TESTUDO'S SNORKEL GUIDE Cayman Off the Beaten Path: Archive

TESTUDO'S SNORKEL GUIDE Cayman Off the Beaten Path

January 2012

5 posts

Above embedded map is interactive Click the link to view the shore snorkel locations and other sites on Grand Cayman in a larger interactive map. Versions of Firefox may not display POI icons on above map. Available Guides (Click Guide to View or follow to Download location) Anchor Point Underwater Sulfur Vents Barefoot Beach Bodden Town (Turtle Nest Inn) Cayman Kayaks Bio-luminescent Bay...

Anonymous asked: If we can only go to one site,other than stingray city,would you recommend coral gardens?

REVIEW - Cayman Kayaks Bio-Bay Night Tour

Mrs. Testudo and I did the Bio-Bay tour with Cayman Kayaks February 2009 and to say it was really an enlightening experience is an understatement. The wife was not too thrilled about having to participate (paddling around in the dark, getting wet and potentially getting mosquito bites…not her idea of fun). I have been itching to check out this supposed natural wonder in our backyard,...

Anonymous asked: What kind of camera do you use for your photos?

Anonymous asked: Hi Testudo, we are going on a cruise for my daughter's senior class trip April 1. We will have about 15 high school seniors and 15-20 adults. We know we want to snorkel in Grand Cayman, but would like some advice on whether we should book an excursion or go from the shore. We really want the kids to be in AWE of what they see. Can you offer any info on what areas of the island we should...

December 2011

3 posts

Anonymous asked: Hi Testudo. Thanks for your site. Will arrive in GC Jan 1st for a week--after about 30+ years of not being in Cayman. I used to snorkle out from the Pageant Beach swimming pool but we'll be staying in Turtle's Nest Inn this time. Any advice on upcoming weather patterns, best snorkling for weather conditions, etc.? We would love to meet you, if possible. You can reply to me directly...

Above embedded map is interactive Click the link to view the shore snorkel locations and other sites on Grand Cayman in a larger interactive map. Available Guides (Click Guide to View or follow to Download location) Anchor Point Underwater Sulfur Vents Barefoot Beach Bodden Town (Turtle Nest Inn) Cayman Kayaks Bio-luminescent Bay Tour Eden Rock Information Queen’s Monument...

Anonymous asked: We are headed to Grand Cayman next week for a 5 day stay. We are snorkel obsessed and know how hard it can be to find unmarked and unadvertised sites -- which are always the best ones. THANK YOU so much for sharing all of this information, and for the awesome directions on how to find these hidden gems!!

October 2011

1 post

Anonymous asked: Testudo , I love the web-site, very informative. visit the island for the first time and staying at 7-mile beach area. What is the best way to get around to some of these spots? I read the guide about Rum Point and Barefoot Beach and they sound great for my wife and I. Are there buses or cabs services to these places? I'm a little leary about renting a car. Dave

September 2011

2 posts

Anonymous asked: hey testudo, do you have any info on the wreck of the pallas (palace) off south sound cemetery beach? How far out is it and is it a good place to snorkel?

August 2011

15 posts

Anonymous asked: hey..I noticed you don't have a location on your map for the Wreck of the Doc Polson(or maybe I just didn't notice it)..I was wondering if you have any info on it? Is it accessible for snorkelers or too far out?

Anonymous asked: coming down this week with my wife and 2 girls 10 and 12. Any tips on the best area for toun people starting to snorkel?

No eReader, no luggage space for books?

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Anonymous asked: Hey Testudo where is the cave right off Old Robin Rd. just past the big ole house. Went down there today to a gate blocking off traffic. Do you jump the gate and walk down to it? Thanks, Jim.

Anonymous asked: Hi
Do you recommend a wet suit for snorkelers heading to Cayman at Christmas?
thanks

Anonymous asked: where would you recomend staying for off the beach snorkeling rum point or north seven mile beach

Out East Driving Tour - Grand Cayman

This is a basis for a driving tour of Grand Cayman I posted on Trip Advisor. Others are invited to add with their recommendations, pictures and advice via post or comment. Please be advised Cayman follows the British Rules of the Road and driving is done on the left hand side of the road. Posted speed limits are in Miles Per Hour and the police do stop and ticket speeders, so be mindful. ...

Anonymous asked: I love your blog. I have to know, what camera did you use? The pictures are so clear! My camera never seems to get photos that nice even in clear water. THANKS!

