Pedro St. James Castle

 The historic site, Pedro St. James, is located in Savannah, Grand Cayman and is open 9am to 5pm daily. The multi-sensory multimedia show starts on the hour from 10am to 4pm. Admission is US$10 for adults, free for children under 12 with parent. Call (345) 947 3329.

Hell

This site is made up of calcareous rock a million years old that has been blackened by fungus over time leading to it being named Hell! There is a post office there where you can buy a postcard and it will be mailed with the postmark HELL. There are also souvenir shops to buy touristy t-shirts, bumper stickers and memorabilia all with the HELL motif.

Stingray City and the Sandbar

Over the years Stingray City (written up in National Geographic) has become a major attraction for visitors to the Island. There are actually two sites: Stingray City where divers swim in 20 ft. of water with stingrays, and the Sandbar where people can walk in waist-deep water. It is a wonderful experience standing in waist-deep water having nearly four-foot (in diameter) stingrays rubbing your legs and arms with their soft underbellies, begging for their favourite food – squid – which you feed them by hand.

 As long as you do not lift the rays out of the water, stand on them (i.e. watch where you tread) and treat them with respect they are completely safe. Contact local dive operators for more information on trips.

Boatswain’s Beach

(New Home of the Turtle Farm)

Boatswain’s Beach, the new home of the Turtle Farm on Grand Cayman, is one of the greatest success stories of an endangered species being raised in captivity. Since 1980, the farm has released over 29,000 turtles back into the sea to help replenish the wild population. The farm is home to over 16,000 sea turtles, ranging in size from six ounces to 600 pounds each, as well as many other species in the new facilities.

 The Turtle Farm is a modern-day reminder of Cayman’s history: when Christopher Columbus first discovered the Islands in 1503 he named them “Las Tortugas” meaning “The Turtles”. According to legend, there were so many turtles that the Islands looked like they were covered with rocks. (For more information see the Activities for Kids chapter)

Beaches

There are numerous wonderful beaches on Grand Cayman. There is the famous Seven Mile Beach that runs the length of the western side of the Island north of George Town. Popular spots along this length of beach include: Governor’s Beach, located adjacent to the Governor’s House (next door to the Westin), Public Beach just south of the Courtyard Marriott, which has colourful, painted cabanas for shade, public toilets and a children’s play area, and a little further north, Cemetery Beach is another popular area. At Cemetery Beach, the snorkelling is about a five minute swim off-shore and is some of the best on Seven Mile Beach.

 Many districts now have public beaches – West Bay, Spotts, Bodden Town, East End and North Side. Rum Point, on the North Side, is well suited to families. It has shallow water, a restaurant and bar, plenty of sun loungers, hammocks and shade.

 A particular favourite of the editor’s is Spotts beach – it can be quite deserted and though the walk along the beach is relatively short, it is beautiful.

 On the other side of George Town, just beyond the Grand Old House restaurant, is Smith’s Cove. This is a small public beach with lots of shade, picnic benches and good snorkelling. It is a lovely place to watch the sunset.

Helicopter Rides

A great way to explore the Island, get a feel for its size, and orient yourself is to take a helicopter ride with Jerome Begot. He owns and runs Cayman Islands Helicopters, Tel: (345) 943 4354 and has resident rates of CI$80 per person (20 min) and CI$220 per person (50 min, full island).

Motorcycle Rides

Enjoy great scenery, beautiful weather and fascinating sights while riding motorcycles. Try Tel: (345) 943 8699 or (345) 927 8500 and get a 10% local discount. For scooters, call Island Scooter Rentals (345) 949 2046.

Cultural Activities

MUSEUMS

Cayman Islands National Museum

At the time of going to print, the Cayman Islands National Museum is under repairs following Hurricane Ivan. The Museum is expected to re-open during the first quarter of 2008.

