Tag - Cayman Islands

Cayman Islands Photo Gallery

Starfish at Starfish Point, Grand Cayman.

Cayman Islands Photo Gallery

This is a Cayman Islands Photo Gallery. To read about this destination, please refer to my Cayman Islands Travel Guide.


All images are copyright! If you wish to purchase any images for commercial use, please contact me via the Contact page.


 


About taste2travel!

Hi! My name is Darren McLean, the owner of taste2travel. I’ve been travelling the world for 33 years and, 209 countries and territories, and – seven continents later, I’m still on the road.

Taste2travel offers travel information for destinations around the world, specialising in those that are remote and seldom visited. I hope you enjoy my content!

Ever since I was a child, I have been obsessed with the idea of travel. I started planning my first overseas trip at the age of 19 and departed Australia soon after my 20th birthday. Many years later, I’m still on the road.

In 2016, I decided to document and share my journeys and photography with a wider audience and so, taste2travel.com was born.

My aim is to create useful, usable travel guides/ reports on destinations I have visited. My reports are very comprehensive and detailed as I believe more information is better than less. They are best suited to those planning a journey to a particular destination.

Many of the destinations featured on my website are far off the regular beaten tourist trail. Often, these countries are hidden gems which remain undiscovered, mostly because they are remote and difficult to reach. I enjoy exploring and showcasing these ‘off-the-radar’ destinations, which will, hopefully, inspire others to plan their own adventure to a far-flung corner of the planet.

I’m also a fan of travel trivia and if you are too, you’ll find plenty of travel quizzes on the site.

Photography has always been a passion and all the photos appearing in these galleries were taken by me.

If you have any questions or queries, please contact me via the contact page.

I hope you this gallery and my website.

Safe travels!

Darren


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Top 10 Caribbean Island Experiences

Caribbean Map Image

Top 10 Caribbean Island Experiences

Welcome to the taste2travel Top 10 Caribbean Experiences feature.

 

Introduction

It’s not all rum and reggae!

Beyond the tourist brochure images of white-sand beaches, palm trees, Bob Marley and rum punches, the 33 countries and territories of the Caribbean offer a wealth of diverse travel experiences.

During the colonial period the French, Spanish, Dutch, British and even the Danish and Swedish took possession of various islands, which has left its mark today. As a result of this Colonial mélange, the islands of the Caribbean offer a diversity of cultures, traditions and ethnic mixes. The cultural highlight on the Irish-settled island of Montserrat is a week-long St. Patrick’s Day Festival, which celebrates the Irish heritage of the island with a combination of Irish and African influences.

Geographically, the islands of the Caribbean have been formed by either volcanic activity or from the movement of tectonic plates, which has exposed ancient, limestone seabed’s. While the volcanic islands offer lush, rugged, mountainous interiors, cascading waterfalls, meandering rivers and black-sand beaches, the limestone islands offer flatter, arid interiors and blindingly white-sand beaches, it’s these beaches which are featured on the covers of tourist brochures.

The French territory of Guadeloupe consists of two (almost joined) islands, one being volcanic in origin and the other being a raised limestone seabed, offering its visitors the opportunity to explore two very different environments in one destination.

This list highlights just ten favourite travel experiences from Cuba to Trinidad, with links to relevant travel guides for further reading.

Experiences

My personal “Top 10 Caribbean Experiences” (listed in no particular order) are:

#1 – Montserrat

A view of the east coast of Montserrat with recent lava flows visible in the background.

A view of the east coast of Montserrat with recent lava flows visible in the background.

Feel like visiting a modern-day Caribbean Pompeii? The volcanic island of Montserrat offers a very different travel experience from the usual sun, sand and beaches.

Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, tiny Montserrat (a British territory) is slowly dusting itself off after recent volcanic eruptions decimated the southern part of the island, including the capital Plymouth, covering large areas in ash, mud and other volcanic debris. Plymouth remains the capital of Montserrat, making it the only ghost town that serves as the capital of a political territory.

A sweeping view of the lush west coast of Montserrat from the Gingerbread Hill Guest House.

A sweeping view of the lush west coast of Montserrat from the Gingerbread Hill Guest House.

Volcano Tourism

While the Soufrière Hills Volcano is far from dormant, Montserrat is open for tourism and visitors are once again returning to the island that, due to its rich Irish heritage, bills itself as the ‘Emerald Isle of the Caribbean‘.

The buried capital of Plymouth, a modern day Caribbean Pompeii.

The buried capital of Plymouth, a modern-day Caribbean Pompeii.

Whilst the island has a few nice (black sand) beaches, the main draw today is ‘volcano tourism‘, with a highlight of any visit being a tour of the fascinating, abandoned capital of Plymouth, which lies entombed under many metres of volcanic debris, inside a restricted exclusion zone.

Pyroclastic flows and lahars inundated Pyroclastic flows and lahars inundated Plymouth with metres of ash, mud and rock covering the entire city.with ash, mud and huge rocks.

Pyroclastic flows and lahars inundated Plymouth with metres of ash, mud and rock covering the entire city.

I toured the exclusion zone with the knowledgeable and informative Sun Lea, the owner of Montserrat Island Tours. Tours can remain in the abandoned city for one hour and during that time the guide is required to maintain constant radio contact with monitoring staff at the nearby Montserrat Volcano Observatory (MVO).

Another requirement was that, even while walking about, the motor of our vehicle was always to be left running in case the MVO advised that we need to leave the area ASAP. Something very different form the usual Caribbean experience.

Who needs a white-sand beach? Beautiful Woodlands Bay Beach.

Who needs a white-sand beach? Beautiful Woodlands Bay Beach.

Musical Legacy

A photo of Paul and Linda McCartney on Montserrat.

A photo of Paul and Linda McCartney on Montserrat.

If you’re a fan of music (who isn’t?) you might be interested in the musical legacy of Montserrat. For a period of ten years from 1979 – 1989, the island was a magnet for many famous musicians who came to record at the legendary AIR Studios Montserrat, which was created by Sir George Martin – the renown English record producer who signed The Beatles and produced every album they made until they disbanded.

Did you know Dire Straits recorded ‘Brothers in Arms‘ on tiny Montserrat? Who else recorded music on Montserrat? It’s an impressive roll-call of famous musicians, including:

  • Boy George
  • Dire Straits (who recorded ‘Brothers in Arms‘ at the studio)
  • Duran Duran
  • Elton John (who recorded ‘Too Low for Zero‘ at the studio)
  • Eric Clapton
  • Genesis 
  • Jimmy Buffet (who recorded the album ‘Volcano‘ while looking at the then-dormant Soufrière Hills Volcano from the studio)
  • Little River Band
  • Lou Reed
  • Luther Vandross
  • Michael Jackson
  • Paul McCartney (who recorded the hit single ‘Ebony and Ivory‘ with Stevie Wonder at the studio)
  • Sheena Easton
  • Stevie Wonder
  • The Police (who recorded ‘Ghost in the Machine‘ and ‘Synchronicity‘ at the studio)
  • The Rolling Stones 
  • Ultravox

While it’s possible to visit the island on a quick day trip from neighbouring Antigua, it’s definitely worth spending a few days or more.

For more on this destination, please refer to my Montserrat Travel Guide.

#2 – Cayman Islands

Adult Brown Booby, Cayman Brac

Adult Brown Booby, Cayman Brac

The Cayman islands are all about three things: sun, sea and wealth. A British Crown Colony whose economy is based on tourism and offshore banking, the three, raised limestone islands which comprise the territory are exposed summits of the Cayman Ridge. Separating the islands is the 4.8 km (3 mi) deep Cayman Trench – which is home to the deepest point in the Caribbean sea and many incredible dive sites.

