Elite Traveler March-April 2017

elite traveler MAR/APR 2017 119

Main: Scuba diving at Bloody Bay Wall, off the coast of Little Cayman Below: A close

encounter at Stingray City

BEST BEACH BETS

BEST BEACH FOR BEING SOCIAL ▲ Rum Point Beach

For fun in the sun, sail or drive over to the island’s north side and soak up the convivial atmosphere under this beach’s shady casuarina pines. It’s a low-key spot for swimming and snorkeling, or you can choose a table on the sand at the casual Wreck Bar for frozen drinks and island beats. Rum Point Drive, Rum Point Even with all the sea life teeming around the Cayman Islands, this tranquil beach stands out for its namesake inhabitants, who come to feed in the shallow, clear waters. Sunbathe on the sugar-soft sand, or swim or snorkel over the orange-red sea creatures. But remember just to look and not touch, since picking them up can damage their soft tissues, and sunscreen is toxic to them. Water Cay Road, Rum Point This small pocket of sand between ironstone outcroppings south of George Town has gentle, azure waters and abundant fish – perfect for small people learning how to snorkel. Sling a hammock or unpack a boxed picnic lunch under the shade trees after a swim. Note: It can get crowded on the weekends. South Church Street, George Town BEST BEACH FOR NATURE Starfish Point BEST BEACH FOR KIDS Smith Barcadere (aka Smith Cove)

TAKE THREE/// MARINE AREAS

Calico Jack’s Sip a cold Caybrew at this beach bar, and stay for one of their famous full-moon parties. W Bay Road, Seven Mile Beach Camana Bay Farmers & Artisans Market Stalls selling regional foods and produce line the central boulevard here. Try the famous hot-pepper jelly made with scotch bonnet peppers. The Paseo, Camana Bay Fish market in George Town Buy freshly caught snapper, wahoo or yellowfin tuna off the beach, and the chefs at a local eatery like Rackam’s Waterfront Bar & Grill will cook it for a small fee. North Church Street, George Town Heidi Agar is the concierge at Kimpton Seafire and Collin Phillips is the concierge at The Ritz-Carlton TrueCaymanflavors from two local concierges

1. DIVE SITE Bloody Bay Wall

over dory fish, blue tangs, parrot fish, the occasional sea turtle and boulder brain coral (there are 36 coral species found across the islands) in just a few feet of water. Book a full-day private yacht with Cayman Luxury Charters, and they will have lunch catered on

With 350 dive sites across the Cayman Islands, scuba divers are spoiled for choice, but Bloody Bay Wall (in a protected marine park off Little Cayman) is considered one the best drop-offs in the Caribbean. It descends more than 2,000 ft into the abyss, and the cliff face is covered with healthy coral and brightly colored tube and basket sponges. Divers will see a multitude of fish, including eagle rays, green Moray eels, grouper, jack fish, blennies and coneys. Living the Dream Divers provides private charters and full valet service, which includes pickup from your hotel and storing your gear. livingthedreamdivers.com 2. SNORKEL SITE North Sounds Barrier Reef Grand Cayman’s barrier reef stretches all the way across the island’s North Sound lagoon, and snorkelers can fan their flippers

board by a top restaurant. caymanluxurycharters.com 3. SEALIFE SITE Stingray City

You don’t need to know how to snorkel or scuba dive to have one of the Cayman Islands’ most memorable adventures. On a sandbar in waist-high, crystal-clear water, the world’s friendliest stingrays glide around visitors who tickle and touch them, drawn by the tour captains’ treats. It’s best to pair a stop at Stingray City with a snorkeling or scuba trip. Book Captain Marvin’s luxury 35ft cruiser Island Time for a full-day adventure. captainmarvins.com

Photos Cris Molina for Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa, Cayman Islands Department of Tourism