 The National Museum, overlooking George Town harbour, has been housed since 1990 in one of the most historically significant buildings in the whole of Cayman. Once the old Courts building, the Museum evolved into one of the most important attractions on the Island. Permanent displays of our Natural and Cultural Histories were linked by hallways proudly portraying Cayman’s heritage through artefacts, displays, artwork and murals, while changing exhibits kept the subject matter fresh and interesting. The museum’s Visitor Orientation Centre played video and slide presentations on the hour, every hour, while the special interactive Children’s Gallery was full of creative ways for youngsters to experience the past ‘hands-on’!

 A larger interactive attraction was offered on the last Thursday of each month: The roads around the Museum were closed off, tents were erected, and the festivities would begin. An array of local arts and crafts were featured, e.g. thatch plaiting, rope, net and kite making, along with Cayman folk music and ‘steel pan’, storytelling, dancing and mouth-watering local food specialties like whelk, conch, turtle and lobster. Dates for your diary should include International Museum Day (an annual May celebration), the Museum’s anniversary in November, not forgetting the spectacle of the Governor being taken prisoner from the steps during the Pirates’ Week festivities.

The Mission House

Located at 63 Gun Square in Bodden Town, this historic site includes a traditional Caymanian home situated on an area of dry and wetland frequented by a variety of local wildlife. This site is known to have been utilised in the 1700s by early settlers for its abundant waterfowl and supply of fresh water. Shards of glass and ceramics found on site from this time are on display. The house rose to prominence in the 1800’s and became knows as the “Mission House” to early missionaries, teachers and families who lived and contributed to establishing the Presbyterian ministry and school in Bodden Town. The Mission House takes you back to an earlier time in Cayman’s history by recreating the living situations of the three families known to have owned the home. As your guide leads you through each of the rooms, you will see many of the genuine artefacts owned by the Watler family who lived there for 77 years. A real sense of family is evident in the home as well as many opportunities to understand the challenges faced by the early missionaries and teachers in Cayman. The Mission House also houses a small resource room and a display from the C.I. National Museum. One can purchase children’s toys and refreshments, as well as locally made craft pieces. Opening hours are 9am to 5.30pm, Tuesday to Saturday. Admission is CI$5 for adults and CI$2.50 for children. Call (345) 947 5805 or email dbodden@nationaltrust.org.ky for more information.

MUSIC

Cayman National Choir & Orchestra

Tel: (345) 916 4782

Musical Director: Sue Horrocks

Email: musicroomcayman@yahoo.com

NOTE: If you are looking for a band, try the Cayman Music & Entertainment Association on www.caymanmusic.ky. For more information on the National Choir and Orchestra see the Social Life chapter.

CULTURAL, EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMES & EXHIBITIONS

The National Gallery of the Cayman Islands

Nestled in Harbour Place in George Town, the 1,200 square foot National Gallery is a dynamic and inspirational non-profit organisation. They host local and international exhibitions approximately eight times a year, and occasionally have shows at the enchanting Grand Old House Restaurant. Admission is free to the public Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm and 11am to 4pm on Saturdays, although donations are always gratefully received. In fact, Americans can receive tax credit for any donations given. Membership ranges from CI$25 for individual/student to CI$1,000 for corporate sponsorship and the Gallery runs an active volunteer programme. If you have a few hours a week or just a few hours a month and are interested in joining the artistic community in Cayman, do contact the Gallery, volunteers are always welcome. The Gallery runs a wealth of first-rate community programmes such as Inside Art for prisoners, Art Magnet for middle school kids needing a creative outlet for their energies and Art Zone for high school kids. Public slide shows, lectures and Art Flix run in conjunction with current exhibitions, and the Gallery houses an art library open to all Gallery members, a permanent collection and a gift shop stocking fine art supplies. The National Gallery Education Centre is located at #5 Baytown Plaza (formerly Merren’s Plaza, opposite the Wharf Restaurant). There is so much more one could say about the National Gallery – their Art @ Governor’s in January, Chalkfest and ECO art party in April, Sand Sculpture in November and fundraising events throughout the year – but you will have to find out for yourself. Visit the National Gallery at or email nat.gal@candw.ky. They also have a cineclub showing world movies every second and fourth Monday of the month; free for members, $5 for non-members.
There are also local artists who open their studios to the public to observe and buy their work. For more information call the National Gallery on (345) 945 8111.

