Cayman Islands Travel Guide
Useful Tips
Everything you need to know before you fly to the Cayman Islands
Average Trip Cost
NA
When To Go
December to April
Currency
Cayman Island Dollar
Ideal Length Of Stay
7 to 14 days
About The Cayman Islands
The Cayman Islands is a cluster of islands located in the western Caribbean. Comprised of three islands (Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman), the collective is a British territory south of Cuba. Grand Cayman is the largest of the three islands and the most populated. Large hotels and fantastic restaurants are scattered on its shores, being careful not to usurp the area’s natural beauty. Seven Mile Beach on Grand Cayman is just one of the best beaches in the Cayman Islands and in fact, all of the Caribbean. Point of Sand on Little Cayman has the most gorgeous pink sand. Sunbathing on the beautiful shores is a bona fide pastime in the Cayman Islands.
If you like water sports, there is no better place to play. Known for its crystal clear waters, The Cayman Islands have every water sport you can think of and then some. Jet Ski along the surface or dive into the deep and see the colorful marine life just below in the crystal clear waters. Swim with stingrays on a sandbar and feed them in the morning sun. The Cayman Islands can accommodate the most avid water sports enthusiasts.
Enjoy the sea cliffs on Cayman Brac and the shade of the Casuarina trees on Grand Cayman. Shop ’til you drop on Grand Cayman and take a walk back in time historic George Town. Fish in the azure waters that surround these islands. If you enjoy nature, take a hike along the 200-year-old Mastic Trail on Grand Cayman. This trail brings you to a native mangrove swamp surrounded by tall mahogany trees and royal palms. The birdlife is stunning; the Caribbean dove, Cuban bullfinch, and the Grand Cayman parrot can be seen in this area. Do whatever your heart desires. Live in the lap of luxury and explore what it means to truly vacation in the Cayman Islands.
Where To Stay In The Cayman Islands
Visitors to the Cayman Islands stay in a wide variety of accommodations, including private rental, guesthouses, and luxurious all-inclusive hotels. Some of the best hotels in the Cayman Islands include:
- Brac Reef Beach Resort, Cayman Brac
- Caribbean Club
- Grand Cayman Beach
- Grand Cayman Marriott Beach Resort
- Kimpton Seafire Resort & Spa
- The Ritz Carlton Grand Cayman
- Turtle Nest Inn & Condos
- Le Soleil d’Or
- Little Cayman Beach Resort
- The Westin Grand Cayman
Activities In The Cayman Islands
Major tourist activities in the Cayman Islands include:
- Exploring and shopping in George Town, the capital city
- Relaxing at Seven Mile Beach, one of the best in the Caribbean
- Swimming with stingrays at Stingray City, Grand Cayman
- Learning about turtles and other wildlife at the Cayman Turtle Centre
- Hiking along the Mastic Reserve and Trail
Facts About The Cayman Islands
Size:
102 square miles
Population:
56,732
Official Language:
English
Demonym:
Caymanian
Capital City:
George Town
Government:
British Overseas Territory
Telephone Country Code:
345
Driving:
left side of the road
Local Beer:
Caybrew
National Dish:
Conch Fritters
Main Airport:
Owen Roberts International Airport (GCM)
Electricity:
120v / 60Hz – plugs are US standard two and three-prong
Visa Information For The Cayman Islands
The Cayman Islands is a British Overseas Territory, and as such, the United Kingdom immigration rules apply. That said, visas are not required for citizens of the United States, Canada, and most European and Commonwealth countries (except Jamaica).
All visitors to the Cayman Islands must have a valid passport and an ongoing ticket upon arrival as well as a way to support themselves, and prearranged accommodations. If you want to stay in the Cayman Islands for longer than a month, you will have to apply for an extension.
How Long Does It Take To Get A Visa For The Cayman Islands
With a valid passport and supporting documents, it typically takes 7 to 10 days for a Cayman Islands visa application to be processed by the nearest British Consulate or Embassy. An approved visa application grants entry to the Cayman Islands for three months.
