|
Visitor
Activities

Scuba
Diving
Divers have been making the trek to the Cayman Islands
for many years. The water is warm and visibility is super.
The Caymans offer divers of all skill levels something
to remember.
Reefs, colorful and vibrant, with marine life in such
an abundance, it will bring out the best in every photographer.
You want walls? From all three islands, the wall diving
has become famous. How about wrecks? There are a number
of wreck dives, one of the most popular being the Captain
Kieth Tibbetts, an ex Russian warship, sunk in 1996 and
now home to an abundance of reef fish.
Snorkelling
The undersea world of Cayman may be equaled but not surpassed
and snorkelling is a good alternative to scuba if for
some reason you are not able to dive. There are literally
hundreds of sites where the water is shallow enough to
snorkel and where you can experience the amazing diversity
of our marine world. All of the reputable water sports
operators will offer snorkel trips and will take you where
the fish are plentiful. Snorkelling from the beach is
an alternative to a boat snorkel trip and popular spots
include the West Bay Cemetery Reef, Smith's Cove and Eden
Rock.
Parasailing
An experience that will not be forgotten. You'll rise
to about 200 feet, towed aloft by a powerful speedboat,
your parachute gently lifting you skyward. Marvel at the
view of the Seven Mile Beach and George Town harbour,
and, as you glide through the air, the cruise ships below
seemed dwarfed. Enjoy the ride by yourself or with a companion.
Jet
skiing
The noise may be an annoyance to some, but you'll enjoy
the exhilaration of zipping along at over 30 mph. A quick
lesson in operating the watercraft, and some safety tips,
and you'll be on your way. Always be aware of the divers
down flags and respect swimmers in the area.
Sailing
Glide quietly along the water and enjoy the warm Cayman
breezes as you steer your rented sailboat into the wind.
Anchor in a shallow spot and snorkel or swim to cool off.
Rather let someone else do the sailing? Then take a sailboat
cruise to Stingray City or an evening dinner cruise into
the sunset.
Windsurfing
We don't have the big waves of Hawaii but it's just as
much fun. The beginner will get lessons in staying upright
and steering the sailboard, then it's fun in the sun.
The water will lap at your feet as you glide quietly along
the gentle waves, pushed by the warm Cayman sea breezes.
For the more experienced, the strong winds of the east
coast of the island will offer a challenge.
Other water sports include kayaking, water skiing, knee
boarding and banana boat rides. Most of the glossy tourist
magazines that you'll find once you arrive will have more
details about all of the above water sports.
In addition to water sports you'll find other above and
below water activities including:
Glass bottom boat rides
Semi-submersible boat rides
Submarine dives to 100, 800 or 1,000 feet
Sailboat dinner cruises
Don't forget that the sun down here in the Caribbean will
burn you badly if you over expose yourself. If you're
not used to the sun, wear a strong sunscreen such as SPF
30 or higher. Many a vacationer has spoiled their trip
with too much sun, too quickly. In addition, please remember
that the damage caused by over exposure to the sun lasts
long after the tan has faded.
Shopping
Cayman is a duty-free destination which means many exciting
opportunities for you to save on such things as watches,
china and crystal, perfumes and fine jewelry on Grand
Cayman and at a few stores on Cayman Brac. Prices on perfume,
watches and select luxury items may be as much as 30%
less expensive here.
In addition to traditional duty free selections, varied
and interesting shopping--from chic European fashions
to outstanding local art--delights visitors in speciality
stores, hotel boutiques and shopping plazas.
You'll find a small variety of Caribbean crafts and products
including crochet work, paintings and sketches of Caribbean
scenes, thatch work, pepper sauces, Caymanite (the islands'
own semiprecious stone), jewelry, sculpture and wood carvings.
Most of the items are made in Jamaica, not in the Caymans.
Antiques and treasure-coin jewelry attract an enthusiastic
clientele, though these items can be expensive. You may
see items made from black coral and sea-turtle products,
but we urge you not to buy them: Both the coral and the
turtles are endangered, and each sale encourages more
of these rare species to be harvested (the gathering of
black coral is done in the waters of other countries --
it's prohibited in the Caymans). Turtle products are illegal
in most countries.
Restaurants
At
the more than 200 restaurants you will find every type
of setting and cuisine imaginable. Fish and seafood menus
are obviously in abundance because of the locale. The
West Indian heritage of the Caymans provides the local
flavor whether you are dining casual, elegant or at one
of the many jerk stands around the islands.