The National Trust

The National Trust has monthly activities which will not only teach you a great deal about the Cayman Islands, but will provide a great way to meet other people and make friends. Things they have on offer include a mangrove boat tour where you explore the forests of the Central Mangrove Wetlands; a guided tour of the Blue Iguana Recovery Programme facility (a National Trust programme run from the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park); traditional Caymanian cooking classes where a local celebrity chef demonstrates the art of preparing traditional Caymanian dishes; a lecture series on terrestrial and marine topics relating to the Cayman Islands. Also available are daily guided tours of the Mission House – a replica of the original Caymanian house from the 1800’s. They also offer privately guided historical and nature walking tours, bat watching and cultural classes. Additionally, there are numerous fundraising activities throughout the year. For a calendar of events check in the local newspaper. Alternatively, give them a call on (345) 949 0121. For more information on the National Trust you can visit them at the National Trust headquarters in the South Sound Dart Park. There is a gift shop open daily and staff on hand to offer free advice about the history and environment of the Cayman Islands. Opening hours are Monday to Friday, 9am–5.30 pm.

Cayman Drama Society

The Cayman Drama Society presents a play or musical at approximately two month intervals at its Prospect Playhouse. Production standards are very high and presentations range from comedy and farce through to drama and musicals. The society welcomes new members and offers something for everyone from acting to production and direction, and from set design to construction, decoration, properties and costume. From time to time members enjoy social events such as car-based treasure hunts, improvisation nights and other forms of in-house entertainment. For information call Paul de Freitas on (345) 916 6331, pdf@canw.ky.

Cinemas

Hollywood Theaters at Camana Bay is a state-of-the-art, six screen, 900-seat stadium seating cinema, located at the entrance to Jasmine Court in Camana Bay which will be opening November 2007. There are staggered show times from 12 noon. They show the latest motion pictures in par with US launch dates, with no intermission. There are dedicated seating areas and facilities for wheelchair users and on-line ticket purchasing at www.gohollywood.com. As Camana Bay develops it is anticipated that the surrounding shops will open late, with restaurants, bars and coffee shops close by. The other cinema complex is located in the Marquee Plaza on Lawrence Boulevard, just off West Bay Road. Call 949 4011 for their weekly schedule. It is a 2-screen cinema, showing two films per week each with a 10 minute intermission half way through the movie (except on Mondays). On Tuesdays you can get two tickets for the price of one – CI$10. There are also children’s matinees held on weekends. Finally, we recommend you take a sweater or jersey with you as for some reason, the cinema’s air-conditioning can be set a little lower than is really comfortable – this is probably the only time you will need anything warm in Cayman!

Sports Activities

You might have noticed that jogging and running are very popular in Cayman. This might seem a little strange particularly as it is so hot and humid. You will soon find though that a lot of your new-found friends participate in all sorts of running, cycling and swimming events. It is, if nothing else, a great way to stay in shape and good for the community, as many of the events are organised to raise money for local charities. So, if you are tempted to participate in one of these events, call Jerry Harper at the Phoenix Athletic Club on 945 3970 (contact him for most sporting events on the Island, to find out what is going on and when it is happening).

 Don’t worry if you are not super fit. People of all abilities join in. The purpose is to meet and have fun and perhaps win a prize or two. There are over 33 sporting associations and many one-off sporting events year round.

Badminton

The Island also has a Badminton Association; the main contact is Chris Cole on (345) 925 3620 or caybadm@yahoo.com. They play 3 nights a week on 3 courts at Cayman Prep School on Walkers Road. All visitors and levels of players are welcome with non-marking shoes. Some rackets are available. There is a nightly or yearly membership fee.

Baseball

Male and female adult leagues take place Monday to Thursday at 8.30pm. Seasons are split into two – February to July and September to December. Volunteers are always needed. The address is: Field of Dreams, Fairbanks Road (behind the George Hicks Middle School). Call them on (345) 916 5643 or (345) 945 3553, or for more information email littleleague@candw.ky.

