The Best of the Cayman Islands – Two million tourists take Cayman Islands vacations each year. Most of them are cruise-ship passengers, who spend a few hours shopping, sunbathing or swimming with stingrays, before pulling out of port. Others hunker down near Seven Mile Beach, enjoying their all-inclusive resort on one of the Caribbean’s most beautiful stretches of sand. The Cayman’s are definitely a cosmopolitan place – where nearly half the population is from somewhere else – but its rich local culture is alive and well, especially in Bodden Town, East End and Cayman Brac. Explore the North Side and the Sister Islands to discover lush forests, diverse bird life, mysterious caves and untrammeled beaches. Under the waves lie amazing underwater walls and accessible shipwrecks. Dive in. It takes only a small sense of adventure to uncover Cayman’s greatest treasures – the warm hospitality and the fantastic natural phenomena above and below the sea. For more information the beautiful beaches of the Cayman Islands, visit our Greater Antilles Travel page, or visit us on Pinterest.
Cayman Islands Weather – Best Time to Visit the Cayman Islands
August is the hottest month in Grand Cayman with an average temperature of 85°F. The best time to visit the Cayman Islands is between March and June when the hotel rates drop. January and February are the coolest months with average lows in the high 60s. The rainy season runs from May through October, although showers usually only last for a few hours at a time. The islands’ location in the western part of the Caribbean shields them from being hit too hard by the annual hurricane season, which lasts from June to November. If you don’t want to sacrifice weather for a break on hotel prices, plan a trip for the region’s dry season, which runs from November to April.
Best Cayman Islands Beaches
Seven Mile Beach Grand Cayman
Seven Mile Beach Grand CaymanWith sparkling waters and coral sands, this shoreline is home to many of the Caribbean’s most luxurious properties. Along the shoreline, you’ll stumble on restaurants at the resorts and several beach bars. Seven Mile Beach has many water sports available for fun in at the beach. Seven Mile Beach gives you every chance to enjoy what Cayman is all about.
Point of Sand, Little Cayman
Point of Sand, Little CaymanAlso known as Sands Point, this idyllic beach on Little Cayman is the kind of place where you throw down a towel, slather on sunscreen and then slowly wade into water that’s so shallow, and clear you just might just close your eyes and shake your head to make sure you’re not dreaming. And because Little Cayman is more popular with divers than sun worshippers, you’ll likely find you have Point of Sand pretty much to yourself.
Rum Point Beach, Grand Cayman
Rum Point Beach, Grand CaymanHome to the Wreck Bar & Grll – famous for its Mudslides (vodka, Kahlua, Bailey’s and ice), which go down as easy as a milkshake so know your limits. This Grand Cayman beach is a popular spot to relax and have lunch. It’s also a great place to enjoy water sports such as kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding and snorkeling.
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Owen Island, Little Cayman
Owen Island, Little CaymanLocated just off the southwest coast of Little Cayman and completely uninhabited, Owen Island is ideal for spending a day channeling your castaway fantasies. It’s accessible only by boat, so you can sail over or arrive by kayak, and is a tranquil spot for a picnic and an afternoon of snorkeling (bring lots of water and sunscreen since there is no shade). If you want to explore some rocky tide pools on one side of this 11-acre islet, wear sturdy sport sandals.
Smith Cove, Grand Cayman
Smith Cove, Grand CaymanThe word cove implies that this beach on Grand Cayman might be tiny and tucked away. It is indeed small and photogenic, but it’s also within two miles of the dock where cruise passengers are ferried over from their ships anchored offshore. Located just south of George Town and officially known as Smith’s Barcadere, this pretty beach has vivid turquoise water edged by limestone formations and offers public restrooms, showers and picnic benches.
Best Cayman Islands Restaurants
Agua $31 – 60
Its young, international chefs emphasize seafood, preparing regional dishes from around the globe with a Caymanian slant, emphasizing Peruvian and Italian specialties from tiraditos to tiramisu. Wine selections from lesser-known regions often represent good value, with 20 offered by the glass; the bartenders also creatively pair cocktails and food. Free tapas at happy hour and the three-course lunch menu are steals. Telephone: 345-949-2482 Web: Agua.
Blue by Eric Ripert $31 to 60
Choose from six- and seven-course tasting menus (with or without wine pairing); there are also trendy “almost raw” and “barely touched” options. Sensuous options might include lobster with purple cauliflower and macadamia nuts in truffle butter, or seared turbot with braised endive in a clam–foie gras emulsion. The vast wine list showcases heavy hitters, hot new regions, and lesser-known varietals. Telephone: 345-943-9000 Web: Blue by Eric Ripert.
