Do I need a Visa
to enter the Cayman Islands?
Visit our Info after Reservations Page
If you are American, British, Canadian, a citizen of
another Commonwealth country or a national of any of the
following you will not require a Visa:
Andorra, Argentina, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Brazil,
Chile, Costa Rica, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ecuador,
El Salvador, Finland, France, Germany, Greece,
Guatemala, Haiti, Iceland, Irish Republic, Israel,
Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Mexico,
Monaco, Norway, Oman, Panama, Peru, Portugal, San
Merino, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden,
Switzerland & Venezuela.
Do I need a passport to enter the Cayman Islands?
Visit our Info after Reservations Page
You will need a valid passport and possibly a
visa, or,
if you are from the US, UK, Canada or any of the other
Commonwealth countries an original birth certificate /
proof of citizenship with current picture identification
is sufficient. Please note that you are also required to
have a return or ongoing ticket and that a Voter's
Registration Card is no longer considered valid proof of
US citizenship and is therefore not valid ID for
re-entry into the US.
Can we bring meat in to the Cayman Islands?
Yes you can, though you may be charged duty if the
amount is more than US$35, or if the quantity exceeds
what H.M. Customs considers a reasonable amount for your
personal consumption while in Cayman.
Meat and other cold cuts coming out of the US must have
the USDA stamp of approval, preferably stored in the
original supermarket packaging and it has to be
inspected by a representative of the Department of
Agriculture who is usually found in the Customs area of
the Airport terminal.
How's the
cost of living?
CI$1.00 equals US$1.25 or, the US dollar equals CI $.80.
This rate may also vary on the company business doing
the exchange. The US currency is acceptable and used on
Grand Cayman. All establishments accept the US dollars.
What stores are available for
shopping?
Our Capital district of George Town is one of the most
attractive and polished shopping centers in the
Caribbean. Here you will find not only the main duty
free shops, but also a fine selection of more than 60
fine jewelry, specialty and souvenir shops. Featured
names include: Tiffany & Co., John Hardy, Michael
Dawkins, Hidalgo, Honora, Judith Jack, John Atencio,
Sorrelli, Movado, Maurice Lacroix, Michele Watches,
Fendi, Swarovski and Nao by Lladro, to name a few.
In addition to traditional duty free selections, varied
and interesting shopping (from chic European fashions to
outstanding local art), delights visitors in specialty
stores in George Town, at hotel boutiques and in
shopping plazas. These include:
WEST BAY ROAD:
Queens Court Mall, Seven Mile Shops, Westshore Plaza,
Buckingham Square (near the Hyatt), Galleria Plaza, The
Strand shopping mall and Cayman Falls Plaza (across from
the Westin).
GEORGE TOWN:
British Outpost, The Landmark Jewelers, Caribbean
Jewelers, The Anchorage Centre, Diamonds Direct, Grand
Switzerland, Churchill’s Cigar Store, Toucan Tango, De
Sunglass Man, Hot Tropics, Cartier, Kirk Jewelers,
Waterford Wedgwood Boutique, Fossil Boutique, Kirk
Leather, Swatch Boutique, La Parfumerie, Bayshore Mall,
Lalique Boutique, Jewel Trendz, Kirk Freeport, Far away
Places and Koko Tok.
Local Caymanian products include shell jewelry; thatch
work, wood carvings, Caymanian style birdhouses,
crocheted items, pepper sauces, tropical fruit jams,
honey, Caymanite (Cayman’s semi-precious stone) jewelry,
sculpture and the Caribbean’s largest selection of
antique and treasure coin jewelry.
There is also a variety of underwater photography
services and an excellent selection of underwater photos
and prints framed as art pieces. Visitors can also
arrange for custom underwater videos and photographs of
their diving and snorkeling experiences, which make a
unique souvenir of a Cayman vacation.
What is the general price of a
taxi?
Taxis usually run for $6.25 for the first mile and then
$2.25 for each addition mile. If there is more than one
destination in the route, the driver will also apply
waiting time in the total fare. For tours, a taxi will
normally cost about $37.50 per hour.
All you need to know about Stingray
City
Visit our Stingray City page
One of the most popular attractions in the Cayman
Islands is the world famous Stingray City and Sandbar.
Undoubtedly the most frequented attraction in Grand
Cayman, it is currently the only place in the world
where humans can interact with wild Southern stingrays
in their natural environment.
