55 posts categorized "Attractions"

10/28/2012

Tricks & Treats

Booooooooo!!!! I thought I would gather a collection of photos from various Halloween parties on Grand Cayman this week and post them to get everyone in the Halloween spirit. I wish all of you a safe and happy Halloween week. Be safe out there.

Please e-mail me at [email protected] or tweet me @caymancondos or post on our facebook page at www.facebook.com/caymancondos if you have any Halloween costumes you'd like me to add to this posting. The best costume will receive a special Halloween discount off your next stay at Cayman Condos.

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This blog posting was brought to you by Cayman Condos. For information on any of our blog postings or to inquire about booking a condo, please contact our office at 800-999-1388. Something you love about the blog? Something you hate? Something you want me to write about? Let me know: [email protected].

09/30/2012

Blaze the Beach.....by Horse?

There aren't too many things in Grand Cayman that I haven't done at least once, but a horse back ride along the beach is one of them. One of the most popular tourist attractions on Grand Cayman is the Spirit of the West horseback beach ride. Spirit of the West has been doing horseback rides since 2004. They offer several different types of rides, which each offer their own unique opportunity. 

The beach ride has the beautiful Caribbean Sea as the backdrop as you stroll along the beautiful beach at the edge of the water. This ride is available at 10:00 AM, 2:00 PM, or 5:00 PM and costs $75 per rider for this 85 minute excursion. If you are looking for a private ride, where you can control your own pace, without anyone else in your group, it would be $90 per rider.

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The Caribbean Sea swim adds a refreshing swim to your ride. This popular and exciting ride allows you to ride your horse into the Caribbean Sea for an exhilerating experience. This ride is not for children under the age of 14 and can be quite rigorous. This 105 minute ride costs $125 per rider or $150 per rider for a private ride without anyone else in your group.

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Finally, the moonlight stroll is the most romantic option. This night time ride is only available around the full moon, to maximize lighting, so you might not be able to book this one, depending on when you are on the island. This ride will take your breath away as you see your horses reflextion on the sea. You are guided by the light of the moon and the instincts of your horse. The price for this ride is the same as the swim ride.

Located on Barkers Beach, one of the most isolated areas on the entire island, these rides provide you with a peaceful ride without disturbances of the toursist crowd. Spirit of the West tour guides will pick you up and drive you to the location.

If you are looking for an experience you have never tried before, I recommend giving Spirit of the West a visit. Their website is located here for your convenience.

This blog posting was brought to you by Cayman Condos. For information on any of our blog postings or to inquire about booking a condo, please contact our office at 800-999-1388. Something you love about the blog? Something you hate? Something you want me to write about? Let me know: [email protected].

07/29/2012

Sunset Cove Pool: Relax, Swim, Play....

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Most of our properties have great swimming pools, but the pool at Sunset Cove has it all. Are you looking to relax by the pool and read your favorite book? The Sunset Cove pool is very spacious and has plenty of lawn chairs for your use. You are given a pool pass upon check-in that you must present to be by the pool, which means there is always a place to sit. So grab a nook, a book, or an ipad and catch some sun all day long.

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Laying out in the Cayman heat will undoubtedly cause you to take frequent dips in the pool to cool down, but the large pool has plenty of space for all our guests, even during the busy times. 

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With one of the only swim-up pool bars on the island, you are able to sit at the bar while still in the water and eat lunch or dinner. Billy Bone's Swim Up Bar features quesadillas, wraps, fish sandwiches, burgers and much more.  It also makes it very convenient to swim up for drinks during a hot day, whether you are looking for beer, rum punch, or an island favorite, a mudslide.

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If you have kids, there is even an adjacent kiddy-pool for the youngest of babies to learn how to swim. Sometimes after a night out on the town, the best thing for you is a day by the pool. The pool at Sunset Cove provides a little for everyone. 

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Each Condo is equipped with beach towels so there is no need to bring your own. One tip: if you plan to spend a day by the pool, you better plan to put sunscreen on. Frequently. Happy swimming!

This blog posting was brought to you by Cayman Condos. For information on any of our blog postings or to inquire about booking a condo, please contact our office at 800-999-1388. Something you love about the blog? Something you hate? Something you want me to write about? Let me know: [email protected].

