Blog Archives - Page 4 of 41 - South Bay Beach Club

Nov 19 2019

Experience The Queen Elizabeth II Royal Botanic Park While Visiting Grand Cayman!

Grand Cayman offers plenty to do, including many landmarks and attractions sure to pique the interest of history buffs. Among the most beautiful historical attractions on the Carribean island is the Queen Elizabeth II Royal Botanic Park. Take a moment to learn about this fabulous garden to consider adding it to your Grand Cayman itinerary.

The Gardens

Queen Elizabeth II opened the park in 1994, which has since grown to include a variety of stunning gardens. Whether you spend one hour, two hours, or the entire day at this glorious attraction, your senses will never get bored. Explore the Floral Colour Garden featuring pink, red, orange, yellow, blue, white, purple, and lavender blooms in specific areas, as well as native trees and grasses. Visit the Heritage Garden next, which includes an old Caymanian house dating back to 1900 as well as sand and medicinal gardens.

Other gardens include the Xerophytic Garden full of succulents that thrive in dry conditions. The park is also famous for orchids and includes an “Orchid Boardwalk” that naturally features the island’s national flower, the Wild Banana Orchid.

The Lake & Woodland Trail

The Queen Elizabeth II Royal Botanic Park includes a three-acre lake that varies in size throughout the year depending on rainfall. You’ll see native ducks among other wildlife, as the lake has become a sanctuary for animal friends.

The Woodland Trail allows locals and tourists alike to experience some of Grand Cayman’s pristine forests. The trail is ⅘ of a mile long and therefore walkable for most people. You’ll meander through dry and swampy areas, as well as canopied sections thanks to native trees. The rare Cockspur Tree and Bull Thatch Palms can be found here.

The Crocodile Hole & Blue Iguana Habitat

Among the many other sites to see at this colorful park include the Crocodile Hole, which features the fossilized remains of the Cuban Freshwater Crocodile. These living dinosaurs were originally found throughout the Cayman Islands but now only reside in the Zapata Swamplands of Cuba. However, there are plenty of turtles that call the park’s Hickatee Habitat Wetland home.

Other attractions include the Blue Iguana Habitat that was created in 1987 as a way to protect these incredible “blue dinosaurs.” The iguanas enjoy free range throughout the park, so make certain one isn’t under your car before you leave!

Learn more about the botanic park here.

Reserve your Grand Cayman luxury accommodations by contacting South Beach Bay Club today.

Nov 06 2019

Pirates Week Events, Part Two!

The 42nd annual Pirates Week hits Grand Cayman shores on Thursday, November 7th and lasts through the 11th, offering plenty of shiver-me-timbers fun along the way. The yearly festival also features events on Little Cayman and Cayman Broc, all of which pay homage to the Carribean’s rich pirate heritage. Whether you’re a Pirates of the Carribean fan or simply want to participate in this fantastic festival during your Grand Cayman stay, you won’t be lost for event options. Here are a few more pirate-y ways to fill your vacation days:

Fireworks, Harbour Drive

Watch the sky light up on Harbour Drive. The 15-minute show starts at 8:00 pm on Friday, November 8th and guarantees to wow onlookers of all ages. It’s a feast for the senses thanks to the winning combination of music, lights, and color.

5K Sea Swim

Channel your inner sea creature by participating in the 5K Sea Swim on Saturday, November 9th. The 39th annual swimming event goes from 7:00 am to 9:00 am and happens at Governor’s Beach. Email lockwood.ci@gmail.com if you wish to participate.

Pirate Pooch Parade

Watch canines saunter in their pirate finery on Saturday, November 9th at the Pirate Pooch Parade. The hour and a half-long parade starts at 10:00 am and includes a $25 registration fee, which comes with a free t-shirt. There are prizes for best duo, best personality, best trick, and best costume among others. All proceeds benefit the Cayman Islands Humane Society, with four-legged friends also available for adoption.

Cardboard Regatta

Unleash your creative side at Pirates Week by participating in the Cardboard Regatta. All “vessels” must be constructed from corrugated cardboard and free of resin and other box adhesives. No floatation aids can be used, and solid-colored t-shirts must be worn; however, fancy pirate dress is encouraged. Enter the Senior (17+ Co-Ed) or Junior (16 & under Co-Ed) division to potentially win first prize ($500), second prize ($300) or third prize ($200). There are even prizes for the “best sinkers”! Registration is $150 per team.

Landing Pageant & Float Parade

Enjoy watching the pirates land on Grand Cayman and make their way down Harbour Drive and into George Town on Saturday, November 9th starting at 3:00 pm. Get to Harbour Drive at 2:00 pm to marvel at pre-landing entertainment including dancing, acrobatics, and waterfront stunts.

Participate in these and many more Pirates Week events!

Book your luxury hotel stay at South Beach Bay Club today so you don’t miss any of the pirate action.

Oct 30 2019

Pirates Week Events, Part One!

The 42nd annual Pirates Week extravaganza will return to the Cayman Islands this November for another five days of buccaneer-inspired fun. The “invasion” starts on Cayman Brac on November 1st and goes to the 3rd. It hits Grand Cayman from November 7th through the 11th and ends on Little Cayman from November 15th to the 17th. Find out what you need to know about the rocklicking festivities to plan your Grand Cayman adventure accordingly.

Pirates Week Happy Hour On Grand Cayman

Grand Cayman offers plenty of pirate-tastic ways to spend your vacation days. Even though the first “invasion” takes place on Cayman Brac, Grand Cayman hosts a Pirates Week Happy Hour and Official Kickoff Party on Thursday, November 7th. Say cheers starting at 4:00 pm and don’t worry if you get there late since the event goes till 2:00 am. It happens at the Royal Palms Hotel and features plenty of island beats for dancing the night away. The free event also features numerous visiting pirate friends.