Stingray City is actually a dive site off the North
Sound of Grand Cayman, closely lined by a barrier reef.
It is located next to one of the channels that boats
have used for decades to come and go between the North
Sound and the open sea. Here hosts of stingrays have
become tame through millions of tourists feeding them.
You can snorkel or scuba different areas of this site
through half a dozen water sports operators offering
excursions there.
Stingray City has annually been hailed the “best 12-foot
dive in the world’, while the nearby Sandbar, which is
only waist deep, offers an equally exciting alternative
for non divers and families with children. A number of
different trips to Stingray City and the Sandbar are
available. There are half day and full day snorkel trips
to the Sandbar and nearby coral reef, and full diving
excursions to Stingray City. You should take with you:
towels, and sun block, (masks and snorkels are usually
provided on the boat). Food and drinks are usually also
included in full day excursions, as well as squid to
feed the rays! Don’t forget your disposable waterproof
cameras for this experience of a lifetime!
Daily tours and excursions to Stingray City are offered
by a group of native Caymanian Captains who have fished,
snorkeled and dived in the Cayman waters for several
generations. We encourage you contact one of the
following water sports operators:
Capt
Marvin’s
345-945-4590
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Kelly’s Water sports
345-949-1193 |
Native Way
345-916-5027 |
Bayside Water sports
345-949-3200 |
Black
Princess Charters
345-949-0400 |
Captain Asley
345-949-3054 |
Captain Bryan’s
345-949-0038 or 916-2093 |
Captain Don’s Cayman Diver Ltd.
345-946-4386 |
Cayman Delight
345-949-6738 |
Charter Boat Headquarters
345-945-4340 |
Clinton’s Water sports
345-949-1016 or 916-5234 |
Crosby’s Water sports
345-945-4049 |
Dallas’ Water sports
345-949-1538 |
Gleason’s Water sports
345-916-1502 or 945-2666 |
Fantasea Tours
345-949-2182 |
Fly
Fisher
345-949-0400 |
Frank’s Water sports
345-945-5491 |
Island Girl Charters
345-947-3029 |
Oh
Boy Charters
345-949-6341 |
Planet Ocean
345-949-8979 |
Quabo
Dive
345-945-4769 |
White
Rose Charters
345-949-1012 |
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What about
groceries?
You are allowed to bring groceries into the Islands.
However, we have very well stocked supermarkets, (Foster's
Food Fair, Hurley's Supermarket, Kirk's
Supermarket), a local
farmers' market in Grand Cayman and numerous mini marts
and Gas station service marts where you can purchase
groceries.
What about hurricanes?
Visit our Weather Page
The Atlantic Hurricane season starts June 1st and ends
officially on November 30th. The Cayman Islands is
located in the far Western Caribbean, 480 miles south of
Miami, 150 miles south of Cuba, 180 miles Northwest of
Jamaica and more than 1,000 miles West of Puerto Rico,
the US Virgin Islands and the Leeward Islands.
The Caribbean is a large region and most storms have
shown a tendency to veer to the Northwest (towards the
US Mainland) long before reaching the far Western
Caribbean area. Consequently, the Cayman Islands has
generally been spared the full wrath of devastating
hurricanes. The last occurred in 1932, and the most
recent brushes which caused some property damage, were
Hurricane Gilbert in 1988, which passed 30 miles south
of Grand Cayman, and Hurricane Mitch in 1998 passing
about 200 miles to the south.
Will it rain while I am there?
Visit our Weather Page
The year divides into two seasons, the summer or "rainy"
season, generally from mid-May through October, moving
into the winter or "dry" season, from November to April.
March and April are our driest months and May and
October are traditionally the highest rainfall months.
This of course, does not mean that it rains constantly
during either of those months, but reflects the trend
within our region. Being in a tropical zone, it is not
unusual to have brief afternoon showers during the
summer, and, at certain times, brief morning sprinkles
too. Similar to most West Indian Islands, rainfall tends
to be higher in the western sections.
What about the heat?
Visit our Weather Page
The average temperature in the winter is 75 degrees
Fahrenheit and 85 degrees in the summer. Winter or
summer, the temperature generally stays within the range
of 70 - 90 degrees. The months with the least humidity
and lowest temperatures are December through April,
February occasionally recording night-time temperatures
in the mid 60's, and March probably being the most
"temperate" month of the year. We should also point out
that most properties offer air-conditioned rooms, and
the seasonal trade winds in our region help to make our
islands even more enjoyable.
