So you’ve finally booked your flight tickets or your cruise to the Cayman Islands. You’ve packed the sunscreen and the bathing suits. But, what can the family do after hitting the beautiful beaches?
There is so much to do on the Cayman Islands that you could never get bored. The better question would be, ‘What activities and sights can we squeeze into our holiday?’ From touring the islands with a knowledgeable guide to visiting the brimstone of ‘Hell’, it all awaits you on the Cayman Islands.
Start by hitting the gorgeous, silky powder sands of Seven Mile Beach. Any taxi driver will be glad to drop you off and pick you up at this popular stop. Remember, it is popular, and therefore, crowded. Don’t let that deter you from visiting. Mounds of soft sand and sun reflecting off of the Caribbean waters make for a perfect spot to catch some rays or read a great book. When the sun gets hot, dip into the chill of the unique Caribbean blue and watch as colorful fish swim around you. Grab your snorkel and glide over the reefs, looking at all of the aquatic life teeming in the corals.
Want to try something different while you are on holiday? Jet Ski Fishing is becoming a very popular sport on the Caymans. Rent a jet ski and a fishing pole and pick your perfect spot on the open water. You just might hook a big one! Or grab the family and rent some kayaks to paddle around the islands. See the beaches from the water. There are also yachts and banana boats to ride- something to fit everyone’s taste.
When you leave the heaven of the beaches, why not go to Hell? Hell, Grand Cayman, is a must-not-miss spot on the island. Here, sharp fingers of volcanic rock rise by the thousands in a natural pit-like hole. Black as sin and ominous, when the water puddles between the rocks catch the sun the place looks like it is on fire. A truly wonderful natural site to see, this attraction is free to the public. Visitors can also mail postcards back home from Hell. There are a few tiny gift shops where you can purchase the ‘been-there-done-that’ t-shirts.
Get up close and personal with the stingrays at one of the top Grand Cayman attractions Stingray City Sandbar. It’s home to a whole shoal of friendly Southern stingrays and with a bit of luck you’ll be able to pet one. Or take the children and visit the Botanic Park, National Museum and the Cayman Islands Turtle Farm. Touch urchins and swim in the salt-water lagoon. See the predators tank and the free-flight bird aviary. Be sure to visit the gift shop on your way out.
If you are more interested in the nature, then consider a taking a hike on the Mastic Trail on Grand Cayman, the Bobby Pond Nature Reserve in Little Cayman (home to the largest population of red-footed boobies in the Western Hemisphere), or the Parrot Reserve of Cayman Brac.
Finally, before leaving the Cayman Islands, consider doing a bit of shopping. Duty-free shopping, designer names in jewelry, handbags and more, and little boutique shops with hand-crafted arts and stunning paintings are all lined down the main street of George Town. Stop and have a cold drink with the locals and watch as artists of every kind create their masterpieces.
When you pack up your souvenirs and your sunburn, your heart will already be planning the next Cayman Islands visit.
Top photo: Cayman Islands: Stingray City. ©Lawson Wood via Cayman Islands Department of Tourism.
