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Bradt Guide Cayman Islands
Ref: BRA021
This second edition of Cayman Islands: The Bradt Travel Guide covers everything from restaurants to adventure activities, including some of the best diving in the world. The combination of crystal-clear Caribbean waters and the walls for which the islands have become famous cannot fail to inspire awe and wonder. Drag yourself away from those white-sand beaches and you can head off in search of iguanas, mysterious caves or even ghosts. The guide is complete with historical background information and natural history for those who want to dig deeper and unlock the true spirit of Cayman.
• Revealing the secrets of Grand Cayman and the sister islands, Little Cayman and Cayman Brac
• Diving, fishing, parasailing, cycling and island walks
• Comprehensive restaurant guide, from international cuisine to Cayman specialities
• Wide-ranging accommodation, including hotels and hidden retreats
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About this Destination
The lure of crystal-clear Caribbean waters combines with white-sand beaches and a multitude of adventure activities to create an enviable holiday cocktail.
Author's Note, by Tricia Hayne
(Updated July 29, 2005)
Following the devastation caused by Hurricane Ivan in September 2004, it’s pretty well business as normal on the Cayman Islands. Resorts and dive lodges on the sister islands – that’s Little Cayman and Cayman Brac – were largely unaffected, but now most of the hotels on Grand Cayman are up and running again. Of the remaining few, just the Hyatt Regency is awaiting reopening, although its beachside property has been operating normally for some time. The delayed launch of the new five-star Ritz Carlton has been confirmed for autumn 2005.
Many hotels have taken the opportunity to renovate and improve rooms, with the Marriott Beach Resort reopened in June having been fully refurbished and upgraded. Sadly, though, Cayman Diving Lodge in the East End (page 172) was destroyed by the hurricane.
Almost all restaurants are now fully operational again, although a couple were too severely damaged to sustain business. Palm Beach Restaurant at Bodden Town (page 163) was reduced to 'a concrete slab', while the fate of Portofino's in the East End (page 173) wasn't much better, according to local reports.
In terms of getting around, you would be well advised to reserve a vehicle in advance since the number of cars on Grand Cayman has fallen considerably. Of the new initiatives, work is well underway at the Turtle Farm (page 156) on Boatswain’s Harbour, a marine theme park that will include swimming with turtles, a predator tank, craft stalls and a nature trail. The grand opening will take place early in 2006. In the meantime, the annual turtle release will take place on 2 November this year.
And for anyone contemplating getting married, what better place than underwater, courtesy of Divetech (page 92).
Tricia Hayne has travelled widely in North America and to many island destinations worldwide. A watersports enthusiast, she is Bradt’s Editorial Director.
£12.95
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