Best of Watersports

Photo by Deep Blue Images

• Bioluminescence The phenomenon of bioluminescence appears in only a handful of places around the world throughout the year. At certain times of the moon cycle, you can witness billions of light-emitting organisms that ‘flash’ when they are disturbed. Call Cayman Kayaks (SEE PAGE

126) and Crazy Crab (SEE PAGE 42). • Diving Cayman is internationally recognised as one of the best diving destinations in the world. For more on

Diving see page 53. • Fishing Take a private charter or join a group for bottom fishing, bone fishing or deep sea fishing outside the reef or at 12-

Mile Banks. Yellow and blackfin tuna, mahi mahi (from April to June), wahoo (from

November to July) and marlin between 2560lbs are regularly caught. See the Fishing section on page 38. • Mangrove & Bio Bay Tours Exploring the mangroves by kayak or boat is a wonderful experience. You can even hop into the water and snorkel the mangroves! Learn about the plants that grow there and the animals that use the mangroves as their breeding ground. Look out for birds, fish, anemones, iguanas, jellyfish and even the elusive seahorse. Call Cayman Kayaks (SEE

PAGE 126). • Jet Skiing Rent a jet ski from the resorts along Seven Mile Beach and enjoy an exhilarating ride! Alternatively, both Cayman Luxury Charters (SEE PAGE 41) and

Five Star Charters’ boats (SEE PAGE 43) come with an onboard jet ski allowing you to combine a relaxing private charter with some adrenaline! • Kitesurfing Learn to kitesurf and experience the feeling of flying! Experienced instructors at Kitesurf Cayman (SEE PAGE 84) will show you the ropes in waist-deep, calm waters and in no time you will be gliding across the water. Equipment rental is available for experienced kiters. • Paddleboarding A great way to explore

Cayman’s calm waters. Rent a board from

Kitesurf Cayman (SEE PAGE 84) who deliver for free from West Bay to George Town.

Take your snorkelling gear and stop to see lots of tropical sea life as you explore the coastline. • Parasailing Up to three people are attached to a large canopy from the back of a boat and hoisted over 400ft into the air. Enjoy spectacular views of Seven Mile Beach. Call

Travel Tip

Travelling between Camana Bay, Kaibo Yacht Club and Rum Point has never been easier! Enjoy a round trip Wednesday through Sunday with Cayman Ferries. CI$25 for a return journey. Visit www.caymanferries.com for the schedule and information on how to buy tickets.

Parasailing Professionals. SEE PAGE 85 • Sailing For something a bit different, try a

Hobie Cat sail which is ideal for beginners.

The resorts along Seven Mile Beach offer rentals and lessons. • Snorkelling Tours Many private boat operators combine a snorkelling trip to Coral

Gardens in the North Sound with a visit to

Stingray City Sandbar. Alternatively, explore interesting snorkelling sites in the Eastern

Districts with Ocean Frontiers (345) 947 0000. You could even pack your snorkelling gear and find magical sites which are easily accessed without a guide. Eden Rock in

George Town offers tunnels and overhangs to explore or snorkel under the Morritt’s dock in East End which is teaming with sea life. See the Best Snorkelling section on page 52 for locations. • Surfing While not renowned as a surf destination, the waters off the Caribbean

Club (SEE PAGE 74) on Seven Mile Beach are great for beginners. South Sound is better for advanced surfers, especially during the winter months if a nor’wester passes through. To rent a surfboard, call Waterman.

SEE PAGE 84 • Swim with the Stingrays See page 37 for more details. • Yacht & Motor Boat Charters You can enjoy

Cayman’s waters on a luxury boat, either with just a skipper or as a full-service experience including dinner. See the Boating section on pages 40-47 for more information. • Underwater Sightseeing Non-certified divers can get underwater with a trip aboard

Nautilus’ semi-submarine. (345) 926 3662. • Waterparks Starfish Cay at The Ritz-Carlton (345) 943 9000 and SPLASH at the Kimpton

Seafire (345) 746 0000 are the perfect spots for children to cool off. Kids will love the shallow splash pools, gentle waterslides and fountains. Call to purchase a day pass. • Windsurfing Step outside of your comfort zone and learn how to windsurf with Kitesurf

Cayman (SEE PAGE 84). In just two hours you’ll be cruising up and down the beach!

Photo by Deep Blue Images

Photo by Deep Blue Images

Photo by Rebecca Davidson

5

TOP Tips For Sun Safety

1. Seek shade during the hottest part of the day: 11am-3pm. 2. Please use an oxybenzone-free waterproof sun cream with a SPF of 30 or higher and reapply every one

to two hours. Kirk Market (SEE PAGE 13) sells a wide range of sun cream.

3. For maximum protection, ensure you and the kids wear a UV sun top. These protect the skin all day and provide protection even when wet. Little Angels and Sand Angels have a wide selection for kids and

adults. (SEE PAGE 86-95)

4. Wear a hat and sunglasses to protect your head and eyes. 5. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, especially when playing outside or exerting yourself.