my kids are five and three. We are planning on the turtle farm and atlantis.....has anyone been to the pirates caves in boddenton (?) Stingray is out b/c of their ages and comfort level with open waters....any other to do's there for kids? thank you all, this is our first time there, I'm so excited!!!!!

Jen

The pirate caves are fun and go a bit further and you will be at the "Blow Holes". They are great especially for the young ones to wait for the ocean water to push through the various holes.

Dine at the wharf, once your children see the tarpon being fed right in front of the tables, they will want to come back again and again.

I believe it's around 9o p.m. but call to make sure.

Take them to Rum Point on (I believe it's Sunday) for the outdoor bar-b-que. It's a beautiful outdoor restaurant/bar with great views of the north side of the island.

I'll give you a secret... There are a few sting-rays who visit the waters near Rum Point from Sting Ray City.

Before you drive over to Rum Point, stop by the grocery store, buy some fresh squid (the rays love squid) and take it with you. You might be lucky as we were to see a visiting ray off the beach and you can actually feed them out of your hand.

They are around tourists day after day and love the food.

You can also see turtles swimming around up by the condo resort named Victoria House. It's a wonderful stretch of beach and you will usually see turtles swimming around.


Hope you have a wonderful time, it's one of our favorite islands!

When we were there in October the blowholes were still plugged up from the Hurricane. Rum Point it pretty calm and shallow but has little fish unless you swim around under the dock. I did see a huge barracuda hanging out under there. The absolute best thing for kids (especially your kids ages) is to take them to the Turtle Farm which has moved across the street from the original location and is now a really beautiful facility. Your 5 year old should enjoy the baby turtles and you can pick up the mid sized ones next to the babies. If you want a more upscale dinner, The Wharf has a tarpon feeding which is also fun to watch and a nice atmosphere. Have fun! We've been there twice now and can't wait to go back!

Where would you recommend staying with a family that includes 2 girls ages 11 and 13? Thanks

Do you want a condo or a hotel room?

We were at the blow holes Monday of last week after a great lunch at the Lighthouse and I'm wondering if the blow holes still exist. The surf was very rough, but it seemed that what should have been great conditions for the blow holes wasn't creating the results we'd seen here before. We were also in Cayman in January and stopped by but there wasn't the same action that we'd seen before. Also, the stairs are now gone I'm certain another victim of Ivan so you can't easily get down to where the blow holes were. Are the blow holes clogged or just plain gone???

desertbound, also think about a quick stop at the butterfly farm. It's not very big but it is very interesting! If that doesn't thrill your little ones, go across the street to the new wonderful gelato shop next to the movie theaters. The owner (maybe Carlo?) makes the best gelato we've ever had outside of Rome!

jrhae-the condos along 7 Mile Beach might be perfect. We stayed at Aqua Bay in January--the new pool and jacuzzi are great. Discovery Point is also nearby and is equally nice!

I'd agree about the butterfly farm. Once you've paid admission you can go back. Butterflies land on you [wear bring colors] and make for a nice photograph. I'll also agree on the Antica Gelataria. Best Gelato, this side of Italy. Very good, and the owner...well, he's awesome.

I'd suggest you take them to Ivory Kai to see the starfish. Starfish are all along the shoreline in shallow water your children can wade in and will be able to see them. If you think this is something they'd be interested in, let me know and I'll post directions to the place. It is in Cayman Kai. The beach there is quiet, undisturbed and you can just enjoy your family there. Great place for a family photo too. We always pack a small parafoil kite, and it is just a relaxing fun thing to do that takes up hardly any space in your luggage. Your kids may like flying kites there as well.

The botanical park may be boring in some parts for them, but they may get to see some iguana, which for my kids at that age would have been a big bonus.

Tip on the Atlantis sub. When entering the sub, try to sit on the left hand side [when facing the front of the sub]. This side, due to the circuit they take, gets to see more than does the right hand side.

Have fun!