6x6 Miles of Beauty: Grand Cayman Island

That's how big the whole island of Grand Cayman is. 6 miles by 6 miles. And it is pure beauty and amazingness that is for sure. When we got to the island, there wasn't a big port for the boat to dock up at so we got to board a smaller tender boat to take us to shore. We could see the bottom of the ocean and some coral and fish already just on the short ride in so I knew we were in for one memorable day. There were four other cruise ships ported at the island so when we first got off, it was sort of chaotic with a mass amount of people trying to find their excursions and tour groups but thankfully, we found our group quickly. We had about half an hour before leaving on our excursion so we just took in the beauty, sights, sounds and smells of the island...then before we knew it, we were walking towards the shore line to board the boat to cruise around the island and do some parasailing!

To start with, the two guys that took us out on the boat to parasail were both rockstars. One was from Australia and we aren't sure where the other one was from but he definitely had some sort of accent...and he is dating a girl from Ankeny, IA! We were amazed at what a small world it really is especially when we found out two of the other parasailers were also from Iowa, about twenty minutes away from where we live! Anyway, so we took off and were cruising around the shoreline and it was awesome being able to see the beach, the coral, the resorts and enjoy the sun and breeze all at the same time. The two Iowa boys went first and it was scary watching them because I didn't realize how high we actually would be released so I was nervous but excited! Next thing I knew, we were getting life jackets on and our harnesses straped up and ready to go.... The boat driver said that when we were being brought back in he could dip in either "small, medium, big or surprise" and of course Jordan wanted to say surprise but I was too chicken and shouted, "SMALL!!!!" The guys both laughed and said, "yeah we will see what you get..." Not exactly what I wanted to hear right before taking off because right after that, they released the rope! We were quickly lifted off the back of the boat and flying backwards up into the sky. The first word that comes to mind when I think about our parasailing experience is peaceful. We had ten minutes sailing high in the sky completely to ourselves and separate from the world! It was so peaceful and relaxing mixed with amazing views and breathtaking sights...I wish we could relive that moment again and again! It was truly incredible and we loved every minute of it. Once we were being brought back down, I was nervous at how much we were going to get dipped and finally, we hit the water only to our knees so it was actually pretty refreshing! BUT, I'm glad we didn't get dipped any further than that! After we sailed, three other groups went so we got to enjoy some more time cruising around on the boat before heading to the beach...

Once we got to the beach, we knew it was going to be tough to leave. Nearly impossible actually because it was pure heaven. The beach was the softest, brightest, whitest sand I have ever seen and the first white sand beach Jordan had ever been on. Paired with the blue and turquoise water, it made us feel like we were on a beach that you would see in a travel magazine. Which would be true since Grand Cayman is ranked and known for being one of the most beautiful islands and 7-Mile Beach, the one we were on, is one of the world's most beautiful beaches. And it definitely deserves that title! We spent the rest of the afternoon laying out and soaking up the sun on the beach while enjoying the peacefulness of the island life and each other's company. The sand never felt hot and the water was the perfect temperature to swim in and cool off in. We walked all the way down the beach before heading back to the port then walked through the town back to the main shopping area and ship. We felt 100x safer walking around here than we did in Jamaica...it is clear that Grand Cayman is a pretty wealthy country and one where people move to live there or have vacation homes. While waiting to board the boat, Jordan and I discussed what we would do if we stayed on the island forever...first things first, I said we would need to get a way for Paisley to join us! Then Jordan said he would work with the parasailing crew and other water activity companies. I decided I would open a craft shop and sell crafty handmade items to all of the tourists. I think that would be quite the life to say the least! Well I have done more than enough talking so I will let the pictures bring my words to life...

Welcome to Grand Cayman Island! 

water and coral on the tender boat ride to the island

arghh matey!

up next to parasail!

all hooked up and ready to go!

and we are off!

we were really up there and far away!

one of the crew guys took pictures for us and this one makes me laugh every time!

kissing and sailing high in the sky together :)

the dip! 

first things first at the beach...writing in the sand!
notice our rings on our "ring fingers"?!
Thanks Pinterest for the photo idea!

a perfect day at 7 Mile Beach

"we should be on a Ray Ban commercial"
-Jordan

my Mrs. towel and ring

my Mr. with his ring and towel
(thanks Mom for the special towels...we loved them!)

Hi Husband :)

this is the life.

We are already looking forward to the day when we can return to Grand Cayman Island...or at least another island and location that ranks just as high up there in beauty, adventure, relaxation and everything! It was the most perfect day and weather that we got and it was so hard to leave the island! We couldn't have asked for a more relaxing and fun day to spend together away from the world!