Cayman Islands, Cayman Islands - Travel Guide

The Cayman Islands offer stunning beaches, world-class diving and snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, and a vibrant culinary scene. It's a premier luxury destination known for its relaxed atmosphere and diverse marine life, making it perfect for both adventure seekers and those looking for a tranquil escape.

Quick Facts

Recommended Stay5 days

Budget$150/day

Mid-range$300/day

Luxury$1500/day

Known For

Grand CaymanLittle CaymanCayman BracCaribbeanBritish Overseas Territorytax havenGeorge Town

🇰🇾 Country Information: Cayman Islands

CapitalGeorge Town

CurrencyCayman Islands dollar ($)

LanguageEnglish , Spanish, Tagalog

Phone Code+1

Electricity120V (Type A, B)

Tap WaterSafe to drink

Tipping

Tipping is common: 15
20% for good service in restaurants and bars, porters and taxi drivers usually receive a small tip
Some hotels and restaurants may add a service charge, so check your bill

Money & Payments

ATMs are widely available, especially in George Town
Credit cards are widely accepted
US dollars are accepted everywhere, but it's good to have some Cayman Islands Dollars for smaller purchases
No black market for cash

Cultural Norms

Dress code is typically casual, but modest attire is appreciated outside of resorts
Greetings are generally polite and informal, often including a handshake
It's customary to acknowledge people with a greeting when entering a shop or small business

LGBTQ+ Information

Generally LGBTQ+ friendly. The Cayman Islands has laws protecting against discrimination based on sexual orientation in employment, and same-sex partnerships are recognized for certain purposes.

Alcohol & Drug Laws

Legal drinking age is 18
Drug laws are strict, including for marijuana, though medical cannabis is available

Special Laws

It is illegal to wear camouflage print clothing
Public nudity is prohibited

Common Phrases

HelloHello

PleasePlease

Thank youThank you

Climate

Climate Zone: Tropical Savanna

Best Time to Visit

Hurricane season: Jun
Nov

Getting There

Fly into Owen Roberts International Airport (GCM) on Grand Cayman from major North American and European cities
Direct flights available from Miami (1
5h, \~$200
400), New York (3
5h, \~$300
600), London (9
10h, \~$700
1200)
Inter
island flights to Cayman Brac and Little Cayman also available

Getting Around

Taxis are widely available and can be pre
booked or hailed at the airport
Rental cars are popular for exploring Grand Cayman
Public minibuses operate on fixed routes
No ride
sharing apps like Uber/Lyft are available
Bicycle rentals are an option, especially on the smaller islands

Health & Vaccinations

Routine vaccinations (MMR, DTaP, Varicella, Polio, Flu) are recommended
Hepatitis A and B vaccines are recommended
Travelers' diarrhea is a potential concern; probiotics or anti
diarrhea medication can be considered
No malaria risk
No altitude sickness concerns

Staying Connected

eSIMs are available from local providers like C3 Pure Fibre and Flow
Airalo and Nomad eSIM are known to work in the Cayman Islands for international travelers

Local Cuisine

Stewed Turtle regional_speciality

This is the national dish of the Cayman Islands, traditionally made with turtle meat, often sourced from the Cayman Turtle Centre. It is a historic Ca

Jerk Chicken street_food

Although a Jamaican classic, jerk chicken is the most popular street food in the Cayman Islands. It consists of chicken freshly grilled and marinated

Conch Fritters must_try

A true island specialty, these are balls of conch mixed with breading and spices, then fried until golden brown. Conch is a widely found mollusc in th

Heavy Cake dessert

A very dense, slightly sweet, and spicy cake made from grated cassava or yam and coconut milk. It has a consistency similar to bread pudding and is a

Cayman Style Beef regional_speciality

This dish involves beef that is 'picked' or shredded, similar to pulled pork, and is often served with a variety of bread or sweet heavy cakes. It is

Book in Advance

Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:

🔴 Must Book in Advance

Accommodation (Especially along Seven Mile Beach) Accommodation

Book 3–6 months in advance

High-quality hotels and resorts, particularly those on Grand Cayman's Seven Mile Beach, book out quickly, especially during peak winter season.

Stingray City Sandbar Tour tour_or_activity

Book 3–8 weeks in advance

This is the Cayman Islands' most popular attraction, and morning tours, which offer the best experience, fill up quickly.

🟡 Recommended to Book Ahead

High-Demand Fine Dining Restaurants Dining

Book 2–6 weeks in advance

Top restaurants in Grand Cayman, especially those with scenic views or highly acclaimed chefs, have limited capacity and book up for prime dinner times.

Bioluminescence Tour (Bio Bay) tour_or_activity

Book 1–4 weeks in advance

Tours are only offered on moonless nights, making the available slots limited and highly sought after for the best viewing experience.

Fun Facts

1. The Grand Cayman Blue Iguana is an endangered species native only to Grand Cayman, and a full-grown one can weigh up to 22 pounds, making it the largest native species.
2. The Cayman Islands boast 365 officially named dive sites across its three islands, allowing divers to explore a different location every day for an entire year.
3. The famous Mudslide cocktail was invented on Grand Cayman.
4. What started as a week-long celebration, the annual pirate festival has grown into seven weeks of festivities spanning all three islands.

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