Quick Facts

Grand Cayman is the largest of the three Cayman Islands. This British Overseas Territory has become one of the Caribbean’s hottest destinations for cruises and a scuba-diving paradise. The Cayman Islands capital, George Town, is located on Grand Cayman and provides excellent shopping and historical tours.

Getting There & Other Transportation

The airport on Grand Cayman is the Owen Roberts International Airport. It is the main international airport for the Caymans as well as the main base for Cayman Airways.

Once your flight arrives at the airport, you can rent a car, travel by taxi or limo bus, travel by bus, or by bike and/or scooter.

Car Rentals:

Renting a car is not necessary if you plan on staying at your resort on Seven Mile Beach (Grand Cayman’s most built up area), just keep in mind that the British tradition of driving on the left is followed in the Islands. Another thing to keep in mind is that a driving permit is mandatory if you rent a car. The rental company is required to issue the renter a permit and collect a fee of US$7.50.

Taxi and Limo Bus:

Taxi drivers are easy to find and generally friendly. They are many drivers located at the airport as well as at cruise ship terminals in George Town. Each driver should have the official government rate sheet and it is a good idea that you agree on a fare before getting into the cab.

Bus:

Buses are mainly used by Islanders going to and from work. There is a very useful bus route that goes from George Town to Seven Mile Beach every 20 minutes.

Bikes and Scooters:

Biking is very popular on Grand Cayman and there are many main bike arteries to bike on that vary from flat inland and more difficult coastal routes. Bike and scooter rentals are available and provide a great way to see the Island.

Hotels & Places to Stay

Seven Mile Beach is the Islands most built up and popular area to stay. There are several choices of hotels on this beach, some of which include:

Britannia Villas

Comfort Suites Seven Mile Beach

Core Stone Club

Grand Cayman Beach Suites

Grand Cayman Marriott Beach Resort

Grandview Condominiums by Cayman Condos

Regal Beach Club

On the North Side of the Island, try Northern Lights Condos.

On West Bay, try Cobalt Coast Dive Resort.

There are an unlimited amount of places to stay at different rates and star ratings. You will no doubt find what you are looking for on Grand Cayman.

Dining & Nightlife

The attraction to Grand Cayman is not only in its beautiful beaches, but also its impressive cosmopolitan dining scene. You will find a mixed bag of American, European and native Cayman cuisines. Those who want to experience Grand Caymans local delicacies must try fresh Cayman mahi mahi served with akee, conch fritters, Cayman rock lobster, and turtle steak with plantains. The eastern districts have more restaurants specializing in native Caymanian cuisine. For the best local eats, try:

The Edge

The Almond Tree House

Cracked Conch by the Sea

As far as nightlife goes, the bars are just a bumping at night as the beaches are during the day. Night clubs re found mostly on the western side of the island down to George Town. Try:

AquaBeach Restaurant & Bar

Coconut Joe’s Beach Bar & Grill

The Next Level

O Bar

My Bar

Fidel Murphy’s

Attractions

Since the Island is known for its coral reefs and underwater sea walls along with a number of shipwrecks, water sports such as scuba diving and snorkeling are among the popular activities on the Island.

There are also many natural attractions such as blow holes in the East End district, the Mastic Trail that runs north t o south through the center of the island, Hell in the West Bay (a group of short, black limestone formations), and the Queen Elizabeth II botanic Park. The capital, George Town, is also known for its great shopping, off-shore banking, and historical sites like the National Gallery of the Cayman Islands and the Cayman Islands National Museum.

Currency, Culture and Language

The official language of the Cayman Islands is English and is spoken by virtually everyone on the Islands.

The official currency in the Cayman Islands is the Caymanian dollar (KYD).