Grand Cayman, at 78 square miles, is the largest of the three islands that make up the Cayman Islands. It is also the most the most populated and developed.
George Town is the capital of Grand Cayman and is fairly quiet, apart on cruise ship days, when it seems that every square inch of pavement is taken. Cruise ships arrive two to three times a week, and up to four ships can arrive at any one time. If you are booking a trip to Stingray City or Rum Point, it is best to avoid these peak times.
Like it’s sister islands, Grand Cayman has a museum, the Cayman National Museum. This building has had a varied past, before it became home to the museum it was a court house and jail, as well as a place of worship. In fact the former jail is now the gift shop.
Seven Mile Beach is the main place to be as far as most of the tourists are concerned. It is a wide stretch of powder soft white sand that follows the contours of the west side of the Island between George Town and West Bay. This beach is paired with generally calm and clear water. There is a barrier reef which protects the beach from strong waves and currents, making Seven Mile Beach the ideal place to learn how to swim, as there is also a gentle slope heading out into the sea.
Most of the resort hotels can be found on seven Mile Beach, and although its popular, it never seems overcrowded. But if you do want a little more peace and quiet, walk along the beach until you get away from the hotels and condos. This beach is public, so any property that is built on it must allow people to access it. This is usually done by building alley ways between hotels and other buildings. Although if you want a sun lounger, you’d better be a guest at a hotel or a customer at one of the beach bars!
The other major attraction is Stingray City, which is in the North Sound. In around 12 feet of warm crystal clear water you can get up close to Atlantic southern stingrays. These fish were attracted to the area as fishermen used the area to clean their catch. This was aided by local divers offering snacks to them. Now they know that a boat means food. If 12 feet seems to daunting, they can also be seen at the nearby sandbar, where you can stand waist deep in the water.
Grand Cayman can be reached by direct flights from Heathrow Airport, flying with British Airways. Although the flight is ‘direct’, there is a touchdown in the Bahamans.
For help in planning your Cayman Islands holiday, contact John Guinn at Holiday Hut. As a trained Cayman Specialist he will ensure that you get the most from your time there.