Cricket

There is a talented cricket team that plays in the local league called the “Village Greenies”. They are always on the look out for new recruits. The Greenies have a team in both the 1st grade and the 2nd grade competition. The season runs from January to June with some pre-season in December. It is a very social club and a great place to meet people. If you are interested in playing, remember to bring your cricket gear and contact Scott Watson when you arrive on (345) 916 4680. For the official cricket league call the CI Cricket Association on (345) 945 6447 or email cicaadmin@candw.ky

Cycling & Spinning

Cyclists meet at the Grand Harbour shopping centre in Red Bay most Sunday mornings at 6.30am (call to check location and time). The average pace is between 15–18 miles per hour. The group is made up of a mixture of cyclists and triathletes. They cycle between 20 and 40 miles. Tel: 323 0946 or www.cycling.com. There are also spinning classes (indoor cycling) at Revolutions, and “events”, such as the 2-hour “Tour de France” class, are scheduled throughout the year. They are located at Barnett Music Centre (next to the Red Cross). There are early morning, early evening and lunch hour classes, Monday through Saturday. With a monthly membership, prices vary from CI$12.50 to $15 for each class. If you prefer to drop-in, classes will cost CI$16 each. Email revolutionscayman@hotmail.com for class availability and to get monthly updates or call Jerome on 516 2453. World Gym (Tel: (345) 949 5132) and Kings Sports Centre (Tel: (345) 949 0555) both offer 60-minute group riding classes.

Dance

Miss Jackie’s School of Dance (Tel: (345) 949 7296) offers adult dance classes in a number of styles. These include flamenco, modern, social ballroom dancing, belly dancing, line dancing, jazz, jive/rock and roll and salsa.

  Roger Thompson offers beginners and intermediates salsa classes to burn fat and whip yourself into shape. Eight sessions cost CI$100 or you can do individual classes for CI$20. They are located at #7 Cayman Centre (across from the Airport Post Office). Tel: (345) 925 0494 or (345) 323 7223. Lessons also occur at Café Med Restaurant on West Bay Road, every Thursday at 9pm and on Tuesday nights at 9.15pm at the Wharf Restaurant.

Football/Soccer

The Cayman Islands Football Association currently administrates a number of tournaments and leagues per year. Senior men’s and women’s seasons are from September to May.

Details for the CI Football Association:

Truman Bodden Sports Complex

Off Walkers Road, George Town

Tel: (345) 949 5775 Fax: (345) 945 7673

Email: info@caymanfootball.ky

Adult Tournaments:

CIFA Foster’s National League

CIFA Men’s FA Cup

CIFA Simon Robshaw – CAYTECH Women’s League

CIFA Women’s FA Cup

CIFA Digicel Cayman Cup

Summer Tournaments:

CIFA U-23 Youth League

CIFA Masters League

Individuals can register with one of the existing registered member clubs. The teams are friendly and welcome new players. However, rules of the association govern the number of players and the type of players which a member club can register.

Golf Courses

Britannia

This is a 9 hole, par 35 course that can be played as an 18 hole, par 70 course. The course was designed by Jack Nicklaus and is part of the Hyatt Regency Hotel. A variety of memberships are available. Please contact the course PGA professional for more details Tel: (345) 949 1234 or pro Dave Johnson on (345) 926 8825. Children under 12 play for free with parents.

North Sound Club

Formerly called the Links at Safehaven, this golf course has just been bought (October 2007) and membership incorporates the Ritz Carlton Blue Tip golf course. Membership details are available on www.northsoundclub.ky. This is an 18 hole, par 71 golf course.

Ritz-Carlton

This is a 9 hole, par 36 course, which offers five sets of tees for varied play. This course is only open to guests of the hotel and Ritz Residence owners. Tel: (345) 943 9000.

