Cayman Islands – local guide to Grand Cayman
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| At Rum Point Beach |
This is still home!! (to some extent). Having grown up on the island, we now go back whenever we can to visit our friends, go to our old haunts and check out what’s new.
As a tourist destination, it’s not the obvious choice for a holiday in the Caribbean, which is great because it’s not on the road to becoming a tourist trap like Nassau, St Lucia or Aruba. Grand Cayman has yes, always attracted day visitors as a popular cruise ship destination, but on the other scale, it’s one of the most exclusive ‘vacation’ spots for well-heeled Americans and Canadians. A friend of mine in fact asked me recently about taking a Caribbean cruise and now more than ever I’d dissuade anyone from doing this. When you grow up seeing busloads of overfed cruise ship passengers being whisked round the island for quick pitstops to see the ‘highlights’ in under 4 hours… well, this over a week could be tiresome… So! the best way to see the Caribbean is to pick the island that is right for you, so you can really get to know it.
So why Cayman?
Aside from its foreign reputation as a tax haven, for which it’s sadly first and foremost famous for…. it’s just a typical Caribbean island with a laid-back atmosphere, the most pristine white beaches and renowned for its awesome diving & snorkelling.
One great thing is that here you can get the best of both worlds. There’s the buzzy Seven Mile Beach, with top restaurants, hotels like The Ritz, Marriott and the Westin and cool beach bars, but then a short drive to the island’s east end, it’s hardly developed, much more lush, rugged and wonderfully scenic.
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So where to start when you have just a few days?
Organise a boat trip to Stingray City, everyone asks, but NO, it is not dangerous in the slightest. Stingrays here at the sandbar are very tame and incredibly used to swimming and playing with people. It’s a really fun experience for everyone.
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| Stingray City |
Hire a car (and stay to the left when driving) and explore the East and North side of the island with lunch and the afternoon at Rum Point. A bit further down from Rum Point Beach you’ll find Starfish Point. Here the water is like cutting glass, it’s perfectly still and you can see right to the bottom for miles!
Book in for a sunset cruise on the Jolly Roger. This is something we never miss out on when we visit. The 5:30pm departure is probably a lot more enjoyable for a younger crowd as opposed to families… because it really is a booze cruise. Lots of rum punch, great music, rowdy and fun ‘Pirates’ (staff) and therefore ideal to kick off a big night out.
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| The Jolly Roger at Sunset |
Snorkelling and diving lovers must head underwater at Eden Rock’s incredible Devil’s Grotto, where you’ll find deep caves and the most diverse sea life. Don’t confuse the school of tarpons for Barracudas … that can cause unnecessary stress! Other snorkel sites just down the road are Sunset House and Smith’s Cove.
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Where To Eat? A few favourites of mine below by area:
West Bay
Calypso Grill for a colourful local setting
Cracked Conch for good value amazing beach food
Papagallo, Italian & Caribbean (+ the most romantic setting on island)
Seven Mile Beach
Ortanique in Caymana Bay for contemporary pan-asian food
Sunshine Grill for their tacos and burgers to die for
Ragazzi… if you’re craving Italian, it’s good (I worked here once!)
The Wharf for oceanfront fine-dining
East and Northside
The Lighthouse for good fish on the way to Rum Point
I hear Tukka has award-winning burgers!!
Over The Edge has a true local vibe
The Drinks Guide… again, just a few of my favourites.
Laid back, boho and right on the beach is Calico Jacks
A melting pot of cultures, everyone comes for good live music at my all-time favourite, Aqua Beach
Another all-time favourite island bar has to be Coconut Joes
Wednesdays at Royal Palms is very hip and the only place to be. A sleek pool with white cabanas is surrounded by buzzing bars, an open dance floor overlooking the beach and a live DJ playing the latest music.
Karma is the ‘new’ stylish to have a drink
Get to Grand Cayman direct from the UK – Only with BA (via Nassau), 12hrs. (http://www.ba.com/)….
Get packing!
