Jamaica destinations
Some two million tourists visit the Cayman Islands each year. Most of them are cruise-ship passengers, who spend a few hours shopping, sunbathing or swimming with stingrays, before pulling out of port. Others hunker down near Seven Mile Beach, enjoying their all-inclusive resort on one of the Caribbean's most beautiful stretches of sand. And a lucky few venture further.
Cayman is an undeniably cosmopolitan place – nearly half the population is from somewhere else – but its rich local culture is alive and well, especially in Bodden Town, East End and Cayman Brac. Explore the North Side and the Sister Islands to discover lush forests, diverse birdlife, mysterious caves and untrammeled beaches. Under the waves lie amazing underwater walls and accessible shipwrecks.
Dive in. It takes only a small sense of adventure to uncover Cayman's greatest treasures – the warm hospitality and the fantastic natural phenomena above and below the sea.
How Good Can Life Get?Escape the rat race, the dreary weather, snow, and taxes! Commuting is easy as everything is close. Think warm sea breezes, swaying palm trees, white sand and clear blue waters. This can be home when you set up your offshore company in Cayman’s Special Economic Zone.
In 2012 Forbes Magazine name the Cayman Islands “The friendliest place on earth to live”! Expect to be welcomed by an international community that relishes an upscale and active lifestyle. Grand Cayman is cosmopolitan and has earned a reputation as the ‘Culinary Capital of the Caribbean’. It boasts luxury resorts, fabulous real estate, and its housing, schools and medical facilities are topnotch - not typical of a Caribbean island. Cayman is child-friendly and the ideal place to raise a family - it’s small, safe and friendly and the locals are warm and welcoming. There are many reasons why Forbes Magazine called it the “Friendliest Place on Earth”
George Town is the supremely wealthy but surprisingly modest capital of the Cayman Islands. While undoubtedly cosmopolitan, it is tiny, tidy and pleasantly tropical – though it can feel overrun by tourists when there are multiple cruise ships in port. George Town is a draw for dining, shopping and a few historic sights, but you'll likely spend most of your time somewhere north of here.
The focal point of Cayman's tourism industry is Seven Mile Beach, a gorgeous stretch of unbroken white sand, which offers unlimited opportunities for swimming, sunbathing and sunset viewing. The beach is lined with resorts and vacation properties, but there is plenty of public access to this paradise – whether you're looking for a peaceful patch of sand or a full-blown beach party.
It is well worth a trip to George Town, the capital of the Cayman Islands. It is the financial hub of the Cayman Islands and where the government conducts its business. It is also home to the high–end jewellery and beauty stores. However, if you want to avoid the crowds then visit from Friday to Monday as most of the cruise ship passengers visit on Tuesday through to Thursday. There is lots to do here and unlike most capital cities, it is surrounded by crystal clear waters, making for interesting snorkelling and swimming.
Things to Do DowntownLearn about Cayman at the National Museum. It was built in the 1830s and is a remarkably sophisticated museum with interactive displays that provide a great introduction to the Cayman Islands' heritage. Great for adults and children.
Shop and make the most of duty free and tax free prices. In George Town you can find stores carrying top of the line jewellery, cameras, artwork, souvenirs, gifts, clothes and collectables. Have Fun at the waterpark located off Eden Rock. Oasis AquaPark offers an obstacle course of fun with a trampoline, waterslide, ladders and more. Take a Walking Tour and learn about some of Cayman’s history and culture. Click for info on walking tours. Dive the clear blue waters around George Town. Don Foster's and Wall to Wall Diving can take you on boat dives to the Kittiwake and Stingray City. Alternatively, rent gear and explore the caves at Eden Rock on a shore dive. Non-divers can experience the thrill of breathing underwater with a Snuba or Helmet dive with Sea Trek or take a trip on a glass bottomed boat with Atlantis. A Submarine Tour is a unique way to view the underwater world without getting wet. Choose from a day or night dive with Atlantis. See the Fish Market on North Church Street, next to Cayman Cabana. Watch the fishermen cleaning their daily catch. Walk down to the beach to see the enormous tarpon waiting for any fish scraps! Snorkel the reefs at Eden Rock and access two reefs: Eden Rock and Devil’s Grotto. Alternatively, snorkel from Don Foster's and discover Casuarina Reef. (Snorkel gear costs US$10-$14 to rent for the day.) Ride the Slide at Margaritaville. Kids will enjoy taking turns speeding down the waterslide while adults enjoy live music, food and cocktails by the rooftop pool. Feed the Tarpon every night around 7pm at the Lobster Pot watch them thrash around in the water! The Wharf also offers tarpon feeding at 7pm and 9pm. It’s also worth stopping by the Fish Market on North Church Street, next to Cayman Cabana, to watch the fishermen cleaning their daily catch. Things to Do - OutskirtsTake a Helicopter Tour with Cayman Islands Helicopters and view our beautiful Island from the air. Choose from an Island or Stingray City tour or for a truly memorable evening go on a sunset flight followed by a romantic meal. You can even fly to Little Cayman and Cayman Brac in one day!
Take an Amphibious Bus Ride to key sites on land and then splash into the sea and explore offshore sites. Relax at Dart Family Park just a short drive south of George Town (5 mins). This shady park features lush landscaping, family playground facilities, an amphitheatre, gazebos, restrooms and picnic tables. The National Trust Visitor Centre is located right inside the Park where you can find souvenir items and information of local interest. Take a Brewery or Distillery Tour Learn about the brewing process during a tour of the Cayman Islands Brewery. where you’ll meet the experts and sample each of the beers. Spirit lovers will enjoy the behind the scenes tour of the 5,000sq ft Cayman Spirits Company Distillery. Learn how they produce the handcrafted spirits and then sample fresh batches of their two rums and locally made vodka. Walk a dog from the Humane Society The dogs at the shelter would love you to take them for a walk to stretch their legs! The cats would love some cuddles and play time too! Located on North Sound Road.All Tested by Experts · No Hidden Fees · Secure Booking · Best Neighbourhoods
Much of Seven Mile Beach is lined with condos, hotels and sprawling resorts. Grand Cayman caters to higher-end tourism and places to stay are mostly top end with full services and plenty of family-friendly amenities.
EatingThere are worthwhile restaurants clustered around downtown George Town and strung out along West Bay Rd. Day-trippers will want to move beyond the immediate zone of the cruise-ship tender dock. Within walking distance, there’s a range of restaurants serving excellent local fare.
Drinking & NightlifeNightlife is not one of Cayman's main attractions, but the island does know how to do beach bars; you're never far from a tropical cocktail and a sunset view. The scene often gets grooving after dark, especially on Thursday and Friday nights. As a result of draconian laws, all clubs and bars close at midnight on Saturday (so folks can get up and go to church on Sunday).
ShoppingThe malls clustered around the waterfront carry the usual cruise-shipper consumer goods, such as watches, jewelry and more watches. There are more international, upscale shops across the island at Camana Bay. For more artistic souvenirs, visit the Cayman Craft Market (also catering to cruise-ship passengers) or the treasure trove at Pure Art.
Travel with ChildrenCayman is a fantastic destination for families, with countless sights and activities to entertain the kiddies, and plenty of facilities to make life easier for their parents.
LGBT TravellersHomosexuality is legal in Cayman, but the islands remain very conservative and discretion is advised. Same-sex unions are recognized for immigration purposes, thanks to a 2016 ruling by the European Court of Human Rights. Most hotels accommodate same-sex couples but any kind of public display of affection is taboo. There are no gay bars or clubs in the Cayman Islands, though OBar sometimes attracts a gay clientele.
Best attractions, Tours & Excursions for you, check it out!
