Grand Cayman

Grand Cayman, shaped like a giant claw "pinching" the North Sound, is the largest of the three islands in the Cayman Islands, a British Overseas Territory. George Town, at the southwest "knuckle" of Grand Cayman, is the capital of the Cayman Islands and its largest city. Grand Cayman's Seven Mile beach, on the west coast north of George Town, is one of the finest beaches in the world.

Districts


There are five districts on Grand Cayman; from west to east:
 * West Bay
 * George Town
 * Bodden Town
 * North Side
 * East End

The main town is George Town, which also contains the main seaport and airport. The main tourist stretch is Seven Mile Beach, which straddles West Bay and George Town. The eastern part is much less dense.

Understand
George Town on Grand Cayman is a popular cruise ship destination, so on days when there are many ships visiting, the town and tourist attractions get very busy. You can see official Ship Schedules and plan around cruise ships.

By boat
Cruise ships anchor offshore and tender passengers to the harbour dock by downtown George Town. George Town is a very popular port of call and is included by many cruise lines in "Western Caribbean" itineraries. There are no berthing facilities at this location, but ships can anchor at one of four points.

Get around

 * There is a small walkable area of shops around the George Town Harbour. Seven Mile beach is not within walking distance of the harbour cruise docks (unless you like long walks).
 * Taxis are available at the cruise ship docks in central George Town, and at all resorts.

By bus

 * Grand Cayman Public Bus Transport, Edward St. next to the library, Georgetown, Phone: 945-5100. Licensed buses are identified by blue licence plates. Daily service starts at 06:00 from the depot and the schedule is as follows from George Town to:

By vehicle
Car rentals are readily available. You must be 21 years old to rent a car. Driving is on the left hand side of the road and seatbelt use is mandatory. Visitors from certain countries must get a temporary driver's licence from the police station or car rental agency. This is obtained by showing a valid drivers licence from their home country and paying a CI$16 fee.

Mopeds and scooter rentals are available on Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac. Helmet use is required. Usual daily rate is US$25 for helmet and permit.

Do
The island's most famous excursion is to Stingray City, where boatloads of tourists disembark at nearby Stingray Sandbar and squeal nervously while adjusting to the presence of large rays, which they can feed and "pet" while snorkelling in waist-deep water. Once fed, the rays will placidly let you do just about anything to them, including being lifted up to pose for photos while jetting water out of their mouths; for the sake of the fish this is not recommended. Research by two US universities has raised concerns about the detrimental impact of such activity on the rays.



Buy
Since Cayman Island dollars are pegged to the USD, payment platforms will automatically convert to USD when paying with US credit cards.


 * Caymanite is the Cayman Islands' own semi-precious stone. It is a very hard stone which varies across the earth colours. Available at most jewellers. Black coral is also a Cayman jewellery staple.
 *  Farmer's Market Cooperative, Thomas Russell Way. Local produce, jams, sauces.
 * Rumstop, Harbour Drive, George Town. Surprisingly decent prices for a good selection of liquors.
 * Rumstop, Harbour Drive, George Town. Surprisingly decent prices for a good selection of liquors.

Eat
The national dish of the islands is Turtle stew, which is sustainably grown at the world's only Green Sea Turtle farm. Any restaurant food can be expensive on Grand Cayman, even fast food.



Sleep
Accommodation is expensive on Grand Cayman. High season rates are from 15 December to 30 April. You can find discounted rates by either searching on a hotel's website or by using a travel agent such as the websites below.



Go next
Day and multi-day trips to Little Cayman or Cayman Brac are possible...especially attractive to divers and beach fanciers. Places to sleep (reservations recommended) and eat are quite adequate.