WATERSPORTS & EXCURSIONS
Diving
(See the Diving section).
Kayaking
Cayman Kayaks takes small groups into the mangroves to explore and learn all about this fascinating environment. One of nature’s best kept secrets is a rare bioluminescent cove found only in a dozen places world wide. These magical tours depart twice nightly only out of Rum Point. Tours get booked up fast so reservations are required. Starting costs for residents is CI$30 and CI$40 for the Bio Bay trip. Tours depart from Safe Haven in the day and Rum Point at night. For information or reservations call (345) 926 4467, (345) 746 3249 or email: reservations@caymankayaks.com or visit www.caymankayaks.com.
Kite Boarding
If you are looking for a place to kite board, Barker’s Beach in West Bay is an excellent spot. South Sound, East End, Kaibo and Rum Point are also great locations. If you are looking for classes, Kitesurf Cayman www.kitesurfcayman.com offers private two-hour lessons on Barker’s beach from sunrise to sunset depending on weather conditions. Ask about residents discounts. Call (345) 916 5483, alternatively you could try The Kitehouse on (345) 947 7500.
The Central Caribbean Marine Institute
The CCMI is a non-profit organisation based in Little Cayman, established to sustain the biodiversity of coral reefs through research, education and outreach. They run a Marine Ecology Sea Camp every summer. CCMI’s field-based college courses range from introductions to the biology and ecology of coral reefs to advanced research data collection and modelling, for which college credits are offered. Students spend days in the field and participate in lectures and discussions during the evenings. For information on any of CCMI’s programmes, call (345) 948 1094 or visit www.reefresearch.org.
Boat Trips
Numerous companies offer North Sound boat and snorkelling trips, either for a half-day or a full-day.
Charter Boat Headquarters (Tel: (345) 945 4340) organises trips using local operators. Trips depart daily, either for a half-day (10am-1pm or 2pm-5pm) or full-day (9.30am-4pm). The cost for local residents is US$40 for a half-day and US$80 for a full-day, but groups of eight or more qualify for a discount price of US$70 per person for a full-day. This does not include a 15% gratuity, which we recommend you give on top of the daily rate. Stops include Stingray City, the Sandbar, 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. Captain Marvin’s Water Sports (Tel: (345) 945 4590) also offers half-day (10am-1pm or 2.30pm-5.30pm) or full-day (9.30am-2.30pm) excursions. Stops include Stingray City, the Barrier Reef and Coral Gardens. Full-day trips include lunch and conch diving when in season. Be sure to ask about resident rates. Red Sail Sports (Tel: (345) 949 8745) also offers half-day morning or afternoon snorkelling trips. Call them for times and rates. Cayman Luxury Charters offers half and full day private yacht charters including snorkeling, wave-runner, water-skiing, wakeboarding, light snacks and soft drinks. For more information and reservations call (345)938 2525. Local, John Michael Stafford, offers Grand Cayman Outrage Stingray City Eco-Tour on a power-boat and J-22 sailboat Stingray City Sandbar and Beaches Private Charters. Contact Cayman Nature Tours at (345) 925 1961 or jmvbs@candw.ky for details and eco-tour bookings.
Fishing
The Cayman Islands Angling Club puts on tournaments throughout the year, including the annual Cayman Islands International Fishing Tournament, held every year in April or May. Exact dates depend on the moon phase. Angling Club membership costs CI$100 per year. For membership and tournament information call (345) 945 3131 or email: fishing@candw.ky.
Numerous companies also offer deep sea fishing trips, including Blue Water Marine (Tel: (345) 946 3477) or Captain Marvin’s (Tel: (345) 945 4590). Both can take you out deep sea fishing for marlin, wahoo or tuna. Both also offer light tackle reef and bone fishing. The cost for a privately chartered fishing vessel can run from US$500 (small boat/half-day) to US$1800 (big boat/full-day).
For angling supplies, try Kirk Marine (Tel: (345) 946 3575).
