TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums Cayman Islands Scuba, golf, day sails, shopping

It's our first time to Grand Cayman and we need help with the following:

1. Day sail - something similar to the
Scoobo Two on St. Martin. A Cat that sails around serves lunch and stops at different island or snorkle spots. We also would like an evening sail.

2. Scuba - I like to do at least one two tank dive. The ideal situation is a small 8 or less group that goes out with a DM.

3. Golf - we have a tee time North Sound and am looking for some feedback.

4. Shopping - jewlery, island hot sauce, any open markets.

I am sure I will have more .

Thanks for the responses.

1) Unless you hire a private charter, most group charter sails will have Sting Ray City (the Sand Bar or Dive/Snorkel Site locations) as their primary destination and then a simple snorkel stop.

For charters, some of the usual itineraries also include a stop at Rum Point or Kaibo (beach/lunch), Star Fish Beach, and Fisherman's Rock (snorkeling).

Red Sail (catamarans) and the Jolly Roger (faux pirate ship) are two of the more popular sunset sails.

2) A plethora of dive ops to accommodate any preference. Check out reviews on TripAdvisor and inquire about specifics on Scuba Board's Cayman forum. Usually easiest to use the house dive op for your accommodation.

3) Don't golf, but the course is supposedly so-so.

4) George Town is the center of shopping and the the new "town centre" concept of Camana Bay is skewed a bit higher end. There is a small local craftsman market that sets up near the cruise port on days when ships are in. Also a local farmers market with some crafts at Camana Bay on Wednesday afternoons. Pure Art, Doc Carey's, Glass Blowing Factory, among others, are all good spots to shop for local products.

I've seen Red Sail on Aruba, I did some searching for dive info. and just thought someone might have a guy they would recommend. Thanks for the info. on the shopping. We like to bring some art back from where we visit. sometimes paintings, glass work, or just about anything that we find that is special to that area.

I did some searching about liquor stores , I usually bring some Cuban Rum back. I like rum from little know places or smaller distilleries. any suggestions?

Thanks

Check Scuba Board's Cayman Forums for dive op recommendations (I do not dive).

Seven Fathoms is the only locally produced rum and you can tour their tiny distillery on the George Town waterfront. Will need to free dive to try and find where they age their casks. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" /> The heavily marketed Tortuga rums(same as rum cake company) are distilled in Jamaica. Alcohol is super expensive on island, so bring your trip needs down with you (1 liter duty free limit per person). The best deals are at the airports departure lounge duty free stores when leaving. Jacques Scott there has a great selection of premium rums, including Havana Club offerings. Enjoying some Gran Reserva as I type <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Cheers.gif" alt="" /> Mt. Gay Extra Old is a deal @ $28 US.

HI,
Testudo, you are a remarkable source of information on all things Cayman. We are (old) BVI sailors coming for a land based trip from Michigan to Grand Cayman, staying a week at the Turtle Nest Inn, the beginning of March.
Just wanted to give you a heads up that I will begin to send questions your way as soon as I get my act together....if ok with you.
We are excited to try a new place (spent last two land based trips chilling on St. John). Our main objectives are to relax, explore, eat, not dine, good local food and snorkel.
I will write after the Holidays. Enjoy your rum!
Jane <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/thanks.gif" alt="" />

JVD, VG and STJ are some of my all-time favorite places to lime. Happy to answer any questions once you have them.

Some advice, don't expect the same vibe as the BVI or STJ when visiting Cayman or you will probably not have an enjoyable time. Take Cayman for what it is and make the most of it. I didn't truly appreciate it until I visited the quite North Side and East End districts on the island. Much more my style, plus IMO the snorkeling is better than STJ. Turtle Nest Inn is located in a small village, with not much around, but in the middle of the Jerk food scene.

http://snorkelblog.tumblr.com/

Sounds perfect to me. If the vibe is similar to the BVI we already appreciate it, if not, we shall adapt. We always understand it is a privilege to visit other countries.
I love your website and will communicate with you on the site regarding our trip. Am already excited about your snorkel reports around Turtle Nest.
Thanks for the help, very much appreciated!

Definitely not the same vibe when you land and in the George Town/Seven Mile Beach environs. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Yikes.gif" alt="" />

You know how to get in touch.

Cheers,

testudo

you seem to be the best informed on the board. Red sail is booked up for the days we would like to do a few hr. day sail. any other suggestions?

And are there resturants within walking distance of the Ritz? We do like island cuisene (poor spelling) or something causual but higher end.

Thanks

thanks

There are a few other sail powered options other than RedSail. Some are set tour options others are private charter. Not used any of these, but just passing on info:
http://www.stingraysailing.com/the_tour.html
http://www.sunraystours.com/stingray.html
http://www.dexters-fantaseatours.com/StingrayCityCaymanIslandsaboutdexter.php
http://www.sailcayman.com/half-day-sail.html
http://www.caribbeanshoretours.com/PrivateSailboatCayman.htm

Plenty of restaurants within walking distance to the Ritz.

I find this map is usually valuable for getting one's bearing regarding locations of restaurants.
http://www.caymangoodtaste.com/interactive_map.asp?mapID=13&Submit=Go

Not many higher end, truly Caymanian food places, but Alfresco's has a great setting. From the above websites search function on local food: http://www.caymangoodtaste.com/restauran...p;Submit=Filter

that map was a great help

I picked a few places to eat close to where we are staying

thanks