New to Site and Cayman Experience

Newbie Joined: 17 Mar 2010 Posts: 5

Hi There,

I am new to the site and very excited about my first trip to the Caymans at the end of April. I am an amatuer snorkeller and will be staying at the Meridian on central Seven Mile Beach.

Can anyone recommend good spots within walking distance? I have no issues taking a good hike on the beach. I was going to walk to Cemetary Beach and a poster on Everything on the Activity Guide site said it was way too far to walk.

Anything I should be weary of in the water ? Again, I am an amatuer and not too familiar with the marine life in the area. I have snorkelled in Bermuda, Mexico, and Bahamas.

Thanks

Posted: Wed Mar 17, 2010 4:43 pm Post subject:

crhino,

Welcome to the forum! The snorkelers in our group have done so just off the beach of wherever we stay. Often there is much life within an easy swim. Not too much to be concerned about. You sound like you have a fair amount of snorkeling under your belt so you are familiar with currents and sea critters.

I can't picture the Meridian to give an estimate of whether it is walkable from there to Cemetary beach. Maybe someone local can give a more definiteve answer on that. Other than walking, you can catch the local buses that ply SMB. Hopefully someone who has used them can pipe up with the cost for a bus ride!

I would definitely do s stingray city trip, too.

DS

Newbie Joined: 17 Mar 2010 Posts: 5

Thanks DS.
My next question was going to be about seeing the stingrays so I'll add to my to do list.
Here is another strange (maybe) question for the group. A friend of mine was free diving in Mexico last week and was told that barracuda are attracted to the color red and will go after snorkelers sporting red attire or gear. I have never heard of such a thing. Anyone else? I had a friendly run in with a barracuda in Bahamas last year. He seemed a little territorial.
CR

Posted: Thu Mar 18, 2010 7:13 am Post subject:

crhino- Last year we stayed at the westin and walked to cemetary beach one day. It wasn't that far of a walk but the problem is when you get closer to cemetary beach, the beach gets rocky and for some it can be a little bit of a pain to walk thru.
I suggest if you go this route to bring plenty of water and some snacks if you plan on spending a few hours there...
We decided to catch the bus on the way back since we were exhausted from all the walking and snorkeling.
We saw some small stingrays, tons of awesome tropical fish, and a 6ft sand shark.
You will love CB!

Posted: Thu Mar 18, 2010 3:30 pm Post subject:

crhino,
I've snorkeled quite a bit off of 7MB with my children. We've seen all sorts of critters, including turtle, rays, etc. As far as barracuda go, I wouldn't worry. Because of their eyes and the way swim (or just sort of float sometimes) with their jaws open they look menacing. I have never had a problem with them. My kids snorkel with me and they swim right up to the barracudas and take pictures. I wouldn't worry about them. As a swimmer and snorkler, the only thing I'm ever concerned about is sharp rocks or fire coral. Just remember- don't touch things when in the water, try not brush up against any rocks or coral - and do not stand up on the reef to rest. Often I will see snorkelers 'take a break' and stand up on the reef. Some of the corals take years and years to grow and this kills them. When tired, slow down, relax and let the salt water keep you floating - or head back to shore. If you see barracuda in the water just keep your arms crossed in front of you and don't use them to try and maneuver. I think when swimmers/snorkelers panic they attempt to maneuver with their arms and this probably just gets the interest/attention of any critters near bye.

Cemetary beach is great snorkeling. Also consider snorkeling down by Eden Rock. The snorkeling is good hear and it's fun to watch the divers below you as they swim in and out of the caverns under the coral heads. The Eden Rock dive shop has a nice patio on the water, lockers you can use and a shower to rinse off when you are done. Just make sure there isn't alot of cruise ships in when you go there - this spot is popular with day trippers off of cruise ships.

Have a great trip!

gd Diving

Newbie Joined: 17 Mar 2010 Posts: 5

Thanks to all for the tips. I am hoping my kids will want to paddle around with me at least a couple of times. Will stay off the reefs and try to leave everything as I found it.

Posted: Mon Mar 22, 2010 7:39 am Post subject:

Crhino...you will be within easy walking distance from the Meridian to the reef in front of the Governor's mansion on SMB. We have gone out there the past two years and it's like swimming in an aquarium. You have to swim out about 100 yards or so but it's an easy swim and once you get about halfway out you will start to see fish. I am not a strong swimmer by any means but it's not difficult at all. Once you stop they will surround you because people will swim out there with fish pellets and feed them on occasion. It is fascinating. ThumbsUp