The American restaurant chains are noticeable all up and
down Seven Mile Beach and George Town. Pizza, subs, chicken
and hamburgers are familiar to North American visitors.
Ethnic foods are becoming more and more popular with Austrian,
Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Italian, English and French restaurants
to name but a few.
Nightlife
The Cayman Islands offers an enjoyable variety of nightlife
and entertainment. Once you arrive, consult our local
publications for the latest listings. Local publications
with nightlife information include Friday's edition of
the local newspaper, the Caymanian Compass; Key To Cayman;
What's Hot; and What to Do. The legal age for alcohol
consumption is a minimum of 18 years old. It is a serious
offence to drink and drive. The legal limit is under .01.
Golf
Do
not forget to bring your clubs when you come to the Cayman
Islands for the golf courses here will delight, amaze
and challenge every player.
Experience spectacular ocean views in a luxurious tropical
oasis. These stunning courses offer a magnificent blend
of lush greens and fairways that will test golfers of
every caliber.
Take advantage of the many exciting major and local tournaments.
And, for a more light-hearted time, visit the Mini-Golf
miniature golf course. Have a laugh and fun time on a
tropical sunny afternoon!
Fishing
The Cayman Islands are well known by fisherman the world
over as a top destination for all types of sport fishing.
From deep-water trolling for Blue Marlin to casting for
Bonefish in the knee-deep waters of a lagoon, you'll find
the action you're looking for.
The
best fishing is usually in the months of May, June, and
July, with Blue Marlin, Yellow fin Tuna, Dolphin, and
Bonefish being most plentiful then. Wahoo are most plentiful
in the months of December to March.
You will not require any special licence to fish in the
Cayman Islands, and you may bring your own gear with you.
There are certain restrictions on where you may fish,
and these areas are clearly marked on information booklets,
which are available locally. Once on the island you may
contact the Department of Tourism for one of these booklets.
While most of the locals may tend to head out to their
favourite 'fishing hole' in a small boat with an outboard
motor, you may prefer the comfort and luxury of a large
sport fishing cruiser. There are many sport-fishing operators
on the island and they usually take care of all your needs
including the tackle and bait. Most sport-fishing operators
can also arrange trips to Stingray City as well as dive
trips and custom charters.
You will appreciate the experience and knowledge of the
local boat captains and crewmembers that will assist you
while you fish for the big one. Many an angler has left
these islands with big smiles and even bigger stories
about the one that didn't get away.
Horseback
Riding
Horseback riding is one of the most popular activities
to enjoy during your stay in the Cayman Islands. If you
love the outdoors, nature & horses then this one's
for you! You can experience scenic rides along the beach,
through woodland trails, or a romantic moonlight ride.
Above Water Attractions
Hell, Grand Cayman
Jagged black rock formations in Grand Cayman's northwest
fabled to resemble the actual "hell."
Cayman Turtle Farm, George Town, Grand Cayman
Government-run operation raises green turtles to increase
their population in the wild.
Rum Point, Grand Cayman
Secluded beach on northern Grand Cayman.
Pedro St. James "Castle", Grand Cayman
Dating from 1780, the oldest building in the Caymans has
been everything from jail to courthouse to parliament
before recent refurbishments turned it into a museum.
Mastic Trail, Grand Cayman
Guided tours are offered on this old nature trail that
takes visitors through several of the island's various
ecosystems.
Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park, Grand Cayman
Home to orchids (in bloom late May through June) and elusive
iguanas as well as parrots and other birds.
Bodden Town Pirates' Caves, Grand Cayman
Rumor has it that pirates used to stash their booty in
these caves, which are now chock-full of parrots, crossbones
and scarecrows in pirate hats.
Blow Holes, Grand Cayman
The water pressure in underwater caverns causes a large
geyser to spray high out of the water.
Bodden Town, Grand Cayman
East of George Town, this is a pirate-lover's dream.
Old Homestead, Grand Cayman
Formerly known as the West Bay Pink House, this is probably
the most photographed home in Grand Cayman. The pink-and-white
Caymanian cottage was built in 1912 of wattle and daub
around an ironwood frame. Cheery Mac Bothwell, who grew
up in the house, takes you on tours that present a nostalgic
and touching look at life in Grand Cayman before the tourism
and banking booms. COST: $5. Mon.-Sat. 8-5.
