brendonb29

My parents and I usually go to Maui in April for spring break, but being to every island several times we decided to hit the caymans. This is our first time to the caymans and we would possibly like to see all 3 islands if possible. We have a condo through starwood and stay in Kaanapali on Maui but we saw that there is a westin on seven mile beach. Of course we want to see as much as possible in seven days, 5 countinf flight time. I know this is hardly anytime at all, but this is all we can do for now. What do you recommend we see, we love to snorkel, geological sites, rainforests, caves, beaches. All the usual beach things. What is the weather usually like in April? Should we stick to the Grand Cayman island? Thanks! OH BTW, what is the best way to rent a car? Thanks again!!

Odin

For one week, I would recommend staying in one place ie Grand Cayman and on 7MB. The Caymans Islands are flat dry islands so you won't find rainforests. I'm not aware of any geological sites. You can rent a car locally on arrival or prebook which is preferable. 1-2 days rental is probably enough to see what there is on GC, car rental is quite expensive. The real beauty of GC is underwater or on the beach/sea. There are many very good restaurants so staying in a condo on 7MB is perfect.

Bassguy66

Well, you picked a great place if you like snorkeling. You will find great walk in snorkeling all around the island. You will not find any rainforests, caves, or geological sites.

The Westin on 7MB is a great place to stay, and that stretch of beach is excellent.

Car rental is like any other island....you can book before you go, or while there. Prices will vary...depending on what you need for a car. I drove an old piece of crap with dents and tons of miles which was all I needed to get around. No need to pay double the rental price for a shiny new car.

I agree with Odin, the real beauty of GC is all under water. It is a snorkeling and diving paradise. Don't miss a charter out to Stingray City sandbar.

Restaurants are very pricey, but some of the best around.

virginia

take a drive around the east end of the island. once you leave the crowded georgetown area, it's easy as there is really just the one road. take the road along the south side side then up the east end. continue on along the north side past the reef resort & the tiny town of old man bay all the way to rum point. at rum point you can get cocktails and lunch on the beach. on your way back take the frank sound road (from old man bay) south. if you have time a stop at the botanical gardens is wonderful
http://beust.com/pics/grand-cayman-map.gif

do book a tour to stingray city. fisherman used to clean their catch in a shallow spot and the rays came to munch. they still come out of habit and will swim right to you so you can touch/hold them.

if you know about guy harvey you might like to visit his shop. upstairs is his art studio (he was on island painting the day we were there so we met him) and across the lane is his restaurant which we enjoyed very much.

there is a turtle farm. it is part exhibit and part farm which i found to be a bit disturbing - they do good work but they also sell for human consumption. i think gc is one of the few places on earth where one can legally eat turtle. we did not try it.

i too would skip going to the other 2 islands. it's expensive & you have such a short time on island.

we used Andy's car rental. one of you can walk across the road from the airport terminal while the other waits with your baggage. i think some of the rental companies will bring a car to your hotel if you don't want the car for your entire stay.
http://caymancarrentalguide.com/andyscar/

the snorkeling is wonderful and there are numerous places with walk in. http://www.caymanislands.ky/divecaym...orkelling.aspx

jcjc

Hi. We've been to Grand Cayman 6 times. Never stayed at the Westin but visited it one day. We didn't like it at all but it really depends on what you're looking for as far as accommodations. The Westin was crowded and loud when we stopped by. I recall that they offered jet ski rentals off of their beach, as well. Not our cup of tea. It is in a very good location as far as walking to restaurants and such but if you are renting a car you don't need to worry about that.
You could try one of the many condos located on Seven Mile beach. (since you stay in condos when visiting Maui.)We've stayed at the Christopher Columbus condos which are located on the quieter northern part of Seven mile. There's good snorkeling right off the beach in front of the complex. (and Cemetery Reef, a popular snorkeling sight, is within walking distance...or a very short car ride!) There are many condos to choose from in the Seven Mile Beach area.
We've always used Andy's Rental Car when we've gone to Cayman. Never had a problem with them and the cars were in good condition.
It's often mentioned that the restaurants are expensive on Grand Cayman and while it IS true that there are plenty of expensive foodie type places...there are many, many, good moderately priced options, as well.
Definitely drive around the island. Visit the Botanical gardens and stop at Rum Point. And yes, take a boat charter to Stingray City. (private or on a non cruise ship day!)

GeorgeR

Since you will only be staying for 5 days, I would not recommend going to Little Cayman or Cayman Brac. These are great places for diving but there is little else to do. If you love to snorkel you will have a great time on Grand Cayman. I agree that you should go to the botanical park and see the blue iguana rescue site. Stingray City is considered the most go excursion. The weather is great in April.

Renting a car is easy. There are many rental agencies. Shop around for the best price.

If you don't have to stay at the Westin, renting a condo would be much more desirable since you will have a kitchen and separate bedrooms. There are many listed on VRBO.