Cayman Islands Travel
Cayman Islands Overview
The Cayman Islands are an island group in the Caribbean Sea, ninety miles south of Cuba. The outstanding coral reefs and outstandingly clear waters have made this island group a favorite destination of divers. Great beaches and fine restaurants and resorts make it an excellent tourist destination as well.
Regions
Grand Cayman - The largest island and home to most of the population and tourist facilities.
The other two islands are called the Sister Islands by locals and are also tourist destinations. They are:
Little Cayman
Cayman Brac
Cities
George Town - the capital
The Cayman Islands were colonized from Jamaica by the British during the 18th and 19th centuries. Administered by Jamaica from 1863, they remained a British dependency after 1962 when the former became independent.
In addition to banking (the islands have no direct taxation, making them a popular incorporation site), tourism is a mainstay, aimed at the luxury market and catering mainly to visitors from North America. Total tourist arrivals exceeded 2.19 million in 2006, although the vast majority of visitors arrive for single day cruise ship visits (1.93 million). About 90% of the islands' food and consumer goods must be imported. The Caymanians enjoy one of the highest outputs per capita and one of the highest standards of living in the world.
Christianity is pervasive here and religion is taken quite seriously. Gay and Lesbian tourists are best advised to avoid it as a destination.
The climate is Tropical marine. Warm, rainy summers (May to October) and cool, relatively dry winters (November to April). In 2004 the Cayman Islands, and especially Grand Cayman, were hit hard by Hurricane Ivan.
The topography is Low-lying limestone base surrounded by coral reefs. Highest point: The Bluff on Cayman Brac, at 43 meters (141 ft).
English is the official language and is spoken by virtually everyone.
Grand Cayman has growing offshore banking and tourism sectors. Tourism represents about 60% of the economy. About 30% of residents are expatriates working on "work permits" and unemployment is very low.
The Cayman Islands is a very low-crime area.
Hurricanes are possible from June through November.
Many locals will eat barracuda. Be aware that it and other reef fish (groupers, amberjack, red snappers, eel, sea bass, and Spanish mackerel) can cause ciguatera (fish poisoning).
No natural fresh water resources; drinking water supplies are met by desalination plants and rainwater catchments.
Make sure you have sunscreen on if you plan on walking around town. It is sunny all year.
Caymanians are very respectful. Greetings and pleasantries are common and expected, even to shopkeepers when entering their stores. Most islanders use titles of respect, such as Mr. and Miss, when addressing other islanders.
Cayman Islands Main Attractions
Seven Mile Beach on Grand Cayman
Pedro St. James national historic site in the eastern district of Savannah on Grand Cayman
Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park off of Frank Sound Road on the North Side of Grand Cayman
Rum Point on the North Side of Grand Cayman
Boatswain's Beach - Home of the Cayman Turtle Farm on Grand Cayman
Stingray City in the waters off Grand Cayman
Grand Cayman Attractions
The first three below are within walking distance in George Town.
Cayman Islands National Museum, Harbour Drive, George Town. Phone: 345-949-8368, Fax: 345-949-0309. M-F 9AM-5PM, Sa 10AM-2PM. $4/$2.
Ft. George remains, Harbour Dr. and Fort St., George Town. Remains of a 1790 fort built to protect the harbor.
Cayman Maritime Treasure Museum, North Church St., George Town. Boat building, turtling and pirates. $5/$3.
Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park, North Side. Phone: 345-947-3558, Fax: 345-947-7873, email:guthrie@candw.ky. Daily 9AM-6:60PM. Much to see here with a visitor center, short walking trail, endemic blue iguanas, a 1900 era Cayman farmhouse and sand garden. Adults $6, age 6-12 $3.50.
Cayman Turtle Farm, West Bay. Phone: 345-949-3894, Fax: 345-949-1387. Over fourteen thousand turtles from the tiniest to over 400 pounds.
Pedro St. James Castle, Savannah. Phone: 345-947-3329. This 1780 stone structure, surrounded by a preserve has hourly multimedia shows.
Hell, West Bay. This is a common tour stop, often shrugged at by those who go there. It consists of black rock formations that are thought to resemble what Hell might be like. You can get postcards postmarked there.