Is It Safe In The Cayman Islands
In comparison to major American and European cities, the Cayman Islands is relatively safe as crime levels are low. That said, it is though recommended that visitors be vigilant at all times, especially when away from the major hotels and tourist areas.
How To Get To The Cayman Islands
The main international airport for the Cayman Islands is the Owen Roberts International Airport (IATA: GCM, ICAO: MWCR) located in Grand Cayman.
From Canada, book flights to the Cayman Islands via:
- Air Canada: Toronto–Pearson
- Sunwing Airlines: Seasonal: Toronto–Pearson
- WestJet: Toronto–Pearson
From the United States, book flights to the Cayman Islands via:
- American Airlines: Charlotte, Dallas/Fort Worth, Miami (Seasonal: Boston, Chicago–O’Hare, New York–JFK, Philadelphia)
- Cayman Airways: Miami, New York–JFK, Tampa (Seasonal: Denver)
- Delta Air Lines: Atlanta (Seasonal: Detroit, Minneapolis/St Paul, New York–JFK)
- JetBlue: Fort Lauderdale, New York–JFK (Seasonal: Boston)
- Southwest Airlines: Fort Lauderdale (Seasonal: Baltimore, Houston–Hobby)
- United Airlines: Houston–Intercontinental, Newark (Seasonal: Chicago–O’Hare, Washington–Dulles)
From the United Kingdom, book flights to the Cayman Islands via:
- British Airways: London–Heathrow
Within the Caribbean region, books flights to the Cayman Islands via:
- British Airways: Nassau
- Caribbean Airlines: Kingston–Norman Manley
- Cayman Airways: Cayman Brac, Havana, Kingston–Norman Manley, La Ceiba, Roatán, (Seasonal: Montego Bay)
- Cayman Airways Express: Cayman Brac, Little Cayman
Note: In addition to Owen Roberts International Airport, there are also two additional airports in the Cayman Islands. This includes Charles Kirkconnell International Airport (IATA: CYB, ICAO: MWCB) on Cayman Brac and Edward Bodden Airfield (IATA: LYB, ICAO: MWCL) on Little Cayman.
When To Go To The Cayman Islands
High Season for the Cayman Islands is mid-December through mid-April. With the weather warm and sunny, hotels are booked far in advance, and everything is open. The low season for visiting the Cayman Islands is August to late October, and some hotels are closed during this period for annual renovations.
Major events attracting visitors to the Cayman Islands include:
- January: Cayman Cook-Out
- April: Taste of Cayman Food & Drink Festival
- May: Batabano – Cayman Carnival
- November: Pirates Week Festival
- December: Cayman Islands Marathon
Weather In The Cayman Islands
The average temperature in the Cayman Islands is 75°F (24°C) in winter and 86°F (30° C) degrees in summer. Year-round, the daily temperature in the Cayman Islands generally stays around 75° F (28° C).
Getting Married In The Cayman Islands
Marriage Requirements:
To get married in the Cayman Islands, a Marriage Officer is required to officiate the ceremony; however, it is acceptable to bring someone of your choice to conduct the ceremony as long as a Marriage Officer is there to sign the actual license. The special marriage license can be obtained from the Chief Secretary’s Office in George Town.
Documents Required:
In addition to the completed application for marriage, both the bride and groom will need their:
- passports
- birth certificates along with driver’s licenses or other forms of identification
- certificates of no impediment or single status report
- Cayman Islands Immigration Department card or Cayman Islands international embarkation/disembarkation card for cruise ship passengers
Also, if applicable:
- divorce papers, i.e., decree absolute and/or death certificate of spouse
- proof of parental consent if under 18, stamped and signed by a solicitor
- proof of name change by Deed Poll, stamped and signed by a solicitor
Residency Requirement:
None; couples can get married on the same day they arrive in the Cayman Islands.
Fees:
The fee for non-resident marriage licenses is US$250. There may also be additional fees for the services of an authorized Marriage Officer.
Witnesses:
Two witnesses must be present at the ceremony.
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