In this article, we review the snorkeling at Macabuca in Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands.
What is Macabuca?
Macabuca is a restuarant and bar in Grand Cayman.
There is a scuba dive shop next to the restaurant, as well as ladders that go into the water. You can enter and exit the water at Macabuca using these ladders.
Macabuca is a popular snorkel and dive spot. Many people enjoy snorkeling here, and then eating lunch at the restaurant afterwards.
Where is Macabuca located?
Macabuca is located in West Bay in Grand Cayman.
It is a 10-minute drive north from Seven Mile Beach to Macabuca. It is about a 25-minute drive from the cruise ship port in George Town to Macabuca.
Public buses drive past Macabuca, so if you don’t have your own car, then you can take a public bus there.
Is the snorkeling good here?
Yes, the snorkeling is very good at Macabuca.
There aren’t many areas in Grand Cayman that have lots of coral and fish close to shore, but this is an exception.
You can safely enter and exit the water using the dive ladders. Once you are in the water, you will see a wide variety of fish and other marine life.
It is also calm (no waves) most of the time since the prevailing wind direction in Grand Cayman comes from the north-east direction, meaning that Macabuca is in a sheltered area.
Can you snorkel from shore?
Yes, you can snorkel from shore at Macabuca.
You don’t need a boat to snorkel here. The coral and fish are close to shore. There are also dive ladders that you can use to safely enter and exit the water.
Below is a video showing people snorkeling and diving at Macabuca:
Can beginners snorkel here?
This is a good snorkel spot for beginners because the water is calm (no waves).
It is also easy to enter and exit the water since there are dive ladders that you can use. If you are a beginner at snorkeling, then you should avoid snorkel spots where it is difficult to enter and exit the water.
Another nice thing about snorkeling at Macabuca is that there are usually other people also snorkeling or scuba diving. If you are a beginner, then you will feel more safe to have other people in the nearby area who can potentially help you if you have an issue.
How deep is the water?
When you first enter the water from the dive ladders, the water is 5 to 6 feet deep.
As you swim further out, the water drops to about 15 to 20 feet in depth. If you are not a strong swimmer, then you should use a life jacket or other floating device.
If you need to rent a life jacket or other snorkel equipment, then check out our article where we discuss the best places to rent snorkel gear in Grand Cayman.
When is the best time to go?
Macabuca is usually busy on the weekends and in the evenings around sunset.
If you want to snorkel without a lot of other people, then the best time to go would be during a week day (Monday to Friday) in the morning.
Is there an entrance fee?
There is no entrance fee.
Anyone can snorkel at Macabuca for free. You do not need to eat at the restaurant to use the dive ladders and to snorkel here.
Is there free parking?
Yes, there is lots of free parking.
The only time that you may have issues finding a parking spot at Macabuca is in the evenings around sunset because the restaurant and bar become busy.
Final thoughts
Macabuca is a great snorkel spot with lots of fish and coral.
Even if you don’t like snorkeling, you should still go to Macabuca for dinner during the sunset as it has great food and beautiful scenery.
If you are looking for other snorkel spots, then check out our article where we discuss the top 25 snorkel spots in Grand Cayman.
