Not every vacation is centered on lounging by the pool and sipping cocktails. Travelers have the luxury of tailoring their adventure to fit their interests. When visiting The Caymans, animal lovers may seek wildlife excursions, while athletes hunt for hikes and sporting activities. If you are an art aficionado, The Caymans has something for you, too. Exploring art from different regions is a great way to learn about the culture and heritage of the people. Local artists exemplify the daily life of the region and invite visitors to take a peek inside their world.

National Gallery Of The Cayman Islands

The National Gallery of the Cayman Islands is devoted to “protecting Caymanian art for future generations.” The gallery manages, conserves, and exhibits the National Art Collection, as well as hosts various exhibitions throughout the year. Visitors will find many types of media curated from artists over the past 40 years. Each artist uniquely captures how they have experienced, and viewed, life in The Caymans. From paintings and sculptures, to hand-woven and clay creations, the beauty of the permanent collection is comparable to the outdoor beauty of The Caymans, admired by visitors every day.

Mind’s Eye – The Visionary World of Miss Lassie

Spearheaded by the Cayman National Cultural Foundation (CNCF), Miss Lassie’s house has been preserved and opened to the public since December 2012. The work of Gladwyn K. “Lassie” Bush, a 4th generation Caymanian, has received global acclaim and can be admired in, Jamaica ,The United States, England, Germany, South Africa, and The Cayman Islands. Visitors to The Cayman Islands can take a journey through the home of Miss Lassie through a guided tour at Mind’s Eye – The Visionary World of Miss Lassie hosted by the CNCF. The home’s ceilings and walls are covered with the unique paintings of Miss Lassie. The house has also been staged to resemble what it may have looked like when Miss Lassie and her family resided there.

The art of The Caymans is unmistakable. Through the rich, vibrant colors of paintings and the handmade crafts used in everyday life, the local artists have captured their memories to share with visitors from all over. If you love art, or are just looking for a break from the sun, take a trip to one of these art museums and experience a close encounter with the culture of The Caymans.

Traveling with the family is a great way to make memories to last a lifetime. Regardless of the age of your children, spending quality time experiencing new cultures and adventures is priceless. If you happen to have a big family, traveling to an exotic destination can seem like more work than a vacation. Fortunately, you aren’t the first big family to plan a getaway, and with these 8 tips, you can enjoy your trip from start to finish:

1. Do Your Research

Traveling to an exotic destination can be daunting as it is. When you add a big family to the mix, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Taking the time to do your research is a great way to prepare and reduce stress. Learn about the culture, language, customs, and the top things to see, do, and taste. If your kids are old enough, involve them in the research and make it a family project.

2. Put a Plan in Place

Once you know where you’re going, sit down and make a plan. In addition to the basics, like travel and accommodation, include all of the activities the family wants to experience, the types of food you would like to try, and make reservations as needed. The most important thing is to be ok with deviating from the plan. The plan serves as an outline, but you aren’t bound by it.

3. Packing Checklists

Packing for any trip with a big family takes time and preparation. Create a checklist for family members so as not to forget anything essential. Take your destination into consideration. Will you need to pack sunscreen that is a higher SPF than you usually use? What will the weather be like and what types of clothes will be the most comfortable for the activities you plan? Make sure to do a final check before heading to the airport.

4. Take Your Time

If you’ve made the effort to put a plan in place, there should be very little reason to rush. Keep reservations in mind, but don’t let them take away from your experience. Take your time and enjoy each moment to the fullest.

5. Ask For Help

Don’t hesitate to ask the concierge or locals for a little help. Let them know what type of experience you are looking for and ask for recommendations. Sometimes you might even discover a best kept secret.

6. Try New Things

If you come across an opportunity to experience a new activity or cuisine, lead by example and encourage your family to be open minded. One of the most exciting parts of traveling is trying new things.

7. Be Spontaneous

While raising a big family, it’s likely you are accustomed to obstacles affecting plans. Regardless of how solid your plan is, it’s ok to be spontaneous and take in experiences as they come. Some of the best memories you’ll have can’t be planned.

8. Designate A Photographer

With so many fun activities, it can be easy to forget to take photos. If you have a child that is old enough to operate a camera or smartphone, make them the designated photographer in charge of documenting the trip. You’ll want to capture every moment with your family.

Some of the best vacation memories are made around the dinner table. After a fun-filled day of snorkeling, hiking, and touring the city, it’s easy to work up an appetite. The Cayman Islands is a unique travel destination with a variety of cuisines to choose from. Finding something for everyone in the family to enjoy can be easier than you think.

XQ’s Pizza Bar Grill

Bring the family and get ready for a tasty meal at XQ’s Pizza Bar Grill, voted “Best Pizza on the Rock.” Located along the iconic Seven Mile Beach, this local favorite brings the tastes of Italy to the Cayman Islands. Start the night off with an appetizer, like crispy calamari or garlic bread. Adults can choose from a menu of pizza, pasta, grilled dishes and salads along with a full bar. Have little ones joining? XQ offers a kid’s menu with chicken fingers, pasta, fries, and mini pizza. Pull up a chair, grab a slice, and enjoy the evening.

