Anchor Point Dive Site: Swim-Throughs, Sea Plumes, and Turtle Spotting | East End, Grand Cayman

Dive Site Name: Anchor Point

• Location: 30 minutes drive from the dock
• Dive Site Background: Named after its ideal location for anchoring ships in the days of early settlement in the Cayman Islands. It is in front of Barefoot Beach, a low-lying beach on the northeastern coastline, mainly comprised of steep and sharp cliffs.
• Dive Site Details: A wall dive with depths ranging from 55-100 feet. Highlights include the swim-through with Sea Plumes resembling snow-covered fir trees, brightly colored sponges, and potential turtle sightings.
• Fun Fact or Anecdote: The Cayman Islands were initially called 'Las Tortugas,' and the north wall is one of the best places to spot turtles.
• Practical Information: Divers can head west to explore the headlands and valleys with small ledges, where Blue and Brown Chromis are usually found. Keep an eye out for Hawkbill and Green Turtles.
• Safety and Conservation: Follow standard diving guidelines and protect the marine environment.

Anchor Point is in front of Barefoot Beach, a rare low-lying beach on the northeastern coastline that is mainly comprised of steep and sharp cliffs. As a result, this area was ideal for anchoring ships and tendering ashore in the days of old during the early settlement of the Cayman Islands. It was marked on old maritime charts as 'Anchor Point' - a notation given to partially sheltered coves.

Anchor Point begins with a relatively easy yet thrilling swim-through that leads straight onto the wall. The roof of the swim-through is a gradually narrowing cone with a crack at the top, allowing constant light inside, so no problem if you don't like dark spaces. Look up for the Sea Plumes as you head through it – they remind us of snow-covered fir trees! Also, don't miss the brightly colored sponges at the exit of the swim-through, one of which is a vivid orange color even before you shine your light on it!

Divers can head west for a series of closely spaced headlands and valleys with small ledges covered in small fish life. Blue and Brown Chromis love these little ledges, over which they hang near the deep blue drop-off.

Remember that the Cayman Islands were originally known as 'Las Tortugas,' and the north wall is one of the best places to spot turtles. Look for the Hawkbill's larger and its rarer cousin – the Green Turtle. As the latter's name suggests, it is noticeably greener than the muted brown of the Hawksbills. Also, their shell plates sit flush against each other, and the turtles' faces are rounder without any overlapping of the beak.

About Ocean Frontiers Ltd. Ocean Frontiers Dive Shop is located on the remote East End of Grand Cayman. Founded in 1996 with one dive boat and a dream to introduce divers to the wonders of East End diving, the company has grown into one of Cayman’s premier dive operations with a reputation for legendary customer service and having the island’s friendliest staff.  Ocean Frontiers is also recognized as one of the most conservation-minded dive operators in the Cayman Islands with a long history of promoting ocean protection through its company programs, and an unwavering support for outside environmental projects. The winner of Project AWARE’s Environmental Achievement Award in 2004 and 2010, Ocean Frontiers has again been recognized in 2012. The company also received the PADI Green Star Dive Center accreditation in 2012 for demonstrating a dedication to conservation, the first dive operator in the Cayman Islands to receive this distinction.