Evening Sailing

Red Sail Sports (Tel: (345) 946 3362) offers evening sails on their 65-foot catamarans. The sunset sail leaves on Fridays at 6pm (from the Westin on Seven Mile Beach) and costs CI$15 for locals, but you must pay 24 hours in advance to receive this rate. Do call ahead and make a booking as these trips are very popular. The sail takes you out for a very relaxing two-hour ride along Seven Mile Beach and includes light appetizers. Drinks are available from the bar. Call for information on dinner cruises, which are also scheduled during peak season.

   Another alternative is a two-hour sail on board the pirate ships Anne Bonny or Jolly Roger, known to many as the "booze cruise", which leaves from the South Terminal in George Town. This sunset sail leaves nightly at 5.30pm (except Sundays) and costs US$37.50 for residents. It includes all you can drink with appetizers. Call (345) 945 7245 for reservations.

Parasailing

For a birds-eye-view of Seven Mile Beach, the crystal clear water and the Island itself, try parasailing. Parasailing Professionals offers tandem or single rides. You take off and land from the back of their speed boat using a winch system, so it is very easy and you get a smooth ride. For information call (345) 916 2953 or email Gareth Parry on parasailing.professionals@hotmail.com. Be sure to ask about resident's rates.

Underwater Helmet Diving Tours

Sea Trek offers a one-hour fully guided, underwater sea tour using The Sea Trek helmet diving system. Helmets are constructed of the highest quality marine grade components and provide three times the amount of air necessary for normal breathing. Tours are conducted in shallow water, utilising a consistent dive plan with a guide and safety diver. Participants must be aged eight and older, but no swimming skills are needed. For information or reservations call (345) 949 0008 or email: mail@seatrekcayman.com. For more information visit www.seatrekcayman.com.

Submarine Rides

Atlantis Submarines (Tel: (345) 949 7700) brings the captivating world of underwater exploration to everyone age four and up aboard the state-of-the-art, air conditioned Atlantis Submarine, which dives to depths up to 100 feet. The rate is CI$29 (children 4-12), CI$39 (teens 13-17) and CI$49 for adults.

Underwater Observatories

For the less adventurous, or those with infants, Atlantis also operates the Seaworld Observatory, which never descends below the surface. Instead, guests are suspended five feet below the surface in a glass-enclosed hull. The tour visits two shipwrecks and shallow reefs where the crew puts on a fish feeding show. The cost is CI$10 for children and CI$20 for adults. (Infants under two are free). For information and reservations call (345) 949 7700.

   Nautilus Undersea Tours offers a semi-submersible which holds 88 people. They offer daily trips at 11am (one hour) and 1pm (1½ hours including snorkelling). In addition to seeing the reef, a diver will hand-feed fish outside your window. On Saturdays, they do special trips for residents costing CI$20 for adults and CI$5 for children. Children under three go free. For information call (345) 945 1355.

Exploring Cayman's Deep Sea

The submarine pilot that helped film David Attenborough's "The Blue Planet" now provides an innovative and unique experience in Cayman. The Deep See tour takes you on a journey to view the dark depths of the Cayman Trench and the extraordinary creatures living there. Deep See Cayman use a remote submersible to relay real-time, high-definition images of what is happening more than 2,000 feet below to a flat-screen television, while you watch and learn in the comfort of a luxury yacht. Trips leave from The Seaside Building at 147 North Church Street in George Town several times a day and the resident rate is CI$59 for adults and CI$39 for kids. Group rates are available. For information call (345) 926 3343.

Wakeboarding

If you are interested in wakeboarding, wakesurfing, tubing or going on a snorkel adventure then Turtle Sports takes a maximum of 4 people on their Mastercraft boat. They charge CI$120 per hour and they also offer one on one lessons. For information call (345) 525 9253.

Waverunning

There are organised competitions such as Jet Around Cayman (normally in June), with great prizes and sponsorships. Otherwise, you can rent jet skis from Red Sail Sports (Tel: (345) 949 8745). New waverunners are available at Kirk Marine (Tel: (345) 946 3575) or Scott's Marine (Tel: (345) 949 4186).

Windsurfing

Windsurfing lessons are offered by Red Sail Sports on (345) 947 2097. East End beaches are especially suited to this sport.

   Also in East End White Sand Watersports offer windsurfing packages and lessons. For more information email: whitesandwatersports@gmail.com, call Alan or Dave at (345) 938 SAND or (345) 916-SAND (7263).

BOATING 

Where to Boat

Seven Mile Beach

The lee shore (Seven Mile Beach) is typically the calmest water year round. The diving is beautiful, the beach is amazing and navigation is easy because there is no fringing reef (and few shallow coral heads) to hit, but you need a trailer to take your boat in and out of the water. Boat ramps are located at the Lobster Pot Dock and at the beginning of Northwest Point Road (in West Bay at the north end of Seven Mile Beach). Occasionally, boaters will anchor off beach bars and restaurants such as the Royal Palms during the day.

