Thursday, 11 April 2013

Snorkeling in Grand Cayman: Important Things to Know


Grand Cayman is the perfect destination for adventure lovers from across the world, and boasts an exotic underwater world of splendid coral and more than a thousand species of fish. As such, snorkeling in Grand Cayman is the perfect activity for tourists who are new to the islands and would like to try out a water sport. However, before you go deeper to explore the underwater beauty of the amazing Cayman Islands, it is necessary to understand the process of snorkeling, as well as the best sites and safety concerns.

The Best Sites

The island of Grand Cayman is a coveted destination for snorkeling and scuba diving, and has many sites to explore. Whether you are on a fun-filled holiday or an adventurous snorkeling tour with your friends, Devil’s Grotto and Eden Rock are the two most popular sites to visit. The real fun starts here at a staggering depth of 3 meters where you can discover a spectacular world of colorful parrot fish, sea turtles, corals, octopus, and tarpons. You can also visit Cemetery Beach, the Turtle Farm, the Wreck of the Gamma and the Cali, and Cheeseburger Reef.

Avoid Damage

Though snorkelers are often tempted to feed and engage with the marine animals, it is recommended not to touch anything underwater, as most people are unaware of how much damage it causes to the eco-diversity. Almost 20% of the corals have already been destroyed, whereas 90% of the reef environment in badly threatened. Hence, snorkelers are recommended only to view and experience the splendid charm underwater, and not to touch anything or impede on the privacy of the marine life here.

Safety

As far as the topography and snorkeling conditions are concerned, Grand Cayman is blessed with year-round clear, warm water that provides a visibility of at least 100 feet offshore. The water is current-free in most areas, which makes for ideal snorkeling conditions. The marine life that you encounter is mostly considered harmless, unless you dive deep enough to hinder their privacy. While all marine creatures are considered unpredictable, they are of absolutely no harm to you if unprovoked.

After Snorkeling

After a splendid snorkeling experience, indulge in the culinary delights of the islands, such as British pub fare, Indian food, seafood and local cuisines. Tourists love the unique Caribbean flare and a blend of international cuisines are presented by some of the top restaurants here. Some of the best restaurants to visit are Neptune Restaurant, Gateway of India and Portofino Restaurant.

To put it simply, snorkeling in Cayman is all about seeing and feeling, but not touching. To ensure that you have a safe and pleasant snorkeling experience in the islands, hire an instructor and follow the rules. A delight for travelers from across the world, snorkeling in Grand Cayman is an experience that you will cherish forever.