07/15/2012

Caybrew Brewery Tour

On a rare rainy Cayman Islands day, we decided to do a little exploring on the East side of the Island. We thought we'd take some photographs, grab a bite to eat, and maybe stop at a few shops downtown. We darn near spent the whole afternoon at the Caybrew Brewery. Located about 10 minutes East of Downtown Georgetown, the Caybrew Brewery offers tours and free beer. What more could you want?

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From the moment we walked into the brewery they made us feel right at home. Offering up samples of their four beers, Caybrew, Caylight, Ironshore Bock, and White Tip Lager. These weren't just any samples either, as it seemed to be unlimited. We hadn't even paid for the tour and were already being offered free samples. We actually saw some patrons come in and sample all the beers and leave without even making a purchase.

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Caybrew is a smooth, full bodied premium lager, with a crisp clean hop character and was awarded an international gold medal for quality in 2008. Caylight is a premium light beer and is brewed to the highest international standards. Caylight is only 95 calories for those beer drinkers that are watching their weight. Ironshore Bock is an amber beer made with specialty hops from Washington States Cascade Mountains. The Cascade hops give the beer its crispy after taste. Finally, White Tip Lager is a moderate bodied pilsen lager. The finest malt and aroma hops provide the beer with extra flavor and smooth bitterness.

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After sampling the beers, you are free to leave or stay for a tour showing the process of how the beer is made. For more information on contacting Caybrew Brewery or hours of operation, visit their website.

The next time you are looking to kill a few hours, while getting some free beer, make sure to pay the Caybrew Brewery a visit. You won't leave disappointed. Or thirsty.

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This blog posting was brought to you by Cayman Condos. For information on any of our blog postings or to inquire about booking a condo, please contact our office at 800-999-1388. Something you love about the blog? Something you hate? Something you want me to write about? Let me know: [email protected].

06/03/2012

Melting Hearts All Over the Island

What started out as a crazy idea for a "glow in the dark party" 2 years ago, has turned into a fad over-taking Grand Cayman. Anywhere you look around Grand Cayman, you see people wearing bright colored sunglasses. These party shades have evolved from a fun party idea to a popular sunglass line, called Melting Hearts.

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The Canadian based company offers all kinds of different color combinations, due to the unique ability to interchange the sides of the sunglasses. You want Lime green frames with purples sides? No problem mon. You want black frames with red sides? No problem mon. You want white frames with pink on one side and purple on the other side? They can do that too. 

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The line has evolved from the first Melting Hearts, to the Classic Melting Hearts, to the Original Melting Hearts with colored lenses for the first time, to the latest line, which feature a bigger frame and better lens, the Wild Hearts.

These popular sunglasses are available at Billy Bones Pool Bar at Sunset Cove or online at MeltingHearts.com. Check out the website to see all the wild colors with matching straps making these sunglasses ideal for swimming and water sports.

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The popularity of these sunglasses has seen them pop up in various stores around the world, including Singapore, South Africa, and soon to be Grand Cayman. Don't be afraid to test your wild side by picking up a pair of melting hearts so you can begin melting hearts all over the world.

 

This blog posting was brought to you by Cayman Condos. For information on any of our blog postings or to inquire about booking a condo, please contact our office at 800-999-1388. Something you love about the blog? Something you hate? Something you want me to write about? Let me know: [email protected].

05/20/2012

Kittiwake Shipwreck Attraction

Are you looking for a spot to snorkel? Do you like to suba dive? The Kittiwake Shipwreck attraction is just for you. This manmade reef is brand new to the island. THe ex-USS Kittiwake was a Submarine Rescue vessel (ASR-13) and part of the 6th Submarine squadron home ported in Norfork, VA. After serving for 54 years, the US Navy laid it up. An invitation was issued to both US and international applicants to apply for the donation of the ship for the purposes of artificial reefing. After the Cayman Islands were awarded the ship and began cleaning the ship and making it safe for scuba divers and snorkelers alike. The Kittiwake is the cleanest wreck ever to be sunk as an artificial reef.

