Off the beaten path day in Grand Cayman

[houcruzer]

My wife and I will be in Grand Cayman in January and we are looking for suggestions for an off the beaten path day. We've done most of the 'normal' things in GC in our 10 or so trips there and loved them all but we're looking for something new and exciting. We are more adventuresome than most and are always looking for something new that isn't overcrowded.

 

Any ideas?

[twinkletoes4445]

I'd rent a car and drive to the other side of the island. We always use Andy's, but there are other car rental agencies on the island. GC is a very safe place (just use your usual precautions). We've been all over the island exploring.

[SanNic44]

Twinkletoes,

 

What is on the other side of the island? Great local bars? Beaches? Little snack shops? Just wondering what to look forward to.

[twinkletoes4445]

The George Town area is so congested and touristy. We love to just get out and drive over to the other side of the island. You'll find deserted beach areas and very few tourists.

 

 

If you're looking for local souvenirs, there's a place called Pure Art. It's about a mile out of town (the opposite direction of 7MB). We love this shop.

 

http://www.pureart.ky/

 

 

Predro's St. James Castle is in or just past Savannah.

 

http://www.pedrostjames.ky/

 

 

The Pirate's Caves are in Bodden Town.

 

http://www.showcaves.com/english/car/caves/Pirate.html

 

 

The blow holes are over on that part of the island. They're just a little past Frank Sound Road (maybe a mile or so). Some days they are very active, some days they aren't. It depends on the water conditions (I believe).

 

The Lighthouse Restaurant is just before the blow holes.

 

 

The botanical park is on Frank Sound Road (the road you'd use is you're going to Rum Point).

 

http://www.botanic-park.ky/

 

 

Rum Point is also a really nice place to visit.

 

http://www.eandbcaymans.com/2Attractions%20a%20Rum%20Point.htm

 

 

Just past Rum Point is CaymanKai, where you'll be able to see lots of starfish in the water.

[loverboy]

Is there good snorkeling on 'the other side "?

[twinkletoes4445]

Is there good snorkeling on 'the other side "?

 

I'm sure there is, but we've not snorkeled anywhere but on an excursion to stingray sandbar (hubby doesn't like to snorkel). I do know that we've seen snorkelers in the water over on that side, but I don't remember exactly where we were. If you don't get an answer on this thread, I'd start a new one. There are a couple of locals that post and I am sure they'd be able to answer your question. :)

[jimiam]

How far is rum point from the cruise pier and how long would it take to drive?

[twinkletoes4445]

How far is rum point from the cruise pier and how long would it take to drive?

 

It's about 45-minutes each way.

[Gesihkuh]

Twinkletoe--- great links!! Thanks for posting those.

 

Dh and I rented a jeep and drove to rum point last time we were there and BY FAR it was the best day we've ever spent on vacation. The drive was lots of fun (minus to bad sun burn!) and there was almost no one there. We made it a point to get there as early as we could to hopefully avoid the crowds. The snorkeling was not great but we did see sting rays and conchs, both of which we've never seen when snorkeling before.

 

We are heading back this Oct and have the same thing planned-- this time with a few stops added in. (Thanks again Twinkeltoes!)

[twinkletoes4445]

 

We are heading back this Oct and have the same thing planned-- this time with a few stops added in. (Thanks again Twinkeltoes!)

 

Glad I could help. :)

 

Have a wonderful time in GC! We love going there because we can get out on our own...and feel safe doing so.