So where exactly is Grand Cayman?

Amazingly, Grand Cayman is only 22 miles long and 7 miles wide (at the widest point), which makes it seem like you are isolated in a small speck of tropical paradise.

However, people rarely take the time before visiting to look and see where they are actually going to be. Have you ever been relaxing in the ocean in the Cayman Islands and said, "Wow! I'm so comfortable, I'm going to just float to Cuba?" If you were to float uninterrupted from Grand Cayman, where exactly WOULD you end up? Would it be Cuba? Well that depends on which side of the island you are floating. Let's take a look!!

•  If you are floating along Seven Mile Beach in front of your condo and floated directly West, the first land you would hit, if you floated in a straight line for 378 miles, is somewhere between Cozumel, Mexico and Belize.
• If you are floating in the North Sound or at Rum Point, and floated directly North, you would run directly into Cuba after floating for 150 miles.

• If you are floating on the East End, and floated directly East, you'd be headed straight towards Haiti, which is 578 miles away.
• Finally, if you are floating on the South Side of the island near Boddentown or Breakers, and floated directly South, the first land you would hit would be Panama in Central America, which is 724 miles away.

While I wouldn't recommend trying to float the hundreds of miles of Caribbean Seat that separate the Cayman Islands from these various locations, it gives you some perspective of just where exactly you are when you are relaxing in paradise.

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].

 

Don't Be Scared to Visit Cayman During Rainy Season

For the longest time, September and October in Grand Cayman was referred to as rainy season. However, ever since Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans and the United States were so greatly affected by this terrible hurricane, the media has taken rainy season to a whole new level. There is non-stop coverage of every tropical depression that begins to form. Very rarely do these storms amount to a hurricane and even rarer do they strike Grand Cayman. The biggest advantage to a hurricane over a tornado or earthquake is that you know well in advance that the hurricane is coming. This gives you ample time to get off the island and cut your vacation short, if necessary.

I've been to Grand Cayman numerous times in September and October and never even thought twice about it. It's a beautiful time of year as the ocean is still hot from the summer heat, but the evenings cool down enough that it's comfortable enough to eat dinner outside. Even if it does rain in Cayman, it's almost always a passing shower, with warm rain, around an otherwise sunny day. Very rarely does Grand Cayman see a completely cloudy day full of rain that is often seen in the States. In fact, the rain can feel quite refreshing on a hot day and it doesn't even stop you from swimming, walking down the beach, snorkeling, or any other outdoor activities. 

So the next time you are trying to plan a trip, take advantage of the cheap prices, small crowds, and very quiet island and visit Grand Cayman during rainy season. You might get a few raindrops, but you will save money and still enjoy everything that the beautiful Cayman Islands have to offer.

Advantages of Staying in Condos Over Hotels

When planning a trip to the Cayman Islands, you will find many different options for places to stay. Because of the sun, ocean, drinks, and food, you can never go wrong with a trip to Grand Cayman, but you can make your stay a lot more enjoyable if you stay at a condo instead of a hotel. There are several reasons for this.

1. Privacy: You have your own private condo, which means you don't have to worry about going through a lobby and seeing people. You can go out to your oceanfront patio in your pajamas and eat breakfast as waves crash and the sun rises. It's hard to do this at a hotel because you would need to go down an elevator, walk through the lobby and out to the beach. The privacy of the condos is the top reason why I prefer them over hotels.

2. Space: The condos are extremely spacious with 2 bathrooms, 2 or 3 bedrooms, a living area, full kitchen, and a patio over-looking the ocean. For a week-long stay, having the private bedrooms to take naps, or sleep in definitely beat the set up of a standard hotel room.

3. Amenities: The condos are equipped with a washer and dryer, microwave, full-size refrigerator, stove, dishes, coffee maker, and even a patio grill. The maids will visit your room at a time it is convenient for you to ensure they keep your condo tidy, but don't disrupt your schedule.

4. Cost: If going on a week-long trip, having the ability to cook meals in your condo can save you literally hundreds of dollars. Making a visit to the grocery store upon arrival and stocking up on breakfast and lunch food will make a huge difference over the course of the week as opposed to being in a hotel and having to eat out every meal. Also, the ability to cook a nice dinner with the stove or grill allows you to save on an expensive dinner bill at a restaurant. In addition to the food, if you choose to go with another couple or even 2 other couples, you can all split the cost of the spacious condo. A hotel room does not allow 6 people to comfortably live for a week.

For your convenience I have prepared a quick video tour of a 3-bedroom oceanfront condo at Treasure Island. Don't hesitate-book a great fall or winter get-away today!!

