Best Eden Rock Snorkeling

Just south of downtown Georgetown, the Eden Rock snorkel spot offers arguably the finest snorkeling on Grand Cayman. Off this ironshore, the water clarity is truly exceptional, there is plentiful reef fish and three distinct massive reef formations to explore. Also known as Devils Grotto or Don Fosters, there are living coral towers and underwater grottos. Eden Rock is a large chunk of limestone that is coated with coralline algae, sponges, sea fans and patches of living coral towers. It is laced with caves and sunlit caverns. Eden Rock snorkelers tend to see grouper, stoplight parrotfish, blue parrotfish, damselfish, trumpetfish, sergeant majors, yellowtail snapper, sea turtles, eagle rays and tarpon. The Eden Rock is located in 5 to 40 foot deep water roughly 200 feet offshore marked by three large mooring buoys. The reef extends from about 150 to 250 feet offshore.

Located directly offshore of the Eden Rock Diving Center, this dive spot can be a crowded place for snorkeling during weekdays when cruise ships are in the adjacent port. It is very popular with cruiseship tourists. For some solitude, try snorkeling at Eden Rock on weekend mornings. There are two access points. First, the Eden Rock Diving Center has a ladder descending the ironshore into six foot deep waters. Alternately, to the north on the other side of the Paradise Seaside Grill restaurant, there is another ladder off the ironshore.

After a long day of snorkeling at Eden Rock, you might want to grab a refreshing drink at the adjacent Paradise Seaside Grill, which is known for fresh fish. They have an amazing over-water patio overlooking the dive site, too.

To reach the snorkeling on Grand Cayman Island by air, you will fly into the Owen Roberts International Airport (GCM). There are regular flights from Houston, Dallas and Miami. Once on Grand Cayman Island, the snorkeling dive sites are easily accessed by renting either a scooter or jeep, both of which are common means of transportation on the island. There is also a public bus that covers most regions of the island. When departing the Cayman Islands, there is a departure tax of $37.50USD. This tax may be included in the airline ticket, but you will want to verify in advance.

The Eden Rock snorkeling dive site is located due west of the Owen Roberts International Airport. It is located north of the Devils Grotto snorkeling dive site. There is a dive shop right in the parking area.

Overall, Eden Rock is the 5th most popular snorkel dive spot of all 25 snorkeling dives in Grand Cayman. Several of the better snorkeling spots are nearby Eden Rock including Sunset House, Cheeseburger Reef, Smiths Cove, Wreck Of The Gamma and Wreck Of The Cali.