What to expect when visiting Grand Cayman Island

Grand Cayman, one of the best diving spots in the world, has many advantages over other Caribbean islands. English speaking residents, fabulous diving/snorkeling and Rum Point are what I remember most about this unique island.

Visiting an island without an interpreter is great. Everybody speaks English because the Cayman Islands are a British Overseas Territory. Grocery stores are like the ones back home with familiar imports from the US. They accept the US dollar, though it’s worth about 20% less than it was a few years ago.

Of course, the main reason to visit Grand Cayman Island is to experience the reefs, some of the best in the world. Whether you’re diving or snorkeling, you’ll find it delightful. The treasures under the sea for either sport cannot be matched in this hemisphere. You can literally swim a short distance off most beaches for great snorkeling. I recommend booking your hotel on the beach like we did so you can do just that. Checking the minimum activity times of the cruise ships will also greatly improve your trip. It can be incredibly crowded when the boats arrive.

Instead of renting a car that looked like one back home, my friend and I chose a jeep with holes in the floor and windows with open curtains. We wanted to feel like we were on an island and we were not disappointed, even when it rained. The islanders were friendly and personable in helping us navigate English style by driving on the left hand side of the road. We were the most confused at stop signs. When we needed it, a smiling guy in the car in front of us would patiently point us to the right spot. The tourist trade is the biggest source of income, so they seem really happy to help visitors.

Renting a car opened up the opportunity to visit Rum Point, 1.5 hours to the end of the island. The scenery along the way is spectacular. When you finally get there, you feel like time has stopped. There is a feeling that you are at the end of the earth, it is so peaceful. You can snorkel, enjoy the sun or surf and eat at the restaurant. We liked it so much that we came back, only on a boat that lets you spend the day and picks you up later. What a beautiful place! Next time I would love to rent one of the cabins at Rum Point to spend more time there.

One of the mandatory excursions in Grand Cayman is to visit Stingray City. Tours take you by boat, with snorkel or dive gear in tow, to the North Harbor, where generations of friendly rays congregate. History tells us that the boats used to clean their catch in the waters where the rays awaited the fee. Now, all you need is a bait to satisfy them. Actually, Stingray City is deeper water (12 feet) where divers can enjoy the experience.

We went near the Stingray City Sandbar, which averages over 3 feet deep. We jump into the shallows of the sandbar to enjoy a flurry of rays swimming around us in search of food. Occasionally, you would feel a tail brush against your leg. They are so docile that we even held a ray in our arms. We heard screams from frightened divers, although there was no need to be afraid. Make sure you book a catamaran, not a big tour boat. The individual attention and smaller group in the water with the rays will make it a much more enjoyable experience for you.

There are two smaller islands that make up the trio called the Cayman Islands. Cayman Brac and Little Cayman each have unique delights for the tourist. There is spectacular diving on Little Cayman and above water caves and rock climbing on Cayman Brac, but it’s a 30-40 minute plane ride, or longer boat ride to access them. To get the most out of your investment, enjoy Grand Cayman, with its many delights. You will not want to leave and surely after leaving you will be wanting to return.