Cayman Islands Advice

Old Jan 15th, 2002, 05:38 AM
  #1  
S
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Cayman Islands Advice

I'm going to the Cayman Islands next week and staying at the Treasure Island resort. Would love if anyone could give tips/reviews of the resort, where to parasail, who the best snorkeler outfitter is, any good happy hours, and rum point info....

Thanks!!
 
Old Jan 15th, 2002, 07:21 AM
  #2  
Diver
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My husband and I spend a week at Treausre Island in August. Nice spot for snorkeling right outside of hotel - we saw lots of coral, squid and even a sting ray while snorkeling. We are divers and used Dive Tech for our dives. They were fantastic - but I hear were badly damaged by the hurricane. There is a dive shop on premise at Treasure Island and also one right next door within walking distance that I have heard good things about.

Hotel had a wonderful happy hour one night with free rum punch (not watered down) and great appetizers. There is a fun Irish pub within walking distance (as you come out of hotel, walk to your right for about 10 minutes).
 
Old Jan 15th, 2002, 07:38 AM
  #3  
Scott
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My wife & I stayed at TI for 10 days on our first visit to Grand Cayman and loved it. The resort itself is beautifully landscaped, with several waterfalls, tropical plants, and have 3 pools(one with a swim-up bar). The lobby itself is open air, with a bar, and live music most evenings.

The rooms in our opinion were quite basic, but very clean, and comfortable. Obviously some have better views than others, with very few (if any) that have a view of the ocean. Understand, that there are actually two sections of this resort. There is TI hotel, and TI condos. The condos are directly on the beach, and the hotel sits right next to the condos in one big resort. The walk from the hotel to the beach is very easy, just through a couple of pool areas and you're there.

The beach itself is very nice, with many beach chairs, and plenty of room. There is a volleyball net set up as well. What seems to get some negative feedback is that the entry into the water is quite rocky. This is not what we would consider the ideal beach for swimming. We didn't find this to be much of an issue as we swam there everyday, by simply being careful as you get into the water.

Keep in mind that there is a great reef out in front of the resort, that has awesome snorkeling. You'll need to swim out 75-100 yds to get to the reef, but it's well worth it, as it is teaming with life....we snorkeled everyday.

If you really want a nice sandy entry into the water, you can simply walk 5 minutes (at most) north on the beach, to find a more suitable swimming area...piece of cake!! Treasure Island also offers all watersports on site, with a diveshop/operator on site as well. One last thing to mention is that the location of TI is quite central, and within easy walking distance of several restaurants & shops. Overall, we really enjoyed our stay there.

Things to remember: the rooms are very basic, but very clean and comfortable. The entry into the ocean is rocky but easily handled (especially with water shoes). Everything else was great, and the very few negatives were minor at best.
 
Old Jan 15th, 2002, 07:51 AM
  #4  
Scott
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A couple more things:
The rooms have a mini fridge, so we saved a lot of money by buying cereal & coldcuts for breakfast & lunch. As you will soon see, the restaurants are very expensive. If you like to have a few cocktails while you're there, you may want to bring a bottle or two with you. You are allowed i liter of hard booze per person, so we brought two and saved a few bucks on cocktails. We would just mis up a large batch of our favrite drink, and bring it down to the beach with a bucket of ice.

As afar as stingray city trips, make sure to book an outfitter that takes small groups(14 or less). And as far as Rum Point goes, check the cruise ship schedule, and go on a day when the cruise ships are not around...trust me!!
 
Old Jan 15th, 2002, 11:18 AM
  #5  
s
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Thanks everyone for the wonderful advice!! It was really comforting hearing about the positives of TI...I've been reading a couple of negatives and getting a little scared, but you all definitely eased me a little! Thanks again!!
 
Old Jan 15th, 2002, 12:13 PM
  #6  
juli
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S:

I used Bob Soto's right out of your hotel for a snorkel trip. They where great a 1/2 day trip was $30 USD. They had 8-10 people on the boats and only run the trips on days when the cruise ships are not in port so you dont have to contend with the cattle boats. Bring your own equipment if you can, rather then renting. You'll want to use it all the time.

A great night spot was, The Reef Grill. Not only did I have my best meal on the island there but they have a great out door bar with a reggae band. I think they play on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. I also agree about bringing your own liquor. Drinks ont he island can be about $10 a piece.

You can parasail off the beach at the Hyatt using Red Sail Sports. They are on the web. The Hyatt is about a 5 minute ride down the road from Treasure Island. I am not sure of any smaller companies who bring people out. But be warned, use them for anything else snorkeling, scuba, boat cruise they are very expensive. Use smaller companies.

I agree that you need to make sure you dont go to Rum POint whenthe cruise ships are in port or on the weekend. I got to be honest, I wasnt entirely impressed with Rum Point. The beach was pretty small and there where more kids running around then at our hotel. (not that I mind them but it was an observation)The bottom also had sea grass on it which I didnt like. But it was a nice ferry ride and we had a good lunch there.

