Grand Cayman is an exclusive Caribbean destination where you can retreat, relax and refuel. The island boasts pristine beaches, luxury shopping and delightful cuisine, which is why it should earn a spot on your bucket list.
Guest post by Lola
Blog: La Vida Lola
What’s the best time to visit Grand Cayman?
Since Grand Cayman is a tropical island, it has year-round warm weather. However, if you want to avoid tourist crowds and snag a flight or a hotel deal, you should travel to Grand Cayman during the off-season – from March to November.
A few facts about Grand Cayman
The Cayman Islands are a group of three islands that are also a British Overseas Territory. Grand Cayman is the largest island, while Little Cayman and Cayman Brac are the smaller islands. In the Cayman Islands, visitors can snorkel, deep sea dive, fish and jet ski. Grand Cayman is considered an off-the-grid retreat for vacationers, offering a perfect representation of the laid-back island lifestyle.
One day in Grand Cayman Itinerary
Follow this guide and make the best of your trip even if you’re short on time. These are the top sights and things to do on your one day on Grand Cayman.
Explore Underground Caves
Underground cave exploring is an adventurous activity you should seriously consider while on Grand Cayman. Cayman Crystal Caves charges $40 USD per person for a guided tour through three different caves where you can observe underground stalactite and stalagmite limestone formations. The resourceful guides also double as photographers to capture your moments exploring the cave.
Eat at Captain Herman’s
After visiting Cayman Crystal Caves, make sure to stop at Captain Herman’s Fish Fry. Captain Herman’s is a family-owned restaurant located in the East End that cooks authentic Caribbean food like oxtails, conch soup, rice and beans, curry goat and cassava cake. The eatery has outdoor seating, making it possible to eat your food while enjoying a view of the Atlantic Ocean.
Relax on the Beach
Grand Cayman has some of the most gorgeous white sandy beaches, such as Seven Mile Beach and Rum Point Beach. In fact, Seven Mile Beach has been named one of the “best beaches in the world” by MSN and Trip Advisor. Starfish Point is another beach worth visiting because there you can touch starfish in the ocean. All beaches on Grand Cayman are public, so you don’t have to worry about trespassing on private property.
Discover George Town
George Town is the capital of the Cayman Islands and their largest city. In addition to having an international airport and cruise ports, George Town also has a variety of restaurants, shops, and bars. Due to its major attractions, George Town is usually packed with crowds, so plan accordingly.
Taste a Rum Cake
Rum cake is a traditional Caribbean delicacy that can best be described as having a consistency like pound cake with the added flavor of rum. Rum cakes can come in other flavors like cinnamon raisin, coconut, chocolate and banana. At the Tortuga Rum Cake Factory and Store on Grand Cayman, you can purchase specialty rum cakes, rum-infused chocolates and coffees. The factory offers regular tours which provide the opportunity to see how rum cakes are made and taste samples of different rum treats. The Tortuga Rum Cake Factory is near George Town, Grand Cayman, with other locations in Jamaica and the Bahamas.
Where to stay on Grand Cayman?
Grand Cayman housing can be expensive considering that the Cayman Islands are a popular destination for affluent vacationers and are notoriously known as a haven for storing offshore bank accounts. Even though Grand Cayman is known as an expensive destination, there is still affordable lodging available on the island. You can search for reasonably priced rentals on AirBnB or VRBO. These accommodations are usually cheaper than hotels, and a major perk is the ability to use their kitchen, which will save you from eating out for every meal while on vacation.
That being said, if you really want to book a hotel here and get the best possible deal, you absolutely must visit LockTrip. They provide booking deals which sometimes cost up to 30% less than anything else you can find. Just head to their website, search it for Cayman Islands, choose the hotel you like and book a room with just a few clicks.
Day trips from Grand Cayman
If you’re traveling to Grand Cayman, you might as well include a day trip to the other Cayman Islands. You can reach Little Cayman or Cayman Brac with a brief 30-40-minute flight from Grand Cayman. In addition to flights, ferries are another mode of transportation to get to Little Cayman or Cayman Brac. Both islands offer distinctive attractions – Cayman Brac appeals to deep-sea divers, while Little Cayman is known for scuba diving.
Extra tips for visiting Grand Cayman
Americans usually enjoy a favorable currency exchange rate while abroad due to the relative strength of the American dollar. However, in the Cayman Islands, the American dollar is the only national currency that is weaker than the Caymanian dollar. So, if you’re an American traveler and don’t exchange your currency before your trip, be prepared to lose some money due to the conversion rate.
Here you can find more tips on what to do in Grand Cayman if you are staying more than a day.
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Lola
Lola is a journalist who lives in NYC and enjoys traveling in her free time. She shares her travel experiences on her Instagram and travel blog, La Vida Lola.