Famous
Sunset
at Cayman Kai,
Rum Point Beach
Grand Cayman, B. W. I.
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Grand Cayman
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Time & Temperature



























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Could It Be Adventure?

World-class scuba diving, snorkeling, and sailing are just the
beginning of your Islands' adventure. The Islands' history is rich in exotic
detail, as our Museum, Botanical Garden and National Trust clearly demonstrate.
So whether it's a trip under the sea to feed the stingrays, an excursion to the
Turtle Farm for a hands-on experience of one of nature's most inspiring
miracles, or a journey into the past to revisit the first landing by Christopher
Columbus, a feast for the senses-and sensibilities-awaits.
- Make sure your sound is
turned on.
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Dial Up
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DSL or Cable
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take a few seconds to start.
Activities and Excursions in Grand
Cayman
Pedro's St. James, Queen Elizabeth II
Botanic Park, Cayman Islands National
Museum, Cayman National Cultural
Foundation, Majestic Trail, Cayman
Island Turtle Farm, Stingray City,
Cayman Islands Helicopter Rides, Visit
Cuba (trips), Stingray Brewery, Hell,
Blow Holes, Conch House, South Church
Street, Pirates Cave, Cardinal D's Park,
Silver Thatch Excursions, Bowling,
Tennis Club, Scooter Rentals, Horseback
Riding

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Locations of Interest:
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Conch
Point, West Bay, Seven Mile
Beach, Georgetown, Smith Cove,
Pedro St. James Castle, Bodden
Town, Meagre Bay, Breakers,
Mastic Trail, Botanic park,
Frank Sound, Blow Holes, East
End, Gun Bay, Wreck of the
Ten Sails, Old May Bay, Sting
Ray City, Rum Point, Cayman Kai,
With so many activities in Grand Cayman
and excursions in the Cayman Islands,
scuba diving and snorkeling are not the
only pastimes offered. A day out of the
Cayman's sun can be taken to enjoy a
multitude of excursions.
 
With a sea of
attractions below and above water, Grand
Cayman will keep you both entertained
and relaxed throughout your vacation.
Stingray City, voted number 1 shallow
dive in the world, snorkeling, scuba
diving, horseback rides on our beautiful
beaches, water sports, deep sea
fishing, boat rentals, parasailing,
Island tours, Stingray City Sailing
Charters, it's all here!!
Pedro St.
James Historic Site

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Website:
www.pedrostjames.ky
- Phone: 345-947-3329
- Fax: 345-947-2611
- Address: Savannah Grand Cayman
Historically Accurate Reconstruction of Original 1780 Great
House Is A Spectacular Showpiece For the Birthplace of
Democracy.
At the end of a quiet, mango and mahogany tree-shaded road in
Savannah, Grand Cayman, high atop a limestone bluff, lies one of
the Caribbean's most spectacular historic restorations, the
Pedro St. James Historic Site. After seven years and a $7.5
million transformation, the Cayman Islands government has
created the country's most ambitious heritage attraction to date
and its first national landmark.

