Cayman Islands Travel Information

The Cayman Islands are a Caribbean paradise, known for their crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, and vibrant marine life. Whether you're looking to relax on the beach, explore the island's natural beauty, or try some exciting water activities, the Cayman Islands have something for everyone. Here are the top 10 things to do in the Cayman Islands.

1. Seven Mile Beach

Seven Mile Beach is one of the most famous beaches in the Caribbean, and for good reason. This seven-mile stretch of white sandy beach offers crystal-clear waters and plenty of opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing.

2. Stingray City

Stingray City is a must-visit for anyone interested in marine life. Visitors can interact with wild Southern Stingrays in shallow water, and even feed them by hand.

3. Snorkeling and Diving

The Cayman Islands are known for their excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities. With over 360 dive sites and a wide variety of marine life, including colorful coral reefs and shipwrecks, the Cayman Islands offer a truly unique diving experience.

4. Cayman Turtle Farm

The Cayman Turtle Farm is a conservation and research facility that aims to protect the endangered Green Sea Turtle. Visitors can learn about the farm's conservation efforts and even interact with the turtles.

5. Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park

The Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park is a beautiful nature reserve that offers visitors a chance to explore the island's natural beauty. The park features a variety of plants, birds, and other wildlife.

6. Hell

Hell is a unique geological formation consisting of black limestone formations that have been shaped by the elements over time. Visitors can take a tour of the area and even post a letter from "Hell" post office.

7. Camana Bay

Camana Bay is a popular destination for shopping and dining. The open-air shopping center features a variety of shops and restaurants, as well as a weekly farmers' market.

8. Cayman Brac

Cayman Brac is the sister island of Grand Cayman, and offers a more rustic and natural experience. Visitors can explore the island's rugged landscapes, including the famous bluff, and enjoy the island's beautiful beaches.

9. Pedro St. James

Pedro St. James is a historic site that offers visitors a glimpse into the island's past. The site features a restored 18th-century great house, as well as exhibits on the island's history and culture.

10. Rum Point

Rum Point is a popular beach destination located on the north coast of Grand Cayman. The beach offers a variety of water activities, including swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking, as well as a restaurant and bar.

Climate

The Cayman Islands have a tropical climate, with warm temperatures and high humidity year-round. The temperature typically ranges from the low 70s to the low 90s Fahrenheit. The rainy season is from May to October, but even during this time, rain typically falls in short, heavy bursts.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit the Cayman Islands depends on what you're looking for in your vacation. If you're looking for the warmest weather and the least chance of rain, the best time to visit is between December and April. This is also peak tourist season, and prices for accommodations and flights will be higher. If you're looking for a more budget-friendly option and don't mind a bit of rain, consider visiting between May and November. This is also a good time to visit if you're interested in diving or snorkeling, as the water will be clearer during this time.

Here are some general travel tips regarding entry requirements that apply across all countries:

Passport

Make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of your arrival in the country you are visiting. Some countries will not allow you to enter if your passport is set to expire within a certain period of time.

Visa

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if you need a visa. Some countries require a visa for entry, while others do not. Make sure to apply for a visa well in advance of your trip as the process can take several weeks. Check the latest Visa requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Health Requirements and COVID-19 Rules

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if there are any health requirements for entry. Some countries require vaccinations or proof of medical insurance. Check the latest health requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Travel Insurance

Consider purchasing travel insurance, especially if you are traveling internationally. Travel insurance can cover you in the event of trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and other unexpected events. Our travel insurance partner is SafetyWing. For dangerous activities and/or countries consider a rescue service like those offered by our partner, Global Rescue.

Customs

Be familiar with the customs and laws of the country you are visiting. Some countries have strict laws regarding drug possession, alcohol consumption, and dress codes.

Currency

Check the currency exchange rate and make sure you have enough local currency for your trip. Some countries may not accept credit cards or travelers cheques, so it is always good to have some cash on hand. At WhereNext we recommend use a Wise debit card, which provides low cost currency conversions and ATM withdrawals.

Research the country

Research about the culture, customs and laws of the country you are visiting. It will help you to understand the place more and also prepare you better for the trip.

Contact Information

Make a copy of your passport and keep it in a separate place from your passport. Also, leave a copy of your itinerary and contact information with a friend or family member at home.

The Cayman Islands offer a wide variety of accommodation options to suit every budget and preference. Here are a few options to consider:

Hotels

The Cayman Islands have a wide variety of hotels, ranging from budget-friendly options to luxury resorts. Some popular hotel options include the Grand Cayman Marriott Beach Resort, the Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa, and the Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman.

Vacation Rentals

Vacation rentals, such as villas and condos, are also a popular accommodation option in the Cayman Islands. These rentals offer more space and privacy than a hotel, and often come with amenities such as a kitchen and private pool.

Bed and Breakfasts

Bed and breakfasts are a unique accommodation option that offer a more personal and intimate experience. These small, family-run properties typically have a limited number of rooms and offer a traditional Caribbean breakfast.

Camping

Camping is not a very common option in the Cayman Islands, but some visitors might prefer this option if they are looking for a more adventurous and eco-friendly way of traveling.

Vacation home rentals

Vacation home rentals are also a popular option for visitors who want more space and privacy. These rental homes are fully furnished and often come with amenities such as a pool, kitchen, and outdoor grill.

Overall, visitors to the Cayman Islands will have a wide variety of accommodation options to choose from, whether they are looking for a budget-friendly option or a luxurious resort experience.