Why is Cayman's diving so good?
There are a lot of reasons. First of all we aren't
mountainous and don't have rivers, so we don't have
run-off into the oceans, inhibiting reef development.
Second, all three Cayman Islands are actually submerged
mountains tops so we have incredible walls all around
the islands, reaching in some areas 20,000 feet or more
in depth! Third, we have always been very conscious of
our precious resource and guarded it by establishing
Marine Parks, limiting fishing, virtually spear fishing,
outlawing anchoring, educating divers and self-policing
the behavior of our dive operations.
Click on the PDF graphic symbol beside the file of your
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your computer or the file may open automatically in a new
browser window.
What is Bloody Bay Marine Park?
It is a diver's paradise just off the north shore of
Little Cayman. The park contains the world famous Bloody
Bay Wall which is certainly worth protecting. Also, in
the same marine park is Jackson's Wall. Jackson's Wall
is home to many favorite dive site too.
Where can I find Internet or email access on the
Islands?
Access is available at the following places on Grand
Cayman:
Pirates Den Restaurant at tel: (345) 949-7144,
fax: (345) 949-9093 or email:
pdspub@candw.ky
Chelsea's Sports Bar & Billiards at tel: (345)
949-8042
Cable & Wireless (CI) Ltd. at tel: (345) 949-7800
or fax: (345) 949- 5472
There is currently no public access available on Cayman
Brac or Little Cayman
Are there Public buses?
There is a daily bus service which runs from 6 am until
midnight depending on the route and the day of travel.
The bus fare also depends on the route and varies
between CI$1.50 to CI$3.00 per person.
What if I get sick?
Visit our Info after Reservations Page
The Government of the Cayman Islands has recently
completed the expansion of its main hospital into a
large Health Services Complex located in George Town,
Grand Cayman. It boasts modern equipment and facilities,
in addition to an increased number of highly trained
personnel. A 24 hour hyperbaric decompression chamber is
available for divers and an air ambulance service for
other emergencies. The telephone number is (345)
949-8600. There is also a private hospital currently
under construction and a number of other private
facilities that offer a variety of professional medical
services.
In Cayman Brac, there is the government hospital, Faith
Hospital. The number is (345) 948-2243/2245. There is a
small clinic in Little Cayman that can be reached at
(345) 948-1051.
Where can I exercise while I am in the Cayman
Islands?
A number of Resorts and Condominiums have gym facilities
available to their guests. In addition, you can contact
any of the following fitness centre on Grand Cayman for
rates and times.
New Image Health Club at telephone number (345) 949-7016
Fitness Connection at telephone number (345) 949-8485
World Gym Fitness Center at telephone number (345)
949-5132
Can we camp in the Cayman Islands?
Visitors are not permitted to camp on the Cayman Islands
as there are no designated Camp sites. The Cayman
Islands offer a wide variety of accommodations to suit
any budget.
Are there nude beaches or nude bathing?
You will not find any nude beaches in the Cayman Islands
in fact, please note that the Cayman Islands Law
prohibits all forms of public nudity, including topless
sunbathing. Many business places also request that you
wear shoes and an appropriate cover-up before entering.
Any Casinos?
No. We do not have any casinos in the Cayman Islands.
Gambling on the islands is prohibited by law.
What is the legal drinking age?
18 years and older. Our Rum punches can pack a punch, so
please remember no drinking and driving.
Do you have your own currency?
Yes we do! The Cayman Islands currency was first issued
in 1972. The basic unit is the dollar, issued in notes
with denominations of CI$100, 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 and
coins valued at 25 cents, 10, 5 and 1 cent. CI$1.00
equals US$1.25 or, the US dollar equals CI $.80. The US
currency is acceptable and used on Grand Cayman. All
establishments accept the US dollars.Is the US dollar accepted there & what is the
exchange rate?
Yes it is widely accepted throughout the islands.
CI$1.00 equals US$1.25 or, the US dollar equals CI $.80.
This rate may also vary on the company / business doing
the exchange.
Where can I go banking or open an account?
Banking information can be obtained from the Cayman
Islands Monetary Authority at
cima@cimoney.com.ky or
c.scotland@cimoney.com.ky.
You can also visit their web site at
www.cimoney.com.ky.
What is there for my kids to do?
