If you’re planning a trip to the Cayman Islands, you’ve come to the right place. From Stingray City to Bioluminescent Bay, this destination has it all. You can even visit the island’s distillery! Here’s a closer look at some of the most popular things to do in Grand Cayman. These activities are perfect for the whole family, including kids. To know more, you can visit https://www.visitcaymanislands.com/en-us/experiences/popular-attractions.
Stingray City
One of the top things to do on your trip to the Cayman Islands is to go snorkeling at Stingray City, a sandbar located 25 miles off the coast of Grand Cayman. This unique experience allows you to see stingrays up close, feed them, and get unforgettable photographs. But you should wear the right equipment, and bring a camera! This activity is not for the faint of heart.
The story of the attraction began when fishers began cleaning fish on shore. Unfortunately, the mangroves created a perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes. This made it impossible for fishers to clean their fish on the dock, and they began to take their waste to Stingray City. They’d throw the scraps in the water, where wild stingrays would feast. Eventually, the stingrays learned that if they heard the boat’s engine, they would gobble up the fish.
Camana Bay
While in Grand Cayman, check out the town of picturesque Camana Bay. Near Seven Mile Beach, this waterfront community offers world-class dining, live music, shopping, and entertainment. In addition, there are plenty of places to get your feet wet, such as the Camana Bay Farmers Market on Wednesdays. If you have time to spare, you can participate in weekly classes and learn new skills.
You might be interested in shopping for local art, handcrafted jewelry, or even a lionfish fin. Local craftsman Kelly Reineking makes her jewelry with green iguana skins, supporting the conservation of the local wildlife. In addition to her work, you can also shop for local goods at Camana Bay’s Wednesday artisan market. For gifts, check out the “All About Local” selection.
Bioluminescent Bay
The Bioluminescent Bay in Grand Cayman is an area of water that glows due to bioluminescent phytoplankton. These microscopic plants float in the water and, when disturbed, shoot out a light burst that lasts only a fraction of a second. It is said to attract larger predators and surprise them when they come to investigate. Bio Bay is a unique natural phenomenon that makes this location worth visiting.
Tour operators take guests to Bio Bay at certain times of the moon cycle. Usually, this occurs a week before or after the New Moon. After the New Moon, the moon’s light completely obliterates the plankton’s glow. As a result, tour operators cannot guarantee that visitors will have a bright experience. Therefore, it’s a good idea to book your tour at least one week in advance if you’re looking for the best opportunity to see the glowing plankton in action.
Distillery tours
If planning a vacation in the Caribbean, you should consider taking one of the many Distillery tours in Grand Cayman. This tour will give you an overview of how these spirits are made. You will also be able to sample their spirits. During the tour, you will see how spirits are produced and will have the opportunity to purchase them at the end. To make your visit to the distillery more exciting, consider making a reservation.
The tour will start with a tasting at the Cayman Spirits Distillery, the only distillery on the island. This 5000-square-foot facility is home to the world’s only ocean-aged rum. You can see how the spirits are made and sample their flavors. The tours are free, and you can even buy some of the products you sample while you’re there.
Private boat charters
Whether you are looking for a luxurious yacht or a fishing vessel, private boat charters in Grand Cayman offer the ultimate relaxation and luxury. These tours allow you to explore the island’s beauty in total privacy, without the hassles and crowds of a shared vessel. Plus, private boat charters provide your group with privacy and flexibility – ideal for creating unforgettable family memories. In addition, you can customize your trip to include specific activities, such as snorkeling or fishing.
There are several companies in Grand Cayman that offer private boat charters. Rowan Watersports, for example, provides a variety of private charters from their 45-foot catamaran. However, they have one major drawback: their boats are relatively slow and have limited open space. Other private boat charter companies, such as Cayman Snorkel Company, operate from a 32-foot Luhrs Open Express Cruiser. They offer private snorkeling charters to Stingray City and the surrounding reef.
Snorkeling
There are many snorkeling sites in Grand Cayman, including Eden Rock, near the island’s famous Paradise Restaurant. The reef is a great place to see the turtles and other species of fish. Because fishing is prohibited, you can see these incredible creatures up close. The reef is not developed, so you’ll need to bring your equipment. There are also a few restaurants and rentals on the island, so pack plenty of snacks and water.
The wrecks are some of the most spectacular places to snorkel in Grand Cayman. The Gamma is the best-preserved shipwreck in the Cayman Islands. The impact is a protected habitat for many types of fish, including tarpon and large parrotfish. Tarpin can grow up to five feet long and are commonly seen here. You can find lobsters under the ship as well.
