Embed Size (px)
DESCRIPTION
A guide to snorkeling the Queen's Monument/Connnolly's cove site on Grand Cayman's North Side.
Citation preview
TESTUDOS SNORKEL GUIDESTM
C A Y M A N O F F T H E B E A T E N P A T H
North Side - Queenss MonumentGrand Cayman Cayman Islands BWI
The Monument commemorating Queen Elizabeths dedication of the Old Robin Road extension to the East End
The snorkeling site that goes by the most names is perhaps one of the most highly regarded sites onGrand Cayman by snorkeling devotees - Queens Monument also known as Connollys Cove BabylonReef and for those really in the know Candy Coconut Some of the factors that make this site soappreciated are the ease of getting there the general shallowness of the water and most importantlythe overall quality of the snorkeling
The area is protected by a barrier reef so it rarely experiences big swells or strong currents but it canget choppy The varied underwater topography rages from grassy beds to individual coral communitiesto stretches of barrier reef providing an excellent home for many species of fish and other marine lifeUnfortunately the water conditions were not favorable on my last two visits aimed at gathering
information for this guide hence the lack of images and marine animal life contained in them There are
copy 2010 Testudo Guides LLC
usually many small schools of fish the occasional barracuda foraging turtles and rummaging rays to befound in this spotThe conditions and marine life here are very similar to those at Barefoot Beach just down the road soviewing the images of that other excellent spot may provide some additional visual context
For those who enjoy deep water snorkels there are also sections of the famous Grand Cayman NorthWall located just to the west of this site starting 200-300 yards immediately out from the Northern Lightscondo Just look for the mooring buoys A long swim but well worth it for observing a deep water wallsnorkel environment The famous Babylon Wall dive site is the third set of buoys when heading westabout 300 yds out
LOCATION INFORMATION The snorkeling grounds are located on the north side of Grand Caymanat the border of the North Side and East End districts (approximately 12 miles from the Frank Sound Rd2-way intersection where the road forks towards Rum Point or the East End or 45 miles west of theReefMorritts resort complexes along Old Robin Rd) (19deg21371N 81deg 93259W)
Nearby landmarks to look for when coming from Old Man Bay in the west are the small Northern Lightscondominium complex on the left just before the Connollys Cove cleared lot picture below and theBabylon Reef house (look for a house sign) a few lots past Connollys Cove
When coming from the East End the Queens Monument dedication site will be on your left just prior toreaching Connollys Cove across from the Babylon Reef House on your right
If the gates to the lot are open many people will choose to park there under the shade of the Casuarinapine tree If the gates are closed then parking along the road is also an option
copy 2010 Testudo Guides LLC
A popular entrance area to the Queens Monument snorkel site is known as Connollys Cove Park along the side of the road orpull into the lot and park if the gates are open
CONDITIONS Since the coral is so large and the water so shallow this spot is best explored during aperiod of higher tide Visiting during low tide usually presents lower visibility and makes penetratingmany of the coral outcroppings almost impossible Click here for a visual tide chart to help determinewhen to plan your snorkelDue to the usually east to west prevailing current I will normally gather my gear and walk up along thebeach to the right for about 180 yards until I reach the Babylon Reef House The water entry in the
copy 2010 Testudo Guides LLC
area is rocky and shallow so donning your flippers and doing the backwards duck walk into the water issometimes good option The only Spiny Sea Urchins I regularly encounter are along the shore closer tothe Northern Lights condo but care should be exercised when entering and exiting the water
Once out into deep enough water to begin snorkeling just head straight out towards the reef The firstenvironment zone you will come upon is a turtle grass meadow Keep on the lookout for small groups ofBar Jacks who frequently come to investigate or a lone Trunkfish before it swims off After coveringabout 60 yards you should start to see the first of many large coral colonies plopped about like cookiedough mounds among the sea grass Pick one that look interesting and start exploring The grass willgive way to sand as you approach the barrier reef The coral colonies structures and species compositionwill also change as you near the reef and again you head westward
When you switch back and forth between each of these micro-zones take notice of the fish species thatprefer to inhabit each - the grunts and snapper by the Star corals the Reef Squid near the grass to coraltransition zone the barracuda in the transition zone closer to the reef the Black Durgon out along thereef
I usually cover the area in a zig-zag pattern exploring the coral colonies and their denizens up-close andthen tailing any creatures that strike my fancy off toward the reef Some less seen creatures you maycome across are Flamingo Tongue snails with colorful orange spots on their flesh (or all white shells ifthey are retracted) Scorpionfish camouflaging themselves under coral and rock ledges or the delicateYellow Sea Feather Dusters Both Southern Sting Rays and the much smaller Yellow Sting Ray arefrequently found in the grassy coral sections To find the rays look for the clouds of kicked up sedimentthey create when foraging for tasty morsels of shellfish As yet I have not encountered any Lionfishhere but it is only a matter of time Im afraid
