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Tag Archives: Grand Cayman

Travel Plans for 2016

5 January 201622 July 2024

2016 is going to be another great year for travel. With close to 20 trips already planned and more in the works, I am excited that I will be venturing out into the world and experiencing fun, local trips across the state of Ohio.

With a Caribbean Cruise coming up, I will be working with tour operators and agents to maximize our time in each port.  I am most excited about this opportunity as I will be leading some  tours throughout the Caribbean over the summer and fall months of this year.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

The Harbor of St. Thomas

Some of the islands I will be visiting include:  Antigua/Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados (Bridgetown, West Side, St. James Parish Church, Malibu Rum Tour and Beach), Bermuda, Puerto Rico, St. Kitts, St. Lucia (Part 1 and Part 2), St. Maarten, and St. Thomas.

000 Stingrays, Grand Cayman

Snorkeling with Stingrays

I will also be making visits to Jamaica, Grand Cayman and the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico.

IMG_4932Sunset in Key West

Booked Travel in the US & Canada includes:  Key West, Tampa, and St. Augustine; Yosemite and the Pacific Coast Highway, Yellowstone and Glacier National Park (maybe); the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

Booked Travel Elsewhere includes:  London and Paris

I was hoping to hit Machu Picchu this year, but that did not work out with my current schedule, only because I want to hike the trail which would require a guide and a permit.

2011 Cincinnati Skyline (2)

Local Travel includes:  Exploring the neighborhoods and restaurants of Cincinnati (Hamilton and Butler Counties) as well as Covington, Kentucky, the Erie Islands and Cleveland.

Have you already booked your vacation for 2016 or made travel plans?  I would love to hear about your adventures for this year, so please leave a message in the comments section below.  Wishing you many  Happy Travels!

Disclosure:   Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information

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Stingray City, Grand Cayman’s #1 Excursion

4 August 201431 August 2024

The weather could not have been more perfect for our amazing excursion to Stingray City.  We arrived at the pier early to catch our tour boat taking us to the barrier reefs of the North Sound.  After a 25 minute ride, the boat anchored near a series of shallow sandbars. The snorkeling site was teaming with colorful fish and the infamous southern stingrays.

With our snorkeling equipment in hand, we disembarked into the sound.  Carefully shuffling our feet so that we did not step on the stingray’s barb, we arrived in the shallow waters measuring three to four feet deep.   Our guide had brought a pail of chummed squid meat for us to feed the stingrays.  We were instructed to hold our hands flat underwater so the stingray will try to “suck” the meat from our hands.   Before long, we were surrounded by nearly 50 stingrays ranging in various sizes, rubbing up against us with hopes of being fed.  These gentle giants were so friendly, we could pet them, feed them and take photos with them.

Stingrays are known to live 15 to 25 years and learned that several of the stingrays on our tour were regulars.  Some of the star stingrays in the group were “Ray Charles” and “Sugar Ray.”  I was most surprised at how unafraid they were of humans and that they were actually playful, rubbing up against us with their soft, slimy-feeling fins.

We enjoyed our 90 minute encounter with these amazing sea creatures which was such an amazing, educational experience.   If you visit the island of Grand Cayman, Stingray City is a must.

Have you visited Stingray City in Grand Cayman?  What did you think of your experience?  I would love to hear what you thought about snorkeling with stingrays if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about my amazing experience at Stingray City and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Stingray City Cayman Islands
31026 Seven Mile Beach
Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman
Cayman Islands KY1-1205
Telephone: 345 322 3400

Visit the website for a number of excursions that include a trip to Stingray City.

Where to Stay:

Sunshine Suites Resort
1465 Esterley Tibbetts Highway
Seven Mile Beach
Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands KY1-1201
Telephone: 877 780 1110

Where to Eat:

Bacaro
Yacht Drive, West Bay
Grand Cayman, KY1-9006
Cayman Islands
Telephone: 345 749 4800

I could not resist the Salumi e Formaggi Platter assorted cured meats and gourmet cheese, olives, dried figs, nuts and homemade crackers and ended my night with a chocolate martini.

What to Eat:

