Cooling off in the Caymans

The next Tiger Woods or Michelle Wie? The Jack Nicklaus designed Britannia Golf Club has a new golf professional who will be introducing a variety of lessons and courses throughout 2007. Dave Johnson is a PGA Certified Golf Instructor and plans to further promote golf on Grand Cayman by introducing women’s and kids’ golf clinics. 

The course opened in 1985 and was originally designed to maximise acreage and create a challenging course reminiscent of legendary links courses. Interestingly, the course is both a regulation and par 57 executive course – to be played using the Jack Nicklaus designed Cayman Ball.

Cayman Kayaks Mangrove Adventure
The Mangrove wetlands are the ecological heart of Grand Cayman and cover 8,500 acres of the island.  Of this, 1,500 acres form an ‘environmental zone’, which is protected under the Marine Parks Law. 

Participants in the tour paddle in two-man kayaks along the edge of the mangroves exploring the shallow, clear waters of this fascinating ecosystem, spotting wild and marine life as they go. Visit http://www.caymankayaks.com/

Barefoot Traveller Summer Splash
Barefoot Traveller is offering 10 nights accommodation, 2-tank boat dives, direct return flights and car hire for £1,495. The trip takes in both the eastern and western parts of Grand Cayman, providing a great opportunity to discover different areas of the island.  The first 5 nights are spent at Compass Point on a self-catering basis with four days diving through dive operator Ocean Frontiers.

The second half of the trip explores the West Bay area and includes five nights B&B at Cobalt Coast and four days diving with DiveTech and unlimited shore diving with DiveTech.

The offer is valid for travel from 1st June – 30th September 2007. Call 020 8741 4319 or visit http://www.barefoot-traveller.com/

Cayman Islands Hosts the International Scuba Diving Hall of Fame Annual Dinner & Induction Ceremony
Each year the Cayman Islands host the Dinner and Induction Ceremony, where the pioneers of the diving industry are presented with awards for their outstanding contributions to the sport.  The Cayman Islands were originally chosen as the home of this prestigious event as they have some of the best diving in the world, including wreck diving, the Bloody Bay Wall and Stingray city.  

At this year’s ceremony there were two Caymanians recognised. Cornell Burke and Darvin Ebanks, received awards for their dedication to scuba diving and their help in establishing the sport as a major tourist attraction in the Cayman Islands.  Visit http://www.scubahalloffame.com/

Further Developments at Boatswain’s Beach
Boatswain’s Beach, the new marine park facility incorporating the Cayman Turtle Farm, continues to expand, with new attractions including Breaker’s Lagoon, where visitors can now enjoy a refreshing dip, and Breaker’s Snack Shack.

In addition, guests are now able to take a leisurely walk through the Blue Hole Nature Trail, which showcases the woodland of the Cayman Islands. The Aviary boasts many magnificent colourful and exotic Caribbean birds including the Cayman Parrot, as well as snakes. 

There is even more to look forward to from Boatswain’s Beach.  The Park will soon introduce additional features such as Boatswain’s Snorkel Lagoon, filled with thousands of reef fish for snorkelling, and a predator tank. Visit ww.boatswainsbeach.ky

Cook, Dive and Relax at Pirate’s Point Resort 
Pirate’s Point, located on Little Cayman offers a haven for those who want to escape and relax.  The owner, Gladys Howard is an award-winning cookbook author who has studied at Cordon Bleu in Paris.  She now puts her skills to excellent use by offering guests cookery courses whilst they stay at the resort. 

The ten cottages enjoy calming views of the ocean and enjoy facilities such as a Jacuzzi, gourmet restaurant, fresh water swimming pool and great diving for both beginners and those with more experience. Visit http://www.piratespointresort.com/

Cayfest
(April 19–28) Cayfest celebrates the Cayman Islands unique arts and culture. Events include drama, dance, music, song, storytelling, poetry readings and a visual arts exhibition with displays of local art and photography. Visit http://www.artscayman.org/

Cayman Carnival Batabano
(May 3–5) First launched in 1984 the carnival is a colourful parade of costumes, music, dancing and culture, and is undoubtedly one of the main highlights of the Cayman entertainment calendar. Visitors can take part in the parade or simply watch the spectacle from the sidelines.  The carnival has a tropical theme with costumes ranging from flying eagles to dancing stingrays, as local bands fill the streets with Caribbean rhythms.  Visit http://www.caymancarnival.com/

The Cayman Classic Culinary Event
(May 10–13)This 4-day annual extravaganza is a must for all foodies, offering the opportunity to savour local dishes and gain inspiration within the event’s packed agenda of cooking demonstrations, wine tasting and fine dining. 

Local chefs gather to showcase the best of Cayman’s legendary cuisine and chefs from all over the globe visit Grand Cayman to share their culinary expertise.  

Cayman Sevens
The Deloitte Cayman Sevens takes place on Grand Cayman during June and is growing in international recognition.  2006 had twelve worldwide teams participating, including teams from the UK, Fiji, West Indies, Spain, Canada and of course the home team. Visit http://www.cisevens.com/