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10 Days and Counting Inquires #15860
01/25/2012 11:24 AM
01/25/2012 11:24 AM
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 294
Stillwater, Minnesota
BobA Offline OP
Traveler
BobA  Offline OP
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Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 294
Stillwater, Minnesota
Reading more and more posts everywhere on-line, and looking at all of Testudo's posts and Google maps, etc. I have a couple questions for final clarifications.

We'll be staying at Great Expectations or something like that in Cayman Kai down the road from Rum Point on the lagoon side of road, for 1 week.

According to Testudo's maps, etc. there is a lot of good snorkeling along the reef just off shore to the east of Rum Point, from which one can almost float back to Rum Point from. Is this a 1/2 hour float, an hour float, or is this more to scale of a 10-15 float?

It appears going to Rum Point is better after the cruise ship crowds have left. Is it really $10 for a drink and $7 for a tap beer? Do they really frown on one bringing a cooler to the beach area around the point, preferring that everyone get their libations from the Bar and Restaurant?

We will have bicycles to use locally. Is it necessary to hide or lock a bike when going to the area beaches?

I intend to explore north shore and east shore, as we will have 2 rental cars from McCurley. Are there recommended lunch points and beer/drink stops along the north and east shores? I see there is a small grocery store, is this a good point to buy a cold beer and a cheaper price than a bar at Rum Point?

As you may be able to tell, I'm on a budget. Some say cheap, but I'm used to finding inexpensive places in the BVI, and GC is sounding like quite a bit of sticker shock is in order.

We will be doing Sting Ray city and leaving from Rum Point, most likely utilizing Red Sail. Is it best to wait for mid-late afternoon to go to SRC for less crowds? I have printed out the cruise ship schedule and see there are no-ship days.

I hope to do hiking in the gardens in central island, most seem to be small and short hikes, is this correct?

We'll probably be doing 7 mile at least once during our stay, and will try to eat at less formal locations. Chicken-Chicken or something like that seems to be recommended for good island food. Is this correct? Or are there others?

I'm still waiting on a map in the mail, and I understand McCurley's has a good map with car. So driving around shouldn't be a problem, but how about bicycling around. Is it safe enough to be out bicycling on the north road, or elsewhere?

Any comments are welcome, now if I could only memorize all of Testudo's work, I'd be a tour guide.

Thanks for any assistance or information.

BobA
Stillwater, MN

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Re: 10 Days and Counting Inquires [Re: BobA] #15861
01/25/2012 10:01 PM
01/25/2012 10:01 PM
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 160
Texas
Testudo Offline
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Testudo  Offline
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Posts: 160
Texas
OK, here it goes...

Quote
BobA said:
Reading more and more posts everywhere on-line, and looking at all of Testudo's posts and Google maps, etc. I have a couple questions for final clarifications.

We'll be staying at Great Expectations or something like that in Cayman Kai down the road from Rum Point on the lagoon side of road, for 1 week.

According to Testudo's maps, etc. there is a lot of good snorkeling along the reef just off shore to the east of Rum Point, from which one can almost float back to Rum Point from. Is this a 1/2 hour float, an hour float, or is this more to scale of a 10-15 float?

If you take the closer to shore "drift route" and the usual current avails itself you are looking at about 20-30 minutes of drift snorkeling assuming you leave from the Cayman Kai Public beach. If you head out to the Barrier Reef for better stuff, the lack of current lets you take as long as you want. For me, it is usually a 60-90 minute exploration before heading back to the beach at the Retreat.

It appears going to Rum Point is better after the cruise ship crowds have left. Is it really $10 for a drink and $7 for a tap beer? Do they really frown on one bringing a cooler to the beach area around the point, preferring that everyone get their libations from the Bar and Restaurant?

Cruisers are usually long gone by around 2:00. Drinks are expensive and you cannot bring your own to the Rum Point Club's section of beach. HOWEVER, the Rum Point Public Beach section is just past where the Jet Skis and Volley Ball Court. Same great water, just no lounge chairs and a downed tree or two, but you are free to bring any food and drink you want.

We will have bicycles to use locally. Is it necessary to hide or lock a bike when going to the area beaches?

Can't promise nothing will happen to them, but odds are they'll be there when you return.

I intend to explore north shore and east shore, as we will have 2 rental cars from McCurley. Are there recommended lunch points and beer/drink stops along the north and east shores?

