Travel writer and photographer, Paris Permenter and John Bigley, with their guidebook, Adventure Guide To The Cayman Islands- 2nd Edition, have given travelers a new way to appreciate the magnificent Cayman Islands.

The authors are well known travel writers who have published over twenty-seven books, and have updated numerous guidebooks for publishers such as Fodor’s and Michelin. In addition, they have authored over 1500 newspaper and magazine articles.

What is unique about this particular guidebook is that it places more emphasis on the adventure aspect, rather than the mundane listing of hotels, restaurants, and the other common guidebook material, although, there are ample references to the latter.

When I queried the authors as to why they had taken this approach they indicated that “the adventure aspect is one aspect that each island shares: good opportunities for adventure, whether visitors define that as scuba diving, hiking, snorkelling, or bird watching.”

The organization of the book divides itself into five principal well-written chapters. The introduction contains an abundance of useful and well-researched data concerning the history, geography, climate, flora and fauna, animal life, bird life, marine life, government, economy, and people and culture of the Cayman Islands.

The second chapter, entitled “Where are the Adventures,” exposes the reader as to what is available on foot, in the water, on the water, in the air, on wheels, on horseback, eco-travel, cultural excursions, family adventures and packing for adventure.

The authors also have also included “Adventure Talks,” where they interview various experts concerning such topics as diving in the Cayman Islands, eco-travel tours, and snorkelling adventures.

The remaining three chapters concern themselves with the 3 Islands, Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman. Within these chapters there are important tips as to how to get around, sights and attractions, accommodations, restaurants, sightseeing, shopping, nightlife, and beaches. The authors’ brisk, informative, and well-written text makes for an easy to read guide.

As an added feature, the guidebook contains a sprinkling of a few well-chosen photo images, some in color, and others in black and white. There are also a few simple maps inserted into the text along with the photo images. The end of the book includes useful web sites, a short bibliography and a helpful index.

Whether you are a first time visitor to the Cayman Islands, or a traveler, who has visited before, you will garner precious and valuable information upon reading this well organized guidebook.

Highly recommended.

John Bigley and Paris Permenter, are also the editors and publishers of two Web sites:

Travels with Paris and John and Lovetripper Magazine where you can find out more about their publications and travels. The interview with the authors may be found here.