5K Run/Walk

The Pirates Week 5K Run/Walk starts at 5:30 pm in front of the South Terminal before making its way south on Harbour Drive and South Church Street. It finishes at South Terminal and includes awards for the top three men and women in each category. The first 50 registrants will receive a free t-shirt. It’s $25 to enter this fun run.

Food Festival

What’s Pirates Week without traditional marine fare? The Food Festival on Friday, November 8th on Shedden Road includes turtle and couch stew among other Carribean dishes, as well as Asian and Hispanic cuisine. Sample your favorites starting at 6:00 pm, with the event ending at 2:00 am.

Fireworks Cruise

No Pirates Week is complete with the Fireworks Cruise. Climb aboard the Carib Dauntless to marvel at the colorful, fiery display in the sky. Boarding begins at 6:00 pm and the boat heads out at 7:00 pm. The fireworks start at 8:00 pm.

Pirates Landing Cruise

The pirates officially invade Grand Cayman on Saturday, November 9th, causing a wonderful commotion complete with tons of confetti. You can even participate in the invasion! It’s for adults only, costs a mere $15, and you can bring libations aboard.

These are just some of the Pirate Week events happening on Grand Cayman. Don’t miss Part Two of this blog series for more information about this annual event celebrating the Carribean’s unique heritage.

Reserve your luxury hotel on Grand Cayman today by visiting South Beach Bay Club.

Oct 25 2019

What You Need To Know About Visiting Starfish Point In Grand Cayman

One of the most beloved beaches on Grand Cayman is Starfish Point, which is aptly named for the innumerable starfish dotting the coastline. This beach overlooks North Sound and features calm, shallow waters that starfish enjoy. And while there’s no entrance fee, there are plenty of tour operators who will happily take you to this little section of beach. If visiting starfish sounds like a Grand Cayman vacation must, here’s what you need to know before you go:

The Drive From Seven Mile Beach Is Long

If you are among the tourists staying in the Seven Mile Beach section of Grand Cayman, consider whether you want to make the drive to Starfish Beach. It’s about an hour away, making an organized tour a welcome alternative. And since some people have trouble finding the beach because it isn’t on a main road, allowing an experienced guide to lead the way will help ensure a timely, safe visit.

The Starfish Must Remain In The Shallows

As tempting as it can be to pick up a starfish for a photo opportunity, these marine creatures must stay where they are. Picking them up exposes the animals to damaging oxygen. And since some of the ‘fish anchor themselves to rocks along the shoreline, ripping one off a stone damages its tube feet. These feet regrow in time; however, there is no need to stress the creatures in this way. Starfish are wild animals who should be left alone, so take pictures from a distance.

The Water Is Perfectly Clear

Getting the pictures you want is easy thanks to the crystal-clear Caribbean water. Consider purchasing a waterproof camera before your trip if you want to photograph the creatures up-close, but again take care not to disturb them.

Water, Sunscreen, & Snacks Are Necessary

Your trip to Starfish Point requires plenty of water as well as a few snacks. There are no concession stands or eateries on this stretch of beach, as it is meant as a beautiful, natural example of the island’s pristine beauty. Don’t forget your sunscreen either since the tropical sun will leave you lobster-red without the right protection. Bring a broad-brimmed hat and sunglasses as well for further protection from the unforgiving sun.

Enjoy this lovely area of Grand Cayman that includes ancient coconut trees. Schedule your island stay now by contacting South Beach Bay Club for luxurious accommodations.

Oct 18 2019

Need To Fill Out Your Grand Cayman Itinerary? Consider Bioluminescence Snorkeling!

Grand Cayman has no shortage of things to do, which naturally includes plenty of snorkeling opportunities. One of the arguably most exciting snorkeling options just off the coast of this Caribbean island is all about bioluminescence. Millions of dinoflagellates, a type of single-celled plankton, produce light when their habitats are disturbed during the night. And while some think the resulting illumination is a sign of harm, there is no evidence that boaters or snorkelers damage the plankton in any way.

If nighttime snorkeling in shimmering island waters sounds ideal to you, here’s what you need to know about this incredible experience:

Bio Bay Was Originally A Real Estate Project

The bioluminescence making up “Bio Bay” in Grand Cayman resulted from the development of private villas along the coastline. Construction shifted the physical characteristics of the bay, essentially trapping the plankton and keeping their numbers high. And while numbers vary according to the tide and weather, you can expect to bask in a glittering bay if you take this snorkel tour.

You’re Perfectly Safe To Snorkel

Snorkeling at night can sound a little dangerous, even if there’s millions of plankton illuminating the water. But have no fear–literally–because there are no sharks to worry about in this area. Sharks are not known to frequent this bay and there has never even been a shark attack in Grand Cayman. Additionally, the water is warm so you don’t have to worry about catching a chill with nighttime snorkeling. It is also free of all waves and currents.

If you visit Bio Bay in the summer, jellyfish may be present. However, tour operators provide full wetsuits during summer months to keep participants safe from the stinging fish. Visiting Grand Cayman in the winter means no jellyfish in the water to contend with. And the good news is the pain from a sting typically lasts no more than five minutes!

Staying On The Boat Is Also An Option

Some people prefer to see bioluminescence from the comfort of the tour boat. If you are among these people, look for a tour that offers free drinks such as soda and beer. Boats are always perfectly cushioned with few fellow passengers. Small groups ensure these experiences are worth every penny, with most tours offering free transportation from Seven Mile Beach.

Enjoy nighttime snorkeling among many other fantastic Grand Cayman adventures. Schedule your stay today by contacting South Bay Beach Club.