The capital and largest city, George Town, is located on the main island of Grand Cayman, which is the port of call for all cruise ships and the destination of choice for 95% of visitors. Two much smaller (and geographically very different) islands, Little Cayman and Cayman Brac, lie a short flight to the east and should not be overlooked.

On approach to Cayman Brac.

On approach to Cayman Brac.

One of the highlights of a visit to Grand Cayman is Stingray City which provides tourists with the opportunity to interact with numerous Atlantic Southern stingrays, who cruise around on a shallow sandbar in the middle of the turquoise-blue waters of the Caribbean sea. This is a definite tourist trap but still a worthwhile experience.

Getting friendly with a local at Stingray city.

The two outer islands are much quieter, with Cayman Brac being a favourite nesting site for sea birds such as the Brown Booby.

The Cayman Trench passes close to the island, providing amazing scuba diving which can be arranged through Reef Divers, who operate out of the Cayman Brac Beach Resort and offer full-service ‘valet‘ diving.

What exactly is ‘valet‘ diving? Prior to entering the water, you sit yourself down on a bench at the back of the dive boat and relax while the crew fit you with all your equipment. Once done, you stand, step forward and plunge into the beautiful, crystal-clear water for which Cayman Brac is famous.

Starfish at Starfish Point.

Starfish at Starfish Point.

For more on this destination, please refer to my Cayman Islands Travel Guide.

#3 – Dominica

The view from Scotts Head of the narrow isthmus that separates the fierce Atlantic and the calm Caribbean.

The view from Scott’s Head of the narrow isthmus that separates the fierce Atlantic and the calm Caribbean.

Known as the “Nature Island,” volcanic Dominica lies at the top of the Windward Islands, south of Guadeloupe and north of Martinique. Although a short boat ride away, Dominica is a world away from its more modern, developed French neighbours.

Kalinago culture is alive and thriving on Dominica.

Kalinago culture is alive and thriving on Dominica.

The island is still home to a sizeable population of indigenous people, the Kalinago, who’ve lived on the island since the 13th century.

Trafalgar falls: Offers the option of hot water (left) or cold water (right) bathing.

Trafalgar falls: Offers the option of hot water (left) or cold water (right) bathing.

Although Dominica is in the Caribbean, it is not considered a resort island and if you’re looking for all-inclusive resorts on sandy beaches this island is not for you. What the island does offer is spectacular, rugged nature. Where else can you swim in a warm-water waterfall which is adjacent to a cold-water waterfall?

For those who like snorkelling, Champagne Reef is not to be missed. Located south of the capital of Roseau, the warm, crystal clear water of the reef is infused with streams of bubbles which emanate from an underwater spring. It’s like snorkelling in a giant bottle of San Pellegrino. Magic!

Wotten Waven hot springs

At the end of a long day of hiking, what better way to relax than in one of the many hot sulphur spring baths in the mountainside village of Wotten Waven.

Hurricane Maria

In September of 2017, Dominica was devastated by Hurricane Maria. The island is slowly rebuilding and the government is keen to see tourists return. Lonely Planet recently published an update detailing which islands are ready for tourists post-hurricanes. Most guest houses and hotels are now operational and most sights are open.

For more on this destination, please refer to my Dominica Travel Guide.

#4 – Bonaire

Most of the coastline of Bonaire is rocky with a reef running along the entire shoreline

When your plane pulls up outside the small terminal building of Bonaire’s Flamingo International Airport (which is painted ‘Flamingo pink’) you’ll know you’ve landed somewhere special. Part of the ‘ABC islands’, tiny and quiet Bonaire is a municipality of the Netherlands, located 48-km east of Curaçao and 140-km east of Aruba.

Sunset on Bonaire.

Sunset on Bonaire.

The island bills itself as a ‘Diver’s Paradise’ and with a colourful, onshore reef running the entire length of its protected leeward coast, the island lives up to its name. Due to the onshore reef, there are no sandy beaches on Bonaire with the nearest beach being on neighbouring Curaçao.

Caribbean Flamingo on Bonaire’s lake Gotomeer.

Caribbean Flamingo on Bonaire’s lake Gotomeer.

While the island is famous for its reef, the arid interior provides several attractions. Bonaire is famed for its Caribbean Flamingos which are drawn to the brackish salt water of the island’s lagoons. The best place to observe these graceful creatures is at Lake Gotomeer, which contains a healthy supply of brine shrimp, the main diet of Flamingos.


Did you know:

Flamingos are born with grey feathers, which gradually turn pink because of a natural pink dye called canthaxanthin that they obtain from their diet of brine shrimp.


 

Salt Mine on Bonaire

Looming on the horizon south of the capital, are a series of white hills which are part of the Cargill salt mining operation. Salt mining has always been an important industry on the island. Fort Oranje was built by the Dutch in 1639 to defend the harbour, from which the main export was salt. The capital (Kralendijk) then developed around the fort.

Cactus Vodka!

Cactus vodka from the Cadushy distillery.

Cactus vodka from the Cadushy distillery.

There are many cacti on Bonaire and one local company – The Cadushy Distillery – has figured a way to distil the spiny Kadushi Cactus into a less-than-spiny vodka, creating the world’s first cactus vodka.

The Kadushi cactus.

For more on this destination, please refer to my Bonaire Travel Guide.

#5 – Trinidad & Tobago

Male Purple Honeycreeper at Asa Wright nature reserve

Trinidad and Tobago (TT) is a two-island country offering the visitor two completely different destinations in one and, due to the diversity of its fauna, flora and people, one of the more interesting destinations in the Caribbean.

The national bird of Trinidad & Tobago, the Scarlet Ibis, at Caroni Bird Sanctuary.

The national bird of Trinidad & Tobago, the Scarlet Ibis, at Caroni Bird Sanctuary.

Trinidad

Nowhere is this diversity more obvious than on the main island of Trinidad, which has not always been a Caribbean island. Located just 11 km from the coast of Venezuela, Trinidad was once joined to the South American mainland and sits on the same continental shelf.

A close up view of a sleeping Tree Boa in the Caroni Bird Sanctuary.

A close up view of a sleeping Tree Boa in the Caroni Bird Sanctuary.

Due to its geological history, the geography, fauna, flora and climate of Trinidad are completely indistinguishable from neighbouring Venezuela. From Howler and Capuchin monkeys to ocelots and tree boa’s, Trinidad is home to a rich variety of ‘mainland’ wildlife which can be found in the jungles of South America but not on any other Caribbean island.

Female white-necked Jacobin hummingbird at Asa Wright Nature Centre.

Female white-necked Jacobin hummingbird at Asa Wright Nature Centre.

Trinidad offers some of the best bird watching in the Caribbean, with two highlights being the Caroni Bird Sanctuary, where thousands of Scarlet Ibis roost at sunset and the Asa Wright Nature Centre. Located in the Northern mountains, the centre is one of the top bird-watching spots in the Caribbean with 159 different species having been recorded.

White-necked Jacobin hummingbird at Asa Wright nature centre.

White-necked Jacobin hummingbird at Asa Wright nature centre.

Tobago

Pigeon Point beach, Tobago

A short flight (or ferry ride) from Trinidad, neighbouring Tobago is much quieter and more relaxed than its bustling neighbour. The island is known for its laid-back tempo, it’s many fine beaches, rain-forest, excellent snorkelling and diving and so is a popular tourist destination.

