Cayman Islands (George Town) Cruise Guide

The Cayman Islands have long been associated with the history of buccaneers and pirates, who once established hideouts here. Grand Cayman has azure blue skies, luscious, green palms and the vivid reds, yellows and oranges of blooming buds. Visitors can expect great food, scenery, watersports, shopping and nightlife.

Some say Seven Mile Beach (really 1.4km/5.5 miles long) is the loveliest beach in the Caribbean. Its calm, crystal waters are mesmerising. Whether it's diving in shipwrecks or walking through rainforest, cruise passengers always find this port a winner.

Sightseeing

George Town has two ‘ends' - East and West. In the West End, Boatswain's Beach, the former turtle farm, has expanded into a marine theme park. At nearby Hell, a touristy patch of fenced off craggy rocks, you can get cards post-marked from Hell.

Discover the pristine East End and see Pedro St. James Castle's multi-media, historic presentation complete with rain, mist and smoking pots. Most of all enjoy the sand and the surf - dive the famous walls, snorkel over spectacular coral reefs, hug a shark in Stingray Alley or just chill at the beach.

Highlights

• Cayman Islands National Museum
• Bodden Town
• Seven Mile Beach
• Cayman Brac
• Little Cayman

Tourist Information

Department of Tourism
PO Box 67, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands KY1-1102
Tel: +1 345 949 0623.
Website: www.caymanislands.co.uk

Shopping

No sales tax, duty-free shopping and stores galore right off the cruise pier make Georgetown a shopper's paradise. Strip malls border Seven Mile Beach Road. Local products include Tortuga Rum, baskets, woven mats, Cuban cigars, marble-like, Caymanite jewellery and arts and crafts.

Eating Out

International cuisine is plentiful, but try some local specialities- turtle, curried goat, conch, salt cod, ackee and jerk cuisine. When eating outside, be prepared for mosquitoes to join you, especially at sunset.

When To Go

The island's tropical and cooling trade winds are enticing all year round, but be aware of hurricane season, late May until early November.

Transfer Times

Nearest Destination

George Town.

Transfer Distance

2km (1.2 miles).

Transfer Time

5-10 minutes.

Key Facts

Region

Cayman Islands

Time Zone

GMT - 5.

Currency

Cayman Islands Dollar (CI$) = 100 cents.

Language

English.

Location

The three-island group (Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, Little Cayman) are located in northern Caribbean Sea, 240km (149 miles) south of Cuba and 268km (166 miles) northwest of Jamaica.

Population

47,862 (all three islands).

Government

British Crown Colony since 1670.

Religion

Mostly Christian.

Social Conventions

Caymanians are friendly, conservative and devout church goers. Beachwear is best confined to the shoreline to avoid offence. Shorts but not tank tops are acceptable for dinner. Topless bathing is prohibited.

Tipping:
Tipping is customary in restaurants, but check as some establishments add 15% to the tab. Large hotels generally include service charges but smaller inns and condos do not. Taxi drivers get from 10-15%.
Two weeks on a Cayman Islands beach would be heaven for most, but if you suffer from itchy feet Caribbean cruises are a great way to see the Caymans without having to spend your entire holiday in one spot.
Need some holiday inspiration?
Tired of the same holiday destination?
Fresh ideas are just one click away...
Sign up for our newsletter
Be the first to hear about the coolest destinations and the latest travel trends. Plus, competitions, holiday inspiration and amusing facts, delivered directly to your inbox. Sign up for our newsletter
Advertisement

Travel Deals

Advertising features
Travel Partners
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Spot the holiday killer - Protect yourself from malaria. Before you travel, find out if your holiday destination is in a malaria zone.