The final phase of the
most extensive restoration project in Cayman's history was
completed in December 1998 and unveiled during a gala Grand
Opening celebration. Sprawling over 7.65 acres with a
breathtaking view of the azure Caribbean, Pedro St. James is one
of the country's genuine treasures awaiting discovery by all
visitors.
Behind a traditional coral stone wall rises an authentic,
three-storey early 19th century great house and outbuildings,
with traditional "grounds" planted with pineapple, banana and
other provisions. The adjacent acres are covered with luxuriant
tropical plants, palm-lined walkways and a splendid manicured
Great Lawn sprawling to a jaw-dropping view of the Caribbean. At
the main entrance is the Visitors Centre featuring a state of
the art multimedia theater where visitors experience 200 years
of Cayman history in 20 minutes.
Today, it is a site whose grandeur is befitting of its
importance as the Birthplace of Democracy in the Cayman Islands.
Formerly known as Pedro Castle, this is the oldest known
existing stone structure in the Cayman Islands. The original
building is believed to have been built of quarried native rock
around 1780 as a great house by William Eden, a mariner,
plantation owner and early settler.
Pirates & Folktales
There never was a Spanish-built castle, nor any proof that
pirates ever came ashore at Pedro, much less built a fortress
here. These were 20th century fabrications of combining local
folktales and the stories created by a very real, American-born
adventurer turned entrepreneur Tom Hubbell, who owned the site
from 1954 until his death in 1977. In the 60's, Hubbell
renovated the long-abandoned stone ruins, originally planning a
small guest house and bar. He chiseled the date "1631" into the
top of the building's entrance, added jagged crenellations along
the top level and promoted it as a fortress once inhabited by
Captain Morgan and other pirates.
Later Hubbell leased it as a bar and restaurant and rustic
two-bedroom inn. Pedro Castle became a much bigger attraction as
a popular watering hole. It survived hurricanes, a fire, and a
variety of owners until a second fire in 1989 finally reduced
the building to ruins once and for all.
In November, 1991, the Government bought the 7.65 acre property
from Hubbell's estate to develop as Cayman's first national
landmark and heritage tourism attraction. At that time, the
price of CI$852,000 (US$1,039,634) made it the most expensive
official land acquisition in the history of the Cayman Islands.
Commonwealth Historic Resource Management Ltd., the Canadian
consulting firm responsible for Antigua's Nelson's Dockyard, was
selected in 1992 to work with Cayman's Historic Sites Committee
as project managers. They launched a public education campaign
emphasizing the official name was no longer Pedro Castle, but
Pedro St. James Historic Site and Restoration.
Early History
The project began with two years of archaeological research and
simultaneous searches in archives in Jamaica, Scotland, England
and Spain. Together, these efforts unearthed historic facts far
more interesting than romantic fiction.
In 1780, William Eden, a mariner and early English settler,
established a cotton and mahogany plantation on Savannah's Pedro
bluff with its spectacular view of the Caribbean and convenient
anchorage for ships right offshore. His great house, called St.
James, was built with slave labor using native quarried stone.
It was a remarkable building for that period, when the
population of Grand Cayman was only 400--of which 200 were
slaves. It was the only house on Grand Cayman that survived the
devastating hurricane of 1785. The original ruins beneath the
"castle" are the oldest structure in the Cayman Islands. By 1823
the house and grounds were being used as a courthouse, jail and
public pound.
Birthplace of Democracy
But its greatest historic significance was not even publicly
known until this decade. Pedro St. James was the site of a
historic meeting of residents which took place on 5 December,
1831 during which it was resolved that representatives should be
appointed for the five different districts for the purpose of
forming local laws for better Government. The elections took
place on 10 December in the five districts on Grand Cayman and
on 31 December they met as the first Legislative Assembly for
the first time in George Town.
"Pedro St. James Historic Site, considered the birthplace of
democracy in the Cayman Islands, will serve as our premier
national landmark. This is our equivalent to Independence Hall
in the United States and will serve as a model for future
heritage tourism attractions here," said Minister Jefferson.
In addition, another historic event took place here in May 1835,
when the proclamation declaring the emancipation of all slaves
throughout the colonies was read at Pedro St. James and at a
number of other prominent places in the Cayman Islands.
Historically accurate
restoration
The new Pedro St. James great house was completed in January
1998, a historically accurate restoration of the original
plantation great house, representative of the period between
1820 and 1840. The three-level design with wide verandahs was
based on archival and architectural research about that era of
Caribbean history, as well as the materials used in the original
structure itself. This provided enough evidence for an accurate
idea of what Eden's original manor looked like.
Every detail reflects authentic building techniques of early
19th century Caribbean great houses - from rough hewn timber
beams and wooden pegs to replacing the false upper level
crenellations with a gabled framework. Other period features
include mahogany floors and staircases, wide beam wooden
ceilings; stone walls, outside wooden louvered shutters and
mahogany doors.
The first floor houses the jail, store rooms, kitchen and
pantry. The second level is a dining room, courtroom and
