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Adventures On the Water
Watersports
Non-divers can enjoy the undersea world aboard a glass-bottom boat. The M.V. Reef Roamer, a 34-foot, 26-passenger vessel, travels along Seven Mile Beach. It offers a look at both natural and man-made attractions below the water's surface, from colorful tropical fish and coral to shipwrecks usually viewed by scuba divers. The 1½-hour tour costs US $25; for reservations, (345) 947-4786. For more active fun on the water's surface, rent a waverunner from one of the operators along the beach. Prices average about US $40 for a half-hour. You'll find waverunners at Don Foster's Dive Cayman at the Marriott beach.
Sailing
Many watersports operators run sailing trips out to Stingray City (see Adventures, East of George Town). One of the largest operators is Red Sail Sports Grand Cayman
( 800-255-6425), located at the Hyatt Regency. Along with a full menu of water toys, from Hobies to waterskis to banana boats, Red Sail Sports also operates the Spirit of Ppalu. This 65-foot catamaran was originally built as a racer; it now cuts a sleek path through the waters of the North Sound, sailing to Stingray City, and also offering sunset cruises and dinner sails. The catamaran has a glass bottom for a sneak peak at what lies below. Red Sail Sports also operates four dive boats. We journeyed aboard the Spirit of Ppalu and enjoyed a quiet sail through the channels that lead out into the sound. In spite of choppy conditions that day, we had a smooth sail and would recommend the catamarans for anyone who is prone to seasickness; the twin hulls make for a smoother ride. Rates on the Spirit of Ppalu are US $60.50 for a sail to Stingray City, including lunch.
Windsurfing
Windsurfing is enjoyed along Seven Mile Beach, although real aficionados venture to more challenging waters elsewhere on the island. If you do windsurf at Seven Mile Beach, be on the constant lookout for swimmers and snorkelers (while snorkeling, we once had a near miss as one windsurfer skimmed by way too close). Prices average about $20 per hour for windsurfing and equipment can be obtained from Don Foster's Dive Cayman at the Marriott.
Windsurfing Operators
Sailboards Caribbean, (345) 949-1068
Located next to Plantana Condominiums, this operator is a Mistral certified school.
Cayman Windsurf, (345) 947-7492
Situated on the North Sound near the Links at SafeHaven (with another location on the East End at Morritt's Tortuga Club), this BiC Center welcomes beginners.
Sea Kayaking
Sea kayaks are a fun and fairly easy way to enjoy the water. Rent a kayak for an hour or two and paddle your way along the coastline, enjoying the casuarina-dotted strip of sand and a view of the accommodations that cling to this precious real estate. Sea kayaks for one and two people are available for rent from vendors for US $15-20 per hour.
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