North coast of Tobago

For more on this destination, please refer to my Trinidad & Tobago Travel Guide.

#6 – Saba

Artwork at Saba airport, which is ranked as one of the world's most dangerous airports.

Artwork at Saba airport, which is ranked as one of the world’s most dangerous airports.

Along with Bonaire and neighbouring St. Eustatius (Statia), this volcanic island of 1,991 souls is part of the Caribbean Netherlands. At 887 metres (2,910 ft), the summit of Saba – Mount Scenery – is the highest point within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

Sand-less Saba is completely unique! A rugged volcanic peak which rises steeply out of the Caribbean sea, all the major infrastructure on the island was hand-built by defiant locals after they were advised by Dutch and Swiss engineers that infrastructure couldn’t be built on the impossibly steep slopes of the island.

The main settlement on Saba, Windwardside, with Mount Scenery in the background.

The main settlement on Saba, Windwardside, with Mount Scenery in the background.

The one road on the island, known as “The Road”, is a 16 km ribbon of hand‐laid stone which bisects the entire island.

After engineers advised a road couldn’t be built, one local resident took a basic engineering course then starting laying out a route across the island. It took 20 years for locals to hand-cut and lay the stone with the road opening in 1958.

At about the same time, Dutch engineers also advised there was no area on Saba level enough to construct a runway.

Again, they would be proved wrong by the defiant locals. In 1959, regional aviator, Remy de Haenen performed an aerial survey of the island and identified “Flat Point” as a suitable area for a runway.

Within weeks, the locals had cleared and graded the area in preparation for a landing. De Haenen made the first landing of an aircraft on the island on February 9, 1959 with nearly the entire population of the island in attendance.

No room for pilot error at perilous Saba airport. "The Road" snakes its way from the airport across the island to Fort Bay.

No room for pilot error at perilous Saba airport. “The Road” snakes its way from the airport across the island to Fort Bay.

One of the World’s Most Dangerous Airports

Saba Airport is ranked as one of the most dangerous airports in the world, and boasts the shortest commercial runway at 400-m in length.

Arriving and departing by plane is one of the highlights of a visit to the island – it’s both dramatic and scary. At the end of the runway are cliffs that plunge into the sea and on one side of the airport is a towering mountain, all of which present plenty of challenges for the pilots of Winair – the only airline to fly to Saba.

All flights to this tricky airport are flown by the most experienced of Winair pilots from neighbouring St. Martin and utilise special STOL (Short Take-off / Landing) aircraft.

Upon landing, the pilot jams on the breaks the instant the wheels hit the tarmac. Upon take-off, you only start climbing once you have flown off the end of the runway – a bit like a young bird being pushed out of the nest for the first time – you just have to fly!

If it all sounds too scary, you have the more sedate option of arriving by ferry from St. Martin.

A strict building code on the island ensures all buildings are painted white, with green trim and red roofs.

A strict building code on the island ensures all buildings are painted white, with green trim and red roofs.

The main settlement of Saba is the picturesque village of Windwardside, which is located high up on the slopes of Mount Scenery at 400 metres.

The population of Windwardside is an eclectic mix of recently arrived expats (many of whom have introduced a creative flair to the island) and descendants of European migrants.

Less eclectic are the strict building codes which ensures all structures on the island sport the same white, green and red colour scheme.

Hiking trail on Saba.

Hiking trail on Saba.

While the only beach on the island consists of a tiny man-made strip of sand (adjacent to the airport), the real attractions of Saba are the extensive network of hiking trails and the incredible Scuba diving.

The only beach on Saba is man-made.

The only beach on Saba is man-made.

Saba is known for its unique pinnacle dive sites, created when magma pushed up through the seafloor creating underwater towers of rock which soar up to around 26-m beneath the surface.

Due to the unique underwater seascapes, diving on Saba is a unique experience. I chose to dive with Sea Saba, who I would recommend.

For more on this destination, please refer to my Saba Travel Guide

#7 – Jamaica

Jamaica Travel Guide: Rasta rafting guide

Rasta rafting guide

Jamaica is as smooth as its rums and as spicy as its Jerk – a rewarding destination for those willing to pull themselves away from the legendary beaches and venture off the beaten track.

There is much more to Jamaica than Bob Marley, quintessential tropical beaches and sunsets. The third largest island in the Caribbean (after Cuba and Hispaniola), offers an abundance of culture from Reggae music to Rastafarians, a unique cuisine in the form of ‘Jerk’, lush tropical rain forests, misty blue mountains, superb coffee, hidden waterfalls, meandering rivers, famous dark rums and so much more.

Beaches

Of the many beaches on the island, my favourite is Seven Mile beach at Negril. As the name suggests, this is a long stretch of powdery-white sand with a variety of accommodation options strung along the main road.

Seven Mile Beach, Negril.

Seven Mile Beach, Negril.

Blue Mountains

Away from the coast, the rugged, lush-green, verdant interior is home to many spectacular sights, including the famed Blue Mountains.

Located between Kingston to the south and Port Antonio to the north, and deriving their name from the azure haze which hangs over them, the Blue Mountains are the longest mountain range in Jamaica and include some of the highest peaks in the Caribbean. The highest point is Blue Mountain Peak, at 2256-m.

Blue Mountains, home to Jamaica’s famous coffee farms

Today, the mountains are renowned as being the place where the famous Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee is cultivated.

Coffee plants were first introduced to Jamaica by a former British governor in 1728. Their cultivation started in a field near a parish in Kingston before eventually being extended into the Blue mountains where they flourished.

I travelled through the mountains in my rental car, which allowed me to stop at various cafes along the main road, where I could sample the most amazing, freshly brewed coffee.

Roasting coffee in the Blue Mountains

Waterfalls

The incredible refreshing - Dunn's river falls.

The incredible refreshing – Dunn’s river falls.

Mountainous Jamaica is home to many wonderful waterfalls, all of which provide a refreshing escape from the heat and humidity. One of the more famous is Dunn’s River falls which are located a short drive from the north coast city of Ocho Rios.

The falls are fed by spring water, which is rich with calcium carbonate. This deposits travertine, which is a form of limestone. The falls are described as a ‘living phenomenon’ because the travertine is continuously rebuilt by the sediments in the spring water.

The falls are 55-m high and cascade gently over limestone for 180-m before emptying onto a beautiful sandy beach and into the Caribbean sea. The falls is one of the very few travertine waterfalls in the world that empties directly into the sea.

Rio Grande

Rafting the Rio Grande.

Rafting the Rio Grande.

Another highlight of my trip to Jamaica was my raft trip down the Rio Grande. Located on the north coast in the parish of Portland, the Rio Grande was named when the Spanish occupied Jamaica in the 15th and 16th centuries. One of the largest rivers in Jamaica, it is today a popular destination for rafting.

The river is fed by rainwater flowing down from the Blue Mountains. The bamboo rafts, which today carry paying tourists, were originally used to transport produce, especially bananas, from the interior of the island.

The ‘rafting for fun’ craze was started by Hollywood star, Errol Flynn, who made Port Antonio his home and wanted something fun to do when his friends visited. My rafting guide was a 70-year old Rasta dude who was as cool as the flowing river water.

For more on this destination, please refer to my Jamaica Travel Guide.

#8 – Dominican Republic

Vendors on the beach at Boca Chica

Discovered by Columbus on his first voyage to the Americas. Home to the oldest continuously inhabited city in the Americas and today the most popular tourist destination in the Caribbean region, the Dominican Republic is a dream destination.