verandah and the upper level contains the living quarters.
Furnishings are a combination of original 19th century mahogany
antiques and reproductions obtained from St. Kitts and other
Caribbean countries. Rooms are accurate in detail down to walls
painted with lime wash the color of oxblood; candle sconces and
brass door fastenings.
A bake oven and outdoor kitchen on the building's northwest side
are recreations of the original great house estate. More recent
additions include an early 20th century Caymanian-style cottage
and Steadman Bodden house, a restored traditional 100-year-old
Caymanian wattle and daub home. Both were relocated to the site
to enhance its educational heritage value.
One of the most beautiful locations in the Cayman Islands, Pedro
St. James is already a popular venue for weddings and social
events. The grounds have been landscaped as a magnificent
natural tropical park with native trees and plants, as well as
traditional medicinal and vegetable gardens representative of a
small early 19th century West Indian plantation.
The $1.5 million Visitors' Centre includes five-buildings in
19th century architectural style surrounding a landscaped
courtyard. The main attraction is the 49-seat state of the art
multimedia theater featuring a 20-minute video presentation on
Pedro St. James and highlights of 200 years of Cayman history.
Other facilities include a resource center, gift shop, and café.
Interpretative displays and signs throughout the great house and
grounds allow self-guided tours but guides are also available.
For Information: Pedro St. James Historic Site is located
in Savannah, Grand Cayman and is open 8:30-5:00 daily. The
multi-media show starts on the hour from 10:00am to 4:00pm.
Admission is US$8.00. Children under 6 are free and children 6
to 12 years old pay US$4.00. For information, contact: ph: (345)
947-3329. Also visit us on the web at
www.pedrostjames.ky. |
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Horseback
Beach Rides in Grand Cayman
Ever
dreamt of horseback riding on a
beautiful deserted beach? Just imagine the
tranquil blue waters lapping along a pristine
beach, the only foot prints in the sand are
those of your horse. The gentle Caribbean breeze
rustling through the trees and the soft whisper
of your companion as you discuss the beauty of
the scenery encompassing you. Truly, this is
paradise!
You can
join us for a morning horseback ride along
the
beautiful beaches of Barkers in West Bay. We
will guide you along the waters edge of this out
of the way beach located on the Northern tip of
the Island. The family owned and operated
Stable is perfect for those who like that
"personal touch" to their family vacation fun!
Our
horseback riding excursion can accommodate
riders from novice to the experienced. Basic
instructions are provided for beginners in order
to insure your comfort. Especially if this is
your first horseback riding experience.
Alternatively you can
choose
the evening sunset beach ride. We will guide
you along the beach as the Caribbean sun slowly
sets. The illustrious Cayman sunset is an
unforgettable show of cascading watercolors
concluding with the elusive green flash as the
sun melts into the Caribbean Sea.
All
of our horses are fit, friendly and lovingly
cared for. We also restrict the number of beach
rides each horse does daily to insure adequate
rest and prevent dehydration and exhaustion
often observed in horse of this profession. We
strongly believe in treating horses with
kindness and respect. |
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Grand
Cayman Deep Sea Fishing Charters from beautiful
East End
Deep Sea
Fishing in Grand Cayman at it's finest from the
beautiful East End of Grand
Cayman Islands. You can now go fishing in the
best fishing grounds Grand Cayman has to offer.
The East End of the Island is renowned for the
fantastic deep sea fishing, reef fishing and
drift fishing which can all be provided by our
fantastic operator.
For groups
up to six people we offer a beautiful
31 foot Bertram
it is the perfect boat for Deep Sea or Drift
Fishing. If you ever dreamt of catching that
100 pound tuna while drifting in the ocean blue
here is your chance. The boat is exceptional,
not to mention the Captain, for reef fishing,
bottom fishing and trolling over the Cayman
Wall, where Game is found in abundance. Join us
for a Half Day or Full
Day Private Fishing Charter, a
Night Fishing Charter
is also available as a Private
Charter or a Per-Person basis!
This
luxurious fishing machine comes with a fully
equipped galley, head, shower, it is completely
outfitted for a great day at sea! Take a half
or full day fishing charter on the famed Cayman
Islands East End Banks, where you will be able
to go for the big catch of
Wahoo, Dolphin (Mahi-Mahi),
or gigantic Tunas found only 1 Mile off-shore.
This is by far the perfect boat for the family
due to it's plush interior, where you will be
able to lounge in the living room or sunbathe
while cruising in our crystal clear water.
The
fishing boat departs daily from the beautiful
Morritt's Tortuga club Dock, Located in the East
End of Grand Cayman you will be able to relax on
a beautiful beach following your fishing
excursion. Morritt's Tortuga Club
offers beach bars, restaurants, un-crowded
Tropical Beaches and more.
Captain Dwight
holds unsurpassed experience in Cayman waters,
knowing all the secret abundant fishing areas of
the East End, he will surely help your quest for
the trophy catch. With many returning fishermen
to our Island, Dwight has a dedicated following
of satisfied clients which return year after
year just to fish on his boat. Due to the
popularity of his fishing services his advice is
to reserve early in the year and to strap on to
that fishing chair, because when you hook that
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Queen Elizabeth II Botanic park

