My husband, nine year old son and I are headed to Grand Cayman for spring break. We're staying at the Marriott. Can anyone tell me about the beach at the Marriott and give me the name of a good snorkel company (1/2 day trip)? Are we in for terrible crowds at the Marriott? Besides snorkeling and Sting Ray City, what is fun that a nine year old would like? Thanks alot.

Marriott is a nice property but, due to storms in recent years, it has little beach. The beach in GC is public so you can walk and have the pretty beach. A good snorkeling trip is with Clinton Ebanks - 949-1016. We've gone on his boats for many years = they hold a small number of people and he's an expert at doing the trips. All trips are basically the same - it's the captain that makes the trip. We all think he does a great job.

There is no beach at the Marriott, but I think you can take a shuttle to either the Holiday Inn or the Westin to use their beach? <BR><BR>You can go somewhere else on the beach, but you have to walk a fair bit up the beach (really past the Hyatt) to find a good spot. Condos don't allow you to use their chairs and other facilities. Some even post guards to discourage people from parking with their towels.

We went with Bayside Sports and made two snorkeling stops and a third stop at Stingray City. There were only 8 of us so it was a nice sized group and the people that run the place take the time to explain about the stingrays and are very helpful.<BR>If your son enjoys the water, the swimming is great, there are the sub rides and the Jetskis. We didn't see any kids there except some young ones. Botanical gardens and that sort of thing are not usually high interest places for 9 year old boys.

Betsy:<BR><BR>I would suggest that you purchase a snorkel set for your son and pack it to bring with you, he will want to use it always. You can see cool things even from the beach. Also pack a inflatable raft. I know it will be a pain but you can wrap it around your clothes and check it. Its worth it. <BR><BR>I used Bob Soto's sport located in Treasure Island and they where great. The boats werent fancy but the<BR> crew was fun and your son will love the trip. It was $30US for the 1/2 day trip and they provide transportation to and from.<BR><BR>There is a ferry that leaves the Hyatt dock and goes to Rum Point that would be a fun day trip as well. He'll enjoy the boat ride and you can get a great burger lunch there too. They have lizards and birds all over the place and more for him to explore underwater. he may even see some sting rays there too. You can sit on the beach chairs they have there and relax.Red Sail sports also rents rafts, jet skis, run glass bottom boat tours, and such from the beach.<BR><BR>There is the famous turtle farm, where they harvest sea turtles that is supposed to be pretty fun. We never made it there but I could see how kids would think it was fun.<BR><BR>I think your son will just love being at the beach and looking at all the critters underwater. <BR><BR>Have a great trip<BR>Juli

If you'd like to see some photos of the Marriott beach, send me an email. I took some shots when I was in Grand Cayman in early February. The beach is indeed very small. The shuttles take you to the Holiday Inn beach.