There is good reason the masses flock to the Dominican Republic (DR). The country is a unique destination, offering an abundance of history, culture, charming colonial cities, white-sand beaches, excellent diving and snorkelling, unspoilt nature, soaring mountain ranges (including the highest peak in the Caribbean) and a friendly and welcoming population.

Add to this a stable political environment, good infrastructure, reliable and modern transportation options, affordable prices and a booming economy. It’s easy to see why the country is the preferred choice for so many visitors. There is something for everyone in the DR – no matter your interest or budget.

A true colonial relic - the Convent of the Dominican Order in Santo Domingo.

A true colonial relic – the Convent of the Dominican Order in Santo Domingo.

Santo Domingo

Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic, was founded in 1496 by Bartholomew Columbus (the younger brother of Christopher Columbus), and has the distinction of being the oldest continuously inhabited European city in the Americas. 

Interior of the first Cathedral built in the Americas - Catedral Primada de América.

Interior of the first Cathedral built in the Americas – Catedral Primada de América.

The old town, known as the ‘Zona Colonial‘, has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site and is a charming place to base yourself, with lots of cool and breezy, renovated colonial relics providing pleasant accommodation options and a respite from the constant heat and humidity.

The narrow streets of the old town are home to many ‘firsts’ in the Americas; the ‘first road’, the ‘first hospital’, the ‘first cathedral’, the ‘first convent’ and so on. If you enjoy immersing yourself in history and culture, Santo Domingo is an engaging destination.

Built by Bartholomew Columbus as his residence - Alcazar de Colon, Santo Domingo.

Built by Bartholomew Columbus as his residence – Alcazar de Colon, Santo Domingo.

The dining and entertainment scene in the old town is one of the best in the Caribbean and is constantly evolving, with new restaurants and bars opening on a regular basis. With all this activity, there’s much to keep the visitor occupied and when you need to take a break, beautiful white-sand beaches are a short taxi ride away.

Beaches

Broad-billed Tody in the 'Indigenous Eyes National Park', Punta Cana.

Broad-billed Tody in the ‘Indigenous Eyes National Park’, Punta Cana.

Without a doubt, the most popular tourist destination in the Dominican Republic is Punta Cana. Located at the easternmost tip of the Dominican Republic and blessed with 32 kilometres of fine white-sand beaches, Punta Cana is the #1 tourist playground with flights arriving at its busy airport from throughout Europe, North and South America.

All this tourism has had a negative impact on the one key asset, the beach, with almost all beach-side land walled-off by large, private resorts who restrict access to their paying guests. For those staying away from the beach, the only access points are a few crowded and congested public lane-ways.

Natural springs in the ‘Indigenous Eyes National Park’, Punta Cana

One non-beach highlight in Punta Cana is the Indigenous Eyes National Park. This is a private forest reserve operated by the Punta Cana Ecological Foundation.

The reserve features walking trails, which lead you through the forest, past twelve crystal-clear, freshwater lagoons. Five of the lagoons are open to visitors for swimming, a great way to cool off on a hot day.

The lagoons are home to fish and turtles and the trails provide good bird watching opportunities and will eventually lead you onto the beach.

Stormy skies over the beach at Las Terrenas

My preferred beach experience can be found at the much quieter Las Terrenas, which is located on the north-east coast, a 3.5 hour drive north of Punta Cana.

Beach at Las Terrenas.

Beach at Las Terrenas.

Las Terrenas is nestled among green hills and started life as a quiet fishing village, however it was only a matter of time before developers would exploit its fine white sand beaches.

Today the beaches are lined with hotels, restaurants and bars but there are far fewer tourists here than Punta Cana and beach access is not restricted.

Mountains

Baiguate Waterfall, Jarabacoa

Baiguate Waterfall, Jarabacoa

While the focus of Dominican tourist brochures are the many fine beaches, the mountainous interior of the country also warrants investigation.

A centre for tourism, with lots of accommodation options, is the mountain town of Jarabacoa (525 metres above sea level) which is located a two-hour drive north-west of Santo Domingo, via an excellent highway.

The pleasant countryside around Jarabacoa is full of hiking trails which follow the course of various rivers and provide access to a number of waterfalls. For those hikers with lots of energy and enthusiasm, nearby Pico Duarte (3,087m) is the highest mountain in the Caribbean.

With an average daily temperature of 22 degrees (Celsius), the climate in Jarabacoa is cooler and less humid than the low lands, which allows local farmers to grow lots of amazing produce, including the juiciest and sweetest of strawberries.

Rio Jemenez, Jarabacoa

Rio Jemenez, Jarabacoa

For more on this destination, please refer to my Dominican Republic Travel Guide.

#9 – Cuba

Cuba is an enchanting destination! A country with a long and complex history and fascinating culture, the largest island in the Caribbean, which is home to the region’s largest population.

Once a favoured hedonistic destination for American celebrities and socialites, Cuba had a reputation as an exotic and permissive playground.

In the early 20th century, Cuba’s ideal tropical beaches attracted the American masses who could purchase cheap package tours from Florida, which included round-trip tickets from Miami, hotel, food and entertainment.

The island also attracted famous celebrities such as Ava Gardner, Frank Sinatra and Ernest Hemingway (who loved Cuba so much he relocated to Havana).

A propaganda painting in Havana's 'Museum of the Revolution', celebrates the overthrow of former President Batista by Fidel Castro.

A propaganda painting in Havana’s ‘Museum of the Revolution’, celebrates the overthrow of former President Batista by Fidel Castro.

The party ended in 1959 when a young Fidel Castro, having overthrown the corrupt President, Fulgencio Batista, came to power, installed a communist government and promptly destroyed all symbols of the hedonistic past, including most tourist infrastructure. This effectively ended tourism in Cuba with visitor numbers plummeting from 350,000 visitor’s in 1957 to 4,000 in 1961.

School children in Havana.

School children in Havana.

Today, the country is once again open to tourism and, in 2016, it attracted a record four million tourists, many of them arriving on cruise ships, carrying US passports.

Cruise ship arrivals increased from 24 in 2012 to 139 in 2015. The Ministry of tourism has forecast more exponential growth in the coming years, all thanks to an increase in visitors from the United States.

Despite the setbacks from the current US administration, the floodgates have been opened and American tourists are once again flocking to this Caribbean jewel.

Havana

The old town in Havana is a treasure trove of Colonial architecture,

The old town in Havana is a treasure trove of Colonial architecture,

Havana is the throbbing heart of Cuba. It’s the capital city, largest city (population: 2.1 million), main aviation and maritime hub and leading commercial centre.

At its heart lies the charming Habana Vieja, the old town and the place of most interest to tourists. Within the walls of the old town, the party never stops, with Salsa music echoing from bars where you can dance 24×7 and where it’s socially acceptable to drink Mojito’s (the national drink) anytime of day.

A Florist in the old town of Havana.

A Florist in the old town of Havana.

With a history stretching back 500 years, the old town is a treasure trove of Colonial architecture and, after 50 years of neglect, is slowly, and carefully, being renovated. Walking the streets of the enchanting old town, you can feel the history around you – it’s a powerful place.

There are lots of classic beauties to be found on the streets of Havana.

There are lots of classic beauties to be found on the streets of Havana.

The old town is comprised of numerous grand squares, which can best be described as jewels of colonial architecture.

Lining the squares are cathedrals, old mansions which have been converted into museum’s and galleries, shop’s, restaurant’s, cafe’s, bar’s, and always – music.