   You can also take your boat around from the North Sound to Seven Mile Beach, but you need to be familiar with the channels through the reef in the North Sound, have a sturdy boat and be prepared for a long and rough trip.

   Currently, there are no gas stations where members of the public can dock and refuel a boat in George Town or on Seven Mile Beach. If you are considering regularly keeping your boat in the water overnight off Seven Mile Beach, then it is best to seek authorisation from the Department of Environment to put in a mooring. Even with a mooring, your vessel (and engine) is unfortunately somewhat vulnerable to theft, and storms can occasionally occur which make the sea very rough and exposed off Seven Mile Beach. As a result, if you are not very conscious of weather conditions, your vessel could become a shipwreck.

Even though a number of commercial vessels anchor regularly off George Town (and the Seven Mile Beach), it is not considered advisable for personal watercraft to anchor overnight. It is possible a propeller from another vessel could accidentally cut the anchor line and also, if the anchor drags, the wind will take the boat offshore and probably over the horizon.

   Despite the challenges of accessing the water off Seven Mile Beach, it is worth it. The sea conditions and environment are magnificent. When travelling close to shore, however, especially in this area, always be on the lookout for snorkellers. Do not exceed five knots per hour within 200 yards from the coast and do not anchor in marked boat channels or swimming areas.

The North Sound

Most boat owners keep their boats on a dock in the North Sound, but there are several launching ramps that provide access. The Sound is enclosed by a barrier reef and has a network of canals that afford excellent protection from the weather in all but the most extreme conditions (such as a hurricane). Theft is uncommon and a canal generally offers access to fresh water to keep the boat clean. There are also fuel stations that can be accessed by boats.

   The North Sound has some excellent shallow snorkelling areas, such as the Coral Gardens, and is home to the world renowned Stingray City. Diving off the North Wall is very good as well, but sea conditions can be rough. Bar/restaurants such as Rum Point and Kaibo are popular stops for the boating crowd, particularly on weekends, and there are beaches in Cayman Kai and Rum Point that are attractive places to sun and swim.

   Some boaters also head up to Morgan's Harbour where there are three restaurants: Calypso Grill, Morgan's Harbour and the newly opened Osetra Bay, but space can be limited and the onshore breeze can make docking a challenge, so be careful when approaching the dock. Just to the north of Morgan's Harbour is an area called Barker's, which offers miles of undeveloped white sand beaches and some good light tackle fishing for bonefish. Navigate carefully, however, because it is easy to strike a coral head and damage your propeller unless you are very familiar with the location.

   The North Sound is a great area for fishing and catching conch and lobster, but if you are interested in fishing activities it is necessary to get a copy of the Marine Parks Law. Ignorance of the law is no excuse, and violations can result in serious fines, possible confiscation of your boat and even a prison term.

Even though the Sound is partially enclosed by a barrier reef, it can still get quite choppy at times. If you are in a boat under 22 feet long, you (and your guests) are very likely to get wet from sea spray on an average day.

   On the east side of the North Sound is the Central Mangrove Wetland, a protected Environmental Zone. In-water activity, fishing and anchoring are completely prohibited, but boats can access the area provided they do not exceed five knots. It is a fun place to view nature and get away from it all. Quite a number of people kayak in the canal systems and also in English Bay, located due east of Kaibo. As mentioned earlier, the Sailing Club is located on the southwestern side of the North Sound (off Selkirk Drive) and you will often see dinghies sailing out from the club.

   Larger sail boats also venture out into the Sound, but because the access through the reef is fairly shallow, no boats with drafts greater than 10 feet can enter (and boats with drafts approaching that should hire a pilot to assist them). As a general rule, it is wise to approach the north side of the Sound (the fringing reef area) with care. Some of the more treacherous areas include: The Blower's, Fisherman's Rock, Barker's, The Standards and Four-Way Reef. In these areas there are many shallow coral heads which, through the years, have claimed many propellers and even some boats.

South, East & North Coasts 

There are some excellent boating opportunities on the south, east and north coasts of Grand Cayman, but you will generally need a vessel that can be launched by trailer if you want to explore these more remote locations. In some of these areas you can find miles of undeveloped beaches, great fishing, and pristine diving and snorkelling, but you may want to take a local guide with you the first few times you venture out. In these more isolated areas, it is easy for your propeller to find a coral head if you don't know what you are doing.

   Remember to always carry water, a cell phone and a working radio. The Port Authority has a list of items you must have on board (such as life jackets), depending on the size of your boat. As a general rule in the Cayman Islands, justice and the rule of law is respected, upheld and actively enforced. It is very likely that if you are out on the water, you will be approached by a vessel operated by Marine Parks or Marine Police officers. Have fun, but be aware that penalties for breaking the rules on the water are really very serious; it is worth taking the time to pick up a copy of the Marine Parks Rules and Regulations as well as the Port Authority Law.

