Visiting Sunny Grand Cayman

POSTED: MAY 2012

Upon arriving in Grand Cayman (which is the largest of the 3 islands that make up the Caymans), one quickly receives their luggage and moves through Customs. Walking out into 80 degree sunny weather is so wonderful after leaving cold, snowy or rainy New York, especially in the winter.

The choice of places to stay are many and fit every budget. The majority of the hotels and condos are located along seven mile beach. Children love to search for shells and watch the small fish along the waters edge. Every day has its share of people strolling along the beach. Watching a colorful sunrise or sunset is a delightful pastime.

Grand Cayman has pristine beaches and crystal clear turquoise waters. There are more than 200 documented scuba diving sites with dramatic walls adorned with corals and sponges, shallow reefs teeming with fish and various shipwrecks to explore. For anyone that prefers to be above water, there are wave runners, kayaks and paddleboats available at most of the major hotels and resorts. Catamaran cruises and evening sunset sails, along with parasailing, windsurfing and waterskiing are also offered.

Nature lovers can visit the Butterfly Farm, hike the historic Mastic Train or meet an endangered Grand Cayman Iguana at the Botanic Park. One can take guided kayak tours through a maze of mangrove canals. The Cayman Turtle Farm is a very popular site to visit in the Boatswain’s Beach Water park.

There are many wonderful restaurants to satisfy any appetite ranging from local fare to international cuisine. Lovely coffeehouses and cafes supply great food and drink. Perk Up located in Governors Square even has a kids play area and free wireless internet access.

Restaurant choices for dinner are abundant. You can choose from the simple chain style to the more gourmet high end with AAA four and five star restaurants that offer “fusion,” “contemporary Caribbean” and international cuisines. Pappagallo’s is a fun place to dine with huge glass windows looking out at colorful and entertaining Parrots.

A visit to George Town is a must. There are so many duty free shops to browse offering amazing deals on a large variety of luxury items such as watches, china and crystal. Don’t forget to check out the fine jewelry stores that have prices as much as 30% cheaper than other islands.
You will take home many fond memories of the Caymans and look forward to planning a return to this delightful island with something to offer for all ages.

Flying to Grand Cayman is as easy as 1-2-3. There are non stop flights with Continental Airlines between Newark Airport and Owen Robert Airport in Grand Cayman every Saturday and Sunday. Cayman Airways has midweek flights between JFK and Grand Cayman during the summer and non stop flights on the weekends during the winter season. Flying time is approximately 4 hours.

Barbara Nichuals is the President of Bayside Travel in Bronxville, Eastchester Travel and Earlfield Travel in Larchmont. Licensed Travel Insurance Agent. For a free consultation call 833-8880 or visit www.luxurytravelservice.com.

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