snorkeling, playing, etc.
 

We're heading to the Grand Caymen Island this month. We love to snorkel. Any suggestions on the best island spots? Also, anything else you loved about the island. We love to do about everything but shop. <BR>Thanks, KB

We were on a cruise and just there for a day, but we had a great snorkle excursion on a "Reef Teach Snorkle tour" just off Georgetown between the beach and where the ships anchor (start of the seven mile beach). There was a sunken ship, great coral reefs and lots of fish. The reef was nicknamed "Cheeseburger Reef" because it's just out from the Burger King. Shopping is quite expensive so you won't miss anything since you're not into shopping. I'd spend my time snorkling. Several on our trip found Sting Ray City interesting (opposite side of the island). The people were friendly and the crime rate here is very low to non-existant.

Definitely take a day trip to Stingray City, Cheeseburger Reef is excellent and there is a boat called the Bahama Mamma that will take you there. Cemetery Reef, Smiths Reef, Eden Rock and Parrots Landing (I think it's landing)are all good. I'd say Cemetery and Cheeseburger are the best. Cheeseburger had a sunken ship, turtles, tarpon and eagle rays. <BR> <BR>I personally think hell and the turtle farm are a waste of time, but to each his own. If you want postcards postmarked from hell, then go. They will arrive home about a month after you do.

<BR>ooo ya

Are these snorkeling excursions suitable for children ages 9 and 11? How about a 5 year old? <BR>Also has anyone been on a boat trip there where they take you out to a sandbar and you dive down to retrieve some conch(which is prepared on-board)?

The botanical gardens were worth visiting. We were there in December. There is a one mile walk through the forest that should be beautiful this time of year. There are lots of flowering plants and trees. There is another section with a lake, more flowers than you can imagine, etc.

Every snorkel trip we've taken except Bahama Mama went to the conch beds. The one time we were there they took quite a few, but the last time we were there, there was a limit on the number of conch each boat could bring up.

You will never see anything like Stingray City. On the same trip we sopped t another reef called "The Aquarium". has to be the most fish populated site I have ever seen. <BR> <BR>As for Mari and children snorkeling, I had no confidence that my 10 year old daughter would spend more than 10 minutes with this. As it turned out it was nearly a religious experience for her. She was the first one in at every stop. I couldn't believe it! <BR> <BR>On the other hand, I still have her death grip marks on my neck from Sting Ray City.