Cemetery Beach, Seven Mile Beach. This is the northern end of Seven Mile Beach, beautiful spot with snorkeling right off shore. Access is off the road through a small path. Next to a small island cemetery, hence the name.
Little Cayman Attractions
Red-Footed Booby Bird Nature Reserve, Blossom Village, Phone: 345-948-1010, Fax: 345-948-1011. A UNESCO-designated Nature Reserve site of over 200 acres for Red-footed Booby birds, it has the largest colony in the Western hemisphere. Also Frigate birds, Egrets, Herons, West Indian Whistling Ducks, and Black-necked Stilts.
Owen Island is an uninhabited island located about 200 yards off the South Town shore. Kayakers, rowers or strong swimmers can enjoy it's deserted shores.
Point o' Sand Beach on the eastern end of the island has views of Cayman Brac.
Cayman Brac Attractions
The Bluff and Christopher Columbus Gardens, Phone: 345-948-2506. The bluff area is wonderful for exploration. The Columbus Garden is a memorial area for Sister Island notararies and Columbus and has beautiful plantings and a gazebo.
Cayman Brac Museum, at Stake Bay, Phone: 345-948-2222 or 345-948-2622. Artifacts, household items and sefaring equipment on display. Free Admission.
Brac Parrot Reserve, Phone: 345-948-2390. Easily walkable trails and raised boardwalk through the forest. Home to trees and birds found only here. Especially fine in the winter when migratory birds are here.
Lighthouse
Cayman Islands Family Fun
Cayman Maritime Treasure Museum, North Church St., George Town. Boat building, turtling and pirates. $5/$3.
Cayman Turtle Farm, West Bay. Phone: 345-949-3894, Fax: 345-949-1387. Over fourteen thousand turtles from the tiniest to over 400 pounds.
Pedro St. James Castle, Savannah. Phone: 345-947-3329. This 1780 stone structure, surrounded by a preserve has hourly multimedia shows.
Brac Parrot Reserve, Phone: 345-948-2390. Easily walkable trails and raised boardwalk through the forest. Home to trees and birds found only here. Especially fine in the winter when migratory birds are here.
Cayman Islands Romantic Spots
Cemetery Beach, Seven Mile Beach. This is the northern end of Seven Mile Beach, beautiful spot with snorkeling right off shore. Access is off the road through a small path. Next to a small island cemetery, hence the name.
Owen Island is an uninhabited island located about 200 yards off the South Town shore. Kayakers, rowers or strong swimmers can enjoy it's deserted shores.
Point o' Sand Beach on the eastern end of Little Cayman has nice views of Cayman Brac.
Cayman Islands Activities
The island's most famous excursion is to Stingray City where boatloads of tourists debark at nearby Stingray Sandbar and squeal nervously while adjusting to the presence of large rays which they can feed and "pet" while snorkeling in waist deep water.
Snorkel along the rocky coastlines
Diving
Fishing
Explore caves such as Rebecca's Cave, Peter's Cave and Skull Cave.
Hike a two-mile long nature trail on the bluff adjacent the 180 acre Parrot Reserve.
Moby Dick Tours, Phone: 480-626-5429. Stingray city tours $35, under 12 $30.
Native Way Watersports, Cayman Yacht Club, Phone: 1-345-916-5027. Locally owned and staffed with a variety of tours available.
Soto's Cruises, Seven Mile Beach, Phone: 345-945-4576, email: scruises@candw.ky. Stingray city tours. $30.
'"Boatswain’s Beach", formerly the Cayman Turtle Farm, is a 24-acre marine park. The world’s only commercial Green Sea Turtle farm, it is home to over 16,000 sea turtles, ranging in size from six ounces to six hundred pounds and now even houses an alligator. Boatswain’s Beach features a 1.3 Million Gallon Saltwater Snorkel Lagoon where visitors can swim with turtles and other marine life; a Predator Tank (viewable by snorkelers); an Aviary and Iguana sanctuary; a Nature Trail and “Blue Hole” Sunken Cave, turtle farm tours with full access around the breeding ponds; Caymanian Heritage Street with porch-side artisans and crafts and restaurants featuring classic and contemporary Caymanian cuisine; and a state of the art research and educational facility focusing on the conservation of sea turtles.[www.boatswainsbeach.ky] $12.00
Atlantis Adventures, South Church Street, George Town Harbor, Phone: 345-949-7700. See the reefs from a 48-person submarine.