Gaelic Football

Due to a relatively strong Irish contingent, Gaelic Football has emerged as a popular sport in Cayman, with several men’s and women’s teams forming a league and the Cayman Gaelic Football Club. The league runs from January to June, with training beginning in November. There are also Mixed 10’s Tournaments in October and January. Tel: (345) 914 8936 (Howard Byrne). Email: caymangaelic@gmail.com

Gymnastics

Motions Unlimited is a serious gymnastics operation. They have 9,500 square feet of air-conditioned gym space with men’s and women’s Olympic apparatus, an Australian string bed trampoline and a 40ft. ‘tumble trak’. Adult classes include: Stretch and Conditioning and Adult Tumbling, Tuesdays and Thursdays 5.30 to7.30pm. For more information call (345) 749 8365.

Gyms

Gym facilities are widely available and are spread around George Town. Annual memberships start at CI$250.

 All gyms provide the usual weight training areas and fitness machines along with certified instructors. You will also find good fitness classes being held throughout the day, starting at 5am.

Fitness Connection

Tel: (345) 949 8485

Located in the heart of South Sound, is a family fitness and aquatic facility. They offer a number of adult, group fitness classes including water aerobics, pilates and yoga as well as personal training sessions.

World Gym

Tel: (345) 949 5132

Located in the Largatos Building off Seven Mile Beach (formerly the Islander Complex), they offer group fitness classes, personal training, steam room, free weights and free motion equipment.

Curves

Tel: (345) 946 7546

A gym exclusively for women located at Grand Harbour and at the Strand.

Revolution Indoor Cycling

Tel: (345) 516 2453

Located next to the Red Cross Building in George Town.

Powerhouse Gym (at King’s Sports Centre)

Tel: (345) 946 5464

Located near Grand Harbour in Red Bay. It offers 2 squash courts, studio and aerobic classes, indoor hockey/spinning, basketball, a multipurpose ring, indoor football/basketball, rollerskating, karate, Jiu Jitsu, dance, nutritional centre and steam rooms. They are open Monday to Thursday 5am to 10pm, Fridays up to 9pm, Saturday and Sunday 8am to 5pm, Public Holidays from 10am to 4pm.

King’s Express Gym

Located at Treasure Island Resort, (SMB). Open 6am to 9pm Monday to Friday, Saturday and Sunday 8am to 5pm. Their annual membership includes aerobic classes at King’s Sports Centre.

BodySculptor Fitness Centre

Tel: (345) 746 3432 or (345) 939 5288

Besides a normal gym, they also offer a 12-week weight-loss programme for women 200lbs plus and 4-week Women’s and Men’s Adventure Boot camps, with early morning, evening and a free Saturday class for residents at 7am.

The Studio Hypoxi

Tel: (345) 769 7555

Located at Galleria Plaza, offers a combination of treadmill exercising with a special “vacuum diving suit” to burn localised fat. If you are looking to lose weight from problem areas then this revolutionary new body reshaping therapy is for you.

Note: If you are looking for personal training sessions, consider contacting one of these personal trainers: Laura Ribbons ((345) 949 8485), Agueda Broderick ((345) 926 0856), Jennifer LaGrande ((345) 926 5681), Trina Gillis (928 8192) or Jeanna Cullinane ((345) 946 7354) at Mobile Fitness Solutions. Private sessions normally start at CI$60 per hour. Alternatively, contact one of the gyms previously mentioned.

Horseback Riding

Organised beach rides can be arranged for 1.5 hours for US$50 per person for residents with a maximum group of 11. Trips take place around one of West Bay’s deserted beaches and include a gallop along the beach. Try Nicki’s Beach Rides (Tel: (345) 945 5839), Pampered Ponies (Tel: (345) 945 2262) or Coral Stone Stables Beach & Trail Rides (Tel: (345) 947 2323).

Kite Surfing

A favoured spot for kiting is Barkers Beach in West Bay. For local and regional information and also to buy used equipment check www.westindieskiteboarding.com.

