Cayman Islands FAQ

back the the Just the FAQs index

Where are the Cayman Islands located and how long does it take to get there?

The Cayman Islands are located in the western Caribbean. Grand Cayman is located about 180 miles west of Jamaica and 150 miles south of Cuba. The two smaller Cayman Islands, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman, are located 80 miles east-northeast of Grand Cayman. Seven miles of sea separates the two Sister.

Most air service is into Grand Cayman's Owen Roberts International Airport.

Air service into Little Cayman is available only on inter-island flights operated by Island Air from either Grand Cayman or Cayman Brac.

What activities are there for the tourist?

Tourism is the major business of the Cayman Islands, followed by banking, so visitors will find many businesses geared to the traveler, from accommodations and restaurants to shops and tourist attractions.

Outdoor activities are widespread, especially watersports. These islands are tops in the world of scuba diving and are also popular with snorkelers and windsurfers.

Golf, bicycling, tennis, hiking, and bird watching are other favorite options.

Is there a wide selection of accommodations in the Cayman Islands?

The Cayman Islands offers over 2,000 hotel rooms and over 1,500 condominium and villa units, most found on Grand Cayman. Many full-service resorts are found on Seven Mile Beach.

What language is spoken in the Cayman Islands?

English is the official language of the Cayman Islands, spoken with a distinct lilt that is a reminder of the island's early Welsh, Scottish, and English settlers.

One-third of all Cayman Island residents are citizens of other nations; 113 nationalities are represented on these small islands. Many US, Canadian, UK, and Jamaican citizens reside here.

What are the most popular sightseeing activities?

Stingray City is the top watersports attraction. Here fishermen once cleaned their catch which attracted large Atlantic southern stingrays. Through the years these creatures have become accustomed to being handled by participants in daily snorkeling excursions. Half and full-day excursions are offered by many operators to this site which can be experienced by both divers and snorkelers. Most excursions also make a stop by the Sandbar, just three feet deep, for a chance to feed the rays by hand and Coral Gardens for a look at coral heads, fans, and the diverse marine life. Those who would like a look at the undersea world can also take a cruise aboard the Atlantis submarine, which journeys to a depth of 100 feet below the surface. The Nautilus also offers travelers a peek below the surface but doesn't submerge.

On land, the Cayman Turtle Farm is the top attraction. This unique operation features green sea turtles and follows the marine creatures from eggs to breeding stage. Touch tanks allow guests to pick up the turtles.

Nature lovers should save time for a visit to the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park. Here flowering gardens bloom with tropical color and nearby a woodlands trail offers a look at native flora.

And don't miss Hell, a small community near Seven Mile Beach that banks on its name. Visitors can pose for photos with the proprietor of the Devil's Hangout Gift Shop, dressed as the devil himself, or mail home a card for that unique postmark.

What choices do I have for nightlife and entertainment?

The most extensive nightlife in the Cayman Islands is found on Grand Cayman. Seven Mile Beach has the greatest array of nightlife options, from steel drum bands to piano bars.

Nightlife on Little Cayman and Cayman Brac is much quieter. Most visitors spend their evenings enjoying a meal at one of the several excellent restaurants.

What currency is used in the Cayman Islands?

The Cayman Islands dollar is legal tender. The dollar is exchanged at a rate fixed to the US dollar of CI$1 equals US$1.25.

The Cayman Islands dollar is issued in units of $100, $50, $25, $10, $5 and $1 with coins of 25 cents, 10, 5 and one cent.

Are purchases taxed?

The only taxes in the Cayman Islands are the government room tax of 10% and an airport departure tax of US$12.50. No taxes are charged on purchases.

What customs regulations apply to arriving and departing visitors?

Incoming visitors can bring in one liter of alcohol, four liters of wine or one case of beer, and 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, or 250 grams of tobacco duty free. Incoming visitors may not import live plants, unprocessed raw fruits or vegetables, spearguns, pole spears, Hawaiian slings, or illegal drugs. Importation or possession of illegal drugs is strictly prohibited by law; violators will face prosecution by local authorities.

Travelers passing through the US in transit cannot bring in turtle products: shells, steaks, lotion, or tortoiseshell jewelry. These will be confiscated by US Department of Agriculture.

Is it easy to rent a car in the Cayman Islands?

Car hire is easy on any of the Cayman Islands. A variety of vehicles is available on Grand Cayman and jeeps are especially popular. Rental cars are also available on Little Cayman and Cayman Brac, although selection is more limited.

A temporary drivers license is required of all drivers. Car rental agencies issue such licenses for US$7.50 after presenting a valid driver's license. A major credit card or a cash deposit is required for all rentals. The minimum age for car rental is 21; some agencies require customers be age 25 or older.

Driving is on the left side of the road throughout the Cayman Islands; most vehicles are right hand drive.

What other sports are available besides scuba diving?

Although these islands are tops in the scuba world, non-divers will find plenty of activity both in and out of water. Snorkeling is a popular pasttime and an excellent way to enjoy the area's marine wonders.
The fish seen in these waters also attract anglers from around the globe. Visitors can participate in a deep sea charter or try their luck with reef or bone fishing. Bonefishing guides are found on each of the three islands.

Sailing excursions , from rollicking "pirate" cruises to tranquil sunset sails, are popular on Grand Cayman, most including hotel pickup. Do-it-yourselfers can also rent watercraft, including Hobie cats, waverunners, and Sunfish. Windsurfers generally head out to either Seven Mile Beach or Grand Cayman's East End, considered the most challenging for advanced windsurfers. And for those who want to glide along but let someone else do the work, parasailing operators are found along most of Seven Mile Beach.

Vacationers will also find plenty of fun away from the beach as well. Each island has bicycles for rent and most accommodations on Little Cayman include a bicycle for guest use. Horseback riding is offered on Grand Cayman.

Golfers are challenged at two courses on Grand Cayman. The Links at SafeHaven is the only championship 18-hole golf course in the Cayman Islands. At the Hyatt Regency Grand Cayman, the Jack Nicklaus-designed Britannia course can be played as a nine-hole championship course, an 18-hole executive course, or an 18-hole Cayman Ball course. Designed to go only half as far as a regular ball, this tricky ball make the best use of the small course area on the island. Britannia is the world's first course designed for use of the Cayman Ball.

Bird lovers flock to each of the Cayman Islands for a chance to see approximately 200 species ranging from tiny hummingbirds to Cayman parrots to the magnificent frigate bird with a wingspan of seven feet.

Do the Cayman Islands offer duty-free shopping?

You bet! Duty-free goods are found in the Cayman Islands. The largest number of stores are found on the waterfront on West Bay Road and Harbour Drive in George Town on Grand Cayman. Here shops tempt travelers with china, perfumes, leather goods, watches, crystal, and, most especially, fine jewelry. Prices average about 25 percent below regular retail price tags, although some goods run as much as 40 to 45 percent below retail prices.