United Kingdom
CaribbeanThe Cayman Islands are a group of islands in the Caribbean Sea, south of Cuba. This self-governing British Overseas Territory is known for clear water, coral reefs, beaches and diving.
Why go
White sand and public beach access at Seven Mile Beach.
Clear water and coral reefs for diving and snorkelling.
Wild stingrays in the shallow waters at Stingray City.
Historic buildings, botanical gardens and rare blue iguanas.
Best time to go: November to April brings cooler, relatively dry weather. May to October is warm and rainy.
Getting there
By air
- Owen Roberts International Airport (GCM), near George Town on Grand Cayman, is the main airport. It has flights from the Caribbean, North America, Central America and Europe.
- Charles Kirkconnell International Airport (CYB), on Cayman Brac, has domestic flights and flights to Miami and Havana.
By sea
- George Town on Grand Cayman is a popular cruise ship port.
Customs
- Visitors arriving by air who are 18 or older may bring one bottle of duty-free spirits, four bottles of wine or champagne, or one 12-pack of beer per person. Alcohol above this allowance is subject to substantial tax.
Getting around
Rental car
Rental cars are readily available, and you must be at least 21 to rent one. A car is more convenient than a bus for reaching many attractions. Drive on the left and wear a seatbelt. Carry a valid driving licence. If it is not in English, you also need an International Driving Permit. Speed limits are in miles per hour, but some rental cars show only kilometres per hour. For example, 40 miles per hour is about 64 kilometres per hour. Check the fuel type carefully before filling up. Green pump nozzles mean gasoline, and black means diesel. If you pay at the pump, you must enter an amount for your card to authorise before filling. If you choose to pay inside, fill first and then pay in the shop.
Domestic flights
Cayman Airways operates almost all domestic flights. Domestic flights use the airports on Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac, and Edward Bodden Airfield (LYB) on Little Cayman.
Bus
Most attractions can be reached by bus.
Walking and cycling
Avoid walking or cycling on dark roads at night because of robbery and assault risks. Take care on roads with little space at the edge, where passing cars can be a danger.
What to see and do
Seven Mile Beach
This white-sand beach on Grand Cayman stretches for about 5 miles (8 kilometres). Visitors can walk its full length regardless of where they stay.
Pedro St. James national historic site
Visit an old seaside house and its grounds. A multimedia show and exhibits explain its history and other Cayman history.
Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park
Explore gardens arranged by plant colour, an orchid garden and a lakeside gazebo. The park also has rare blue iguanas.
Local art at The Ritz
A walkway over the main road at Seven Mile Beach displays local artists' work. Staff can help you find it.
Cayman Turtle Farm
Visitors can learn about turtles and swim with them. The source mentions animal welfare concerns, so research these before visiting.
Snorkel the reefs
Several reefs are suitable for beginner snorkellers. Guided trips may combine snorkelling with a visit to Stingray City.
Food and drink
Local seafood
Fish, turtle and conch are local specialities. Local dishes are often less expensive because their ingredients do not need to be imported.
Local jerk stands
Ask your taxi driver to recommend a favourite local jerk stand.
International food
Restaurants serve Caribbean, Thai, Italian and other cuisines. Options range from casual outdoor meals to fine dining.
Dinner cruises
You can dine aboard luxury catamarans or a tall ship.
Tortuga rum cake
This rum cake is popular with visitors to Grand Cayman.
Liquor stores
Alcohol is expensive, but liquor stores are the cheapest place to buy it. All liquor stores close on Sundays.
Money
Cayman Islands dollar (KYD), written as CI$ or $.
- US dollars are accepted everywhere. Check whether a price is in Cayman Islands dollars or US dollars before paying.
- Food, drinks and other goods are relatively expensive because almost everything must be imported.
- Most shopping is in George Town and Seven Mile Beach on Grand Cayman.
Typical costs
- Meals range from $10 to well over $30 per person at high-end restaurants; the source does not specify which dollar currency applies.
- Typical drinks in bars and clubs cost CI$4–7.
- Alcohol from liquor stores costs about twice as much as in stores in the United States.
- Accommodation tends to be relatively expensive, including on the two smaller islands.
Language
- English is the official language and is spoken by virtually everyone.
- Kay-MAN
- The local pronunciation of Cayman.
- Along the marl road
- A local expression for hearing rumours.
- Mr or Miss followed by a first name
- A common respectful way to address someone.
Staying safe
- Crime is relatively low, but it is rising on Grand Cayman. Stay aware of your surroundings and lock doors and windows when possible.
- Avoid walking or cycling along dark roads at night, including Courts Road. There is a risk of assault, robbery and being hit by a car.
- Tourists should avoid Rock Hole, Swamp, Jamaica Town/Windsor Park, Courts Road and Eastern Avenue.
- George Town is generally safe, but its centre is very quiet at night.
Local customs
Do
- Greet people politely, including shopkeepers when you enter their stores.
- Use respectful forms of address such as Mr or Miss followed by a first name.
- Use the name Cayman Islands, or the local shortened form Cayman.
