Clueless about the Caymans

[CSD1129]

Hi all,
I was wondering if anyone could provide any info about the cayman islands! I'm going there in March on spring break. Staying on Seven Mile Beach at the Sunshine Suites Resort. I am not at all familiar with the Cayman Islands, but have been to many other caribbean islands.

Since I do not think I can rent a car, can someone tell me the easiest way to get around the island? And also, some good restuarants/bars, dive operators/ etc. not too far from the hotel?

Thanks!
Christine

 

[divesergeant]

Hi Christine,

I like your signature line riddle. And, of course, we all know why the egg crossed the road; it had the inclination!

For a great dive operator, check out www.neptunesdivers.com. Keith and Casey run a very good, safety oriented, conservation-minded dive operation and run small groups.

Check out www.caymanactivityguide.com. You'll have to register, but it is free and there is a wealth of info there.

Be aware that it is a commercial enterprise and the recommended establishments are advertisers in the magazine. Thus, there are many great operations which aren't recommended simply because they don't adertise. But, if a business is on the recommended list you can be assured it should be a good one.

DS

 

[Damselfish]

Don't worry too much about the dive operator being in walking distance to your hotel, if that's what you're thinking of. Just check that they will pick up at your hotel which most ops serving SMB area will do. Even if an operator has a physical shop, and a few may not, the shop location often has nothing to do with where the boat leaves from.

 

[THX1138]

I will second the suggestion of Neptune Divers. Dove with Keith many times, most recently last August. Your hotel location is close to where our family stays, Villas of the Galleon, a nice part of the beach. Kieth will pick and drop off each day.

Directly between you and the ocean is EATS restaurant and bar, good place and reasonable price. From your place you are in quick walking distance of Foster's Food Fair and various liquor stores. You can get away without a car, but taxis will start to add up, especially if you are a party of three (3) or more, so I rent a car at airport. Helps if you want to go tourist and see Turtle Farm, and hit downtown restaurants.

Some of our favorite restaurants are the Grand Old House, Cracked Counch and the Lighthouse. If you want a fun bar type, try Deckers or the Lone Star, and if you go to the latter, bring an extra car license plate for the wall.

Enjoy, John[-][/-]



Map of Grand Cayman Dive Sites, Cayman Islands.

 

[caymaniac]

If you've never been to Grand Cayman and you like to dive, then I think you'll like it very much. The first time I went was 1981, after that I became certified. In those first days when I visited there, it wasn't as busy as it is now. Now we prefer the Brac or Little Cayman.

We always have had 60 to 100+ visibility, in March the water should be about 80F.

Seven mile beach is nice. It can be an expensive trip as food is quite costly. Other than the food and the not cheap diving it's a great place to visit.

 

[sandyangel86]

I was just in Grand Cayman about two weeks ago. Check out Don Foster's Dive Cayman...I did a tour with them and the staff was great!

 

[carlislere]

I have been to the Cayman Islands so many times, I should apply for residency. Sunshine Suites is a great hotel. Nice rooms with kitchenettes. Sunshine Grill is a very good restaurant. Their fish tacos are fantastic. They also have a Thursday night BBQ for hotel guests that is very good. Here is a link to other Cayman Island restaurants, Grand Cayman Islands Restaurants Guide. Aqua Beach and Coconut Joes are good, as well as, Lone Star. Someone mentioned Eats which is in the strip center between the hotel and West Bay Road. There is a public beach not far from the hotel and you can walk to it. Their is some public transportation along West Bay Road to downtown Georgetown, but I have not been on it. One of the Cayman residents may have more info on it should they comment.
I noticed on the Sunshine Suites website that Divers Down gives good rates to hotel residents, so you might check them out.
You should have a fantastic time!