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May 24 2016

Grand Cayman: Hike one of the Last Remaining Subtropical Forests

A beach vacation generally means you’ll be spending a lot of time on, well, beaches, but a trip to the Cayman Islands provides an opportunity for so much more than lounging around with your toes in the sand and an umbrella-topped drink in your hands (not that there’s anything wrong with that). With lush green terrain and an incredible array of wildlife, Grand Cayman offers one of the last dry, subtropical forests in the Caribbean, and it’s the perfect place for a nice, long hike.

Grand Cayman Forests: Green, Unspoiled, and Breathtaking

The flora and fauna that make up the Cayman Islands’ forests are stunningly diverse. The star is undoubtedly the Silver Thatch Palm, the iconic palm with metallic leaves that covers the island and is also, unsurprisingly, the national tree. Then there are the mangrove trees, with roots that tangle up from the water and play home to a variety of wildlife, and the beautiful wild banana orchids, with yellow trumpeted petals and purple-tinged tips.

Up Close with Grand Cayman Wildlife

Some incredible animals call this forest home, too: the brightly colored Cayman Parrot is the national bird of the Cayman Islands, and there’s also the biggest colony of red-footed boobies – an aptly named seabird with bright red feet and a blue bill – in the Western Hemisphere. Add to that a slew of other birds, bats, turtles, butterflies, snakes, iguanas (including the Blue Iguana, a native species that’s also endangered), and rabbit-sized rodents, and it’s easy to see that Grand Cayman is a veritable cornucopia of wildlife that you simply don’t want to miss.

The Mastic Trail

The Mastic Trail on Grand Cayman brings all the best elements of outdoor life on the island together for one incredible hike. Meander along the 200-year-old path and the terrain morphs from forest to grassy expanses to rocky outcrops to the mangrove-covered swamps you’d probably expect from a tropical jungle. The soundtrack is captivating; all around you, birds are celebrating your arrival with chirps and bellows that are as exotic as the fruit-laden trees they’re perched upon. Take advantage of a guided tour or head out on your own and soak up the atmosphere at your own pace.

Beyond Grand Cayman

Venture beyond the shores of Grand Cayman and more beauty awaits. Head out to Little Cayman for the day, and you’ll find unspoiled coastline dotted with hidden beaches perfect for an afternoon siesta or leisurely picnic. Inland, hikers will discover wetlands, lagoons, and the Boob Pond Nature Reserve, absolute heaven for dedicated bird watchers. Thrill-seekers will love exploring the 140-ft bluff, or “Brac,” that gives Cayman Brac its name. Some 14 square miles of spectacular scenery awaits, and if you need to get just a little bit higher, you can hike to the bluff’s lighthouse and survey the watery expanse that way.

Whether you love the great outdoors or just want to get a peek at greenery that looks a little different than your backyard at home, hiking the Cayman Islands deserves a spot on your bucket list.

May 17 2016

Extreme Cayman Adventures

Winter’s nearly over, and if you’re looking forward to a first class tropical vacation with tons of extreme sports, South Bay Beach Club has got what you’re looking for on the warm and crystalline waters at Grand Cayman Islands.

Extreme Sports in the Water

Let the local adventure experts at South Bay Beach Club show you the adventure you’ve been craving with the whole range of extreme tropical water sports. Hit the beach for surfing or twist up the curl kite surfing. If you prefer motor powered water sports, try making wakes with a jet ski or wave runner. Para-sailing is an amazing way to take in the view while flying behind a speed boat. For those with a curious streak, snorkeling and scuba diving are great ways to explore the tropical surf and encounter that thousands of colorful creatures beneath it. Of course, not all extreme water sports have to be new- there’s always body-boarding or canoeing, for a more familiar thrill.

Over the Water

For those who would like to get out of the water, well out of it, wing suit skydiving is about as exciting as it gets. Drop from a few thousand feet and literally fly over the islands and the bay. If you’ve got a strong neck and enjoy the feeling of raw excitement, bungee jumping may be the thing. If you just want to feel the whoosh of the air and see the Earth rushing up to meet you, traditional skydiving is nothing to sneeze at.

On the Land

Those with an affinity for cardiovascular fitness may go for trail running- and there may be no better place on Earth for it. Mountain biking is an excellent way to explore the island as well as a great way to experience trails. Rock climbing is a big deal on these islands with many opportunities to test your grip and your resolve in this beautiful tropical paradise. Cave diving and exploration are sports that can be incorporated with just about any other kind on the Cayman Islands as these locations are riddled with complex networks of caves.

The South Bay Beach Club can arrange an activity package with any of these activities and more for your Spring or Summer vacation. They offer a range of non-extreme sports for when you just need to catch your breath. There’s horse riding along pristine beaches, sailboating, golf, and much more to fill out your tropical get away.

The South Bay Beach Club is nestled in the world-renowned Seven Mile Beach with a host of first class villas, restaurants and a whole range of amenities to make your get away event one that you will not soon forget.

May 10 2016

Animals in the Caribbean

Surrounded by the picturesque Caribbean Sea, Grand Cayman Island offers great opportunities to observe sea life like octopus, sponges, eels and beautiful coral reefs. But the delightful fauna of the island doesn’t stop at the shoreline.

Birds

As a popular migratory stopover for non-water birds, Grand Cayman hosts many non-indigenous species during the winter. Among the bird species endemic to the island are the Caribbean dove, the West Indian woodpecker and the Grand Cayman parrot. A subspecies of the Cuban Amazon parrot that likely arrived when sea levels were lower and the trip between the islands easier, the Grand Cayman parrot is found only here. Its numbers are estimated to be less than 4,500, making its situation “dire.”