As you float your way back towards the parking area observe how the coral colonies begin to transitioninto large thickets of Elkhorn corals This section can take on an eerie feel especially on overcast days orin the evenings Many of these colonies are on the decline or dead which creates an air of a spookyhaunted fairytale forest when entering However the area is far from dead fish counts can still besurprisingly abundant and there is new coral growth towards the interior of the thicket
Head East (right when facing the water) along the beach up to the Babylon Reef House The beach in front of the Babylon ReefHouse makes a good entry spot to begin your snorkel
copy 2010 Testudo Guides LLC
The initial sea floor heading out towards the reef will be turtle grass You will soon come upon the first of numerous coralcolonies
The area from theses first colonies out to the barrier reef contain many different species of both hard and soft corals
copy 2010 Testudo Guides LLC
Blade Fire Corals mix with Lobed Star and Finger Corals The delicate Yellow Feather Duster
A Flamingo Tongue snail hides in its glistening shell As you meander toward the parking area the grassy sea floor gives way tosand
The boulder coral colonies will transition into a fairytale Elkhorn coral forest by Northern Lights Finally becoming predominantlyan Elkhorn
copy 2010 Testudo Guides LLC
The pier from the Northern Lights Condos makes a good boundary landmark to head back to the cove
copy 2010 Testudo Guides LLC
usually many small schools of fish the occasional barracuda foraging turtles and rummaging rays to befound in this spotThe conditions and marine life here are very similar to those at Barefoot Beach just down the road soviewing the images of that other excellent spot may provide some additional visual context
For those who enjoy deep water snorkels there are also sections of the famous Grand Cayman NorthWall located just to the west of this site starting 200-300 yards immediately out from the Northern Lightscondo Just look for the mooring buoys A long swim but well worth it for observing a deep water wallsnorkel environment The famous Babylon Wall dive site is the third set of buoys when heading westabout 300 yds out
LOCATION INFORMATION The snorkeling grounds are located on the north side of Grand Caymanat the border of the North Side and East End districts (approximately 12 miles from the Frank Sound Rd2-way intersection where the road forks towards Rum Point or the East End or 45 miles west of theReefMorritts resort complexes along Old Robin Rd) (19deg21371N 81deg 93259W)
Nearby landmarks to look for when coming from Old Man Bay in the west are the small Northern Lightscondominium complex on the left just before the Connollys Cove cleared lot picture below and theBabylon Reef house (look for a house sign) a few lots past Connollys Cove
When coming from the East End the Queens Monument dedication site will be on your left just prior toreaching Connollys Cove across from the Babylon Reef House on your right
If the gates to the lot are open many people will choose to park there under the shade of the Casuarinapine tree If the gates are closed then parking along the road is also an option
copy 2010 Testudo Guides LLC
A popular entrance area to the Queens Monument snorkel site is known as Connollys Cove Park along the side of the road orpull into the lot and park if the gates are open
CONDITIONS Since the coral is so large and the water so shallow this spot is best explored during aperiod of higher tide Visiting during low tide usually presents lower visibility and makes penetratingmany of the coral outcroppings almost impossible Click here for a visual tide chart to help determinewhen to plan your snorkelDue to the usually east to west prevailing current I will normally gather my gear and walk up along thebeach to the right for about 180 yards until I reach the Babylon Reef House The water entry in the
copy 2010 Testudo Guides LLC
area is rocky and shallow so donning your flippers and doing the backwards duck walk into the water issometimes good option The only Spiny Sea Urchins I regularly encounter are along the shore closer tothe Northern Lights condo but care should be exercised when entering and exiting the water
Once out into deep enough water to begin snorkeling just head straight out towards the reef The firstenvironment zone you will come upon is a turtle grass meadow Keep on the lookout for small groups ofBar Jacks who frequently come to investigate or a lone Trunkfish before it swims off After coveringabout 60 yards you should start to see the first of many large coral colonies plopped about like cookiedough mounds among the sea grass Pick one that look interesting and start exploring The grass willgive way to sand as you approach the barrier reef The coral colonies structures and species compositionwill also change as you near the reef and again you head westward
When you switch back and forth between each of these micro-zones take notice of the fish species thatprefer to inhabit each - the grunts and snapper by the Star corals the Reef Squid near the grass to coraltransition zone the barracuda in the transition zone closer to the reef the Black Durgon out along thereef
