Doc Poulson Liveaboard Diving

Liveaboard Diving in Doc Poulson

What to Expect on A Doc Poulson Wreck Liveaboard

Only a select few liveaboards visit the Doc Poulson wreck in Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands. Known locally as a favourite dive site on the West side of Grand Cayman. A former cable laying ship and now a thriving artificial reef, the wreck of the Doc Poulson rests upright on the sandy sea bottom off Grand Cayman's Seven Mile Beach near the iconic West Wall. Resting a mere 50 ft below the surface in crystal clear waters, this mostly intact wreck is one of the most sought-after dive sites visited by liveaboard dive cruises in the area. Following her deliberate sinking in 1981, the 70 ft vessel has since transformed into a vibrant artificial reef teeming with marine life. Prior to her sinking, several holes and points of entry were incorporated into the ships hull for ease of entry, exit and exploration, making her suitable for all level of divers.

Photographers on a dive trip here will also enjoy this wreck for its ample wide angle and macro opportunities, allowing for close up shooting of the delicate fans, corals and even anemones that have affixed themselves to hull and metal framework. Other marine life include the large groupers, snappers, wrasse and even morays that visit from the neighbouring reefs, and even the occasional turtle. A popular location for night diving, the wreck is also home to an abundance of crustaceans and other invertebrates that seek shelter within its wall. Be sure to bring a flashlight on your dive (even when diving during the day) so you can to peer into the many cabins, holes and crevices where large groupers often lurk within the shadows. When you are done exploring the wreck, head in a shoreward direction to find a small crescent-shaped reef which can also be reached within easy distance.

What you can see

Since being laid to rest almost 35 years ago, the Doc Poulson has developed into a bustling and diverse habitat for a variety of marine life. Her metal framework is now barely visible under the layer coral growth, with sea fans, sponges and even anemones having taken up residence. The vessel is also home to an abundance of mobile creatures too, with some of the more charismatic species including the schooling jacks, goliath and tiger groupers, snappers, morays, spotted drums and even the occasional turtle. The wreck herself also hosts a variety of attractions, divers can explore the periphery of the 70 ft vessel or penetrate inside to explore the wheelhouse and cargo hold. Equipment and machinery such as winches can also be found out on the top deck. As always, be sure to watch your buoyancy when penetrating the wreck but also when exploring the sandy sea bottom. Silt can not only ruin the otherwise fantastic visibility but may settle on fragile marine life such as corals and sponges, and cause them harm.

Getting to Doc Poulson

Cayman Islands liveaboard diving offers the best method from which to reach and explore the iconic wreck of the Doc Poulson. To fully experience the best of what the Cayman Islands have to offer beneath the waves, across all three of its islands, we suggest joining a multi-day cruise that departs from the islands' capital George Town. Aboard a luxury motor-vehicle yacht, you will sail the beautiful turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea, and indulging in unlimited diving of the most sought-after dive sites in the region.

George Town is the main airport city of the Cayman Islands and also the point of departure for liveaboards. There are daily international flights into the Owen Roberts International Airport which is served by several airlines. Taxis are available for transport to and from the airport.