Restrictions on Fishing
Anyone is allowed to fish from a boat in deep water as long as they are well away from the shore. However, if you are not Caymanian or possess Caymanian Status you are not allowed to fish from the shore unless you have a fishing licence. A licence can be obtained from the Department of Environment, located in the Cayman Islands Environmental Centre on North Sound Road (Tel: (345) 949 8469) and costs CI$150 per month or CI$400 per year. Anyone however, can line fish from shore or within standing water as long as they practise ‘catch and release’ and the fish are not harmed.
Lobster, Conch & Catch Limits
Those wanting to catch lobster and conch should know the season restrictions and the catch limits. Lobster season is closed from 1st March-30th November. Conch season is closed from 1st May-31st October. Lobster catch limits in open season are three per person per day, or six per boat per day, whichever is less. Lobster tails must be a minimum size of six inches. Conch catch limits are five per person per day, or 10 per boat per day, whichever is less. Whelk season is closed 1st May- 31 October and the catch limit is two-and-a-half gallons in the shell or two-and-a half pounds of processed whelks. Echinoderms (including starfish, sea eggs, urchins, sea cucumbers, sand dollars, etc. may not be taken from Cayman waters at any time. Nassau Groupers are limited to a twelve inch minimum size limit year round. No one may take Nassau Grouper from any of the Designated Grouper Spawning Areas. No one may spearfish or set fish-pot within a one-mile radius of any Designated Grouper Spawning Area from 1st November- 31st March. No one may disturb, molest or take turtles in Cayman without a licence from the Marine Conservation Board. Possession of turtle eggs is prohibited. No one may feed, attempt to feed or provide or use food to attract any shark in Cayman waters. Protected fish include: Jewfish, tilefish (whities), filefish (pipers) and angelfish, including Grey, French and Queen angels (old monks), may not be taken from Cayman waters at any time. There is an eight-inch minimum size limit on all other fish except goggle eyes, herrings (including sprats), anchovies and silversides (including loggerhead and fine fry).
Paddle Boarding
Paddle boarding has been gaining popularity in Cayman in recent years. It is easy to learn – most people get the hang of it in about 30 minutes – and an ideal way to cruise the calm waters off Seven Mile Beach. Those looking for more of a challenge may want to take part in paddle board races or try surfing small waves on their boards. Paddle boards can be rented from Red Sail Sports at the Westin on Seven Mile Beach, White Sands in East End and The Kitehouse at Kaibo.
Parasailing
For a birds-eye-view of Grand Cayman and the crystal clear water of Seven Mile Beach take a ride on a parasail. Parasailing Professionals offers single, double and triple rides that take off and land from the back of their parasail boat. It’s a smooth but exhilarating ride that can be enjoyed by adults and children alike. For information call (345) 916 2953. Ask about the discount for residents.
Sailing
There is quite a large sailing community in Cayman. If you are a keen sailor, 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, with J-22 racing on the second and fourth Sundays of the month. Boat owners are always looking for more crew. There is often informal dinghy racing on Saturday mornings and in the summer, there is informal dinghy racing on Wednesday evenings as well. There are also opportunities for those who own their own larger sailboats, as the cruiser fleet arranges periodic races, rallies to the Sister Islands and Cuba, full moon sails and get-together sailaways. The club also hosts an annual International Regatta, Race Cayman, which brings sailors from all over the world to compete. In 2010 they hosted a Youth Olympic Games qualifier and North American Championship in the C11 Byte class which brought over 100 sailors and their families to our shores.
The Sailing Club has a scenic clubhouse overlooking the North Sound and often hosts parties and socials. Joining the Club is a great way to meet people.
Cayman Islands Sailing Club
320 Spinnaker Road,
Off Selkirk Drive, Red Bay
Tel: (345) 947 7913 or (345) 926 7914
Email: admin@sailing.ky
Various different types of sailing boat (whether for children or adults) can be rented by the hour, half or full day and members get a discount. New members are warmly welcomed. Annual family membership costs CI$300 per year or CI$215 for an individual.