Now A Year Old, Visitors Centre,
Heritage Garden and Floral Garden are Spectacular Additions.
Many visitors arriving in this Western Caribbean destination, famous for
Stingray City, have never heard of Cayman's Queen Elizabeth II Botanic park,
located in Grand Cayman's North Side. This heritage attraction was officially
opened on 27th February, 1994 by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and named in her
honor. The next milestone was reached in May 1997, when Hon. Thomas Jefferson,
Minister for Tourism, Commerce & Transport, officially opened three new
attractions there: the Visitors Centre, Floral Garden and Heritage Garden,
representing the park's $1.75 million, second phase expansion program.
Visitors Centre
The $800,000 Visitors Centre is now the first stop on the tour of the Botanic
park, designed as a contemporary interpretation of Colonial Caribbean and
Caymanian architecture, with wooden shuttered windows, wide verandah and brick
courtyard with waterfall/fountain. The Centre is painted in Caribbean colors of
green and pale coral and features a central reception area offering park
information as well as a area for permanent and changing exhibits.
The second floor has a classroom for lectures and meetings. Other facilities
include a gift shop stocked with gardening, horticulture and tropical
flora-themed books and souvenirs; a snack bar/café set in a garden courtyard and
a retail plant shop (plants can only be sold to residents.)
Heritage Garden
Nearby, the two-acre Heritage Garden recreates a resourceful Caymanian way of
life known generations ago, long before this country came to enjoy the highest
standard of living in the Caribbean. This attraction's main feature is the
restored early 20th-century Rankin home, a traditional tiny three-room
zinc-roofed Caymanian wooden cottage. Visitors are stunned when they learn that
this structure once housed a family of 11 from infancy through adulthood. It was
moved from its original location in the district of East End to the park site in
December 1995. The restoration features a porch, cook room with caboose,
cistern, natural well, native coral stone fences and pathways lined with conch
shells. Some of the original fixtures remain inside.
Planning the Heritage Garden involved years of research on existing old gardens
in the Cayman Islands. National Trust and Botanic park staff first had to
identify and locate traditional plants and unearth information about their
planting style, providing the design for the surrounding two acres.
When planning the Heritage Gardens, four elderly Caymanian ladies, considered
authorities on the subject of traditional gardens, were invited to the park to
advise about plants commonly found in early gardens. Mrs. Essie Nixon, Mrs.
Naomi Panton, Mrs. Phoebe Spence and the late Mrs. Ena Watler all made their
contribution. As a result, visitors will discover a traditional Caymanian sand
yard and garden with a variety of blooming plants including roses, orchids,
hibiscus, crotons, lilies and cat bush. One area of the of the garden is
dedicated to tea bushes and medicinal herbs. There is also a collection of
traditional fruit trees, including mango, breadfruit, tamarind, plum, cherry,
ackee and chella mella. The Heritage Garden also features an section
traditionally known as "grounds," planted with "provisions" - vegetables
including sweet potatoes, yams, cassava, okra, gungo peas, corn, plantains,
bottlers and pumpkin.
The Heritage Garden adds an important historic and educational feature to the
Botanic park, demonstrating how early Caymanian settlers lived under austere
conditions, depending heavily on their land for survival. In addition the Garden
will serve as a valuable propagation source of traditional plants and trees
which are rapidly disappearing as new ornamental varieties are imported, favored
by Cayman residents.
Floral Garden
The Floral Garden is the Botanic park's most ambitious project, a horticultural
triumph on this very selectively fertile limestone island. Visitors stroll
through a multicolored mosaic of hundreds of species of tropical and sub
tropical plants spread over approximately 2.5 acres. Flowering plants and
shrubs, succulents and cacti are arranged by color in nine distinct displays.
The entrance to the Floral Garden lures visitors into the Pink Garden's
collection of rose and green Caladiums, Anderson Crepe Hibiscus, Codyline 'Morado"
and exotic large bromeliads including Aechmea 'Victoria.' The path continues
through gardens highlighting plants in Red, Orange, Yellow, White, Silver, Blue,
Mauve and Purple. The centerpiece of the Floral Garden is an ornate white wooden
gazebo atop a rise, overlooking ponds filled with water lilies and the nearby
two-acre lake, a prime habitat for a variety of resident and migratory bird
life. And a perfect wedding location! Visitors can relax in the shade of the
gazebo and enjoy a view of a waterfall cascading off an elevated freshwater pond
filled with water lilies. The pavilion also offers an excellent view of the
lake.
Minister Jefferson, whose Ministry oversees the Botanic park's development,
said, "As a Caymanian I am very proud of our park and what it represents. It is
the second youngest botanical facility in the Caribbean - and it won the
prestigious Islands magazine ecotourism award shortly after it opened in 1994.
Within its 65 acres, you will find more than 40 per cent of the 674 species of
plants native to our country as well as many kinds of native birds and other
wildlife. And new discoveries surprise us regularly: from proof discovered a few
years ago that crocodiles once inhabited our swamplands to last year's discovery
of a species of orchid found for the first time anywhere in Cayman."
Lake Becomes New Natural Attraction
Another important attraction is the two-acre lake located near the southern end
of the Botanic park, just beyond the Floral Garden. Completed in August 1996,
the area was originally part of the adjacent swamp. Decades of accumulated muck
was removed from the site leaving a two-acre brackish water lake approximately
3.5 feet deep. The area has three small islands with native vegetation in the
center which provide an important habitat and breeding area for native birds
that live near large bodies of water. The Lake has already become an active site
