Grand Cayman Questions
Oct 14th, 2001, 09:55 AM
#1
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Grand Cayman Questions
Doin' a little dreamin' here people.
Would a family need to rent a car while vacationing in Grand Cayman? Would want to go to Stingray City, turtle farm, snorkel, etc. Could we get around just using a taxi? What does everyone recommend?
Also, I'm gathering that the best place to stay for family (sons ages 13 & 16) is a condo. Definitely would want oceanfront, and would like to be near restaurants. Are there a large selection of eateries here?
Any info you can provide would be appreciated. Thanks!
Would a family need to rent a car while vacationing in Grand Cayman? Would want to go to Stingray City, turtle farm, snorkel, etc. Could we get around just using a taxi? What does everyone recommend?
Also, I'm gathering that the best place to stay for family (sons ages 13 & 16) is a condo. Definitely would want oceanfront, and would like to be near restaurants. Are there a large selection of eateries here?
Any info you can provide would be appreciated. Thanks!
Oct 14th, 2001, 12:26 PM
#2
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Hi Patti,
Renting a car, really depends on where you stay on Grand Cayman. If you stay near Georgetown and the southern 7 Mile Beach area, you might not need one. But if you rent a condo on the northern part of 7MB, you would need to rent one. And personally I think the beach area on the northern end is much better. Also there are many snorkel areas all over the island, so it's nice to have a car to check out different places.
Some of the nicer condos on northern 7MB are Aqua Bay, Silver Strand, The Anchorage, Christopher Columbus, and Plantana. All are great for families!! Right on the beach, with snorkeling at your door step. The nice thing about condos also, is you can make some of your meals there, and save money from eating out all the time. We usually do breakfast at the condo, then eat out at night. In answer to your restaurant question, there are many great restaurants on GC!! Many in the 7MB area, but all over the island you can find really good food. Another reason I recommend renting a car. Two of my favorites are the Lighthouse at Breakers and The Edge in Boddentown. It's maybe a 20 minute drive from 7MB, but worth the drive.
If you don't do anything else while your there, make sure you take your sons on the Stingray Sandbar tour. They take you out by boat, and you can swim with, feed, and even touch the stingrays. Two very good tours there are Capt. Marvin and Capt Dexter. They have both half day and full day trips. It's truly and unbelievable experience. Hope this helps!!
Sandy
Renting a car, really depends on where you stay on Grand Cayman. If you stay near Georgetown and the southern 7 Mile Beach area, you might not need one. But if you rent a condo on the northern part of 7MB, you would need to rent one. And personally I think the beach area on the northern end is much better. Also there are many snorkel areas all over the island, so it's nice to have a car to check out different places.
Some of the nicer condos on northern 7MB are Aqua Bay, Silver Strand, The Anchorage, Christopher Columbus, and Plantana. All are great for families!! Right on the beach, with snorkeling at your door step. The nice thing about condos also, is you can make some of your meals there, and save money from eating out all the time. We usually do breakfast at the condo, then eat out at night. In answer to your restaurant question, there are many great restaurants on GC!! Many in the 7MB area, but all over the island you can find really good food. Another reason I recommend renting a car. Two of my favorites are the Lighthouse at Breakers and The Edge in Boddentown. It's maybe a 20 minute drive from 7MB, but worth the drive.
If you don't do anything else while your there, make sure you take your sons on the Stingray Sandbar tour. They take you out by boat, and you can swim with, feed, and even touch the stingrays. Two very good tours there are Capt. Marvin and Capt Dexter. They have both half day and full day trips. It's truly and unbelievable experience. Hope this helps!!
Sandy
Oct 15th, 2001, 10:12 AM
#3
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The car debate is never ending. If you plan to do many activities with your family during the day I would say yes. But if you plan on sitting on the beach then no. Most companies that you book snorkel trips through will provide a ride to and from the boat. You can only visit stingray city by boat so you wouldnt need a car for that.
It really depends on the amount of sight seeing you plan to do.
The best place for restaurants are Caymanrestaurants.com. One of my favorite things ont he trip was the food.
After you find a condo location look on the map and try to figure out where some restaurants might be. If they are within walking distanct it may not be worth the $35+ per day to rent a car. If you are on 7 mile beach and you want to eat at reasonable places you can try Loane Star Grill, PD's, Captain Hook's,and Chicken Chicken. all are very good and more resaonable then many of the other restaurants but better then fast food.
if anything you might want to rent for a few days and see the island. I suggest taking your whole family on a 3 stop snorkel trip. If you use a smaller company its aboiut $30 for 5 hours and its great. I used Bob Soto's and it was the best day ever.
I did here good things about Plantana, although have never seen it. And its on 7 mile beac hso you would be all set for shopping and dining out.
If you have any more questions just e-mail with the xx's out of my e-mail address above.
JK
It really depends on the amount of sight seeing you plan to do.
The best place for restaurants are Caymanrestaurants.com. One of my favorite things ont he trip was the food.
After you find a condo location look on the map and try to figure out where some restaurants might be. If they are within walking distanct it may not be worth the $35+ per day to rent a car. If you are on 7 mile beach and you want to eat at reasonable places you can try Loane Star Grill, PD's, Captain Hook's,and Chicken Chicken. all are very good and more resaonable then many of the other restaurants but better then fast food.
if anything you might want to rent for a few days and see the island. I suggest taking your whole family on a 3 stop snorkel trip. If you use a smaller company its aboiut $30 for 5 hours and its great. I used Bob Soto's and it was the best day ever.