Silver Thatch Excursions, Phone: 345-945-6588. Eco-tourism award winning biologist Geddes Hislop. Walking tours, either eco tours to the rainforest or historical tours.
Blackbeard's Nancy, West Bay Rd, Seven Mile Beach, Phone: 349-949-8988. This replica schooner offers a variety of options including a dinner cruise.
Diving
Sunset Divers at Sunset House, South Sound, Phone: 345-949-7111, Fax: 345-949-7101.
Red Sail Sports, Seven Mile Beach, Phone: 345-945-5965, Fax: 345-945-5808.
Don Foster's Dive Cayman Islands, Toll free: 800-833-4837, Phone: 345-945-5132.
Ocean Frontiers, East End, Toll free: 800 348 6096, phone 345-947-7500
Horseback Riding
Nicki's Beach Rides, Phone: 345-945-5834.
Honey Suckle Trail Rides, Phone: 345-947-7976.
Pampered Ponies Ltd., Phone: 345-945-2262.
Festivals
Batabano, the Grand Cayman carnival occurs near the end of April or early May. Batabano is a weekend of live steelband music, revelers parading the streets in colorful costumes, and eating exotic foods. Cayman Brac holds a celebration called "Brachanal" the next Saturday after Grand Cayman's.
Pirates Week Festival, George Town with events country-wide, Tel: 345-949-5859, Fax: 345-949-5449. Mid-November (2006: Nov. 9-19). Fireworks, "pirate landings", street dancing, heritage day events in Cayman towns, more.
Gimistory: The Cayman Islands International Storytelling Festival Country-wide, Contact CNCF: 345-949-5477 Fax: 3456-949-4519. November.
Cayfest: The Cayman Islands National Festival of the Arts. Celebration of local arts, crafts, music, dance, drama etc. Contact CNCF: 345-949-5477 Fax: 345-949-4519. April
Cayman Islands Accommodation & Dining
Accommodations tend to be relatively expensive here, but there are ample accommodations, even on the two smaller islands. There are several luxury resorts with all amenities, as well as other less expensive options. In addition, the cost of food and drink is high in Cayman, but many visitors stay in condominiums with kitchen facilities and take advantage of the first class supermarkets and cook and barbeque on the beach.
Cayman is not known for all inclusive resorts, but there are two smaller Caribbean style properties that do offer this option.
The majority of hotels and resorts are in Grand Cayman, where the main hotel "strip" is Seven Mile Beach, home to several major chain hotels and numerous condominiums.
Off Seven Mile Beach are several dive resorts and, in the Eastern Districts, numerous private homes and villas, as well as several resorts and attractions for those preferring a more tranquil vacation.
Little Cayman focuses on dive vacations and has a unique charm, as well as some of the best diving anywhere.
Cayman Brac also has various accommodation options but a few more options for how to spend your vacation time (from rock climbing to various eco-pursuits).
Camping is illegal on all three islands at all times. There are no campsites on any of the islands.
Lodging is expensive on Grand Cayman.
Budget
Eldemire's B&B Guest House, 18 Pebbles Way, off S. Church St., George Town, Phone: 345-949-5387. 6 rooms.
Rocky Shore Guest House, 30 Grass Piece La., West Bay, Phone: 345-926-0119, Fax: 345-946-0118. Four rooms with two of them sharing baths.
Moderate
Turtle Nest Inn, Red Bay Rd., Bodden Town, Phone: 345-947-8665, Fax: 345-947-6379. Eight one-bedroom apartments.
Retreat at Rum Point , North Side, Grand Cayman, Toll free: 866-947-9135, Fax: 345-947-9116. One, two, and three bedroom suites available.
Sunset House , South Church St., George Town, Phone: 345-949-7111, Toll free: 800-854-4767, Fax: 345-949-7101. Fifty-eight rooms and two suites. A great place for divers and handy to George Town.
Courtyard by Marriott, 1590 West Bay Rd., Seven Mile Beach, Phone: 345-946-4433, Fax: 345-946-4434.
Sunshine Suites by Wyndham, West Bay Rd., Seven Mile Beach, Phone: 345-949-3000, Toll free: 877-786-1110, Fax: 345-949-1200.