The Cayman Islands have a number of transportation options for visitors to choose from. Here are a few options to consider:

Rental Cars

Rental cars are a popular transportation option in the Cayman Islands. There are several car rental agencies located at the Owen Roberts International Airport and at various locations throughout the island. Visitors should be aware that they drive on the left-hand side of the road in the Cayman Islands.

Taxis

Taxis are readily available on the island and can be found at the airport, hotels, and popular tourist destinations. Taxi fare is regulated by the government and is based on the destination.

Public Buses

Public buses, also known as "jitneys," operate on all three islands and are an inexpensive way to get around. However, service is limited and the buses do not run on a set schedule.

Bicycles

Bicycles can be rented from several local shops and are a great way to explore the island at your own pace.

Scooter and Moped rentals

Scooters and mopeds are a popular way to get around the island, especially for visitors who are comfortable with motorized vehicles.

Boat tours and charters

Boat tours and charters are another transportation option for visitors to the Cayman Islands. This option is particularly popular for those interested in snorkeling and diving, allowing visitors to explore the island's beautiful waters.

Overall, visitors to the Cayman Islands will have a variety of transportation options to choose from, whether they prefer to explore the island on their own or with a guided tour.

Money Tips for Travel

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Notify your bank and credit card companies of your travel plans to avoid any potential issues with international transactions.
• Bring a mix of cash, credit, and debit cards--and possibly a travel money card.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.
• Make sure to have a backup option for accessing money in case your primary method doesn't work.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• NEVER accept currency conversion at ATMs! Always get your home bank to convert at much better rates.
• Think about getting a Wise or other travel debit card; these can provide much better rates and some free ATM withdrawals.

ATM and Credit Cards

• Research the availability of ATMs and credit card acceptance at your destination before you depart.
• Keep your ATM card in a safe place and be mindful of your surroundings when using it.
• Try to stick to using ATMs that are affiliated with major banks.
• Keep your credit card information safe and secure, and be aware of potential scams.
• Make sure your cards have the necessary security features, such as chip and pin.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.

Exchange Rates

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• Be careful of places that may offer to exchange money at rates that seem too good to be true.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It covers a wide range of needs--even some you might not expect!

Medical Coverage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for medical expenses if you become ill or injured while traveling. This can include coverage for doctor visits, hospital stays, and emergency medical transportation. It's also a good idea to ensure that your travel insurance covers COVID-19 related illness and delays!

Trip Cancellation and Interruption

Travel insurance can provide coverage if you need to cancel or interrupt your trip due to unexpected events such as illness, weather, or travel bans. It can also provide coverage if your trip is delayed or if your travel provider goes out of business.

Lost or Stolen Luggage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for lost or stolen luggage, as well as personal items such as passports and electronic devices.

Emergency Assistance and Evacuation

Many travel insurance plans offer emergency assistance services, such as providing information on local hospitals and doctors, assistance with replacing lost or stolen documents, and help with arranging transportation in the event of an emergency. At WhereNext we have partnered with Global Rescue for evacuation services, which are highly recommended if you are undertaking dangerous activities or are travelling to dangerous parts of the world.

Liability coverage

Travel insurance can also provide liability coverage in case you cause an accident or harm someone while you are traveling.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It can help cover the costs of medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost or stolen luggage, and more. It's always a good idea to review the coverage and compare the different options available before making a decision. At WhereNext we both use and have partnered with Safety Wing for general travel insurance.

When traveling, getting mobile access is very important these days. If you are working remotely, wanting to update social media, or need to access your banks SMS authentication messages having a reliable service is a must. At WhereNext we recommend:

eSIM

Services such as those offered by our partner, Airalo, allow you to easily order and install an eSIM for different countries or regions that you are traveling in.

Dual SIM phone

If you have a phone that supports dual SIM's then you can get a SIM on arrival for each country, this is probably better done at a telco store rather than at the airport.

Extend your home plan

Depending on where you live and your mobile service provider you may be able to extend your plan to cover mobile roaming at reasonable rates.

Keep your primary SIM

With the amount of accounts we all have that require two factor authentication via SMS, keeping a constant number for these accounts is a must.

There are several online communities and platforms that you can use to meet people while traveling, both for making new friends or for networking professionally. Some popular options include:

Facebook groups

There are many Facebook groups dedicated to connecting people while traveling, from expat groups and travel communities to groups specific to certain cities or regions of the country. You can search for groups based on your interests or location and connect with others who share similar interests.

Meetup

Meetup is a platform that allows you to find groups of people that share your interests in your local area. There are Meetup groups all around the world, and they cover a wide range of topics, such as language exchange, sports, and cultural activities.

Internations

Internations is a social network for people who live or work abroad. It has a large community of expats and organizes regular events, activities and gatherings that allow members to connect and socialize.

Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing is a platform that connects travelers with local hosts, who offer free accommodation and a chance to experience the local culture. It's a great way to meet locals and make friends!

Reddit

Reddit has a large community, and there are several subreddits dedicated to connecting expats and travelers. You can use it to ask questions, get advice, and connect with others who are also living or traveling in the country.

Linkedin

LinkedIn is primarily a professional network, but you can also use it to connect with people who work in the same industry or have similar backgrounds. It can be useful to connect with people before you arrive and establish a few professional contacts to help you get started.

At WhereNext, we use Nomad List as a global community and then research more local ones for our destination. These are just a few examples of online communities you can use to meet people; please suggest any others that you think are appropriate for this destination.