3 price points: Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands

By Clara Bosonetto Maerz

For the AJC

BUDGET

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Dave Rogers Boats over the reefs of the Cayman Islands city of George Town can be viewed from the Camana Bay observation tower.

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Peter Ruck Stingray City is a popular spot for diving enthusiasts who get up close and personal with the fish.

Jay Easterbrook Divers seeking open water certification can take a PADI course at the Cayman Diving School.

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Getting there: One-way rates from $154; 21-day advance; US Airways via Charlotte, N.C. (blackout dates apply)

Stay: Shangri-La, a six-bedroom lakeside bed and breakfast, is a charming West Bay retreat about a three-minute drive to Seven Mile Beach. Chill at the pool or with breakfast on your private balcony. The cheery Hibiscus Room is from $119, single or double occupancy, through Nov. 30; from $139 through April 30; www.shangrilabandb.com, 1 Sticky Toffee Lane, 345-526-1170.

Eat: Get a taste of Italy at Antica Gelateria, reputed to serve the finest ice cream on the island. Gelato flavors run from the traditional Stracciatella (chocolate chip) and Noce (Walnut) to Caribbean-influenced tastes such as mango, pineapple and coconut; from $4; at the Marquee Plaza, Seven Mile Beach; 345-946-1400.

Experience: A new 75-foot tall Camana Bay Observation Tower offers a bird’s eye view across Seven Mile Beach, George Town, North Sound and beyond; free; www.camanabay.com. Take a picnic lunch to Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park, a 65-acre garden and woodland preserve with exotic orchids, parrots, iguanas; $10 (age 12 and under free with parent); www.botanic-park.ky.

MODERATE

Getting there: Round-trip rates from $394; 21-day advance; two-night minimum stay; nonstop Delta (no Tuesday service).

Stay: Step out from your Discovery Point Club condo directly onto Seven Mile Beach. The grounds have a sunset-facing whirlpool and freshwater pool. One-bedroom condos are $300 through Nov. 21 and Nov. 30-Dec. 19; $345 for two bedrooms. A fifth consecutive night is free on stays through Dec. 19 (excluding Thanksgiving week); www.discoverypointclub.com, West Bay, 345-945-4724.

Eat: Dine on the tropical garden patio, at the beachside bar or in the elegant restaurant at the beachfront Reef Grill. The fish is fresh and the steaks hand cut; entrees $18-$32; www.reefgrill.com, 537 West Bay Road, 345-945-6360.

Experience: Shallow waters and the sandbars a couple of miles off of North Sound are a gathering spot for serene stingrays and the tourists that come to feed them by hand. A 2.5-hour tour with Frank’s Watersports includes snorkel gear, stingray food, transportation to and from the boat and more; $30 adults; $20 children 4-12; www.frankswatersports.ky

SPLURGE

Getting there: Round-trip coach class rates from $600; no advance notice required; two-night minimum stay; nonstop Delta (no Tuesday service).

Stay: Grandview Condos (for up to eight guests) are on Seven Mile Beach. A three-night stay in ocean front accommodations from $987 through Dec. 18 (blackout dates apply); $810.75 ocean view. Amenities include a freshwater pool, private beach, outdoor grills, concierge service and fitness center; www.grandviewcondos.com, 95 Snooze Lane, 866-977-6766.

Eat: The Caribbean kitchen of Abacus has opened in the new and prestigious Camana Bay development with al fresco dining on the Paseo (a pedestrian main street) or indoors at an open cooking theater. The restaurant is already known for its Bellini, a blended cocktail of fresh peaches, peach liqueur and champagne. Open lunch, dinner (entrees $19-$38) and Saturday breakfast; www.abacus.ky, 45 Market St., off Seven Mile Beach; 345-623-8282.

Experience: Get certified as an open water diver to dive anywhere in the world. The PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) course involves theory and pool sessions and four ocean training dives over three days; $495; www.caymandivingschool.com.