Martial Arts

Purple Dragon School of Martial Arts, in the Largatos Building on Lawrence Boulevard, runs adult classes in Don Jitsu Ryu and self-defense (Tel: (345) 946 1241). Kings Sports Centre on Crewe Road offers WADO Karate (call (345) 928 3366 for info) and DOJO Ju-jitsu (check Guglielmo at (345) 917 6413 or guglijitsusensei@hotmail.com). There are also evening taekwondo classes with Master Graham at Cayman Prep School (Tel: (345) 916 5425).

Netball

The Netball Season usually runs from early November to June with pre-season practise sessions starting in September. There are over one thousand children and adults (mostly women) in the various leagues, teams, clubs and rallies. Qualified umpires are encouraged to join the umpire’s pool. New members are always welcome. Contact the Netball Association through Lucille Seymour on (345) 916 4842 or Norma Ferryman at (345) 946 7566.

Rugby

The Cayman Islands Rugby Football Union has its own pitch and clubhouse on South Sound Road and games are played most Saturdays and on weekends between September and June. There is men’s, women’s and junior rugby. Adult training is held twice a week, with a full time coach to coordinate and to coach players and teams. Junior rugby training is held on Saturday mornings at 8.30am from September to April. Specific events are also staged at the club, including the Heineken Rugby Sevens tournament in February, which invites teams from neighbouring islands to compete against local teams. There is also a summer touch league from June to September. Tel: (345) 949 7960 (club)/ (345) 916 7937 (Coach Richard Adams).

Running

Grand Cayman offers opportunities for people of all abilities from county or state standard runners to happy Sunday afternoon joggers.

 Regular competitive running events are held, from 1-mile road races to a marathon. There is usually something on each month, and you have the added benefit of a chance to win a “spot prize” just for competing. These can range from airline tickets to a fridge magnet – well worth entering!

 If you want to join a running club, the Hash House Harriers meet on Monday evenings, usually somewhere in South Sound. Contact Stephen Porter on (345) 326 3252 for more details.

Squash

Cayman has a good squash club (South Sound Squash Club) with a coach who can help fine-tune your game. (Tel: (345) 949 9469) The club features 7 fully air-conditioned courts, which can be booked from 7am to 11pm, Monday to Saturday and until 10pm on Sunday.

There are also two courts at the Kings Sports Centre (Tel: (345) 946 5464). A court can be hired for 60 minutes at a time for CI$10 per person. Book well in advance as popular times get booked up.

Swimming

If you enjoy recreational swimming, most of the condominium complexes have pools.

 For more competitive swim training sessions, you might like to try the Masters Swim Squad which meets at the Lions training pool (25m) from 6.15pm–7.00pm on Mondays and 6pm–7pm on Thursdays. Lanes are graded to cater to swimmers of various abilities and fitness levels. The cost is CI$3 per session and all are welcome. For more information, please contact the Cayman Islands Amateur Swimming Association at ciasaboard@gmail.com. Fitness Connection also offers swimming lessons to triathletes wanting to perfect their stroke and to adult non-swimmers afraid of the water and wanting to learn to swim.

 Competitive sea swims also take place throughout the year, with distances ranging from 800m to 10km. The Flowers’ 1 Mile Sea Swim is held every year in mid-June and has become highly popular. Typically over 500 people take part and lots of amazing prizes are available! You can call Peter MacKay at the Cayman Islands Amateur Swimming Association (CIASA) on (345) 949 7966 for more information. As an example look at the annual Sea Swim Schedule (Ask CIASA for specific dates):

March         Cable & Wireless 800m

April           Cayman Brac       800m

May            Butterfield Bank 800m

June           Annual Flowers   1 mile

September Foster’s Food Fair 800m

October      Zulu’s                  2 mile

                   Annual CUC         800m

November  Texaco Pirate’s Week 5k

                   CIASA                     10K

Tennis

The Cayman Island’s Tennis Club offers private and group lessons as well as a popular Junior Programme. There are nine floodlit courts with two playing surfaces, six hard courts and three ‘classic clay’ courts. The club has two pros, Ro b Seward (also Club Manager) and Eduardo Torres (Teaching Pro). They also offer after-school programmes and camps in the Christmas, Easter and summer holidays. You are advised to drop by the club to join as the staff are on the court teaching most of the day. You can also email or leave a message on the answering machine and they will call you back later.

