Grand Cayman Adventure

Whenever I think about Grand Cayman I flash back to the movie ‘The Firm‘. Money Laundering, power, and greed are the things that come to mind. Funny how something from a movie can stay with you for so long.

Grand Cayman is a beautiful island about 22 miles long. For such a small place it boasts just under 600 bank-and-trust companies. Pretty impressive for such a tiny hideaway. According to wikipedia, 43 out of the 50 largest banks in the world are found on Grand Cayman. Just one of the reasons that Grand Cayman a very powerful place. As you can imagine, banking and investments are a big part of the economy. Tourism is also a big part of the Grand Cayman economy, and for good reason…

Grand Cayman is the largest of the three Cayman Islands and is as gorgeous as you can imagine. You can find fun shopping, incredible food, and an exciting nightlife. You can relax at the beach with a drink, and rejuvenate your body and mind. This small paradise has something for everyone, and feels worlds away from the rat race despite it’s famous financial foundation.

 Heading out to explore Grand Cayman.

 All the kiddos in our group. (We were all feeling a little anxious as we set out to swim with the Stingrays.)

 Grand Cayman offers beautiful, clear pristine water with amazing snorkeling along beautifully colorful reefs. I am not one to snorkel, but found the view under the water at Grand Cayman truly wonderful to behold. I was mesmerized by sea fans, corals and colorful fish. My kids, oblivious to the dangers I had conjured in my mind, were in a wonderland. Grand Cayman also boasts one of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean; 7 Mile Beach. -You’ll want to wear a sturdy sunscreen, especially if you are from a northern region as I am: The Caribbean sun can burn untempered skin in mere minutes.

Snorkeling in the clear blue water with ‘No fear’!

 Grand Cayman is also well known for Stingray City. Years ago I had the opportunity to snorkel with the stingrays at Stingray City. It has been the subject of many bedtime chats over the years.  It was so cool, and I was very excited for my husband and kids to be able to have the same experience and create their own memories.

We chartered our own boat tour with Captain Marvin’s for about 35 dollars per adult, and 20 dollars per child. Our tour included Stingray City, as well as a couple of hours snorkeling at a nearby reef. The package also included transportation to and from our cruise ship, which was very convenient. The locals are pretty well geared up for the cruise industry and know that transportation is a problem for most customers. If you book a boat with a group that wants you to provide your own transportation, you are with the wrong group.

 Our chartered boat from Captain Marvin’s.

Touching a ray.

 I have to admit that it was a little bit intimidating at first to get into the water with these giant rays swimming around us. Some of these incredible rays were bigger than my arms could reach, but it was an exciting ‘two and a half hours’ of getting to know these mysterious creatures of the sea.

Our guides were very fun and knowledgable. They got in the water with us, and quickly found a large stingray to hold as they showed us how to deal with these rays. Our guides gave us some instruction, and showed us a few tricks on how to be respectful so that we didn’t damage the rays or cause them harm. It wasn’t long before my two young boys were catching and gently holding their own stingrays; we all had an exciting time. We were able to pet, and even ‘kiss‘ the rays for seven years of good luck (according to local legend). This was truly amazing!

Kiss a ray and get 7 years of good luck.

Not for the faint of heart.

Incredible creatures!

Best back massage ever!

After we were used to the stingrays brushing by us and bumping into us, our guides brought out some squid so we could hand feed the rays. Everything changed in a second. Soon we were completely surrounded by stingrays. We had at least 30-40 stingrays looking for an afternoon snack.

A little un-nerving to say the least, but it was also simply breathtaking to experience these beautiful rays swimming all around us. Despite a heightened fear factor, the rays were very gentle and apparently quite used to the attention – none were threatening, in the end. This was one of the most memorable activities of our trip.

I highly recommend a visit to Grand Cayman if you get the chance, and especially to Stingray City. Make sure you give Captain Marvin’s a call. You won’t be disappointed.

Put it on your bucket list, and go create some memories!