Grand Cayman Island Weekend Getaway

Grand Caymen is just an hour flight from Miami. It's a perfect long weekend island getaway destination. The people are incredibly nice. The weather is always great. You might get some afternoon showers, but they blow out as quick as they come in.

See the Turtle Farm, send a post card from Hell, check out the Botanical Gardens and the Butterfly Farm. DO NOT MISS Stingray City. You can explore the Pirate Caves, visit Pedros Castle, Rum Point and numerous gift shops. Don't forget to pick up some famous original Tortuga or Blackbeards Rum Cakes.

Quick Tips:

If you want to go for peace and quiet and avoid the crowds as much as possible, do your research in advance and go when there are less to no cruise ships in port. I was there from a Friday till Tuesday and the only day there were ships in port was Tuesday. Two ships arrived in along with about 5000-7000 people. The other days, it felt like I had the island to myself. It was wonderful.

I recommend taking a snorkel trip to Stingray City with Captain Marvin. We stopped twice for snorkeling and then stopped at the sand bar to pet and "swim" with the rays. The cost was about , very reasonable for a four hour trip. The swim/snorkel guide was very informative. When we got to the sand bard, we each got out pictures holding the stingrays and we were told to kiss it on the forehead between the eyes. By doing this we would have several years of good luck. Okay, those rays taste weird and kinda slimy and salty. I was a little nervous at first as I did this just after Steve Irwins accident but these rays as so used to people, they are so gentle and incredibly friendly. They love rubbing up against you. It was very exciting and fun.

I recommend visiting www.caymanactivityguide.com for lots of great info, and very useful discount coupons.

Best Way To Get Around:

To get around the island, it is less expensive to rent a car than to taxi around. It cost about oneway to get from Seven Mile Beach to George Town where all the shopping is, by taxi. Go to Andys to rent a car, they have great rates. They are located in Seven Mile Beach across from the Marriott. You can rent a car for about per 24h period. And by renting a car, you have the freedom to explore the island at your pace. In one day you can visit the North Shore, George Town, the Botanical Gardens, Hell, and much more. Andys will pick you up and drop you off for free. For those not used to it, they do drive on the left side of the road. Don't be afraid, it's very easy to get used to.

The Ocean View Suites are awesome, there was more than enough room. They have a spectacular view of the ocean, the beach and the swimming pools. Each suite has an individual step-out balcony and a sofa bed in the living room. The rooms have a microwave, refrigerator, toaster, coffee maker, and wet bar. There is also a nice sized dining table.

I was treated to a welcome gift of a bottle of champagne and a fruit basket upon arrival. Aside from that, while I was being checked in down in the lobby, they offered me a glass of either champagne or mimosa. That was a nice treat.

The rooms are beautiful decorated with wonderful warm Caribbean tones. The bed was so comfortable, I slept like a baby. There are TVs in both the bedroom and living room. The bathroom sports a huge oversized soaking tub. The bathroom has two doors, one from the bedroom and one from the dining/living room area. The toilet also has a separate door so it can be used while someone is using the shower/bathtub.

Each room offers Internet service for a reasonable fee. The going resort rate of approx $12 for a 24hr period. Red Sail Sports has an office on site to book all your water sports and activities. There are two pools, one with a swim-up bar. There is also a hit tub. There is easy access to the fitness center and is well air-conditioned.

There are two restaurants, Bamboo and Hemingways. Unfortunately, I did not experience either. I am not much into food and would rather spend my money on other things, so I had gone to the grocery store and stocked up on beverages, snacks, breakfast foods, sandwich fixings and I was set to go for the entire stay. I found that if you are on a budget, this is the way to go as it is not cheap to eat out in Grand Cayman.

I must compliment the front desk staff with their help as a concierge. I decided at the last minute to go to Stingray City and I was not having any luck finding a company that was going out that day due to lack of people booking that day. They were able to find a great company and arranged for them to come pick me up at the hotel.

I had the originally booked a room at the Marriott. I had a garden view room confirmed. Then I found the Hyatt and for $20 per night, could get a guaranteed ocean view room. All rooms have at least an ocean view. The rooms at the Marriott for an ocean view were about $50 more at this time of the year. I was so happy I spent the extra money. I would absolutely go back in a heartbeat.

Rum Point has shady trees, picnic tables, hammocks, and tranquility. Located on the West End. They have a bar and grill, watersport activities, and restrooms. The shallow lagoon is ideal for children at play. I drove here from Seven Mile Beach. It took about an hour. I stopped along the way to pick up some snacks. I broke out my book, ordered a tropical beverage an slipped into a hammock for the day. I ended up taking a catnap in paradise. There are no entrance fees or parking fees involved.

Sixty-five acres of natural preserve. There is a variety of tropical plants, herbs, flowers, wetlands, and wildlife. You can see an authentic ancient Cayman home complete with a sand garden, medicinal garden, lakefront gazebo and an iguana habitat. The iguanas I saw were more than 3 feet long. Admission was $6 Cayman dollars.