"'Compass Point Dive Resort, Austin Conolly Drive, East End, Grand Cayman, Toll free: 1 800 348 6096, phone: 1 345 947 7500.
Splurge
Cayman Island Condos, Seven Mile Beach, Toll free: 800-999-1338. Condos in five different resorts with full access to resort amenities.
Hyatt Regency Grand Cayman Beach Suites, West Bay Rd., Seven Mile Beach, Phone: 345-949-1234, Toll free: 800-233-1234, Fax: 345-949-8528.
The Ritz Carlton, Grand Cayman, West Bay Rd., Seven Mile Beach, Phone: 345-943-9000
The Grand Marriott, Seven Mile Beach
Eat
Jamaican and English influences can be seen in Cayman cuisine. Local specialties such as fish, turtle and conch are delicious and may be less expensive as they don't need to be imported. With more than 150 restaurants, unwinding with a good meal in the Cayman Islands can include chic five-star dining as well as a more casual venue under the stars, or even a themed event. From traditional Caymanian seafood to Caribbean and Thai to Italian and New World cuisine, discerning diners are sure to find something to fit their taste. Other exciting options include dinner cruises on luxury catamarans and even an authentic tall ship. Meal prices may range from $10 to over $30 per person at the high-end restaurants.
Bacchus Restaurant & Wine Bar, Fort Street, George Town, (across from Senor Frogs), Phone: 345-949-5747. Contemporary International, Menu changes daily. Great dishes- Lobster bisque in cognac cream and lobster quesadillas. Excellent Service. $10-29
SeaHarvest (at Sunset House), South Church St., Phone: 345-945-1383. Spectacular Seafood and East and West Indian dishes Great value, menus on website. $10-$28.
Cracked Conch by the Sea, N. West Point Rd.,next to Turtle Farm, West Bay, Phone: 345-945-5217. Good family restaurant with a nautical theme. $10-$28.
Breezes By the Bay!, Downtown George Town, Phone: 345-943-VIEW (943-8439). Two decks, right on the waterfront, Casual, fun Caribbean food & "Umbrella Drinks"!
Chicken! Chicken!, West Shore Centre, West Bay Rd., Seven Mile Beach, Phone: 345-945-2290. Slow roasted and inexpensive.
CIMBOCO - a Caribbean Cafe, near the only stop light, Seven Mile Beach (next to the only Cinema), Phone: 345-94-PASTA (947-2782). Ecclectic, Caribbean Cafe with Exhibition Kitchen; reasonably priced, local spot, all from scratch.
Hemingway's, Hyatt Regency Grand Cayman, West Bay Rd., Seven Mile Beach, Phone: 345-945-5700. Outdoor fine dining. $20-$30.
Lone Star Bar & Grill, West Bay Rd., Seven Mile Beach, Phone: 345-945-5175. Tex-Mex, burgers and steaks. $17-$28.
Portofino's, East End by the ocean, Phone: 345-947-2700. Beautiful site, view of the famous "Wreck of the Ten Ships", casual, friendly family atmosphere. Cayman style cuisine: jerk chicken, excellent fish, mixed drinks. $4.50-$28.
Neptune's, Trafalgar Place, West Bay Rd., West Bay, Phone: 345-946-8709. Great food and not overly fancy. $10-$30.
Reef Grill at Royal Palms, West Bay Rd., Seven Mile Beach, Phone: 345-945-6358. Indoor and outdoor dining. Great views of Seven Mile Beach and great seafood dishes. $20-$30.
Drink
Alcohol is very expensive on the islands, even from the liquor stores. You can expect to pay approximately twice as much in the liquor stores as you would at stores in the United States, however it is still the cheapest way to purchase alcohol.
Typical drink prices in bars and clubs range from $4-$7 CI ($5-$8.75 US).
Liquor stores close at 7PM, and are closed on Sundays.
Visitors flying into the Cayman Islands are able to bring either 1 bottle of duty free spirits, 4 bottles of wine or champagne, or 1 12 pack of beer per person 18 years of age or older. Exceeding this duty allowance will result in substantial taxation to the excess items.
Cayman Islands Shopping & Nightlife
Most shopping is in George Town and Seven Mile Beach on Grand Cayman.
Caymanite is the Cayman Islands' own semi-precious stone.
Black Coral is often used in jewelry here.