Snakes, Amphibians and Reptiles

All snakes on Grand Cayman are non-venomous, although some can be as long as five feet or use a threatening pose when startled. The Cayman Racer snake is named for its propensity to quickly slither away when approached.

The Greenhouse frog and the Cuban tree frog can be observed at the island’s Botanic Park in addition to their natural habitats around Grand Cayman. The Cuban tree frog, also called the bullfrog, is more common and found near fresh water sources.

Another popular resident of the Botanic Park is the Grand Cayman Blue Iguana, the island’s largest native land animal, reaching up to five feet and 25 pounds. From an estimate of just a dozen left in 2002, an intense recovery program has brought their numbers back over 700. Habitat destruction, road kills and hunting by non-native, invasive species have made this the most endangered iguana on the planet.

Although turtles used to be the majority residents on Grand Cayman, overfishing diminished their population drastically until a conservation effort replenished their numbers. A tortoise known as a hickatee lives among Grand Cayman’s fresh water ponds.

Bats and Others

Like snakes, the bats found on Grand Cayman are harmless to humans. The brown bat, a very rare species, is found nowhere else on earth but Grand Cayman.

Agoutis, shy rodents known locally as rabbits, were brought to the island for rat control. However, the two species operate at different times of day, ironically leaving the diurnal agoutis to hunt snakes, rats’ natural predator.

So, while enjoying the diving and snorkeling off Grand Cayman, don’t forget to visit the diverse and somewhat rare land animals the island has to offer.

May 03 2016

Five Great Shops to Hit While in the Grand Cayman Islands

When you’re a guest at South Bay Beach Club, you’ll be relaxing at the best resort in the Grand Caymans Islands. After you’re fully refreshed and rejuvenated, however, you might want to partake in a little “retail therapy.” Seven Mile Beach is the perfect place to do this, since there is duty-free shopping! Here are five great shops that you don’t want to miss during your stay at South Bay Beach Club.

Divers Supply: Need to find some fun new swimwear before you hit the beach? This is the place to go, as it has all the latest trends and top brands of today’s swimwear. After all, everyone wants to look great pool and beach side!
Casa del Habano: This is one serious cigar shop if you’re a cigar aficionado. The shop maintains exact temperature and has humidity control via a locked humidor. While you’re getting your puff on, you can also enjoy a cup of gourmet coffee at their cafe.
Tortuga Rum Co.: Located in the West Shore Shopping Centre, this is the shop to hit if you want to pick up a a bottle (or two, or three, or more…) of Grand Cayman’s finest rum. Take your pick from coconut, gold, or dark rum to name just a few of specialties. Baked goods with rum are available too! Take back a rum cake or even some rum fudge to enjoy at South Bay later!
Blue Iguana Souvenir Outlet Store: If you’re looking to take traditional souvenirs to friends and family, then this is definitely the proverbially tourist’s souvenir store to find that perfect cute, little souvenir. Choose from all the traditional tourist items, without breaking the bank: t-shirts, coffee mugs, keychains, magnets, and more!
Kirk Jewelers: This gem (pun intended) of a store can be found on Cardinal Avenue, George Town’s main shopping district. If you’re looking for a high-class watch for a romantic gift while you’re on the island, check out this jewelry shop. You’ll find Bulgari, Omega, Gucci, and even Rolex watches.

And when you’re winding your shopping excursion down, just know the comfort and beauty of South Bay Beach Club is waiting for you. Come back to your tropical oasis and relax on a poolside chaise lounge or under a palm tree in a hammock. After a hard day of shopping, you deserve it!

Apr 26 2016

Fun on a Budget on the Cayman Islands

Need to get away but spend your dollars wisely? The Cayman Islands, comprised of Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman, have plenty to explore and enjoy without breaking the bank. Here are 10 suggestions of free and low cost activities on your trip.

Spend time getting some sun by the azure waters of Seven Mile Beach, a popular public beach that is a great spot to spy vibrant fish and coral while snorkeling.
Go to Hell. This tourist attraction of short black limestone can be entered for free in West Bay.
Hike the Mastic Trail, a massive trail that runs through a mangrove swamp and woodland area with bright and rare plants to see. Hike for free by yourself but bring a map.
Bring rather than rent equipment, and go boogie boarding, snorkeling and diving at the many attractive beaches.
Get a few magazines and your favorite poolside drink and kick back. It’s a vacation after all.
For a few dollars, bring the family to the Cayman Turtle Farm. Children get a hands-on experience with baby sea turtles and other wildlife and the farm is working to protect the endangered green sea turtle.
Participate in the social events in Grand Cayman. Some events are free but others have varying prices. Upcoming events include the Kaibio Kitefest, a fun family day with kite competitions, kite-making and live music, and the Batabano Carnival Junior Parade with calypso and soca dancing. April’s Cayfest is a wonderful cultural festival that showcases local talented artists, performances and more.
Go fishing. Angling is big on the Cayman Islands with annual events like the Cayman Island International Fishing Tournament. Bring your own tackle and indulge your passion.
Learn a few new moves. Most of the established hotels and local hot spots offer the opportunity to dance and mingle with fellow travelers and residents. Take advantage of the opportunities around you.
Enjoy a Cayman Islands’ sunrise. Whether you have partied all night or want to start off the day just right, sit back and allow the day to unfold before you on the waters of the Atlantic.

Talk with the locals and look for travel discounts to get the most of your stay in the Cayman Islands. It is easy to plan a memorable vacation on these picturesque islands.