for birdwatchers, attracting a fascinating range of bird life. Among species
sighted have been Tricoloured Herons, Common Moorhen, Green Herons, Black-necked
Stilts, American Coots, Blue-winged Teal, Cattle Egrets and rare West Indian
Whistling Ducks.
On the southern edge of the lake, visitors see native wetland vegetation mingled
with Caribbean plants. Eventually, the eastern portion of the lake, adjacent to
the buttonwood swamp, will have a boardwalk where visitors can take leisurely
strolls to the bird watching tower and lookout.
A Safe Home for the Endangered Grand
Cayman Blue Iguana
In 1995 the park became the home for the National Trust for the Cayman's
Islands' endemic Grand Cayman Blue Iguana captive breeding program, now seven
years old. Currently more than 40 pure-bred endemic Grand Cayman Blue Iguanas
are housed in the captive breeding and rearing facility, which was jointly
funded by the Zoological Society of Milwaukee County, Wisconsin (the Milwaukee
Zoo) and the affiliated Foundation for Wildlife Conservation, also in Milwaukee.
Field research on these rare iguanas has been funded for the last five years by
the Friends of the National Zoo, as part of ongoing technical assistance from
the US National Zoo in Washington, DC.
This endangered species, found only in Grand Cayman, is protected by Cayman law.
(According to the Trust, only about 150 mature Blue Iguanas remain in the wild,
found only in the dense interior of the eastern district of Grand Cayman.)
Although this special research area is not open to visitors, the park's Blue
Iguana Habitat remains a popular attraction. The display enclosure was funded by
the World Wide Fund for Nature/ UK and was completed in time for the official
opening in February 1994. The habitat provides a natural home for an adult male
blue iguana which can be seen by visitors. The best time to see the rare animal
is mid-morning on sunny days, between 8:30 and 10:30 a.m.
"The Botanic park is an important example of the Cayman Islands' commitment to
the preservation of our terrestrial environment. The new additions to the park
will provide both residents and visitors with the opportunity to enjoy and
better understand this country's diverse flora and fauna, which have played an
important role in Caymanian culture," said Minister Jefferson: "The Botanic
park
offers a perfect setting for relaxing and enjoying the tropical scenery of the
Cayman Islands."
Located on Frank Sound Road in the district of North Side, the 65-acre Botanic
park is about a 45-minute drive from George Town, opens daily at 9:00 a.m. and
closes promptly at 5:30 p.m. Visitors are advised to enter the park by 4:30 p.m.
Admission fees are USI$6.00 for adults; $3.00 for children ages six to 12 and
free for children under six.
For more information about the Botanic park, contact PH: (345) 947-9462
or FAX: (345) 947-7873. Or by e-mail:
guthrie@candw.ky
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Email:
museum@candw.ky
- Phone:
345-949-8368
- Fax:
345-949-0309
Make the Cayman Islands National Museum the first stop on
your tour of Grand Cayman and begin to see the real Cayman.
After years of planning, research and professional conservation
of acquired artifacts, the Cayman Islands National Museum opened
in November 1990 in the restored Old Courts Building in George
Town. The attractive building overlooks Hog Sty Bay, and is one
of Cayman's few remaining 19th century structures, a survivor of
hurricanes and countless Nor'westers. During its 150 years, it
has served as a jail and courthouse - and meeting place of
worship. The meticulous restoration project won the 1990
American Express Preservation Award for the Caribbean.
The Museum collection contains over 2,000 items, from a 14-ft.
traditional hand made catboat to old coins, rare documents and
natural history specimens. In 1979 the Cayman Islands Government
purchased the late Ira Thompson's private collection of historic
memorabilia. This revered Caymanian's hobby spanned almost 50
years and launched the National Museum's original collection.
Cultural and Natural
History
Here, you'll learn about this tiny country's fascinating
cultural and natural history and the resourceful, independent
nature of our seafaring society in a variety of exhibits and a
10-minute audiovisual presentation, "Cayman: Founded Upon the
Seas."
Through the exhibits and displays, you will be introduced to a
Cayman Islands very different from the sophisticated,
cosmopolitan vacation paradise you see today. You'll begin to
understand why this country's development is a success story
which overcame incredible odds during the last 400 years.
Cayman's total land mass is barely 100 square miles for all
three islands. Almost half of that is low-lying mangrove swamp.
With few natural resources, there was little base for early
industry when the first settlers arrived centuries ago. For many
years, Caymanians supported themselves through modest exports of
thatch rope, turtling, fishing - and later, working on
foreign-owned ships. In fact, as late as the 1950's, Cayman's
main export was listed in a Government report as "seamen," who
became some of the world's finest ships captains and merchant
mariners. Their earnings were the mainstay of the economy until
tourism and the offshore financial industry took off in the
mid-1970's.
Economic success story
Today, with one of the highest per capita Gross Domestic Product
figures in the region, Cayman ranks as the world's second
largest captive insurance domicile and fifth largest
international banking center. The Cayman Islands shine as one of
the Caribbean's leading economic success stories of the last 20
years.
As you leave, stop in the Museum Shop which offers a fine
selection of books about Cayman; locally made crafts and high
quality gifts, from Christmas tree ornaments to Caymanite
jewelry. Then relax in the picturesque courtyard of the Cool
Caboose on the south east corner of the Museum and enjoy a
tropical fruit drink, ice cream or snacks.
The Museum is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. and
Saturday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Admission is US$5 for adults and $3
for children. You can become a Member of the National Museum and
enjoy a variety of unique benefits including the official
newsletter.
For information contact: (345) 949-8368/ Fax: 949-0309.