Sailing Charters
Sail Cayman has a 44-foot sailboat for full or half-day private, boutique-style sailing or snorkelling charters, and also a new custom Zodiac power boat for lightning fast stingray and Rum Point trips. For information or reservations call (345) 916 4333, email Neil Galway on neil@sailcayman.com or visit www.sailcayman.com.
Red Sail Sports (Tel: (345) 946 3362) has four 65-foot catamarans that offer half-day snorkelling trips into North Sound to feed the stingrays. They also do a sunset sail off Seven Mile Beach.
E & H Cruises (Tel: (345) 945 7245) offers a ‘Pirate Adventure’ sailing trip for two hours on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. The cruise features traditional pirate antics, including a pirate’s trial, sword fighting and walking the plank and a swim stop. The boat departs at 2pm and is fun for both adults and kids.
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 CI$30 for residents. It includes all you can drink with appetizers. Call (345) 945 7245 for reservations.
Surfing
Although not a big wave destination, it is possible to find some decent surf on Cayman, as a few locals who have been surfing here for years will tell you. Through the winter months, from December to March, when the northwesters blow through, some good swells are generated off Seven Mile Beach, making it a surfer’s paradise. The spots in front of Caribbean Club and Luca restaurant are ideal for beginners, with a safe sandy bottom and easy access to/from the sea. From June to November the best surf is usually found at the South Sound Community Centre and Mariners Cove. Beginners would be well advised to avoid this location, however, as the coral and sea urchins on the bottom can prove hazardous to less-skilled surfers. Surfboards can be rented from Divers Down at Treasure Island, or purchased at Divers Supply, Divers World or Sports Supply.
Die-hard surfers and beginners wanting to start out in more controlled conditions can always find a good wave at the Black Pearl Surf Park in Grand Harbour, where a Waveloch Surf Machine generates a standing wave up to 11-foot high, within the confines of a fresh-water pool. The pool can be booked for groups by the hour, which includes instruction, or on Friday and Saturday evenings at 7.30 pm, anyone can jump in and have a go for CI$20 per head. For information call (345) 947 4161.
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. Residents are eligible for significant discount on presentation of ID such as Cayman Islands drivers licence or passport with work permit stamp.
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. Residents are eligible for significant discount on presentation of ID such as Cayman Islands drivers licence or passport with work permit stamp. (Infants under two are free). For information and reservations call (345) 949 7700.
Nautilus Undersea Tours offers a semi-submersible that 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.
Wakeboarding and Banana Rides
If you are interested in wakeboarding, wakesurfing and banana rides Red Sail Sports can accommodate you. They charge US$15 per person for 15 minutes but give residents a 20% discount. This is a great option for teens birthday parties. For information call (345) 949 8745.
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 personal water craft are available at Kirk Marine (Tel: (345) 946 3575), Brown’s Marine (Tel: (345) 949 4174) or Sports Supply (Tel: (345) 949 7884).
Windsurfing
East End beaches are especially suited to this sport. Windsurfing lessons are offered by Red Sail Sports at Morritts Tortuga in East End. Call (345) 947 2097 for more information. Also in East End, White Sand Watersports offer windsurfing lessons, equipment rental and packages. They also offer Windrider Trimarans for rent. For more information email: whitesandwatersports@gmail.com, call Alan or Dave at (345) 938 SAND or (345) 916 SAND (7263). Windsurfing enthusiasts can visit www.caymanwindsurf.ky for information on where windsurfers are meeting.
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 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 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 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 accessible from the water: Calypso Grill, Morgan’s Harbour and 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 that 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. Another option is to take your boat into Camana Bay via the North Sound and dock at one of the 30 public boat slips available at The Harbour. You can then take a stroll to lunch, have an afternoon shopping trip or enjoy an evening of al fresco dining before boating home.
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 that, through the years, have claimed many propellers and even some boats.
