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Visiting from United States? 
Visiting from United States?
A Grand Cayman cruise whisks you to an island so enchanting that you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped into a postcard. Explore this paradise of soft sand beaches, translucent water, and marine life that’s as dazzling as it is diverse. Grand Cayman may have an aura of glamor and prosperity, thanks to its status as a center of offshore finance, but it still exudes that irresistible, toes-in-the-sand Caribbean ease.
You’ll anchor just off George Town, where colorful wooden buildings line the waterfront and the rhythm of island life invites you to slow down. While those dreamy beaches are calling, there are plenty of other treasures to discover. Stroll through lush botanical gardens, marvel at mysterious caves, and explore legendary shipwrecks. History buffs will be drawn to Pedro St. James Castle, while art lovers can lose themselves in the National Gallery. This is before you’ve even begun to browse the designer shops, enticing restaurants, and breezy beach bars waiting to be explored on your Caribbean cruise.
The famous Seven Mile Beach is a long series of white coral sands and small coves lined with cafés and restaurants. You’ll find everything from waterfront cocktail lounges to sun umbrellas, stand-up paddle boards, and kayaks here. Bring a mask and snorkel; spectacular marine life over the coral reefs just offshore makes this a good spot for beginners.
Head underground at Old Man Bay into the Crystal Caves, a network of around 100 caves dazzling with otherworldly stalactites and stalagmites, the rocky ceilings sparkling with crystals. Pirates used to shelter from hurricanes here, and legend has it that the caves still contain hidden treasure. You’ll visit three caves, including one with a subterranean lake. Then, explore the surrounding tropical forests, where you could see brilliantly colored parrots in the trees.
Uncover local history at Pedro St. James Castle, where the islands’ first legislative assembly was elected and the proclamation ending slavery was issued. This stately stone house at Spotts Bay dates back to 1780 and is one of the oldest buildings on the islands. Visit the mahogany interior to admire the art collection and colonial-era furniture, and stroll through lush tropical gardens for romantic views of Great Pedro Bluff.
Standing on a sandbar in warm, shallow water while docile stingrays brush gently past your legs is a memorable sensation. Stingray City lies in Grand Cayman’s North Sound, accessible by boat, and is a spot where stingrays congregate to feed on the fish trimmings thrown overboard by local fishermen. Nowadays, the rays know they’ll get tidbits from visitors. Keep your feet on the seabed or snorkel over the sandbar, watching these graceful creatures mill around.
Grand Cayman offers some of the best diving in the Caribbean, with its crystal-clear water and abundance of fringing reefs and walls. Dive at Devil's Grotto, known for its intricate caverns and marine life. Or explore the USS Kittiwake, a submarine rescue vessel that was scuttled in 2011 to create an artificial reef, now populated by eagle rays and groupers. The highest part of the wreck is just 15 feet below the surface, so experienced snorkelers can dive down as far as the wheelhouse.
The Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Gardens, opened by the late queen herself in 1994, is 65 acres of woodland trails, gardens, and wetlands populated by butterflies, parrots, and other native birds. Visit the vibrant Colour Garden and the fascinating Heritage House for a glimpse into the tough life of early island settlers. You’ll also see the endemic blue iguanas basking in the sunshine; the gardens run a conservation program to protect this handsome but endangered lizard.
Grand Cayman is one of the best Caribbean destinations for food lovers, with more than 200 restaurants serving everything from tasty Caribbean specialties to healthy spots offering fresh juice and bowls. Look out for traditional Caribbean fare like beans and rice, or spicy jerk chicken. Fish rundown is a slow-cooked stew of assorted seafood with coconut milk, thyme, Scotch bonnet, and pumpkin. You’ll see conch on every menu in the form of tasty fritters, a crisp salad, or a creamy conch chowder. For dessert, try sticky toffee pudding, which consists of a rich sponge made with dates served with a toffee sauce and vanilla ice cream.
Local drinks include rum, which is distilled on the island and served in a fruity punch, among other cocktails. For something authentically local, order a mudslide, made with vodka, Kahlua, Baileys, ice cream, and chocolate.
Christopher Columbus reported sighting the Cayman Islands in 1503. While not home to any permanent settlements, the islands were visited by indigenous tribes and were populated by crocodiles and iguanas, with seas teeming with turtles. Turtles remain a symbol of the islands today, although their population was drastically reduced by passing ships hunting them for their meat.
Throughout the 17th century, the islands were frequented by pirates and privateers. British settlement began in the mid-17th century, primarily by individuals of British, African, and Jamaican descent. Until the mid-20th century, islanders mainly relied on fishing, subsistence farming, and employment in the merchant navy for foreign ships. However, a shift began with the opening of the first commercial bank, the establishment of hotels, the creation of the world’s first scuba diving center, and the government's encouragement of the growth of the international finance industry, which thrives today thanks to zero taxation, a British legal system, and political stability.
Although many Caymanians have emigrated to work abroad, a strong sense of national identity has been maintained, with many individuals eventually returning home. Today, the Cayman Islands enjoy one of the highest standards of living in the Caribbean and remain a self-governing British Overseas Territory.
George Town has a wide range of elegant shops, many specializing in high-end jewelry and luxury labels. Be on the lookout for colorful Caribbean art, antique maps, and even shipwreck coins. Local jams, spicy sauces, and rum cakes make great gifts to take home. For something really unusual, look for jewelry made from Caymanite, a gemstone that comes in a spectrum of earthy colors. It’s found only in the Cayman Islands and made into beautiful bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and cufflinks by local craftspeople.
The easiest way to get around Grand Cayman if you’re not joining a shore excursion is by taxi, and you’ll find cars waiting at the port. There’s also a local ride-sharing service, for which you’ll need to download an app. Otherwise, the island has an efficient bus network, with minibuses operating multiple routes to all the main attractions. You can wait at a bus stop or simply flag the driver down. Mopeds, bicycles, and quad bikes are available to rent, but remember that driving is on the left here.
The local currency in the Cayman Islands is the Cayman Islands dollar, which is pegged to the U.S. Dollar at $1.20 U.S. to $1 Cayman. Most places will display prices in both currencies. You’ll find that U.S. dollars are widely accepted, although you may be given change in local currency. There are ATMs in George Town if you need cash. Regarding tipping etiquette, meanwhile, 10% to 15% is typical in restaurants, and $5 to $10 per person for tour guides.