 

The Wonderful People of Grand Cayman

Besides the weather, dining, and water, one of the things that makes Grand Cayman so special is the people that reside there. Natives of the Cayman Islands are termed Caymanian and they are a very proud bunch. The population of the islands is under 60,000 people, which is the size of a small American town. Caymanians are a mixture of Afro-European, African, and European. There is a distinct Caymanian dialect that can be difficult for visitors to understand, but they do speak English. The most prolific trait of Caymanians is their genuine personality. They are all very welcoming of their visitors, unlike many European countries. I've yet to meet a Caymanian that wasn't willing to help me with directions or advice on things to do. 

The Cayman Islands are a very wealthy island with low unemployment. Due to this fact, there is very little crime on the island, making it one of the safest travel destinations in the world. Recently there has been some talk of crime on the island, but relative to other cities around the world, the Cayman Islands have the lowest crime rate of anywhere. Crime is so rare on the Island, that when something does happen, it is major news. If you take general travel precautions (don't walk alone late at night, lock your doors, and stay in the populated areas of the island) you will have no issues.

From the moment you land at the airport, each and every Caymanian makes you feel welcome. It typically starts with the taxi driver on the way to your condo. They are always willing to chat about the weather, where you're from, and if it is your first visit. I recommend using the taxi driver as a tour guide. Ask them questions and you will have a nice understanding of where things are and what to do, before you ever get to your condo. A few examples of the great personalities of Caymanians is evident here:

Debbie Myers Greets You Upon Your Arrival

Kerry Ebanks Talks About a Trip on the Sea Fire

Don't be afraid to rely on the local personalities to make your trip to Grand Cayman even more special. They truly are some of the nicest people around the world. One small piece of advice, don't expect them to be on time, or move very fast to get things done. But you can't really blame them because they are on "Cayman Time". After all, when your in the Cayman Islands, your watches should be left in the luggage anyway. Enjoy!

Cayman Islands: Where the Sun Goes Down Every Night

The Cayman Islands have a lot of attractions that cost money. Swim with the dolphins? Play with the stingrays? Parasail? They are all neat experiences, but they are all going to make your wallet a little lighter. One of the neatest experiences in the Cayman Islands is absolutely free! Every night of your vacation, the sun will go down. (I know--what a concept?) You might think once you've seen a sunset, you've seen them all, but each one truly is unique and they provide amazing photo opportunities.

My recommendation is to gather on your patio (or somewhere with a view of the sunset) with your favorite appetizers and a glass of wine by 5:15. This gives you ample time to converse with family and friends, while waiting for the sun to set. 

You might think that the sunset isn't going to be anything special some night, but always give it a chance. Those clouds can move out just in time for an amazing photo opportunity.

There is a certain buzz around the beach as the sun approaches the horizon with everyone hoping for that perfect sunset that elicits a green flash. You might wonder "what in the world is a green flash?"

Well, it is a real phenomenon that occurs when there is absolutely no cloud cover between your eyes and the sun, at the moment it disappears below the horizon. As someone who has seen about 5 green flashes in my life, it IS real. And it IS real cool. Every day gives you a new opportunity to see it, so I suggest taking advantage of those chances.

Click Here: YouTube Video of Visitors at Treasure Island Unit 101 Waiting for Green Flash

I think so highly of the Cayman Islands sunsets that I chose to propose to my wife in front of one in 2004. There isn't a more romantic spot than on the beach in the Cayman Islands during a sunset.

The clouds surrounding the sun during a Cayman Islands sunset are different every night and create a variety of colors and images that make each moment unique. Over the years we have had a lot of fun trying to find animals out of the shapes of the clouds.

Click Here: YouTube video of Looking for Animals in the Clouds

As I sit here and look out the window at another blizzard dumping snow on us in the Midwest, I realize I could really go for a Cayman sunset right about now. A lot of things about your trip to the Cayman Islands will be a surprise to you, but one thing you can always count on is the sun going down every night. 

Is Cayman Fun For Kids?

While Cayman is an extremely relaxing island that gives adults a much needed escape from reality, people often wonder if it is a good place to take kids. I've been going since I was born, which was in 1980. From as early as I can remember, I always loved my visits to the Cayman Islands. While Cayman is a different type of destination than a place like Disney World, it still has a lot to offer children. Here are some great suggestions of things to do with your kids in Cayman:

1. Dolphin Cove: While a bit pricey, swimming with the dolphins at Dolphin Cove is a once in a lifetime opportunity for kids. The great trainers teach kids all about the dolphins and also let you touch, pet, and swim with these amazing creatures.

