Here’s a fantastic destination idea — the Cayman Islands, and here’s a little information you’ll need to know.
Visiting the Cayman Islands presents three distinct choices as your destination – Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman. If you are considering traveling to one or more of these islands as your destination, let us help with some necessary information.
The language spoken here is English and the currency used is the Cayman Islands Dollar (CI$), which can be interchanged with U.S. currency. Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) are capable of disbursing both US and CI dollars. Credit cards accepted on the islands include American Express, Discover, Mastercard, and Visa.
Visitors will find duty-free merchandise in the capital city of George Town, with high-end shopping like Tiffany, Gucci, Baccarat, Cartier, Rolex, and more.
The Top 10 Beaches in the Cayman Islands can be found HERE.
Climate & Best Time to Visit
The most pleasant weather is during the winter (November to March) when daytime temperatures average 72–80°F with generally clear skies and calm seas. The occasional Norwester blows through during the winter, bringing cool winds and rough seas on the north and west coasts so you might find that you need a sweater or light jacket, especially in the evenings.
The summer months (May to October) coincide with the rainy season. Average temperatures range from 80–88°F, with July and August being the hottest months. Humidity is also higher in summer but occasional heavy showers can be a welcome relief from the heat. The islands are cooled by prevailing trade winds, but the sun is HOT, and we advise wearing sunscreen, a shady hat, and sunglasses.
Sea temperatures average 78°F in the winter and go up to 85ºF during the summer. Hurricane season encompasses June 1st to November 30th. If you choose to visit during hurricane season, understand that it is risky and take any warnings seriously.
Visa Requirements
Nationals of Canada, the United States of America, the United Kingdom, and most countries within the British Commonwealth do not require visas to enter the Cayman Islands. Various other countries are also exempted but for example, citizens of Jamaica, Colombia, Saudi Arabia, and Belarus currently require visas before being admitted into the Islands. Where visas are required, they must be sought and obtained prior to travel. For a full list of which countries do and do not require visas for entry into the Cayman Islands please visit immigration.gov.ky Visitors are permitted to stay for up to a total of 6 months.
Persons requiring a visa to visit the Cayman Islands must apply to the nearest British Embassy or Consulate with a Visa section. For more information, visit immigration.gov.ky
Persons visiting the Cayman Islands on a cruise ship do not require a visa. Always consult your cruise ship company for regulations.
Wi-Fi and Connectivity
Most accommodations provide Wi-Fi or Internet. Check with your individual property for access. The Cayman Islands has several public hotspots including airports, Internet cafes, coffee shops, post offices, and libraries. The local mobile phone network providers are Digicel and Flow.
Taxes
A government tourist tax of 10% will be added to your hotel bill unless you can prove you are a Cayman resident. Some hotels may also add a gratuity charge. There is no sales tax.
Tipping
If gratuities are not already included, it is customary to tip approximately 15% for good service and more if you were really impressed.
Island Accommodations
From luxurious hotels to charming guest houses, villas, and condominiums or a secret beachcomber hideaway; whatever your idea of paradise, the Cayman Islands offers every choice. Find the perfect accommodation for a romantic getaway, a wellness break, family holidays, multi-generational travel, corporate travel, weddings, or extended vacations.
4-5 Star:
- The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman
- Grand Cayman Marriott Beach Resort
- The Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort and Spa
- Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa
- Caribbean Club
- Palm Heights
3-Star:
- Sunshine Suites Resort
- Holiday Inn Resort / Grand Caymanian Resort
- Locale
✶ Wyndham Reef Resort
✶ All-inclusive options available
Condos and Villas:
- Plantana
- Cayman Villas
- Luxury Cayman Villas
Owen Roberts International Airport
The airport is located in the capital, George Town, and is approximately five minutes from downtown and a 15-minute drive from Seven Mile Beach.
The airport has undergone an extensive CI$55 million expansion and revitalization, it was reopened by Prince Charles in March 2019. The airport has tripled in size and will now accommodate over 2 million passengers. The expansion includes a new check-in area as well as updated departure and arrival halls.
Source WheelsUp Network