Grand Cayman, East End - info needed
May 10th, 2004, 06:03 AM
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Grand Cayman, East End - info needed
Our family of 5 is going to the Reef Resort in June for our first trip to Grand Cayman. We love to snorkel, and we plan to take a couple of boat trips, but we also want to find some places to snorkel from the beach. I have gotten info regarding snorkel sites, but I'm wondering how realistic it is to expect to be able to drive to different beaches around the island, and also would it be safe for us to be in the water if there's no one else around (our kids are ages 20, 17 and 15). Also, do any of these beaches have bathroom facilities?
Also, we plan to drive to the Seven-Mile Beach area a couple of times during the week for snorkeling and also for dinner. Does anyone have any recommendations re restaurants? We probably will eat one night at Hard Rock.
I've also heard that Rum Point is a good place to go snorkeling. How far away is Rum Point from the East End? Could we spend a day or two there (snorkeling, playing on beach, eating dinner)?
We also plan to snorkel at our resort, but we're figuring the kids will want to get out and find some other beaches, too.
Thanks for any info you can give.
Sherry
Also, we plan to drive to the Seven-Mile Beach area a couple of times during the week for snorkeling and also for dinner. Does anyone have any recommendations re restaurants? We probably will eat one night at Hard Rock.
I've also heard that Rum Point is a good place to go snorkeling. How far away is Rum Point from the East End? Could we spend a day or two there (snorkeling, playing on beach, eating dinner)?
We also plan to snorkel at our resort, but we're figuring the kids will want to get out and find some other beaches, too.
Thanks for any info you can give.
Sherry
May 10th, 2004, 06:59 AM
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Good site for places to snorkel is www.caymanislandsdiscounts.com
Click on Off shore snorkeling.
You will be perfectly safe at any of these places. The island is really not that big, so driving time between the Reef and anywhere on North Side is relatively short.
Click on Off shore snorkeling.
You will be perfectly safe at any of these places. The island is really not that big, so driving time between the Reef and anywhere on North Side is relatively short.
May 10th, 2004, 10:22 AM
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Email [email protected], our concierge staff will be happy to answer all of your questions.. but a few thoughts :
- You'll need to rent a car or van, again our concierge can help you with that if you haven't already booked one.
- Lots and lots of good snorkel sites, very easy to drive around.
- Cayman is very safe, but use some precautions if you are all in the water with regards to leaving valuables unattended, ie don't, lock them in the car (just in case) and one of you keep the car key with you in a waterproof pouch.
- One or two of the beaches are public beaches with bathroom facilities, but not too many.
- Rum Point is actually not great for snokelling, but it is a nice place for dinner
- You can also do some organised snorkel trips. At The Reef we do our own Stingray City trips, plus you can book tours with EcoVentures (www.ecoventures.ky)
Last thought, how about trying diving ? If you are keen at snorkelling, that is the obvious next step.
Anyway, our concierge staff will be more than happy to help.
- You'll need to rent a car or van, again our concierge can help you with that if you haven't already booked one.
- Lots and lots of good snorkel sites, very easy to drive around.
- Cayman is very safe, but use some precautions if you are all in the water with regards to leaving valuables unattended, ie don't, lock them in the car (just in case) and one of you keep the car key with you in a waterproof pouch.
- One or two of the beaches are public beaches with bathroom facilities, but not too many.
- Rum Point is actually not great for snokelling, but it is a nice place for dinner
- You can also do some organised snorkel trips. At The Reef we do our own Stingray City trips, plus you can book tours with EcoVentures (www.ecoventures.ky)
Last thought, how about trying diving ? If you are keen at snorkelling, that is the obvious next step.
Anyway, our concierge staff will be more than happy to help.
May 10th, 2004, 10:35 AM
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Samsaf, if I'm correct, the Reef resort uses Ocean Frontiers for diving. Everyone may want to check out the resort dive course. It was a lot of fun, and as far as my son (11 ys. old) is concerned, the highlight of our vacation.
We found Rum Point to be a great place to hang out for the day.
We found Rum Point to be a great place to hang out for the day.
May 10th, 2004, 11:31 AM
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Thanks for your replies.
Sue, I printed off that info you listed. Thank you. We'll take that with us.
Tom, We've rented a car through the resort. That's a good idea about the waterproof pouch. I contacted the concierge and was told to wait until we get there to reserve the Stingray City trip. We have reserved a trip with EcoVentures (which sounds awesome!). We've thought about diving (at least my husband and kids have -- I think I'd panic under the water), but it seems a little expensive for 4 or 5 people to get certified and then go diving as much as we go snorkeling. We might try the resort dive course, though. I don't think I'd panic in a pool. Thanks for the info about Rum Point. We were thinking that one day we might pack a lunch and drive to 7-Mile Beach, go snorkeling (maybe at Cemetery Reef) for the afternoon, and have dinner in that area before we head back to the East end. Is that a realistic plan?
Meta, thanks for the info. It looks like we might try the resort dive course, and I think we'll also try going to Rum Point.
Sherry
Sue, I printed off that info you listed. Thank you. We'll take that with us.
Tom, We've rented a car through the resort. That's a good idea about the waterproof pouch. I contacted the concierge and was told to wait until we get there to reserve the Stingray City trip. We have reserved a trip with EcoVentures (which sounds awesome!). We've thought about diving (at least my husband and kids have -- I think I'd panic under the water), but it seems a little expensive for 4 or 5 people to get certified and then go diving as much as we go snorkeling. We might try the resort dive course, though. I don't think I'd panic in a pool. Thanks for the info about Rum Point. We were thinking that one day we might pack a lunch and drive to 7-Mile Beach, go snorkeling (maybe at Cemetery Reef) for the afternoon, and have dinner in that area before we head back to the East end. Is that a realistic plan?
Meta, thanks for the info. It looks like we might try the resort dive course, and I think we'll also try going to Rum Point.
Sherry
May 12th, 2004, 05:07 PM
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Yes, it is a great idea to pack a lunch and drive to 7-Mile Beach, go snorkeling (maybe at Cemetery Reef) for the afternoon, and have dinner before you head back to the East End. We have done it several times. There are two area's on 7MB beach with public showers to rinse off in before dinner. Enjoy!
May 13th, 2004, 07:18 AM
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On 7MB the showers are at public beach, which is half a mile beyond the Westin.
Rush Hour advice for Cayman if you are based at The Reef. If heading into the metropolis (!), leave the resort no earlier than 8:30am so you miss the morning rush.
Returning from 7MB, either leave 7MB before 4:30 or else (more likely) wait until after 6... and in June sunset is about 7pm, so why not wait until 7pm, have dinner around 7MB, then take the drive "home" to the more relaxed East End.
Rush Hour advice for Cayman if you are based at The Reef. If heading into the metropolis (!), leave the resort no earlier than 8:30am so you miss the morning rush.
Returning from 7MB, either leave 7MB before 4:30 or else (more likely) wait until after 6... and in June sunset is about 7pm, so why not wait until 7pm, have dinner around 7MB, then take the drive "home" to the more relaxed East End.
