Rum Point, Cayman Islands

Rum Point is located on Grand Cayman, the largest of the Cayman Islands. Legend tells of rum barrels washing ashore following a shipwreck, giving the name Rum Point to the town. Although Rum Point is close to more populated areas of Grand Cayman, the town feels like a remote tropical paradise. Daily activities around Rum Point include scuba diving, snorkeling, horseback riding, hiking, jet skiing, parasailing, or just lounging on a beach listening to the sounds of the waves crashing against the shore.

Rum Point Beach is stunning. The white sand slopes gently into the Caribbean Sea, making the beach perfect for those with small children. The beach is also a great place for testing your snorkeling skills, as the reef lingers just offshore awaiting visitors. Although a local ordinance prevents food on the beach, there are restaurants nearby serving excellent local cuisine. A sunset on Rum Point Beach should be a definite part of your trip. While on Grand Cayman visitors should take a day and visit Seven Mile Beach, located just north of George Town. This wide, powder-soft white-sand beach is one of the most famous in all the Caribbean. Kids will enjoy nearby Cayman Turtle Farm, located just north of Seven Mile Beach. This nature preserve details the history of native turtles, and allows visitors to hold some of the younger species.

The number one tourism activity in the Cayman Islands is scuba diving. This sport has made the Caymans a popular vacation destination since the 1960s. Dive charters are plentiful on Grand Cayman. One of the most popular dives is Stingray City, located just off the northern tip of the island. Called "the best 12-foot dive in the world", Stingray City offers divers and snorkelers the opportunity to pet and feed friendly rays in complete safety. Another popular dive is Bats Cave Reef, reportedly the most extensive system of caves and tunnels of all the island's sites. With over 100 dive sites around Grand Cayman, you can't go wrong with whatever site you choose.

If scuba diving is king on Grand Cayman, then sport fishing is the crown prince. Anglers can spend their days bottom fishing for grouper and snapper, or heading out to deep water in search of wahoo, tuna, blue marlin, and dolphin. The true enthusiast can plan a vacation around one of the fishing tournaments that take place in the Caymans throughout the year. Those who manage to snag a record fish in a specific category are rewarded with outstanding prize money. There are plenty of knowledgeable sea captains available to take you to prime fishing holes. Boats can also be rented for moonlight cruises and party boat excursions.

Rum Point can serve as a jumping off point to other Grand Cayman attractions. History buffs will want to visit the Cayman Islands National Museum, located in George Town. The museum has a collection of more than 2,000 items depicting the natural, social, and cultural history of the Caymans. Take a drive along the South Sound Road, which is lined with pine trees and old Caymanian houses. Visit nearby Savannah and see the Pedro St. James National Historic Sight. Because of its immense size, the home was referred to as "the castle" by generations of islanders. In 1831, citizens met here to vote on the first legislative assembly. Naturalists will enjoy the Queen Elizabeth II Botanical Gardens, located in North Side. This 60-acre park is filled with mahogany trees, orchids, and bromeliads. For some quality time in the Caribbean sun, set your compass for Rum Point.

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