Grand Cayman General Tips

by catalysta
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Hawksbill Turtle

The Turtle farm is an informative and worthwhile experience, especially if your visit coincides with the periodic release of some of the sea tortoises into the wild. The cost of your entrance fee goes to a worthy cause; this is the prototypical turtle farm, established to preserve and propagate the dwindling sea tortoise population.

Why care about preserving sea turtles? Beyond all eco-concerns, I can give you one VERY good reason if you like to swim: They eat jellyfish!!!

Shown here is a Hawksbill Turtle, harvested almost to extinction and prized for its famously patterned tortoise shell.


	It doesn't have to be that expensive	Tip Rating:

Updated By catalysta

on July 12, 2005

by catalysta
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Kitchen in room at Turtle Nest
Inn

Staying in a room with a kitchen at The Turtle Nest Inn was my smartest move, and made my mornings more leisurely. The Turtle Nest now also handles bookings for On The Bay condos, along the north side of Grand Cayman.
For divers, the shore dives are great, and you have your choice of several waterfront hotels specifically designed for divers (e.g. the Seaview & the Sunset Beach).


	Snorkeling is great too	Tip Rating:

By catalysta

on May 23, 2006

by catalysta, 2 more photos
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Yellowhead Wrasse

For those of you who are non-divers, don't think there is less for you to do on Grand Cayman. There are so many wonderful and easily accessible snorkeling sites around too! One of the best was right outside our door at the Turtle Nest Inn. Another was Spanish Reef, where my mom snorkeled while I went on a little shore dive. And then there are the 2 lovely resorts past East End, both of which have great snorkeling and swimming beaches, Morritt's Tortuga Club & the Reef Resort.


	Just drive to almost any place wth water access	Tip Rating:

Updated By catalysta

on June 27, 2006

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Caribbean Reef Squid

Have a look at some of these photos if you don't believe me - all were taken while snorkeling. One of the best sites, admittedly, was the one we reached by boat: On our snorkeling excursion to Stingray City's shallow sandbar with Fantasea Adventures, there was a second stop included with the afternoon's trip, to nearby Barrier Reef (see photos with tips above for Barrier Reef area).
But the Caribbean Reef Squids pictured here I encountered while snorkeling by the Sunset House, as was the lovely little Blue Tang in the next shot. And snorkeling by the TurtleNest Inn we saw lots of lobsters, and even a dark phase Goldentail Moray Eel chasing a small Red Grouper from its front doorstep under a rock ledge!


	Looking for some cheap snacks & drinks	Tip Rating:

Updated By AliasGirl

on September 24, 2004

Head to a local Foster's Food Fair Supermarket! You can find one on West Bay Road near Hyatt Regency Hotel. We stopped in and picked up plenty of snacks for the beach/pool and to keep in the room. We also grabbed a bunch of iced tea 6 packs and water bottles, they came in handly so we didn't have to hit the ridiculously expensive mini-bar!


	The beach life is a must!	Tip Rating:

Updated By LysDor

on September 23, 2002

by LysDor
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All sorts of water activities especially snorkeling are to be tryed out.
...............
I went everyday (several times a day!!!) for a snorkeling swim and found MY SPECIAL SPOT. Unfortunately there was also a beautiful colored tropical fish with whom I shared the area. This fish was very territorial and as soon as I arrived on top of him he became very nervous - swimming faster and stopping underneath me to have a better look who was disturbing his peace!
As it was FLAT he had to tilt on its side to see me - that looked truly funny but as he kept on doing it several times I got the message and left HIS SPOT for that time but I must admit I had to go back there every day to see my *pet-fish* even if he had a different opinion about my presence there!!
..............


	Wander on your own	Tip Rating:

Updated By Agraichen

on February 1, 2003

Use the local bus....It's convenient, relatively timely, and very cheap. Why pay $35-$50 (US) for a "3-hour all inclusive tour of the famous sites" of which you may only like one or two, when you can see the same sites in about the same amount of time (faster if you want) for about $5.00 or less using the local transport. Just check a map for where you want to go.


	Relaxing	Tip Rating:

Updated By ncbcrazynyc

on December 23, 2004

by ncbcrazynyc
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Westin beach area

It was really quiet around the Westin's beach area...as you can see in the picture, there really isn't anyone around.


	Boats	Tip Rating:

By ncbcrazynyc

on January 2, 2005

by ncbcrazynyc
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Going out onto the open waters is fun, glass bottom boats aren't all they are cracked up to be, because if you are moving all you see is a bunch of bubbles under the boat....this picture was taken while on a glass bottom boat


	What better way to escape the winter	Tip Rating:

By bianchis

on March 5, 2007

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Evening breeze

Of course the climate - where the temperature, summer or winter, seldom goes lower than 70 deg. F. or higher than 90 deg. F.

A getaway in winter where the average temperature is 78 deg. F. in the winter and about 84 deg. F in the summer.

Between May and October the prevailing winds are from east to south; from November to April, the coolest season of the year, prevailing winds are from the northeast to northwest. I try not to go in the hurricane season which typically lasts from June to November.

My friends from 20 to 30 years ago who still live on the island and with whom I have shared wonderful memories.