Thanksgiving Break on Grand Cayman Island

The main attraction of Grand Cayman Island is of course, Seven Mile Beach--the epitome of a Caribbean paradise. Beautiful white sand, crystal clear water, and palm trees all around give this gorgeous beach a complete tropical feel. Due to the beach not being open to an ocean, the surf is generally calm and great for wading, relaxing, and especially snorkeling. Occasionally wind swells will create larger waves, but the contour of the ocean bottom creates a difficult wave to surf and closeout shore break.

It is fun to watch cruise ships come and go as the sun sets, and then just sit down and look at the stars. A pristine beach that is truly a tropical paradise.

We decided to take a day away from the beach, so we headed to the Royal Botanic Gardens for an afternoon. When arrived and we were the only car in the deserted lot; we had the place to ourselves! The cool thing about this place is that there are wild blue iguanas just roaming around the gardens (as well as a couple snakes, eek). There is also a 'conservation area' or something like that where they have caged lizards and iguanas as well. As most botanical gardens do, it featured an array of tropical plants, trees, and flowers.

The trail circuit was just long enough to enjoy it the whole way through without thinking it was too long or too short. Also, in the main entrance building they have pictures and plaques hanging up about the history and the recent hurricane that destroyed much of the gardens. The trip is worth it just to see the iguanas, but it is a great way to spend an hour or two as well.

Right off the rocky shore of Grand Cayman's largest town, there is a fairly old shipwreck. It felt like we were the only people who knew it was, because there is no sign for it, no dock to have easy access to it, and it was just my brother, my dad and I out there! It was pretty cool place to snorkel; right off the shore of the busy town, and there were multiple cruise ships anchored all around (a little further away from shore of course).

The wreck is clearly visible from the surface, but to get a really good look at it and the fish swimming around one would have to dive down for a few seconds. There were lots of small, colorful fish, but also some really large ones too. It is quite interesting to see a large cargo boat just sitting on the bottom. Definitely a unique experience.

There is certainly no cost, and because of the lack of signs, I would recommend asking a local about and they could direct you to it!