. I’m confident that we can make Vobster Santas 2024 the biggest yet!”.
Divers wishing to participate can get involved by simply registering their attendance at
www.vobster.com/event-vobstersantas.php.
Blogs
Dive into Adventure at Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa: The Ultimate Diving Destination in the Maldives
Tucked away in the remote northern Haa Alifu Atoll, Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa is a premier destination for anyone seeking an unforgettable underwater experience. With over 30 dive sites to explore, divers of all levels can witness the unique and mesmerising beauty of the underwater world. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or new to the sport, Hideaway offers an exceptional diving adventure that is not to be missed.
Explore the Beauty Beneath the Surface
Hideaway is perfectly situated near some of the most spectacular dive sites in the Maldives. The dive school and team at Hideaway offer a very personalised experience to ensure each diver gets an interactive, immersive experience.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Unique dive spots such as Theefaridhoo Thila (Heaven and Hell) as one of the 50 best dive sites in the whole of the Maldives, known for its beautiful soft coral gardens.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
As the resort is located next to a channel which gives guests surprise visits from eagle rays, manta rays, guitar sharks and more.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
One of the standout features of diving in the Haa Alifu Atoll is the abundance of rare and exotic marine species. The area is known for sightings of whale sharks, manta rays, turtles, and a variety of colorful reef fish. Diving at Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa offers a rare opportunity to encounter these creatures in their natural habitat, creating lifelong memories for guests.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Whether you’re exploring deep coral gardens, dramatic overhangs, or vibrant reef walls, each dive offers something new and exciting. The visibility in the Maldives is exceptional, often exceeding 30 meters, making it ideal for both underwater photography and general exploration.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Diving for All Levels
At Hideaway, we believe that everyone should have the opportunity to experience the thrill of diving. That’s why we cater to divers of all levels, from beginners to experienced professionals. Our professional dive center, led by expert instructors, offers a range of courses and guided dives. If you’re new to diving, you can start with an introductory course that will teach you the basics of scuba diving in a safe and controlled environment.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
For more experienced divers, we offer advanced dive courses and guided excursions to some of the more challenging dive sites. Our instructors are knowledgeable and passionate about the local marine life, ensuring that every dive is not only safe but also informative and enjoyable.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Exclusive Diving Offer
To make your stay even more unforgettable, Hideaway is offering an exclusive diving package designed to enhance your experience both above and below the water. When you book a minimum 7-night stay, you’ll receive:
- 35% discount on room rates.
- Complimentary diving: 3 dives per person for 2 guests, allowing you to experience the beauty of the Maldives underwater world.
- Free meal plan upgrade: enjoy a complimentary upgrade from Bed & Breakfast to Half Board, or from Half Board to Full Board. Guests who prefer the White Platinum Plan (WPP) can avail it at a discounted rate.
This incredible offer provides the perfect opportunity to experience world-class diving while enjoying all the luxury and comfort that Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa is known for.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Combinable Offers for Even More Value
This diving offer can also be combined with our Anniversary and Honeymoon offers, allowing you to create the perfect celebration package. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone or simply seeking a romantic getaway, this offer ensures that you can enjoy the best of both worlds – luxurious accommodations and unforgettable diving adventures.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Terms & Conditions
- This offer is available exclusively for bookings made through the official Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa website using a specific booking code.
- The offer cannot be combined with other promotions available on the website or through other channels, nor can it be redeemed for cash.
- All dives are subject to weather conditions, ensuring the safety and enjoyment of all guests.
- Black-out dates: This offer is not available from 24th December 2024 to 9th January 2025.
To book this exquisite offer, use the Promo Code: SCUBA24FD
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Hideaway is not just a resort; it’s a sanctuary for those seeking peace, adventure, and luxury. With spacious villas, private pools, and world-class dining options, the resort offers everything you need for a perfect holiday. From tennis, golf, gym, cycling to the exquisite underwater activities, unique dining options, Hideaway has something for everyone. And for diving enthusiasts, it provides an unparalleled opportunity to explore some of the most beautiful dive sites in the world.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Our dive center is fully equipped with state-of-the-art gear, ensuring that every dive is safe, comfortable, and enjoyable. Our instructors are passionate about the underwater world and are eager to share their knowledge with you, whether it’s your first dive or your 100th.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com / Call: +960 650-1515 / Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
The Ultimate Dive Adventure Awaits
If you’re looking for an unforgettable diving holiday in the Maldives, look no further than Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa. With over 30 dive sites, unique marine life, and exclusive offers, we provide the ultimate underwater experience. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking adventure, our diving package offers exceptional value and incredible memories.
Book now through our official website to take advantage of this exclusive offer and prepare for the dive adventure of a lifetime.
Email: reservations@hideawaybeachmaldives.com
Call: +960 650-1515
Website: www.hideawaybeachmaldives.com
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