I did here good things about Plantana, although have never seen it. And its on 7 mile beac hso you would be all set for shopping and dining out.
If you have any more questions just e-mail with the xx's out of my e-mail address above.
JK
Oct 15th, 2001, 10:53 AM
#4
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car was no debate for us in caymans - the taxis are expensive and unless you're willing to take the local buses (vans) along 7 mile beach and don't go to other parts of the island (rum point, east side), get a car - you can always get the car for just half your stay - Andy's car rental is economic, and convenient as they have rental sites at airport and alongside 7 mile. beach
Oct 15th, 2001, 12:43 PM
#6
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Patty:
No problem, but I forgot to give you my one helpful hint I give to everyone. If youhave room in your luggage, bring inflatable rafts or tubes. It is essential. Also Snorkel rentals are expensive so its best to buy then in the US. I think your children could be busy all day just snorkeling around and swimming.
You will have a great time. Its a great place
No problem, but I forgot to give you my one helpful hint I give to everyone. If youhave room in your luggage, bring inflatable rafts or tubes. It is essential. Also Snorkel rentals are expensive so its best to buy then in the US. I think your children could be busy all day just snorkeling around and swimming.
You will have a great time. Its a great place
Oct 15th, 2001, 04:47 PM
#8
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The comment about the raft is hilarious. I thought my family was the only one that did this. We take a four-man inflatable raft (it has its own suitcase), collapsible oars, and a duffle full of snorkle gear and beach toys. Not only do you save money by not renting, the quality of your own gear is probably better than what you get at rental places.
Oct 15th, 2001, 08:14 PM
#9
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The inflatable raft story reminds me of my last trip to GC. The day we arrived we headed to the beach, and crossed paths with a woman who asked if we'd like her raft, since she was leaving that day. When we left we passed it on to the next batch of arrivals. It's fun to watch people fall asleep on their rafts and slowly drift away!
Oct 16th, 2001, 05:03 AM
#11
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The reason I had this idea was because we spent $11 a day to rent. Although it was worth every penny because I never spent more then 10 minutes in a chair. Since we have to check all of our bags now I would consider rolling one up in its own seperate bag.
I am glad I can be helpful with my Martha Stewart Ideas.....
Also 30 spf is a must and lots of it. No matter how tan you are you will FRY
JK
I am glad I can be helpful with my Martha Stewart Ideas.....
Also 30 spf is a must and lots of it. No matter how tan you are you will FRY
JK
Oct 17th, 2001, 06:37 AM
#13
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Just wanted to chime in with my Cayman advice and praise others as they have given excellent advice.
As far as the rental car goes, we found the best answer to be simply renting one for about 1/2 our stay. This way we got to see all of the island, snorkel many different sites, but still did the relax and do nothing days at the resort itself.
Buying snorkel gear to bring with you is an absolute must....this is a huge part of what made GC so great for us....world class snorkeling!!
The dining in GC is also a great experience. Although the fancier restaurants are very expensive, the overall experiences we had were some of the best. Our favorites: The Wharf (romantic, really not for for kids) The Reef Grill, Lantana's, Smuggler's Cove, The Treehouse....all have outside dining (except Lantana's) and were excellent. Just couldn't get enough of those Conch fritters!!
We HIGHLY agree with the condo over the hotel so you can eat cereal or fruit for breakfast, coldcuts for lunch, and eat several dinners out...saved a lot this way.
Never thought of the raft idea...seems easy enough to pack...we will definitely bring one for our next visit.
You really can't go wrong with choosing GC as a vacation spot. Just remember that it is a bit pricey, but more than worth it in our honest opinion.
Enjoy!!
As far as the rental car goes, we found the best answer to be simply renting one for about 1/2 our stay. This way we got to see all of the island, snorkel many different sites, but still did the relax and do nothing days at the resort itself.
Buying snorkel gear to bring with you is an absolute must....this is a huge part of what made GC so great for us....world class snorkeling!!
The dining in GC is also a great experience. Although the fancier restaurants are very expensive, the overall experiences we had were some of the best. Our favorites: The Wharf (romantic, really not for for kids) The Reef Grill, Lantana's, Smuggler's Cove, The Treehouse....all have outside dining (except Lantana's) and were excellent. Just couldn't get enough of those Conch fritters!!
We HIGHLY agree with the condo over the hotel so you can eat cereal or fruit for breakfast, coldcuts for lunch, and eat several dinners out...saved a lot this way.
Never thought of the raft idea...seems easy enough to pack...we will definitely bring one for our next visit.
You really can't go wrong with choosing GC as a vacation spot. Just remember that it is a bit pricey, but more than worth it in our honest opinion.
Enjoy!!
Oct 27th, 2001, 07:23 PM
#14
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Try the condos at Treasure Island Resort, stayed there 3 years ago and the snorkeling out front is great. Saw my first hawksbill there. Do go with Captain Marvin for the all day sting ray/ snorkeling trip. There was coupons in the books passed out at the airport. Try to see the Barefoot Man at Rum Point, we drove there but I would suggest trying the ferry from the Hyatt. Do rent a car. The banana rum cake and fudge is the best. Have fun.
Oct 28th, 2001, 10:59 AM
#15
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My family with two teenage girls went to Caymans last December. We rented a jeep and are glad we did. We stayed at Victoria House condo. The condo doesn't have a pool (not needed), is fine but not fancy, but has the best beach setting (awesome trees with hammocks)that I saw after walking the beach and looking at other condos. Consider staying half of your time at a condo and half at a resort. It breaks up the vacation scenery a bit.