The music never stops in the old town, there’s always a band playing somewhere and there are lots of venues where you can dance salsa through the night.

Outside Havana

The colourful old town of Trinidad.

The colourful old town of Trinidad.

Cuba is a largely urban country, and offers many other resplendent colonial cities such as Cienfuegos, Trinidad, Sancti Spíritus, Ciego De Avila, Camagüey, Holguín and Santiago de Cuba.

Parque José Martí in Cienfuegos.

Parque José Martí in Cienfuegos.

Of these, my top pick would be Cienfuegos which was founded by French settlers escaping the revolution in neighbouring Haiti. The French established themselves as agricultural barons and used their wealth to construct fantastic mansions in the neoclassical style, which today makes Cienfuegos a pleasure to explore.

A classic American car parked outside Teatro Terry in downtown Cienfuegos.

A classic American car parked outside Teatro Terry in downtown Cienfuegos.

For more on this destination, please refer to my Cuba Travel Guide.

#10 – Bermuda

Bermuda Travel Guide: White Tailed Tropic bird

Native to Bermuda – the White Tailed Tropic bird is locally known as the Long-tail.

Okay! Bermuda is not part of the Caribbean but it is an island nation in the Atlantic and located a mere 1463 km (909 miles) north-east of the Bahamas – its nearest Caribbean neighbour.

Although, in geographical terms, it’s not part of the Caribbean region, in many other respects, Bermuda has a distinctly Caribbean soul, so I’m including it in my Caribbean ‘Top 10’.

Storm approaching Horseshoe Bay Beach.

Storm approaching Horseshoe Bay Beach.

Although a British territory, approximately 60% of the population traces its heritage to the West Indies with the Caribbean connection evident in everything from the local music, cuisine and culture to the Caribbean lilt of Bermudian voices.

Despite being located well north of the Tropic of Cancer, Bermuda is kept warmer than usual thanks to the Gulf Stream. It’s all like the Caribbean – just a little to the north!

Bermuda Blues

The beaches on Bermuda can only be described as gorgeous, offering translucent waters, pink-sand and rivalling anything found in the Caribbean. The surrounding reef offers a plethora of diving and snorkelling opportunities and the rich, carefully preserved history is engaging.

Today a UNESCO world Heritage site, St. Georges served as the capital of Bermuda for the first 200 years.

Today a UNESCO world Heritage site, St. Georges served as the capital of Bermuda for the first 200 years.

St. Georges town was Bermuda’s first English settlement and served as the capital of Bermuda for its first 200 years. The colourful, mostly pedestrian, town is beautifully renovated and offers a wealth of sights for visitors to explore.

The colourful, calm, traffic-free, streets of St. Georges are a pleasure to explore.

The colourful, calm, traffic-free, streets of St. Georges are a pleasure to explore.

Bermuda Shorts

How to wear Bermuda Shorts
Source: “Tabs” – Authentic Bermuda Shorts

If you’re still struggling to find a reason to visit Bermuda then you simply must go as there is no other place on the planet where you can buy yourself a pair of genuine Bermuda shorts. Winston Churchill once famously quipped “The short-pant is a terrible fashion choice, unless it is from Bermuda.”

Bermuda shorts in every colour of the rainbow at 'Tabs' in Hamilton

Bermuda shorts in every colour of the rainbow at ‘Tabs’ in Hamilton

Local men wear their shorts (always with matching knee-length socks) as a matter of pride. They are perfectly acceptable attire for any occasion, including business meetings and weddings!

Bermuda shorts come in a variety of colours, with red (same colour as the flag) being especially popular.

Bermuda shorts come in a variety of colours, with red (same colour as the flag) being especially popular.

For more on this destination, please refer to my Bermuda Travel Guide.

 


That’s the end of my Top 10 Caribbean Island Experiences. I Hope it’s provided some inspiration for your next trip.  

Safe travels!

Darren


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Further Reading

Other travel reports from the Caribbean region include:

Top 10 Caribbean Experiences Top 10 Caribbean Experiences Top 10 Caribbean Experiences Top 10 Caribbean Experiences Top 10 Caribbean Experiences Top 10 Caribbean Experiences Top 10 Caribbean Experiences Top 10 Caribbean Experiences Top 10 Caribbean Experiences Top 10 Caribbean Experiences Top 10 Caribbean Experiences Top 10 Caribbean Experiences Top 10 Caribbean Experiences Top 10 Caribbean Experiences Top 10 Caribbean Experiences Top 10 Caribbean Experiences Top 10 Caribbean Experiences

Cayman Islands Travel Guide

Adult Brown Booby, Cayman Brac

Cayman Islands Travel Guide

Welcome to the taste2travel Cayman Islands Travel Guide!

Date Visited: July 2016

Introduction

The Cayman islands are all about three things: sun, sea and wealth. A British Crown Colony whose economy is based on tourism and offshore banking (the territory is the world’s fifth largest financial centre), the islands are blessed with clean, turquoise beaches, lots of sun, a high standard of living and incredible diving and snorkeling sites.

Tourism is aimed at the luxury end of the market with the island attracting wealthy tourists (mostly Americans) who stay in 5-star resorts. In 2016, the territory attracted 2 million visitors, 80% of whom arrived by cruise ship.

Cayman Islands Travel Guide: Wild Banana Orchid, Cayman Islands.

The national flower of the Cayman Islands – the Wild Banana Orchid – in the QEII Botanic Park.

The Cayman Islands is one of the most prosperous territories in the Caribbean, which means this is definitely not a budget-friendly travel destination. Like other affluent Caribbean islands, the cost of living here is at the ‘extortionate‘ end of the scale.

There are ways to reduce costs but even supermarket prices are scary – e.g. US$10 for a slice of watermelon. I hired a car and stayed in a cheap(ish) guest house where I could self-cater (see the ‘Accommodation‘ section below).

Artwork at the National Gallery of the Cayman Islands.

Artwork at the National Gallery of the Cayman Islands.

The territory comprises three islands – the larger island of Grand Cayman (pop:52,600), and the much smaller Cayman Brac (pop: 2,277) and Little Cayman (pop: 170).

The capital of George Town, is located on Grand Cayman, which is where you’ll find the main international airport, the cruise ship dock and almost all hotels and other services. The official currency is the Cayman Islands Dollar (KY$)

Cayman Islands Dollar.

Cayman Islands Dollar.

Despite the high costs, I enjoyed my time on the two islands I visited – Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac. The people are friendly, the environment is pristine, the diving and snorkeling are amazing and then there are the sunset drinks at Macabuca, an ocean-front Tiki Bar in West Bay, which offers the best sunset view on Grand Cayman.

Sunset view from Macabuca bar, Grand Cayman.

Sunset view from Macabuca bar, Grand Cayman.

Location

Cayman Islands

Cayman Islands

Located in the western Caribbean Sea, 500 miles (800 km) south of Miami, 180 miles (300 km) south of Cuba and 195 miles (315 km) northwest of Jamaica – the Cayman Islands are a British Overseas Territory.

The islands are part of the Greater Antilles – a grouping of the larger islands in the Caribbean Sea, which includes Cuba, Hispaniola, Puerto Rico and Jamaica and are outcrops of the Cayman Ridge – a submarine mountain range. The range rises up from the Cayman Trough, which reaches a maximum depth of 7,686 metres (25,217 ft) – the deepest point in the Caribbean sea – just offshore from the islands.

History

A typical Cayman cottage in George Town.

A typical Cayman cottage in George Town.