Anonymous asked: Testudo:

Guidebooks are trash. The only one who knows Cayman snorkelling is Testudo. We have been snorkelling for years and have been to many different locations (Hawaii -- Maui, Oahu, Big Island, Kawaii, Molokai; Bahamas; Greece -- Corfu; Great Barrier Reef; Belize; Santa Barbara; Cozumel) so we feel we are pretty good at finding the best shore snorkelling spots. Your reviews...

Other Snorkel Guides

As there appears to be a dearth of good snorkeling guide information out there, I thought it might be handy to provide some links to other snorkeling guides I have found useful. If you have have come across any good snorkeling resources and would like to share with other snorkelers, please comment and I’ll add them to the list: GENERAL Tropical Snorkeling: Husband and wife snorkeling duo...

Anonymous asked: Testudo, You've probably answered this a hundred times, so just point me to the former posts. I'm 67 years old and coming to GC over Christmas holidays. We prefer smaller, affordable hotel or condo, on the beach, with great snorkeling from the shore. Any beach or lodging area suggestions? Is it possible to stay somewhere and not have a car? Can we rent a wet suit for my daughter at...

Anonymous asked: Hi! My bf and I will be on a cruise to Georgetown, Cayman Islands in early December of this year. Our ship docks from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

I'm not the best swimmer, but I do love to snorkel. Basically, I'll put on the gear and can kind of swim, but would love to be able to see some coral, fish, etc. not too far from the shore. I've noticed that there is an excursion...

Anonymous asked: Is there good snorkeling off the beach at Ramada Grand Cayman, the Reef Resort or 7 mile beach resort. Do I need water shoes?

Above embedded map is interactive Click the link to view the shore snorkel locations and other sites on Grand Cayman in a larger interactive map. Available Guides (Click Guide to View or follow to Download location) Anchor Point Underwater Sulfur Vents Barefoot Beach Bodden Town (Turtle Nest Inn) Cayman Kayaks Bio-luminescent Bay Tour Eden Rock Information Queen’s Monument...

April 2011

4 posts

Anonymous asked: Testudo:

There are a couple of sea creatures that I have never seen while snorkeling. Do you have any recommended spots (and can you tell me whether it would be appropriate for beginner, intermidiate, or advanced swimmers as we have a diverse group of people going on the trip) to see the following:

sea horse
lion fish
octopus
lobster

Anonymous asked: Hi Testudo,
You have put together a great, informative website. I appreciate all your hard work on describing the snorkeling sites at GC as I could only find one dive/snorkel book and it primarily emphasized diving (ever consider publishing your content?). I'm headed to GC in a few days, and I'm curious if you typically use a dive flag or some other type of safety/visual cue when...

Anonymous asked: Hello! I am desperately trying to find a place for our family of 5 to stay the week of December 17-24. I am looking for a condo with it's own kitchen to avoid eating out. I am getting overwhelmed with which area to stay at. We would like oceanfront with good swimming and snorkeling (not that any of us are avid snorklers!), but I think it would be fun to be able to swim in the ocean and...

Anonymous asked: Testudo,

We are staying at Discovery Point, and have read that a location called Mitch Miller's Reef has good snorkeling from shore. We think it is close to us, but we're not sure where it is. Have you been there? If so, how far from shore is it? Do you have any other suggestions for snorkels close to here?

Thanks!
Mike

March 2011

4 posts

Anonymous asked: Can you post a map of exactly where the bio bay cove is?

Anonymous asked: Just got back from Cayman having not been there in 11 years. Had been 3 previous times and the island has changes a lot. Cemetary Reef is much ado about nothing unfortunately, it used to be better. Based on your recent attack at Barefoot, we opted not to go there. We found some decent snorkeling right in front of the condo at Lacovia where we were staying. Went to Eden Rock, but the current was...

Where is the best coral found?

The North Side of Grand Cayman tends to have the healthiest and most diverse coral on the island. Ask me anything

Are there many sharks in Grand Cayman?

There are a few, but not in the same numbers as places such as the Bahamas. Snorkeling you may see a Nurse Shark, but that is usually all. Ask me anything

February 2011

9 posts

***CRIME ALERT*** Cayman Un-Kind

UPDATE: The RCIPS has made significant progress in their investigation of the incident: Cayman Compass Article Bare Foot Beach suspects nabbed Four men have been arrested and are in police custody following a police operation early Friday in East End. Officers targeted a number of homes in the East End area Friday, and as a result of the operation, three men were arrested in connection with the...