  • Caymanian Fruit Cake: Very similar to the Christmas fruit cakes made in the US, Grand Cayman also makes its own fruit cake with local fruit soaked in rum.
  • Coconut Shrimp: Grand Cayman uses fresh shaved coconut for this lovely appetizer, giving the dish an irresistible flavor.
  • Conch Stew: Conch is a popular ingredient in many dishes on the island of Grand Cayman. The stew includes this sea snail cooked with tomatoes, island herbs and Cayman peppers adding some heat to the stew.
  • Fish Rundown: Grand Cayman’s fish rundown is unique to the island made from chunks of local fish or salt beef, coconut milk and local spices. The stew can either contain plantain, dumplings or breadfruit, this is a seafood dish you won’t want to miss.
  • Heavy Cake: Considered the national cake of the island, the heavy cake is made from cassava (tapioca) flour which comes from a root grown on the island. Based on a 200 year old recipe, the moist, dense cake is very sweet and is usually flavored with the spices cinnamon and nutmeg.
  • Johnny Cakes (Fritters): Made from unleavened dough, the Johnny Cake is sweetened, baked and then fried as an outstanding appetizer.
  • Mudslide: A cocktail made with vodka, coffee-flavored liqueur, and Irish cream. Often times it is topped with whipped cream from a can.
  • Turtle Stew: Turtle stew, the national dish of the Cayman Islands, is a popular staple on many restaurant menus and the locals use farm raised turtles as its main ingredient. Order a side of rice and plantains to complete the experience.

What to Read: 

  • The Firm by John Grisham
  • Founded Upon the Seas:  A History of the Cayman Islands by Michael Craton
  • The Cayman Islands by Hans Hanau
  • Cayman Cowboys by Eric Douglas

Photo Guide for Grand Cayman:

  • Cayman Crystal Caves:  stalagmites and stalactites; a great place to cool off during the summer
  • Rum Point:  beautiful shades of blue ocean and the directional sign
  • Seven Mile Beach:  pristine white sand for miles
  • Smith Cove: for its crystal clear water
  • Stingray City:  above or below water, you can capture some amazing photos of the tame, super-friendly stingrays
  • Sunset over the Edge Cafe:  amazing sunsets from this restaurant and bar

Disclosure:   Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

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Postcards from Hell, Grand Cayman

31 July 201431 August 2024

Our plane touched down on the island of Grand Cayman where the weather was a balmy 80 degrees in January of 1997.  Traveling with my friend Cheryl, we were excited to pick up our rental car, check into our hotel on Seven Mile Beach and begin exploring the island,  most known for its spectacular diving.

Located 480 miles south of Miami, Grand Cayman is one of three of the Cayman Islands which is a popular cruise ship port for the Western Caribbean itineraries.  I had visited here while working for the cruise lines and longed for its laid back atmosphere, friendly stingrays and beautiful white sand beaches.

After checking into our hotel, we didn’t waste time exploring the island starting with a visit to Hell.  Staying on Seven Mile Beach, we drove north until we reached the island’s West Bay.

The attraction was surprisingly small, but since it was free, we followed the boardwalk towards acres of black-covered limestone formations.  The rocks appeared to have been scorched from a raging fire,  leaving an eerie landscape resembling a Biblical apocalypse.

Hell’s owner, Ivan Farrington was well known by the locals as he became famous for wearing a devil costume at the site.  Visitors could pose for photos with the  “Devil in Hell”, a picture perfect opportunity.

UPDATE:  As of spring of 2019, Ivan is selling his geological attraction of Hell for an outstanding eight million dollars.  Any takers?

Hell was really not much to write home about, but we thought it would be fun to send a postcard back to family and friends from the post office.  We browsed the gift shop, posted our cards and decided to drive back to the hotel.

We found The Cracked Conch, a nearby restaurant where we dined on unbelievable seafood.  After dinner, we decided to enjoy the pool before a big day of adventure tomorrow.  We planned to wake up early and drive towards the east of the island to explore its interesting attractions and shoreline views, so we will be needing a great night’s sleep.

Have you visited Grand Cayman’s West Bay town of Hell?  I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.   Many thanks for reading about my throwback visit to Grand Cayman and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Devil’s Hangout
Hell Road, West Bay
Hell, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
Telephone:  +345 949 3358

Where to Stay:

Sunshine Suites Resort
1465 Esterley Tibbetts Highway
Seven Mile Beach
Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands KY1-1201
Telephone: 877 780 1110

Where to Eat:

Cracked Conch
847 North West Point, Road, West Bay
Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands KY1-1201
Telephone: 345 945 5217

This award-winning restaurant is located on the West Bay of Grand Cayman offering fresh seafood (namely conch) with spectacular oceanfront views. Order the outstanding conch ceviche, followed by the Pan Seared Snapper served with creamy chorizo, local cho cho, Madagascar beans and tomato vinaigrette. Save room for the Guava Glazed Bread & Butter Pudding!  You won’t believe their amazing liquor selection.