Dolphin Cove Website

2. Stingray City: This is an absolute must during any trip to Cayman. These creatures are truly amazing and, while intimidated at first, kids eventually warm up to them.

Stingray City Website

3. Turtle Farm: Since the turtle is used in the logo of the Cayman Islands, visiting the Turtle Farm during your visit seems appropriate. It gives children the opportunity to learn about the wildlife heritage and culture of the Cayman Islands, through interactive activities with beautiful sea turtles.

Turtle Farm Website

4. Snorkeling: This can be done right in front of Treasure Island Condos, which is great for introducing children to the sport of snorkeling. If they have never done it before, I highly recommend teaching them in the pool. It's a lot less frustrating getting pool water in your eyes and mouth, than the sting of salt water. Once they have it down, take them out into the new enclosed cove area before venturing out to the beautiful reef. Finally, towards the end of your trip, take a snorkel trip to the North Sound with stops at Stingray City as well as the beautiful reef, where you can see nurse sharks, lobsters, and beautiful fish.

5. Look for seashells and hermit crabs: This sounds pretty simple, but it truly is the most vivid memory I have of my early years in Cayman. Obviously they are all over the beach and each one is very unique.

6. Eat lunch at Billy Bones pool bar: If staying at Treasure Island Condos, the kids will love the ability to sit in the water and eat lunch. Mom will love not having to cook lunch every day. The novelty of eating while sitting in the pool is pretty cool to most kids.

7. Listen to steel drums performance: A sound that is native to the Cayman Islands is a steel drum performance. Locals perform at least once a week in the Treasure Island Hotel lobby. Children will enjoy this unique musical sound, while adults can enjoy complimentary rum punch.

8. Atlantis submarine: This 48 passenger submarine goes to depths of greater than 100 feet, which gives you a chance to view marine life, without having to be certified to scuba dive. 

Atlantis Submarine Website

9. Jolly Roger Cruise: This pirate cruise on a real pirate ship is a daytime trip that kids can enjoy. They offer fruit punch and rum punch that is sure to cool you down in the hot Cayman Islands sun. Kids can enjoy a Pirate Trial ending in an intense sword fight. Don't forget to have the kids bring their swim suits though for when they have to walk the pirate's plank.

Jolly Roger Cruise

10. Pirates Week: If you are fortunate enough to visit during Pirate's Week in November, there are all kinds of various activities for kids, including treasure hunts and parades.

Pirate's Week Website

11. Play on the beach: This sounds pretty simple, but it really could pass hours of time for kids. The warm sun, bath-water ocean, and white sand gives kids lots of fun options on the beach. Typically, a visit to the Cayman Islands is a kid's first experience with a beach so they are intrigued by it and can spend hours playing on it. Please view the video below of several kids in front of Treasure Island Condos building a sand castle.

YouTube Video of Sand Castle

 

What exactly is Marinated Conch?

For years, people in the Cayman Islands have been eating marinated conch. You see it on virtually every menu as an appetizer. But what exactly is this sea creature? How is it prepared? Where do you find it? 

 

The Queen Conch is a large marine-living mollusk. It is a soft-body animal with a hard shell as protection. They achieve full size at about 3-5 years old, with a maximum size being about 12 inches long. They live in the sandy region near reef habitats. They start in shallow water, but then move to deeper water until it is time to lay eggs at what time they return to shallow water. They are able to move around by use of their foot, which ends in a pointed shape. This allows them to move in a leaping motion along the sea floor.

How does this relate to your trip to the Cayman Islands? When you head out on a snorkel trip, they almost all involve a stop to dive for conch. These beautiful shells are often hard to find because the bright pink side is face down and the top is often the same color as the sand and covered in algae. Once your group finds about 5 of them, the captain begins the process of marinating them for a tasty appetizer. Yes--I said marinating. Not cooking. Did I forget to mention that marinated conch is not cooked. It is perfectly healthy to eat the firm conch meat raw.

Click here for great video: Captain Gleason cleans conch meat

At this point, the captain takes a screw driver to disconnect the conch from its' shell. After disconnecting it, then it slides right out of the shell and is ready to be cleaned. (see video above). The best piece of meat to eat is the firm white meat that gets sliced into fine pieces and marinated. They say the conch is marinated in a "secret-recipe", but it seems to be a little lime juice and pick-a-peppa sauce. It is served with saltines for a real Caribbean Treat.

