TESTUDO'S SNORKEL GUIDE Cayman Off the Beaten Path @snorkelblog - Tumblr Blog

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Click the link to view the shore snorkel locations and other sites on Grand Cayman in a larger interactive map.

Available Guides

(Click Guide to View or follow to Download location)

Anchor Point Underwater Sulfur Vents

Barefoot Beach

Bodden Town (Turtle Nest Inn)

Cayman Kayaks Bio-luminescent Bay Tour

Eden Rock Information

Queen's Monument (Connolly's Cove)

Driving Tour

Rum Point Barrier Reef

Rum Point Boulder Coral Gardens

Rum Point Shore "Drift" Route

Starfish Beach at Ivory Kai

Sting Ray City Dive Site

Wonderland (North Side Cemetery)

Wreck of the Geneva Kathleen

Fish & Coral Identification Resources

Tidal Forecasts

Snorkeling Picture Taking Tips and Advice

Little Cayman Snorkeling Guide (Draft)

Garmin POI Waypoints for Testudo's Snorkel Guides

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Cheers, Testudo

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This is a personal blog. Any views or opinions represented in this blog are personal and belong solely to the blog owner and do not represent those of people, institutions or organizations that the owner may or may not be associated with in professional or personal capacity, unless explicitly stated. All content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only. The owner of this blog makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site. The owner will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information nor for the availability of this information. The owner will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages from the display or use of this information.

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We are planning our 3rd trip to GC. Previously stayed on the east end, and SMB (Aqua Bay) and now thinking about SMB again, this time at Laguna del mar. We have 3 teens and one 11 year old with us who all love to snorkel. Last time at Aqua Bay we loved being able to walk out our door and snorkel. This time we are looking for a similar experience, but with a closer location to dining and entertainment. How does Laguna Del Mar rate for off shore snorkeling, beach, etc? Other suggestions welcome!

From my experience, the southern end of Seven Mile Beach where Laguna del Mar is located, is not quite the same snorkeling experience as the northern end. There are some coral heads off the Beachcomber condo, so that could be worth exploring.

Visiting Rum Point 12/10-12/19

Dear Mr. Testudo,

My wife and I, both 70 years old, will be visiting Grand Cayman for the first time starting tomorrow. We will be staying in a small condo at 75 Sand Point Rd. We are new to snorkeling, our only other experience being Ambergris Cay this past April. Unlike me, my wife is a dedicated naturalist, quite knowledgeable about land species ranging from wildflowers to trees. She is the type of person who would enjoy and learn from an opportunity to talk with you about coral and vegetation in particular, as well as about the fish in the area. I would enjoy listening in. We will have a Chevy Aveo during our stay. In addition to our snorkeling gear, we will have use of a tandem kayak to explore Rum Point down to Starfish point.

Liz is a very active Master Gardener volunteer in two of our local South Carolina communities. I am a retired college librarian.

If you will be at your Rum Point home during this time, would you and your wife like to be our guests for lunch or dinner?

Dave Chatham/Liz Tapp

Hi Dave and Liz,

I hope you have a great experience snorkeling off Grand Cayman. Sounds like you guys are prepped and ready to explore! Unfortunately I will not be back to Cayman until a few weeks after your visit, but thanks for the gracious invite. Maybe our paths will have a chance to cross in the future.

Cheers,

Testudo

#submission

Heading to Grand Cayman next week and want to do some entry from shore snorkels, like Rum Point drift. We are all average swimmers/snorkelers, but don't do this enough to know if there are any areas to avoid with wind/current conditions. Any advice on how to know whether it's safe to do Rum Point drift for example? Any other areas particularly safe/unsafe in windy conditions?

The only generally somewhat accessible spots that carry significant safety concerns I am aware of are the reef cuts out on the East End off the Wyndham and Morritt's resorts and the reef cut off Spotts Beach.

Winter winds can create choppy conditions and stronger than normal currents anywhere, including at the Rum Point snorkeling grounds. My rule of thumb is that if I see sustained white caps, I'm probably skipping snorkeling.

the snorkel guide I have is about 9 years old . Is there a new guide or is that still good ??? looking to make a trip to the Caymans early 2022 . Thanks Walt

There has probably been some changes at each site over the years, but nothing I’d call dramatic. Fish counts are down almost everywhere due to Lionfish and coral diseases are taking their toll. Snorkeling sites have not moved and new ones have not sprung up, so the general information is still valid.

Hi Testudo, thank you for your guides. We are visiting for one week coming this Wednesday. The wind is forecasted for 15-25 mph NNE ... where would you suggest snorkeling with this much wind and direction? We are experienced snorkeling - live in Hawaii. Thanks so much and Aloha.

With those wind speeds, the north shore will likely be full of chop. The sites along there still might be manageable some days, but you’d have to check daily. If you can get out to the barrier reef, the chop is usually mitigated somewhat and you can still manage a decent snorkel. Getting out there through the chop and current is usually the hard part.

Unfortunately, your best bets will likely be limited to the south and west sides of the island. Locations like Bodden Town, Spotts Beach, Eden Rock/Devil’s Grotto, Governor’s Beach and Cemetery Beach would where I’d go to get in some snorkeling.

I'm so happy to have found your blog! We are planning a trip for Labor Day 2020. I know it's low-peak season. Discussing whether to stay on the east end (beautiful sun/moonrises, more breeze, choppier waters?) v. the north side closer to Rum Point (better afternoon sun and sunsets). of course we want to snorkel, kayak, SUP, etc. what do you recommend? 7 couples going for bday celebration. Thanks! Atlanta, GA

While the breeziest section of the island, the East End is usually not impacted by beach or water enjoyment ruining winds until the winter months. Any breeze is usually a welcome guest during the heat and humidity of summer. So, I wouldn’t let wind or choppy water conditions be deciding factor during a September visit.