Visit
our Kids Stuff Page
They will enjoy the various water sports like the banana
boats, two person parasailing or discovering our
fantastic marine world through snorkeling and swimming
with colorful tropical fish. Adolescents over 12 years
can also learn to dive! View our amazing underwater
reefs in submarines, semi-submersibles and glass bottom
boats. Not to be missed is our famous Stingray City
snorkel trip where everyone becomes a child at heart
swimming with tamed southern stingrays in their natural
habitat, the open sea.
There is the Cayman Turtle Farm located in West Bay
where you can find many different species, sizes and
ages of turtles in addition to indigenous animals and
birds. US$6 for adults and no admission fee for children
under 6 years.
For younger kids, Cardinal D's park houses many animals
indigenous to the Cayman Islands and allows children to
feed the animals. Other activities include mini-golf, a
ferry ride to Rum Point, a visit to the Cayman Islands
Museum, and the multi-media theatre at Pedro St. James
Historic Site. For kids 10 years and older Horseback
riding is available, as well as cycling, golf and
tennis.
Some hotels also host Kid camps for children under the
age of 12. If you are visiting our National Festival
Pirates Weeks there are numerous activities for children
Where can I play Golf?
Visit
our Golfing Page
There are two golf courses in the Cayman Islands, both
located on Grand Cayman. The Britannia Golf Course
is a unique 18 hole executive with par 3's and 4's. On
Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sunday mornings the
course is played Executive format. Otherwise it is
played as a very challenging 9 hole regulation course
(twice for 18 if you so desire).
The course is usually played with regular golf balls,
however the Cayman Ball (that travels half the distance
of a normal ball) was specially developed by course
designer Jack Nicklaus with the executive course in mind
to give golfers the feel of playing a regulation course
on an executive layout. Some visitors like to try their
hand at this very different experience!
The Links at Safe Haven is a par 71, 18 hole
championship layout, measuring 6,525 yards and featuring
Caribbean trade winds in a natural setting reminiscent
of an old Scottish links. Home to the Caribbean Amateur
Championships in 1997, and winner of the 1998 Best Golf
Course in the Caribbean Award by Caribbean World
magazine, the Links is beautifully landscaped with
native plants and trees, offering scenic views of the
North Sound. Its North Sound signature hole, a par 3,
hole number 11, is a humbling 235 yards from the tips
played into strong Caribbean trade winds. Ample practice
putting greens, bunkers and an aqua driving range
complete this golf experience.
Both the Britannia and the Links are open to the public
every day, offering clubhouse facilities, full bar and
refreshment cart service. Handicap cards are only
required for tournaments.
Can we get married in the Islands?
Visit our Wedding & Honeymoon Page
Couples can marry the day they arrive in the Cayman
Islands, including visitors arriving by cruise ship. You
must first arrange for a marriage officer within the
Cayman Islands and apply for a special marriage license
for non-residents granted by the Governor. Contact the
Deputy Chief Secretary's office for more information.
What if we just want to renew our vows?
All you would need is a marriage officer and your proof
of marriage. All other details relating to your special
moment can be arranged at your discretion.
What festivals are celebrated in the Islands?
Visit our Festivals Page
Pirates Week
The end of October is a very exciting time to be
visiting Grand Cayman. Our National Pirates Week
Festival is celebrated at that time. The festivities
usual start with the first of many fireworks displays
viewed best from Hog Sty Bay in George Town. There is a
spectacular parade through George Town, heritage days
throughout the week, costume contests, music, street
dances, food festivals and sporting events during the
ten day celebration! The celebration features many
activities for children.
Batabano Carnival
Since its humble beginnings in 1984 as a community event
which closed the tourism season, Rotary's Batabano
Carnival has grown to become one of the Cayman Islands'
most popular National Tourism Attractions. This carnival
draws thousands of residents and visitors out into the
streets to enjoy the music and dancing of the Mas'
(short for Masquerade). With over 500 costumed
participants in the Mas' , Batabano's Street Parade is a
wonderfully colorful spectacle enjoyed by adults and
children of all ages.
How can I get to the Sister Islands?
Visit out Airlines Page
You can book passage for Inter-island Travel from Grand
Cayman to Cayman Brac or Little Cayman through Island
Air at telephone number 345-949-5252, fax number
345-949-7044 or by email
air@candw.ky. Cayman Airways also offers a 737 jet
service from Grand Cayman to Cayman Brac. The toll free
number is 1-800-327-8777 and in the Cayman Islands (345)
949-8200.
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