Grand Cayman, w/toddler?

[Anonymous]

Anyone know whether Grand Cayman is a good destination with a toddler? The only feedback I seem to be getting from people is that there is great diving, but well, our family doesn't dive. We're considering the Ritz Carlton there. Realize the kids club doesn't start until age 4, but it looks like there are some day trips to a turtle farm and the like for little ones?

Any feedback would be much appreciated!!

[Anonymous]

It's like South Florida. Very safe, and apart from the beautiful beaches, pretty dull. If you have a chance, rent a car for the day and drive around the island.

[Anonymous]

Since when did you have another kid, Mitt?

[Anonymous]

She will love it. The pools and calm ocean will be great for wading and splashing. The water is so clear you'll be able to see tropical fish around your feet. There are trees set back along the beach so she'll be under some shade. Get her some buckets and shovels, etc. at a tourist shop. There are also little black birds that are pretty fun to feed. They will come up close to people but will fly away if you try to touch them. She will have a blast!

[Anonymous]

We've been to the turtle farm -- it's neat. Kids can touch the turtles. Have you been to Grand Cayman? I thought it was a little boring, overall. And there's not much local culture to speak of, since it's all built on tourism and banking. We also went on a semisub and looked at coral reefs (which were not very impressive, but my 3.5-yr-old really liked it).

[Anonymous]

We had Fun in cayman. Been there three times. Ritz is fabulous. Took our toddler to a couple local playgrounds. Lots of nice restaurants. Island is safe and easy to navigate.

[Anonymous]

I went to Grand Cayman years ago, before kids. I agree that it was a very safe place then, probably still is now. It was also very laid back, I wouldn't say boring because it was just my cup of tea. I rented a scooter and explored the island, just a lovely time. I stayed at a little family run in further in town. I read about it in a travel book. The owner was an older woman (80s maybe) and she made fresh preserves every morning for the guests. I think toddlers can have fun no matter where you take them.

[Anonymous]

She might enjoy the turtle farm, maybe there is a way you can visit Stingray City that she can do - a short glass bottom boat tour? They feed tarpon at The Wharf, which is touristy but has pretty good food and nice view for dining. When we went we were passing through overnight, on our way to Cayman Brac. Little Cayman had the best diving.
Grand Cayman was very much like Nassau in the Bahamas but with fewer historical buildings, more money and newer construction, safe and kind of boring, great weather, nice swimming and OK diving, $$$ drinks. The Sister Islands are very back-to-nature, less developed, underpopulated, with great diving and no nightlife. Little Cayman has a grass airstrip and 400 people. The reefs at Bloody Bay Wall were superb.

[Anonymous]

Weve done it and i think its a great destination ith a toddler. The Ritz is great too, and great for kids. Mightnot be exotic enough for me pre-kids, but with a toddler it was exactly right.

[Anonymous]

We traveled to Grand Cayman when our son was 18 months and had a wonderful time. We stayed on the north side of the island instead of 7 Mile Beach, so we spent most of our days at Rum Pointe. This is a small beach, but was just perfect for our son. It was a protected little cove and the water was very calm along the shoreline. Some days it is very popular with the locals and crowded, so those days would be good to visit other areas of the island. We skipped the turtle farm after reading a number of negative reviews, but we did visit the lovely botanical gardens in the middle of the island, which is full of the famous blue iguanas and was a nice change of a pace for a day. We also rented a condo instead of staying in a hotel, which was great because we didn't have to take our son to a restaurant for every meal. If you go I think you would have a lovely time!