Cayman Islands Travel Guide

About Cayman Islands

Grand Cayman is the largest and most populous of the three districts and is home for 95% of the Cayman Islands` population. The capital is George Town. The distance from it to the other two islands is 120 and 140 kilometers, respectively. The landscape here is flat, with the highest points reaching 18 meters above sea level. The flora and fauna here are extremely rich. Among the plants you will find special species of orchids, mahogany trees, avocados, mangoes and others. Among the animal species are the blue iguana, some species of crabs and parrots that inhabit only these latitudes.

Cayman Brac is 5 miles away from Little Cayman. The island has elongated shape and a width of only 2 kilometers. The place is ideal for diving, exploring local caves, fishing. As expected, the established industry is tourism as a large part of the local companies are owned by the government.

Little Cayman is the smallest and least populous of the three islands (with a population of about 250 people). The island is 16 kilometers long and only 1600 meters wide. The island is almost entirely at sea level. Despite its size, the island hosts two beloved celebrations – Pirates Week in November and LC Agriculture Show in May.

Where are the Cayman Islands?

The Cayman Islands are located in the western part of the Caribbean Sea. They are close to Cuba, the Yucatan Peninsula (Mexico) and Jamaica. The Canerreos Archipelago and the Jardines de la Reina archipelago are particularly close by. As for the distance from the United States – the islands are located approximately 450 miles from Miami and Florida.

Cayman Islands map

The three islands cover an area of ​​264 square kilometers and actually represent the peaks of the underwater mountains known as Cayman Ridge. The relief is mostly flat with low peaks, and coral reefs are formed around the islands. The highest point is the Bluff with a height of 47 meters. Administratively, the islands are divided into 6 districts – Bodden Town, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman, East End, George Town, North Side, and West Bay.

Cayman Islands Weather and Time Zones

All three islands are included in Eastern Standard Time. During the year there are no clock changes.
The climate of the Cayman Islands is mainly humid and hot, typical for the tropics. The season from November to April is relatively cool. Even in winter, temperatures are suitable for the beach, reaching the lowest values ​​of about 20 degrees. The rainy season is extremely humid and with degrees above 30 degrees Celsius.

Population, Languages and Currency

The population of all three islands is over 65,000, most of them living in Grand Cayman. As an offshore area, the Cayman Islands are attractive for registering a different type of business and therefore there are more registered companies here than people. The majority of the population professes the Christian religion.
The official language is English and, of course, the local accent is more British. Jamaican settlers have their own variety of the language. Since part of the population is from Latin America, who came here to work, it is possible to hear Spanish in many places.

The official currency of the Cayman Islands is The Cayman Islands dollar (KYD). The main part of GDP is formed by tourism and financial services. The population has the highest standard in the Caribbean. The Cayman Islands dollar is pegged to the US dollar (which is also accepted everywhere) at US $ 1,227 to 1 KYD. The unemployment rate is extremely low.

Flights to Cayman Islands

The main airport is located at Grand Cayman – Owen Roberts International. The Cayman Brac also has an airport that is called Charles Kirkconnell Airport. Little Cayman is served only by interisland flights from Cayman Airways and Cayman Express, which fly between all three islands.

To get from London Heathrow directly to Grand Cayman you can use British Airways (the flights are always with a stop). Other airlines that also serve flights to the islands are American Airlines, United flights, jetBlue flights, Delta flights, Air Canada and Southwest Airlines flights. Some of the flights have stops. Flights from Toronto last less than 4 hours, and those from the UK about 10 hours (no direct flights).

Things to do in Cayman Islands

The list of entertainments in the Cayman Islands is endless and, as expected, beach adventures and vacations come first. Here are some of the most beautiful beaches such as Seven Mile Match famous for its crystal clear white sand, Governors Beach and its crystal clear waters, ideal for diving, and West Bay Beach.

The islands also have enough caves to explore, as well as hiking trails for lovers of long hikes. Visit The Bluff in Cayman Brac or Cayman Crystal Caves which formed at sea level with many stalactites in them. If you love animal diversity, here you will find Dolphin Discovery Grand Cayman, Western Wall – an ideal place for diving and exploring marine species, Stingray City, where you can get to know marine animal species, feed them and play with them … and more many similar places.

To explore the local culture, don’t miss the National Gallery of the Cayman Islands and its art collections, Heroes Square and George Town Library.