Starting west and heading east your drink + lunch options are Kaibo Beach Bar (near Starfish Beach), Rum Point's Wreck Bar Beach Bar, Driftwoods (but it is closed), Over the Edge in Old Man Bay (nice deck and good basic seafood fare), Kurt's Corner in Old Man Bay by the gas station (local fare and a separate but affiliated bar, The bar/restaurants at the neighboring Reef and Morritt's resorts, Tukka (great food, but less of a drink only place, Miss Vivine's (local fare BYOB), The Lighthouse (most expensive), South Coast Bar & Grill (local and a local bar kinda place), the various jerk and fish fry places in Bodden Town you'll pass when initially driving out to Rum Point/North Side

I see there is a small grocery store, is this a good point to buy a cold beer and a cheaper price than a bar at Rum Point?

Beer and liquor can only be purchased at liquor stores, so best to buy the bulk of your expected needs on the way out to your rental and restock locally. Water Boys in Old Man Bay near the gas station and Jacques Scott by the Reef & Morritt's are the two closest liquor stores. (some bars may sell a 6-pk on the down-low)

As you may be able to tell, I'm on a budget. Some say cheap, but I'm used to finding inexpensive places in the BVI, and GC is sounding like quite a bit of sticker shock is in order.

The is an ATM at the shopping center by the Reef & Morritt's. Sounds like you'll need it. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />

We will be doing Sting Ray city and leaving from Rum Point, most likely utilizing Red Sail. Is it best to wait for mid-late afternoon to go to SRC for less crowds? I have printed out the cruise ship schedule and see there are no-ship days.

Afternoon is best on cruise ship days, no ship in port days are even better.

I hope to do hiking in the gardens in central island, most seem to be small and short hikes, is this correct?

The nearby Mastic Trail is the only real hike available and it is about 2 miles IIRC. FWIW, I have not used the guide from the National Trust, but people swear it makes the hike way better.

We'll probably be doing 7 mile at least once during our stay, and will try to eat at less formal locations. Chicken-Chicken or something like that seems to be recommended for good island food. Is this correct? Or are there others?

Have lunch at Sunshine Grill at Sunshine Suites across from the Westin, Tim Buc Tuu or Alfresco's up in West Bay towards the Turtle Farm. Not super cheap like Chicken! Chicken!, but affordable for Cayman.

I'm still waiting on a map in the mail, and I understand McCurley's has a good map with car. So driving around shouldn't be a problem, but how about bicycling around. Is it safe enough to be out bicycling on the north road, or elsewhere?

You've got one road until you hit cayman Kai/Rum Point where there are a few small off-shoots. Easy-Peezy.

Any comments are welcome, now if I could only memorize all of Testudo's work, I'd be a tour guide.

If anyone in your party will have a browser available on an internet device (laptop, ipad, smart phone, etc..) you can always access my stuff from a free WiFi place (Kaibo, Over the Edge, the North Side Post office, Dunkin Donuts, etc...) <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Wink.gif" alt="" />

Thanks for any assistance or information.

BobA
Stillwater, MN


Snorkel air just tastes better than canned air...
Re: 10 Days and Counting Inquires [Re: Testudo] #15862
01/26/2012 07:42 AM
01/26/2012 07:42 AM
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 160
Texas
Testudo Offline
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Testudo  Offline
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Posts: 160
Texas
Oh, and don't overlook a bio-luminescent bay or mangrove kayak tour.


Snorkel air just tastes better than canned air...
Re: 10 Days and Counting Inquires [Re: Testudo] #15863
01/26/2012 12:30 PM
01/26/2012 12:30 PM
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 294
Stillwater, Minnesota
BobA Offline OP
Traveler
BobA  Offline OP
Traveler
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 294
Stillwater, Minnesota
Thanks a lot. I'm still reading the responses, and I've packed an extra can of mosquitoe spray just in case I can make it to the kayak night trip.

Re: 10 Days and Counting Inquires [Re: BobA] #15864
01/26/2012 03:46 PM
01/26/2012 03:46 PM
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 294
Stillwater, Minnesota
BobA Offline OP
Traveler
BobA  Offline OP
Traveler
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 294
Stillwater, Minnesota
Okay, now I'm asking nervous questions....

A post for some restaurant advertises that one should come to dine on thier deck where one can observe the sharks as they swim by.

I'm used to swimming with loads of tarpin as the cruise by in a group, barracuda 2-4' size and a rare person size barracuda (only once and I kept my distance). No sharks.

I realize there are nurse sharks, and some others that simply mind thier business, but what is this restaurant referring to.

I never gave a thought to sharks in the BVI. Please tell me they are not a concern.

