If you like being surrounded by lush vegetation, pristine beaches, and year-round perfect weather, you must go to the Cayman Islands. This trifecta of Caribbean paradise is the ideal vacation destination: they’re safe, the natives are warm and friendly, and the food is divine — what more could you ask for?
The islands await you with attractions like the Seven Mile Beach, swimming with stingrays, Bioluminescent Bay, or the Cayman Crystal Caves (among others). If you have a few days, the Cayman is the perfect getaway destination, so you’d better start planning!
Here are a few useful tips:
Book Activities in Advance
The Cayman Islands are a top bucket-list destination for many travelers (over 430,000 tourists in 2024), so it’s best to plan ahead. You don’t have to plan your vacation to the minute, but it’s a good idea to book in advance some of the activities and attractions that make the Cayma so interesting.
For instance, the Stingray City experience or high-demand dive charters fill up pretty fast, especially during peak season. Bioluminescent Bay tours are also popular, but they depend on weather conditions and are offered by only a limited number of operators. These attractions often sell out weeks, if not months, ahead, so book yours as soon as you know your destination.
Ensure Your Transportation
If you’re looking for a bit more exploration than your standard beach holiday, your best option is to rent a car. You can do this right at the Owen Roberts International Airport (GCM), or you can view Grand Cayman car rental deals online and book your ride before you land (you pay at pickup).
Of course, you also have the option of using the local transportation system or taking a taxi, but both have their drawbacks (buses take too long and cabs are expensive). For a week-long stay with multiple excursions, a rental car quickly becomes the most economical choice for a group or family.
A car will let you discover the Grand Cayman’s best-kept secrets—like the East End, Rum Point, the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park, and the Crystal Caves.
Plan Around Cruise Ship Days
The Cayman Islands are a major attraction for cruise ships, and when they drop anchor, Grand Cayman’s George Town is taken over by a wave of tourists. To avoid fighting over the last piece of conch fritters with a bunch of hungry cruise ship passengers, it’s best to check the cruise schedule ahead of time and plan your trip around it.
If you are on the island when a cruise ship docks, that should be your day away from major attractions. Make it a day of island exploration and put your rental car to work.
Embrace the Two-Currency System
The Cayman Islands uses the Cayman Islands Dollar (CI$), but the US Dollar (USD) is widely accepted. However, to avoid overpaying or confusion when receiving change, it helps to know the system and the conversion rate.
In Summary
Your Cayman Islands trip can be amazing with a bit of planning and research. Identify the must-do activities and book in advance. Rent a car if you want more exploration (not just lazy beach days), and try to avoid the crowds. Finally, don’t forget to have fun and enjoy your time in this paradise-like location!
