Access : Shore or boat
Dive Type : 0
Max Depth : 22 m
Visibility : 0 m
Experience Level : All Dive Description :
Regional information / Dive sites
Bonnie's Arch
Added by SeayooTeam
Location : Northest point of the West Bay, Grand CaymanAccess : Shore or boat
Dive Type : 0
Max Depth : 22 m
Visibility : 0 m
Experience Level : All Dive Description :
Few dive locations combine the captivating beauty and convenience, which have earned Bonnie's Arch its much-deserved popularity. This site lies close to the shore, well within the range of competent swimmers. Its moderate depths and kaleidoscopic population of reef fish makes it attractive to snorkelers. And for the diver, there are the dual pleasures of intricate coral archway and a resident school of tarpon.
The tarpons of Bonnie's Arch feel quite at home with divers. Approach them cautiously enough and you'll be sure to get great close ups. Note that there is often a strong current here.If you encounter it, plan to return to your boat so that you swim with the current, not against it. Bonnie's Arch was named in memory of Bonnie Charles, a much-loved diver and photographer who lived here in the sixties and seventies.
The tarpons of Bonnie's Arch feel quite at home with divers. Approach them cautiously enough and you'll be sure to get great close ups. Note that there is often a strong current here.If you encounter it, plan to return to your boat so that you swim with the current, not against it. Bonnie's Arch was named in memory of Bonnie Charles, a much-loved diver and photographer who lived here in the sixties and seventies.
A sandy ravine (A) leads from the mooring to the wall. Turn right at this point, and the arch will be directly in front of you (If there is a current, reverse the direction of your dive, as mentioned above). Although the arch looks impressively solid, with its dense living lining of corals, gorgonians and sponges, it is actually very fragile. Don't climb on it, and avoid exhaling as you swim below it. Your bubbles may become entrapped under the arch, causing damage to its corals and sponges. The extent of the arch makes it a perfect location for wide-angle photography, so come equipped with the right lens. The arch is literally the gateway to a large cathedral-like cavity. Here, on the sandy sea floor, you'll come across a very unusual marine reptile. Don't be alarmed, this particular crocodile (B) is simply a realistic statue by Bob Shirley. Remember that careless finning will stir up murky clouds of silt from the sandy bottom. Some massive barrel sponges, up to 3m (8ft) in diameter, are to be found on the wall in front of the arch (C), unless dislodged by recent storms. The tarpon are generally located in the 'cathedral' although they sometime wander off to the grotto which lies a little to the north (D). Apart from tarpons, you will find colorful reef-dwellers including angelfish, filefish and triggers.