George Town Things to Do

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We spent wonderful, relaxing and educational time at Boatswains’ Beach. It is not so big, but if you have just 4-5 hours ashore, it’s just right for you. Your first encounter will be with the magnificent Green sea turtles at the breeding pond. The turtles are capable of exceeding 600 pounds; the largest turtle in the pond is 575 pounds! She’s an elderly female; possibly raging over 70years of age and is one of the original breeders to the farm when the company first began in 1968. Green sea turtles have incredible longevity and have been around since the age of dinosaurs; making their ability to adapt extraordinary. The sand portion of the pond is used to lay eggs; the breeding season is May trough September. Females can lay eggs up to 10 times per season; laying 50 to 150 eggs each time. This behavior can be thought of, as a survival mechanism as less than 1% would survive in the wild. On the farm 20% do. Currently there are over 11000 turtles on the farm. Females have shorter tails than males; you can tell the sex of a turtle by ages 6 and 7 years. Since 1980 Farm has released more that 31000 Green sea turtles back into the wild.
Touch tank was quite an experience! They keep youngsters there and you can hold them and even more -take a picture with a new friend. They love then you gently rub under the neck. The farm is the only place in the world where you can witness the entire life cycle of a green sea turtle.
The Farm is also boasts with it’s Predator Reef,( we didn’t get too exited about it since been in a lot of aquariums),Iguana Exhibits, Blue Hole Nature Trail and Caribbean Bird Aviary. Be preparing to meet many colorful and tropical birds that will sure fill you with delight. My favorite is the islands blushing pride-the red-cheeked national bird the Cayman parrot! They all act as if they know you forever and your own pets!
Snorkeling in salt water lagoon was so relaxing, moreover you can swim in a lot of places with dolphins and rays, but never with turtles and iguanas, that is so exotic!!!!

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Heroes Square is at the hub of the city of George Town, sitting in front of the Legislative Assembly (Parliament). Surrounding the square are several important public structures including the Peace Memorial, Clock Tower, Public Library and the Post Office.

This is a pretty square with tasteful landscaping, splashing fountains, statues and interpretative markers which tell of the heroes who have been important to the history of George Town and the Cayman Islands.

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This historic Clock Tower and Peace Memorial sits at the heart of the old section of George Town, a couple of blocks back from the waterfront and across from Heroes Square.

A plaque on the Clock Tower says that it was "Erected by the people of the Cayman Islands in memory of their beloved King George V."

The Peace Memorial was built in 1919, at the close of the First World War. Apparently, it is open only for special occasions.

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Visitors to George Town, Grand Cayman can gain a greater appreciation for and understanding of the city and the island by taking a stroll along the Maritime Heritage Trail and the site of Fort George in the downtown area. Fort George was built in 1790 for defense against the Spaniards who raided the islands, taking captives to Cuba.

Signs along the shore tell of the tempests and tragedies that have shaped the Cayman history. Interpretative markers detail points of interest along the trail.

Along the trail, is a bronze memorial, titled "Tradition." It pays tribute to the almost 500 Caymanians who have lost their lives at sea. The memorial was officially unveiled in 2003 by Prince Edward, son of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip.

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The oldest Christian congregation in the Cayman Islands, Elmslie United Church was established by by accident - or was it divine providence? Rev. Hope Waddell, a Presbyterian minister from Jamaica, was a missionary en-route to Nigeria when his ship wrecked on a reef off the Cayman Islands. Discovering there was no organized church on the islands, Waddell stayed and established this congregation and others, beginning in 1846.

Today, the Elmslie United Church is an amalgam of Presbyterian, Congregational and Disciples of Christ congregations. Generally, Christians seem to be much better at splitting up than getting together, so it always does my heart good to see an exception such as this one.

The church is not a tourist attraction but an active local congregation. Sunday services are at 9:15 a.m., 11:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Visitors are always welcome.

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I could not help but notice the Church of God Full Gospel Hall in downtown George Town since I grew up in the same denomination in Cleveland, Tennessee. This is one several Churches of God in the island and according to a taxi driver it is one of the strongest churches on Grand Cayman.

On my second visit to George Town, in February, 2007, I happened to run into two very dear old friends from college days whom I had not seen in years - Ernest and Ann Roberts. They were on the same cruise ship with us. Our ship docked at George Town on a Sunday so Ernest and Ann took advantage of the opportunity to visit the Sunday morning services at the church. They said they went dressed like tourists (in shorts), and were made to feel very welcome. I noticed that the local folks coming in and out of the church were all dressed in their "Sunday best."

The Cayman Islands National Museum is located in the historic Old Courts Building in George Town, one of the island's few surviving 19th century structures. This wooden frame courthouse has survived countless hurricanes and nor'westers during its 150 year history. It has been used over the years not only as a courthouse but also as the town jail, a meeting hall for Sunday worship and civic dances. The complete story of this historic building is told in one of the Museum's exhibits.

Other exhibits in the museum tell of the Natural and Cultural history of the Cayman Islands, with a collection of more than 4,000 items. These range from tiny coins to a 14 foot catboat; natural history specimens to rare documents.

The museum complex includes a Museum Shop and a small cafe, The Cool Caboose.

Hours:
Monday thru Friday 9am-5pm
Saturday 10am-2pm
(last admission one half hour before closing)

Admission:
Adults CI$4.00
Children & Seniors CI$2.00

I have visited the port of Georgetown several times on cruise ships. Each time I keep telling myself that I must come directly there and stay for a longer visit so I can soak in all that there is to offer here, especially the snorkeling! For a wonderful excursion that is fairly priced, and cheaper then if you booked through your cruise line, contact Captain Marvin's. They run all types of half day and full day excursions that feature the best snorkeling and a trip to Stingray City. The staff is accomodating and friendly, and are close at hand for any of you who are new to snorkeling. This is a not to be missed attraction if you are visiting the area.