Cayman Islands
In the Cayman Islands you can hike through untouched woodland, pay a visit to colorful reefs and fish on a scuba-diving or snorkeling trip, or plunk yourself down on the white sands with a frosted drink in hand. You can rent a little, isolated West Indian cottage or stay in a luxurious resort. You can chow down on fresh fried fish at a waterside shack or indulge in a world-class five-course meal. Whatever your tastes and budget, in this guide we'll guide you to the best that the Cayman Islands have to offer.
Most of the big hotels along Seven Mile Beach don't offer meal plans such as MAP (the Modified American Plan, which includes breakfast and dinner). You'll often have to pay for your food a la carte. Food prices are high since most everything is imported, but they are not nearly as lofty as the hotel prices; US$20 (£10) to US$35 (£18) will get you a main course at a typical restaurant. "Budget" would be any restaurant offering main courses for US$18 (£9) and under.
Smaller resorts on the East Coast offer a more intimate Grand Cayman experience, where you may choose between all-inclusive and EP (no meals) plan.
Currency -- Legal tender is the Cayman Islands dollar (CI$), which is more or less fixed at US$1.25. Stated conversely, CI80¢ equals US$1. It's helpful to know that U.S. dollars are readily accepted across the Cayman Islands.
Weather -- The weather during high season from mid-December to mid-April is perfect for hanging out on the beach: it's usually dry, and the cooling trade winds from the northeast moderate the high temperature.
April is the most idyllic month in the Cayman Islands, boasting perfect warm weather before the heat of summer comes in May.
Rainy season is from late May until late November. However, it does not rain every day. Often the showers are short bursts (though intense) that are followed by clear skies and plenty of sun.
Even though the Cayman Islands are one of the world's leading scuba-diving destinations, divers often avoid the islands in August and September, when tropical storms can churn the waters. However, because the islands have so many dive sites, you can almost always find places to dive, even in August and September.
A valid passport is necessary for US Citizens traveling to/from Grand Cayman. All visitors, including those from U.S. and Commonwealth countries, must have a valid return or ongoing ticket. All persons 12 years of age or older are charged a departure tax of CI$20 (US$25).
For information on how to get a passport, go to the "Fast Facts" section of this guide -- the websites listed provide downloadable passport applications as well as the current fees for processing passport applications. For an up-to-date country-by-country listing of passport requirements around the world, go the "Foreign Entry Requirement" Web page of the U.S. State Department at www.travel.state.gov.
Customs
What You Can Bring Into the Islands -- Cayman Islands Customs authorities enforce strict regulations concerning temporary importation into or export from the Cayman Islands of firearms of any kind, spear guns, pole spears, Hawaiian slings, live plants, and plant cuttings. Raw fruits and vegetables are also restricted. Visitors age 18 or over are allowed to bring in -- duty-free -- 4 liters of wine or one case of beer; 1 liter of alcohol; and 200 cigarettes, 25 cigars, or 250 grams of tobacco.
What You Can Take Home from the Cayman Islands -- Returning U.S. citizens who have been away for at least 48 hours are allowed to bring back, once every 30 days, $800 worth of merchandise duty-free. You'll be charged a flat rate of 4% duty on the next $1,000 worth of purchases. Be sure to have your receipts handy. On mailed gifts, the duty-free limit is $200. With some exceptions, you cannot bring fresh fruits and vegetables into the United States. For specifics on what you can bring back, download the invaluable free pamphlet Know Before You Go online at www.cbp.gov (Click on "Travel" and then click on "Know Before You Go"). Or contact U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), 1300 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20229 (tel. 877/287-8867) and request the pamphlet.
Recommended Resorts
Things to Do & See
- Hiking
- Mountainbiking
- Offroad Adventures
- Ziplining Canopy Tour
- Kayaking
- Snorkeling
- Sailing
- Swim with Dolphins
- Horseback riding
- Deep Sea Fishing