Buying a Boat

If you don't have a friend who has a boat or would like to buy your own, here are a few tips:

Once you have decided on the type, size and price range, the next thing to decide is whether you want a new or used boat. You get more boat for your money with a used boat, but you sacrifice the warranty. There are several brokers specialising in used boat sales, as well as the "for sale by owner" market. Check the local papers and classifieds for brokers and used vessels.

New vessels may not be trouble-free, but if you purchase from a local dealer, you have the benefit of warranty service on-Island. There are several new boat dealers in Cayman selling a wide range of quality vessels. Pricing tends to be competitive and sales staff are quite knowledgeable.

   A good broker will help you determine what you need in a boat and scour the market with you as your ally, steering you away from potential problems and poor value.

The following companies sell and maintain boats:

Avalon Marine

Tel: (345) 945 5103

Mobile boat maintenance and repair service. Brokerage for new and used boat sales, both local and international. Exclusive dealers for World Cat. For information email Rafe on avalon@candw.ky.

Brown's Marine Services

Tel: (345) 949 4174

New and used boat sales and service.

Harbour House Marina

Tel: (345) 947 1307

www.harbourhousemarina.com

New and used boat sales and service - Boston Whaler, Sea Ray, Walker Bay Boats, Catalina Yachts, Triumph, Honda Marine. They also have the largest chandlery on the Island, sell kayaks and are an authorised Mercury service centre.

Kirk Marine

Tel: (345) 946 3575

New boat sales and service - Wellcraft, Spectre, Scarab, Panga, Sea Doo PWC's and sport boats. Continental and Triton trailers. Johnson and Evinrude outboards. The Island's largest selection of fishing supplies.

ProYacht

Tel: (345) 945 4676

Full yacht management and boat maintenance. Exclusive dealer for CABO yachts, Cummins engines and Onan generators, as well as Mako and Jupiter crafts.

Scott's Marine

Tel: (345) 949 4186

www.scotts.ky

Email:scottsmarine@scottsindustries.com 

Full service marine centre located in George Town. Authorised sales and service for Cobalt, Maxum, Fountain, Cigarette, Triton, Trophy, Starcraft, Mercury inflatables, Mercury and Mariner outboards, Cummins/Mercruiser and Yanmar inboard motors. Offers a full line of marine parts, accessories and safety equipment.

Buying a Boat with a Partner

As a means of reducing costs, many buyers look to find partners in boat ownership. Partnerships can be productive and fun. Taking the time to regularly clean and maintain your boat will protect your investment so that when the time comes to sell, you will maximise your boat resale value.

Marinas

The Barcadere Marina is a full service marina located at the historic George Town Barcadere, which is at the very end of North Sound Road and just a few minutes drive from the airport. It has direct access to the North Sound. Marina slips for boats and yachts up to 120 feet are available for long or short-term lease, each with individually metered water and power. Dockside facilities feature ValvTect marine fuel, sewage pump-out service, changing rooms, showers and lockers. A yacht club with a restaurant and bar are currently under construction. Other amenities will include a dedicated marine forklift for launching and retrieval of boats. The Barcadere Marina will also be the new home of Scott's Marine showroom, chandlery and service centre. You can contact them on (345) 949 3743 or visit www.barcadere.com.

    There are no other traditional marinas on the Island: Harbour House repairs and maintains boats, but does not have long-term docking facilities; Kaibo Yacht Club has power and water facilities, but their dock is only open to people visiting for lunch or dinner; and the Japanese Yacht Club (call Junior on (345) 917 3420) has dock space for rent (with water available), but no electricity.

Rules & Regulations

Anyone using Cayman waters is obliged to familiarise themselves with the applicable boating, marine, and environmental laws (copies can be purchased from the Port Authority or at the Legislative Assembly building for a nominal fee). The purpose of these laws is to preserve Cayman's marine environment for generations to come. Breaches of the law are treated as serious offences and anyone committing an offence against the Marine Conservation Law and its regulations is liable to a maximum fine of CI$500,000, a year's imprisonment, or both.

The Sea Code & Boat Usage

There is a speed limit of five knots within 200 yards of the shoreline. Safety for divers is paramount. If a dive boat is showing a "Divers Down" flag or lights, all approaching boats must not exceed three knots, must have a lookout at the bow and must make visual or radio contact with the lookout on the dive boat.

The mangrove areas around Cayman Kai are protected. Boats in this area must not exceed five mph and those caught exceeding this limit may be subject to a hefty fine.

Marine Parks

To protect Cayman's waters for future generations, a Marine Park system has been adopted, setting aside various zones in which special conditions of use apply. The four types of zones are: Marine Park Zone, Replenishment Zone, Environmental Zone and No Dive Zone. Details on these and other laws can be found at the Department of the Environment.