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Diving, Cayman Islands

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Things to see and do in Cayman Islands

Birdwatching

Visit Booby Pond on Little Cayman, which hosts the world's largest colony of red-footed boobies, or the Parrot Reserve on Cayman Brac (www.naturecayman.com), home to the endangered Cayman Brac parrot.

Boatswain's Beach

Boatswain's Beach in West Bay (www.boatswainsbeach.ky) is a commercial turtle farm where visitors can watch sea turtles at various stages of their development. There's also an artificial predator reef, a snorkelling lagoon, an aviary, and a cultural centre.

Cayman Brac caves

The Bluff that runs along the centre of Cayman Brac is riddled with caves, many of them with tales to tell about the islanders who have sheltered there during hurricanes.

Experience the Atlantis Submarine

Delve beneath the deep completely wetsuit-free with the Atlantis Submarine (www.atlantisadventures.com), which offers hour-long trips to view the spectacular reefs.

George Town

The islands' capital and main port is an attractive place to explore, and the pretty harbour front is lined with traditional Caymanian buildings that look like gingerbread houses.

Go fishing

The deep waters surrounding Grand Cayman are prime fishing grounds, offering various species of large fish. The annual International Fishing Tournament (www.fishcayman.com) takes place in April.

Hell

Go to Hell and back - literally. The peculiar rock formations of this area of Grand Cayman have evolved from shells and corals solidified by salt and lime deposits. A close examination reveals petrified forms of sea life that could be up to 20 million years old.

Hike the Mastic Trail

Hike through the mangrove swamps and ancient forest along Grand Cayman's Mastic Trail (www.nationaltrust.org.ky), linking Frank Sound to Old Man Bay. The trail dates back to the 18th century and passes through a variety of flora and fauna.

National Gallery

Local, American and British art is on display at the National Gallery of the Cayman Islands, George Town (www.nationalgallery.org.ky).

National Museum

Learn the history of the islands in The Cayman Islands National Museum (www.museum.ky), George Town, where there are interactive exhibits and a good shop.

Pedro St James

This early 19th century plantation great house (www.pedrostjames.ky) and is set in beautiful grounds by the sea in Savannah. The oldest building in the Cayman Islands, it was the site of the 1831 proclamation ending slavery in the islands.

Reef diving

Cayman's offshore reefs and walls - including Little Cayman's Bloody Bay Wall - are world renowned for diving. Various locations also offer wreck diving, particularly Cayman Brac, where a Russian warship was intentionally sunk in the late 1990s. (www.divecayman.ky).

Seven Mile Beach

The turquoise waters of Grand Cayman's West Bay are backed by the long, sandy Seven Mile Beach, and, while this is the main tourist centre and highly developed, this glorious stretch of coast retains its idyllic charms.

Snorkelling at Stingray City

Snorkel alongside southern stingrays at Stingray City in North Sound on Grand Cayman. These shallow waters are home to a profusion of stingrays and visitors can get right up close with these intriguing marine life.

Surfing

Need to polish up your board skills before hitting the beach? Learn to surf in a wave tank at Black Pearl Skate and Surf (www.blackpearl.ky), in Grand Harbour.

Visit a spa

For ultra indulgence and rejuvenation, chill out in one of the smart hotel spas alongside Seven Mile Beach. Contact the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism for details (see Contact Addresses).

Wander Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park

Wander around the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park, a 26-hectare (65-acre) heritage garden boasting a vivid array of cacti, shrubs and native flowers. The park has become the focus of a conservation programme to protect the endangered Cayman blue iguana (www.botanic-park.ky).

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