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dive in each month of the year. Intermediate divers can begin their dive at the chimney, a narrow tunnel starting at 12m/40ft and ending at 24m/80ft. From classic wide-brimmed hats to water-repellent trucker hats, find your ideal style. The wreck can be penetrated in some parts but speak for your guide or instructor beforehand. From full scuba certification courses to one-day experiences for those who've never breathed off a regulator, the Cayman Islands qualify as an scuba diving shrine. September and October are the riskiest months to visit Grand Cayman because of the higher than normal amounts of rain. While the tropical vacation destination does see fewer crowds, this is the rainiest season in the Cayman Islands so you may have to contend with some showers. Grand Cayman also offers accessible shore diving on great coral reefs with little to no current. Also known as the Mixing Bowl, Three Fathom Wall is the point where Jacksons Bight and the Bloody Bay diving areas meet. Orange Canyon is a popular dive site on the west-side of Grand Cayman. This is currently number 20 on the 100 Best Dives list. Turtles munched on big sponges with no worries about divers hanging about. Tieneke, Joe, and Kevin went out of their way to accommodate our dive group and show us a really great time. Usually you will see at least a few tarpon at this spot. We understand that annual leave is precious so we can ensure that Diving Season: The best time to dive Cuba's Jardines de la Reina is during the dry season, from November to late April, as this time has the most ideal visibility and sea conditions. Just be prepared for a rain shower or two, as this is the start of the region's wet season. Please Sign-in or Register to save My Ideas for later, Our social channels The Cayman Islands are one of the Best Liveaboard Destinations for Beginners. 20 Best Dive Sites In The Cayman Islands (2023) In this article, we review the top 20 scuba dive sites in the Cayman Islands. Eagle Ray Pass is located along the North Wall in Grand Cayman. Some of those services give me a small percentage of what you pay as commission for my referral. Get in touch with our specialists for even more in-depth travel advice. 0 The Cayman Turtle Farm is one of the most visited land attractions on the island.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'scubadivegeek_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_1',121,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-scubadivegeek_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'scubadivegeek_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_2',121,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-scubadivegeek_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0_1'); .large-mobile-banner-1-multi-121{border:none !important;display:block !important;float:none !important;line-height:0px;margin-bottom:7px !important;margin-left:auto !important;margin-right:auto !important;margin-top:7px !important;max-width:100% !important;min-height:50px;padding:0;text-align:center !important;}. If youre thinking Cheeseburger is an odd name for a dive site, you probably wont be surprised that this shore dive probably took its name after the Burger King that was located across the road! The best time to see whitetip reef sharks in the Cayman Islands is from May to August. It is common to see barracudas and schools of horse-eye jacks in this area. A shallow dive site, the colors here really pop making it a good choice for photographers. 3. Through this site,my intent is to be able to sponsor the new chapter in my life as a scuba diver. Originally coined 356, this wreck is now called the M/V Captain Keith Tibbetts after a well-known Cayman Brac politician. Devilishly deep drop-offs, wicked wreck dives and some of the coolest coral in the Caribbean have made the Cayman Islands a world-class dive destination. With world class conditions and a robust dive industry, the Cayman Islands is one of the best places to learn how to dive. Located just a short walk from George Town, the Sunset House Hotel is home to Sunset Divers, and both resort and dive center are favorites of divers. But its not just the heat that matters when visiting the Cayman Islands. There are over 15 PADI 5-Star Centers in the Cayman Islands, ready to teach you everything you want to know about diving. The wreck was specifically set up for safe penetration, giving divers many interior rooms to explore. The islands' location in the western part of the Caribbean shields them from being hit too hard by the annual hurricane season, which lasts from June to November. I have traveled to the Cayman islands many times. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content. I guess thats one drawback of guided dives, everyone is constantly on the move, not ideal for photography, especially macro photography. This site is my attempt to live the adrenaline my life is missing and be able to live real-life storybook stories with my wife and children. Seahorses - While the Cayman Islands are best known for their stunning coral reefs and diverse marine life, don't forget about the amazing small critters that call these waters home . Along the wall you'll spot black coral bushes, barrel sponges and sea fans where barracudas, turtles, eagle rays and parrotfish like to show up. Cracks in the ceilings let in plenty of natural light making it easy to search the nooks and crannies for the many crustaceans and other marine creatures that occupy the tunnels. Rum Point Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned diver, Grand Cayman has a dive site for you. The Cayman Diving Season The islands are very much a year round diving destination. Trinity Caves is a popular dive site that is located off the coast of West Bay in Grand Cayman. Now large groups of southern stingrays are lurking around daily. Theres good diving, with great Walls and of course stingray city, where you can see and feed stingrays. And, thanks to a keen focus on conservation, many of the country's famous underwater spectacles are still well worth a visit today. We rarely boast about our service but we believe it's what sets us apart and makes us truly original, so please forgive this moment of unabashed self-promotion. It was named Orange Canyon because of the large orange Elephant Ear Sponges that can be found here. Its land area is slightly bigger than Little Cayman with a measurement of 19 x 2 kilometers (12miles x 1.2miles). Both of these sites are accessible from shore. A highlight dive is the Tibbets wreck with great structure and lots of life. They look dark brown without light but the first time my strobes lit one up I was amazed at the super bright rich red color. Access to tools and resources at your fingertips, curated to enhance your diving experience. And when it comes to marine life, there is lots to see! Perhaps because of this, the coral isnt looking a healthy as it could. . The water is about 10 to 20 feet deep. Click the link below to read our article about the USS Kittiwake: Wilderness Wall is located on the south-side of Cayman Brac. [] Stingray City has very large, friendly stingrays. The ridges are carpeted in a variety of hard and soft coral, barrel and tube sponges, and purple sea fans that house a vast array of miniature sea creatures. Sea temperature varies little, from a high of 86F/30C in August/September to a low of 80F/26.5C in February. Even though July is a popular month, it is not necessarily a good time to go because of the reasons below. This is one of the deepest sea-walls in the world. The dive resorts are more expensive than places like Roatan or Belize, but given the reputation of the islands and the quality and ease of the diving, we find the prices reasonable. Take your camera and get a snap with one of the abandoned bicycles that have also found a home here. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,100],'scubadivegeek_com-leader-1','ezslot_4',120,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-scubadivegeek_com-leader-1-0'); By descending down to 15 meters (50 feet) deep, you will arrive at what divers call the hanging garden which is a vertical limestone wall filled with black corals, barrel sponges, and purple sea fans. 1 is a 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom unit. As said earlier, Grand Cayman has over 50 dive sites and we will not leave this section without mentioning other noted dive spots. 1. Its not often divers can see a mermaid on a dive, but at Sunset Reef they can. Macro photographers should keep an eye out for the neck and decorator crabs who make their homes here. September is the worst month of the Caribbean hurricane season, which officially goes from June through November. Lighthouse Point is located in West Bay in Grand Cayman. Address. The water is about 100 feet deep, and there is a good variety of soft and hard corals. Trinity Caves is one Cayman dive site that never disappoints. The Kittiwake is a 76.5 meter (250ft) former submarine support ship. As of 2023, you can renew your passport online. This 82 hectare (200 acres) protected area is the refuge of the largest red-footed booby population in the Caribbean and is a popular bird-watching site. Flamingo tongues can be found on the sea fans, while arrow crabs, bristle worms, and long-spined sea urchins hide in the cracks and grooves. Some resorts offer "Hurricane protection". The Cayman Islands is a land of breath-taking experiences. "High Season" at the hotels is mid-December to mid-April, so rates will be higher then. I like the idea of being able to dive off both islands while staying on one. Web Visit website. Penetration is encouraged but to get the most out of the experience, take a torch. Discover these empowering women's history destinations selected by the U.S. News travel editors. I would appreciate if you don't as these