Cayman Brac Museum, Cayman Brac
Tiny museum featuring shipbuilding tools and kitchen utensils.
Parrot Preserve, Cayman Brac
Parrot Preserve - A must see is the 180 acre preserve
which was established to protect the endemic, endangered
Cayman Brac Parrot. There is a two mile nature trail for
hiking through the Preserve--a good place to see the beautiful
local flora and fauna as well.
Doc Polson Wreck, Grand Cayman
Shipwreck favored by divers.
Cayman Islands National Museum, George Town, Grand Cayman
One of the best museums in the Caribbean, it features
changing exhibits on the islands' human and natural history.
Owen Island, Cayman Islands
Little area perfect for picnic lunching.
Tarpon Lake, Little Cayman
As it's name suggests, this beautiful lake is teeming
with tarpon.
Britannia Golf Course, George Town, Grand Cayman
Located at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cayman, this unusual
course features the 'short' ball developed by golf great
Jack Nicklaus.
Booby Pond Nature Reserve, Little Cayman
Home to one of the hemisphere's largest breeding populations
of red-footed boobies and a large colony of swooping frigate
birds.
Guard House, Grand Cayman
Local legend states that the site was one of the former
capitals three lines of defense against invading pirate
marauders.
Queen Victoria Monument, Grand Cayman
Erected between 1907 and 1912, it's the regular meeting
site for the men of the district to discuss politics.
Slave Wall / Drummond's Wall, Grand Cayman
A slave of Spanish origin named Drummond supervised a
seven foot section which led to the wall often being called
"Drummonds Wall."
Gun Square, Grand Cayman
One of Bodden Town's two defense points in the 18th century.
Meagre Bay Pond, Grand Cayman
Located on the southern coast of Grand Cayman, the pond
features grebes, plovers, shovelers and snowy egrets.
East End, Grand Cayman
Offers luxuriant vegetation and over 200 species of birds.
Fort George, George Town, Grand Cayman
The remains of the late 18th century fortress offering
a historical walking tour.
Cayman Maritime Treasure Museum, George Town, Grand Cayman
The museum features dioramas on the islands' seafaring
days and a robotic Blackbeard that spins yarns about the
Caymans' swashbuckling past.
Pollards Bay, Cayman Brac
This bay is the easternmost point on Cayman Brac and is
known for the great scenery provided by the limestone
bluff that looms overhead.
Henderson House, Grand Cayman
This interesting house was built in the 1930s by Carroll
Henderson, who built the structure by setting thousands
of seashells in concrete.
Harbour Drive, Grand Cayman
This road heads eastward out of George Town and is a perfect
drive for those who want to view the local culture of
the island.
Old May Bay, Grand Cayman
One of the more affluent neighborhoods on the north side
of Grand Cayman, the beaches here are less crowded.
F.J. Harquai Theatre, Grand Cayman
This theater features frequent Caribbean cultural performances.
Governor Michael Gore Bird Sanctuary, Grand Cayman
An excellent place to view some of the 200 bird species
indigenous to the Caymans.
The Links at Safehaven, Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman
New championship golf course.
Sunrise Family Golf Centre, Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman
Touristy golf course and entertainment center in Grand
Cayman.
Clock Tower, George Town, Grand Cayman
This monument to King George V sits in downtown George
Town.
National Trust Visitors Centre, Little Cayman
Offers information on native birds and a viewing platform
with binoculars.
Blossom Village Museum, Little Cayman
Small museum dedicated to the history of Little Cayman.
Little Cayman Baptist Church, Little Cayman
Rebuilt after the 1932 hurricane, the island's only church
is also its oldest standing building.
Salt Rocks Nature Trail, Little Cayman
Trail where phosphate-mining operations were conducted
in the last century.
National Trust Parrot Reserve, Cayman Brac
Though most parrots can be seen in town, this is nesting
ground for the islands' emerald green native species.
Brac Museum, Spot Bay, Cayman Brac
Underwater Attractions
Stingray City, Grand Cayman
Located at the North Sound sandbar, stingrays gather here
to be fed. Half-day trips are offered.
Bloody Bay Wall, Little Cayman
Famous dive spot in Little Cayman.
Cemetery Reef, Grand Cayman
The Sandbar, Grand Cayman
This shallow, sandy area is one of two spots on Grand
Cayman that are ideal for snorkeling among the stingrays.
Oro Verde Wreck, Grand Cayman
Shipwreck favored by divers.
