Yes, you read all of that correctly. Who would have thought that in a location as heavenly as the Cayman Islands, there’d be an opportunity to visit Hell.
Protruding out of its lush surroundings of the West Bay is a formation of black and jagged limestone known to the locals as Hell. With a 24-million year history, this wicked fossil coral reef, also known as Ironshore, is certainly unique.
Folklore about the origins of Hell’s name is varied and unverified. Some locals say the dark, eerie and spiky landscape created by the limestone resembles what they imagine Hell might look like. Others think it was simply because a British general exclaimed “oh hell!” while unsuccessfully attempting to hunt birds in the area.
Regardless of Hell’s creation story, it still manages to create a silly, educational, family-friendly experience for all.
Over the years, Hell has attracted large numbers of tourists leading to more and more novelty experiences popping up around the limestone attraction. Club Inferno is the area’s go-to for local drinks and dancing. There’s a gift shop painted with flames and littered with playfully devil-dressed men. And if you find yourself missing home, you can let friends and family know you wish they were in Hell with you by sending some postcards from the local post office. The lines aren’t as bad as you’d expect.
The highway to Hell is a simple street named… you guessed it… Hell Road. Between Fountain and Miss Daisy Lane, you’ll find Hell’s gift shop and post office. Just keep in mind: While it’s rare to experience a cold day in Hell, the area does tend to get a little extra toasty in the summer, so make sure you’re up for it and bring lots of water to stay hydrated.
No doubt Grand Cayman is best known for its clear waters best suited for diving and fishing, and sand suitable for all-day worship, but taking some time to explore the quirkier offerings can help make this vacation stand out from other island getaways. If you feel the need to repent for all the “see you in Hell” postcards you’ll be sending loved ones, don’t fret. Hell does have its own church.
While there’s still much to learn about it, there’s one thing about Hell we know for sure- whether you’re intrigued by unique rock formations, strange landscapes, sinister novelty experiences, or puns related to eternal damnation (and who doesn’t?), Hell Grand Cayman has something for you.
5 Things To Pack For Your Grand Cayman Trip
Your visit to Grand Cayman will be filled with wild sea adventures and unique, unforgettable experiences. Making sure you have everything you need to enjoy the moments and capture the excitement can help make your trip more satisfying all around. Here are some things to make sure to bring along for the ride:
1. Your Camera
From swimming with stingrays to snorkeling through the coral reefs, exploring novelty shops and picnicking with a movie under the stars, you’ll want to capture it all. Consider a waterproof case for your phone or camera so you can take big risks for the great family shot. UV protector filters for camera lenses might help, too.
2. Summer-Friendly Clothes
Let your skin breathe in the humid summer days with light and flowy tanks and shorts. And of course, don’t forget your swimsuit! The island style is relaxed and somewhat conservative. Some might call it “smart-casual” so it’s often best to keep beachwear at the beach and bring some breathable pants for nights out on the town. A jacket or sweatshirt could be helpful for evening layering if the air gets a little chilly.
3. Comfortable Shoes
Whether you’re roaming the shops or crashing on the sun-drenched sand, you’ll likely be seeking comfort. After all, this is your vacation. There aren’t many nature trails or hikes on the islands so don’t worry so much about sneakers. Comfortable sandals should do the trick and maybe a pair of dressier shoes for nights out at the local watering hole.
4. Sun Protection and Insect Repellent
From sunglasses to sunscreen, you’ll want to make sure you and the kiddos have all bases covered. It might also be worth considering some protective sun shirts for your time in the water, especially if you’ll be out on long adventures snorkeling the coral reef. Insect repellent is also a wise choice to toss in the suitcase to make your tropical nights a little less itchy.
5. Your Travel Essentials
Passports, photo IDs, plane tickets, hotel reservations. Be sure to bring these and perhaps some extra copies just in case things get wet or wild. Don’t forget to keep these items safe throughout your travel. Additional essentials for a tropical vacation can include protective phone or camera cases which are a worthy investment, too. Ensure your digital gadgets don’t get damaged by the sun, salt, and humidity. Major credit cards are accepted on the islands but keeping small bills around can make shopping with local vendors or tipping servers easier.
So now that you’ve got your bags packed, when do we leave?
Celebrate Constitution Day This July With Caymanian Culture And History
Canada, France, and the U.S. all celebrate patriotic holidays in the month of July. And the Cayman Islands are no exception. Each year, on the first Monday of July, locals and visitors alike celebrate Constitution Day, a public holiday commemorating the islands’ first constitution which passed 60 years ago in 1959.
This year’s events will take place on July 1st and you can expect the entertainment to be fun for the whole family. Enjoy live music, food and drink vendors, or win prizes at crowd-favorite festival games. Kids can express themselves with arts and crafts projects or get their faces painted, and the whole family can enjoy the fireworks show which kicks off at 8:30 pm.
Here’s a little background on the festivities and what, exactly, is being celebrated:
History
The Cayman Islands have been governed by the British government since the 17th century and become a colony of Jamaica in 1863. However, when Jamaica declared independence from Britain in 1952, the Cayman Islands declared a desire to remain part of the British Empire instead. Their new constitution enacted that, and also gave Caymanian women the right to vote. So there’s a lot to celebrate this July and you can do so under sun and by the sea at Camana Bay’s Constitution Day celebration.
