Camana Bay Ferry Service to Rum Point

Have you ever wanted to get to Rum Point, but not wanted to make the long, winding, hour-long drive from Seven Mile Beach? Have you ever wondered who was going to drive back if you all had a few "Original Mudslides" from the Wreck Bar? Have you never been to Rum Point, but want to give it a try? The answer to all of these question lies in the news that Camana Bay has started a new ferry service to and from Kaibo Yacht Club. 

While the Kaibo Yacht Club isn't exactly Rum Point, once there, you are just a 2 minute shuttle ride away from Rum Point. The ferry service currently runs every day except Monday with times varying by day. At a cost of just $20 C.I. per person, this is a rather affordable option to get to Rum Point without having to drive or charter a boat. 

The comfortable boat cruises from Camana Bay through the North Sound and to the dock at Kaibo Yacht Club. From there you are able to hop on a shuttle provided by the ferry service to be at Rum Point in about 35 minutes total. The reason the ferry is not able to drop-off directly at Rum Point is because the dock is in water that is too shallow for the boat.

Once at Rum Point, you are able to order food from their kitchen, including their terrific mahi mahi wrap or sandwich. This is also the home of the Original Mudslide. The sign famously asks, "Do you serve virgin mudslides?" with the response being "yes we do-a cup of ice is free." (This is why having a boat to get back to 7 Mile Beach comes in handy).

The next time you are on the island, give the new ferry service a try. After all, you can't really go wrong with an afternoon on the quiet, isolated beach of Rum Point.

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].

 

Caribbean Beach BBQ at Kaibo

Looking for something a unique Cayman Islands dining experience? Every Tuesday night from 6:00-9:00, Kaibo has a Caribbean BBQ party. For just $25, it is an all you can eat buffet, featuring island style BBQ chicken, Cayman style fish, spicy jerk pork, Cayman oxtail, Caribbean potato salad, rice & beans, corn on the cob, house salads, Caribbean pasta salad, fresh baked cookies and Cayman Tortuga rum cake. There are also 2 for 1 Rum Punch and beer bucket specials. Maybe even better than the food is the live local band. They play a mix of Reggae and Caymanian local music and it is quite impressive with people dancing (lots of families with kids) and even a limbo stick down by the water. Since it starts at 6:00pm, I recommend getting there early to get the freshest of the food. Enjoy a BBQ dinner, Caymanian style right on the ocean!

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 wrtie about? Let me know: [email protected].

The ABCs of Grand Cayman

I did a similar posting a couple years ago, but I thought it was time to refresh my list! Enjoy!

A: Atlantis-Take an under-water tour on the Atlantis Submarine. To spice it up a little bit, try the night trip.

B: Billy Bones-Visit the swim-up pool bar at Sunset Cove. With barside seating (out of the water) and barstool seating (in the water), they have all your favorite island drinks and a delicious food menu.

C: Camana Bay-Spanning 500 acres from Seven Mile Beach to the North Sound, there is something for everyone in this new village. Check out the shops, restaurants, movie theater and more.

D: Dog House-A popular destination for those die-hard sports fans wondering how they are going to see their favorite NFL team play on Sunday. This sports bar has all the games. Located in Red Bay, just East of downtown George Town.

E: East End: If you have a car, take a drive to the East End. It will give you a great view of the non-touristy part of Grand Cayman. You'll see a lot of locals, homes, schools and more as you make the scenic drive along the coast. On the way home, stop at the Lighthouse Restaurant for a great lunch.

F: Fidel Murphy's: This Irish Pub is located right next door to Sunset Cove and provides great food and drinks for a reasonable price.

G: George Town: Head to the heart of downtown Grand Cayman for some duty-free shopping. However, check out the cruise ship schedule and try to time your visit downtown on a day with no cruise ships.

H: Happy Hour: Enjoy Happy Hour on the patio of your condo with your favorite beverage (wine for me) and snacks as you watch the beautiful Cayman sunset.

I: Island Time: Rembmer that everyone in Grand Cayman operates on "Island Time". 9:00 means 9:20. There is no such thing as a quick meal. And sometimes you'll go to a shop in the middle of the day and there will be a sign that says "Be Back Soon" on the door. Don't worry about it. No problem, mon. You're on vacation.

J: Jolly Roger: Enjoy a sunset cruise on an old pirate ship, with all you can drink rum punch. Warning: These pirates go light on the juice.

K: Karma: Cayman's new sushi bar offers a great dining experience, complete with their specialty dessert-liquid nitrogen ice cream, prepared at your table from scratch.

L: Lazy: It's OK to be lazy in Cayman. It's your time to relax. Read a book. Lay in the sun. Cool down in the pool or ocean. Repeat.

