Cayman Destination Rum Point -- Vacation Highlights

Upon arriving in the British Cayman Islands your first impression will be the of the Grand Cayman island, the biggest island, where the main cruise ship marina is, or if you are flying in it would be where Owen Roberts International is based. This is where much of the activities you'll find, and where most of the amenities are concentrated as well. For vacationers this article will provide some reference to a popular area that is surprisingly not too swarmed with tourists -- Rum Point.

For a little background, Rum Point is a town on Grand Cayman's headland area where the land juts out like a peninsula. Located on the north end of the island, it's been the short drive away respite for the crowded north side.

Rum Point supposedly got its name from a ship wrecked galleon vessel long ago that was carrying kegs of rum -- a big business in the West Indies throughout the past centuries. The kegs were discovered floating up on shore -- hence the towns name Rum Point. And like the rest of Cayman, their main income to the British territory is through service, namely catering to tourists. So you'll find that the locals revolve around providing food, entertainment and Cayman condo and rental offerings.

Rum Point is big for the getaway aspect. Even through the north side is pretty flush with tourists and the cruise ships stack up in harbor, it's a stunner when those who go out to Rum Point and feel somewhat isolated. This is why there has been a slight demand for secluded Cayman Condo developments for the tourist who shies away from "touristy" type scenes.

Snorkeling is one of Rum Point's claims to fame. There are hidden beaches all around the areas where coral reefs provide both a surf barrier and an aquatic estuary for marine life. There are many bluffs that contain these hidden beaches. And each beach can be accessed year round. One would expect to find everything from stingrays to sea turtles. Cayman Kai is known for it's colonies of starfish. The coral snorkeling area is fairly shallow with only 14 to 40 ft of depth.

The coral reef barriers extend out from the headland peninsula making several good points to snorkel within. The big spots for sighting marine live are:
- Rum point, off of Rum beach
- Finger Cay, which is big for starfish viewing
- Water Cay
- Cayman Kai

Rum point has most of the amenities. So if the crew is thirsty afterwards, rum shots or Mudslides are within reach, as well as the lion's share of restaurants.