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Adventures On the Water

By: Jenny Gabruch

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So, you’ve gone swimming with the dolphins and romped with the rays. You’ve also gone diving and snorkelling to witness Cayman’s incredible underwater vistas. Now what? For those seeking fun and adventure above the waves, rest assured — there’s a whole lot more to explore.

Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or simply want to spend some quiet time in Cayman’s world-famous waters, there are plenty of options when it comes to water sports activities. From deep-sea fishing to kayaking adventures to flying across the blue in a supercharged speedboat, it’s all time well spent when you just add water.

Sail Into the Sunset
Local water sports guru Rod McDowall, who has been in the industry for nearly 30 years, says Cayman’s clear, calm waters and temperate climate make it a prime destination for water sports enthusiasts from around the world.

“We really do have wonderful weather conditions down here,” says McDowall, operations manager of Red Sail Sports, one of the largest water sports companies in Cayman. “It’s like a year-round playground.” There’s no better way to experience Cayman’s tranquil seas and spectacular sunsets than sailing into the blue, he adds.

Red Sail Sports is well known for its sailing cruises aboard 65-foot catamarans. One of the more popular tours is its Sunset Sail, a leisurely two-hour cocktail cruise that is simply one of those “must-dos” while visiting the island.

“It’s really a highlight of anyone’s vacation,” says McDowall. “An evening out on the ocean on calm waters is just a wonderful experience.”

The Sunset Cruises take place Mondays and Wednesdays; there’s also a Happy Hour Sail every Friday, which has more of a party atmosphere as residents often join in to de-stress after the work week. Another popular trip is Red Sail’s Dinner Cruise. Visitors can take in the sunset while sipping their favourite cocktail, and then sit down to a sumptuous three-course dinner by candlelight while sailing under the stars. Book any of the trips online at www.redsailcayman.com.

Pick Up a Paddle
Kayaking is a great way to explore the natural side of Cayman. One of the top eco-adventures is offered through Cayman Kayaks, operated by local guide Tom Watling.

The company features kayaking tours in the pristine waters of the North Sound, the largest reef-fringed lagoon in the Cayman Islands. No previous experience is necessary: A simple “Kayaking 101” lesson gets you on your way.

These fun, easy and educational ecotours take visitors through Cayman’s magnificent mangroves, the heart of the island’s ecosystem.

“When you enter the sheltered mangroves, the wind and waves drop into nothing,” says Watling. “It’s like a switch being turned off. No wind, no waves — just peace and quiet and the company of the mangrove forest surrounding you.”

Paddling in shallow waters through narrow canals, coves and open spaces, visitors will see hatchling fish swarming around the mangrove roots, along with a diverse array of plant life and sea critters such as anemones, encrusted sponges and starfish. Among the more unusual are the translucent upside-down jellyfish, which look like snowflakes littering the bottom of the sea.

Watch for green sea turtles and friendly southern stingrays, which sometimes like to swim along. Choose from a daytime, sunset or moonlight kayak tour.

If you’re in Cayman at the right time of the month, be sure to book a bio-bay night tour, one of nature’s rare and truly spectacular light shows. Cayman Kayaks takes paddlers to a sheltered bay where they will encounter a phenomenon known as bioluminescence, occurring where plankton algae blooms year-round, providing a surreal glow. “It’s like pixie dust,” says Watling. Watch for fish as they leave luminous trails behind them, or dip your hand in the water and see it shimmer. Check the calendar at www.caymankayaks.com and be sure to reserve well in advance, as it books up fast.

Meander the Mangroves
Another eco-adventure that’s proving popular is exploring the mangroves by boat. Sea Elements features a relaxing one-hour tour that’s suitable for all ages, and ideal for those who due to age or ability may not be able to explore these fascinating saltwater forests by kayak.

“We often find seahorses, anemones, orange sea sponges and feather dusters, just to name a few,” says guide Marnie Laing. “Herons and egrets are common in the trees, but we also see owls and pelicans. Petting the upside-down mangrove jellyfish in our touch tank is usually a favourite part of the trip.” Sea Elements takes a maximum of 12 people on tour, which can be also be booked for private excursions. Find out more at www.caymanseaelements.com.

