Exploring Grand Cayman, what to do and where to eat.

Before flying into the Cayman Islands I expected a Hawaiin type experience with white beaches, sky scrapers, the typical big city hustle and bustle, sports cars, and tourists galore.

I was wrong on most fronts- the buildings are low and simple, the beaches are even more beautiful than I would have thought possible, most cars belong to their third or fourth owners, and there are wild chickens everywhere. One thing that is obvious is that this small iguana infested tax haven is a part of the Caribbean; it's just beautiful.

The Cayman Islands consists of three islands- Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman. We did Grand Cayman because we have family there, and it did not disappoint. Here's a list of my favorite activities we did over the four day visit:

1. Visit sting ray city. This 'city' consists of a sandbank in the middle of sea populated by hundreds of stingrays. Either charter a boat or use one of the many tour companies on the island, we went on a touristy boat with a guide. The guide explains how to touch and hold the Rays and gives you fish to feed them. Watch out though, not only do these creatures have lethal stings, they also give a pretty nasty hicky. Or so I was told. They are unexpectedly squishy too, and friendly. They were so comfortable with people, often swimming past and brushing up against you in an almost puppy like manner. 

2. Visit the botanical gardens. A walk around the botanical gardens will most likely yield a couple of snake sightings, some local birds, the indigenous island fauna and flora, and if you're lucky a sighting of the rare blue iguana. If you are not so lucky, there is a tour of the blue iguana breeding sanctuary in the park a couple of times a day. This was quite an experience- the only place these animals are found in the world is on Grand Cayman. About 10 years ago there were only between 10-20 of these creatures left in the world. They have now bred and released roughly 900. The guide will show you the babies, the breeding pairs, explain their eating habits and rehabilitation procedures, possibly feed them, and introduce you to the infamous large male named Donald Trump (because apparently he's also a pain in the ass). Lol.

3. Drive up to Rum Point. Get away from the city and explore a more local side of this oddly shaped island. Rum point is the northern most point of the island. On your drive up stop at a restaurant called Over The Edge for a great breakfast quesadilla on a deck overlooking the sea, continue your trip and stop at a restaurant called Kaibo for a mudslide (chocolate rum milkshake) and a swim, head down the road to star fish point to touch hundreds of star fish (on a good day) and finally finish off at Eagle Rays on your way home for a late lunch and a delicious Lion Fish Taco.

Rum Point is an actual collection of bars and restaurants, however it was closed for a function when we went so we headed to Eagle Rays instead which was a delicious find. 

4. Visit the Cayman Spirit's Co. Taste about 9 Cayman Rums made in this brewery, understand how the 7 Fathoms rum is matured under the sea, and experience a guided tour of the brewery. You may leave here feeling slightly tipsy but the coconut rum makes it all worth it. 

Where to eat??

-Morgan's on the edge of the sea, golden for shrimp risotto. 

-The Brasserie at the KPMG offices for an amazing tossed salad of your own making (and is well priced). 

-Calico Jacks on seven mile beach, definitely try a rum punch here. 

-Rackems in the harbor for happy hour and the free snacks that goes with it.

-Craft on the beach road, for yummy snacks and wine. 

-Catch, for an amazing amazing brunch. I said it twice because it really was just that. Get the tapas menu and try four things, also definitely choose the unlimited champagne option. 

-The Kimpton Hotel beach bar for a cocktail. 

The Cayman Islands are bloody expensive if you're not earning dollars so be mentally prepared beforehand. Kirks supermarket makes amazing looking cheap lunches as well as stocking all sorts of weird and wonderful foods we don't have at home. We cooked at our self catering place a few times too. The apartment we rented was in a block of mini beach houses called Cocoplum on seven mile beach, it had two bedrooms, a communal pool and braai area, and beach access. It was a great find.