Don't
- Do not call the islands “the Caymans”.
- Do not assume you can cross to a beach anywhere. All beaches are public, but access to them is allowed only at certain places.
Laws to know
- Grand Cayman has duty-free shopping for items such as jewellery, electronics and fine china.
Staying healthy
- Use sunscreen, carry water and rest indoors or in the shade when you feel too hot. The strong sun and humid weather can cause severe sunburn or heat stroke.
- Be cautious about eating barracuda. The source warns that it may cause fish-borne poisoning.
- Drinking water comes from plants that remove salt from seawater and from collected rainwater. The islands have no natural fresh water resources.
- Most hospital care is on Grand Cayman. Faith Hospital on Cayman Brac also serves Little Cayman.
Where to stay
- Most hotels and resorts are on Grand Cayman, especially along Seven Mile Beach. This area also has many condominiums.
- Condominiums with kitchens let visitors buy groceries and cook for themselves.
- Dive resorts are available away from Seven Mile Beach. The Eastern Districts also have private homes, villas and resorts for quieter stays.
- Little Cayman focuses on diving holidays.
Outdoor adventures in Cayman Islands
The Cayman Islands are known for clear water, coral reefs, diving and snorkelling. Grand Cayman also has public beaches, wild stingrays and a botanical garden, while Little Cayman and Cayman Brac are known for their waters and reefs.
Seven Mile Beach
BeacheGrand Cayman
November–April has cooler, relatively dry weather.Visit independently and enter through a public beach access point. You can walk the full stretch, regardless of which hotel you stay at.
- Wear sunscreen.
- Carry water.
Stingray City
WildlifeWaters off Grand Cayman
Book a boat trip with a local tour company to visit the shallow sandbars. Some guided packages also include snorkelling. Choose a sailing vessel if you want to sail back to port.
Cayman Turtle Farm
WildlifeBoatswain's Beach, Grand Cayman
Visit the farm at Boatswain's Beach on Grand Cayman. Most island attractions can be reached by bus, though a car is more convenient.
Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park
WildlifeNorth Side, Grand Cayman
November–April has cooler, relatively dry weather.Visit the park off Frank Sound Road. Most island attractions can be reached by bus, though a car is more convenient.
- Wear sunscreen and carry water.
- Rest in the shade if you get too hot.
Little Cayman reefs
SnorkellingLittle Cayman
Visit Little Cayman to explore its waters and reefs. Specific operators and reef access arrangements are not given.
Cayman Brac reefs
SnorkellingCayman Brac
Visit Cayman Brac to explore its waters and reefs. Specific operators and reef access arrangements are not given.
Airports, metros and trains in Cayman Islands
Airports with scheduled flights
- GCMOwen Roberts International AirportGeorge TownMain international airport
People and safety in Cayman Islands
Religion
Most people are Christian. Mostly one faith.
- Christian84%
- No religion9%
- Folk religions5%
- Hindu<1%
- Jewish<1%
- Other<1%
LGBT+ travellers
Legal
- Same-sex couples can form civil unions, but not marry.
- Some laws protect against discrimination.
Who can visit without a visa
Travellers from 42 of 101 countries can visit Cayman Islands easily: no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.
- Visa not required42
- eVisa1
- Visa required58
Who can visit easily, by part of the world
For each part of the world: how many countries' travellers can come easily. Easy means no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.
- Americas15 of 19 countries
- Oceania11 of 14 countries
- Europe2 of 4 countries
- Africa12 of 54 countries
- Asia2 of 10 countries
Questions
Is the Cayman Islands part of United Kingdom?
Cayman Islands is a territory linked to United Kingdom, with its own entry rules. Check them separately even if you can visit United Kingdom.
Does a United Kingdom visa let me visit the Cayman Islands?
Not automatically. Many territories set their own entry rules, so a visa or visa-free entry for United Kingdom may not cover Cayman Islands. Check the Cayman Islands visa page for your passport.
When is the driest time to visit?
November to April is cooler and relatively dry. May to October is warm and rainy.
Which airport should I fly into?
Owen Roberts International Airport near George Town on Grand Cayman is the main airport. Cayman Brac also has an international airport with flights to Miami and Havana.
Can I pay with US dollars?
Yes, US dollars are accepted everywhere. Check whether each price is in US dollars or Cayman Islands dollars.
What do I need to rent and drive a car?
You must be at least 21 to rent a car and have a valid driving licence. If your licence is not in English, you also need an International Driving Permit.
Can I use the beaches if I am not staying at a resort?
Yes, all beaches are public, and you can walk the full length of Seven Mile Beach. Use the allowed access points to reach the beach.
Is snorkelling suitable for beginners?
Yes, several reefs are suitable for beginner snorkellers. Some guided tours combine snorkelling with a visit to Stingray City.
Will I be able to speak English?
Yes, English is the official language and is spoken by virtually everyone.
What local food can I try?
Local specialities include fish, turtle and conch. You can also ask a taxi driver to recommend a local jerk stand.
Reviewed by @snuck