What to Eat:

  • Caymanian Fruit Cake: Very similar to the Christmas fruit cakes made in the US, Grand Cayman also makes its own fruit cake with local fruit soaked in rum.
  • Coconut Shrimp: Grand Cayman uses fresh shaved coconut for this lovely appetizer, giving the dish an irresistible flavor.
  • Conch Stew: Conch is a popular ingredient in many dishes on the island of Grand Cayman. The stew includes this sea snail cooked with tomatoes, island herbs and Cayman peppers adding some heat to the stew.
  • Fish Rundown: Grand Cayman’s fish rundown is unique to the island made from chunks of local fish or salt beef, coconut milk and local spices. The stew can either contain plantain, dumplings or breadfruit, this is a seafood dish you won’t want to miss.
  • Heavy Cake: Considered the national cake of the island, the heavy cake is made from cassava (tapioca) flour which comes from a root grown on the island. Based on a 200 year old recipe, the moist, dense cake is very sweet and is usually flavored with the spices cinnamon and nutmeg.
  • Johnny Cakes (Fritters): Made from unleavened dough, the Johnny Cake is sweetened, baked and then fried as an outstanding appetizer.
  • Mudslide: A cocktail made with vodka, coffee-flavored liqueur, and Irish cream. Often times it is topped with whipped cream from a can.
  • Turtle Stew: Turtle stew, the national dish of the Cayman Islands, is a popular staple on many restaurant menus and the locals use farm raised turtles as its main ingredient. Order a side of rice and plantains to complete the experience.

What to Read: 

  • The Firm by John Grisham
  • Founded Upon the Seas:  A History of the Cayman Islands by Michael Craton
  • The Cayman Islands by Hans Hanau
  • Cayman Cowboys by Eric Douglas

Photo Guide for Grand Cayman

  • Cayman Crystal Caves:  stalagmites and stalactites; a great place to cool off during the summer
  • Rum Point:  beautiful shades of blue ocean and the directional sign
  • Seven Mile Beach:  pristine white sand for miles
  • Smith Cove: for its crystal clear water
  • Stingray City:  above or below water, you can capture some amazing photos of the tame, super-friendly stingrays
  • Sunset over the Edge Cafe:  amazing sunsets from this restaurant and bar

Disclosure:   Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

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An Afternoon Drive Along the South Coast of Grand Cayman

24 July 201431 August 2024

Another spectacular day on the island of Grand Cayman, so my friend Cheryl and I hopped in our rental car for an afternoon drive.  Traveling from the West Bay, we headed towards our first stop, Pedro St. James, about a 30 minute journey from Seven Mile Beach.

We arrived in Bodden Town at Pedro St. James Historic Site where we parked the car and began the short trek to the attraction.  Also known as Pedro’s Castle, the home had been eerily abandoned and was in its first phase of restoration.  We were hoping to learn more about the history of plantation life in Grand Cayman and made the decision to explore this fabulous residence.

Dating back to the 18th century, the Great House is considered the oldest surviving structure on the island.  The three-story home, reinforced by 18-inch thick stone, was owned by wealthy Englishman, William Eden.  Once a working 7-acre farm, the colorful estate sits atop a limestone cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea.  It is easy to imagine fields of yams,  cassava and plantains.  It was here in 1835 where Jamaican Governor Sligo read the Declaration of Emancipation, freeing the African slaves living throughout the British colonies.

We decided to explore the house and climbed to the third floor veranda to take in the beautiful view of the spectacular turquoise shoreline.   As we strolled the property, we were surprised to learn that the “English Castle” was not yet open to the public. The government had just purchased the property in 1991 (we were visiting in 1997) to restore the old stone manor and its English gardens.

Today, Pedro St. James Historic Site is complete with memorabilia, antiques and period furniture.  The comfortable theater presents an interactive video providing a historical account of the site.  The 20-minute audio-visual runs hourly starting at 10AM with the final show beginning at 4PM.  In addition to touring the estate and gardens, the attraction includes a stamp room, a hurricane Ivan memorial and a self-guided rum tour with rum tastings included.

A ten minute drive from St. Pedro are the Pirates Caves.  Sitting atop a hill, it was here where buccaneers were said to have hidden their plunder in a series of caverns.  A great, family-friendly attraction, grown-ups and children alike can hunt for the buried treasure of infamous pirates such as Blackbeard, Edward Low and local swashbuckler, Roy Bodden. Installed lights within the caves make the venue a more appropriate excursion for families with small children. While legend claims the loot remains within the caves, it has not yet been discovered.

Today, visitors can explore the caves on a self-guided tour.  Aspiring trailblazers can don a helmet with a light attached and grab a flashlight to authenticate the experience, reveling in their adventurous fantasy.  Fruit bats living in the caves and legendary ghosts said to protect the buried treasure add a level of intrigue to the quest for riches beyond belief.

Our pursuit to locate a pirate’s booty was unsuccessful, so we drove further east towards the blowholes on the southeast side of the island.  We couldn’t resist the short drive to relax along the seashore and watch the waves crash along the craggy coast.  We stepped out of the car, walked among the rocks and felt the salty spray misting our faces.  Searching for hermit crabs and starfish, we enjoyed exploring the shallow pools before ending our day at Morgan’s Seafood Restaurant on Seven Mile Beach.  With an abundance of seafood and tropical drinks, I could not imagine ending the day in a more spectacular way.