M: Morgan's Harbour. Visit West Bay and make a stop at Morgan's Harbour for a great dining experience at Calypso Grill with waterfront seating.

N: Nature: Enjoy all the beutiful things nature has to offer on one island. Flowers. Palm trees. Plants. Animals. Fish. Sunsets. Moonlight. 

O: Ocean Swimming Cove: The newly created cove at Sunset Cove allows for swimming in the ocean perfect for kids as the cove keeps the water warm and protects against the big waves. Grab a drink and a raft and spend a few hours in the cove.

P: Positano: Casanova's is the Island's best restaurant and my favorite dish is the Spaghettini Positano. The atmosphere, wait staff, wine and food are second to none at this island treasure. Stop in and visit Tony, Gianni, Antonio and the rest of the guys for a night you won't soon forget.

 

Q: Quick: The vacation to Grand Cayman always goes too quick. Enjoy every moment because it truly is paradise.

R: Rum Point--Home of the Original Mudslide, Rum Point is a must-visit. If you can find a boat or jet ski tour to take you there, that is best because you don't have to worry about driving home after your Mudslides.

S: Stingray City--One of the more unique places in the world, Stingray City offers the opportunity to swim with, pet, and feed these amazing animals. You might even score with a stingray back massage. 

T: Turtle Farm--The Cayman Island's Turtle Farm is a great spot for children to visit where then can pet, hold, and learn all about turtles.

U: UV Rays--No matter how much sun you are used to or how much you tanned before you visited, lots of sunscreen is going to be needed. The Cayman Islands are located on the equator and combined with the reflection of the sun off the pool and ocean, the perfect receipe for sunburn.

V: Video Camera: Take a video camera because there are sure to be moments you will want to remember forever.

W: Watersports--Take a walk down 7 Mile Beach and visit any of the Watersports stands. Jetski. Parasail. Kayak. Banana Boat Rides. They have it all for you or your family to enjoy.

X: XoXo: Weddings. Honeymoons. Anniversaries. There is no more romantic place than Grand Cayman in the world.

Y: Year-round: Grand Cayman is a year-round destination. There is never a bad time to visit Cayman. Whether in the hot summer months, or the warm winter months, the Cayman Islands are always comfortable and the water is always warm.

Z: Zoo: The Grand Cayman waters offer your very own under-water zoo full of animals and fish.

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].

 

 

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

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.

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. 

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.

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. 

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].

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!!

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].

Camana Bay: Cayman's Newest City

The newly built town of Camana Bay covers over 500 acres stretching from Seven Mile Beach all the way to the North Sound. This contemporary town features some of the best dining and shopping on the entire island. It's proximity to all of the Cayman Condos properties makes this a very easy spot to visit during your stay on the island. 

The town consists of residential neighborhoods, gardens, public parks, a market, shops, restaurants, sports facilities, a day spa and a movie theater. It is rapidly developing into the most popular area on the island with an influx of new restaurants and shops creating a new spot for fashion, entertainment, food, and fun.

The shopping featured in Camana Bay has something for everyone, includins jewelry, sunglasses, souveniers, and an organic market to pick up fresh food. The dining features several new resturants, including the most popular, Abacus, which features some of the best seafood on the island. Some of the dishes you can find at Abacus are blackened red snapper, ginger soy glazed seabass, lobster & crab ravioli, seared yellow fin tuna, steak, chicken, pasta, and more.

Camana Bay also features Cafe del sol, which is Cayman's version of Starbucks Coffee. As you can see Camana Bay has a little something for everyone. So during your next visit, make sure to check it out. In the meantime, here is a link to their website where you can find all the happenings and what's new, including cookouts, live music, and more.

http://www.camanabay.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].

 

Experience the Deep Sea

There are many great snorkel and dive spots in the Cayman Islands to experience the corals, colors, and fish of the Caribbean Sea. However, you can't get to 100 feet deep with a simple mask and snorkel. The Atlantis Submarine in Grand Cayman can get you to depths of the sea that you will never see with from the surface. The Atlantis XI is an advanced submarine that can allow passengers the opportunity to brilliant sea life from 100 feet deep.

This submarine was specially designed for underwater sightseeing excursions, led by knowledgable marine guides who provide information during the entire trip. The submarine is comfortable for passengers as it is air-conditioned and maintained at sea level pressure, so there is no effect on your ears.

The submarine was developed in Australia and features large, clear windows optimal for viewing the spectacular sights of the sea, with numerous photo opportunities. There is even a moment when a trained diver enters the water and begins feeding thousands of colorful fish right outside the windows.

