Cayman Islands - Family Focused A-Z of Attractions

United Kingdom 1 March 2019
Where to go with family
A – Ambassadors of the Environment
The Grand Cayman Ritz-Carlton’s Ambassadors of the Environment programme introduces its younger guests to the natural wonders and rich cultural traditions of the Cayman Islands. Throughout these unique Caribbean eco-tours, the islands’ ecological resources become a natural classroom and living laboratory in which families can learn while having fun at the same time.
 
B – Bioluminescence Kayaking
Adventurous families can take a night-time fully guided kayak tour from Grand Cayman’s Rum Point and experience one of the world’s most amazing natural phenomena – bioluminescence.  Only occurring in a few places in the world, bioluminescence is the production and emission of light by a living organism and in the case of Rum Point, it is the billions of plankton particles in the water which create the incredible underwater light display. Described as the Northern Lights of the Caribbean, the spectacular bioluminescence found at Rum Point occurs in just 10 other places worldwide and will leave little ones with a memory that will last a lifetime!
 
C – Camana Bay
There’s never a dull moment with a visit to Camana Bay, a marine-side plaza featuring a selection of boutique shops, wonderful restaurants, a weekly farmers’ market on Wednesdays and even a cinema to catch the latest Hollywood blockbusters. And, with a calendar packed with concerts, community events, cultural series, and family activities there’s something for everyone to enjoy while on island.
 
D – Diving
The Cayman Islands are widely recognised as the birthplace of recreational diving in the Caribbean, and a top choice for diving holidays. With more than 40 dive operations and over 360 dive sites, families from all over the world choose to dive in the Cayman Islands for the warm, calm and crystal- clear waters, 30 metre plus visibility and incredible variety of marine life. Scuba diving courses are suitable for eight-year olds and above, however those too young to make the splash can still experience Cayman’s abundant sea life by taking a trip on the awe-inspiring Atlantis Submarine.
 
H - Helicopter
For families who aren’t divers, another unforgettable way to enjoy Cayman’s spectacular reefs is from the air. Cayman Helicopters is run by former stunt pilot Jerome Begot who worked on 27 Hollywood films including the blockbuster Speed with Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock.  Guests can spot turtles, stingrays, eagle rays, giant starfish and view the wonders of the stunning coral reefs from the air on a never-to-be-forgotten flight over Grand Cayman. 
 
L - Little Cayman
Little Cayman is one of the least developed islands left in the Caribbean.  It has just 150 residents but around 2000 iguanas, all of whom have right of way! Little Cayman also has the largest population of Red Footed Boobies in the Western Hemisphere. Choose from one of just three tiny resorts or a handful of private cottages for a truly secluded family retreat.
 
I – Iguanas
The Cayman Islands are famous for the indigenous Grand Cayman Blue Iguana, a giant, dragon-like blue lizard which grows to over 1.5 metres and can live as long as humans. Families can see these amazing creatures at the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park, where a scheme put into place in recent years has seen the species being brought back from near extinction.
 
M - Mangrove tours
A kayak tour through the mysterious Cayman mangroves is the perfect day out for adventurous families! Tour goers will encounter Cayman’s wildlife first hand and observe all kinds of coastal birds, fish, iguanas, sponges, anemones, and jellyfish along the way. All tours have an experienced guide on-hand to answer any questions.
 
P – Pirates Week
The Cayman Islands’ annual Pirates Week is a great festival for any family wanting to experience more than your average beach holiday. The 2019 Pirates Week will start on the first weekend of November and will be eleven fun filled days of music, street dances, competitions, games, wonderful local food and drink and a glittering parade.
 
Q – Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park
Opened by her Royal Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 1994, the 65-acre Botanic Park in Grand Cayman is today recognized as a world-class facility celebrating the Cayman Islands’ wealth of plant and animal life. Featuring a woodland trail, wetlands area and multiple flower gardens, the Botanic Park makes for a perfect family day out.  Prince Charles is set to open an education centre, the first phase of a children’s garden here in March 2019.  Once completed, the Family Garden will include a grow zone, sensory garden, observational tower, maze, discovery pond, splash pad, lawn and tunnel area.
 
S – Stingray City
For families who are keen to encounter breath-taking underwater wildlife, the first port of call should be to swim with the famous Southern stingrays of Cayman in their natural habitat, Stingray City. Little ones will delight in a visit to the sandbar, a shallow area of clear water where gentle stingrays have come for many years to feed.
 
S - Seven Mile Beach
Regularly topping the listings of the world’s best beaches, Seven Mile Beach is just one of the many reasons why Cayman is considered the ultimate Caribbean destination. Located on the western shore of Grand Cayman, Seven Mile Beach has the clear waters and pristine sands to keep any beach loving family entertained with snorkelling, paddle boarding and floating cabanas.
 
Snorkelling for Children
Starfish Point in Grand Cayman is one of our favourite family beaches.  This is a great spot for the kids to play and explore.  Large Casuarina and Palm trees offer a few shady spots along the beach. The surrounding crystal-clear waters are shallow and filled with a variety of fish – great for the beginning snorkeller.  The starfish population has decreased over the years, but the beach and surrounding area is also home to Soldier Crabs (Hermit Crabs) of all sizes.
Bring along a pair of water shoes if you plan to explore the length of the beach or walk up to Rum Point, as turtle grass is prevalent in many areas.  Look for sea urchins and baby stingrays hiding in these grasses. The beaches are littered with a variety of shells. The whole area is a breeding ground for Cayman’s sea life and an important part of the local ecosystem.
 
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