By Michelle Bazis From Wedding Essentials

Beach honeymoons and vacations are always a good idea. Depending on your travel style, you might prefer an all-inclusive stay or an all-out adventure. For a little bit of both, Grand Cayman could be the destination for you. This Caribbean island offers a happy balance of ocean activities and tranquil relaxation. There’s not much surf here, but the trade-off is crystal-clear water and sugary-soft sand. Here are highlights from my recent travels there.

Favorite snorkeling spots

• Cemetery Beach, for an underwater paradise full of coral and brilliant-colored fish of all shapes and sizes.
• Spotts Beach, for the sea turtles.
• Rum Point Beach, for the clearest water I’ve ever seen and stingrays within 100 feet of the beach. Starfish Point is just down the road.
• Wreck of the Gamma, for easy snorkeling right off the beach. Go in the morning on a clear day for fewer people and clear viewing of the shipwreck and fish.

Don’t miss

• Seven Mile Beach, for glorious sunsets and coral sand.
• Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park, for hiking and blue iguanas (in a preserve, not in the wild).
• Crystal Caves, for stalactites and stalagmites.

Where to eat

• Bácaro, for Italian tapas and a wine bar.
• Cracked Conch, for the waterfront view.
• Casanova by the Sea, for the Italian Piazza décor.

Where to stay

• Seven Mile Beach, for proximity to activities and dining (but more expensive lodging than other areas of the island).
• Bodden Town, for an authentic Caribbean vibe and affordable rooms.
• Rum Point, for great accommodations and activities without the crowds.

What to pack for a week at the beach

• Backpack
• Insulated lunch bag
• Stainless steel reusable water bottle
• 3 pairs of shoes, for beach, walking and dinner
• 3 swimsuits, including a one-piece that can double as a bodysuit
• Sunglasses
• Panama hat, for a trendy look that also shades your face
• “Reef friendly” waterproof sunscreen
• Snorkel gear, available on Amazon.com for less than $40
• GoPro HERO7 Black and GoProFloaty, for snorkeling, surfing, wakeboarding and other water activities

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