Unlike other Caribbean islands, the Cayman Islands were never settled by native Indians, remaining undiscovered until Christopher Columbus sighted them on his 4th voyage to the New World in 1503. His ship was sailing to Hispaniola when it was thrust westward toward “two very small and low islands (Cayman Brac and Little Cayman), full of tortoises, as was all the sea all about, insomuch that they looked like little rocks, for which reason these islands were called Las Tortugas.” The islands were later renamed “Caymanas” (Caiman), which is the Carib-Indian word for crocodile, which were also plentiful on the island at the time.

For many years the islands remained unsettled but were a popular calling place for ships sailing the Caribbean and in need of meat for their crews. The first recorded settlements were established on Little Cayman and Cayman Brac by settlers from neighbouring Jamaica, with the islands being administered by Jamaica (then a British colony). The islands were a popular haunt for British privateers (including Sir Francis Drake)  who used the islands to replenish stocks of food and water and repair their vessels.

Pedro St. James Castle, the oldest existing building in the Cayman Islands.

Pedro St. James Castle, the oldest existing building in the Cayman Islands.

The first royal grant of land on Grand Cayman was made by the governor of Jamaica in 1734 and by 1802 Grand Cayman had a population of 933, of whom 545 were slaves. Although the Cayman Islands were regarded as a dependency of Jamaica, the reins of government were very loose, which led to the islanders establishing their own self-government, with matters of public concern decided at meetings of all free males. In 1831 a legislative assembly was established after a meeting at Pedro St. James Castle.

Despite this development – in 1863 – the British parliament formally made the Cayman Islands a dependency of Jamaica. When Jamaica achieved independence in 1962, the Islands opted to remain under the British Crown, and an administrator appointed from London assumed the responsibilities previously held by the governor of Jamaica. The Cayman Islands today are a British Overseas Territory, with a Crown-appointed Governor, a Legislative Assembly and a Cabinet.

Sights

West Bay Beach on Grand Cayman.

West Bay Beach on Grand Cayman.

Grand Cayman

While the main draw-card of Grand Cayman are the pristine, white-sand beaches and numerous dives sites, there are plenty of other land-based sights to explore. I spent seven days driving around the island, which allowed me enough time to explore most places at a leisurely pace.

George Town

With a population of 28,000, George Town is the largest city and the capital of the Cayman Islands. The city is known as a financial hub and a port of call for cruise ships. During my visit, multiple cruise ships were in town every day, which added a lot of extra traffic and (pedestrian) congestion to the normally relaxed downtown area. Due to it being a port of call, city shops tend to cater to the needs of cruise ship passengers, with a cluster of souvenir and tax-free shops. In between are office towers which house financial services companies.

Housed in a 19th-century building on Harbour Drive, the one site worth visiting downtown is the Cayman Islands National Museum. The museum displays a collection of Cayman artifacts and features natural and cultural history displays.

Colourful artwork at the National Gallery of the Cayman Islands.

Colourful artwork at the National Gallery of the Cayman Islands.

North of town, on Easterly Tibbets Highway, the newly-built National Gallery of the Cayman Islands, showcases art from the Cayman Islands in a 3-level, lofty gallery, which also includes a gift shop, art studio, library, auditorium and beautiful gardens adorned with sculptures from local artists.

If you continue north along Easterly Tibbets Highway, you’ll reach Camana Bay, a sprawling waterfront development which includes a shopping mall, restaurants, bars, cafes, cinemas, farmers market and more. The coffee served at Cafe Del Sol is very good, while the Waterfront Urban Diner does a mean Eggs Benedict for breakfast. On the coast, a short drive from Camana Bay, is Seven Mile Beach – the main tourist area which stretches along a pristine, white sand -beach.

Governor's Reserve Rum, Cayman Spirits Company.

Governor’s Reserve Rum, Cayman Spirits Company.

On the outskirts of George Town is the Cayman Spirits Company, who offer informative tours (US$15) of their distillery, including a sampling of their products. The company’s most famous tipple is it’s Seven Fathoms rum, which is matured at 43 feet (7 fathoms) below the sea (in a secret offshore location) in American oak barrels. The moving sea currents gently rock the spirit inside the barrels while the sea maintains a constant ambient temperature, producing an excellent, smooth rum.

The Tortuga Rum Factory.

The Tortuga Rum Factory.

Also nearby is the Tortuga Rum Factory – not technically a factory but rather a shop where tourists (bused in ‘en masse’) can peer through a window to see the famous rum cakes being made and packaged. There is an onsite shop where you can purchase different types of cakes.

West Bay Beach, Grand Cayman.

West Bay Beach, Grand Cayman.

While Seven Mile beach is special, a short drive north is the equally spectacular Cemetery Beach, which offers turquoise waters, great snorkeling and white powdery sand – but without the tourist hoards. Further up the coast are a string of beautiful quiet, beaches, including West Bay Beach.

Green Iguana on Grand Cayman.

Green Iguana on Grand Cayman.

Located at the western end of the island, the Cayman Turtle Centre is a glorified zoo and tourist trap, which offers paying tourists the opportunity to kiss, hug, and pass around young sea turtles and swim with adult turtles.

Hell, Grand Cayman

The rocky, limestone landscape at Hell.

Who can honestly say they’ve been to Hell and back? On Grand Cayman you can visit the small settlement of Hell, where you can send postcards from the Hell post office and buy tacky ‘Hell’ souvenirs. The area gets its name from the jagged, spongy pinnacles of black-covered limestone – all very inhospitable and unwelcoming. Upon seeing the site, an English colonial minister once exclaimed “This must be what Hell is like!” and the name stuck.

The amazingly smooth stout at the Cayman Islands Brewery.

The amazingly smooth stout at the Cayman Islands Brewery.

Located on the south coast, a short drive east of George Town is the Cayman Islands Brewery, which is well worth visiting. Tours of the small brewery cost US$5 and include a free sample of their wonderful craft beers, which include the Mango Tango. They have an onsite gift shop and bar where you can sample their different brews, including their amazingly smooth, creamy stout – fresh from the keg.

Heading further east, along the south coast road, you soon reach sleepy Bodden Town, the original capital of the Cayman islands and home to the nearby Pedro St. James Castle – the oldest existing stone building on the islands. At a time when most people lived in simple, tiny, thatch-covered houses, a wealthy Englishman, using slave labour from Jamaica, created a three-storey building from stone. Set in immaculate grounds, overlooking the rugged south coast, the museum features a 4D-film which tells the history of the islands.

The elusive Grand Cayman Parrot on Grand Cayman.

The elusive Grand Cayman Parrot on Grand Cayman.

Located in the centre of the island, the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park is a must-visit for those interested in the flora and fauna of the Cayman Islands. The park includes several themed gardens, a boardwalk (where I photographed the woodpecker below), Cayman Island Parrots and the elusive Blue Iguana (so elusive, I never saw one). If you wish to see the national flower – the Wild Banana Orchid – you’ll find it on the walking trails.

West Indian Woodpecker at the QEII Botanical Gardens, Grand Cayman.

West Indian Woodpecker at the QEII Botanical Gardens, Grand Cayman.

On the north side of the island is the popular beach playground of Rum Point, which offers a beautiful sandy beach and the Rum Point Club – a nice venue for lunch. At the end of the road south of Rum Point is the secluded Starfish Point  a shallow, sandy beach famous for its resident army of colourful star fish.

Starfish at Starfish Point, Grand Cayman.

Starfish at Starfish Point, Grand Cayman.

Stingray City

Getting friendly with a local at Stingray City, Grand Cayman.

