Grand Cayman Destination Guide
Grand Cayman Information
"A Diver's Dream" Tales of buccaneering feats and shipwrecked sailors... the legend of Blackbeard. These islands have a rich seafaring history which has reached near mythical status. Today, modern adventurers flock to Grand Cayman for treasures of another kind. A tranquil atmosphere, sweeping white sands, sunken ships from centuries past, stunning coral formations and turquoise waters. Regarded as a world-class scuba diving destination, Grand Cayman is a diver's dream. Over 200 different dive sites feature everything from stunning wall and cave dives to easy drops for first timers. Whatever your pleasure, Grand Cayman is a perfect vacation destination for fun above and below the water.
Weather in Grand Cayman
The Caymans are warm in the summer (May to October), when the average daily high reaches 85°F (29°C). This is also the rainy season, but the showers are brief. Winter (November to April) is drier and cooler, with average daily highs of 75°F (24°C).
Tipping in Grand Cayman
Many hotels add 5% to 10% to your bill; restaurants usually add 15%. If not, a tip of 15% is expected.
Wedding Requirements for Grand Cayman
There is no residency requirement, couples must arrange for a Cayman Islands Marriage Officer before applying for the license, the approximate cost of the license is $200 US, both parties must have proof of citizenship, marital status, and legal entry.
Airport Information for Grand Cayman
Travel to and from Grand Cayman uses the Owen Roberts International Airport.
Rental Cars in Grand Cayman
You can rent from agencies at the airport or have a car delivered to your hotel. The required driving permit is available from your rental agency for approximately US$7.50; you must be at least 21 and carry a valid driver's license from your home country.
Activities in Grand Cayman
Cayman Maritime Treasure Museum
Dioramas show guests how the Caymanians became seafarers, boat-builders and turtle breeders. Also an animated "Blackbeard the Pirate" tells stories of the buccaneers that called the Caribbean their home. The museum is owned by a professional treasure salvaging firm so there are many artifacts on display.
Pedro St. James Historic Site
After seven years and 7.5 million in transformations, the Cayman Islands government has created the country's first national landmark. St. Pedro James Historic Site is a historically accurate reconstruction of the original 1780 Great House and a spectacular showpiece for the birthplace of Democracy in the Cayman Islands.
Hell
Visit this small village and be sure to stop at the post office where you can purchase stamps and postmark cards from Hell!
Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park
This 60-acre wilderness preserve is home to a variety of habitats and plants native to the island. At the halfway point of the walking trail is a walled compound housing the rare blue iguana found in remote parts of the Cayman Islands.
Cayman Island National Museum
Built in 1833, the structure was used as a courthouse, a jail, a post office and a dance hall before being reopened as a museum in 1990.
Cayman Island Turtle Farm
The most popular attraction on the island and the only green sea turtle breeding farm in the world. Don't miss the adjoining cafe where you can sample turtle delicacies while observing a turtle exhibit.
Beaches
Grand Cayman's famous Seven Mile Beach is best known for its wide array of watersports, sparkling white sands and translucent aquamarine waters. The beach is litter free and sans peddlers so you can relax in an unspoiled, hassle-free atmosphere. Best of all, the average water temperature is a balmy 80°F. Other beaches which are less visited but just as fabulous are the Cayman Kai, Rum Point and Water Cay. All three beaches are a favorite hideaway for residents and have become a popular Sunday picnic spot.
Old Homestead
Built in 1912, this pink-and-white Caymanian cottage is available for tours led by MacBothwell, who grew up in the house.
George Town
The capital of Grand Cayman. Be sure to visit Fort Street, a main shopping street that is home to a clock tower dedicated to King George V.
Getting Around
Influenced by British custom, cars have steering wheels on the right and are driven on the left side of the road. Renting a comfortable Jeep is a fun way to get around the island as are bicycles and motorbikes. A private bus line on Grand Cayman runs from the morning to early evening from George Town along Seven Mile Beach. In addition, reasonably priced taxi cabs are always available on Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac.
About the Cayman Islands
The Cayman Islands are made up of Grand Cayman, Little Cayman and Cayman Brac. The largest of the islands is Grand Cayman - 22 miles long and 8 miles across at its widest point. The Cayman Islands lie 480 miles due south of Miami and 180 miles west of Jamaica near the Cayman Trench, the deepest part of the Caribbean at 24,720 feet below sea level. Grand Cayman is actually the top of an underwater mountain whose side (the Cayman Wall), plummets straight down for 500 feet before becoming a steep slope that falls away for 6000 feet to the ocean floor.
