The Cayman Islands are a British Overseas Territory located in the western Caribbean Sea, south of Cuba and northwest of Jamaica. The territory consists of three islands: Grand Cayman, Little Cayman and Cayman Brac.
The Cayman Islands are known for their beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and world-class scuba diving and snorkeling.
Grand Cayman is the largest and most populous island, and it’s home to the capital city of George Town, which is a financial center and popular cruise ship port.
Cayman Brac and Little Cayman are smaller and more laid-back, with fewer tourist amenities but plenty of natural beauty.
For this article we will cover Grand Cayman as it is the most visited.
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Guide for visiting Grand Cayman Island
Getting to Grand Cayman Island
There are several ways to get to Grand Cayman Island:
By air:
Owen Roberts International Airport (GCM) is the main airport on Grand Cayman Island, and it receives direct flights from various cities in the United States, Canada, Europe, and other Caribbean islands.
Some of the airlines that operate flights to Grand Cayman Island include American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, JetBlue, Air Canada, British Airways, and Cayman Airways.
Double check flight routes as things change from time to time.
The flight time to Grand Cayman is about an hour and a half from Miami, pretty quick flight to paradise!
By cruise:
Grand Cayman Island is a popular port of call for many Caribbean cruises. Several cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruise Line, and Norwegian Cruise Line, offer itineraries that stop at Grand Cayman Island.
Look for “Western Caribbean” cruises as those are the ones typically with a stop in Grand Cayman.
By private yacht:
Grand Cayman Island is a popular destination for yachts and private boats. There are several marinas on the island where you can dock your boat.
Once you arrive on the island, you can get around by taxi, rental car, or public transportation.
Tips for visiting Grand Cayman
Local currency:
The Cayman Islands Dollar. However, US dollars are widely accepted as well as credit cards. Just keep some cash on you in case you find a shop or stand that does not take credit card. Also, cash for tips!
Bring sunscreen:
The Cayman Islands are known for their beautiful beaches and sunny weather, so it’s essential to protect your skin from the sun. But also, under the water is a vibrant marine life and coral you want to protect. I HIGHLY recommend using a reef safe sunscreen in the ocean.
Try the local cuisine:
Cayman Islands are home to a unique blend of Caribbean and international cuisine, and it’s worth trying some local specialties like conch fritters, turtle stew, Johnny cake, and jerk chicken.
If you are a big foodie, highly recommend attending the Cayman Cookout, which is held annually at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman! Put on by celebrity chefs and incredible global chefs. It is a 5 night culinary journey .. and a party!
Explore the underwater world:
The Cayman Islands offer some of the best snorkeling and diving spots in the world, with crystal-clear waters and an abundance of marine life. Again, please consider using reef safe sunscreen to help protect the underworld.
Rent a car:
The best way to explore the island is by renting a car, which will allow you to discover hidden beaches, scenic drives, and local villages.
There are no ride sharing services in the Cayman Islands and taxis can get pricey. Renting a car may be your best bet to explore!
Book activities in advance:
Some of the most popular activities, such as swimming with the stingrays or visiting the Turtle Centre, require advanced bookings, so plan ahead to make sure you can get reservations.
Don’t forget bug spray:
Mosquitoes can sometimes be a problem in the Caribbean, so be sure to bring insect repellent with you just in case!
Stay hydrated:
It’s essential to drink plenty of water when visiting the Cayman Islands, especially if you plan on spending time outdoors. You may not feel hot, but being in the sun for prolonged periods of time can dehydrate you.
Have fun!:
The Cayman Islands are a beautiful and relaxing destination, so be sure to take it easy, unwind, and enjoy all that this amazing place has to offer!
Best time to visit Grand Cayman
The best time to visit Grand Cayman is during the winter months of December to April when the weather is generally dry and mild, with temperatures averaging in the mid-70s to mid-80s Fahrenheit (mid-20s to low 30s Celsius).
This time of year is also the high season, so you can expect larger crowds and higher prices.
If you prefer to avoid the crowds and save money, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons of May to June or November, when the weather is still pleasant and the crowds are thinner.
Keep in mind that the summer months of July to October are the rainy season and there is a risk of hurricanes.
However, these months can still be a good time to visit if you don’t mind the occasional rain shower and want to take advantage of lower prices and fewer crowds.
The most expensive time to visit is during the holiday season of Christmas and New Years where you will see the highest rates and availability of lodging is scarce. Many places require you to stay a certain number of nights and book up fast.
Plan in advance if you are going during the holiday season.