You will be blown away by the amazing clarity of the water as well as the colors of the coral and fish. During the 90 minute trip passengers often experience sea turtles, corals, shark, eel, and stingrays. Oh and if you feel like you've seen all these things before, but are too scared to snorkel or dive after dark, the Atlantis offers night tours too, which gives you an entire different perspective of night life, when you see shrimp, lobsters, and other night time sea creatures come alive.

Next time you are in Grand Cayman, make sure to make a visit to the Atlantis Submarine for some breathtaking views that you will remember forever. To book your submarine tour for $79, you can visit this website:

https://www.caymanislandssubmarines.com/

Unfortunately, I don't have any under-water photos of the submarine to post here, but if you visit the website above or do a simple google image search, you will see plenty of great photographs to give you an idea of what this trip is all about.

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].

10 Things I think I know about the Cayman Islands

In the last 31 years I have made countless trips to the Cayman Islands. Whether it is your first trip ever or a return trip for the 50th time, everyone can learn a little from someone else's experiences. During my lifetime, there have been numerous changes on the island. Restaurants have come and gone. Technology has gone from no phones or televisions to wi-fi, iphones, and cable television. But some things have remained consistent over the years. With that being said, here is a list of 10 things I think I know about the Cayman Islands.

10. The waters surrounding the Cayman Islands are clear, warm and lacking big waves/strong currents. This provides the Cayman Islands with a great swimming experience for visitors of all ages.

9. The sunsets in the Cayman Islands are breathtaking, with no 2 sunsets ever looking alike. This provides a new photo opportunity and memory each and every night.

8. The restaurants in the Cayman Islands provide the freshest seafood of anywhere in the world, often including fish so fresh it was caught earlier in the day. 

7. The shopping in downtown Georgetown and newly built Camana Bay offers great deals on jewelry, sunglasses, watches, and more with tax-free and duty-free prices.

6. The snorkeling in Grand Cayman provides the clearest waters and most colorful corals of anywhere in the world, not to mention the wide array of fish and animals, including Stingray City.

5. The people of the Cayman Islands are among the friendliest around. They are known for telling great stories to complete strangers and always willing to assist with directions or things to do.

4. The drinks in the Cayman Islands are a great way to cool down  in the middle of the day for some day-time drinking. Try a Cayman Mama, Cayman Lemonade, Mudslide, or a simple Rum Punch.

3. The beach in the Cayman Islands, known as 7 Mile Beach, is ranked as one of the top beaches world wide. As the name states, it extends for almost 7 miles of pristine beach.

2. The weather in the Cayman Islands never disappoints. With temperatures consistently in the 80's and 90's, regardless of the time of year, you are almost certain to return home with a nice tan.

1. The way of life in the Cayman Islands is care-free, which suits a person looking for a relaxing vacation well. As they answer everything in the Cayman Islands, "No Problem Mon."

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 wrtie about? Let me know: [email protected].

Cayman Islands from A to Z

For a little fun this week, I decided to go a different route. Enjoy!

A: Appleton Rum--The local rum is much cheaper than the imported rums such as Captain Morgan. By the end of your trip you won't even know the difference.

B: Beach--7 Mile Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Whether you are walking, jogging, swimming, snorkeling, wading, or relaxing, 7 Mile Beach is for people of all ages.

C: Casanova's By The Sea--There isn't a better restaurant on the entire island than Casanova's. This authentic Italian restaurant overlooks the ocean and the service is what sets this restaurant apart from any other restaurant in the world.

D: Diving--Cayman has been known to have some of the best diving in the world. If you have never gotten certified, there are half-day certification classes offered at several places on the island. 

E: Eel--A morray eel is among the many exciting sea creatures you can see on a snorkel trip to the North Sound, including lobsters, sea turtles, nurse sharks, and barracuda to name a few.

F: Food--The Cayman Islands offer some of the best seafood in the world. It is always caught fresh and every restaurant has their own unique preparation, including the always popular "Cayman Style."

G: Georgetown--Downtown Georgetown offers the island's best shopping. From jewelry, sunglasses, watches to souveniers and t-shirts, you will find it all in Georgetown. You'll even be able to find discounts and deals due to everything being duty free and tax free.

H: Hell--Yes there is a city on Grand Cayman called Hell. You can visit for photos, and even have a postcard sent back home from the "Hell" Post Office with an official postage stamp. 

I: Iguanas--Don't be frightened by the large iguanas that sometimes hang around the pool area. They are very friendly and offer great photo opportunities.

J: Jolly Roger: This sunset cruise on an old pirate ship offers a great opportunity to sip on some rum punch while watching the sun hit the horizon. They also offer a day time lunch cruise, geared towards children, complete with walking the plank, like the old pirates.

