Fun Things to Do with Kids in the Cayman Islands: Image source: https://flic.kr/p/9mNFYP
The Cayman Islands are one of the most ideal places for a beach escape. Although they are mostly about the ocean and the sand, there are plenty of fun activities there besides catching the sun and swimming. This is especially important if you are traveling with kids, because regardless of how beautiful the scenery is, the kids are not ones to sit back and enjoy the view. So, if you are lucky enough to be planning a Cayman Islands family holiday, here are some fun activities that will keep your kids entertained all the time.
Go on a Pirate Cruise
The Caribbean has a rich history of mischievous pirates patrolling the seas, lurking for treasure-packed European boats. While they unleashed a lot of irreparable mayhem, their image is romanticized in numerous movies, including the Pirates of the Caribbean, and kids love pretending to be pirates in their games. That’s why they will definitely enjoy participating in a wild experience of spending some time on realistic-looking pirate ships where they can sail with other pirates or even walk the plank.
Go on a Pirate Cruise – Image source: https://flic.kr/p/9mREfN
Visit Stingray City
Stingray City is one of the most famous tourist attractions in the area. Not only will your kids enjoy it, but you too will have a great time. Here you can see more than a hundred stingrays that cruise the series of sandbars. The visitors are allowed to interact with the stingrays and take a real close look at them while standing in water that is two to four feet deep. Stingrays are graceful creatures and some of them are really large and impressive.
Grab the stars
Similar to Stingray City, Starfish Point allows you to observe the sea stars through the shallow and crystal clear waters. Toddlers and young children will enjoy playing here, because most of the water is roughly a foot deep, while the parents can get their thrill by taking artistic shots of the sea stars as well as their kids while playing.
Grab the stars – Image source: https://flic.kr/p/9mRHEG
Explore the Cayman Turtle Centre
This is another adventure that is actually a close encounter with the rich wildlife of the Cayman Islands. The Cayman Turtle Centre is home to the turtle hatchery and the turtle touch tank. You can also visit the Breeding Pond that has giant green sea turtles. If you plan a half-day visit, you will also be able to see a saltwater crocodile and other predators in their own lagoon, and also take a swim in the island’s largest pool with a waterslide and waterfalls. Finally, if you are feeling up for it, you can even snorkel with young turtles and tropical fish.
Meet iguanas
If you go to the Botanic Park, make sure you visit the Blue Iguana Safari which is located in this facility. Here, you will be able to see blue iguanas, popularly called “blue dragons”. This is not just a pretty sight. Visits to this safari can be very educational for kids, because the guide will explain to them why blue iguanas became endangered and how this program was able to bring them back from the brink of extinction.
Meet iguanas – Image source: https://flic.kr/p/9mREt7
Come aboard the submarine
Have you ever been in a real submarine, and we mean real, not a toy found in a theme park? If not, this will be a treat for you too, and the kids will be amazed. The Atlantis Submarine will take you on a 50-minute journey deep below the surface around the jaw-dropping reefs of Nassau (New Providence Island). On this journey, you will be able to see exotic fish, sharks, shipwrecks, etc.
Learn to dive or snorkel
The Cayman Islands are breathtaking on the surface, but they are even more stunning below it. If you are traveling with teenagers, taking a diving course could be very fun for them. Not only will they be able to learn a new skill, but they will also be introduced to a whole new world. Professionals from Cayman Turtle Divers can help them with everything from setting up their gear to teaching them how to be safe. They will also take them to some of the best scuba diving locations, such as Grand Cayman Reef, Grand Cayman Wall, Stingray City and Kittiwake Wreck Dive.
Learn to dive or snorkel – Image source: https://flic.kr/p/9mRGCQ
One of a kind horseback riding
What’s the big deal, you may say, horseback riding is something you can do just anywhere and the kids will not be very impressed. However, this experience is nothing like any other your kids had. At first, it will be just a regular ride down a beautiful and uninhabited beach, but once you get to the water, the saddles will be removed and you will ride into the ocean, because, guess what – these horses can swim.
Swimming with the dolphins
Dolphins are amazing creatures and they are very friendly. At the Dolphin Cove, you can meet some dolphin friends and swim with them. However, this is an option that should be used by adults, young adults and teenagers proficient in swimming, while younger kids and non-swimmers can enjoy a dolphin encounter from a safe place.
Hiking the Mastic Trail
For true adventurers there is nothing better than setting off on an exotic trail surrounded by trees and wildlife. The trail passing through Mastic Reserve certainly gives you that pleasure, especially because it is an untouched old-growth forest with a wide variety of animal and plant species. So, if your family has a sense of adventure, and if you’ve brought better footwear than flip-flops, be sure not to skip this one.
Sail on a boat
The local population takes real pride in their clear waters and marine life. It is no wonder that so many travel offers are directed precisely towards these areas. Sailing on a boat doesn’t seem like the ideal way to actually discover the treasures below the water surface, but that’s why they have boats with a glass bottom. By sailing on one of these, you will certainly have a good view of the water, which is something the kids will love.
As you can see, the Cayman Islands are much more than just stretches of soft sand and clear water. They also offer fantastic and fun activities your children will definitely enjoy, and who knows, maybe even you can have an exciting experience.
