Cruising to Grand Cayman

Of all of the port’s that I have been to yet. Grand Cayman trumps them all. In this port you must tender from the ship to the pier so plan to take a bit longer getting ashore. But once there be prepared to be amazed.

This island is clean, the locals are kind, the scenery beautiful. It is a tiny little island, and as many Caribbean islands happen to be you will be driving on what those of us from North America consider the wrong side of the road.

We visited a town called Hell. Here the landscape goes from green and luscious to black like Hell. If you look closely you will see a shape in the jagged rocks that looks much like the devil. It’s caused by the current volcanic action going on underneath the island. Grand Cayman is continuously growing because of the movement of the volcanoes it resides upon.

We also spent time at the Cayman Turtle Center. I have heard many people say how horrible of a place the farm is. But in all reality the farm is good for the population of turtles. For the last two years the hatchery has collected on average 27,500 eggs. As well the Cayman Turtle Center has released over 31,000 yearling turtles into the wild. For a species under such a threat those numbers are massive towards conservation and re-population.

We then took a bus over to the Tortuga Rum factory and got free samples of many different types of rums and rum cakes. I cannot say that we didn’t leave with bags laden down with goodies.

We ended this tour with a stingray encounter. Following a short boat ride out to a sand bar we entered the water with hundreds of wild stingrays. I will admit I was terrified. I didn’t want to step on one so I tread very lightly. Snorkelling around them however was exciting. Graceful creatures that they are.

My time in Grand Cayman was not long enough. I want to return and explore the island further. The kind demeanour of the locals and the majestic appearance of the ocean have me itchy to return to the tiny island. Hopefully sooner rather than later.

For my followers I have started another blog, this one is free standing. Check it out at www.wanderlustcanuk.com

Until tomorrow, keep travelling, keep exploring. Wanderlust.