Coming Back To Cayman – June, 2020

To all who love the Cayman Islands:

Let’s take a few minutes to celebrate the good things in life!  We have both received and extended kindness during the past month.  We have rediscovered the joy of quiet afternoons on the front porch.  We have baked bread, made quiches, planted flowers and vegetables, and made masks from old bandanas!  We have also continued to dream of future travel to places near and far.

Just the thought of Coming Back to Cayman brings a sense of hope and joy to many folks who love this unique piece of paradise.  Being active on many Facebook pages and groups allows me the opportunity to read the thoughts and to see the photos of visitors who yearn for the fun and adventure found only here at Cayman.  Everyone finds fun and adventure on Cayman!  Foodies find a range of outstanding dining experiences for any budget.  Outdoor activities abound for the visitors who want to fish, dive, sail, windsurf, paddleboard, kayak, and parasail!  Overall, many passengers tell me that they want to return to Cayman because it’s just plain fun.  So let’s look at some of the attractions that entice visitors not only on the first visit but on each repeat visit!

Stingray City:

Pucker up for 7 years of good luck!  Maybe southern Atlantic stingrays give good luck to those who kiss them, but they definitely provide fun and adventure to all who experience time in the shallow water with them.  People can paddleboard, kayak, jet ski, or book a charter to get out to their territory.  You might already have your favorite operator that will get you to and from this fascinating destination, or you might like to try different methods each trip. In any case, you are looking forward to the time when you can see these gentle giants of the sea up close and personal!  On past flights, I’ve been able to give stuffed stingray animals to children as a reminder of their adventure at Stingray City!

Bio Bay:

Marine biologists aren’t the only folks intrigued by the gorgeous glow-in-the-dark show put on by the microscopic bioluminescence plankton found in Bio Bay.  The “wow factor” is really high when you gently stir the water and watch the glow begin!  No wonder people enjoy repeat visits to Bio Bay!  Cayman Kayaks offers kayaks and an electric boat that is great for families with small children.  Environmentally conscious guests will greatly appreciate the electric boat option, too.

Crystal Caves:

We all know how beautiful Cayman’s waters and beaches are, but let’s not forget the paradise that awaits when we descend into the underground paradise at Crystal Caves, one of the newest attractions at Cayman!  The hour and a half tour includes a 45-minute guided walk through three caves.  The rest of the time will be spent on a 30-minute nature walk and 15 minutes at the viewing deck.  Crystal Caves offers fun and adventure with caves, bats, parrots, and more! With each return trip, you’ll see something new and fascinating!

Feeding of the Magnificent Frigatebirds at Tukka:  www.tukka.ky/events/feed-the-frigate-birds/

During this extra time at home, many of us have watched birds settling into their homes in our yards.  As beautiful as this has been, we know that it doesn’t compare to being at Tukka on East End watching the feeding of the Magnificent Frigatebirds!  If you’ve been there, you know how impressive they are with their wingspan of about 7 feet.  Quite a lot different from watching sparrows at a home feeder!  This opportunity at Tukka will make you smile with each memory.  It’s a great family activity—one that generations have enjoyed and will continue to enjoy.  Ron Hargrave of Tukka takes care of all of his guests, the ones with wings and those without!

Camana Bay

Families really enjoy Camana Bay because there are plenty of activities for everyone!  Children can interact with water fountains.  Souvenirs can be found in the many shops.  You might have taken a pleasurable walk along Mangrove Loop, the natural walking trail.  Maybe you’re looking forward to watching boats at the harbour, dining in your favorite restaurant, or looking for unique treasures at the weekly Local Harvest Market.  Regardless of your interest, you will find fun and adventure at Camana Bay.

Seven Fathoms Rum Tasting:

Fun and adventure combine in a delicious way during a spirits tasting at Cayman Spirits Company Distillery in Georgetown.  But you already know that and can’t wait to return!  You know it’s fun to hear the story of how the rum rests 7 fathoms deep—it’s a story that fascinates us no matter how many times we hear it!  When you take first-time visitors to Cayman, this tasting is high on your “to-do” list because you just know that fun awaits!  If you’re lucky, you might even get a personally-chosen music set to serenade you during your tasting.  I can tell you that Marvin Gaye’s music always takes me right back here to a rum-tasting with friends in June 2019!  What a fun memory!  The fun improves with each repeat visit!  If you’ve visited them at their location in George Town, be sure to stop by Pedro Castle for a rum tasting, too.

Cayman Islands Brewery:

You knew where I was heading, didn’t you?  Cayman’s beverage fun includes great beer, too!  You look forward to another tour at Cayman Islands Brewery or maybe even just a stop at the Tap Room for some of that delicious CayBrew Beer!  You’re getting thirsty right now, and you probably smell hops in the air!  On the tour, a guide will explain each step of the process from brewing to packaging.  In the Tap Room, bar staff will help you make the right choice based on your preference.  But you alreadly know which beer you want—you just look forward to being there!

1981 Brewing Co.:

19-81 Brewing Co., established in 2017, is probably on your list of “can’t wait to return” places!  The last time you were there, you found your favorite handcrafted beer.  Was it the easy-drinking Island Session?  Or maybe you miss Cayman Blonde with its smooth balance of honey and caramel.  But the fruity aromas of Tropical IPA might be showing up in your thoughts as we head into hot summer days.  The great thing is that you can try them all again during a tour or at their bar.

I hope you’ve enjoyed wandering your memories as you’ve read this newsletter.  Why don’t you reach out to the folks on Cayman who have helped you create these memories?  You can check on them via social media or their websites.  Remember that they might have gift certificates that you can buy now to use on your next visit.  Give them the very same CaymanKind that they have given so generously to you!

Practical Reminders: 

We still don’t know when Cayman will open.  Let’s continue to seek information from Cayman websites that are providing updates as soon as they are available.  Here are a few that frequently provide updated information:

Cayman Islands Airport Authority— Press Releases are listed on this page, so you will want to look for the most recent information.

An overview of COVID-19 in the Cayman Islands is given within the site of the Cayman Islands Government.

As of May 31, 2020, updates are provided on the home page of the government’s website.

Be safe and share your CaymanKind wherever you are!

Passenger Picks