THE GREATER ANTILLES, “SPECTACULAR CARIBBEAN”

CAYMAN ISLANDS, "WHITE SUGAR BEACHES"

BY CLAY LARROY

Travel is so much more that simply hopping on a flight to a new destination. If you plan it correctly, it could be a thrilling time you'll never forget. Planning a trip is fun as there are tons of things to do and see. Do you know how to plan a trip effectively? To help you sort out the options, check out the tip below.

Packing light is key to making your travels as easy and free of stress as possible. Bring one carryon bag that includes everything you need, not necessarily everything you want. Your smart packing will pay off when you are happily carrying one bag around on vacation instead of lugging around multiple bags around the Caribbean. When you want to plan a vacation contact me!

Things to see and do in Cayman Islands

Camana Bay

Restaurants, events, shopping, movies, music, business, fashion, sports, school – it's all here at a bespoke-built new town of Camana Bay (www.camanabay.com) which is ever growing. The 200 hectares (500 acres) of this extraordinary project are beautifully-designed from scratch. The effect is of a high-end, safe small US town where everything is within walking distance. You won't believe you're in the Caribbean when you stroll along the Paseo. The master plan is a multi-decade, multi-million pound project by Dart Realty.

Cayman Brac caves

The Bluff that runs along the centre of Cayman Brac is riddled with caves, many of them with tales to tell about the islanders who have sheltered there during hurricanes. One of the popular ones is Bat Cave, which for obvious reasons, is a photo opportunity in the making.

Cayman Motor museum

Believe it or not, Grand Cayman is home to the original Batmobile – one of nearly 90 cars at the privately-owned Cayman Motor museum (www.caymanmotormuseum.com). There's also one of the first cars ever produced, an 1886 Mercedes-Benz. Well worth a visit.

Cayman Turtle Farm

At this commercial turtle farm visitors can watch sea turtles at various stages of their development. There's also an artificial predator reef, a snorkelling lagoon, an aviary, a crocodile and a cultural centre. The farm has come under much fire for its high levels of government subsidy each year and there have also been doubts cast over the living conditions for the turtles. Ironically, even whilst you admire these noble, ancient creatures, you can do so from the Turtle Farm's own bar and restaurant – which serves turtle steaks, turtle burgers and turtle stew.

Experience the Atlantis Submarine

Delve beneath the deep completely wetsuit-free with the Atlantis Submarine (www.atlantisadventures.com), which offers hour-long trips to view the spectacular reefs. The submarine is fully kitted out for tourists and is unsinkable, fully-pressurised and suitable for all ages. It's a great way to get under the water without the hassle, expense and restrictions of gaining your PADI dive qualification.

Go Booby-spotting

Visit Booby Pond on Little Cayman, which hosts the world's largest colony of red-footed boobies. A natural, land-locked saltwater lagoon, it also has Magnificent Frigatebirds nesting around and was designated as a Wetland of International Significance in 1994. The visitor's centre is built in traditional Cayman style and is home to the National Trust. Over on the Brac, there's the Parrot Reserve which is home to the endangered Cayman Brac parrot. The Sister Islands are also home to the equally-endangered Rock Iguana.

Go fishing

The deep waters surrounding Grand Cayman are prime fishing grounds, offering various species of large fish. The annual International Fishing Tournament (www.fishcayman.com) takes place in April.

Hell

Go to Hell and back - literally. The peculiar rock formations of this area of Grand Cayman have evolved from shells and corals solidified by salt and lime deposits. A close examination reveals petrified forms of sea life that could be up to 20 million years old. There is a post office there which has one of the most unique local area stamps you will find. Look out for the devil himself – aka local shop owner, Ivan Farrington, replete in flame-red costume.

Hike the Mastic Trail

Hike through the mangrove swamps and ancient forest along Grand Cayman's Mastic Trail (www.nationaltrust.org.ky), linking Frank Sound to Old Man Bay. The trail dates back to the 18th century and passes through a variety of flora and fauna. This protected area represents some of the last remaining examples of Caribbean subtropical forest. You may spot a native Cayman Green Parrot, Caribbean Dove, West Indian Woopdpecker, butterflies, lizards, frogs and more. Special tours are available and the trail takes approximately three hours. You will need to be reasonably fit to join this pedestrian route.

Snorkelling at Stingray City

Snorkel alongside southern stingrays at Stingray City in North Sound on Grand Cayman. These shallow waters are home to a profusion of stingrays and visitors can get right up close with these otherworldly, gentle creatures. As the story goes, when fishermen of yore cleaned their catch, they'd throw the unwanted innards overboard. Over a number of years, the stingrays came to associate the noise of the returning boats with a free feed and as a consequence both Deep Stingray City (near the reef) and the Sandbar have become popular sites for tourists. The stingrays aren't tame but are very used to visitors. They do have a barb which can sting if they are scared or provoked. Be aware that lifting them out of the water is considered cruel; stroke them gently along their fins and you'll get on just fine. They don't bite, but might leave you with a hard-to-explain hickey if you get too close. It is possible to feed them by hand.

Surfing

Need to polish up your board skills before hitting the beach? Learn to surf in a wave tank at Black Pearl Skate and Surf (www.blackpearl.ky), in Grand Harbour. Waves aren't going to be six-footers in Cayman because of the reef, but there are plenty of spots in the right weather.

Wander Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park

Wander around the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park (www.botanic-park.ky), a 26-hectare (65-acre) heritage garden boasting a vivid array of cacti, shrubs and native flowers. The park has become the focus of a highly successful conservation programme to protect the endangered Cayman blue iguana which is constantly threatened both by new development leading to habitat loss and the invasive, non-indigenous, bigger, brasher green iguana.

REFERENCE SITE

http://www.travelresearchonline.com/

Because of the fact that being a professional actor is not a career that is widely pursued back home in the Cayman Islands, I never thought it was a viable profession. It didn't even cross my mind. So when I knew I wanted to do theater, I didn't think 'actress,' even though I loved to perform.

— Grace Gealey

Travel to create marvelous memories for you and your family or friends!