Things to do in Grand Cayman
Visit Seven Mile Beach:
One of the most stunning beaches in all of the Caribbean, Seven Mile Beach is a must-see when visiting the Cayman Islands. It’s perfect for sunbathing, swimming, snorkeling, and enjoying the stunning views.
Tours to consider:
Swim with Stingrays:
Head to Stingray City, a sandbar in the middle of the ocean, and swim with friendly stingrays. This is a unique and unforgettable experience!
Visit the Cayman Turtle Centre:
Get up close and personal with green sea turtles at the Cayman Turtle Centre. You can even hold a baby turtle and learn about conservation efforts.
Explore the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park:
Take a leisurely stroll through the beautiful gardens of the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park. It’s home to a variety of flora and fauna, including blue iguanas, and it’s a great place to relax and connect with nature.
Take a drinking tour:
Interested in rum, beer or even vodka? Take a tour to taste these delicious beverages!
Tours:
Snorkel or Dive at the Coral Reef:
The Cayman Islands have some of the most pristine coral reefs in the world. Take a snorkeling or diving trip and explore the underwater world of colorful fish, sea turtles, and other marine life.
Visit the Pedro St. James National Historic Site:
Learn about the history of the Cayman Islands at the Pedro St. James National Historic Site. It’s a beautifully restored plantation house and the birthplace of democracy in the Cayman Islands.
Go Horseback Riding on the Beach:
Take a horseback ride on the beach at sunset and enjoy the spectacular views of the Caribbean Sea.
Tours for horseback riding:
Visit Hell:
Check out the unique rock formations at Hell, a small village on Grand Cayman Island. It’s an unusual and interesting tourist attraction.
Enjoy Water Sports:
The Cayman Islands offer a wide range of water sports, including kayaking, paddleboarding, snorkeling, windsurfing, and parasailing. Try something new and enjoy the water!
Go on a Food Tour:
The Cayman Islands offer a variety of delicious food and drink, from local seafood to international cuisine. Take a food tour and sample some of the island’s best dishes and drinks.
See the Crystal Caves:
Get out of the sun and into the dark! The Crystal Caves are a marvelous experience.
Where to stay in Grand Cayman
There are quite a few options on places to stay in Grand Cayman, but my hands down personal favorite is The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman!
The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman is a luxury resort located on Seven Mile Beach, one of the most stunning beaches in the Caribbean.
The resort features 375 guest rooms and suites, each with a private balcony or terrace overlooking the ocean or the resort’s lush gardens.
The resort offers a range of dining options, including Seven, an upscale steakhouse, Blue by Eric Ripert, a French seafood restaurant, and Andiamo, an Italian restaurant. There’s also a casual beachside restaurant, Bar Jack, and a sushi bar, Taikun.
Make sure and grab a pina colada at the bar by the ocean front pool. Best pina colada in the Caribbean!
The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman has an extensive spa, offering a variety of treatments and services, including massages, facials, and body treatments. The spa also has a relaxation area, steam room, and sauna.
For those who enjoy outdoor activities, the resort has a variety of options, including a Greg Norman-designed golf course, a tennis center, a basketball court, and a water sports center. The resort also has a family-friendly water park, which includes a zero-entry pool, water slides, and a splash pad.
Overall, the Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman is a luxurious and elegant resort that offers a wide range of amenities and activities for guests of all ages.
Where to eat in Grand Cayman
Grand Cayman is a foodie’s paradise, offering a wide variety of culinary options from seafood to international cuisine. Here are some of the best restaurants in Grand Cayman:
Blue by Eric Ripert:
This elegant restaurant located at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, features exquisite French cuisine with a Caribbean twist, and has been awarded three Michelin stars for his restaurant in New York, Le Bernardin.
Agua:
This waterfront restaurant in Seven Mile Beach serves Latin American cuisine with a focus on fresh seafood, ceviche, and homemade cocktails.
Calypso Grill:
Located in West Bay, this seafood restaurant is known for its fresh catch of the day and local dishes, as well as its picturesque waterfront views.
The Brasserie:
This farm-to-table restaurant in George Town offers an eclectic menu of Caribbean and Mediterranean cuisine, using locally sourced ingredients.
Taikun:
This trendy restaurant in The Ritz-Carlton serves modern Japanese cuisine, including sushi, sashimi, and robata-grilled dishes, with a lively atmosphere.
Luca:
This Italian restaurant in Seven Mile Beach offers a diverse menu of pasta, pizza, and seafood dishes, as well as a comprehensive wine list.
Catch:
This seafood restaurant in Morgan’s Harbour is popular for its fresh catch of the day and daily specials, served in a laid-back atmosphere.
These are just a few of the many excellent dining options available in Grand Cayman, and there are plenty more to explore and discover during your visit
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