Grand Cayman Islands, One of the Best Tropical Vacation Spots
You bet it can, it’s cleaner, safer, and more organized than many other islands in the turquoise Caribbean sea, and if there’s one drawback to this state of affairs on Grand Cayman island, it’s that you might wonder why you’ve come all this way for somewhere about as exotic as your own backyard. However, if you’re looking for a vacation with reliable sunshine, tropical cliché beaches, and amazing undersea exploration, in a place that’s fun and family friendly, you could do a lot worse than Grand Cayman.
Though Hurricane Ivan inflicted serious damage here in 2004, the rebuilding of the island was an excuse to make some much-needed improvements to many facilities, and Grand Cayman is looking better than ever. Surrounded by coral reefs and dramatic drop-offs in all directions and endowed with perpetually warm and clear waters, Grand Cayman is a major diving and snorkeling destination—it’s said to be the birthplace of recreational Caribbean diving; scuba pioneer Bob Soto opened the island’s first dive shop in 1957. What’s especially nice is that most sites, marked by moorings in the water, are easily accessible right from the beach—there’s no need to spend a bunch of money on boat dive trips. If you do want something organized and guide accompanied, look no further than the excellent Red Sail Sports, 345/945-5965 www.redsailcayman.com which has locations all over Grand Cayman. In fact, Red Sail is your one-stop shop for just about every activity under the sun or on the waves: If it’s a water sport, they’ll either rent you the equipment or take you out for an excursion.
Beach going on Grand Cayman is practically synonymous with the Best Tropical Vacation Spots and spreading your towel and soaking up the scene on the sugary sands of Seven Mile Beach. Not only is this the most intrinsically spectacular beach on the island, but it’s also where all the action is. Para sailing and jet-skiing are only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the water-based fun here, the sea is shallow and inviting all along the beach, and you can rent ocean kayaks, aqua bikes, view boards, paddle cats, and paddleboats to explore at your leisure.
The calm conditions make this an ideal place to teach little ones how to snorkel. After a day playing in the surf and sand, take your pick from the dozens of bars and restaurants (most attached to hotels, which welcome non guests at their dining facilities) that line the beach.
Other notable beaches on Grand Cayman are Cemetery Reef (great for snorkeling), Smith Cove (a diminutive strip of sand perfect for swimming and a quiet picnic), and remote Rum Point, an oasis of Caribbean seclusion with lots of shady palms and an atmospheric beach cafe.
The classic Cayman wildlife encounter is Stingray City, a shallow, open-water site about 3km (13⁄4 miles) east of the island’s northwestern tip where you can dive among and feed near-domesticated stingrays. (Book an excursion through Red Sail Sports or any of the touts on Seven Mile Beach.) It’s thrilling, though certainly not without its risks: The animals are not normally aggressive, but they still possess dangerous stingers.
Grand Cayman–Owen Roberts International airport
Moderately Prices Accommodations
Beach Club Colony Hotel & Dive Resort, 719 W. Bay Rd., Seven Mile Beach (& 345/949-8100; www.beachclubcolony.ky
Higher Priced Accommodations
The Ritz-Carlton, W. Bay Rd. 800/241-3333 in the U.S. and Canada or 345/943-9000
The Best Tropical Vacation Spots
Many recommended Grand Cayman for a summer vacation of a week. Please advise some suggested hotels,for a hard working professional 60 year old couple. We enjoy activities as well as relaxation and prefer the range above Holiday Inn but not the Ritz. I apprecciate your thoughts and ideas. Perhaps the next step could be tours, must see events, hidden jewels, etc? Thak you so in advance.