The Cayman Islands seem to be forever tagged as either a place to park your money or just park your bags while you go off shore to scuba dive. Luckily, for those with other occasional equestrian interests, there are a few local riding operators that can also make this possible. In fact, not only can you do the morning or sunset beach rides here, but you can also get to explore some of the island's quieter areas. Indeed, cantering not only the beaches but also exploring inland on horseback is one excellent way to discover that Grand Cayman certainly has other "green" opportunities that are far more natural than its dozens of banks.

Grand Cayman is still not densely populated and other than the west end of the island, there are few houses along most of the beach areas here. The sands are usually a fine creamy powder, and operators like Honey Suckle Trail Rides provide outings for everyone from experienced to novice and also children, using both western and English tack and horses that vary from thoroughbred to quarter horse. They follow a shore route that diverges for a while out into the Caribbean shallows, then back along a shoreside trail before returning to the beach.

Others such as Pampered Ponies also offer beach rides for all abilities and even can stage some jumping challenge for you along the sands, where the guide will set up some driftwood for your horse to jump. They also take private groups along a land trail that passes through the woods along the north coast of West Bay, then onto a deserted sandy beach.

Grand Cayman still has vast swathes of uninhabited swampland, and most of the vegetation you encounter is scrub brush while mangrove trees also hug the water's edge. But visual flare also comes in the shape of the brilliant flamboyant trees and other colorful flora that remain very much an intrinsic part of Grand Cayman's terrain. Early morning or evening sunset rides have the advantages of either happening when temperatures are still cool or the skies provide their own dramatic highlights.

Written by  Hal Peat.

Add comment

Comments, reviews and questions

There are no posts. Why not be the first to have your say?

Add a comment, review or question

Make a comment Ask a question Write a review

Review title

Your comment

Your rating

Choose rating... Don't go Go Must go

Your name

Your email address