Watersports
Whether it's windsurfing or a jet skiing, Grand Cayman offers rentals and instruction for all watersports activities.
Deep Sea Fishing
Land that catch of a lifetime with a fishing boat charter.
Shopping
Having no sales tax and a large selection of duty-free merchandise, Grand Cayman offers bargains galore. For some of the island's best buys, visit any of the shopping districts including Elizabethan Square, Cardinal Avenue and Kirk Freeport Plaza.
The Jolly Roger
Vintage pirate style dinner cruise ship.
Dining
Seafood is the most popular dish served in the Cayman Islands. A delicious Caribbean lobster is a definite treat. And just-caught, unbelievably fresh grouper, snapper, dolphin or marlin served Cayman-style make a tantalizing dish. Most restaurants are casual (slacks and sun dresses) and offer an alfresco dining section for those who wish to dine under the stars.
Atlantis Submarine
Visitors can take one of two 50 minute dives. The Expedition and The Odyssey offer a chance to see the undersea life of the Cayman Islands up close and personal.
Golf
Grand Cayman offers two remarkable courses, the first is a Jack Nicklaus - designed course at the Hyatt Regency Britannia Golf Club (which can be played as either an Executive 9 or Championship 18-hole course), and the other is The Links at SafeHaven, a USGA Par-71 Championship 18 hole course. Hyatt Regency Britannia Golf Club offers a masterful course designed by Jack Nicklaus. Reminiscent of legendary courses such as Royal Troon, Turnberry and Berkdale on the other side of the Atlantic, Nicklaus has sculpted a picturesque course with a Scottish flair, featuring grassy mounds, rolling dunes, lakes and oversized bunkers. The course has all the natural challenges and hazards of a traditional seaside or links layout. On some holes blind tee shots, pot bunkers and two-tiered greens test the golfer. On the 5th hole, the tee shot must carry over the Caribbean Sea, while on the breathtaking 562-yard hole 9, three different shots will carry you over water hazards. The Britannia course is unique in that it can be played two different ways: as a Championship course, or as an Executive course. The Cayman Ball is optional on Mondays and Fridays. Located at Hyatt Regency Grand Cayman, Britannia will challenge every golfer, from the novice to the pro! The Links at SafeHaven is a USGA Par-71 course, 6,605 yards long from the Championship tees, and proud winner of Caribbean World Magazine's "Best Caribbean Golf Course" award three years in a row. With its sun drenched greens, tradewinds, and coastal setting, it is reminiscent of a Scottish Links course. There are five tee placements at every hole, so that the course offers great variety and interest, and provides a challenge for the best professional golfer, especially the par 3,235 yard, 11th hole (the Links Signature hole). The excellent Clubhouse features one of Cayman's top restaurants, a patio bar, a fully stocked Golf Shop, a golf professional and ample practice facilities.
Diving and Snorkeling
The Cayman Islands are a diver's paradise with the largest variety and number of dive sites of any Caribbean locale. The Caymans have walls of extraordinary coral formations and more than 60 shipwrecks to explore, plus the water is a comfortable 82 degrees and visibility is usually from 100 to 150 feet. As you dive into this underwater world, look for elephant-ear sponges and gorgonian fans in the coral gardens just a few feet from the shore. Stingrays, accustomed to friendly divers, will swim right up to you as if welcoming you to their home. Silvery barracudas hover just far enough away while moray eels, giant green turtles, peacock flounders and French angelfish seem to stay around long enough to pose for a picture. Diving equipment can be rented on the islands. Various dive operators offer everything from beginner's certification courses to advance deep water diving along with underwater photography classes and tips on diving among shipwrecks.
The Nautilus
A semi-submersible vessel that offers various tours and cruises. Captain Nemo's Adventure Tour is one of the most popular excursions, giving visitors the chance to snorkel or swim at the end of the trip.
The Valhalla
Sunset and dinner cruises offering guests food and spirits during their sea adventures.
Nightlife
Grand Cayman has several exciting hot spots from which to choose. The Island's popular discos tend to feature live entertainment and theme nights while local establishments have Karaoke and a great happy hour.