Culture
Celebrating Constitution Day will let you experience and celebrate rich Caymanian culture. Similar to Jamaican food, Caymanian food includes seafood like mahi-mahi and snapper, veggies, and tasty spices. Conch with lime juice or cooked in a chowder is a very popular.
Caymanian folk music, calypso, jazz, and reggae will also be on full display for family fun and dancing.
Shopping
Before the events kick off, Camana Bay offers shops and dining opportunities that are sure to get the fun started early. 3 Girls and a Kiln, for instance, is a local art collective offering ceramics, paintings, and upcycled repurposed gifts. Activ Angels is a one-stop shop for the active lifestyle, offering yoga apparel and accessories as well as athleisure. And the Bay Market offers gourmet organic, vegetarian, and vegan items, including produce and pantry essentials. And that’s just to name a few.
Camana Bay’s diverse selection of restaurants can satiate any shopper’s hunger, fueling you up to keep the souvenir scouting and shopping spree going.
Event Details
At the Camana Bay Crescent, expect to dance along to a life DJ from 6:30-9:30 pm and don’t forget to catch the fireworks show starting at 8:30 pm.
Don’t Miss 2019’s Summer Moonlight & Movies
While catching a flick may not seem like the ideal activity for a visit to Grand Cayman, this annual outdoor event provides a chance for families to wind down after warm and adventurous days. With ample time to bond and relax under the Cayman moonlight, this event is just the recharge needed for another day of island exploration.
Camana Bay’s annual Summer Moonlight & Movies event is back every Tuesday night throughout June, July, and August. It’s your chance to gather with family and other neighbors of the Cayman community to unwind under the stars with a fun, kid-friendly flick.
The films will be hosted at Gardenia Court all summer starting each Tuesday night at 7 pm. The Road to El Dorado kickstarts 2019’s series on June 21st, with Curious George closing it out on August 30th. Other films you can catch before fall include animated adventure-comedy Puss in Boots, stop-motion fantasy comedy The Boxtrolls, Steve Carrell’s and Wanda Sykes’ comic-inspired Over the Hedge, and 1980s classic Back to the Future. All films are rated PG-13 or under making this stress-free night fit for almost everyone.
For extra fun, on the first Tuesday of each month bring the kids early for a Kiddie Drive-In. Children can create and customize their own cardboard car and park it in front of the big screen for a unique experience. These cardboard car crafts start at 5 pm with all supplies provided giving the kid’s a unique and classic movie-viewing adventure.
Before the show, families are encouraged to dine at Camana Bay’s diverse restaurants which offer up options such as tapas, pizza, Asian-inspired dishes, organic and vegan items, and other gourmet delights. For the grown-ups, craft beers and cocktails are available at many dining locations. And don’t forget to stop for some gelato or French pastries for dessert. Movie-goers looking for a cozier evening are also invited to bring their own picnic to munch throughout the show.
The event’s organizer, Rosa DaCosta, urges folks to join in on the fun, saying “it’s a great opportunity for the community to come to Camana Bay, the restaurants are quite busy, it brings people here to Camana Bay where it’s a safe place to be.”
Be sure to arrive early with your blankets to grab a comfy spot on the lawn as seating is first-come, first-serve. On a quiet Tuesday around the island, this free event is sure to fill up quickly.
And don’t stray too far at summer’s end. Special film screenings will kick back into gear for Halloween and Christmas.
5 Incredible Scuba Diving Sites Off Grand Cayman
As you plan your vacation to Grand Cayman, consider adding scuba diving to your itinerary. The tropical island paradise features some of the best scuba diving sites in the world, all of which include plenty of colorful fish and other marine creatures. Review these exquisite sites to inspire your travel plans and get seriously excited.
Eden Rock North
This site is a favorite among snorkelers on cruise ships. It is a shallow reef dropping 45 feet into the sea and features tons of gorgeous coral you won’t want to stop taking pictures of. The tarpon in this area is particularly noteworthy, and don’t worry–they will just float along without noticing you at all.
Ironshore Gardens
If dense sea life is a scuba diving must for you, visit Ironshore Gardens. This underwater “garden” located on the east end of Grand Cayman in Frank Sound allows you to wind through a stunning maze of coral walls. You may also see some of the biggest lobsters in this section of clear ocean water.
The Kittiwake
The Kittiwake is a hulking submarine purposefully sunk in 2011 to create an artificial reef. Today the 251-foot-long vessel located about 70 feet below the waves is encrusted with beautiful coral and provides a fascinating scuba adventure so long as you bring a waterproof flashlight. The ship was set up for scuba diving fun, so there’s no need to worry about a single thing. Angelfish and groupers are frequently found here.
Black Forest
While this option is for experienced divers only, it makes virtually any “best of” scuba list for Grand Cayman. The deep wall dive allows you to look out into the great blue beyond while also featuring lots of color-tastic coral and more than a few sponges. Eagle rays also visit this spot often, which again is for seasoned divers alone.
Devil’s Grotto
This dive site is found near Eden Rock and is a true underwater maze. Parrotfish, barracuda, tarpon, and silversides are among the marine life found here, as well as reef sharks. You’ll navigate coral canyons that look even more beautiful under the tropical sun. Many combine Eden Rock with Devil’s Grotto to explore two of Grand Cayman’s most popular scuba spots.
These are just some of the scuba diving locations for you to explore off of the magnificent Grand Cayman. Book your stay on the island today at South Bay Beach Club and ask for scuba diving recommendations–the friendly staff will be happy to help.
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