Discovering Babylon - One of the finest dive sites in the Caribbean

Dive Site Name: Babylon

 

Key Facts + Information

 

• Location: 40 minutes drive from the dock
• Dive Site Background: Named after the famous Hanging Gardens of Babylon, this dive site is known for its towering freestanding pinnacle, rated as one of the Top 10 dives in the Caribbean.
• Dive Site Details: Easy accessibility, perfect for first-timers. Highlights include the awe-inspiring pinnacle and the abundance of marine life in the shallow top of the wall.
• Fun Fact or Anecdote: A regular diver photographed the pinnacle's entire height to feature as a mural in an elevator shaft.
• Practical Information: Circle the pinnacle at different depths to appreciate its height and swim between the pinnacle and the wall for a thrilling experience.
• Safety and Conservation: Follow standard diving guidelines and practice responsible diving to protect the delicate marine ecosystem.

 

Babylon, a dive site located on the North Wall of Grand Cayman, is a hidden gem that never fails to impress divers. Its name is inspired by the Hanging Gardens of Babylon - one of the ancient world's seven wonders. What makes it so special, you ask? Well, let me tell you!

 

Photo by Alex Mustard

 

Despite its reputation, Babylon is an easy dive that we even bring first-timers to explore. The site's main attraction is a towering freestanding pinnacle that rises from over 100 feet in the depths to just 45 feet at its peak. The coral and sponge growth on both sides of the pinnacle leave just enough space for divers to swim through, providing a thrilling experience. No wonder some of the front cover magazine photos of divers swimming amongst abundant coral are taken here!

 

After circling the pinnacle a few times, divers can head to the shallow top of the wall, perfect for extending your dive time. You'll find wide-open expanses of sand and coral fingers and an abundance of marine life that will captivate you.

 

Photo by Jim Hellemn

 

While Babylon may be remote, its location doesn't make it an advanced dive. The top of the Cayman wall starts between 35-45 feet, with excellent shallow reefs for those who don't want to venture too deep. However, for those looking for a true vertical experience, the wall at Babylon won't disappoint. The wall topography changes from a sheer plunging wall face to cascading sheets of plate coral and large pinnacles jutting into the crystal clear waters of the Cayman Trench.

 

The wall teems with schools of Chromis, often interrupted by Barracuda, Stop-Light Parrotfish, or Queen Angels. Black coral, purple sea fans, barrel sponges, and a variety of other tropical marine life decorate the wall. Babylon is a perfect site for divers on their day off or to impress experienced divers. So why not add Babylon to your dive site bucket list and experience the wonder of this captivating site?

 

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.