Vacation Guide To The Cayman Islands
The Cayman Islands have quickly become a popular destination for those looking to have some fun in the sun. You will find everything you would expect from an island getaway while visiting these three islands in the western Caribbean Sea — Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman. Visitors from all around the globe come to the Cayman Islands for the food, water sports, beaches, deep-sea fishing and diverse wildlife. You are sure to fall in love with the area and dream of returning during your next vacation.
One of the hardest things about visiting the Cayman Islands is trying to decide where to stay. There are so many amazing resorts on these islands, all offering luxurious accommodations, on-site restaurants, spa services, a variety of amenities and plenty of things to do. Some resorts make it possible to never have to leave because everything you need is right there. Here are some of the best hotels and resorts to stay at while visiting the Cayman Islands:
- Compass Point Dive Resort
- Grand Cayman Beach Suites
- Marriott Grand Cayman Beach Resort
- Sunset Cove
- The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman
- The Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa
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Dining
Grand Cayman is well known for being home to some of the best food in the Caribbean. You will find everything from fish shacks to roadside BBQ spots and fine dining restaurants owned by internationally-recognized chefs. Here are some of the top restaurants you have to try while visiting the Cayman Islands:
Chances are, if you are visiting the Cayman Islands, you are there on vacation. Which means you want to be able to kick back and relax. There are many things you can do during your island escape that will help you relax, including visiting the spa, spending the day at the beach or taking a leisurely stroll along the waters of the Caribbean. No matter how you plan to relax, you are sure to find it here. Here are some of the places to go and relax while visiting the Cayman Islands:
- Explore Stingray City
- Go diving at Bloody Bay Marine Park
- Relax at Seven Mile Beach
- Tour the capital, George Town
- Visit the turtles at Boatswain's Beach Turtle Farm
- Walk the Mastic Trail
Attractions
There are even more things to see and do besides what is listed above. Throughout the Cayman Islands you will find various tourist hot spots, including places for water sports, parks, natural wonders and so much more. Here are some of the more popular attractions found throughout the Cayman Islands:
- Cayman Island Submarines
- Captain Keith Tibbetts Wreck
- Cayman Bay
- Eden Rock & Devil's Grotto
- Hell
- Kittwake
- National Trust
- Pedro St. James National Historic Site
- Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park
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Navigating your way around the Cayman Islands is easier than you may expect. When it comes to finding transportation from the airport or the port, you will find many options available to you. However, the best way to get around while visiting is by car, which should not be a problem. There are plenty of rental car agencies and taxis available, so you should have no problem getting a ride to where you want to go. Renting a car will be your best option, especially if you plan to explore the resort on your own schedule and beyond the Seven Mile Beach area. Car rentals you will find available include Jeeps, four-door sedans, SUVs and mini vans. You can also find companies that rent out mopeds, motorcycles and scooters.
If you do not want to rent a car, taxis are available, especially if you are in the Seven Mile Beach area, at the airport or staying in one of the hotels. Limousine services are also available for hire on the islands.
Renting a bike is another popular means of transportation while visiting the Cayman Islands. This makes it possible to get around the Island on your own time and have access to exploring areas you cannot reach by car. Many of the island's hotels offer bicycle rentals.
There are eight bus routes on Grand Cayman; however, the bus is usually used by locals commuting to and from work. If a commuting bus is full, it won't even stop unless it has to let someone off. Buses do have routes that reach all parts of the island and make frequent stops along Seven Mile Beach.
If you plan to island hop, check with your hotel concierge for a list of private boat operators who will take you to and from the other islands. This can be a bit pricey, but is a great way to be out on the water and go see all of the three islands during your vacation.
The Cayman Islands are such a beautiful place, and everyone should make plans to take a vacation there at least once in their lifetime. With so many things to see and do, one trip may not be enough.