Kristen1206

Hi Carabe - Summer weather in Cayman (and the Caribbean in general) isn't as bad as you might think. Maryland summers are much hotter! Temps will probably be in the upper 80s and water should be calm. We didn't have any problems with bugs either. We did have a breif rsin shower or two most days but the other than that, the sun shined all the time.

I recommend that you stay on Seven Mile Beach - the mid to North section as it gets more crowded the closer you get to Georgetown. Otherwise, you will have long ride to most places if you stay in other areas such as Rum Point. And I think 7MB is th best place for a first time visitor. Great beach, amazing shore snorkeling and close to restaurants etc. If you want to stay at a hotel, The Westin is your best bet though the Marriott is also nice and affordable. If you want a condo, I can recommend Villas of the Galleon where we stayed, Plantana, Avalon and Coralstone Club.

The camera I used was just a Canon Elph point and shoot though some were taken on the Olympus that can also go underwater. I didn't take my Rebel.

Let me know if you have any other questions!

chrism125

Hey, Kristen... I just spent the last half hour or so perusing your BEAUTIFUL pics and trip reports... your photos of the crystal clear waters of GC were just plain dreamy on this dreary cold NC day! You and I appear to have exceptionally similar travel tastes, so any insight/advice you can provide would be VERY much appreciated!
Here’s the scoop: My husband is currently deployed, but we’re planning a 7-10 day “Welcome Home” trip to the Caribbean sometime in late March/end of April. We've traveled all over the world but we've NEVER been to the Caribbean! We both love to dive and we appreciate luxury, but we usually prefer comfortably rustic accommodations near good food and activities (sight-seeing, hiking, local towns, etc.). Our sticky wicket? We have a 2yr old son. With no family or close friends nearby, we’ve decided Andrew will join us on the trip. Against our better judgement, we've looked at AI's for the inclusive childcare... even tho we've done AI before and it really isn't our bag. We love our fellow Americans but we’d rather not be surrounded and it kind of defeats the purpose of travel if we’re in an Americanized resort.
SO!
Here’s my question:
Of all of the islands you've travelled, which would you recommend? We've looked at T&C, Jamaica (FDR for the nanny), and Barbados.... but from your posts I may have to look into Anguilla and GC. As you can imagine, I'm a bit overwhelmed with the bazillions of options available and conflicting reviews on Fodors and TripAdvisor.
Thanks so much for your time!
Best wishes for a happy, healthy and travel-full 2010 ~
Christine

Kristen1206

Hi Christine. Based on your needs and likes, I think you should go with T&C. Very laid back yet easy to get around, close proximity to great restaurants and places you can go to explore. But most importantly is the beach and T&C has one of the best. And there is a reef right off shore for snorkeling from the beach. the water color and clarity is some of the finest you will ever see. The soft sand and calm water of Grace Bay will be perfect for your 2 year old. We took our daughter when she was one. I do have a trip report from that trip on here (April 2006) in case you haven't come across it. We stayed at Royal West Indies which I highly recommend or is you want to splurge, check out the Somerset.

GC is also a good option but may be a bit too built up..though you can definitely find secluded areas. Anguilla is probably my favorite island, but everything is very spreadout and roas aren't so great. With a toddler, T&C gets my vote!

Let me know what you decide and feel free to ask anything else you might think of!

Kristen1206

oh and Happy New Year!

chrism125

Thanks so much for your advice, Kristen! I'll definitely keep in touch and I look forward to reading your April '06 trip report.
Happiest New Year! ~

Kristen1206

Check out the Sands too. That would actually be perfect for you I think.

japh

I appreciate your comments on my Treasure Island question. Sounds like we can find a better beach area, although owners of the property at Treasure Island told us that that beach there is being refurbished right now. Supposed to be completed by July when we arrive. Don't know how true that is. You certainly seem knowledgeable about GC, so I would love some accommodations advice. Looking for condo with a resort-type setting. 3 kids (2 boys 18 & 16, girl 13) I liked the idea of the "swim up bar" at Treasure island. Also, liked having tennis right there. We keep busy on vacation for sure! Any advice on accommodations would be greatly appreciated. Also, anyone that knows if beach is being improved at Treasure Island - would appreciate your comments as well.

Kristen1206

Hi Japh. Central Seven Mile beach seems like it would be the best place for you to stay. The nice thing about where we stayed at Villas of the Galleon is that we had the condo/villa type accomodations, large uncrowded beach but we were right in between the Westin (swim up bar and watersports) and the Ritz (watersports).

Kristen1206

If you want to splurge, the condo complex on the other side of the Ritz....Coralstone Club is realllyyyyy nice.

charlie8100

Hi Kristen,
I am a little different, in that while I love the beach, we also like a nice pool and people. Having been to a private residence at the Ritz, phenomenal, we spent more time in the water or at the pool. (beach was crowded). Was a guest on girls weekend, so our return with family, we will have to get a condo. Wondering what your recommendation is between Coral Stone Club and South Bay Sea Club. I would be on first floor at Sea CLub, which I do like, as my 4 1/2 year old tires and like to go inside. Would be on upper floor with Coral Stone Club. I remember the beach being exceptional and do like the location. Don't know if the area by the Marriott is too small a beach, and the water looks questionable with dark areas. Would love your advice.
Thank you for your time,
Charlie8100

familyescape

Hello! Trying to plan our first family trip to a great beach! Need help! Overwhelmed by options. Safety is a priority for me. Never traveled outside US. Kids are 19 and 14. Stumbled on GC. Looks like lots of things to do here: stingrays, waverunners, etc. Don't want touristy beach but access to shops and restaurants. Looking at condo at Rum Pt. Other ideas? Apprciate any advice. Thanks.