Around the shores of the islands you can find many reefs, as well as the remains of wrecked ships. An interesting example is Kittiwake Shipwreck & Artificial Reef.

A great choice is a speedboat ride around the shores of the Cayman Islands. There are many travel companies that offer this service. This can be wonderful fun for families with children or the perfect end to a romantic vacation.

Best Restaurants in Cayman Islands

The choice of restaurants is almost as long as the list of places to visit. It all depends on your preferences – ocean views, seafood, Italian, Mexican or intercontinental cuisine – here you will find everything.

Most restaurants use products from local farms. It is no coincidence that the Caymans have earned the name of the culinary capital of the Caribbean – some of the most typical and exotic dishes are coconut shrimp, fish rundown, fritters and the famous Mahi Mahi which is a type of fried fish with garnish. The traditional dessert is Cassava cake.

Here is a list of some of the most famous restaurants:

• Luca – a traditional Italian restaurant located on Seven Mile Beach
• Grand Old House – one of the oldest restaurants on the shores of the Grand Cayman, focused on serving seafood
• Agua – located in Camana Bay, this is one of the restaurants with the richest list of wines and a great menu.
• Bàcaro, Le Vele, Ragazzi – all three restaurants are located in Grand Cayman and offer unique Italian dishes.

At every turn you can find a beach bar or cafe to hide from the scorching sun – great examples are Jessie’s Juice Bar, South West Collective, The Coconut Club and Sunset House.

Best Places to stay in Cayman Islands

The list of accommodation on all three Cayman Islands is huge. As expected, most of them are in Grand Cayman. Here you can enjoy a luxurious vacation in 4-star hotels, where you can think of nothing but a good time.

The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman is the second largest hotel in Grand Cayman and offers over 360 rooms, its own restaurant, bar and many more amenities.

The Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort and Spa is the perfect place to enjoy the beauty of Seven Mile Beach. View of the endless sea, beautiful floodplains and the opportunity to choose from 7 restaurants – this is what this luxury complex offers.

Southern Cross Club is one of the smaller accommodations, with 12 rooms and promises an intimate experience, ideal for couples or families with children who want to escape the hustle and bustle.
Caribbean Club is an ideal example of accommodation with individual villas that have everything you need. The complex is again located near Seven Mile Beach.

In the long list you will surely find a place ideal for you, whether you prefer a hotel room, a separate villa by the beach, close to night bars or restaurants or more secluded places ideal for relaxation.

FAQ

Most people prefer to strictly plan their vacation so that they have minimal time wandering and thinking about the details. In this section we will look at the most frequently asked questions about the organization of your trip – where and how to get to the islands, where to stay, what is the time difference and much more.

Where are the Cayman Islands?

The Cayman Islands can be found on the map of the western Caribbean Sea, south of Cuba and north of Honduras, east of Mexico and northwest of Jamaica. They cover an area of 264 square kilometers and are part of the Western Caribbean Zone in latitude.

What country is Grand Cayman Island?

The Cayman Islands are an autonomous region but administratively belong to the United Kingdom. Until the middle of the 20th century, the Cayman Islands were a territory dependent on Jamaica, but then they became independent. Today, they have their own economic and trade policies and their own government.

Who owns the Cayman Islands?

The three islands are owned by Britain, although the government is autonomous, with its own government and policy. However, this clearly explains the many British settlers on the island. Despite its proximity to the United States and its dependence on American tourism and trade, the Cayman Islands are politically part of the UK.

Where to stay in Cayman Islands?

On all three islands you have a huge selection of luxury 4-star hotels, especially at the Grand Cayman. You can choose between hotels on the beach, with a view, or in secluded corners ideal for a romantic vacation. Prices are lower in the hot season, but with prior research and reservation you will certainly find affordable prices.

What time is it in the Grand Cayman Islands?

The Cayman Islands are in the Eastern Standard Time zone, which is 5 hours behind Coordinated Universal Time. This is the time zone of Central and North America and the Caribbean. When traveling from any part of the world, calculate the time difference to inform the hotel and organize your transport correctly.
Conclusion

The Cayman Islands are the perfect destination if you decide to enjoy a tropical vacation. The islands offer many natural resources, places to study wildlife, water sports, diving, hiking, but also those for relaxation and luxury vacation.

Conclusion

The Cayman Islands are the perfect destination if you decide to enjoy a tropical vacation. The islands offer many natural resources, places to study wildlife, water sports, diving, hiking, but also those for relaxation and luxury vacation.