The Caribbean Hermit Crab

This is one of the Cayman Island's hermit crabs, a close up view! These guys can get up to the size of a clementine orange, although the larger ones are quite rare to spot these days as they tend to live in the uninhabited bush and forest areas, away from the development of 7-Mile. The younger and smaller hermit crabs can be found more commonly on the beach, in rocky shorelines and other quieter areas around the island and close to the shore. These land based crabs are great recyclers as they depend on finding shells scattered along the shore line to use as shelter, protection and as their home. 

If you want a little island adventure away from Silver Sands, there are lots of hermit crabs to be found on South Sound Beach, about a 15 minute drive from Silver Sands, south of Georgetown. But remember they do have pinchers and they also like to stay with their families so leave them where you found them!

For more info on a few other of Cayman's crab species check out these posts:

Land Crabs

Sand Crabs

Photography by: Heather Holt Photography

Happy Valentine's Day From Silver Sands!

Hope you join us for Valentines Day here at Silver Sands! It will be filled with white sands, blue skies, turquoise water and golden sunsets.

Here are a few suggestions of activities to do with your special someone from last years Valentines Post.

The Department of Environment App, check it out!

The idea of having an app for the Department of Environment was born years ago and finally after a long journey it is finally here! Now everyone can get educated on the rules and regulations, the do's and don'ts, the lets get some lobster but no way jose it's not lobster season... the tell all app for the waters of the Cayman Islands. 

It is available for iphone, ipad and android and is the link and all the relevant info:

Department of Environment Website App Info

The DoE is responsible for so much around the island, from enforcing rules to education, all for the cause of protecting the natural environment which is critical for the island nation's tourism, as well as part of the long standing local sea faring culture. The photos and links below are just some of the things the DoE is responsible for and this app will help everyone to understand the catch limits, allocated usage zones, catch seasons, and what to eat and what not to eat all at a quick glance. The app is not only user friendly it is highly effective for everyone to learn the rules, practice them ad be able to help enforce them in an everyday kind of way.

There are so many different zones for marine parks, dive sites, swimming areas, wildlife interaction, replenishment, fishing etc., now you can see for yourself where you can be legally fishing, happily diving, safely swimming or peacefully kissing and petting stingrays.

For more info on Cayman's Marine Parks check out our past post "Marine Parks: Keeping Cayman's Reefs Alive and Healthy"

The DoE also is in charge of enforcing and monitoring the invasive lionfish issue on the island and helps to sponsor the culling tournaments that happen every few months, always resulting in some delicious eats! 

Check out more info from our past post "Whats the Story with the Lionfish?"

Fishing, lobstering and conching are all favorite and delicious past times of all islanders and "taking" responsibly is so important. The new DoE app will tell you exactly what, when and where you can collect these delectable island treats so that their populations can stay at healthy numbers, the animals can have time to regenerate and no creature will be depleted with overfishing.

For more info on grouper check out our past post "Cayman's Grouper need our help, here's why..."

One last thank you to the DoE for their hard work and making it easy for us to know how to better manage, practice and respect the Cayman waters we all love and adore.

Photography by: Heather Holt Photography

Caribbean Temptation!

We hope all you people in the great white north are staying bundled up this January! Here at Silver Sands we just want to tempt you into coming to enjoy our blue waters and warm breezes. Come and thaw out and join us down here in Cayman!

Kite Surfing in Cayman: A Tropical Winter Adventure

Winter time in Cayman is an absolute pleasure. From the festivities of the holidays to the winter activities that just are not possible during the hot and balmy air of summer. Once that heat breaks to a still nice and warm temperature, but less humid the winter winds begin, which for many on the island this wind means Kite Surfing season!

If you are visiting the island during this time and get lucky to get a nice windy day, taking a break from our Silver Sands beach might just lead to a sky high adventure! If you want to learn how to tackle this enticing sport there are plenty of opportunities for you! Check out Kite Surf Cayman (916-5483) and inquire about a lesson. 

And a big thank you to Tara Stanhope for these incredible photos! 

Merry Christmas!

Have a wonderful Christmas!! May your holidays be merry and bright! Or if you are spending them with us here in Cayman, may they be sunny and blue!

Merry Christmas 2016 from Silver Sands!!

From the Silver Sands staff and owners we wish you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

If you are spending your holidays with us this year here is a quick introduction to the friendly faces you will see when you arrive at Silver Sands. 

Meet Gwenda and Oleta, our office dynamic duo. Gwenda, the lovely lady in pink in the photos, is the manager and leader of the Silver Sands team. By her side is Oleta a world class second in command.

Darren is the main man for the grounds and maintenance, and Eddier pictured with Darren below is Silver Sand's green thumb and keeps the gardens lush and gorgeous. 

And finally below is our All Star house keeping team Carmen, Else, Judy and Amanda. They keep the place spick and span for your comfort.

If you can't share the holidays with us this year we hope you will consider Silver Sands for your holiday escape for next year! Call Gwenda to get your booking locked in.