Other than sunrise vs sunset viewing, both areas have a similar vibe and will provide for the other desired activities you list.

The one big wildcard is Sargassum seaweed. The prevalence and amount of Sargassum showing up along Cayman has greatly increased in the last few years. If Cayman gets hit by a large influx of Sargassum, it usually impacts the East End the worst, but can impact any and all parts of the island depending on wind and current. So just keep that in mind.

Custom Snorkeling Charter

Anonymous said: We are going to be on Grand Cayman Feb 14 to 19 and would like to hire a guide with boat for custom snorkeling. We don't want to go on the tourist boats. Know anyone who we can hire? We're staying on the east side, but have a car. I don't have any personal recommendations for a private charter, but our Condo management recommends guests to Crazy Crab - https://crazycrabcayman.com/. For a non-custom snorkel charter, Ocean Frontiers on East End has some great tours. They also offer private charters as well, so might be worth checking out - https://www.oceanfrontiers.com/snorkel-boat-trips. Cheers, Testudo

What is the status of the sargassum problem on the east end?

There isn’t one at this time.

Any suggestions for snorkels in Cayman Brac?

I haven’t snorkeled off the Brac, so cannot offer any advice. I have found some information while searching on-line that’s been helpful.

What is a great shallow snorkeling spot close to cruise ships? We have novice snorkelers.

Eden Rock which is located in the bay where the cruise terminal is, is probably your most convenient bet, but it is deep water snorkeling. For a shallower option, you could take a cab over to the Governor’s Beach section of Seven Mile Beach and snorkel the patch reef just offshore from there. If you need to rent gear, the watersports concession at the nearby Westime will get you taken care of.

Hi Testudo. Thanks for the excellent guides. I've used your site on 2 trips to GC, and am now using it for our next trip. On our last trip, we did a private power boat charter that stopped at Stingray City, Starfish Point, and a nearby snorkel spot. Unfortunately, the snorkel spot was not suitable for our (mostly beginner snorkeler) group -- there was a decent chop and pretty strong current. Is there a snorkel spot in this area that you would recommend for a boat-based visit for beginners? Thx!

Boat access is really beneficial for the harder to reach snorkeling areas like the barrier reef or the boulder gardens (where you probably where taken last time). Maybe the captain could take you to the Rum Point Club which is near some shallow from shore snorkeling suited for beginners (the rocks in the cover next to the pier, the patch reef areas off the Retreat Condo). More experienced snorkelers may not be impressed.

Hi Testudo, A group of us are taking a charter that leaves Camana Bay out for the afternoon. Did you have a recommendation for good snorkeling spots that we should check out since we will have boat access? Staying in SMB and have gone to Spotts and Smith Cove already.

Since you will have the access provided by a boat, the captain should know some good sections of the barrier reef and where the Rum Point Boulder Coral Gardens are.

What GPS device and software do you use to record where you have snorkelled?

You can use Google Maps in its Offline mode to avoid any data or roaming charges, or a Garmin GPS will have the Cayman Islands as part of its mapset to record your location or get driving directions. I used Google Maps.

Hi Testudo, Has the sargassum affected your snorkeling? When and where is it worse?

Not sure how to answer that. When I’ve been snorkeling when Sargassum was present, it can be a bit “icky” to get through until you get beyond it, into clear water. Other than that, most of the better snorkeling is farther out than the murky water that can hug the shoreline, so it hasn’t really hasn’t had an impact.

Nothing regarding Sargassum is “normal” anymore, but the summer months have usually experienced the heaviest mat concentrations and with the regular tradewinds blowing in an east to west direction on Grand Cayman, the East End will usually experience the heaviest onshore deposits. But that wisdom is becoming less accurate, as the problem continues to worsen.

Hi there! Could you please list in order the best places to snorkel in terms of most unique & volume of fish & colorful coral. (We are experienced swimmers & are willing to charter a boat or tour if necessary) thanks!!

My favorites are the Rum Point Barrier Reef and Boulder Gardens for the combination of healthy and diverse corals and marine life. Both are long swims to get there, but well worth it if water conditions are cooperating.

Other good spots are Eden Rock/Devil's Grotto for fish counts, Queen’s Monument/Babylon for up close and personal fish encounters, Barefoot Beach for a nice combination of corals and marine life and Spotts Beach for turtles.

If you want a boat tour, I’d suggest one of the Ocean Frontiers East End excursions.

Which hotel or condo would you suggest for the best snorkelling from shore? We may rent a car while we are there this August, but I have not decided yet. I am currently looking at the Westin and the Turtle Nest Inn, but I am really don't know which area to choose. I read your TNI review and it seems it may to be the best place to go. Also, please consider that we are looking for a place where we can snorkel safely (currents, etc.) and not be worried about our belongings on shore. Thanks!

Just depends on if you are willing to drive. The best snorkeling is off North Side/Rum Point and the nicest beach location and restaurant nexus is Seven Mile Beach. TNI is about halfway between the two (~20-30 minutes to either), so many folks like it for that. The snorkeling right there is OK, but depending on you prior experiences, may not be ideal for a full week.

We have a place at the Retreat and I find that provides for the closest proximity to the best snorkeling. Condos along nother Seven Mile Beach are also an option for easy snorkeling out the door. Not much healthy coral in that area though, but usually a good amount of marine life if you are patient enough.

As for your belongings, it is best to not leave any valuables unattended on the beach you cannot do without. Nothing is likely to happen to them anywhere on the island, but it certainly can.

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