Now Getting Nervous Bob!

Re: 10 Days and Counting Inquires [Re: BobA] #15865
01/26/2012 09:25 PM
01/26/2012 09:25 PM
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 160
Texas
Testudo Offline
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Testudo  Offline
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 160
Texas
Sharks? Many feed tarpon during dinner service (Grand old house, The Wharf, Paradise Bar & Grill, etc...), none feed sharks on Grand Cayman I am aware of. Some people confuse the Tarpon with sharks. Sharks, possibly on Cayman Brac...

I have seen plenty of barracuda (some 6'ers), tarpon and nurse sharks in Cayman waters, but no other large gray guys. I have seen Reef, Lemon and Black Tip sharks off St. John.

Don't worry about sharks off GC.


Snorkel air just tastes better than canned air...
Re: 10 Days and Counting Inquires [Re: Testudo] #15866
01/27/2012 09:55 AM
01/27/2012 09:55 AM
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 294
Stillwater, Minnesota
BobA Offline OP
Traveler
BobA  Offline OP
Traveler
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 294
Stillwater, Minnesota
Thanks,

I tend to worry quickly - so when I read the restaurant attraction - my mind immediately goes to JAWS!

A school of Tarpon (10-15+) coming around the corner at you while snorkeling along a wall, can be alarming at first too, but they aren't even curious of people.

I did watch a tourist once, on one of those crowded snorkeling catamaran trips, get into the water with a bag of frozen peas or something. I watched as the swarm of fish surrounding him changed from hand size fish to baracuda, that were increasing in size. I decided I needed to be a long way from him, we were near St. John at the time.

I'll relax now. Thanks again.

Re: 10 Days and Counting Inquires [Re: BobA] #15867
01/27/2012 11:58 AM
01/27/2012 11:58 AM
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 160
Texas
Testudo Offline
Traveler
Testudo  Offline
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 160
Texas
And here is a link to my blog which has detailed information for many of the better (IMO) snorkeling spots around the North Side and East End.
Google "TESTUDO'S SNORKEL GUIDE"

The only Tarpon I have seen on the north shore where at Anchor Point. Plenty of them at Eden Rock and Turtle Reef on the other side of the island. Barracuda are pretty much everywhere.


Snorkel air just tastes better than canned air...
Re: 10 Days and Counting Inquires [Re: Testudo] #15868
02/02/2012 10:28 AM
02/02/2012 10:28 AM
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 294
Stillwater, Minnesota
BobA Offline OP
Traveler
BobA  Offline OP
Traveler
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 294
Stillwater, Minnesota
McCurleys will be taking kids, luggage and some adults in vehicle to house at Rum Point. The rest of us will go shopping for groceries. I'm assuming the Fosters or whatever north (?) of the airport is the easiest place to head to for groceries. Is this right?

Is there a liquor store close to the grocery store?

We will also be shopping at Cay Brewery on way to Boden Town and road up the north shore.

As we arrive around 3 p.m., is all of this doable with customs, getting loaded in to vehicles and grocery and beer shopping. As I recall groceries close at 7, I can't remember when brewery closes.

Your thoughts. Oh, we'll have a laptop with, so we'll be able to check your maps on line when we are there on Goggle Earth, etc.

Re: 10 Days and Counting Inquires [Re: BobA] #15869
02/02/2012 09:59 PM
02/02/2012 09:59 PM

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Enroute groceries are:

Foster's at the airport: Big Daddy's liqour store in the same center. Best meat and fish fish selection. A bit less Ex-Pat than the next option...
Hurley's: Fanciest of the bunch. Best produce and imported cheese selection. Best coffee selection as well. Black beards liquors in the center.
Foster's in Savannah. Last full-service grocery. Jaques Scott liquors in the center (best wine selection).

Depending on you day of arrival, grocery stores pretty much close at 11:00 PM, liquor stores by 7:00 PM.

Out in the Quiet Side the Fosters Express closes at 7:00PM and 9:00 PM (Weekends), Chisholm's at 8:00 PM

Brewery closes BY 5:00, more like 4:00 if I recall correctly. This might be tough to make by closing.

Enjoy! We are off to Roatan the week after next. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Banana.gif" alt="" />

Re: 10 Days and Counting Inquires #15870
02/02/2012 10:21 PM
02/02/2012 10:21 PM
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 160
Texas
Testudo Offline
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Testudo  Offline
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Posts: 160
Texas
Testudo


Snorkel air just tastes better than canned air...

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