TESTUDO'S SNORKELING GUIDESTM

Barefoot BeachGrand Cayman, Cayman Islands

View from atop the stone staircase at Barefoot Beach, East End, Grand Cayman

LOCATION INFO: Perhaps one of the most stunning vistas in all of Grand Cayman can be viewedlooking west from the widow's walk, atop the stone staircase at Barefoot Beach. This idyllic spot haspretty much dropped-off the tourist radar (if it ever was on it) once the planned Mandarin Orientalresort fell into post hurricane Ivan limbo. Having seen a brief mention of this spot (when describingthe shore dive at neighboring Anchor Point) in the snorkeling guide that got me started on GrandCayman, Cayman Islands Discounts Dive and Snorkel Guide; I thought it might just be a nice quietlittle beach worth searching out one day.

Having correctly guessed at the location thanks to an entrance sign on the defunct Barefoot GardensVillas development, Mrs. Testudo and I took our chairs, cooler of CayLight and sauntered down thepath to the beach eager to see what we happened upon. The short downhill path through someSeagrape trees opens to a small natural sandy beach. The surrounding palm tree fringed cliffs createan amphitheater like setting which adds to the beauty of the spot. There are washed up strands of seagrass with some intermingled flotsam and jetsam (Anyone loose a flip-flop?). Just clear out somespace and make yourself comfortable. Following the beach westward towards the abandoned villasleads towards another good snorkeling area Anchor Point.

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FINDING IT: Look for the Barefoot Gardens Villa sign on the abandoned development’s wall whencoming from the West (Old Man Bay, approx. 3.3 miles from the Frank Sound Rd. intersection) or along, low stone wall when coming from the East (the Reef Resort is about 2.3 miles away). Theentrance to the beach is an unmarked, small tuck-in opening between the Seagrape trees, withparking for 2-3 cars (if done right) or park along road. It is easy to miss, so just drive slow when youcome upon one of the landmarks and keep on the look-out for a speed limit sign and a driveway onthe opposite side of the road. There is little traffic on the road, so backing up is usually possible in theevent of a drive-by.

CONDITIONS: The sandy beach gradually spills into the usually calm water, making for a very easyentry and donning of gear. When not snorkeling, the water is perfect for swimming or leisurelyfloating the day away, enjoying your favorite beverage. From the beach, the best snorkeling can befound by heading straight out towards the barrier reef. The initial 125 yds are approx. 4-6 feet deep,passing over seemingly endless beds of sea grass. Here you are apt see an occasion turtle, reef squidor a curious gang of Bar Jacks. Upon reaching the end of the grassy meadows, you will start to seelarge mounds of interspersed coral heads popping up from the ongoing grassy bottom. This area isvery much reminiscent of the Queen's Monument location in terms of seascape and marine life.Depending on the tide, the depth can range from 3-8 feet, with little or no current. There are someunderwater vents in the area that can cause the water to become a bit blurry. This is due to thechemicals being ejected (more on the vents to come in the upcoming Anchor Point Guide) mixing withthe sea water. You may notice a sulfur smell on the beach if the vents are particularly active or it is awindless day.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT TO SEE: The rapidly unfolding coral formations and marine life areabundant throughout the area. Start exploring in a westerly direction out to the reef, then zig-zaggingback and forth over the shoal area. The coral in this shoal is among the healthiest near shore I haveyet encountered. There are young Elkhorn, budding Brain corals, large carpets of green MountainousStar corals and some eerie ancient Elkhorn remnants out by the reef. Fish of all kinds can be seendarting about and many are unafraid. Since the water is rather shallow, close-up observation and ofthe creatures that dwell within nooks and crevasses of the corals is easily accomplished. Careful

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observation may yield an anemone or sea flower spreading and closing its "petals" in search of adrifting morsel. Lots of juvenile fish that look nothing like their older siblings are also fun to discover.Small schools of the shy Black Durgon can usually be seen on a nearby coral head, only to graduallydrift away as you approach. Grunts and small snapper are plentiful, and the grassy sea bed makes it agreat environment for rays. Scorpionfish, Glasseye Snapper, and Glassy Sweepers are also regularsightings. The conditions make this a great location for snorkelers of all abilities, except for possiblyfirst-timers (due to the moderate swim out). Here are some pictures from my last snorkel. The seaswere a bit cloudy, but the fish were friendly.

Barefoot Beach Gardens Villas landmark Views from East and West

Stone Wall landmark when coming from East Tuck-in, with a small parking area at base

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Juvenile Smooth Trunkfish Green Turtle

Seascape Fish Bowl

Elkhorn and Brain Corals Yellow Sting Ray

Mountainous Star Corals Bar Jack welcoming committee

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© 2010 Testudo Guides, LLC http://snorkelblog.tumblr.com/

Barefoot Beach from the water

This site is quickly becoming my favorite due to the great corals, abundant fish and beautiful setting.So for somewhere truly off the beaten path, go run to Barefoot Beach. If you get the opportunity tovisit let me know what you think.

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