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The Mastic Trail
Experience the fascinating and diverse pristine
woodlands of Cayman's deep interior, on a rugged
two mile trek through native mangrove swamp,
ancient rocky woodlands and traditional
agriculture. Cold soft drinks and transport back
to the southern trailhead at the end of the walk
will be provided.
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Turtle Farm

The only one of its kind in the world, Cayman
Turtle Farm is home to over 16,000 sea turtles, ranging in size from six ounces
to six-hundred pounds each! The farm is a modern-day reminder of the turtle's
role in the history of the Cayman Islands. When Christopher Columbus first
discovered the islands in 1503, he named them "Las Tortugas," meaning The
Turtles. According to legend, there were so many turtles that the islands looked
like they were covered with rocks.
The turtles are a protected species, and you can witness the majesty of these
unique creatures hands-on. Nowhere else can you see an endangered species so
successfully raised for conservation. In fact, since 1980, the Farm has released
29,000 turtles back into the sea to help replenish the wild population.
The top priority at the Farm is maintaining an ideal breeding environment.
Breeding season runs from May to October, during which time the turtles dig
their nests on the beach near the breeding pond and produce their eggs. The eggs
are immediately taken to the hatchery, where staff monitor the hatching process.
This normally takes about 60 days. An average of 8,000 hatchlings are produced
every year.
Witness this awe-inspiring miracle of nature. The Farm is open seven days a
week, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cost: US$6 for adults, US$3 for children (ages
6-12). Free for children under six.
North West Point Road, West Bay
Telephone: (345) 949-3893
Fax: (345) 949-1387
Email:
ctfl@candw.ky
Web:
www.turtle.ky