Reel In the Fun
The fishing grounds in Cayman are without a doubt some of the finest in the world. Deep-sea fishing adventures are a big lure to these islands, where such popular game fish as blue marlin, yellowfin tuna, wahoo and dolphin (also known as mahi-mahi) are plentiful.

Local fishing expert Rick Mewburn says while these sport fish can be found year-round, the best time to land wahoo is between November and March, with mahi-mahi, yellowfin and marlin following in the spring months. A big plus is that the action is exceptionally accessible — thrilling catches can happen as close as just a quarter mile offshore.

Reef and shore fishing are also popular. Permit, tarpon and bonefish — one of the most sought-after species around — are all found here in abundance.

Mewburn, director of marine operations for the Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, has been fishing Cayman’s waters since he first arrived from Australia 18 years ago. “One of the reasons I have lived in the Cayman Islands so long is the variety of fishing that is so readily available,” he says. “I can fish in the morning for bonefish in two feet of water and then go for blue marlin after lunch!”

Whether a novice or a pro, Mewburn recommends booking a sportfishing charter where the captains are seasoned veterans who know all the best places to go. Local fishing tournaments take place throughout the year, with the most prestigious event, the Cayman Islands International Fishing Tournament, held annually in late April. It offers significant cash prizes, including US$50,000 for the angler who breaks the blue marlin record, which stands at a whopping 584 pounds.

Ride the Waves
Boating is, by far, the favourite local pastime. Visitors won’t want to miss this one-of-a-kind experience during their stay. Book a charter with your very own captain or rent a boat and spend the day exploring on your own. A day out on the water can combine numerous activities, from waterskiing to fishing to simply enjoying the warm tropical breezes on-board the craft.

Charter trips can be customised to suit your every whim. Cayman’s accommodating boat captains take great pride in showing off their own piece of paradise — and make sure visitors feel right at home as well.

Another option is exploring the blue on a personal watercraft. WaveRunners, Sea Doos and Jet Skis are available for rent along Seven Mile Beach and in the north end of the island at Rum Point.

There are organised tours as well, including a new eco-safari recently introduced by Red Sail Sports that sets off from Rum Point and includes an excursion through the mangroves.

Wet ’n‘ Wild
For those who want to pump up the action on the water, there are an abundance of adrenaline-inducing water sports, spanning from windsurfing and parasailing to wakeboarding and kitesurfing. Major tour operators such as Red Sail Sports feature just about the whole gamut of activities, but there are a host of smaller operators that also cater to the thrill-seeking crowd. Waterskiing and parasailing are perennial favourites, with wakeboarding, wakesurfing and kiteboarding fast becoming top draws.

One of the newest water sports to hit the islands is stand up paddle surfing, an emerging sport with a Hawaiian heritage that has been in the spotlight, with such celebrities as cyclist Lance Armstrong and actor Matthew McConaughey giving it a glamorous edge.

Turtle Sports recently introduced paddle surfing on the west end of Seven Mile Beach, offering lessons and rentals. The company also offers wakeboarding (which is described as snowboarding on the water), wakesurfing (where you ride the waves created by the boat), inner tubing and waterskiing.

“Anybody can do it,” says Turtle Sports’ Justin Schmidt, who doubles as captain and instructor. “The conditions here are perfect for it. Where the water is flat calm, it’s going to be incredible!”

Kiteboarding has also taken off recently, with Cayman’s west coast and East End locales the most popular spots to give it a whirl. “There’s a lot of demand,” says instructor Walter Fajette of Kitesurf Cayman. “The new technology has made it easier and safer.”

The company offers lessons and all the gear to get into the sport. They operate from Barkers in West Bay, where the wind is generally onshore, making it a good place for beginners. The best time to try it is between November and April.

“It’s a great feeling,” says Fajette. “You feel like you can fly — and you can. I love it. It’s just you and the wind and the water.”


Book your flight today! Visit www.caymanairways.com, or call 345-949-2311 (in the Cayman Islands)
or 1-800-G-CAYMAN (in the U.S.).

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