I am sure you'll have a great time. Plaese dont let anyones negative comments ruin your fun. See for yourself. The only negative is that for many people the prices are high. I live in the NY area so I wasnt sticker shocked but there are always ways to save money.

Have a great time
juli
 
Old Jan 15th, 2002, 12:24 PM
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S
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Thanks Juli for the tips, I've been hearing similar reports about Rum Point, but it seems that it's a major attraction. I think it's the hammocks that are selling it to me! Do you know of any other places that would have that kind of atmosphere? Also, any secluded beach areas? Thanks!
 
Old Jan 16th, 2002, 03:29 AM
  #8  
Sandy
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S,
If you go to Rum Point during the week, Mon-Fri it's not that crowded! Also, try to get there early in the day! It's definetely worth a trip!! You can lounge in a hammock with a great view! There's also snorkeling that's very good. A secluded beach in that area would be the public beach in Cayman Kai. It's a 5 minute drive from Rum Point. You can walk to there also. Just walk by the condos next door to Rum Point, and follow the beach southeast. You'll have a nice beach walk and when you get to the public beach you'll be the only ones there!! It's maybe a 10 - 15 min walk. Don't let the bad reviews of Rum Point keep you away! It's a world apart from 7MB!
Sandy
 
Old Jan 16th, 2002, 06:40 AM
  #9  
cc
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We just returned from the Caymans Sunday. We stayed at the holiday inn, but the Treasure Island resort looked very, very nice. Bob Soto's has a dive shop right there where you can sign up for snorkel trips. Definitely go to Stingray City/Sandbar. I would skip Rum Point unless you had nothing better to do. The beach and swimming were not that great, there were not enough beach chairs, and the beach bar was sooo pricy (try $12 for a pina colada). As far as restaurants were concerned, I would recommend The Tree House, Hooks, and Neptunes (excellent food and service!)for nice meals. The Wharf is popular, but I thought it was far too crowded and nothing to write home about. For a quick, cheap and tasty meal, try Chicken, Chicken. As far as island activities go, Do not go to Hell. It is a waste of time-just a building with Hell spray painted on the side with more junk than your typical gift shop. If you have the nerve, take a day long dive course with Bob Sotos. It is absolutely incredible. I think if you go to Grand Cayman and don't dive, you've missed at least half of what that island has to offer. George Town is nothing but a bunch of gift shops to amuse the cruise ship people. FYI there is a bus service that runs between the Turtle Farm and GTown. Just wait at bus stop or raise your hand when you hear a beep beep from a van with a yellow or green number on it, and they will give you a lift for $1.5 CI. Have a great time!
 
Old Jan 16th, 2002, 04:36 PM
  #10  
N
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Sandy, I know you like Rum Point but I really have to disagree with you about it being a world apart from 7 Mile Beach. They both have their good points. But I never want to take time out of my day to drive (or take the ferry) over there to spend the day when I have a perfectly gorgous beach at my door on 7 Mile. It's one of those "different strokes for different folks". But I don't really think there is anything there that makes it superior to 7 Mile. Just my opinion.
 
Old Jan 16th, 2002, 05:19 PM
  #11  
Tim
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There is really no comparison between Rum Point and Seven Mile Beach. 7M is one of the top beaches in the Caribbean. RP is just a small, quaint spot on the island owned and run by Hyatt, and its beach area is not even in the same league as 7M. RP can get crowded because it is so small and the ferry people are trapped there waiting for the next ferry to leave. 7M is so long that there are always huge empty areas. RP is also far away from most of the restaurants and action on GC, so if you stay there your dining choices are limited unless you want to spend hours commuting back and forth to George Town and 7M.
 
Old Jan 16th, 2002, 08:59 PM
  #12  
freewoman
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I love TI. It is the one place in the Caribbean so far that I will go and stay alone. I feel perfectly safe there, even coming in after dark, parking in their lot and walking up to my room. Plus they have a nice little pastry shop for breakfast and the staff has always been wonderful. They are also within walking distance of a lot of places (especially the spa I like to go to called Body Works, I think).
 
Old Jan 17th, 2002, 03:21 AM
  #13  
Sandy
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To N,
I never said Rum Point was superior to 7MB, just very different! If your on the island for a week, I feel it's worth a visit! It's not for everyone like you said, but there's a big difference from the public beach at Rum Point and staying somewhere in that area. I agree that now that the Hyatt has taken over and the ferry boat has really changed the atmosphere of Rum Point. But if you want to explore the island, and see the different areas that make up Grand Cayman, Rum Point is one of those stops! I'll be the first to agree that 7MB is one of the best in the Caribbean, I just prefer a more laid back area like Rum Point. And I'm talking about staying in the area, not the public beach.
Sandy
 

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