Devil's Grotto, Grand Cayman
Virtual playground of mazes and grottoes.
Jackson Point, Little Cayman
Famous dive spot in Little Cayman.
McCurley's Drop-off, Grand Cayman
Red and orange vase sponges grow in large clusters from
Black Coral trees.
Nancy's Cup of Tea, Little Cayman
One of several popular sites off Little Cayman.
Wilderness Wall, Cayman Brac
Dive spot featuring a huge, 40-foot-wide coral pinnacle
with a 55-foot precipice.
Tarpon Alley, Grand Cayman
One of the many places off Grand Cayman to sight groupers,
schooling Permit, Horse-eye Jacks, African Pompano and,
occasionally, reef sharks or Hammerheads.
Dragon's Hole, Grand Cayman
Popular dive spot.
Western Wall, Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman
Full of legendary dive sites, this is a great place for
beginners or seasoned pros.
North Wall, Grand Cayman
Diving area that hosts sting and eagle rays, turtles and
masses of coral.
Three Sisters, Grand Cayman
Features three, magnificent 60-foot high monoliths perched
along the drop-offs outer edge.
Cayman Wall, Grand Cayman
The underwater landscape is densely encrusted with forests
of corals, giant sponges and other marine life.
Snapper Hole, Grand Cayman
More caves and caverns than any other site around the
island.
West Bay, Grand Cayman
Offers beautiful diving sites.
Round Rock, Grand Cayman
Dive site featuring deep canyons, formations of overlapping
plate coral and narrow passageways leading down the wall.
Trinity Caves, Grand Cayman
Dive site featuring deep canyons, formations of overlapping
plate coral and narrow passageways leading down the wall.
Eagle Ray Pass, Grand Cayman
One of the many places off Grand Cayman to sight groupers,
schooling Permit, Horse-eye Jacks, African Pompano and,
occasionally, reef sharks or Hammerheads.
Cumber's Caves, Little Cayman
Diving spot featuring coral grown into a massive buttress
at the edge of the wall.
Randy's Gazebo, Little Cayman
Beautiful dive spot featuring tons of coral and sponges.
Great Wall, Little Cayman
Dive spot where the wall drops 90 degrees below.
Peter's Cave, Cayman Brac
One of Cayman Brac's top North Wall dive spots.
Smith Cove, Grand Cayman
Located on the southwest part of Grand Cayman, this is
a good swimming and snokeling spot.
Pedro's Pinnacles, Grand Cayman
Trenches running seaward through the reef that are interconnected
by short tunnels and swim-throughs.
West Gate, Grand Cayman
One of the many places off Grand Cayman to sight groupers,
schooling Permit, Horse-eye Jacks, African Pompano and,
occasionally, reef sharks or Hammerheads.
Julie's Wall, Grand Cayman
Dive spot on the East End of Grand Cayman.
Big Tunnels, Grand Cayman
Features a collection of tunnels, alleys and swim-throughs
out to the wall, including a massive passage at 90 feet
that is big enough to accommodate a medium-sized truck.
Sandchute, Grand Cayman
A large, white sand bottom canyon severing the edge of
a cascading drop-off.
Big Dipper, Grand Cayman
Popular dive site where several species of fish can be
photographed.
Japanese Gardens, Grand Cayman
Located off Grand Cayman's South Side, this site offers
beautiful canyons of coral with archways and tunnels.
Eagle's Nest, Grand Cayman
Popular dive spot.
Northwest Point Drop-off, Grand Cayman
One of the best dive sites for turtles off Grand Cayman.
Rhapsody, Grand Cayman
One of Grand Cayman's great dive sites for turtles.
Tunnel of Love, Grand Cayman
One of the 50 dive sites to be found off Grand Cayman's
East End.
Ghost Mountain, Grand Cayman
One of Grand Cayman's more unique wall sites in the north
shore.
Sentinel Rock, Grand Cayman
Dive spot off Grand Cayman's West Side next to Big Tunnel
featuring great topography.
Jack McKenney's Wall, Grand Cayman
Dive site featuring reefs, walls, coral formations, swim-through
tunnels and canyon-like sand chutes.
The Gate, Grand Cayman
Site featuring a 20-foot diameter chute that starts at
70 feet and opens up on the wall at 100 feet.
Pat's Wall, Grand Cayman
A massive drop-off slotted with deep canyons, holes and
giant outcroppings of coral running downward with big
sponges on them.
