The North Wall has earned a reputation as being for the more adventurous. It is true that the depths are a bit deeper and the ride out is often a bit rougher. But unless you have family members that are not ready to venture past 60 feet, don’t be deterred. Cayman dive operators put safety ahead of everything. If the ocean is too rough, they simply won’t take you there. Don’t forget, the captain is the guy that has to bob on the boat while his passengers enjoy the thrills of the 6,000 foot drop off up close.

If the weather cooperates, the North Wall is not to be missed. The wall’s structure is incredibly intricate. Overhangs and caverns provide great photo opportunities, as well as hideouts for some of the bigger creatures unable to squeeze into smaller holes in the reef—think groupers, big ones. The wall is decked out with towering gorgonians and black corals, not to mention barrel sponges the size of oil drums that will take your breath away. And for those divers looking for pelagic encounters, the North Wall is your one stop shop. Keep a lookout for turtles, black-tips and hammerheads.

Atop the wall in about 60 feet of water is a beautiful plateau sporting sections of sand and coral. You’ll want to spend a little bit of time here too, maybe on your way up. Remember you’re in Cayman, open sand means stingrays and any water over 15 feet is usually a good place to spot a turtle, too. The top of the wall also makes the perfect stage for a three minute encore during your safety stop.