The only thing to keep in mind is that there is now a conch season because it is on the endangered species list. They are only able to catch and serve conch from November 1st to April 30th. So if you want to experience the marinated conch experience when you are on your snorkel trip, make sure you go down during the right time of year. It is truly a delicacy that everyone should try.

Restaurant Choices on Grand Cayman

Several people have contacted me about a blog posting on restaurants in Grand Cayman. I have come up with a list of 10 restaurants that I have been to and enjoyed. Everyone has different tastes, budgets, and expectations, so I will not rate the restaurants, but simply list them alphabetically. However, there is one restaurant on the island that is so far and away above the rest that it deserves it's own posting. Casanova's By The Sea definitely is THE best on the island when it comes to dining. Please visit my previous blog about "Cayman's Top 5 Attractions" and see #3 on my list. To summarize:

I don’t typically consider a good restaurant a tourist attraction, but Casanova’s is always a highlight of my trip. This Italian restaurant, overlooking the Caribbean Sea, offers a wide variety of pasta, seafood, and chicken entrees. Tony Crescente, a true Italian, is the owner and prides himself on authentic food from his homeland with family recipes. The service is impeccable and they definitely make every person feel welcome, as though you are part of their family. Whether on a romantic honeymoon get-away or there with a large group, the atmosphere at Casanova's makes this a must-try attraction. Even if you are making your first ever visit to Casanova's, the staff will make you feel like Norm from "Cheers", where everyone knows your name.

However, there are several other restaurants to fill in the other nights that you don't go to Casanova's. I have provided a link to the homepage of each restaurant for you to look at menus and prices. Keep in mind, it is typically too hot to eat outside from May-August, but you can use your own judgment. Enjoy!!

1. Agua: One of Cayman's newest restaurants, Agua is conveniently located in the heart of Seven Mile Beach. They combine a very unique international menu with an elegant setting. They specialize in a number of fish dishes, but each with a international flavor. Agua also has one of the more extensive wine lists on the island.

Moderately priced. Outside seating available.

Preferred dishes: Arugula Salad and Wahoo Mediterraneo

Visit Official Agua Website

2. The Brasserie: The Brasserie possesses a warm and welcoming atmosphere. It is a hidden and less known restaurant off the beaten-track in downtown Georgetown that often gets overlooked. It specializes in fresh seafood and does a great job of combining a modern approach to cooking with traditional ideas. They offer a lot of "tasting menus" as well as many "share plates", which allows you to try a variety of things. 

Moderately priced. No outside seating.

Preferred dishes: "Knife and Fork" Seared Snapper Sandwhich

Visit Official Brasserie Website

3. Calypso Grill: This island treasure is a great spot to visit for lunch while visiting Dolphin Cove to play with the Dolphins. It is located at Morgan's Harbor in West Bay and is a short 10-15 taxi ride from all Cayman Condos properties. This open air restaurant offers soft breezes from the North Sound. The contemporary color schemes offer a great ambiance for either lunch or dinner. 

Expensive. Outside seating available.

Preferred dishes: Warm goat cheese salad and Sauteed Sea Bass

Visit Official Calypso Grill Website

4. Coconut Joe's: This lively outdoor restaurant and bar is conveniently located across the street from Treasure Island Condos. You can grab breakfast, lunch, or dinner and it is a great spot to watch American sports. This is a great spot to go the night you get into Grand Cayman. You are tired, getting acclimated, and don't have any groceries in the condo yet. 

Inexpensive. Outside seating available.

Preferred dish: Mahi Mahi Sandwhich with side salad.

No Website available.

5. Cracked Conch: This waterfront restaurant is located at the top of West Bay. You can enjoy the atmosphere inside the main dining room or dine under the stars next to the ocean. It is a little bit of a drive to get to the Cracked Conch, but once you get there it is a beautiful setting. With more than 30 years of experience, the Cracked Conch is sure to be a great experience.

Expensive. Outside seating available.

Preferred dishes: Conch Chowder and Seared Diver Scallops

Visit Official Cracked Conch Website

6. Grand Old House: This is one of the fancier restaurants Grand Cayman has to offer. If going to the Grand Old House, expect a long drawn out meal. It offers an extensive wine list with an exquisite menu. It has been open for over 100 years and with a veranda overlooking the Caribbean Sea. This is about a 15-20 minute drive from most Cayman Condos complexes

Expensive. Outside seating available.

Preferred dishes: Marinated conch and Cayman turtle steak

Visit Official Grand Old House Website

7. Lobster Pot: This restaurant perched high above the Caribbean Sea and offers breath-taking views from every seat. It is located in Georgetown and is a short 5 minute taxi ride from all Cayman Condos complexes. This restaurant has been around since 1965 and is sure to offer an excellent variety of fresh fish.

