Grand Cayman Travel Guide

Welcome to the Grand Cayman travel guide.

The Grand Cayman islands promise an amazing Caribbean adventure for nature lovers, beach bums and adventure seekers alike. The islands’ pristine beaches, nature preserves and diving spots make it an idyllic location for undersea water adventures, snorkeling, scuba diving, parasailing, nature hikes and historic tours. The islands are a popular destination for honeymooning, romantic getaways and group vacations, but can also be an attractive escape destination for the solo traveler. From golfing to visiting the turtle farm, there’s no shortage of things to do and places to explore around Grand Cayman.

 

Grand Cayman Island has a rich history that dates back several centuries. Grand Cayman and its sister islands were discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1503 and the region was then known as “Tortugas” after the sea turtles that first inhabited the island. The official history of the islands started in 1670 when the islands were ceded to England. Bodden Town was first capital of Grand Cayman, but by the 20th Century, the capital was moved to Georgetown.

 

Grand Cayman island is the wealthiest of all Caribbean islands and has many upscale hotels, resorts and sophisticated shopping destinations that are perfect for the well-heeled traveler. It’s become the home of many international bankers and you’ll find many wealthy neighborhoods and attractive properties scattered throughout the area.

 

These islands also host a number of festivals and events throughout the year. From carnivals to seasonal celebrations, you can join the local community for a grand celebration like no other throughout the year. The easiest way to get around Grand Cayman is by renting a car. You can find a number of car rental companies throughout the area, and many people rent a jeep to enjoy the open road and explore some off-road destinations around the island. Taking a scooter or bike tour of the islands can be another way to see some of the scenic sites and attractions around the area. Whether you’re interested in a sightseeing adventure or just want to explore some historic sites and ruins, you’ll find a number of destinations when taking a boat tour, scooter or bus tour. If you’re looking for a more private tour, consider reserving one of the air-conditioned vans or a limousine.

 

Grand Cayman Weather and Best Time to Visit

 

The climate of Grand Cayman tends to stay fairly warm and dry year round. The islands experience most of their rain and thunderstorms between May and October each year, and average temperatures range from 78 to 80 degrees in the winter and 85 to 90 degrees in the summer time. There is no real hurricane season on these islands, but it’s generally a good idea to keep track of the weather when you are visiting between June and November.

 

Experience Grand Cayman

 

Grand Cayman is home to dozens of nature attractions and sites, and is also a popular destination for beaches and lounging by the shore. Many of the larger corporations that have offices in the area host some of the biggest and best events, but you can also head to some of the locally-owned attractions and sties to enjoy some unique experiences. “Hell” is one of the most popular Grand Cayman attractions, along with Pirates Cave in Bodden Town.

 

The island has become a popular destination for golfing, so be sure to visit at least one of the golf destinations around Seven Mile Beach or the North Sound Club which is Grand Cayman’s only 18-hole championship golf course. Many golf courses have onsite clinics and golf shops that are perfect for improving your skills and getting advice from a professional instructor.

 

If you like Caribbean food or just want to enjoy some great seafood, head to one of the Grand Cayman restaurants that serve regional cuisine including “Heavy Cake”, conch fritters and lobster salads. You’ll find a number of chain restaurants scattered throughout the area, and many of the hotels and resorts also have a great lineup of dining destinations for food enthusiasts.

 

When you’re ready to log in some beach time, set your sights on Seven Mile Beach, the biggest and most popular beach on Grand Cayman. This beach is within walking distance to several condos, bed and breakfasts, resorts and hotels, and is where you’ll find a number of water festivals and seasonal celebrations. It’s an idyllic location for parasailing, jet-skiing and helicopter rides. The family-friendly beach is open year round and needs to be at the top of your must-visit list.

August 13, 2012 by Mary Lamphere

Grand Cayman Overview

As the largest of the three Cayman Islands, Grand Cayman caters to outdoor enthusiasts and beach lovers with a wealth of outdoor attractions and recreational activities. Spend your days relaxing on the white sandy beaches, enjoy a boat tour around the island, go snorkeling or scuba diving for an afternoon, or head off on a nature walk around the beaches. Whether you're staying here for a couple of days or an entire week, you'll find plenty to do and enjoy around the beautiful Grand Cayman island.