We are planning a trip to Cayman islands in Nov and looking for tips/advice from anyone that has been there recently. Specifically, we are interested in info about Seven Mile Beach, cell service (sprint phones) and damage from the 2004 hurricane. Any info would be appreciated.
2007-07-10 07:19:50 · 4 answers · asked by Amy27 4 in Travel ➔ Caribbean ➔ Other - Caribbean
Just returned from the Caymans (Grand and Little) recently, and found that the island has bounced back extremely well. It was busy, everything seemed to be running and the only major change was the new location for the Turtle Farm (a must-see) which frankly is better now.
Our Cingular phones worked well on both islands, although there is quite a hefty surcharge from Cingular... not sure about Sprint, but it shouldn't be a problem.
Seven Mile Beach is the place to be on Grand Cayman. You can walk along the beach from resort to resort, and check out the different feels of the bars and restaurants on the beach. All the watersports are there, and of course great diving (although the north and east walls are better because they are less-visited).
No question, though, you'll have a great time!
2007-07-10 11:59:27 · answer #1 · answered by Adam H 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I was there last summer. Loved it! And we are trying to go back soon. Anywhere the tourists will be, it's been totally rebuilt. We took a day long Island tour and saw a few places (vegetation mostly) that you could tell were damaged by the hurricane. And of course, many of the Islanders remember it well.
As far as 7 Mile Beach ... The Westin is the best place to be. Most of the resorts are on 7 Mile Beach. There was one out near Rum Point and a ferry that used to go back and forth (it might be up and running again). There are a few other resorts, but by far the Westin has the best beach and you can walk our directly to the beach. It was amazing. Some of the other resorts you need to cross the street, or there is a very small beach. At the Westin, you have a huge beach that is combed daily, great views, all the water sports you could want (including great snorkeling - Red Sail - the company that runs a lot of water sports, has one of their boats anchored there and a few small water crafts), and beach chairs placed exactly where you want (plus a wait staff that will bring you your drink/lunch). If for some reason the perfect beach isn't what you want, no worries, just walk over to the pool (complete with swim-up pool bar) and jump in. Another great thing about the hotel is 1/2 the rooms over look the beach. Perfect! The Spa is OK. Not the best, but OK.
The best thing about the Westin (and she works for some other hotels here and there) is that they will set you up with a personal tour guide of the Island. She was amazing. A local who worked at the Westin for a few years and then opened up a tour guide business. We saw the whole Island ... Rum Beach, The Botanical Parks, Pedro St. James, The Rum factory, The Wreck of the 10 sails, and a Brewery. We also got a lot of history of the island. We could have gone out to the Turtle farm and "Hell" but declined.
The downfall would be you have to take cabs or rent a car to get to George Town (Shopping, clubs, and restaurants). The hotel does have all of those amenities, but sometimes you want to venture out. You could walk to a few places here and there, but George Town has many of the restaurants.
Dont know about the cell service, but it probably wont work. I had Sprint for years and it wasn't the best.
2007-07-10 14:15:09 · answer #2 · answered by MetroGirl 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We were just there in May 2007 and went to the 7-mile beach. It was lovely. While we didn't see the whole seven miles, the parts that we saw showed no damage. The water and the beach were great.
Sorry but I never take a cell phone to the beach. But on Grand Cayman you can get great cheap internet service right at the dock/pier (in the liquor store). And be sure to buy some Tortuga Rum Cake.
2007-07-11 04:20:47 · answer #3 · answered by TINKERTOY ..... the 1 & only 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My wife and I were at Grand Cayman in April 2007. We heard great things about seven mile beach but didn't get to see it personally. If you are the adventurous type you have to go to Stingray City (just google Stingray City). It is an unforgettable experience. Several companies provide charters to the barrier reef on your choice of yacht, catamaran, or just a plain boat and offer guided snorkeling with the Stingrays. Before you freak out because of what happened to Steve Irwin, hundreds of people swim with these Stingrays every week. The rays have been tamed over the decades by people coming out and feeding them. It is a little freaky at first because they swim around you, between your legs, and some even try to climb on you, but overall it was a wonderful experience.
If you're looking for some great food, Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville opened not long ago and has some wonderful food and a laid back atmosphere.
Not sure about cell service. The wireless company in Grand Cayman is called Cable & Wireless < http://www.cw.ky/ >. Check with your cell phone company to see where your's will work internationally.
2007-07-10 07:43:20 · answer #4 · answered by MJB 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