Camana Bay: a focal point for visitors and locals

We venture up to the town of Camana Bay for our next stop on our tour of Cayman’s tourist attractions

Camana Bay has grown into a tourist attraction all of its own over the past decade or so. Situated just a short stroll from the hotels and condos on Seven Mile Beach, it attracts locals and visitors alike who are drawn to its pedestrianised layout, smart boutiques and stores, good range of well-priced restaurants, family-friendly amenities and an overall well-thought out design. An added bonus is that there is ample free parking throughout the town. It has also quickly become a central hub for business, with the likes of Cayman National, PWC, Ogier and Scotiabank all setting up offices there.

Fun things to do

If you fancy having an outdoor picnic there are five cool, tree lined courtyards to be found around the town all ready to greet you with tables and chairs for you to use, and each with its own personality. To get a great view of the town and the surrounding island, climb the 75 ft observation tower. It’s well worth the effort to see Cayman from on high. Visitors can also relax on the edge of the waterfront and watch the yachts and motor cruisers slip into their berths in the harbour, or spot the ferry as it glides out with its sun seekers heading for Rum Point. The cooling breezes are welcome as they drift in from the open expanse of North Sound.

A small tree-lined island built out into the harbour provides a great place to relax and let time slip by. There’s even a small sandy beach to wriggle your toes in and hammocks in which to while away the day.

Camana Bay is also a fabulous place to take children. Dancing water fountains are a huge draw for youngsters who can spend hours dodging in between the water spouts. Shaded lawns provide a restful spot for parents from where they can keep watch.

Once a week on a Wednesday between noon and 7pm Camana Bay plays host to their Farmers and Artisans Market where local people sell the best of what’s produced and made on the island.

It’s a perfect place to pick up some refreshing fruit, locally-grown vegetables, jewellery, jellies, jams, cosmetics or a piece of artwork. Later in the afternoon there’s a variety of entertainment ranging from live music to local craftsmen demonstrating their skills, such as rope making.

Also on a Wednesday evening you have the chance to join a Flavour Tour of the town’s signature restaurants, dining on small plate courses featuring local ingredients and prepared for you by the restaurants in their own individual way.

At night the town comes alive as visitors and locals head down the brightly-lit avenues, perusing the stores and deciding at which restaurant to eat. There is also a thriving coffee culture in the town, with a number of cosy cafés welcoming people in, day and night.

The island’s only cinema is to be found on Market Street, showing all the latest releases. And every Tuesday during the summer months, classic family films are shown under the stars on outside screens at the Crescent – a great excuse to bring a blanket and a picnic and enjoy some quality time with the kids.

At Christmas time Camana Bay is transformed into a holiday wonderland with lights and decorations, a special appearance by Father Christmas, the annual Christmas Tree Lighting, the Christmas Market and the Parade of Lights, a particular favourite that sees a procession of brightly lit boats sail by, all competing to be voted the most magical boat.

As Camana Bay continues to grow, so its popularity grows with it. The town is a good example of how Cayman is providing the best and most up-to-date amenities for visitors and locals alike.