Anonymous asked: My husband and I have spent a week in Cayman for the past 3 years in January or February. This year we will be there between March 5 and 7th. My favorite snorkel is entering from the public beach and drifting up to Rum Point. We are interested in seeing the Coral Gardens at Rum Point but have always found that once we reach Rum Point, the current is very swift. Is this always so? Is there a...

Anonymous asked: Hi Testudo. I just read about the robbery on Barefoot beach and I am very sorry to hear about it. It sounds very scary and could have happened to anyone. We are returning to Grand Cayman the first week of May and were planning on going to many of your snorkel spots including the thermal vents and barefoot beach. I guess that will not happen now. What places would you currently recommend?

Anonymous asked: We are a family of 8 novice snorklers coming to GC at the end of February. We are staying on Northside in a rental Villa near Queen's Monument. I have practically memorized your site, but being 63 I can't count on my memory, so is your guide availale in printed form or only on the internet? Also I would like to send you a token of my appreciation of your selfless sharing of your...

Anonymous asked: Hi Testudo! I live in Grand Cayman as well and I go to Spotts Beach every so often. The last times I went I found a small white crab. Not like the little white crabs that skitter in the sand. It's under water and it's about the size of a golf ball and it's got dull spiny sides, it's 'fat', and its back has dull bumps and its lower back has two symetrical brown dots....

Anonymous asked: Love your site. We're looking into going to GC in Oct or Nov--which would you recommend? Plus we're avid snorkelers but I'm heart patient and need calm waters as I'm not strong enough to battle waves. Looks like GC has lots of walk-in snorkeling which is perfect for me. Would you say the Reef Resort has calm snorkeling around it? If not, could you suggest other places to...

Anonymous asked: Trying to download the POI info foe my Garmin. Always wants to save it as an xml file. Any ideas? Thanks

Tom

Anonymous asked: Testudo,

I'm so so sorry about what happened. I hope you're alright. It's true, our beautiful Island is turning into a Hell-hole...

Hi again.We were going to go to see the Sting Rays on Feb 9.Which is better morning or afternoon to have less cruise ship passengers.The trip is till 3:30 and the boats leave at 4pm,would this be better or should we plan around the tides?Thanks again. Angie

January 2011

11 posts

Anonymous asked: Hi! What kind of a snorkeling schedule would you recommend for a couple coming to Grand Cayman for the first time.We arrive Feb 8 in the afternoon and leave Feb15.Staying in the 7 Mile Beach area.Your site is awesome and thought you would be the best to ask what we should snorkel first.We plan on going to the Turtle farm and Stingrays on the same day.Thanks for any help.

AMcD

View Testudo’s Wonderland Snorkel Guide in a larger map TESTUDO’S SNORKELING GUIDE: WONDERLAND - North Side Cemetery to Chisholm’s Grocery - Blankets of Finger Coral and clusters of mushroom-like Star Coral The lack of snorkeling opportunities this trip, due to unfavorable water conditions, had me suffering through a bout with melancholy that would make Mock...

Anonymous asked: What an amazing task you have taken on.Found your site while trying to find snorkeling options between the Caymans or Cozumel.Looking for great shore snorkeling. Do the two compare? I plan to be at a beach somewhere Feb 10 - 17.NOt set on any place,just want lots of fish,reef and warm water!!! What Islands have been you're all time Favs? I was looking at bonaire but it so expensive (although...

TESTUDO’S SNORKEL GUIDE: Barefoot Beach View from atop the stone staircase at Barefoot Beach, East End, Grand Cayman LOCATION INFO: Perhaps one of the most stunning vistas in all of Grand Cayman can be viewed looking west from the widow’s walk, atop the stone staircase at Barefoot Beach. This idyllic spot has pretty much dropped-off the tourist radar (if it ever was on...

Anonymous asked: We are scheduled to stay at Ocean Paradise - is it a walkable distance to good snokeling at Rum Point?

TESTUDO’S SNORKEL GUIDE: The Wreck of the Geneva Kathleen The iconic winch wheel remains of the Geneva Kathleen, a three masted schooner raked over the reef by years of storm surges. While never one drawn to exploring shipwrecks (I usually associate them with junk yards); I had read about the Geneva Kathleen wreck being nearby Barefoot Beach and became intrigued. The maps locating the...