K: Kirk's--This supermarket is centrally located near 7 Mile Beach for you to stock up on groceries for your stay.

L: Lobster Pot--Another popular Cayman Restuarant that over looks the ocean and offers some of the best lobster dishes you will ever find.

M: Moon--When the full moon reflects off the ocean at night, there isn't a more romantic moment.

N: North Sound--This is the area between the two points of the North side of the island, where all the snorkel trips visit. The snorkel reef at the North Sound is second to none with the beautiful corrals and colorful fish.

O: Ocean--The Cayman Islands waters offer great clarity for snorkeling and optimum temperatures for swimming or wading all day. They also are safe for children because the Cayman Islands have no current or high waves.

P: People--Caymanians are some of the friendliest people in all the world. They are always willing to help and are quite entertaining to talk to with all their stories. You will also see Jamaicans on the island who make their way over from the nearby island.

Q: Quiet--Grand Cayman is not a place to go if you are looking for a lot of noise and night life. It is a very quiet, relaxing island, whicn is perfect for a vacation. 

R: Rum Point--Home of the Original Mudslide, Rum Point is a must-visit place. It's a good 45 minute drive from Georgetown, but offers an opportunity to see the native land and you are rewarded with a mudslide when you get there. This quiet beach offers a nice swimming area as well.

S: Stingray City--One of the more unique places in the world, Stingray City offers the opportunity to swim with, pet, and feed these amazing animals. If you have the right captain, you might even be able to get a stingray back massage. 

T: Turtle Farm--The Cayman Island's Turtle Farm is a great spot for children to visit where then can pet, hold, and learn all about turtles.

U: UV Rays--No matter how much sun you are used to or how much you tanned before you visited, lots of sunscreen is going to be needed. The Cayman Islands are located on the equator and combined with the reflection of the sun off the pool and ocean, the perfect receipe for sunburn.

V: Vacation--There is no better vacation spot in my mind than Grand Cayman. It combines sunshine, water, drinks, great food, relaxation, and beautiful sunsets all into one amazing visit.

W: Watersports--Take a walk down 7 Mile Beach and visit any of the Watersports stands. Jetski. Parasail. Kayak. Banana Boat Rides. They have it all for you or your family to enjoy.

X: XoXo: Weddings. Honeymoons. Anniversaries. There is no more romantic place than Grand Cayman in the world.

Y: Year-round: Grand Cayman is a year-round destination. There is never a bad time to visit Cayman. Whether in the hot summer months, or the warm winter months, the Cayman Islands are always comfortable and the water is always warm.

Z: Zoo: The Grand Cayman waters offer your very own under-water zoo full of animals and fish.

So there you have it--a quick A to Z guide of the Cayman Islands. Enjoy your next visit!

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 wrtie about? Let me know: [email protected].

 

Rum Point

If you are looking for a fun way to spend a day in Grand Cayman, take a trip to the one and only Rum Point, home of the world famous Wreck Bar. This isolated beach on the North end of the island is the home of the original Mudslide. If you come from 7 Mile Beach, you could get a great look at various parts of the island that are more native than what you see along 7 Mile Beach. The 60 minute drive will take you along the oceanside through Georgetown, Boddentown, and East End, with several great photo opportunities along the way. On the way back, you can save about 15 minutes by taking the bypass and avoiding the East End. If you don't have a car, you might be able to find a boat captain that will drive you over across the North Sound.

 
View Larger Map

Once at Rum Point, you will find a small, quiet beach with plenty to offer for a very relaxing day. The large hammocks offer a great opportunity for a nap or chance to read your favorite book. 

If you are looking for a little more action, there is a volleyball net that is always open for games. The highlight of any trip to Rum Point is the authentic mudslides. Unlike mudslides you buy anywhere else, these have no ice cream, no chocolate syrup, and no whipped cream. It is an island delight of Vodka, Kahlua, and Bailey's, topped with a full shot of Kahlua poured down your straw. If you have your kids with you, you are in luck because a virgin mudslide won't cost you a dime-cups of ice are FREE!! However, if you plan on having more than 1 mudslide, you better have someone to drive you back to your condo because these delicious treats are potent!

The Wreck Bar also has a full lunch menu that is quite tasty. My favorite is the Mahi Mahi sandwich. 

You can spend the rest of the day, relaxing in the shallow beach waters, without a care in the world. The water stays shallow for about 200 yards allowing for a comfortable spot to wade and talk with a drink in your hand. 

So the next time you visit Grand Cayman, make sure to give Rum Point a visit for a care-free day of relaxation.