In this article, we review Cheeseburger Reef in Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands. This is a great snorkel spot for tourists.
Why is this reef called “Cheeseburger Reef”?
This reef is called “Cheeseburger Reef” because it is located 40 yards offshore from “Burger King“.
The name “Cheeseburger Reef” initially started as a joke, but has now become the official name.
Where is Cheeseburger Reef located?
“Cheeseburger Reef” is located about 40 yards offshore from the Lobster Pot Dive Center in George Town, Grand Cayman.
The Burger King that this reef is named after is located next to the Lobster Pot Dive Center, however, it is easier to access this snorkel spot from the Lobster Pot Dive Center.
The Lobster Pot Dive Center is about a 10 minute walk from the cruise ship port in George Town, Grand Cayman, and about a 5 to 10 minute drive from Seven Mile Beach.
Below is a Google Map showing the exact location of the Lobster Pot Dive Center:
Is the snorkeling good at Cheeseburger Reef?
Yes, the snorkeling is good at Cheeseburger Reef.
It is not as good as the snorkeling that you can find at the Barrier Reef, which is located near Stingray City sandbar in Grand Cayman, but the snorkeling is still good enough to make it worth your time.
Below is a video showing the snorkeling at Cheeseburger Reef:
You can check out our list of the top 15 Stingray City tours as most of these tours include snorkeling at the Barrier Reef.
Can you snorkel from shore?
Yes, you can snorkel from shore.
Cheeseburger Reef is located about 40 yards offshore. This is a relatively long swim, but is definitely doable for people that are fit and healthy.
It is usually very calm, with no waves, because the prevailing wind direction comes from the North/East side of Grand Cayman, meaning that the wind comes from the land direction, which means that there are no waves directly offshore.
There is a lot of boat traffic here, so you should only snorkel here if you have a floating snorkel buoy with you. Using a snorkel buoy allows boats to see where you are in the water as you snorkel, so that they can safely avoid you.
You can check out our article where we discuss the best places to rent snorkel gear in Grand Cayman. You most likely can rent a snorkel buoy from one of these shops.
Can beginners snorkel here?
No, complete beginners should not snorkel here.
Cheeseburger Reef is located about 40 yards offshore, so only people that have previous snorkel experience should attempt this spot. This snorkel spot is too far offshore for a complete beginner to do safely.
Before you enter the water to snorkel, you can ask the staff at the Lobster Pot Dive Center for tips and advice to ensure that you don’t do anything dangerous.
You can check out our list of the top 25 snorkel spots in the Cayman Islands, as we cover many snorkel spots that are better for beginners.
How deep is the water?
The water is about 15 to 20 feet deep at Cheeseburger Reef.
It is too deep to stand, meaning that it is a good idea to use a life jacket if you aren’t a strong swimmer.
You can rent a paddle board from George’s Watersports. Using a paddle board whilst snorkeling allows you to get to the snorkel spot more easily, and also allows boats to see you in the water.
Is there an entrance fee?
No, there is no entrance fee.
You can enter the water for free from the Lobster Pot Dive Center.
However, if you are interested in learning to scuba dive, then you can do scuba diving lessons at the Lobster Pot Dive Center. They most likely do dives to Cheeseburger Reef, which is a fun place to learn to dive.
Is there free parking?
Yes, there is lots of free parking across the street from the Lobster Pot Dive Center.
If you are a cruise ship passenger, then you can safely walk from the cruise ship port in George Town to the Lobster Pot Dive Center, as it is only a 10 minute walk.
Final thoughts
This is a fun snorkel spot for people that have existing snorkel experience.
You will see a lot of coral here, as well as a wide variety of fish.
You can check out our list of the top 25 snorkel spots in the Cayman Islands to see other snorkel spots that are better suited for beginners.
