5 of the best watersports deals this summer
Summer has officially landed. School is out, stay-cay is booked and it’s now time to sit back, relax and enjoy everything these beautiful islands have to offer. From cave exploring and beachcombing to discovering the underwater world, there’s so much to see and do across the Cayman Islands.
There’s also one thing that being on a tropical island in the height of summer inevitably leads to and that’s the prerogative to stay cool, preferably by parking oneself in the water at one of Cayman’s stunning beaches with cocktail in hand.
If you don’t already have your summer strategy sorted and you’re looking for fun things to do or you just need an excuse to be out on the water, we’ve done the homework for you and found some of the best watersports deals in town. And you honestly couldn’t ask for a better time to go. With beaches and hotspots like the Stingray City Sandbar re-opening, and no commercial flights landing until at least 1 September, you’ve got the whole island to yourself and there are some incredible savings to be had. From villa rentals and date night discounts to reduced price tours and specials, this has the makings of one incredible summer.
So whilst the island is a little quieter than usual, enjoy the solitude and take advantage of some of Grand Cayman’s best adventures. Tried and tested in the glorious name of research, these recommendations are 100% Beach-approved and we can confidently report that by doing them at least once this summer will not only keep you sane and smiling, it will more than likely have you going back for more.
1. Tour Bio Bay in the best possible way
Step aboard Cayman’s only electric bio boat or hop into a kayak and experience one of only five bioluminescent bays in the world.
Caused by tiny bioluminescent plankton, witness the mesmerising glow of one of the world’s greatest phenomenons and discover the unique environment in which it thrives. Cayman Kayak’s bio-bay tours depart from Rum Point Club at 7:30pm sharp. From there, it’s a short journey to the secluded bay. Stargaze under the night sky, learn about the constellations, party with the disco shrimp, or stick your paddle in to create your very own underwater light show.
Insider Tip
Book a mid-week kayak tour for a special rate of CI$40 per person (usually CI$48.00 per person).
This one is perfect if you’re escaping to North Side, Rum Point and Cayman Kai for the summer but book soon! Tours only run at certain points in the lunar cycle. The next tour dates will run 6-23 July and 5-22 August.
2. Live the high life with a private speedboat charter
With a decal as loco as this, you know you’re in for a great time. Whether it’s quietly cruising the mangroves looking for wildlife or blasting out to the reef for some epic snorkeling, Troy and the Crazy Crab crew know all the best spots. You tell them what you want to do and they’ll pretty much make it happen.
Pack a cooler and get ready for a really good day out.
Insider Tip
Book online using the discount code CAYMAN40OFF for 40% off your charter!
Teens in the house? Crazy Crab offers a special Adventure Day perfect for 13-17 year olds. Teen Adventure Days run 8:30am to 1:30pm on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 20-31 July.
Activities include snorkeling, Stingray City, Starfish Point, reef fishing, tubing and mangrove discovery. Choose from 1 to 3 day packages.
1 day CI$125 / 2 days CI$225 / 3 days CI$300
Book now or call +1 345 927-2722
3. Stay-cay like a pirate on a live-aboard catamaran
Book one of Mainstay Sailing’s luxury catamarans for a day sail or go all out and have a 2 night live-aboard staycation for 2-6 guests. Air con, wifi, double en-suite cabins and a full service galley ensure you have all the creature comforts of home plus the incredible experience of living on a luxury yacht.
Insider Tip
While some snorkel and others relax you could literally be learning the ropes from Royal Yacht Association Sailing Instructor, Captain Jon Dobbin. Jon has over 30 years of sailing under his belt with 17 years sailing in and around Cayman waters.
Half day private charters from CI$1,000
2-night / 3-day charter starting at CI$3,800
Book now online or call +1 345 927-1127
4. Slide into summer on the boat of boats
Located at The Reef Resort on the eastern side of the island, White Sand Water Sports is but a whisper from the beautiful hideaways and slower-paced life of East End, North Side, Rum Point and Cayman Kai.
But everyone needs to live a little and these watersports pros have every toy you need for a maxed out day on the water - kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, kitesurfs, Hobie Cats, jet skis and, wait for it, a double-slided pontoon boat.
Insider Tip
Save big this summer and book a 3-hour pontoon charter for CI$299 (up to 6 people). Or rent a jet ski and explore some of Cayman’s virgin East End coastline. Single jet ski CI$60 / double jet ski CI$80 (45 minutes).
5. Kick it on a Cranchi
Experience classic luxury aboard a Cranchi Endurance yacht this summer. The only one of its kind in the Cayman Islands, this swish European-style pleasure cruiser is a legend in it’s own right. Rumored to have once belonged to a Hollywood star, she is now available for charter with Aqua Watersports.
Choose from a half day, full day or an unforgettable sunset cruise.
Insider Tip
Book now through end of September and receive 50% off all charters. Prices inclusive of discount are as follows:
Half day (US$750) / Full day (US$900) and include free use of jet ski and sea scooter. Or book a sunset cruise for US$495 (up to 8 people).
Jet Ski tours are also available. Tours start at US$150 for 1.5 hours.