Big Tree BBQ

If you’re looking to mix it up and try something new, Big Tree BBQ is sure to make for an adventurous meal. What started out as a family BBQ under the tree, has turned into what TripAdvisor ranks as the #1 Restaurant in Gun Bay. Families will find a picnic-style, front yard dining experience with everything from ribs, steak, chicken, and even turtle. Visitors from all over flock to Big Tree BBQ to fill their plates and get to know the owner and Caymanian, Henry Harris. There’s nothing quite like home cooking while you’re away from home.

Casanova by the Sea

When it comes to dining with a view, Casanova by the Sea is the spot to visit in the Cayman Islands. With a versatile menu of seafood, Italian, and Mediterranean dishes, families can enjoy a delectable meal alongside the beach. Located in George Town, guests will experience hospitality and dining fit for a dream vacation. Between the fresh fish and homemade pasta, the only problem your family will have will be deciding what to eat. Take a seat and enjoy the meal.

With so many restaurants to choose from, families can expect the fun to continue all the way through dinner. Whether you have picky eaters in the group or foodies looking to taste the local cuisine, all appetites will be satisfied while visiting the Cayman Islands.

While many people visit the Cayman Islands looking forward to doing nothing, they often find that there are so many things to do here that keep them active. From seagoing excursions and activities, to tours of historic sites, you will find enough to keep you busy during your visit to the Caymans. Nonetheless, nearly everything begins and ends in some way with the azure-blue Caribbean water surrounding the islands.

Stingray City
Many people have had the chance to swim with fish in an aquarium, but have you ever pet a stingray in the ocean? Well, here you can. You and a small group of tourists will have the time of your life wading in calm, shallow Caribbean waters with a fleet of about 50 wild stingrays, weighing roughly 150 pounds and five feet in size, who come and go as they please. You will earn how to treat them and feed them during this unforgettable visit.

Cayman Turtle Farm
In keeping with the ocean theme, why not learn about another Cayman marine mainstay and have an up-close and personal visit with our amazing sea turtles? Cayman Turtle Farm allows visitors to learn about these amazing sea creatures and meet some of the 11,000 green sea turtles here, ranging in size from six ounces to 600 pounds. You will also be able to swim with a variety of fish in the 1.3-million-gallon salt water lagoon and come face-to-face with sharks and eels living in the predator tank.

Atlantis
Want to go deeper? After all, the surface of the beautiful Caribbean only tells part of the story. Take an underwater tour with Atlantis Submarines International, the world leader in tourist submersibles. You’ll visit underwater shipwrecks, exotic living reefs, and tranquil coral canyons all while staying dry and free of the deep-sea pressure effects.

Pedro St. James
Not all of the Caymans’ history is water-related, however, as you will find with a visit to Pedro St. James Castle. This castle was originally a cotton and mahogany plantation built in 1780 that became the birthplace of the Caymans’ modern democracy in 1831. This exquisite three-story structure was a marvel at the time of its construction, and has just recently been restored to its original grandeur.

Cayman Botanic Park
Built in 1994, this world-class facility gives you an inspiring look at the flora of this amazing tropical island. Christened by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the park houses a floral garden and the adjacent Heritage Garden, both of which are must-sees.

Ultimately, you are free to relax on our sun-soaked beaches and just be if you choose, but know that there are also many activities to keep you engaged and enthralled when you are ready.

It is difficult to point to the five most beautiful fish in the waters around Grand Cayman, as the teeming Caribbean boasts hundreds of breathtakingly colorful, exotic sea creatures. What you see on any snorkeling or diving excursion usually is predicated primarily on where and how deep you venture. Nonetheless, from small to large, there are a myriad of fish that could be considered among the most beautiful in the world.

Spotted Eagle Ray
Conceivably no sea creature is more elegant or exotic looking than the spotted eagle ray, but perhaps since they are extremely easily spooked by humans, they are also among the most difficult to experience. However, if you do, you will never forget it. These royal fish usually travel in groups and are dark with white spots on their body. They typically measure about 10 feet in width, eight feet in length, and they sport a long, narrow tail that extends another eight feet from the back of their body.

Caribbean Reef Squid
For sheer beauty, perhaps no Cayman-area fish outdoes the Caribbean reef squid. These color-changing creatures are like a living rainbow as they pass by in large schools, lighting up the waters. These fascinating fish also boast one of the most complex sets of communication signals of any sea creatures known to humans.

Flamingo Tongues
For something completely different, keep an eye on the coral reef as you pass by the ocean floor for a tiny, white marine snail with yellow-and-black markings that camouflage it well. Typically an inch long in size, these sea beauties are easy to spot and usually in male-female pairs munching on their favorite foods of gorgonians and sea fans. Do not, however, assume these harmless-looking creatures are, in fact, without bite, as they actually are poisonous and show their toxicity via the bright colors on their shell.

Sea Turtles
Look just about anywhere and you will see multitudes of sea turtles. Consequently, it is no wonder that Christopher Columbus originally named Grand Cayman Island “Las Tortugas,” for “the turtles” he saw everywhere. Today, you will see primarily Hawksbill turtles, which are among the smaller sea turtles, typically growing to about three feet in length and weighing about 180 pounds.

Caribbean Reef Sharks
You may not want to run into these characters, but you very well could in the waters of Grand Cayman. These predators usually hunt in small groups, but luckily, they prefer marine fish than human flesh.

You will likely see many more than five beautiful fish in the Grand Cayman waters. Enjoy them all, and remember to treat them and the fragile coral with great respect.