Casa 43 Mexican Kitchen & Tequila Bar $11 – 30
Start with the savory ceviches, or try such terrific tacos as the Tecate-battered rock shrimp, chicharrón, or fish. Sterling main courses range from salmon quesadilla to a pork chop in tamarind-orange-chipotle reduction. But the two musts are the duck confit chilaquiles and torta de cochinita pibil brimming with avocado, refried beans, pickled onions, and roasted tomato aioli, served with a heaping helping of the signature chili fries. Wash it down with magnificent margaritas. Telephone: 345-949-4343 Web: Casa 43 Mexican Kitchen & Tequila Bar.
Morgan’s $11 – 30
The menu dances just as deftly from Asia to his Austrian home. Nimbly prepared nibbles include the wildly popular 10-ounce Brie-topped jerk burger and ceviche, but everything from chicken schnitzel to Thai seafood curry is expertly cooked to order. Telephone: 345-946-7049 Web: Morgan’s.
Catch $31 – 60
You might savor the coriander-toasted crispy octopus; the tuna-wahoo carpaccio duo, both exquisite; tenderized thin slices of panko-fried conch; or the house answer to surf and turf: pork belly porchetta and seared scallop with apple and celery all’amatriciana. The standout among the stunners: oxtail ravioli, with sprouts adding just the right crunchiness while local pepper jelly contributes just enough heat. There is a fabulous cocktail list, emphasizing modern twists on the classics, with an excellent wine list. Telephone: 345-949-4321 Web: Catch.
Best Cayman Islands Bars & Nightlife
Minus 5º Ice Bar
You don gloves and a white or black faux fur coat, then step into a futuristic space completely fashioned from ice: the intricately carved walls, the bar, the tables, the banquettes (draped in fur throws), even the shot and highball glasses. An LED light show plays off the ice sculptures, from pirates to palm trees, which the talented artists change every 8 to 10 weeks. The very chill bartenders serve you a shot, then you choose from one of eight cocktails , both included in the entry fee. Telephone: 345-925-4002 Web: Minus 5º Ice Bar.
South West Collective
The pub fare comes at fair prices, whether lunch or such bar bites as smoked oyster dip goosed with lemon and capers or spiced beef patties with rum barbecue sauce. But the drinks are the thing, from loose-leaf teas to global artisan beers, homemade sangria or kombucha smoothies to craft cocktails (as well as the house moonshine). Telephone: 345-946-3004 Web: South West Collective.
West Indies Wine Company
At this ultra contemporary wine store, you purchase tasting cards, allowing you to sample any of the 80-odd wines and even spirits available by the sip or half or full glass via the argon-enhanced “intelligent dispensing system.” Selections traverse a vast canny range of prices, regions, and styles. Telephone: 345-640-9492 Web: West Indies Wine Company.
Barracuda’s Bar
The kitchen elevates pub grub to an art form, with pizzas, Reubens, and French melts. Locals flock here for free pasta Fridays, karaoke Wednesdays, and live music on Thursdays. You might walk in on a hotly contested darts or dominoes tournament, but the vibe is otherwise mellow at this charming time-warp hangout. Telephone: 345-948-8511 Web: Barracuda’s Bar.
Best Cayman Islands Hotels
I absolutely love the water and the crystal clear waters. I have done a bit of snorkeling in the Mayan Riviera and enjoyed it immensely. I was so thrilled to see that Devil’s Grotto and Eden Rock are suitable for beginners as well. It truly is like a whole new world under the water!
Shipwrecks you say? What a fabulous adventure this could be! Can you suggest what level of scuba diving training you should be to be safe here? I have never done it before but am contemplating trying it out.
The Sunset Catamaran Sail sounds simply delightful and some thing I would like to spend with my significant other.
I am not one much for nightlife but by the sounds of your descriptions, I should maybe make an exception if I ever visit!
The Cayman Islands has a little bit for everyone. And as far as diving, beginners are welcome. They cater to beginners and will make you as comfortable as possible under water so you can enjoy the great and vast sea life. Thanks for your visit to Cayman Islands Vacations 🙂
Looks like Cayman Islands is a great place for a vacation! I have heard of Cayman Islands before but not visited it yet. Your guide on places to visit and things to do will come in handy when I plan my next travel destination. Which months are the best to visit?