Getting friendly with a local at Stingray City, Grand Cayman.

Located in the North Sound, Stingray City is the most popular attraction on the Cayman Islands. Definitely a tourist trap but one worth doing – this is an amazing natural attraction where swimmers get to interact and feed Atlantic Southern stingrays on a shallow sandbar in the middle of the sound.

Stingray’s surrounding our boat at Stingray City, Grand Cayman.

Stingray’s surrounding our boat at Stingray City, Grand Cayman.

Diving

While on Grand Cayman, I did two dives with Eden Rock Diving Centre, who are located on the coast road in downtown George Town. The first dive took me to the Devil’s Grotto, an underwater cavern whose entrance is guarded by a school of (very large) Tarpon. Inside the cave we swam past cruising Tarpon and Barracuda in a very tight space – spectacular stuff! On our 2nd dive we dived Eden Rock which offers a rabbit-warren of caves to explore.

Another diving highlight was diving the (deliberately-wrecked) Kittiwake, an ex-USA navy vessel which was sunk in 2011 to make an artificial reef off Grand Cayman’s Seven Mile Beach. Boasting five decks – and lots of large cut-outs to facilitate easy access – the wreck sits in 18 metres (60 feet) of crystal-clear water.

Cayman Brac

Hermit crab Cayman Brac

Hermit crabs can be found all over Cayman Brac.

Cayman Brac boasts the most dramatic landscape of the three islands and is named after the islands’ predominate geographical feature – a limestone ridge that runs along the spine of the 19-km long island, gradually rising towards the east end where it ends in a dramatic 150-foot coastal bluff. The Brac (Gaelic for “Bluff”) is home to many caves which (over the centuries) have offered shelter to locals during hurricanes and have been the preferred hiding place for pirate’s buried treasure. Cayman Brac offers lots of natural attractions, rather than man-made ones and is ideal for those who like diving, snorkeling, hiking and the outdoors.

Entrance to Great Cave on Cayman Brac.

Entrance to Great Cave on Cayman Brac.

While there are reportedly thousands of caves in the bluff, only a handful are open to tourists and all are easily accessible. Many are home to bats and hermit crabs and feature rough limestone terrain so proper footwear is advised as is a torch. I explored the following caves:

Entrance to Bat Cave on Cayman Brac.

Entrance to Bat Cave on Cayman Brac.

  • Bat Cave – This cave is easily accessed via a wooden staircase and is home to hoards of roosting Jamaican fruit bats.
  • Rebecca’s Cave – This cave features the grave of (baby) Rebecca Bodden who died while her family were fleeing to take shelter in the cave during the hurricane of 1932.
  • Half-Way Ground Cave – More commonly known as Skull Cave because of the close resemblance the cave has to a skull, this cave is located on the North Side road, close to the Cayman Brac Museum.
  • Great Cave – Located at the eastern end of South Side road, Great cave is accessed via a set of wooden ladders. The highlight is the magnificent central chamber which begs exploration.
Juvenile Brown Booby on Cayman Brac.

Juvenile Brown Booby on Cayman Brac.

Hiking trails crisscross the bluff, offering bird watchers the opportunity to photograph the (endemic) Cayman Brac Parrot, the Brown Booby and many other migratory sea birds.

The best place to photograph nesting boobies is along the lighthouse trail which meanders along the top of the bluff from the lighthouse. The clifftop views from the small lighthouse are spectacular. The trail is very remote and isolated so it’s best to bring plenty of water and sun screen. I also walked along the beach at the bottom of the bluff (accessible from the end of the North Side road) and saw many juvenile boobies along the isolated beach.

Adult Brown Booby on Cayman Brac.

Adult Brown Booby on Cayman Brac.

On the road to the lighthouse, you’ll pass through the Cayman Brac Parrot preserve. You can park your car in a small car park on Major Donald drive, walk back down the road for 100 metres until you come to a sign-posted walking trail. The first few hundred metres of the trail consists of a nice boardwalk, which traverses the spiky, rough, limestone terrain that covers the area.

A fern coral at Long Beach, Cayman Brac.

A fern coral at Long Beach, Cayman Brac.

If you wish to fully explore the trail you will need proper footwear. It’s best to visit the preserve early morning or late afternoon when the parrots are active. You can often hear them but they can be difficult to spot in the dense vegetation.

Housed in a former bank, the small Cayman Brac Museum is the oldest museum in the Cayman Islands and offers a fascinating insight into life on Cayman Brac. The museum is open Monday to Saturday (closed for lunch) and needs only a short visit.

Sunset at West End Point, Cayman Brac

Sunset at West End Point, Cayman Brac – with Little Cayman in the distance.

The best sunset views on the island are from West End Point, which is accessible from the western end of South Side road. From here you can watch the sunset into the sea, while peering across the water to Little Cayman. I saw brown boobies here most afternoons.

Diving

While on Cayman Brac I dived with Reef Divers, who operate out of the Cayman Brac Beach Resort and offer full-service ‘valet‘ diving. What exactly is ‘valet‘ diving? Prior to entering the water, you sit yourself down on a seat at the back of the dive boat and relax while the crew fit you with all your equipment. Once done, you stand, step forward and plunge into the beautiful, crystal-clear water for which Cayman Brac is famous. Dive sites around the island feature lots of submarine canyons and tunnels and the great abyss – the Cayman Trough.

Accommodation

Grand Cayman

Most hotels on Grand Cayman are clustered along the pristine shoreline of Seven Mile Beach, where a room at a top-end resort will easily cost US$500 per night. Budget options are limited with budget hotels charging US$100+ per night.

I stayed at the more affordable Iron Shore Guest House, which is in the West Bay neighbourhood (you’ll need a car if staying here). The guest house is owned by friendly hosts Martin and Susan and includes a shared kitchen where you can prepare meals.

Cayman Brac

On tiny Cayman Brac, accommodation options are very limited. The largest resort, and the preferred choice for many divers, is the Cayman Brac Beach Resort which is located at the end of the road on the south-west side of the island. The resort features the best dive shop on the island – Reef Divers and the Tipsy Turtle Bar – the liveliest place on Cayman Brac. I did a day of diving with Reef Divers and would highly recommend them.

The few resorts on Cayman Brac are very expensive. I found a more affordable (but still expensive) private condo on tripadvisor.com which was located directly on the beach nearby the resort and came with a kayak parked out front on the beach.

Eating Out

Caybrew bottle

Grand Cayman

With more than 200 restaurants catering to every type of budget – from a gourmet meal in the Caribbean’s only AAA Five Diamond restaurant – to casual “hole-in-the-wall” local eateries, there is something for everyone on Grand Cayman.

While there are restaurants scattered all over the island, the dining epi-centre is the tourist strip of Seven Mile Beach. Here you’ll find a string of restaurants, bars and cafes along the main road, while nearby, the new Camana Bay shopping mall also includes many fine restaurants and bars and a farmers market. A good place for coffee at Camana Bay is Cafe Del Sol – a local version of Starbucks, they have a 2nd branch in downtown George Town.  My favourite pub/ restaurant along the tourist strip is The Lone Star Bar & Grill, which features live music most nights and the best burgers on the island.

Located in West Bay, Alfresco is a popular restaurant with locals, serving locally fish and seafood dishes in generous portions.

Another good breakfast option in West Bay is the Vivo cafe, which is a vegetarian cafe specialising in farm-to-table sustainable cuisine. The cafe is attached to a dive shop (Divetech) and – as part of the program to rid the Cayman islands of the invasive Lion fish – they offer (Lion) Fish ‘n’ Chips, the one non-vegetarian item on their menu.