Stingray City
Swim alongside and feed swarming stingrays in 12 feet of water. A snorkeling and
scuba diving adventure. One of the largest tourist attractions in the
world, Stingray City is in 12 feet of water and mainly, but not exclusively,
visited by scuba divers. The site was first noticed about ten years ago, when
North Sound fishermen came to the calmer, shallower waters just over the reef to
clean their fish. Soon they noticed stingrays, scavengers by nature, hanging
around the boats inhaling any leftovers they could get their suckers on. Next,
some particularly brave dive masters got in the water to hand-feed them, and
before long the stingrays had become tame, almost pet-like.
Today, you can swim under, over, and along with the rays. Their favorite food
is squid, which you can feed them by hand. At Stingray sandbar, which is only
waist deep, you can use a mask and snorkel and watch the rays swarm around you,
brushing their velvety bellies against your hands and feet. Don't worry: this is
the rays' way of begging for food. The rays have no teeth, but use a powerful
sucking motion to draw in their food. Some are big, nearly six-feet in diameter.
Their only means of defense is a barbed, venomous tail. As long as you don't
lift the rays out of the water and treat them with the respect they deserve,
you'll have a wonderful experience.

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You won’t believe
the views from up there!
Take your vacation
to new heights with Captain Jerome, owner and operator of Cayman Islands
Helicopters. Flying for over 13 years in the US, Canada and France,
Jerome has appeared in movies and logged thousands of hours in the air,
providing guests with some of the most spectacular views imaginable.
You can get a bird’s eye view of
all the island’s hottest spots in record time and avoid all the crowds.
With only four to six passengers per trip, you are assured of personal
service and the best views of the sights you want to see. The island and
its surrounding colorful waters provide breathtaking views as you soar
across the landscape. Just outside the reef, it is not uncommon to spot
large sharks, stingrays and an exciting array of sea life as seen from
this elevated perspective. Tours are very reasonably priced and include
free shuttle service to and from the Seven Mile Beach area. Call
929-0116 or 943-4354 for more information and reservations.
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Stingray Brewery, on Grand Cayman Island,
is the only full-scale independent brewery in the Caribbean. Don’t miss
Stingray beer while you’re in Cayman -- because you won’t find it anywhere
else in the world. (After you taste it, you’ll say "Shucks" about that.)

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Hell
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Frequently labeled a paradise for
divers and others, Cayman also boasts a bit of Hades, a village named Hell
at the northwest end of the island. Visitors enjoy a visit to the Hell
Post Office, from which they can send a postcard back home proving that
they've taken a trip to Hell.
One of the natural attractions here is an
unusual 15-million-year-old limestone formation, weathered into jagged
pinnacles and ridges. Called iron shore, the rock formations were once as
white as snow but acidic substances have lent it a charred look and carved
the rock into unusual shapes. Please note that it is illegal to remove any
of the rocks.
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Blow Holes
 