Expensive. Outside seating not available.

Preferred dish: Cayman Trio: Broiled lobster tail, grilled fresh mahi-mahi, and garlic shrimp. Served with garden vegetables, rice and beans.

Visit Official Lobster Pot Website

8. Pappagallo: Ristorante Pappagallo is an Italian restaurant tucked away in West Bay. It offers an intimate and vibrant atmosphere. You cross a wooden bridge as you enter the restaurant and it is like entering a different world. Tall thatched ceilings with large woven fans create the ideal atmosphere to experience a truly special evening. You will notice the sweeping views of a saltwater pond, with tropical fish visible in the water, local wildlife, iguanas, wild birds and the gentle noise of a tropical waterfall.

Expensive. Outside seating available.

Preferred dishes: Calamari and Fresh Catch of the Day-Cayman Style

Visit Official Ristorante Pappagallo Website

9. My Bar at the Sunset House: This outside bar/restaurant overlooks the sunset house dive spot. I highly recommend this inexpensive restaurant for lunch or a quick and inexpensive dinner. This is another option for a restaurant to go to on your first night on the island because it is easy to get to and provides an opportunity to get some food, without spending a lot of money. 

Inexpensive. Outside seating only.

Preferred dish: Dolphin Caesar Wrap 

Visit Official My Bar at the Sunset House Website

10. The Wharf: The Wharf is one of Grand Cayman's oldest restaurants that provides a great atmosphere and elegant dining. You can take a break from your meal to go out to the pier and feed the tarpon. These large fish flock towards the well-lit area of ocean at the end of the pier, which provides some pretty cool opportunities to see them. Also, expect to be serenaded by Eugene with his harp as you enjoy a romantic dinner. This restaurant is walking distance from Treasure Island, CoCo Plum, Grandview, Grape Tree, and Georgetown Vilas.

Expensive. Outside seating available.

Preferred dish: Seafood Bisque and Caribbean adobo spiced grouper

Visit Official Wharf Website

 

Seven Mile Beach

One of my favorite things to do in Grand Cayman is walk along 7 Mile Beach. Whether going for an early morning run or going for an afternoon walk, the beauty of the beach is evident. Located along the western shore of Grand Cayman, this sandy beach runs for 5.5 miles, despite the world-known name of 7 Mile Beach. Due to it’s pristine beauty, this beach recently received the Caribbean Travel and Life Magazine’s award for “The Caribbean’s Best Beach.”

The beach begins just north of the capital city of Georgetown, which is the shopping district of Cayman, and extends all the way to the West Bay district, which is the home of the Cayman Islands Turtle Farm. In between you will find miles of beautiful sandy beaches that are open to the public. It is possible to walk the full length of the beach past many hotels, villas, restaurants, and bars.

A great spot to stop and grab lunch or a drink is The Royal Palms, a great outside beach bar, which is centrally located in the heart of 7 Mile Beach. (The Royal Palms also offers live music at night on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.) There are also several great snorkeling spots along 7 mile beach, thanks to both natural and artificial reefs. Treasure Island Condominiums offers some of the best snorkeling with a natural reef just in front of their $750,000 beach renovation (see photo below). There are several other spots with great snorkeling, including an artificial reef in front of the Marriott and a natural reef in front of the Governor’s residence. Further to the North there is another great snorkel spot just to the north of the Seven Mile Public Beach.

While the entire beach is public and can be walked on freely, many of the homes and resorts are private property, which means you can’t use their chairs, towels, and pools. However, you are able to use the beach and ocean along the entire beach. In addition, several resorts offer restaurants and beach bars that are open to the public. The Cayman Islands government does allow grilling on the beach, but does not allow loud music or nudity.

When you visit the Cayman Islands, enjoy the beach to the fullest. Go for a morning jog, walk to a hot snorkel spot, or spend hours floating in the warm Caribbean Sea. The nice thing about the Cayman Islands, compared to somewhere like Hawaii, is the lack of big waves. This calm shore allows for children and even babies to enjoy the water, without fear of big waves. Remember, though, you will want to wear plenty of sunscreen as the sun beats off the white sand and turquoise water to cause intense sun exposure, even on cloudy days. Also, don’t forget to take some cash or a credit card because you never know when you might want to stop for a rum punch. Remember, in Cayman, it’s always 5:00 somewhere!

Wishing everyone a safe, prosperous and Happy 2011!!