THE BEACH AT CAYMAN CASTLE

Here is the Beach in May, 2007 after Joe finished mechanically raking and sifting the sand for rocks, etc-- (my back was against the neighbor's fence.

 The Castle "owns" the 250' of white sand beach in the cove below.  It is protected from tourist invasion by a roadside masonry wall I had built and landscaped with tall oleander and sea grape trees in 2006. I have the beach mechanically raked (see photos below) every month or so, and have the waterline raked once a week (usually Fridays).

The water straight off the beach is very shallow, but deepens quickly to about 20 feet maximum within the reef lagoon.  There are patches of sand and "turtle grass" which makes the water that beautiful palette of iridescent greens and blues. IF you want to swim in a barefoot beach bottom-- I would suggest taking the family a mile or so north to the Morritts or Reef Resorts--with watersports, beach bars, restaurants, pools, snorkeling, etc. There is a lot to do and see-- and they enjoy your patronage.

We live on the East End of the Island, which is directly on the Caribbean Sea and protected by a coral reef.  It usually has a steady breeze (which keeps any insects from become pests) and offers great snorkeling/marine life and the absence of crowds).  The beach is wide & has plenty of sand, but some rocks as well in the cove--so wear foot protection while exploring.

At night, since there isn’t a ton of commerce or lighted signs (low “light pollution”), many nights we enjoy watching shooting stars from the sundeck. For snorkeling, there is a large coral head (marked by a white pole) about 200 yds. in front of the castle (only 5-6 feet deep)..but you must be careful of boat traffic. I recommend going out with Ocean Frontiers on their pontoon boat "Top Cat" ($39/ea OR $300 for up to 14 people on a private charter becomes pretty reasonable). You can bring food, drinks, etc...and they bring towels. Another idea is to rent a 14' hobie cat from www.emptysuitcases.com and have it beached o the Castle Beach.

My Beach Man also cleans the Ritz, Westin and all the high end properties on the island. I can't afford to have him do it more than every month or so-- but it does do a nice job..

We have a hedge of pink oleander & Sea Grape Trees against the inside of the 250' roadside masonry wall for additional privacy on the beach. It will take time to grow in, but will be a great addition.

My next-door neighbor & I plan to build a very nice large home on the adjacent lot to the Castle beach in mid-2007. I have fenced off the end of the Castle beach and planted a hedge of buttonwood bushes to provide privacy for the Castle Guests. There is already a rock wall on the road side delineating the building lot- The castle has plenty of semi-private beach (250 feet!). Everything in the top photo still will belong to the Castle--

NO beach in Grand Cayman is technically private. The "Queen" owns the land up to the high-water mark; so that means that from the high water mark to the ocean, anyone can use the water. While it allows you to use the Morritts, Reef and Westin beaches too--  please be aware that local fishermen come to the shallows of the castle cove to net baitfish for their fishing trips. They don't need to stay long, they catch plenty of them ("sprats") with one or two casts... my kids watch them with great interest.