Grand Cayman with a Toddler-any suggestions?

[greymutt]

My family (my diving husband, me-non diver, and our 3 year old beach girl) will be going to Grand Cayman the week of April 19th- cannot wait! We're staying at The Reef in the east end and have a car for the week. Looking for suggestions of places to eat and visit with a toddler. We already plan on going to the turtle farm and we talked about having my daughter and me do the seaworld explorer boat so the we can see some fish. In addition, we expect to do the stingray city snorkel trip (most likely through the hotel).

So, any other excursions we "shouldn't miss"?

Any restaurants that are especially kid friendly and closer to east end so we don't have to drive all the way to Georgetown? I saw a listing for Rowland's Garden and it sounded incredible but I am concerned about taking the little one there--any ideas?

Finally, any other suggestions for the trip? She did Curacao last year at 2 and we had a blast so we have an idea on how the flight and vacation time will be.

Thanks for your help--even for a non-diver like me. :blinking:

 

[marshallkarp]

We stayed at the Reef in June. Here is the video so you can get a lay of the land:

Grand Cayman Island Vacation 2008 on Vimeo

There is a Foster Express IGA just up the road. You will be able to buy necessities and cook and eat in your room and balcony. She will like the beach area and splashing in the ocean. Of course you can eat the Reef Resort outside bar or indoor Restaurant and the Lighthouse, and Portifinos. I think you need to be four to do the Atlantis submarine ride in Georgetown

Atlantis Adventures

I hope you all like to sight see. Georgetown is a very quaint tourist town.

Perhaps some others can give you advice on things to do with your little girl and family. When my family went my kids were a little older and were on the beach and in the water all day.

 

[greymutt]

I saw the video-thanks! The sub is age 4; the seaworld explorer thing is a boat where you walk down 8'--kinda like a glass bottom only its glass all around.

Good news on the grocery store being so close!

 

[nipi]

Georgetown is a very quaint tourist town.

Really?

 

[bridgediver]

We just got back from a Feb trip with our 3 year old (wife is non-diver too).

A beach and a pool were the most important for my girls and the reef will be great for that.

The turtle farm is a must-see. She still talks about it. Try to hit it when the cruise ship traffic is at a minimum and she'll be able to interact more.

Be cautious about stingray city. She did NOT like all these big dark shapes in the water bumping into her and her Mother - I had her completely out of the water on my shoulders - I'm talking hysterical! It was also quite wavy when we went so that probably made it worse.
The sailboat ride itself however was a big hit even after we left the scarry rays.

Georgetown was fun for both girls but keep a good handle on her obviously with the crowds/traffic. Lots of chickens to chase
They also have a pirate ship "tour" that runs out of georgetown harbour but be aware that they sometimes fire off a cannon - we didn't do that one.

There is also the Pirates Caves in Boddentown (about halfway to Georgetown) which looks like a tacky touristy type place with a petting zoo. We meant to go here but just ran out of time - again a large cruise ship crowd may limit your enjoyment so try to hit that one when the crowds are gone.

A little closer to the east end is a blow hole. Its nothing major and there was never anyone there but it could be worth an outing depending on how long you're there.

Allot of people seem to like the beach at Rum Point but I'd say the beach at the Reef is just as good if not better (I seen both and Rum point can be very crowded)


The most popular restaurants on the east end that we went to are the Lighthouse and Portofinos. Both are very accomodating for kids and the food is great but be aware that they are pricey there

hope that helps

 

[greymutt]

Thanks for all the great ideas and for the caution about the stingrays. Which charter did you use? Did they have life vests small enough for your daughter? We will plan on a good amount of time at the turtle farm.

 

[bridgediver]

Thats a good point. We went with Fantasea (Capatin Dexter) - awesome trip (not a booze cruise like allot of them can be) BUT he did not have proper child PFDs - I'm not sure if any of them do...

We always bring our own PFD for her wherever we go - thats the only way we can be certain of fit. So its a non-issue for us.
She uses it for allot of different things and they pack fairly small and light