Grand Cayman trip planner

Grand Cayman Holiday Planning Guide

The largest of the Cayman Islands, the aptly named Grand Cayman packs quite a punch when it comes to modern tourist attractions. Banking may be the main reason to take a trip to Grand Cayman for the world's business elite, but casual travelers come here to swim, dive, snorkel, and pet, feed, and swim with placid stingrays. With countless shops, spas, hotels, and restaurants, the island is also a major destination for couples, who come here to either honeymoon or get married. Traffic congestion and big crowds can make a vacation in Grand Cayman a hectic affair, but you can always take a day trip to Little Cayman or Cayman Brac to find tranquil beaches and dive offshore shipwrecks and reefs.

Places to Visit in Grand Cayman

Destinations on Grand Cayman

Seven Mile Beach: This powdery sand beach stretches for miles with lively bars, shops, restaurants, and a nearby site for swimming with stingrays.

George Town: This popular cruise destination owes its reputation to scores of sandy beaches, duty-free shops, cafes, and restaurants.

West Bay: One of the top places to visit on Grand Cayman, West Bay balances its beaches with restaurants and intriguing natural attractions.

East End: Head to East End for scuba diving sites and deep fishing excursions.

Paris: This small village includes a quirky concrete sculpture garden and a laid-back rum bar favored among boat cruisers.

Popular Grand Cayman Tourist Attractions

Stingray City: One of the top attractions on Grand Cayman, this set of sandbars attracts friendly rays that you can swim with in the chest-deep waters.

Smith Cove: Escape the crowds at this small cove with pristine waters, rich marine life, and the cool shade of a forest.

Cayman Turtle Centre: Island Wildlife Encounter: A perfect family vacation idea on Grand Cayman, this turtle farm and reserve lets you see endangered species up close.

Rum Point: A picture-perfect beach bar known for its laid-back vibe, Rum Point serves refreshing cocktails and meals right on the shores of the turquoise Caribbean.

Hell: Many Grand Cayman tours include a stop at these limestone rock formations resembling the inferno.

Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park: Walk through the meandering trails of the exotic garden and observe its remarkable residents--blue iguanas.

Dolphin Discovery Grand Cayman: The focal point of this water park includes the "Royal Swim," where dolphins pull you across a swimming pool.

Kittiwake Shipwreck & Artificial Reef: The site of a World War II submarine attracts divers and snorkelers of all skill levels thanks to clear waters, plenty of sunlight, and eagle rays.

Cemetery Beach and Reef: Rich with marine life and coral formations, this beach and reef remain a hidden gem free of crowds.

Cayman Spirits Co. Distillery: Tour the distillery and enjoy tastings of rum and other handcrafted spirits.

Planning a Grand Cayman Vacation with Kids

Places to Visit on Grand Cayman with Kids

With its gorgeous beaches and all-inclusive family resorts, Grand Cayman attracts the lion's share of families vacationing on the Cayman Islands. Seven Mile Beach remains the perennial favorite, and the unspoiled sands compensate for the crowds. Go to West Bay to surprise your kids with theme parks and water adventures, some featuring turtles and dolphins. Add a little diversity to your Grand Cayman holiday at East End, abundant with nature reserves, marshlands, and blue iguanas--favored among kids.

Things to Do on Grand Cayman with Kids

It goes without saying that most kids will want to spend the bulk of their Grand Cayman holiday on the beach. Depending on your children's age and willingness, you should also consider taking advantage of the wealth of dive sites, such as Kittiwake Shipwreck & Artificial Reef. Many tour operators around the island cater to young ones with snorkeling and scuba lessons--ask your hotel for recommendations.

When you--or they--tire of the sand and surf, the island offers other kid-friendly attractions to fill out your itinerary. Swim with dolphins at Dolphin Discovery, and head to Grand Cayman Turtle Farm to meet the lovable residents and splash in the large pool. Introduce your kids to the gentle giants at Stingray City, one of the top family attractions on Grand Cayman. There, you can swim with the rays in the shallows, or snorkel or dive farther out. For a break from the water, stroll through Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park and enjoy the company of blue iguanas.

Tips for a Family Vacation on Grand Cayman

Family-friendly resorts packed with amenities cluster around Seven Mile Beach. If you'd rather stay somewhere slightly less touristy, you'll find boutique establishments catering to families scattered around the island. You may spend your entire Grand Cayman holiday within walking distance of your hotel. Those that want to explore a bit more can rent a car and find their own favorite beach.

Throughout your time on Grand Cayman, slather the kids--and yourself--with strong sunscreen, especially if visiting during summer.

Dining and Shopping on Holiday on Grand Cayman

Cuisine of Grand Cayman

The cuisine of the island has evolved, and you'll be able to find some top-notch dishes during your Grand Cayman trip. Look for lionfish with wood-roasted breadfruit salad, bursting with local flavor. When it's time to cool off, indulge in red papaya gelato. Cocktail lovers should try Grand Cayman's signature drink, the mudslide: chocolate blended with Kahlua.

Shopping on Grand Cayman

The historic shop in the national museum is a perfect spot if you want to buy something authentic on your Grand Cayman holiday. The shop specializes in handicrafts made from Caymanite, a rock native to the islands. Popular souvenirs found on the island include handmade jams, pepper jellies, artwork, and various handicrafts.

Know Before You Go on a Trip to Grand Cayman

Interesting Facts About Grand Cayman

● Grand Cayman has some 159 dive sites in its surrounding waters.

● Although the island seems laid-back, don't be fooled: Grand Cayman ranks as the fifth-largest financial center in the world.

● Seven Mile Beach is actually 5.5 mi (8.8 km) long.

Holidays & Festivals on Grand Cayman

The most festive period on Grand Cayman surrounds Easter. If planning a Grand Cayman vacation at that time, you can join the locals in celebrations on one of the more popular beaches. This period also sees Cayman Carnival Batabano, showcasing a rich cultural heritage with street dances, beach parties, soca music, carnival balls, and parades. In November, the ten-day Pirates Week takes place, featuring, among others, a pirate siege.

Useful Grand Cayman Travel Tips

Climate of Grand Cayman

The best time to plan a trip to Grand Cayman is from November through March, with average temperatures around 27 C (81 F). Because cool winds blow from the northwest, pack a light jacket for evenings.

The rainy season lasts from May until November, though rainfall remains relatively low, 4-6 mm (0.15-0.23 in). This season usually brings strong showers that last a couple of hours and actually provide welcome relief from humidity and high temperatures, especially in the hottest months of July and August. Although trade winds cool off the island, the temperatures remains hot and sunscreen is highly recommended.

Sea temperatures in winter hover around 24 C (75 F), and during summer 30 C (85 F). Keep in mind the hurricane season lasts from the beginning of June until the end of November. If visiting during that time, stay updated on weather developments and heed any warnings.

Transportation on Grand Cayman

The easiest way to get around Grand Cayman is by car, scooter, or bicycle. The island has a well-developed network of car and scooter rental services. Another way to do your Grand Cayman sightseeing is on the public bus system. The starting point for the majority of buses is George Town, connecting West Bay, Bodden Town, North Side, and East End. Although there designated bus stops, it is also possible to catch a bus by waving; if you hear a bus honking, the driver is asking if you need a ride. Since the buses are rather small, they won't stop if full. If this doesn't suit you, taxis are safe and reliable.