100 foot descent into the abyss of the Cayman Trench

The Cayman Islands were formed millions of years ago due to volcanic activity and tectonic shifting. One of the deepest parts of the Atlantic Ocean, the Cayman Trough is an incredible 22,000 feet deep. The undersea walls around Little Cayman Island plunge 6,000 almost straight down. Divers can swim out over the edge and descend into an abyss that holds beautiful and mysterious sights. The usual fish are less plentiful this far from the surface but the wall still teems with life. Massive sponges of all colors thrive. These sponges attract the critically endangered Hawksbill turtle as it looks for food. Divers can only stay in this mysterious world a short time or they risk a dangerous increase in nitrogen levels in their blood. To give them more time at depth, they carry tanks of nitrox, a special gas with a higher oxygen concentration.

Few people ever experience the tranquility and wonder of the world this far below the surface. It is both peaceful and exhilarating at the same time.