I usually cover the area in a zig-zag pattern exploring the coral colonies and their denizens up-close andthen tailing any creatures that strike my fancy off toward the reef Some less seen creatures you maycome across are Flamingo Tongue snails with colorful orange spots on their flesh (or all white shells ifthey are retracted) Scorpionfish camouflaging themselves under coral and rock ledges or the delicateYellow Sea Feather Dusters Both Southern Sting Rays and the much smaller Yellow Sting Ray arefrequently found in the grassy coral sections To find the rays look for the clouds of kicked up sedimentthey create when foraging for tasty morsels of shellfish As yet I have not encountered any Lionfishhere but it is only a matter of time Im afraid
As you float your way back towards the parking area observe how the coral colonies begin to transitioninto large thickets of Elkhorn corals This section can take on an eerie feel especially on overcast days orin the evenings Many of these colonies are on the decline or dead which creates an air of a spookyhaunted fairytale forest when entering However the area is far from dead fish counts can still besurprisingly abundant and there is new coral growth towards the interior of the thicket
Head East (right when facing the water) along the beach up to the Babylon Reef House The beach in front of the Babylon ReefHouse makes a good entry spot to begin your snorkel
copy 2010 Testudo Guides LLC
The initial sea floor heading out towards the reef will be turtle grass You will soon come upon the first of numerous coralcolonies
The area from theses first colonies out to the barrier reef contain many different species of both hard and soft corals
copy 2010 Testudo Guides LLC
Blade Fire Corals mix with Lobed Star and Finger Corals The delicate Yellow Feather Duster
A Flamingo Tongue snail hides in its glistening shell As you meander toward the parking area the grassy sea floor gives way tosand
The boulder coral colonies will transition into a fairytale Elkhorn coral forest by Northern Lights Finally becoming predominantlyan Elkhorn
copy 2010 Testudo Guides LLC
The pier from the Northern Lights Condos makes a good boundary landmark to head back to the cove
copy 2010 Testudo Guides LLC
A popular entrance area to the Queens Monument snorkel site is known as Connollys Cove Park along the side of the road orpull into the lot and park if the gates are open
CONDITIONS Since the coral is so large and the water so shallow this spot is best explored during aperiod of higher tide Visiting during low tide usually presents lower visibility and makes penetratingmany of the coral outcroppings almost impossible Click here for a visual tide chart to help determinewhen to plan your snorkelDue to the usually east to west prevailing current I will normally gather my gear and walk up along thebeach to the right for about 180 yards until I reach the Babylon Reef House The water entry in the
copy 2010 Testudo Guides LLC
area is rocky and shallow so donning your flippers and doing the backwards duck walk into the water issometimes good option The only Spiny Sea Urchins I regularly encounter are along the shore closer tothe Northern Lights condo but care should be exercised when entering and exiting the water
Once out into deep enough water to begin snorkeling just head straight out towards the reef The firstenvironment zone you will come upon is a turtle grass meadow Keep on the lookout for small groups ofBar Jacks who frequently come to investigate or a lone Trunkfish before it swims off After coveringabout 60 yards you should start to see the first of many large coral colonies plopped about like cookiedough mounds among the sea grass Pick one that look interesting and start exploring The grass willgive way to sand as you approach the barrier reef The coral colonies structures and species compositionwill also change as you near the reef and again you head westward
When you switch back and forth between each of these micro-zones take notice of the fish species thatprefer to inhabit each - the grunts and snapper by the Star corals the Reef Squid near the grass to coraltransition zone the barracuda in the transition zone closer to the reef the Black Durgon out along thereef
I usually cover the area in a zig-zag pattern exploring the coral colonies and their denizens up-close andthen tailing any creatures that strike my fancy off toward the reef Some less seen creatures you maycome across are Flamingo Tongue snails with colorful orange spots on their flesh (or all white shells ifthey are retracted) Scorpionfish camouflaging themselves under coral and rock ledges or the delicateYellow Sea Feather Dusters Both Southern Sting Rays and the much smaller Yellow Sting Ray arefrequently found in the grassy coral sections To find the rays look for the clouds of kicked up sedimentthey create when foraging for tasty morsels of shellfish As yet I have not encountered any Lionfishhere but it is only a matter of time Im afraid
As you float your way back towards the parking area observe how the coral colonies begin to transitioninto large thickets of Elkhorn corals This section can take on an eerie feel especially on overcast days orin the evenings Many of these colonies are on the decline or dead which creates an air of a spookyhaunted fairytale forest when entering However the area is far from dead fish counts can still besurprisingly abundant and there is new coral growth towards the interior of the thicket
Head East (right when facing the water) along the beach up to the Babylon Reef House The beach in front of the Babylon ReefHouse makes a good entry spot to begin your snorkel
copy 2010 Testudo Guides LLC
The initial sea floor heading out towards the reef will be turtle grass You will soon come upon the first of numerous coralcolonies