referral links are what keep me posting and sharing on this blog. June to October brings higher topside temperatures (up to 33C, 91F). From spotting blue iguanas to kayaking in a bioluminescent bay to diving through intricate shipwrecks, here is a guide to making the most out of a first-time visit to Grand Cayman. This gives the unique Caymans dive site a blend of steep vertical walls, sloping reefs, and coral-crusted fingers. Why? Although this is a wall dive, the cut in the sites name comes from the swim-through many divers use upon descent. Live a life others only dream about. Part of the Bloody Bay wall, descending from the mooring here reveals a brightly colored vertical reef packed with sponges, corals, and vertebrate and invertebrate marine life. Each time has been a wonderful underwater adventure. Choose your design and prove your PADI certified diver status across the world with a recycled plastic card, eCard or both. Jackson's Bight- Located also in the Bloody Bay Marine Park, it does not fail to provide scuba divers with an amazing dive. Stingray City is in only 12ft (4m) of water and is a huge draw for divers and underwater photographers. Top dives include the famous 1000 Steps, the Hilmer Hooker wreck, and Bari Reef. The Cayman dollar is exchanged at a rate fixed to the US dollar (CI $1 equals US $1.25). You can go hiking in the Mastic Trail where it has really nice views from the harbors and the beaches. The reef slopes gradually from 5 to 17 meters (17-55ft), and is covered in hard corals, sea whips, small sponges and gorgonians. The wall dive also has several other topographical features including swim-throughs and tunnels. We are proud to off-set 100% of the carbon generated by our clients' flights. Grand Cayman is the most commercial island, with cruise ships visiting, but it has some wrecks and the wall dives are close boat rides. Aside from the coral laden walls of Babylon, your divemaster will usually lead you to a pinnacle where its towering structures are dominated by whip corals. U.S. News rates the cheapest travel insurance options, considering expert and consumer recommendations. Now it has become a beautiful artificial reef and home for colorful sponges, groupers, barracudas and other marine life. This is a deep wall that drops several hundred feet into the abyss. PADI Dive Resorts for all budgets, in the best dive locations around the world. Over a 30-year history, the islands have averaged less than two inches of rain from January through April and a little more than two inches in December, according to the Cayman Islands National Weather Service. Having a less touristic crowd, Cayman Brac still has several tourism facilities like Cayman Brac Dive Resorts that are scattered along its narrow coast. For beginners or those who get nervous in enclosed spaces, there are plenty of decks around the exterior to check out. Best time to dive in Cayman Islands The diving is great year round in the Caribbean, something that is promoted with the dive 365 program. that the underwater world (and overwater, if you plan on surfacing Otherwise, it is clear that December through April are the best months of the year to visit Grand Cayman, especially early April. The rainiest months in Grand Cayman are September and October during the height of the annual hurricane season. but the best time to visit is between May and October. They make a difference for anyone visiting the Caymans by cruise who plans to spend more time shopping, dining and visiting attractions than spend time on the beaches. Aside from corals, barrel sponges are sprawling in this vibrant reef that is also filled with tropical reef fish like groupers, butterflyfish, angelfish, moray eels and lionfish which is believed to be an invasive species. If you want to escape the crowds of cruise ship passengers, the East End is the place to go. You will find the Cayman Islands to be very diverse, from quiet Little Cayman, to bustling Seven Mile Beach on Grand Cayman. PADI Dive Resorts for all budgets, in the best dive locations around the world. Sidetrip: Visit Little Caymans Booby Pond Nature Reserve. But which Cayman Island has the best diving? We did see some nurse sharks, sea turtles and a few rays. Stingray City offers divers the opportunity to fully interact with these amazing creatures. A few great choices are the Sunset House Hotel in Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac Beach Resort and the Little Cayman Beach Resort. In effect, there are more registered businesses in Cayman Island as compared to its local population. Great Wall is the kind of dive that makes you feel like a tiny speck in the ocean as you hang near a wall that drops dramatically to more than 1,800 meters (6,000ft). The top of the wall is around 9 meters (30ft) so the site can be enjoyed as a shallow or deep dive. Cayman Islands, as well as our suggestions for the best places to Phone +1 345-949-7111. And when you have the right