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*Photo courtesy of Alex Mustard

This 251 foot long ship, weighing 1800 tons, was sunk at the northern end of Seven Mile Beach in West Bay in just 60 seconds. The Kittiwake rests 64 feet deep at the bottom, but only 15 from the surface, making it ideal for both divers and snorkelers.

You can snorkel overhead and see the main decks and topography of the ship, along with the beautiful fish and marine life that surrounds it. Since the Kittiwake Ship is a private park and attraction managed by the Cayman Islands Tourism Association, there is a small entry fee. It costs CI$8/day for to scuba dive or CI$4/day to snorkel. For more information on this once in a lifetime attraction, visit http://www.kittiwakecayman.com/.

This blog posting was brought to you by Cayman Condos. For information on any of our blog postings or to inquire about booking a condo, please contact our office at 800-999-1388. Something you love about the blog? Something you hate? Something you want me to write about? Let me know: [email protected].

 

04/01/2012

What's Happening in Cayman?

Whether you have a trip to Grand Cayman already planned, or you are looking to schedule a last minute trip, there is plenty going on when you get there in the next six weeks. April and May both feature exciting attractions for locals and tourists alike. 

The entire month of April features Cayfest, which is a month-long arts festival. This popular festival showcases local talent in a variety of different ways. Some of the displays are portrayed through art, photography, dance, music, poetry, and plays. You can learn a lot more about Cayfest through the specialized website.

They celebrate Easter on Grand Cayman with a special Easter egg hunt. There are even obstacle courses, bouncy castles, live music and more, which makes the Easter celebration perfect for familes with children. The celebration takes place in the brand new Camana Bay.

As the calendar turns to May, it features the Cayman Islands International Fishing Tournament. This annual event is much anticipated and creates excitment throughout the island. You can register by this website.

Also in May is one of the most anticipated celebrations of the entire year. The Batabano Adult Parade is a cultural celebration that takes place over several days, culminating with an extravagant parade along West Bay Road. The festival includes street celebrations, costume contests, music, local food, and more. If you have children, you might want to keep them away from the adult parade, which is actually quite provocative. However, there is a Botabano Carnival Junior Parade, which features children's costume parades, calypso dancing, steel drums, and food. This Junior parade is held at Camana Bay on May 28th.

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So whether you have been going to Cayman for years, or set to make your first trip, make sure to check out what's happening on the island the next few weeks. There is a little something for everyone.

 

03/11/2012

North Sound Wave Runner Tours

    There is no better place for relaxation than Cayman, but if you’re looking for a little adventure, there is plenty of that available as well.  Taking a wave runner tour is one of the most exciting and liberating ways to explore the North Sound.  Fat Fish Adventures offers a fun and thorough tour with an excellent mix of riding the waves, and seeing the various sights that make the North Sound in Grand Cayman so special.
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    Fat Fish does a fantastic tour from start to finish.  They will pick you up right at your condo and take you to the jet-ski launch.  While they offer the option to ride double or triple, I recommend getting your own wave runner.  This allows you to go as fast (or as slow) as you want and makes it easier to ride the waves when it gets bumpy.  Fat Fish provides you with life jackets, snorkel gear, and an excellent and knowledgeable guide, Richard.  After a quick run through of the rules and regulations, you are off – full speed - trying to keep up with your energetic guide. 
    First stop on the tour is Starfish Beach.  The deserted shores are beautiful, and the knee-deep water attracts plenty of starfish.  Be sure to bring your camera – Richard creates some excellent photo-ops of you holding the starfish. 
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    After leaving the beach, it is a quick trip to Stingray City Sandbar.  The smaller group of a jet-ski tour gives you plenty of one-on-one time with your guide to learn about these amazing creatures.  You have the opportunity to hold them, feed them, and give Stingray kisses for good luck.  Once everyone has had their stingray fun, you will head off to a coral reef for some snorkeling.
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    One of the best parts of this snorkel experience is having Richard right there in the water with you.  He points out things you may never see on your own, and as an experienced lobster catcher, he often grabs one for you to see up close.  At this reef, you may also see barracuda, nurse sharks, and eels, along with all sorts of colorful and interesting fish. 
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    At this point, you will have worked up quite an appetite which is perfect since the last stop is at Rum Point for lunch – and of course their famous mudslides.  Rum Point has some of the best food on the island, and after a long morning of North Sound adventures, you will be ready for it! 
    After lunch, it’s time to head in.  It’s a long trip back, but those of you looking for some adventure will love hitting the waves and attempting to keep up with Richard, who is always full speed ahead.  I recommend wearing sunglasses (with a strap) because you will get splashed, and be prepared for a bumpy - but extremely enjoyable - ride. 
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    The Fat Fish wave runner tour is one of the best tours I have done in Cayman, and quite possibly one of the easiest ways to see many North Sound attractions in a short amount of time.  They pack a lot into the trip but it’s a fun day out on the water that I would recommend to anyone. 
 