Let me know if I can help when you start planning. That is the thing about the Cayman Islands. It is a great place to visit at any time of the year really. There is no bad time 🙂
Hi Leahrae
You are such a Pro at what you do, I keep coming back to your site because everything here is so well put together. I love traveling and have been to many places in the Caribean, but never the Caymen Islands. I almost feel like Im on vacation just reading your blog 🙂 Maybe this will be my next destination. Thank you and keep on blogging.
Thank you so much Agnes 🙂 I am glad you are enjoying reading my blog. Yes, you will love Cayman Islands Vacations 🙂
I always love reading your very informative destination guides. Coming from the Caribbean myself, I truly believe in the tourism industry. However, I’ve always seen the Cayman Islands as a tax haven, never really thought of it as a tourist destination. But from your guide it is much more successful than I thought. I mean, 2 million tourists each year is a lot. That’s as many visitors that land in Jamaica each year. So congrats to the Cayman Islands.
What I particularly found attractive in your guide is the Stingray City. I would definitely love to do that one day.
Thanks for sharing Leahrae.
Cheers
Kevon
You are welcome Kevon. And yes, Stingray City is something unique, fun and will bring you memories to last a lifetime, as will a beach vacation to the Cayman Islands 🙂
Awesome review! I’ve heard a few times about Cayman islands, but I’ve never considered it as a candidate for a vacation. After reading your review and seeing the video, I’m more than sure that somewhere in the following 2-3 years I’ll get there! Thank you for writing such a complex review!
You are welcome Andrei! I am glad I nudged you into considering a beach vacation to the Cayman Islands. You will have a fantastic time! Thanks for visiting!
Wow… I love this site! So much information available on each page. The links work well from page to page and the images are so inviting. I can do with a holiday. You seem to have thought of everything even facebook and twitter links. Ideas of US beaches is a great idea to. I will be coming to you when I need my holiday for sure. I have bookmarked this site.
Thank you Susan, and yes more beach destinations to come 🙂 I try to provide everything, so that when you plan you have it all. Thanks for reading!
Wow, great site with a ton of information! I went to the Cayman Islands many years ago on a cruise. reading your site made me feel like I missed most of it!! It makes me want to go back and get a better experience! Thanks again for a thorough site!
Your are very welcome Steve! Thank you for visiting the Cayman Island Vacations! For sure one of those beach destinations that all should experience.
Oh my, this is a wonderful guide read for Cayman Island. I never know its such a lovely place with blue water views. I have heard of Cayman Island as a place for offshore funds but never thought it would be a perfect destination for holiday. You mentioned rainy season in May through November, will it shower the full whole day or just occasional 1-2 hours?
No, that is the nice thing. The showers do not last all day. As you say, you will see maybe a couple hours of rain a day. Perfect beach destination to visit all year round.
I really appreciate this information. My wife and I went to St. Vincent and the Grenadines in May and we could have used such a guide. It makes for a more pleasant trip and takes the worry about where to go and what to do next out of the picture. This also gives people who want to go to this place, an idea of where to start and how to plan.
Yes, it does give a place to start and plan 🙂 I am glad you enjoyed reading about Cayman Island Vacations. Thank you for visiting!
I love this! I am a travel blogger too but have never been to the Caymans and Ive been told by just about everyone that its amazing and i need to go. I love the list of things to do. That ice bar sounds amazing.. Definitely on my must-do list. Thanks for sharing!
You are very welcome 🙂 Thanks for visiting!
Your site is so enriching and full of information! I have been wanting to go to the Cayman Islands and am really in the planning stage. I am glad I found your site and this very informative post on the Cayman Islands. I was wondering if you can tell me what times of year are not good to go? Thanks so much!
Thank you and I am glad you found my site useful and informative for your upcoming trip to the Cayman Islands. Really there is no bad time of year to visit. The weather is good year round. The only thing that could postpone your trip would be an upcoming hurricane. So, just keep an eye out for the weather right before making your plans. And please let me know if I can help in any way!
Hi Leahrae,
I have to say, I really like this site, as a frequent traveller myself, I found it very informative and easy to navigate. The functionality of your site is really impressive, you have your social media links, links to reviews and purchasing, banners etc. Love the layout. If I had one thing to say that was missing was maybe a call to action, to capture your potential clients details, like a email capture page that pops up or even an area that is quite visible to capture this information. So you can mail potential customers with deals, newsletters, updates etc. Hope this helps? What are your thoughts?
Cheers
Stuart
Yes, Stuart it does help. I have been trying to figure out a way, and what to offer with a call to action. I want it to be good and I don’t want to have to “redo” it. Maybe you can tell that I am a bit of a perfectionist and like to do things right the first time. Does not always work that way, but thank you for your input and for visiting BeachTravelDestinations.com!