< Previous28 WEL COME JUMP IN Stingray City the Sandbar & AS GRAND CAYMAN’S TOP WATER-BASED ATTRACTION, a boat excursion to Stingray City and the Sandbar is a must-do trip for visitors. Not only is it a wonderful cruise over the North Sound to these two sites, but you get to see and interact with the Stingray City is the shallow dive and snorkel site where you can swim beneath the surface to see stingrays and other sea creatures. The Sandbar is where the boats anchor, allowing passengers to climb down steps into the waist-high water to interact with the stingrays. cleaned their catch in this part of the sound. The stingrays congregated for the scraps and now they brought by the boats. As Southern stingrays, the females weigh around 60 pounds and are larger than the males. They feel soft and silky if they rub against you and are curious yet docile. Captains know many of the stingrays by sight, giving them pet names. Passengers are shown how to feed moving among them. a sandy beach on the tip of the island’s district of North Side. Here, the boats anchor close to the shore and allow passengers to wade in the water and look at (but not TIP Island residents often take Stingray City and Sandbar boat excursions at weekends and holidays. Visitors might enjoy these days for a great party atmosphere, with loud music and drinks. If you really avoid the crowds, pick an early morning trip before the cruise ship passengers arrive. Visit the Department of Environment website for an overview of how to handle stingrays, and other rules to abide by in wildlife https://doe.ky/marine/stingrays29 WEL COME30 WEL COME • If you haven’t exercised recently or have an underlying health condition, consider whether strenuous swimming or snorkelling is a good idea. • Never snorkel alone and always tell someone where you are going. • Set off against the current so that the return swim is easy. • Head back to shore before you get tired. sure of being seen. SWIMMING IN THE CLEAN, CLEAR WATERS OF THE CAYMAN ISLANDS is truly one of life’s greatest pleasures. The warm temperatures in and out of the sea make it ideal for a splash-around, serious swimming or even just a paddle. There are several swim competitions throughout the year, including the largest event, Flowers Sea Swim, which is an annual charity fundraiser usually held in June. The waters are also perfect for snorkelling, with a number favourite spots: SEVEN MILE BEACH Idyllic for swimming and suitable for toddlers up to seniors, with shallow water gradually getting deeper. SMITH’S BARCADERE Also known as Smith’s Cove, there are rocks from which to jump into the deep water. Children, who should be experienced swimmers, will love this fun activity. SPOTTS BEACH There is a high chance of encountering a turtle in these waters, even if just swimming. However, there are strong currents here, so follow the cautions on the beach sign about safety in the water. CEMETERY BEACH REEF This shallow reef at the northern end of Seven Mile Beach is a bit of a swim from the shore, but worth the exercise. TURTLE FARM REEF You might have the delight of encountering a turtle at this reef, which is just a short distance from the Cracked Conch restaurant in West Bay. JUMP IN WRECK OF THE CALI 20 feet of water, located in front of Casanova restaurant in George Town. The Wreck of the Cali, along with the Wreck of the Balboa, falls within the port anchorage zone, so snorkellers or divers should obtain permission before visiting the sites. This can be obtained from the TARPON HOUSE Just out from Burger King on the waterfront in George Town, this site is sometimes also known as ‘Cheeseburger Reef’. It has a population of tarpons and you might also be lucky enough to spot a turtle. USS KITTIWAKE to shore off West Bay Public Beach to take on new life as such as groupers, sponges and jacks. SWIMMING & SNORKELLING31 WEL COME32 WEL COME Play in the waves JUMP IN K ayaking A tranquil way to explore the coastline, kayaks let you travel under your own steam. Take a guided tour through the mysterious mangroves or paddle out to a magical bioluminescent bay after dark, where a startling underwater light show, courtesy of Mother Nature, awaits. Parasailing Fly high in the sky with a parasailing adventure. You’ll be held aloft by a parachute attached to the boat below. Enjoy a bird’s eye view when you’re winched several hundred feet into the air. Tandem parasailing experiences are available, so that you can ascend with a friend. Personal watercraft Jet Skis and Waverunners can be rented at various locations. Easy to operate, you can be skimming over the waves at high speed in no time at all. Guided safaris, with snorkel stops, are also available. Paddleboarding Stand up paddleboarding offers a fun way to explore, with sport. Paddleboarding can provide a full body workout, but you can also slow it down for a leisurely cruise. It takes minutes to get to grips with paddling on