By 
Grand Cayman, one of the best diving spots in the world, has many advantages over other Caribbean islands. English speaking residents, fabulous diving or snorkeling and Rum Point are what I remember most about this unique island.
Visiting an island without the need for an interpreter is great. Everyone speaks English because the Cayman Islands are a British Overseas Territory. Grocery stores are like the ones at home with family imports from the US. They accept the US dollar, although it is worth about 20% less than it was a few years ago.
Of course, the main reason to visit Grand Cayman Island is to experience the reefs, some of the best in the world. Whether you go scuba diving or snorkeling, you’ll find it enchanting. The treasures under the sea for either sport cannot be matched in this hemisphere. You can literally swim a short distance at most beaches for great snorkeling. I recommend booking your hotel on the beach like we did so you can do just that. Checking cruise ship minimum activity times will also greatly improve your trip. It can be incredibly crowded when the boats arrive.
Instead of renting a car that resembled one back home, my friend and I chose a jeep with holes in the floor and open curtained windows. We wanted to feel like we were on an island and we were not disappointed, even when it rained. The islanders were friendly and nice helping us navigate English style driving on the left hand side of the road. We were the most confused at stop signs. When we needed it, a smiling guy in the car in front of us would patiently point us to the right place. The tourist trade is the biggest source of income so they seem genuinely happy to help visitors.
Renting a vehicle opened up the opportunity to visit Rum Point, 1.5 hours to the end of the island. The scenery along the way is spectacular. When you finally get there, you feel like time has stopped. There is a feeling that you are at the end of the earth, it is so peaceful. You can snorkel, enjoy the sun or surf and eat at the restaurant. We liked it so much we went back, only on a boat that lets you spend the day and picks you up later. What a beautiful place! Next time I would love to rent one of the cabins at Rum Point to spend more time there.
One of the mandatory excursions in Grand Cayman is to visit Stingray City. Tours take you by boat, snorkeling or scuba gear in tow, to North Harbor, where generations of friendly stingrays congregate. History tells us that the boats used to clean their catch in the waters where the rays waited for the fare. Now, all you need is a bait to satisfy them. Actually, Stingray City is deeper water (12 feet) where divers can enjoy the experience.
We went near the Stingray City Sandbar, which averages over 3 feet deep. We jumped into the shallows of the sandbar to enjoy a flurry of stingrays swimming around us looking for food. Occasionally, you would feel a tail brush against your leg. They are so docile that we even held a stingray in our arms. We heard screams of frightened divers, although there was no need to be afraid. Make sure you book a catamaran, not a big tourist boat. The individualized attention and smaller group in the water with the stingrays will make it a much more enjoyable experience for you.
There are two smaller islands that make up the trio called the Cayman Islands. Cayman Brac and Little Cayman each have unique delights for the tourist. There’s spectacular diving on Little Cayman and overwater caves and rock climbing on Cayman Brac, but it’s a 30-40 minute plane ride, or longer boat ride, to access them. To get the most bang for your buck, enjoy Grand Cayman, with its many delights. You will not want to leave and surely after leaving you will be looking forward to returning.