TESTUDO'S SNORKELING GUIDESTM

The Vents at Anchor PointGrand Cayman, Cayman Islands

One of the solfatara (sulfur fumaroles) found just off shore at Anchor Point

I came across this surprising geothermal marvel while sampling the snorkeling conditions at Anchor Pointon Grand Cayman's East End. More commonly found on volcanic islands like Dominica or in areas ofvolcanic activity, Solfatara are a type of fumarole which emit sulfurous gases along with steam. I had aninkling that there were vents like these somewhere in the vicinity after having caught wind of theunmistakable smell of sulfur (those who have visited Yellowstone National Park will know what I amreferring to) while at nearby Barefoot Beach. Since this location is under water, the yellowish plumes ofgas mix with the seawater, creating a blurring effect. I have no idea if the resulting chemical mixture issulfuric acid, sulfur dioxide or something else.

If you are the least bit intrigued by geothermal features it would be worth a stop. The location is literallyjust around the point from Barefoot Beach, so combining the two stops would make for a nice outing.

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LOCATION INFORMATION: Like many of the less known spots on the island, the entrance to AnchorPoint is an easy-to-miss little dirt and rock car-width path, just off Old Robin Rd/Queen's Highway on theEast End.

The tuck-in is approximately 2.9 miles east from the intersection in Old Man Bay on the left side of theroad and also 2.9 miles from the Reef and Morritt's resort complexes on the right. Coming from the west,you are likely to pass the turn-in. So if you see the Barefoot Beach Gardens Villas entrance wall on yourleft, turn around and slowly head back west for approximately 1/4 mile.

Coming from the east, just slow down when you reach the Barefoot Beach Gardens complex and followthe directions above. If you have a tiny rental car, I would advise you park along side the road and walkdown the path, as the rocks can easily puncture a small tire. A footpath leads you the the top of a coraland stone embankment with a rudimentary staircase. The vents are located almost immediately straightout from the stairs. At the base of the stairs there is a large driftwood tree trunk just to the right. Thetrunk makes for an ideal spot to drop your gear and prepare for your water entry.

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CONDITIONS: The immediate area is mostly comprised of ironshore. But with careful foot placementyou should be able to find a mostly sand covered path to a water entry. Just past the driftwood trunk is asmall niche with a sandy floor that makes an nice entry point. The area has some significantconcentrations of grass and algae on the sea floor, so there may be some floating around as you makeyour entry. The water depth of the general area is 4-6 feet and there is not usually any strong waveaction or currents.

WHERE TO LOOK: Upon entering the water, make your way towards the stone and coral stairs you tookdown from the parking area. Once lined-up with the stairs, simply head about 10-15 feet out. The watergenerally will have a yellowish/greenish caste as you come upon the vents. Just past the venting area is asmall Elkhorn coral mass that will confirm you are in the correct spot. As there is little plant life in thearea immediately surrounding the vents, I would surmise that the ejecta is mixing with the seawater andcreating sulfuric acid or some other inhospitable compounds. Many of the vents are encrusted with theeasily identifiable layers of sulfur. The water will blur as the chemicals mix, strikingly similar to aPhotoshop effect (no, these pictures are not altered). I have placed my hands in the plumes and sufferedno ill effects; just felt a noticeable rise in temperature. I can honestly say this is one of the mostinteresting things I have come upon in all of my snorkel adventures.

WHAT ELSE IS AROUND: The snorkeling in the general area is also quite interesting. There is anunusual amount of blade algae throughout the coral masses making for a verdant visual experience.Plenty of smaller fish out in the coral shallows and a large school of Tarpon frequents the area, but I have

not encountered any other larger marine life. Heading around the point with take you to a large ridgewith ancient Elkhorns and Brain corals, but few fish. As you begin to approach Barefoot Beach the fishbecome more abundant and the corals more vibrant. The wreck of the Geneva Kathleen is in the area,but I have yet to come across her remnants.

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Barefoot Beach Gardens Villas from the East Barefoot Beach Gardens Vills from the West

Rock and Gravel entrance to Anchor Point Parking area and path down to the water

Vent location looking down from the embankment A driftwood bench convenient to the water entry point

Footpath and embankment from over the vents Coral mass landmark immediately past the vents

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Sulfur tinted haze of the water A spewing vent

Close-up of a larger vent One of the many fissures

Solfatara in action Solfatara field

Looking into a vent Blur from the the sulfur and seawater reacting

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Large plume of ejecta Another view of the ejecta

Looking into the mouth of a solfatara

So yet again, Grand Cayman offers up something a little special and unexpected for those willing toexplore off the beaten path.

© 2010 Testudo Guides, LLC http://snorkelblog.tumblr.com/

© 2010 Testudo Guides, LLC http://snorkelblog.tumblr.com/