nyamazan2000

Hi all,
We had a change of plans and instead of going to Hawaii, we changed destination and I booked a room/with kitchen at the Reef resort in Grand Cayman for next week.
I have never been to Grand Cayman, and I would like to know if anyone has any recommendations about things to do with 8 year old twins. We will be there for 4 days.
The kids can swim, although they are not very strong swimmers (I will be bringing life vests for them to use).
Are there places where it is safe for children to snorkel that are close to the beach, or where the water is not too deep?
What is your opinion on the visit to Stingray city? what is the best time to go? Any tour companies you recommend?
Is it worth it for the kids to bring their body boards? Or is the water mostly calm?
What other activities would you recommend?

I have heard that Grand Cayman is very expensive, so we are planning on cooking our meals, to be able to save some money. Are there any supermarkets that you recommend for fresh meat/fish and vegetables? Is there local produce or fruits, and if yes, were are they sold? Should I bring some food items from home? (Canned tuna, chips, cerelas, etc?) is this allowed by customs?

Thank you very much for you help in our last minute adventure to Grand Cayman!

Alexandra

virginia

the twins will be able to snorkel/swim at the reef. normally very calm. also reef feeds fish at the end of their pier daily so fun to watch.
you must drive over to rum point. fun, colorful, calm water. fun beach grill & very fun beach bar. while you're there make reservations at the 'rum point restaurant' for dinner (sunset in especially nice time) - it's on the far right of the parking lot.
if you veer left at rum point you'll come to kaibo yacht club - really just a marina, but has beach bar & grill and fancy dining upstairs for dinner.
on way to rum point, past old man bay, is this slightly funky but yummy spot http://over-theedge.com/

you are also near the botanical gardens where kids can see blue iguanas up close. also cayman parrots & dandy plants.

if your kids are into pirates at all this if fun: http://www.caymanactivityguide.com/PiratesCaves.htm
it's in boddentown which you go through on your way from airport to reef. or this: http://jollyrogercayman.com/excursions.html

i think you're going to want a rental car as the reef isn't near much. we used http://www.andys.ky/ which is just across rhe road from airport - easy walk.

reef does have a small but adequate grocery just across the street and there are big groceries near the airport. gc allows you to bring in any foods you wish except fresh fruits & vegeys. we take all the things you listed & more but stay in villa. reef also has an ai option.

reef offers really good excursion to stingray city. it is def a great place to go! red sail sports also has a trip out from rum point.
i'd leave body boards home.

GeorgeR

You will have no problem swimming this time of year. In the winter it can be windy and the currents can be rough on the East End.

If you want you can take a ride ( about 45 minutes) to Seven Mile Beach, which is a nicer beach.

The Foster's Food Fair near the airport, has everything an American supermarket has. The one in Morritt’s Shopping Centre, is more like a large convenience store. Don't bother bringing food from home.

Definitely take the kids to the Blue Iguana conservation area and StingRay City. Pirate's cave will probably be a disappointment. For snorkeling you can check Testudo's snorkel guide, just put it in your search engine.

With only 4 days on the island, you will probably not have enough time to do everything you want.

nyamazan2000

Hi Virginia and George,
Thank you for your comments!
Is there a public beach with parking? Or is it possible to park at a hotel and use the beach there?
Is there a specific beach that you recommend in Seven Mile Beach?
Is the Blue iguana conservation center the Botanic garden?

Thank you!

Alexandra

CaymanSue

When you go to SMB, you cannot park at a hotel and use their beach. Go to Royal Palms. They have a restaurant, pool and, if you choose, chairs to rent.
There is a special tour each day at 11 am at the Botanic Park to see the blue iguana conservation project. After that, you can tour the rest of the park.

GeorgeR

The public beach(sometimes called Sea Grape) on SMB has parking, beach restaurants and bathrooms open to the public. It is undergoing a massive renovation as we speak. It can be crowded if there are many cruise ships in port. Use of the beach is free in Cayman, but if you want to use a facility's chairs, you have to pay for them. As mentioned above, Royal Palms and Tiki Beach are 2 facilities which rent chairs. Using a hotel's or condo's chairs is not allowed if you are not staying there. You probably will be chased away by a security guard.