Have you visited Grand Cayman? Did you venture out past Seven Mile Beach and George Town?  I would love to hear about your experience if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for reading about my “throwback” visit to Grand Cayman and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Pedro St. James Historic Site
Pedro Castle Road
Savannah, KY1-1501
Cayman Islands
Telephone:  345 947 3329

  • Admission Fee for Self Guided Tours:  Adults:  CI $10; Children (ages 6 – 12):  CI $5 and Children (0-5):  Free Admission Fee for Guided Tours:   Adults:  CI $15; Children (ages 6 – 12): CI $5 and Children (0-5):  Free
  • Hours:  Open daily from 8:30AM to 5PM; closed Christmas Day and Good Friday
  •  Amenities:  Theater, Wedding Venue, Stamp Room, Rum Tastings, Hurricane Ivan Memorial
  •  Guided Tours:  Self-guided and guided tours available (see Admission Fee information)
  • Length of Visit:  1 – 2 hours
  • Tips for Your Visit:  For a more memorable experience, book the guided tour.  One of the guides is a descendant of the original owner.  Although the house is open until 5PM, visitors must arrive before 4PM to view the amazing video.

Underground Pirates Caves
281 Bodden Town Road
Bodden Town, KY1-1501
Telephone:  345 929 2520
Email: cindy@piratescaves.ky or ian@piratescaves.ky

  • Admission Fee:  Adults:  CI $15; Children (ages 0 – 11)
  • Hours:  Open only by reservation;  contact Cindy or Ian by email or telephone
  •  Amenities:  Gift shop, Pirates Eatery, Rescue Animals
  • Length of Visit:  1 – 2 hours
  • Tips for Your Visit:  Wear tennis shoes because the caves can be slippery.  Advanced reservations must be made by contacting Cindy or Ian by email or phone (provided above).

Where to Stay:

Sunshine Suites Resort
1465 Esterley Tibbetts Highway
Seven Mile Beach
Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands KY1-1201
Telephone: 877 780 1110

Where to Eat:

Morgans Seafood Restaurant
Governors Creek Cayman Islands
Yacht Club, Grand Cayman
Cayman Islands
Telephone:  345 946 7049

I started with the Tomato & Mozzarella appetizer and ordered the Fresh Mixed Seafood Risotto which was absolutely divine.  We ordered a bottle of Veuve Clicquot to celebrate our vacation!

What to Eat:

  • Caymanian Fruit Cake: Very similar to the Christmas fruit cakes made in the US, Grand Cayman also makes its own fruit cake with local fruit soaked in rum.
  • Coconut Shrimp: Grand Cayman uses fresh shaved coconut for this lovely appetizer, giving the dish an irresistible flavor.
  • Conch Stew: Conch is a popular ingredient in many dishes on the island of Grand Cayman. The stew includes this sea snail cooked with tomatoes, island herbs and Cayman peppers adding some heat to the stew.
  • Fish Rundown: Grand Cayman’s fish rundown is unique to the island made from chunks of local fish or salt beef, coconut milk and local spices. The stew can either contain plantain, dumplings or breadfruit, this is a seafood dish you won’t want to miss.
  • Heavy Cake: Considered the national cake of the island, the heavy cake is made from cassava (tapioca) flour which comes from a root grown on the island. Based on a 200 year old recipe, the moist, dense cake is very sweet and is usually flavored with the spices cinnamon and nutmeg.
  • Johnny Cakes (Fritters): Made from unleavened dough, the Johnny Cake is sweetened, baked and then fried as an outstanding appetizer.
  • Mudslide: A cocktail made with vodka, coffee-flavored liqueur, and Irish cream. Often times it is topped with whipped cream from a can.
  • Turtle Stew: Turtle stew, the national dish of the Cayman Islands, is a popular staple on many restaurant menus and the locals use farm raised turtles as its main ingredient. Order a side of rice and plantains to complete the experience.

What to Read: 

  • The Firm by John Grisham
  • Founded Upon the Seas:  A History of the Cayman Islands by Michael Craton
  • The Cayman Islands by Hans Hanau
  • Cayman Cowboys by Eric Douglas

Photo Guide for Grand Cayman:

  • Cayman Crystal Caves:  stalagmites and stalactites; a great place to cool off during the summer
  • Rum Point:  beautiful shades of blue ocean and the directional sign
  • Seven Mile Beach:  pristine white sand for miles
  • Smith Cove: for its crystal clear water
  • Stingray City:  above or below water, you can capture some amazing photos of the tame, super-friendly stingrays
  • Sunset over the Edge Cafe:  amazing sunsets from this restaurant and bar

Disclosure:   Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

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About Me!

I have had a passion to travel for as long as I can remember and landed my dream job at the age of 19 on a cruise ship. The Suite Life of Travel is about those experiences as well as my future endeavor to explore this amazing world!

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