Details for the Tennis Club:

South Sound

Tel: (345) 949 9464

Email: citennis@candw.ky

Single membership:

Initiation fee: CI$200

Annual fees: CI$200

Husband/Wife membership:

Initiation fee: CI$300

Annual fees: CI$300

Junior membership (6 yrs old +): CI$50

Jr. Programmes:

4/5 yrs old: CI$32.50 for 6 wks

6/15 yrs old: CI$65 for 6 wks

Many of the condominium complexes also have their own floodlit courts for use by residents and guests.

  For anyone wanting to brush up on their tennis, or learn it from scratch you can get private lessons with an ex-Wimbledon coach, Warren Urquhart. He usually gives lessons on your own tennis court, but if you don’t have one, he can arrange an alternative. Call 926 2776 or email him at caymantennis@yahoo.com. The Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman and internationally renowned tennis coach Nick Bollettieri have teamed up to design The Courts. The Courts feature three French-style clay courts and a professional grass court. You can be instructed by a Bollettieri trained pro on an individual or group basis and drop in on special clinics. Prices for court rental (per hour) range from CI$24–32 and tennis instruction from CI$42–84. Please call (345) 943 9000 for court reservations and more information.

Triathlons

If you find that the challenge of an individual run, cycle or swim isn’t enough, you can always try your hand at Duathlons or Triathlons. The Cayman Islands Triathlon Society (CITS) organises well attended events throughout the year, including “build ups” to certain main events to prevent you from having to dive straight in at the deep end as it were. You can get more information on the organisation and their upcoming events from Brendon Touhey on (345) 926 7941 or mailto:info@caymantri.com.ky.

Volleyball & Beach Volleyball

The Cayman Islands Volleyball Federation provides many opportunities to play at a competitive or recreational level. There are various leagues including indoor court, outdoor court and beach volleyball. In addition to playing in leagues, there are also opportunities to participate in training clinics hosted by local players and coaches as well as visiting professionals. Further information can be found at www.civf.ky. To contact the league about indoor or outdoor court volleyball, you can email civf_coach@yahoo.com.

Waverunning

There are organised competitions with great prizes and sponsorships such as ‘Jet Around Cayman’ (normally in June). Otherwise, you can rent jet skis from Red Sail Sports (Tel: 949 8745) or by clicking the “resident button” at www.redsailcayman.com to get a special rate.

Yoga & Pilates

Yoga and pilates are increasingly popular and the standard of teaching is exceptional. In addition to most gyms, there are: Body Works (Tel: (345) 945 6485) which offers a variety of classes for beginners through to a yoga teachers training course; Fitness Connection (Tel: 949 8485); Energy Personal Training & Pilates Studio at the Mirco Centre (Tel: (345) 946 6006); Miss Jackie’s School of Dance (Tel: (345) 949 7296) and the Prana Yoga Studio (Tel: (345) 925 6047). Finally, Lindsay McFee (Tel: (345) 949 8828) at Cayman Physiotherapy in Pasadora Place, holds core classes similar to pilates, which are particularly beneficial to people with bad backs.

Card Games

The Grand Cayman Bridge Club, meets every Tuesday at 7.15pm at Comfort Suites Resort and visitors are welcome.

 For Poker lovers, go to Treasure Island’s bar, Billy Bones, on Tuesdays at 6.30pm.

Continuing Education

Courses in computing, languages, secretarial skills, cooking, painting, photography and pottery are frequently offered. See the Education chapter for places which run such courses.

Watersports & Excursions

Diving

(See the Diving chapter.)