Babylon, Grand Cayman
One of the 50 dive sites to be found off Grand Cayman's
East End.
Hepps Wall, Grand Cayman
One of Grand Cayman's more unique wall sites in the north
shore.
Gail's Mountain, Grand Cayman
A massive hill of coral rising 20 feet from the top of
a wall to within 50 feet of the surface.
Andy's Wall, Grand Cayman
From the top at 55 to 60 feet on down, the wall is heavily
punctuated with large coral buttresses.
Delila's Delight, Grand Cayman
Dive spot not typically bustling with large marine life,
but the sheer scope of this wall is captivating.
Orange Canyon, Grand Cayman
A sheer, undercut cliff dropping several thousand feet
into the indigo depths.
Balboa Wreck, Grand Cayman
Shipwreck favored by curious divers.
LCM David Nicholson Wreck, Grand Cayman
Notable West Side shore site.
Ridgefield Wreck, Grand Cayman
The WW II Liberty Ship was the victim of the East End's
shallow barrier reef.
Bonnie's Arch, Grand Cayman
A must-see for visitors, this dive spot is easily reachable
from shore and is full of color.
Aquarium, Grand Cayman
A favorite spot, known for its congregation of Tarpon
and groupers.
Angelfish Reef, Grand Cayman
A favorite dive spot featuring friendly angelfish.
Sunset Reef, Grand Cayman
Popular for finding a variety of invertebrates and juvenile
reef fish both day and night.
Black Forest, Grand Cayman
Famous dive spot off Grand Cayman.
Parrotfish Caverns, Grand Cayman
A giant coral grotto occupied by an estimated 50 supermale
Parrotfish plus some 50 to 200 Tarpon.
Grouper Grotto, Grand Cayman
As the name would suggest, this is a great area to spot
grouper, as well as other marine life.
Ironshore Gardens, Grand Cayman
A favorite spot for divers.
Point of Sand, Little Cayman
An uncrowded beach at the eastern tip of Little Cayman.
Lighthouse Wall, Little Cayman
Protected site on the tip of the south side of Bloody
Bay Wall.
Fisheye Fantasy, Little Cayman
Features a prominent ridge running down the face of the
wall, with three large holes through it at varying depths.
Marilyn's Cut, Little Cayman
Features stunning displays of sponge life, especially
yellow tube and trumpet sponges, bright red rope and cup
sponges.
Three Fathom Wall, Little Cayman
This sudden underwater drop-off is heralded by some as
the best dive site on Little Cayman.
Lea's Lookout, Little Cayman
Dive site along Bloody Bay.
Soto Trader Wreck, Little Cayman
A 120-foot cargo freighter sitting upright on the bottom
at a depth of 50 feet.
Mixing Bowl, Little Cayman
A dive site where Bloody Bay and Jackson Walls meet.
South Side, Little Cayman
One of the four regions of Grand Cayman for diving.
Great Wall West., Little Cayman
MV Captain Keith Tibbetts, Cayman Brac
A 330-foot Russian frigate that was sunk in September
1996.
Cemetery Wall, Cayman Brac
One of Cayman Brac's top North Wall dive spots.
Strawberry Sponge Wall, Cayman Brac
One of Cayman Brac's top North Wall dive spots.
Garden Eel Wall, Cayman Brac
One of Cayman Brac's top North Wall dive spots.
Piper's Wall, Cayman Brac
One of Cayman Brac's top North Wall dive spots.
Anchor Wall, Cayman Brac
A huge anchor that dates back to the 1600s sits tightly
wedged in the middle of a crevice at 90 feet.
Eden Rocks, Cayman Brac
One of the best diving sites for novices.
Foster's Wall, Cayman Brac
A beautiful dive spot off Cayman Brac.
Pillars of Hercules, Cayman Brac
This shallow dive site includes several boulders which
create an underwater maze.
Schoolhouse Wall, Cayman Brac
Short, sloping course to depths of 50 to 60 feet, where
the reef terminates in a wall.
Elkhorn Forest, Cayman Brac
Named for the Elkhorn coral that inhabits it.
Cayman Mariner Wreck, Cayman Brac
A 55-foot crew boat lying upright on the sand at a depth
of 60 feet.
Kissime Wreck, Cayman Brac
An inverted, 50-foot steel tugboat, this is a great shallow
dive at 40 feet.
Snapper Reef, Cayman Brac
Popular dive site in the Cayman Islands offers an underwater
wonderland of color and marine life.
|