A short drive up the road from Vivo is the Cracked Conch Restaurant and the less formal Macabuca, an ocean-front Tiki Bar, which is the best place to watch the sunset into the sea, while sipping a rum punch.

The sunset view from the Macabuca bar, Grand Cayman.

The sunset view from the Macabuca bar, Grand Cayman.

One of my favourite cafes in downtown George Town is Bread & Chocolate  – a vegan cafe which serves up delicious, organic breakfast and lunch.

Venturing across the island, I found the best coffee at the Kaibo Beach Espresso which is an hour-long drive from Georgetown at Rum Point. The cafe is located at the Kaibo Yacht Club but shuts early in the afternoon. Next door is the Kaibo Beach Bar & Grill – a great place for lunch or dinner.

A distance marker at the Tukka restaurant, Grand Cayman.

A distance marker at the Tukka restaurant, Grand Cayman.

In the far east of the island is the small coastal settlement of Gun Bay which is home to Tukka. Australians will recognise the name – it’s slang for ‘food’, being derived from ‘tucker’, and yes – the restaurant is owned by an Australian ex-pat – Ron Hargrave. I stopped here for lunch during my drive around the island and was glad I did. Tables are arranged on a breezy outdoor balcony which overlooks the sea – perfect!

The best fish fry I tried while on the island was at the hole-in-the-wall Captain Herman Fish Fry, which is located on the main road in the settlement of East End – highly recommended!

Cayman Brac

There are just a few restaurants on sleepy Cayman Brac and they tend to close early. The most happening place on the island is the Tipsy Turtle Pub, which is part of the Cayman Brac Beach Resort. The poolside bar is popular for lunch and dinner, offering American-style food such as burgers, fries, club sandwiches etc.

Located on the West End road, The Star Island Restaurant is an affordable, unpretentious diner catering to a local clientele. This was my ‘go-to’ place for breakfast each morning, where both the food and service were always good. The restaurant is run by Filipino staff of which there are some 200 (10% of the population) working on the island.

Just down the road from The Star Island Restaurant, Barracudas Bar is the another pub option on the island. Besides drinks, they serve wood-fired pizza, which is the best pizza on Cayman Brac.

 

Visa Requirements

My Cayman Islands passport stamp.

My Cayman Islands passport stamp.

Despite being a British Overseas Territory, the Cayman Islands have their own visa policy. Some nationalities require visas for the Cayman Islands – check your visa requirements prior to arrival.

 

Getting There

By Air

In 2016 – 23% of tourists to the Cayman Islands arrived by air, almost all of them landing at the main international airport – Owen Roberts International on Grand Cayman. The airport serves are the main base for Cayman Airways. 

The small, old terminal is currently handling double the number of passengers for which it was originally designed. This results in constant overcrowding and translates into a bad user experience. At the time of my visit, access to the ‘air-side’ was via a single-file line which snaked through the departure hall. A new terminal is now under construction (due to be completed in 2018), which will more than double current capacity.

The following airlines provide connections to/from the airport:

  • Air Canada – flight to Toronto–Pearson
  • American Airlines – flight to Charlotte, Dallas/Fort Worth, Miami
  • British Airways – flight to London–Heathrow, Nassau
  • Cayman Airways – flight to Cayman Brac, Havana, Kingston–Norman Manley, La Ceiba, Miami, New York–JFK, Roatán, Tampa
  • Cayman Airways Express – flight to Cayman Brac, Little Cayman
  • Delta Air Lines – flight to Atlanta
  • JetBlue Airways – flight to New York–JFK
  • Southwest Airlines – flight to Fort Lauderdale
  • United Airlines – flight to Houston–Intercontinental
  • WestJet – flight to Toronto–Pearson
On approach to Cayman Brac with Cayman Airways.

On approach to Cayman Brac with Cayman Airways.

The much quieter Charles Kirkconnell International Airport on Cayman Brac has (limited) international flights to Miami and Havana operated by Cayman Airways. The airline offers (frequent) domestic connections to Grand Cayman and neighbouring Little Cayman (a 5-minute puddle jump).

By Sea

Cruise ships visiting George Town dock offshore.

Cruise ships visiting George Town dock offshore.

In 2016 – 77% of tourists to the Cayman Islands arrived by cruise ship, all of which drop anchor off of George Town. All passengers come ashore using the Port of George Town’s tenders. Onshore, there are three docks, all located in downtown George Town – the Royal Watler Cruise Terminal, the North Terminal and the South Terminal.

The tendering of cruise ship passengers ashore wasn’t a big problem in the past, but with the advent of mega-liners carrying 5,000+ passengers, cruise ship companies have pushed the Cayman government to install a proper dock. This would require the dredging of the beautiful coral reef which wraps around George Town bay. The ecological damage would be significant. I did several amazing dives on the reef during my visit and was told many of the dives sites will be lost if the current plans (which the government has approved) go ahead.

Getting Around

Bus

Grand Cayman

The main bus terminal is on Edward Street, in George Town – adjacent to the Public Library. Fares can be paid in US$ or KY$. For a complete description of all routes (plus maps) click here.

Cayman Brac

There is no public transportation on Cayman Brac or Little Cayman.

Ferry

There is no inter-island ferry service connecting Grand Cayman to Cayman Brac or Little Cayman. If you are determined, you have the option of chartering a yacht or catamaran, which is not cheap.

On Grand Cayman there is a convenient ferry service which connects Camana Bay Shopping Centre with Rum Point. The drop-off is at the nearby Kaibo Yacht Club – home to Kaibo Beach Espresso – the best (freshly roasted) coffee I found anywhere on the Cayman Islands. The 35 minute boat ride saves you from a long, winding, hour-long road journey.

Taxi

Grand Cayman

There are plenty of taxis on Grand Cayman with a typical fare from downtown George Town to Seven Mile beach costing US$5. From the airport to George Town costs US$15. Fares increase quickly and if you plan on travelling across the island it is cheaper to rent a car.

Cayman Brac

There are several private taxis operating on the island, which you will need to reserve in advance through your hotel.

Car

Cayman Islands Travel Guide: Rental Car on Cayman Brac

My rental car at Cayman Brac lighthouse.

Grand Cayman

The best way to explore the Cayman Islands (and maximise your time) is to rent a car. On Grand Cayman, there are a host of rental companies at Owen Roberts International Airport. I hired a car through Alamo at a reasonable daily rate. Like other English territories in the Caribbean, foreign drivers are required to obtain a visitor’s driving permit, which costs US$20 and are issued by the agent at the time of rental.

Cayman Brac

There is no public transportation on Cayman Brac so you either walk, cycle or rent a car, which you can do through CB Rent-a-Car who have their office across the street from the airport terminal. Driving on this island of just 2,200 souls is very laid-back and pleasant. It’s impossible to get lost with two long coastal roads (which cover most of the island) and a couple of connector roads.

 


That’s the end of my Cayman Islands Travel Guide.

Safe Travels!

Darren


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Further Reading

Other travel reports from the Caribbean region include:

Cayman Islands Travel Guide Cayman Islands Travel Guide Cayman Islands Travel Guide Cayman Islands Travel Guide Cayman Islands Travel Guide Cayman Islands Travel Guide Cayman Islands Travel Guide Cayman Islands Travel Guide Cayman Islands Travel Guide Cayman Islands Travel Guide Cayman Islands Travel Guide Cayman Islands Travel Guide