Added: 07/09/2005 |
Cayman Dream Vacation ? Best Time, Rentals, And ActivitiesGrand Cayman is the largest of three islands that make up the Cayman Islands. It is approximately 76 square miles; 20 miles long and 5-7 miles wide at its widest point. It lies 480 miles south of Miami, Florida or about 70 minutes by air. It is 150 miles south of Cuba and 180 miles northwest of Jamaica. Between Grand Cayman and Jamaica lies the "Cayman Trench", the deepest part of the Caribbean Sea, with depths charted down to four miles.
As you fly in to Cayman, you'll marvel at the changing hues of the water, from the palest lime and aquamarine to the inkiest cobalt and sapphire. Cayman Brac and Little Cayman are called the "Sister Islands." People frequently - and incorrectly - refer to the Cayman Islands as "The Caymans." A more acceptable abbreviation is, simply, Cayman.
When to travel? The three Cayman Islands lie in the trade-winds belt. The prevailing NE winds moderate the temperatures, making the climate delightful all year round. Most rain falls between September and November, but even then it generally comes only in short bursts. March and April are Cayman's driest months.
Where to stay? All rental accommodations are inspected and licensed at least twice yearly by the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism to ensure that they comply with the standards set by law. Think about renting a villa, located in the Villas Pappagallo complex, which is ideal for a couple looking for a romantic spot to "get away from it all"! Most of Caribbean villas are situated perfectly for privacy, yet only a few steps away from the beach or pool area.
Villas, as usual, are equipped with new furnishings (including a queen size sofa/sleeper for 2 additional guests), appliances, cable TV, DVD player, CD player, full size washer and dryer, rafts, hairdryer and a full complement of beach and bath towels. A FAX machine, collection of books and games, and BBQ grill are also available.
What to do? Diving and snorkelling: There are over 40 professional dive operators in the Cayman Islands, and few other island groups offer as many easily accessible dive sites. Diving shops and boats can be found at most hotels. Some diving resorts offer an underwater photography service, including camera rentals, training and repairs, along with overnight processing of slides. If you do wish to dive, you can enjoy the reefs from the Atlantis Submarine, which offers hour-long underwater trips.
Fishing: The deep waters around Grand Cayman are a migratory path for numerous species of large fish, including marlin, tuna, dolphin, swordfish and wahoo. Fishing is possible all year round. The best fishing is between Grand Cayman's west coast and the banks, 7.5km (12 miles) offshore; the Trench, 6 to 13km (4 to 8 miles) off the west coast, is particularly good.
Motorsports: The Family Recreation and Motorsports Park at Breakers offers a 12 hectare- (30 acre-) racetrack which claims to be the best in the Caribbean, with family recreation areas and a nature reserve. The Lakeview Raceway in George Town features stock car racing on the first Sunday of every month.
Article comments:
No comments for this article yet. Post your comment now!
