The Cayman
Islands are situated in the western Caribbean Sea. This territory
comprises the three islands of Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little
Cayman. These islands are very exotic. A lot of people from all over
the world go to the Cayman Islands to relax and have a nice time.
It's a perfect place for both adults and children, as there are so
many wonderful and unique things to do. But there are certain things
that people don't know about and those are Cayman's best kept secrets
and gems. So, here are 10 things that the guidebooks won't tell you
about the Cayman Islands that you might regret not seeing!

1. Diving With Silversides

Every year, the
Dwarf Herrings come to the Cayman Islands. They usually come around
early summer and stay through the beginning of fall. This is the time
when most people visit the Caymans, too. So, if you are visiting
during this period, you should definitely try diving with
Silversides. If you've ever watched National Geographic, you can
visualize what that looks like. Thousands of little fish swim in the
same direction in unison, and then, usually a shark or a seal swims
through them and they stay together and continue what they were
doing. You can be the shark! This is an experience like no other and
missing it because of fear would be a pity. If you were planning to
go scuba diving, you must do this, too!

Have in mind that
this attraction costs a lot of money, so you can try to save
money by planning your budget in advance.

Scuba diving and diving with
Silversides is a must.

2. The Farmers and Artisans Market at Camana Bay

Every Wednesday from
12 noon to 7 pm at Camana Bay, local farmers and artists set up their
booths. It is in a beautiful open-air courtyard and they do it to
sell their art. Everything from fresh produce to local arts and
crafts is sold by the hands that grew and crafted the items. The
art that they sell is usually strongly connected to the islands
themselves. And so many tourists who have a chance to visit this
event buy a lot of souvenirs from the locals who sell them. It's much
better to visit this market than to visit the Cayman
Island's National Gallery, but if you have the time to do both -
go for it.

There is even an
"open canvas" art exhibition that invites anyone to sit and
paint with a beautiful view of the Camana Bay beach and harbor. This
event is open to tourists as well and is a perfect place to pick up
unique souvenirs like jewelry and sculptures. And here you
can try the Cayman Pepper Patch. This local artisan pepper jelly is
prepared in small batches and can only be purchased on Grand Cayman
Island. It is 100% Cayman made, they do not ship or export this
stuff. So, make sure you try it and buy it if you like it. This is
another secret nobody will tell you.

3. The Shoe Tree

Ever since Hurricane Ivan, people have
been writing their names and dates on shoes, flip flops, swim fins
and sandals and tacking them to this tree on the east side of the
island. It's easy to find right on the main road, west of Bodden
Town. It's very interesting because you don't get the chance to see
something like that every day. And if you decide to write
something and you come back, it might still be there.

4.Mastic Trail

If you are in the
mood for a nice mellow four-mile round trip hike - this is where you
want to go. Located on the north side of the island, this slow
incline trail is full of birds, Cayman rabbits, and other
wildlife. It's very pretty and you will enjoy it. And it's free! Who
says you can't visit the Cayman
Islands on a budget?

Even if you aren't a fan of hikes, you
should check this out.

5. Anchors

This is the only
package store that sells carryout alcohol on Sundays. So, if you find
yourself needing a drink on a Sunday during your stay - head
to Anchors for a six-pack of local beer or a bottle of wine.

6. Cemetery Beach

What most people don't know about is
the awesome snorkeling reef that is a short swim out. There are
schools of Tangs, eels, Parrot Fish, sea turtles, rays and the
occasional Nurse Shark that will swim by. It's an interesting walk in
from the road to one of many historical cemeteries on the island.

7. Black Pearl Skate Park

This is for the
youngsters. Tony Hawk - a famous skateboarder - opened this skate
park back in 2007. If your child likes skateboarding or you do
yourself, make sure you swing by. This isn't really one of Cayman's
best kept secrets and gems, but it is definitely fun to see the
locals who enjoy the same thing as you.

Here, you can meet the locals who like
skating as much as you do.

8. The Blow Holes on the East End

If you find yourself
on the East End, make sure to check out the Blow Holes. When waves
come in, they shoot up through the rocks here like huge geysers. It's
a free stop and you will see something extraordinary.

9. Bioluminescent Bay Night Trips

You can take a kayak
tour out at night to see the water light up. You can see trails of
light from your paddle and from the sea life swimming below you. The
darker it is, the better. This beauty is one of Cayman's best kept
secrets and gems. A lot of people are so mesmerized by the Cayman
Islands and you will be, too. The Caymans will make you pack
your boxes and get ready to move.

10. Barker's National Park

Barker's National
Park is a quiet paradise in West Bay. So, if you happen to find
yourself there, stop by this national park. This undeveloped area is
full of mangrove trees and peace and quiet, but sometimes, you might
see bikers or people on horses if you are lucky.

Some of Cayman's
best kept secrets and gems have been exposed, so hurry up and see
them until they become a tourist attraction.