the large, stable beginners’ boards, and a lifetime of fun once you progress KITESURFING Steady breezes, warm water and calm lagoons make Cayman a good location to try this popular watersport. Barker’s in West Bay and Little Cayman are some of the best places to kite. Sunset cruises There’s nothing quite like soaking up the sunset while cruising along the scenic coastline. It’s a relaxing way to end the day, with tours offering appetizers and a cash bar. Excursions typically last two hours and are offered by numerous charter companies. Yacht charters Cruise across North Sound, interact with the stingrays, dive for conch, snorkel over coral gardens and enjoy cocktails as the sun sets – it’s all in a day’s cruising. Both motor and sail boats offer half day, full day and sunset charters, with tailored itineraries. Party boats Party on a boat while cruising Cayman’s clear blue waters. Visitors can arrange a private charter or join one of several party boat excursions organised throughout the year. Music, dancing and a cash bar are all on board, Beach Bar among the most popular stops along the way. Along with swimming, snorkelling and diving, Cayman boasts a wide range of water-based activities to get your feet wet. 33 WEL COME TIP While out on the water, make sure to use sunscreen, wear protective clothing and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. IMA G ES : A lv ar o S ere y, S te ph en C la rk e P hot og ra phy , T an eo s R am say34 WEL COME JUMP IN Best DIVE SITES THE CAYMAN ISLANDS are renowned the world over for their amazing diving opportunities. All three islands have numerous dive sites to explore, some accessible from shore and others by boat, including wrecks, underwater tunnels and canyons. The warm waters boast crystal-clear visibility, healthy reefs and diverse marine life. With more than 300 dive sites in the Cayman Islands, there are endless possibilities to explore the underwater world. Favourite dives sites around Grand Cayman include: TH E USS K I T T I WA K E This 1945 submarine rescue ship was sunk close to shore off West Bay Public Beach to take on new life as wildlife to enjoy. Suitable for all levels of diving experience. DE V I L’ S GR O T T O tiny silversides. T U R TLE RE E F A spectacular coral garden replete with resident eels and turtles. It is a spectacular shore dive in West Bay at Macabuca restaurant. Night divers will spot octopus and coral extending its polyps. SUNSE T HOU SE Famous for the bronze mermaid statue and the wreck of the Nicholson landing craft. CO B A LT COA S T passing manta ray. C H EESEBUR G ER R EEF This reef earned its unusual name as the site is located just out from Burger King on the waterfront in George Town. It has a large population of tarpon and is teeming with Nearby is the shipwreck Cali, a freighter that sank near IMA G ES : El iz ab eth W ya tt 35 WEL COME DIVER-RECOMMENDED SITES Underwater photographer Ben Phillips of Next Level Photography has more than 10 years of experience as a diving professional, logging over destinations. Here, he gives us his list of favourite dive sites in Grand Cayman. See page 68 for recommend sites in the Sister Islands. GRAND CAYMAN 1. Best boat dive: Fish Tank 4. Best wreck dive: USS Kittiwake 5. Best night dive: Oro Verde IMA G ES : Ben P hil lip sMeet Cayman’s iconic turtles SPONSORED CONTENT Visit Cayman Turtle Centre: Island Wildlife Encounter There are fabulous opportunities to participate in a sea turtle release, while youngsters will enjoy riding the Turtle Twister waterslide into Cayman’s largest freshwater pool. For a complete thrill, visit the Predator Reef where clear viewing panels allow visitors to come nose-to-nose with nurse sharks, tarpon, and barracuda. A captivating shark talk will help you appreciate amazing facts about the predators that live near Cayman’s shores. Don’t forget to look in on Smiley, an 11-foot hybrid saltwater crocodile, after which the Cayman Islands are named. Watch Smiley being fed during scheduled feeding times. A lovely, breezy restaurant and a shop crammed full of local treasures add to the fun. Cayman Turtle Centre: Island Wildlife Encounter 786 Northwest Point Road, West Bay (345) 949 3894 info@turtle.ky www.turtle.ky FOR A FANTASTIC AND UNIQUE EXPERIENCE, head to Cayman Turtle Centre: Island Wildlife Encounter, where you can spend a marvellous day you will never forget. Likely to be the highlight of your vacation, your visit to this incredible facility will help you appreciate the majesty of Cayman’s precious Green sea turtles. Cayman Turtle Centre is the Cayman Islands’ number one land-based attraction, focusing on sea turtle conservation and education, so enjoy snorkelling with turtles and reef their nature trail, too. A must-see is the Green’s Breeding Bay, where you can meet these awe-inspiring animals. Be mesmerised by their grace as they glide effortlessly through the water, some weighing 500 pounds.Next >