ATLANTIS RISING – MYTHOLOGY MEETS REALITY IN NEW CAYMAN ISLAND DIVE SITE

CAYMAN BRAC, CAYMAN ISLANDS - One of the greatest mythological cities in history is now the newest dive site in the Cayman Islands.

Just off Cayman Brac the city first spoken of by Plato is being assembled by a local artist, creating one of the most exciting new dive options in the world, now offered by Brac Reef Beach Resort (BRBR).

Guided tours to the underwater creation are available Oct. 1 – Nov. 15. “Diving Atlantis” includes 7 night’s accommodation, 6 days of 2 tank dives, all meals, airport ground transfers, taxes and the first opportunity to dive Atlantis. A visit to renowned Bloody Bay Wall is also included. $1299 per person/double occupancy. Must be booked by Aug. 15. Call 1-800-594-0843 or visit www.bracreef.com.

Plato spoke of the alluvial seaport of Atlantis that the Gods had destroyed when its inhabitants had become corrupt and greedy. Ancient mythology has met with modern day fantasy however in a visioning project by Cayman artist Foots in the waters off Cayman Brac he has begun assembling his vision of the ruins of Atlantis.

The 51 year-old artist who recently became a citizen of the Cayman Islands, said he first envisioned the project as a child.

“I've always been fascinated with ruins, history and mythology and this project is a vision in my mind, not from any other drawings or renditions, but simply from my own fantasy – my own expression,” he says. “I am very, very thankful to the local government for allowing me to fulfill my dream, and I hope this will be my legacy – my gift to the world.”

The size and scope of the project are a divers dream. His plans involve over 150,000 lbs of sculptures, which have started to be placed off the north shore of Cayman Brac in a large sandy area, at a dive site called Radar Reef.

Phase one consists of the Archway of Atlantis and the Elders’ Way - - a pathway lined with eleven 5-foot temple columns leading to the Inner Circle of Light, itself an enormous Sundial and base weighing nearly 10,000 lbs. And on schedule for late June to early July this year is the 18 ft tall Pyramid of Atlantis in excess of 40,000 lbs.
Nature has starting moving into the Lost City already which Foots says adds to the mystery and mood of the dive site.
“Things are already covered in moss and are getting fleshed out, “ he says. “There are cleaner shrimp everywhere and they in turn will bring other forms of life to the site. There are also an abundance of Sting Rays and Eagle Rays that are in the area,” Foots says.

Brach Reef Beach resort manager Trudy Viers, says she's pleased that the resort will be able to offer its visitors yet another dynamic diving option.

“Foots really had a vision and he's doing a remarkable job and this will provide a very unique and memorable dive - - its a real tribute to Cayman Brac,” she says.

As the sculptures are in about 40 to 50 feet of water, Viers says the dive will be accessible for all certified divers.

“This is a novice dive site so it will be quite accessible,” she says. “On any given day you will see an abundance of marine life – you could see just about anything.”

Brac Reef and Reef Divers II offer guests a choice of 120 dive sites dotting all 26 miles of the Caribbean Sister Islands of Cayman Brac and Little Cayman. World-renowned Bloody Bay Wall, the Russian Frigate wreck dive “MV Capt. Keith Tibbetts” and numerous little-known pristine dive sites of Cayman Brac await.

Other diving highlights at Brac Reef Beach Resort and Reef Divers II include: three boat dives per day, two night dives weekly, PADI, NAUI and SSI instruction, unlimited use of tanks for shore dives (with a buddy), the only full Nitrox station on the island and 80 degree water with unlimited visibility.


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• The Tibbetts family, one of the original families who settled the island in the 1830s, owns Brac Reef Beach Resort. Born and raised on the island, Linton Tibbetts, or “Mr. T,” opened Brac Reef in the early 1980s to help stimulate the island’s economy. “Dad just has a heart for the islands, and I think he’s instilled in all of us a passion for this place and our heritage,” said Mary Brandes, Mr.T’s daughter and managing director of Brac Reef.

• Cayman Brac is a pristine island just 12 miles long with a rocky interior swooping to a 140 foot limestone bluff on the eastern end, a delight to rock climbers and naturalists alike. There are roughly 200 caves tucked into the landscape for curious visitors of all abilities to explore, which locals take shelter in during hurricanes, even during the most recent, Hurricane Ivan.

• Brac Reef Beach Resort is located on four and a half acres of milky white beach front. It was named Rodale’s 2005 Readers’ Choice Awards for the Caribbeans: #1 Top Wall Diving, #1 Healthiest Marine Environment, #3 Best Destination for Underwater Photography and #2 Best Destination for Advanced Diving.

• While diving is a specialty, Brac Reef caters to divers and non-divers alike, welcoming families, small conferences, wedding and honeymoon guests. The award-winning on-site dive shop, Reef Divers II, and award-winning Jamaican chefs illustrate Brac Reef’s commitment to excellence. The resort offers visitors the only opportunities on the island to pamper themselves at Tropical Touch Day Spa, on-line access through Cyber Beach Internet access, and work out at Island Shapes Fitness Center.

• Guests can also indulge in an outdoor massage under the shade of Brac Reef’s two-story pier or lounge in a hammock hut along the beach. Snorkeling, kayaking, fishing, tennis, beach volleyball, hiking and biking are also options.