This blog posting was brought to you by Cayman Condos. For information on any of our blog postings or to inquire about booking a condo, please contact our office at 800-999-1388. Something you love about the blog? Something you hate? Something you want me to write about? Let me know: [email protected].
 

02/26/2012

Morgan's Harbour

Morgan's Harbour is located in West Bay and is just a short drive away from all our properties on Seven Mile Beach. As you make the 15 minute drive through the West Bay countryside, you will see parrots, roosters, and even an odd stray cow. Once you arrive at Morgan's Harbor, you will experience soft breezes flowing in from the Sound with great views of fishing boats docked at the harbor. This charming experience is worth a visit on your next trip to Grand Cayman.

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There is a lot to do at Morgan's Harbor, including a bird sanctuary that allows you to hold some of Cayman's most exotic birds. This is also where Dolphin Cove is located, which allows you to swim with the dolphins (See #4).

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This is also the location of one of Grand Cayman's most popular restaurants, Calypso Grill. This colorful restaurant is open to the sea breeze for the most peaceful experience on the island. Their fresh seafood is second to none and features specialty dishes such as: Sauteed Sea Bass, Crispy Mango Shrimp, Seafood Linguine, Smoked Salmon, and more, including duck, lamb, and beef.

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So whether you are looking for a relaxing lunch or a fancy dinner, Calypso Grill at Morgan's Harbour has it all. I recommend checking out the bird sanctuary, swimming with the dolphins, and then grabbing lunch all in one stop to the popular Morgan's Harbour.

 

This blog posting was brought to you by Cayman Condos. For information on any of our blog postings or to inquire about booking a condo, please contact our office at 800-999-1388. Something you love about the blog? Something you hate? Something you want me to write about? Let me know: [email protected].

 

02/19/2012

It'Sugar!

A fun place to take your kids downtown just opened in Grand Cayman. The worldwide chain, "It'Suger" has opened the doors in downtown Georgetown at Harbour Drive and Fort Street. This location is right by the Royal Watler Terminal. It'sugar features chocolate, candy, and gelato. The It's Sugar motto is:

"A movement dedicated to the single-minded pursuit of everything frivolous, over-indulgent and delightfully naughty. Our mission is to disrupt the white noise of daily life with a bunch of stuff that serves no purpose whatsoever other than to elicit laughter, happiness and child-like euphoria. Rules are made to be broken, rewritten, then broken again-we take great pleasure in great pleasure."

"We believe in: Staying up late, cutting class, the tooth fairy, conspicuous consumption, & asking for forgiveness instead of permission."

This brand new spot in Grand Cayman features hundreds of different kinds of chocolates, candies, and the best gelato on the island. Some of the specially flavored gelato are "Jack Sparrow Rum Raisin", Stracciatella Chocolate Chip, Bacio (Chocolate Hazelnut), Amerena (Black Cherry Swirl), Coconut Rum, and dozens more. Visit their website for more information!!

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In addition to the outstanding sweets, they have a large souvenier shop with Cayman Islands themed shirts, souveniers, and more! 

Next time you are on Grand Cayman, take your kids downtown to It'sugar. They'll think you are "extra sweet" for doing it!

This blog posting was brought to you by Cayman Condos. For information on any of our blog postings or to inquire about booking a condo, please contact our office at 800-999-1388. Something you love about the blog? Something you hate? Something you want me to write about? Let me know: [email protected].