The area from theses first colonies out to the barrier reef contain many different species of both hard and soft corals
copy 2010 Testudo Guides LLC
Blade Fire Corals mix with Lobed Star and Finger Corals The delicate Yellow Feather Duster
A Flamingo Tongue snail hides in its glistening shell As you meander toward the parking area the grassy sea floor gives way tosand
The boulder coral colonies will transition into a fairytale Elkhorn coral forest by Northern Lights Finally becoming predominantlyan Elkhorn
copy 2010 Testudo Guides LLC
The pier from the Northern Lights Condos makes a good boundary landmark to head back to the cove
copy 2010 Testudo Guides LLC
area is rocky and shallow so donning your flippers and doing the backwards duck walk into the water issometimes good option The only Spiny Sea Urchins I regularly encounter are along the shore closer tothe Northern Lights condo but care should be exercised when entering and exiting the water
Once out into deep enough water to begin snorkeling just head straight out towards the reef The firstenvironment zone you will come upon is a turtle grass meadow Keep on the lookout for small groups ofBar Jacks who frequently come to investigate or a lone Trunkfish before it swims off After coveringabout 60 yards you should start to see the first of many large coral colonies plopped about like cookiedough mounds among the sea grass Pick one that look interesting and start exploring The grass willgive way to sand as you approach the barrier reef The coral colonies structures and species compositionwill also change as you near the reef and again you head westward
When you switch back and forth between each of these micro-zones take notice of the fish species thatprefer to inhabit each - the grunts and snapper by the Star corals the Reef Squid near the grass to coraltransition zone the barracuda in the transition zone closer to the reef the Black Durgon out along thereef
I usually cover the area in a zig-zag pattern exploring the coral colonies and their denizens up-close andthen tailing any creatures that strike my fancy off toward the reef Some less seen creatures you maycome across are Flamingo Tongue snails with colorful orange spots on their flesh (or all white shells ifthey are retracted) Scorpionfish camouflaging themselves under coral and rock ledges or the delicateYellow Sea Feather Dusters Both Southern Sting Rays and the much smaller Yellow Sting Ray arefrequently found in the grassy coral sections To find the rays look for the clouds of kicked up sedimentthey create when foraging for tasty morsels of shellfish As yet I have not encountered any Lionfishhere but it is only a matter of time Im afraid
As you float your way back towards the parking area observe how the coral colonies begin to transitioninto large thickets of Elkhorn corals This section can take on an eerie feel especially on overcast days orin the evenings Many of these colonies are on the decline or dead which creates an air of a spookyhaunted fairytale forest when entering However the area is far from dead fish counts can still besurprisingly abundant and there is new coral growth towards the interior of the thicket
Head East (right when facing the water) along the beach up to the Babylon Reef House The beach in front of the Babylon ReefHouse makes a good entry spot to begin your snorkel
copy 2010 Testudo Guides LLC
The initial sea floor heading out towards the reef will be turtle grass You will soon come upon the first of numerous coralcolonies
The area from theses first colonies out to the barrier reef contain many different species of both hard and soft corals
copy 2010 Testudo Guides LLC
Blade Fire Corals mix with Lobed Star and Finger Corals The delicate Yellow Feather Duster
A Flamingo Tongue snail hides in its glistening shell As you meander toward the parking area the grassy sea floor gives way tosand
The boulder coral colonies will transition into a fairytale Elkhorn coral forest by Northern Lights Finally becoming predominantlyan Elkhorn
copy 2010 Testudo Guides LLC
The pier from the Northern Lights Condos makes a good boundary landmark to head back to the cove
copy 2010 Testudo Guides LLC
The initial sea floor heading out towards the reef will be turtle grass You will soon come upon the first of numerous coralcolonies
The area from theses first colonies out to the barrier reef contain many different species of both hard and soft corals
copy 2010 Testudo Guides LLC
Blade Fire Corals mix with Lobed Star and Finger Corals The delicate Yellow Feather Duster
A Flamingo Tongue snail hides in its glistening shell As you meander toward the parking area the grassy sea floor gives way tosand
The boulder coral colonies will transition into a fairytale Elkhorn coral forest by Northern Lights Finally becoming predominantlyan Elkhorn
copy 2010 Testudo Guides LLC
The pier from the Northern Lights Condos makes a good boundary landmark to head back to the cove
copy 2010 Testudo Guides LLC
Blade Fire Corals mix with Lobed Star and Finger Corals The delicate Yellow Feather Duster
A Flamingo Tongue snail hides in its glistening shell As you meander toward the parking area the grassy sea floor gives way tosand
The boulder coral colonies will transition into a fairytale Elkhorn coral forest by Northern Lights Finally becoming predominantlyan Elkhorn
copy 2010 Testudo Guides LLC
The pier from the Northern Lights Condos makes a good boundary landmark to head back to the cove
copy 2010 Testudo Guides LLC
The pier from the Northern Lights Condos makes a good boundary landmark to head back to the cove
copy 2010 Testudo Guides LLC
