Destination: Grand Cayman

WHY VISIT?
Of all the islands in the Caribbean, Grand Cayman is my favorite. I rarely return to the same vacation spot twice (life is just too short and there’s too much world to see!), but I’ve been to Grand Cayman three times. It is by far the classiest, cleanest, and least touristy island of them all.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:

The Cayman Islands are made up of 3 separate islands: Grand Cayman, Little Cayman, & Cayman Brac.

There are three airports in the Cayman Islands (one for each island), but more likely than not you’ll be flying into Owens Robert Intl. Airport in George Town, Grand Cayman.

Cayman Brac and Little Cayman are appx. 90 miles east and a plane flight away from Grand Cayman. Both are popular spots for scuba divers and nature lovers, but Grand Cayman is the most popular vacation spot of the three.

Accommodations abound, but tend to be expensive relative to other Caribbean islands.

Hurricane season generally runs from June through November.

If possible, downtown George Town should be avoided when the cruise ships are in town. The crowds hold up traffic on the one main road in and out of the area and restaurants and bars fill up quickly.

A rental car would be helpful, especially if you want to see areas outside of George Town, but it is not completely necessary.

Driving in Grand Cayman is easy and safe, but be aware driving is on the left-side of the road. Rental car agencies typically offer cars with steering wheels on either side of the car just ask for whichever one you prefer.

U.S. dollars are an accepted currency.

TOP 10 TO SEE & DO:

1. Seven Mile Beach
   OK, so maybe it’s not a full 7-miles in length (it's actually 5.5 miles), but trust me you’ll never even notice because you'll be too busy soaking in the beautiful views.

2. Stingray City
   A rare (and a little unnerving) experience swimming with and feeding stingrays. A boat takes you out to a sand bar where you are able to get into the water and interact with these surprisingly docile creatures. Several companies offer tours, but I recommend Red Sail Sports.
   

3. Botswain’s Beach Turtle Farm
   A little out of the way and a $20 taxi ride northwest of downtown George Town this turtle farm is great fun for the young and old. The recently added marine theme park is best for the kids. For most, I’d bypass the “beach” portion and only buy tickets to the turtle farm.

4. Brunch at Breeze’s
   The restaurant is a great for any meal, but it’s spectacular sunrise harbor views and yummy breakfast wraps make it the best brunch in town. If possible, it should be avoided when cruise ships are in port since it’s in downtown George Town.

5. Taste the local specialties
   My two favorites: Tortuga rum cakes (Pick from 10 different flavored rum-infused cakes) and Conch (Try the fritters!)

6. Hell
   Yes, I’m telling you to go to Hell! Hell is a small town on Grand Cayman with its own Post Office and souvenirs so you can brag to all your friends and family you’ve been to Hell and back.

7. Rum Point
   If you need a change of the 7-mile beach scenery, head north to Rum Point. It’s a smaller beach, but there are smaller crowds which help make catching some rays much more relaxing.

8. A sunset dinner on the water
   Try The Wharf, Grand Old House, or The Lighthouse.

9. Downtown George Town
   Designed mostly for cruise ship visitors, you’ll find jewelry shops, restaurants and bars right along the harbor.

10. Scuba diving
    I should say upfront I’m not a scuba diver. But I understand Grand Cayman is one of the best spots in the Caribbean, and Sunset House comes highly recommended. Sunset House also serve up a good lunch on the water.

DON'T WASTE YOUR TIME:

• Tortuga Rum Cake tour
• The Jolly Roger – this pirate-themed booze cruise is just as cheesy as it sounds
• The Breakers - an out-of-the-way drive to see water crashing on rocks