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This attraction at East End should not
be missed. As waves come crashing to the shore, tall geysers spout skyward
from the coral rock, creating one of the most spectacular photo
opportunities on the island. The spouts are the result of air and water
being trapped in underwater caverns with the rise and fall of the waves.
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Conch House
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The 1935 structure easily rates a
drive-by. A snapshot of the thousands of conch shells embedded in the walls
of this house are no substitute for a glimpse of the live creatures in the
North Sound or for a nice conch lunch, but who says you can't have your cake
and eat it too?
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North Church Street |
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South Church
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A little bit further out from touristy
Seven Mile Beach, this street is lined with charming gingerbread houses
featuring elaborate Victorian designs reminiscent of the famous Victorian
homes in San Francisco, California and in other places far from the
Caribbean. |
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The main attraction of Bodden Town, the
former capital of the Cayman Islands, is at the center of town. Pirate Cave
is connected to a labyrinth of tunnels and other undersea caves, which in
days of yore made it an ideal place for pirates to hide their treasure. The
site now houses only a few artifacts, including bones and stocks. Bodden
Town's other main points of interest are Gun Square, where an early British
fort once stood, and the famous Slave Wall, built by slaves to ward off
foreign invaders.
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At Cardinal D's Park,
just off Eastern Avenue (George Town), you'll find a bird sanctuary with over
sixty species of exotic birds, iguanas, agoutis, ducks, emus, miniature ponies
and turtles. There's also a snack bar and souvenir shop. Founded by two
Caymanians in 1985, the park is ideal for kids, who can feed the animals, and
nature lovers. Open seven days a week, the park can be reached at (345) 949-8856

Geddes Hislop and his
wife Janet are the founders of this locally owned and operated enterprise. They
specialize in guided hiking tours along Grand Cayman's famous Mastic Trail, as
well as bird watching excursions on Grand Cayman. Geddes has a university degree
in Wildlife Biology, and will help you get the most out of the Mastic Reserve --
one of the last tracts of primary evergreen woodland, evolved undisturbed for
the last two million years, and offering a rich abundance of birds, rare trees
and animals. For more information on these services, as well as Botanic park
visits, historical and environmental tours around Grand Cayman, etc., call
(345)945-6588.
They can also be reached by e-mail, at
silvert@hotmail.com.

They feature first class,
professionally trained big & beautiful horses.
Walk, trot and canter along the stunning beaches and beach trails of Grand
Cayman
Early Morning,
Sunset and Full Moon Rides are recommended.
Tel:
(345) 916-2540
Fax:
(345) 945-2262
E-mail:
riding@ponies.ky

Tel:
(345) 947-7976
Fax:
(345) 947-1051
E-mail:
pennyhon@hotmail.com
Stingray Bowling Centre
& ARCADE
Hours: 11:30am
- closing (seven days a week)
Tel:
(345) 945-4444
Fax:
(345) 949-6900
E-mail:
bowling@candw.ky

The Cayman Islands Tennis Club, a member of the International Tennis Federation
(ITF), offers their court in South Sound to visitors at a flat
rate
of CI$5.00 (US$6.25) per person, anytime up until 5:30pm. More information is
available at (345) 949-9464.

Jogging & Hiking
The Mastic Trail, part of the Mastic Reserve, is two miles long, takes about 2½
to 3 hours, and is ideal for hiking in Cayman's wild interior. The woodland,
evolved undisturbed for the last 2 million years, offers a rich abundance of
birds, rare trees and animals, with guided walks available daily. Call
Geddes Hislop of Silver Thatch Excursions at (345) 945-6588, or e-mail him at
silvert@hotmail.com for more information
about a guided tour.
Geddes
has a degree in Wildlife Biology, and really knows his stuff. For joggers, Beach
Bay Road, near Turtle Nest Inn, is a
route followed regularly by those wanting a good surface with little traffic.
And, of course, there's the beach almost all around
Grand Cayman, with public access guaranteed everywhere.

Bicycle Rentals
Bicycle Rentals - rentals are available on
Grand Cayman, at Cayman Cycle Rentals, at (345) 945-4021, or Soto's Scooters &
Cars, at (345) 945-4652.

Fitness Centers
There are at least four independent fitness centers on
Grand Cayman, including World Gym Fitness Center, at (345) 949-5132; Fitness Connection & Aquatic
Center, at (345) 949-8485; New Image Health Club, at (345) 949-7016; and One to One Personal
Fitness, at (345) 949-9440.

345-949-8485
(345) 949-5132

Billiards
There are other halls, but Attic Billiard Lounge is the only one we have any
information on. They're on West Bay Road, at (345) 949-7665.
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