Ultimate Travel Guide to the Cayman Islands
Whether seeking a slice of paradise on Seven Mile Beach or admiring the glitter of yachts docked in George Town, the Cayman Islands has plenty to offer. Learn about the country’s culture, history, and customs regulations about marine and animal life.
Cayman Islands: Things to Do
The Cayman Islands are the perfect getaway if you want to pamper your body, relax your mind, or soothe your soul. The destination offers various Cayman Islands vacation packages to enjoy with family and friends. You can indulge in activities like snorkeling, diving, and relaxing on the beaches. You can also visit museums and galleries. The Cayman Islands have a thriving art scene with numerous galleries and exhibitions that showcase the islands’ history and culture. A must-see is the National Gallery of the Cayman Islands. This museum is the country’s premier art gallery and is home to several of Cayman’s most famous paintings.
You’ll want to visit the famous Seven Mile Beach during your trip to the Cayman Islands. Walk along the sand as the sun moves across the sky and listen to the soothing sound of the ocean. Swim with stingrays at Stingray City and see the underwater world of Devil’s Grotto, where crevices and swim-throughs are brimming with marine life, or explore the submerged mountain range that is Bloody Bay Wall near Little Cayman. Learn about the island’s storied history at Pedro St James, an 18th-century plantation house now serving as a heritage museum.
Attractions
It is important to bring along plenty of sunscreen and bug spray, especially when exploring the forests and caves. You can buy both items locally at reasonable rates. Carrying a first-aid kit for any mishaps during your trip is also advisable. From dazzling marine life to stunning hotels and resorts, the islands are a treasure trove of exotic experiences. A tour of the Cayman Islands’ renowned Seven Fathoms distillery is a must if you love rum. You can learn how the famous rum is made and enjoy tasting some of their delicious drinks.
Cayman Island’s capital, George Town, comes alive when cruise ships dock, with jewel-like buildings lining the waterfront and housing a mishmash of venues from duty-free stores to cool cafes serving Buddha bowls and vegan brownies. Those interested in history and ecology can visit the National Museum of the Cayman Islands or Stingray City, where visitors can touch stingrays and eagle rays.
Weather
The Cayman Islands are a tropical destination renowned for its crystal-clear waters and white-sand beaches. But what sets them apart goes beyond that—the community of Grand Cayman embodies a spirit of care that extends to every visitor. Here, people come to pamper themselves and find peace in a culture that is as welcoming as it is inclusive.
It’s a year-round destination, but the winter months of December to February are the best times to visit for cooler weather and the lowest rates. May through November can be hot and humid, so bringing water and sun protection is a good idea.
The highest rainfall is from May through November, when local rains form over the Cayman Islands’ central mangroves and drench George Town and Seven Mile Beach. It’s also hurricane season from June through November, so it’s a good idea to take any weather warnings seriously during these months. Wear comfortable footwear like open rubber slippers that don’t trap sand. Slippers are also ideal for roaming the beaches and visiting many of the best tourist attractions.
Car Rentals
For the most flexibility during your Cayman Islands vacation, rent a car. The Cayman Islands’ main airport, Owen Roberts International, is in George Town, and multiple car rental companies have offices right at the airport and throughout the city. Visiting the Cayman Islands is safe, but you should exercise caution in unfamiliar places and avoid walking at night. While petty theft is common, violent crime in the Cayman Islands is rare. Dining in the Cayman Islands runs the gamut from roadside huts known for homemade fare to high-end restaurants with twinkly lights and sea breezes. You’ll also find some of the best seafood in the Caribbean.
The Cayman Islands are a great place to see stingrays and other marine life. Several snorkeling and diving trips, as are visits to Stingray City and the Cayman Turtle Farm, are available. You can also visit Seven Mile Beach, where hotels line the famous stretch of sand. Be sure to bring comfortable shoes, such as open rubber slippers, for roaming the beaches and other attractions. These help prevent shoe trapping on the sand and allow faster movement while touring.
Food
The Cayman Islands are a luxury Caribbean destination with pristine beaches, sophisticated restaurants, and hotels. It also boasts some of the world’s best diving. Located in the western Caribbean Sea, 480 miles south of Miami, the three Cayman Islands—Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman—are famous for their spectacular coral reefs. But the trio of islands has so much more to offer.
Grand Cayman has something to please every palate, with restaurants ranging from white tablecloth dining at chic resorts in Seven Mile Beach to hole-in-the-wall seaside fish shacks in the East End. The island’s culinary influences range from Italian and Caribbean to New World and Asian cuisine.
