Just about this time of year when you have to bundle up in layers of clothing and fight off the winter chill, a diving vacation sounds like the perfect medicine for the winter blues.

One of the most warm and inviting destinations on the planet is the welcoming Cayman Islands. It is hard to beat the gorgeous scenery and the diving could not be more breathtaking.

Although the #1 attractions of the undersea world have become the wreck of the Kittiwake, a memorable dive for both intermediate and advanced divers, and Amphitrite, the statuesque mythological wonder of the Cayman deep drawing large crowds of divers daily, the Cayman Islands are now preparing for a new addition.

They call him ‘The Guardian of The Reef’ and he was introduced back in November in Orlando at the Dive Equipment and Manufacturer’s Association Dive Show (DEMA). The huge sculpture, created by Canadian artist Simon Morris, is a creature that is half ancient warrior and half seahorse. The massive giant will play guard over the Cayman waters as he is sunk on a sandy flat in 65 feet of water just off of Lighthouse Point on the northwest point of the island. Many live seahorses have been photographed and videotaped in this very location so he will feel right at home. ‘The Guardian of The Reef’ carries a shield, a staff and a sphere. His helmet is a stylized seahorse head and a dorsal fin can be seen protruding from the back of his breastplate. He will be hoisted upon a 4-foot concrete pedestal bringing his total height to 17 feet. The expectation is that marine life will immediately find a new home an his mission will be to become a beacon for marine conservation throughout the year.

If you are ready to experience this for yourself, the sculpture will be sunk this coming January as an artificial reef and underwater attraction set to kick off the 12-month celebration of Divetech’s 20th anniversary. Divetech is a diving operation established in 1994 with two locations. They are located at Cobalt Coast Resort and further down the road at a Lighthouse Point facility. The operation is owned by Jay and Nancy Easterbrook. Once you see for yourself, you will understand why Divetech continues to draw a repeat crowd every year. It is one of the best dive operations on the island.

Throughout 2014, Divetech will use this opportunity to focus on an ocean conservation education programme with the hope of raising $20,000 by the end of 2014.

“The Guardian of the Reef was inspired by the fact that I could provide a focal point for divers to understand and appreciate that the ocean is a gift to us from our ancestors, and a responsibility to pass on in a healthy state to our descendants,” says artist and creator, Morris. “All the world’s reefs need protection and guardianship and if we don’t do it, who will? It’s my greatest hope that the Guardian will start discussions around the world of the need for environmental awareness of the fragile marine environment, not just with divers, but with everyone.”

This colossal Cayman creature will be a perfect addition to the Cayman dive world and he will welcome all visitors interested in ocean conservation. So put away the snow boots and the coats and get out your bathing suit and head down to the warm and tropical Cayman Islands.

For more on this story go to:

http://www.examiner.com/article/divetech-celebrates-with-the-guardian-of-the-reef?cid=rss

See related iNews Cayman stories:

Published October 24 2013 “The Guardian of the Reef at DEMA” at: http://www.ieyenews.com/wordpress/the-guardian-of-the-reef-at-dema/

Published September 15 2013 “The Guardian of the Reef” at: http://www.ieyenews.com/wordpress/the-guardian-of-the-reef/