Grand Cayman Island - The largest of the 3 Cayman Islands

Imagine:

 You are sitting in a pool at the swim up bar that over looks the Caribbean Sea at sunset mingling with your new found drinking buddies planning what the night has in store. The soft, salty breeze cooling off your sun kissed skin while you sip an island cocktail to the lullaby of steel drums. 

Can you handle that??  

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I have been to Grand Cayman twice both times via cruise ship.  If I could go again I would fly and spend a week there.  You can fly for around $500 round trip/per person into George Town and then bunker down for a whole week of R&R!  Cruises are great and I love them but sometimes you just need to stay in one place and marinate :) 

For those of you who have no visited the island, you are in for a real treat.  The island is colorful, full of sweet melodies that will take all of your worries away, heavenly food and drinks, and more activities than one can do in week.  

Land lovers and Seaman welcome!

Land lovers feel free to hang out on land the whole time if you like, you will not be bored. You can do any of these activities:

1.  Horseback Riding

Ride along the blue waters of pristine beaches or trek through the islands tropical forest.

2. Explore the wildlife on land

Have you ever seen or heard of a Blue Iguana?  No, not the drink - the lizard.  Well, it is the longest living species of lizard that is now endangered and lives on Grand Cayman.  If lizards are not your thing, head into the tropical forest for waterfalls, birds, and plant species!  

3. Pedro St. James National Historic Site

For the history buffs in your group head over to what the locals call "the castle" to learn about the first legislative assembly and take in panoramic views of the sea. 

4. Seven Mile Beach

This beach has been called "one of the finest beaches in the Caribbean" aka West Bay Beach.  It is the perfect setting for land lovers and small children because of its sandy bottom and calm, clear water.  If you are wanting to get away from the crowd pick a part of the beach that is away from the large resorts and you will find solitude.  

5. Wreck of the Ten Sails Park

This site is the exact location that Queen Elizabeth II visited and dedicated a memorial to always remember the tragedy that happen on February 8, 1794.  A convoy of 10 ships traveling from Jamaica to the United States and Britain wreck on the reef - hence the name the Wreck of Ten Sails. 

6. Queen Elizabeth II Botanical Park

7. Rum Point Beach

This is where the locals hang out and usually arrive by boat to partake in adult activities at the Wreck Bar and Grill.  This beach is great for swimming and has changing facilities, public toilets, and showers.  

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Now for the sea going folks - ya'll are in for a fantastic vacation if you do any of these activities:

1.  Underwater submarine adventure

Grand Cayman's underwater scene is far more spectacular than their land but lets face it - not everyone wants to "dive on in".  Diving and snorkeling can be intimidating so that is why the island offers a submarine adventure that lets you views the colorful coral canyons, fish, sponges, sharks, sting rays, and sea turtles from the comfort of a sub.

2.  Catamaran Cruise

Head out on the reefs via Catamaran either on a private boat or a group rented one.  You can set sail for a dinner cruise and dine with the setting sun or spend the day snorkeling or rocking with the ocean.

3.  Snorkeling in Sting Ray City

Trust me, this is not as scary as it sounds; the whole Steve Erwin thing has given sting rays a bad rep.  Head up to the North Sound that offers shallow sand bars to snorkel with these gentle rays.  

 4.  Fishing

Now this is what my husband would spend the entire vacation doing because Grand Cayman is one of the best locations in the world for blue marlin, mahi-mahi, wahoo and tuna fishing.  You can either head off-shore or stay on the reefs for a trip you will never forget!

5.  Cayman Turtle Farm

Now this is where you would find me, I LOVE sea turtles!  At this farm you can swim with green sea turtles and other marine life while sliding down the Turtle Twister Water Slide.

6.  Kayaking Eco Tours

Take a guided tour through the mangroves during the day or a night time tour to see the bioluminescence of the Caribbean Sea. 

7.  Snorkeling and Diving

Break the surface and dive under to see the real Grand Cayman.  The reef system there is magnificent and you can take a diving trip or snorkel on your own!  

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If you have ever visited Grand Cayman and would like to add to the post, please leave me a comment.  I would love to hear from you!!

xoxo Allie