product, youre a little bit happier which affects the people around you! Grand Cayman is a beautiful dive destination with many options for accommodations and for diving. There are 365 dive sites throughout the islands, offering something for all levels of experience. Cactus coral, sea fans, great star coral, and tube sponges blanket the reef and provide refuge for a variety of sea creatures. I would like to mention 2 points though, one that it is a bit expensive, both the accommodations and the diving, and secondly, it looks like they allow open water divers to do the deeper wall dives, where you can be as deep as 100 feet, just an FYI, in case youre not comfortable at that depth. You can also go wreck diving as there are some shipwrecks that can be explored like the remains of USS Kittiwake. Instagram, My Ideas The ship has been opened up with large access holes so that you can swim through the interior of the ship. A direct flight from Miami to Grand Cayman takes only 70 minutes. Even if they are stingrays and have the potential to inflict painful wounds via their tail, do not panic as they are not in their aggressive or defensive mode. Bloody Bay Wall is located in Little Cayman. I have lived in the corporate world for a few years now with very little excitement in my life. Northerners also want to get away from the cold and snow of winter. The islands are warm year-round with average highs holding steady in the 80s. There is decent shore diving from their dock. This is a must do dive. You will see many sea creatures such as octopus and arrow crabs. Exploring this site requires you to initially descend to 18 meters (60 feet) deep where the wall starts. There is a reason you won't find under a 5-star review for Silver Thatch, they are the best. Bay Islands, Honduras. Grand Caymans North Wall plunges deeper than 1800 metres/6000 feet and offers beautiful wall diving with opportunities to see spotted eagle rays and sea turtles. Divers can observe the bow guns and go along the rails to make some great photos. In the shallows, flamingo tongues cling onto sea fans while lobsters, eels, and jewfish can be found hiding in the ridges and gullies. All levels of divers can enjoy the site as there is plenty to see at shallow depths or at deeper parts. It exceeds six inches in August and jumps again to more than eight inches in September and October. Tarpon Alley is part of the North Wall with depths between 15 to 25 meters (50-80ft). Located 8 kilometers (5 miles) east of Little Cayman is another elongated island that is popular with anglers and scuba divers. The course includes a 2-hour pool and theory session, and an . Plus, along the wall, you can meet triggerfish, eagle rays, turtles, lobsters and many more! There is a lot of soft coral here, which makes for an interesting experience. So, what are you waiting for? Schools of bright snappers brightened the reefs among colorful sponges. We'll whisk you through the security queues (where available). The water depth here is around 18-meters. Named for the bright orange elephant ear sponges that characterize this site, Orange Canyon doesnt contain a closed canyon per se, but an open channel with lively reef on either side. Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. It is possible to go scuba diving in Little Cayman all year round and the water temperature only varies from 21-27 degrees. This pristine wall on the south side of Cayman Brac features an abundance of hard corals, gorgonians, and massive red, orange, green, and purple sponges. This is one of the deepest sea-walls in the world. Lemon Reef is a mini-wall dive site located on the North Wall in Grand Cayman. There is a good amount of coral and fish here. Ocean Cabanas Dive Resort: Great views, amazing stay - See 33 traveler reviews, 112 candid photos, and great deals for Ocean Cabanas Dive Resort at Tripadvisor. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates. You will then follow a sloping reef up to 25 meters (82 feet) deep where the wall starts and drops down up to 900 meters (2,950 feet) deep. We highly advise you ask your local dive shop on the dos and donts in diving a particular dive site. The three islands that make up the nation, Cayman Brac, Grand Cayman, and Little Cayman, are diverse and have distinct diving. Macro photographers should seek the banded coral shrimp and divers licensed to 30m/98ft will enjoy the gorgonian fans in the cavern at this depth. But these aren't the only good and bad times. My favorite were the groupers who followed us like pets. Head to around 30m/98ft for some of the best wall views. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Our reviews: We can make the world a little bit better with great in-depth reviews. Don't forget to visit Stingray City before leaving Grand Cayman. There are lots of beautiful beaches to visit and to relax. Of course, the Soviets didnt call her Keith Tibbets, she was renamed for a local dive operator after the Cayman government purchased the wreck for dive tourism. In February, the cost is roughly $1,044 round trip . With regards to transportation, you have to take note that there are no taxis in Little Cayman and the best way to explore the island is by renting a bike. Besides scuba diving, there are plenty of other things to do on the Cayman Islands. And as you might imagine, the coral-encrusted archway makes for a fantastic photo opportunity. The sea is always warm in the Cayman Islands, with surface temperatures never dropping below around 25 o C (78 o F). Just south of Seven Mile Beach and approximately 46 feet below the surface are Eden Rock and Devil's Grotto, two of the most popular diving spots on Grand Cayman. Sharks and turtles are frequent visitors as are snappers, groupers, and grunts. April is an especially good choice because it has the warmest weather of the entire five-month dry season. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Grand Cayman is the most commercial island, with a lot of resorts, great nightlife, and more tourist attractions. If you enjoy snorkeling, then check out our article where we discuss the top 25 snorkel spots in Grand Cayman. It is because of the sometimes extreme temperatures and rainfall that the Caymans have distinct spikes and dips in the number of tourists who visit each month. There are also usually direct flights from Boston, Chicago, and New York. As a diver, with a PADI account you can access your eLearning along with many more tools to help you on your adventures. The highlight of the dive is the photo opportunity with this Cayman reefs most famous resident. This is a wall that drops 2000 meters to the sea floor. There is slightly more rain during the summer months. When to go Best time Low season Off season Where to go when Located in the western Caribbean, just 480 miles south of Miami, Cayman is perfect for scuba diving and snorkelling, boasting some of the Caribbean's best excursions. In addition, you're more likely to snag a hotel deal during these months. 1-800-652-1972. Live like a local and get under the skin of a destination with our in-country concierges. You could spend . If you like diving in caves and grottos, Trinity Caves on Grand Caymans west side is the site for you. Another top option for divers, Cayman Brac Beach Resort is, as its name implies, located on the third island in the Cayman Islands: 15-square-mile Cayman Brac. You need to take a boat to reach this area. However, the Cayman Islands can be impacted by hurricanes primarily between June and November. The Cayman Islands are one of the Best Liveaboard Destinations in the World. The rainy season spans from May through October though showers usually only last for a few hours at a time. As you enter the cave, you will realize that it is not totally dark as it is illuminated by streaking sunlight streaming from overhead cracks and crevices. December through April are especially popular times to go because of low risk of rainfall and more moderate temperatures. The water is about 12-feet deep here. With 365 named dive sites, the enchanting Cayman Islands is a year-round underwater paradise. If you want to enjoy these five dive sites . For this reason, wreck junkies and aficionados often have the Keith on their to-dive lists. StingRay City on scuba with a small group was so much fun feeding the rays. Best Time to Visit The Cayman Islands are mostly sunny and warm year-round, but it may be best to visit between March and June when the hotel rates drop. Little Cayman GoPro Video Workshop: April 2023, Best Liveaboard Destinations for Beginners, shifted the Kittiwake from her original position. The USS Kittiwake is an ex-US Navy ship that was purposely sunk in Grand Cayman to create a new dive site. I have been diving in Grand Cayman several times. . info@bluewaterdivetravel.com, Visited on 04/2018 - Submitted on 02/04/2020, Visited on 03/2013 - Submitted on 08/31/2014, Visited on 02/2014 - Submitted on 04/19/2014, Visited on 02/2014 - Submitted on 03/01/2014, Visited on 08/2013 - Submitted on 02/21/2014, Big savings on 7-night group stays at Little Cayman, Cayman Brac and Cobalt Coast Resorts, live availability of some of the best liveaboards in the Cayman Islands. Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman house over 300 dive sites, making up the breathtaking Cayman dive map. Get certified to scuba dive. 6. If you want to go a little more remote, try Little Cayman. Scott S. Bateman is a professional journalist who has traveled widely throughout the Caribbean and the Americas. Keith Tibbets- This Soviet-built Frigate that was owned by the Cuban navy was given to the Cayman Islands to purposefully sink it. There are plenty of great dive resorts available, but liveaboard is the best option if you want to dive around all three islands. In the Cayman Islands, spring is in full force. You can dive along this wall and explore the different entrances. Away from the stingray action, there are a number of coral heads with a variety of life to check out. In this article, we review the top 20 scuba dive sites in the Cayman Islands. Cathy Church has a shop at Sunset House where you can often meet her and see her beautiful underwater photos from the area. Founder of Georges Watersports & Thingstodocayman.net. The Cayman Islands certainly offer diversity without a long trip from the states. Theres also Little Cayman thats the least developed of the 3 islands. Enquire The boat dives were offered mostly in the mornings, and we were on our own in the afternoons. Diving in the Caymans offers something for everyone, whether divers are taking their very first fin stokes or have years of experience under their weight belts. No diving trip in Grand Cayman would be complete without a dive at the infamous Stingray City. On Grand Cayman, I stayed at hotels on the west end along Seven Mile beach. You can enter different swim-through areas where the wall drops to great depths. From Rolex watches to Caymanite earrings to a shell necklace. It is because of the sometimes extreme temperatures and rainfall that the Caymans have distinct spikes and dips in the number of tourists who visit each month. Their sister company, Tortuga Divers, operates from Morritts Tortuga Club in East End. GOT QUESTIONS ABOUT DIVING IN CAYMANS? That's is how we pay ourselves. View Map. The flight and hotel fares are discounted up to 50 percent this time of year. It was named after the famous free-diver Penny Ventura. Stingray City- You can thank the local fishermen for this dive site as they used to clean their catch here that attracted the rays to the site. The Cayman Islands has also designated four special areas for protection such as marine park zones, replenishment zones, environmental zones, and no diving zones. Cayman Brac offers a good mix of wall, wreck and reef diving for all experience levels. Diving is available year-round. The Cayman Islands are a premier diving destination, boasting 365 dive sites, as well as the International Scuba Diving Hall of Fame . This is really a divers paradise. 2. This is currently number 20 on the 100 Best Dives list.. They are located in George Town in Grand Cayman. Best Time to Dive in Little Cayman. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Find the best travel insurance for you with these U.S. News ratings, which factor in expert and consumer recommendations. Boasting strong diving infrastructure, diverse types of diving, incredible walls and wrecks, and great visibility. The heat may be less of an issue for anyone planning to spend a week there mainly on the beaches during the day and shopping or having fun in the cooler evenings. As the name suggests, this Cayman dive site is known for eagle rays. Bloody Bay Wall is considered the epicenter of scuba diving in this marine park. For deep divers, we highly suggest you explore the elephant-ear sponge laden reef of the Orange Canyon or go cave diving in Bonnies Arch. Black groupers, sergeant majors, yellowtail snapper, and moray eels are just a few of the species you can expect to see. #6 inBest Cheap Destination Wedding Locations, #4 inBest Places to Visit in January 2023. The people of the island are friendly and culturally diverse. In general, the tourism industry in the Cayman Islands is designed with divers in mind. The Cayman Islands continues to receive global recognition and top the charts for diving. I am the father of the best two children in the world and husband to the most patient woman on this planet. In the 2019 Scuba Diving Magazine Readers Choice Awards, the Islands were named one of the Best Overall Dive Destination in the Caribbean/Atlantic and scored first place for Best Advanced Diving and Underwater Photography. The water clarity is typically amazingly clear. Eden Rock Dive Center. 1. If hot temperatures are an issue, it is better to visit the islands from December through April when they average in the upper 80s Fahrenheit. // ]]>, Call us today at+1-310-915-6677 or email us info@bluewaterdivetravel.com. Hotel prices are sourced from a sample of U.S. News Best Hotels rates through 2015-2016. December and July are good times for families because children are out of school for the holidays and summer. Sign up to get the latest updates, offers and more. Eels, rays, sharks, and turtles are frequently seen. Best Liveaboard Destinations in the World, Vaccines recommended: Hep A; Typhoid if you will travel to rural areas, Visa: None needed for US citizens or European Union, Safety: Generally safe but petty theft can occur. Because great in-depth gear reviews will help you select the right products for your specific needs, budget, and interests. Generally, the off-season is the cheapest time to visit Grand Cayman, from May through November. You get to enjoy some of the warm weather, which is especially nice if you live in the northern U.S., where it's still winter.