Rum cake from Tortuga Rum Company is very popular with visitors to Grand Cayman.
There are many tourist shops where you can buy t-shirts, hats, postcards, and much more. Don't buy any seashells though; beachcombing is much more fun and cheaper.
Costs
Almost everything must be imported and is subject to a 20% import tax, food and other items are relatively expensive.
US currency is accepted everywhere. Be careful and always know if you're paying in CI or US. The basic conversion is US$1.25 to CI$1.00 ($1.00=CI $0.80).
Caymanite is the Cayman Islands' own semi-precious stone. It is a very hard stone which varies across the earth colors. Available at most jewelers. Black coral is also a Cayman jewelry staple.
Tortuga Rum Company, Phone: 345-949-6322, Georgetown. A favorite stop of many for their rum cakes. Free tasting of the cake.
Farmer's Market Cooperative, Thomas Russell Way. Local produce, jams, sauces.
Bars
My Bar at Sunset House,, South Church St, George Town. Infamous open aired, thatch roof bar. Rated Best in the Caribbean by Caribbean Travel & Life.
Lazy Lizard Beachouse Bar & Grill,, West Bay Rd, Seven Mile Beach. Outdoor bar.
Pirates Den Pub & Restaurant, Galleria Plaza, Seven Mile Beach, Phone: 345-949-7144. English pub type. Good place to kick back and watch sports.
Big Daddy's Restaurant and Sports Bar, West Bay Rd, Treasure Island Resort, Phone: 345-949-8511.
Nightlife
Legendz, West Bay Rd, Seven Mile Beach, Phone: 345-945-1950. Extremely popular, busy nightclub with a variety of entertainment.
O Bar, Queens Court, 2nd floor, Seven Mile Beach, Phone: 345-943-6227. Open earlier than many other clubs, the O attracts a young, trendy crowd.
Getting To & Around the Cayman Islands
Getting There
By plane
Owen Roberts International Airport (GCM) is near George Town on Grand Cayman and is the main airport. It is about a 65 minute flight from Miami, Florida. It is served by a number of international airlines, flying to destinations in the Caribbean, North America, Central America & Europe.
Air Canada provides North American service to Toronto
American Airlines provides North American service to Miami
British Airways provides Caribbean Service to Nassau, The Bahamas and European Service to London (Heathrow)
Cayman Airways provides domestic service to Cayman Brac & Little Cayman, Caribbean Service to Havana, Kingston, and Montego Bay, year round North American service to Miami, Tampa Bay, Washington, New York (JFK) and seasonal North American service to Chicago & Orlando.
Continental Airlines provides North American service to Washington & Newark
Delta Airlines provides North American service to Atlanta
Islena Airlines / Atlantic Airlines provide a Central American service to La Ceiba, Honduras
Spirit Airlines provides North American service to Fort Lauderdale
US Airways provides North American service to Philadelphia
Gerrard-Smith International Airport (CYB) is located at the western end of Cayman Brac.
Edward Bodden Airfield (LYB) is a small grass strip located on the southwestern coast of Little Cayman.
Providing air service between the three islands' airports is:
Cayman Airways, Phone: 345-949-2311.
Owen Roberts Airport has plenty of taxi availability. Neither of the smaller islands have airport taxi services, however hotels pick travelers up.
There's no ferry service from Grand Cayman to either of the sister islands, but private boat operators will shuttle you between Cayman Brac and Little Cayman for about US$20 (20 minutes).
By boat
George Town on Grand Cayman is a popular port for cruise ships.
Getting Around
Car rentals are readily available. You must be 21 years old to rent a car. Driving is on the left hand side of the road and seatbelt use is mandatory. Visitors must get a temporary driver's license from the police station or car rental agency. This is obtained by showing a valid drivers license from their home state, county or parish and paying a US$7.50 fee.
Mopeds and scooter rentals are available on Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac. Helmet use is required. Usual daily rate is US$25 for helmet and permit.
Providing air service between the three islands' airports is Cayman Airways, Phone: 345-949-2311.
The information on this page has been extracted from http://wikitravel.org/en/Cayman_Islands and is based on work by B, Colin Jensen, Joshua Dilbert, Josh and Tom McCallum, Wikitravel user(s) 416east9 and Jake73, Anonymous user(s) of Wikitravel and others.