The Central Caribbean Marine Institute

The CCMI is a non-profit organisation based in Little Cayman which was established to sustain the biodiversity of coral reefs through research, education, and outreach. They run summer camps for teenagers and also undergraduate and graduate research programs. Their field-based courses range from introductions to the biology and ecology of coral reefs to advanced research data collection and modelling. Students spend each day in the field and participate in lectures and discussions during the evenings. If you would like to contact them regarding joining one of these programmes they can be reached at Tel: (345) 948 1094 or info@reefresearch.org.

North Sound Boat Trips

Trips depart daily, either half-day (10am to 1pm or 2pm to 5pm) or full-day (9.30am to 4pm). The cost for local residents is US$30 for a half-day and US$65 for a full-day, but if you are a group of eight or more they will bring the price down to US$50 per person for a full-day. This does not include a 15% gratuity, which we recommend you give them on top of the daily rate. Stops include Stingray City, the Sand Bar, Coral Gardens, Barrier Reef and Rum Point or Kaibo for lunch. These trips are run by local operators and are probably the best value on the Island. We highly recommend them. Call Charter Boat Headquarters to book a trip (345) 945 4340. Captain Marvin’s Water Sports (Tel: (345) 945 4590) also offers a half day (10.00am to 1.00pm or 2.30pm to 5.30pm) or full day (9.30am to 2.30pm) excursions. Stops include Stingray City, Barrier Reef and Coral Gardens. Full Day includes lunch and conch diving when in season. Be sure to ask about resident rates.

Boat Rides

Experience offshore racing in a safe environment with Thriller Cayman. This 55ft. offshore racing boat was purpose built to accommodate up to 40 passengers. The trip lasts one hour and costs US$50 for adults and US$40 for children ages 3–16 years old. They also offer Rum Point or Kaibo Sunday brunch tours from 11.30am to 4pm. Local residents get a discount. Tel: (345) 324 0520 or www.thrillercayman.ky.

Fishing

The Cayman Islands Angling Club puts on a number of tournaments throughout the year, including the annual Cayman Islands International Fishing Tournament. It is held over 10 days in April (exact dates depend on the moon). Annual membership is CI$100. You can get hold of them on (345) 945 3131, Email: fishing@candw.ky.

 Numerous companies offer deep sea fishing trips. You can try Captain Asley’s (Tel: 949 3054) or Captain Marvin’s (Tel: (345) 945 4590). Both can take you out deep sea fishing for marlin, wahoo or tuna. They also do light tackle reef and bone fishing. The cost for a privately chartered fishing vessel can run from US$375 (small boat/half-day) to US$1500 (big boat/full day).

Restrictions On Fishing

All residents who do not possess Caymanian Status must obtain a fishing licence from the Department of Environment located in the Cayman Islands Environmental Centre on North Sound Road (Tel: (345) 949 8469) if they want to line fish from shore or within standing water. You can “catch and release” from shore. You do not need a licence to fish from a boat well out in the open water. Licences cost $150 per month or $400 per year.

Lobster & Conch Limits

Those wanting to catch lobster and conch should know the season restrictions and the catch limits. Lobster season is closed from 1st March through 30th November. Conch season is closed from 1st May through 31st October. Lobster catch limits in open season are 3 per person per day or 6 per boat per day, whichever is less. Lobster tails must have a minimum size of 6 inches. Conch catch limits are 5 per person per day or 10 per boat per day, whichever is less.

Sailing

There is quite a large sailing community in Cayman. If you are a keen sailor then you will want to join the Cayman Islands Sailing Club and start sailing in the ideal conditions on the North Sound. Sailing lessons for adults and children are available throughout the year. Dinghy racing usually takes place on the first Sunday of the month. J22 racing currently takes place on the second and fourth Sunday of the month and boat owners are always looking for more crew.

Details on the Sailing Club:

Off Selkirk Drive, Red Bay

Tel: (345) 947 7913 / (345) 926 7913

Email: sailing@sailing.ky

Individual membership: CI$215.

Family membership: CI$300 per year.

Boat rentals: 1 hour rentals: CI$15 – $20 members, $30 – $40 non-members depending on the boat. Half-day rentals: CI$40 members, CI$80 non-members.

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