As the largest of the Cayman Islands and the one most frequented by tourists, Grand Cayman may seem more like a wealthy American metropolis than a slice of Caribbean paradise. But a visit to Grand Cayman is not without its charms, in the form of beautiful beaches, world-class dining, and some of the most luxurious resorts in the Caribbean. Beyond the glitz of George Town and the crowds at Seven Mile Beach, there’s a lot to explore when you travel to Grand Cayman – exquisite local flora and fauna, hidden beaches tucked away from tourist foot traffic. Parties that erupt at a moment’s notice, and museums nestled into historic homes, giving the briefest of nods to the island’s British heritage. Our Grand Cayman travel guide will point you to some of the island’s can’t-miss sights and activities.
Things Not to Miss in Grand Cayman
• Lounging by the ocean at Seven Mile Beach
• Visiting Pedro St. James, the oldest building on the island and the Cayman “birthplace of democracy”
• Seeing the orchards – and the iguanas – at the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park
• Hiking the Mastic Trail
• Exploring the pirate caves in Bodden Town
• Sampling a rum cake at Tortuga Rum Co.
• In May, watching the family-friendly Batabano Carnival unfold
When to Go to Grand Cayman
The preferred time to make Grand Cayman travel plans is during the winter, when the tropical climate is the most pleasant and the days are warm and dry. April and May are the driest months of the year. Economically, the best time to travel to Grand Cayman may be in May through July, when hotel rates drop and you’ll find fewer crowds. However, this period coincides with the rainy season, when storms, strong winds and hurricanes are more common. May through July marks Grand Cayman’s rainy season, while June through November is hurricane season.
-
I Took My Daughter on Our First Girls' Trip and This Is What I Learned
We rose early, my daughter Liv and I, heading down to the beach every morning at 7:30 to swim before the Caribbean sun grew too strong, and before other... Read More
-
You Can Get Southwest Flights for as Low as $49 Right Now
Whether you’re looking to take a last minute winter getaway, or are already planning where to head next year, you can now do it for under $50 with... Read More
-
When to Get the Best Deals in the World’s Most Expensive Destinations
Taking advantage of off-peak travel can save you bundles.TripAdvisor Rentals looked into the most affordable times to visit 10 of the world’s... Read More
-
Not a White Christmas: 11 Warm and Festive Hotels for Holiday Vacations
Sure, snow is beautiful. But do you really need Jack Frost nipping at your nose to know it's the holiday season? We think not. This year, consider... Read More
-
10 Incredibly Preserved Shipwrecks Around the World
If there’s one thing that will get both diving enthusiasts’ and historians’ hearts aflutter, it’s a good shipwreck. There are hundreds—and then some!... Read More
-
Weekly Travel Deals: Italy, Grand Cayman, and 34% Off a Trip to California
FloridaGet 30 percent off a stay at the the Yabu Pushelberg-designed Hotel Victor, on Miami Beach’s Ocean Drive.The Winter Fantaseas package... Read More
-
Drinking Mudslides and Kissing Stingrays: On the Ground in Grand Cayman
I was standing waist-deep in the warm cyan waters of the Caribbean Sea off the northern shore of Grand Cayman at one of the string of sandbars dubbed... Read More
-
Beautiful Underwater Photos
You breathe in the tropical air and plunge beneath the surface of the clear blue water. Down below, a constellation of blue starfish comes into focus as... Read More
-
Ritz-Carlton Expands Award-Winning Environmental Program
This summer, Ritz-Carlton guests will have more to look forward to than just sunbathing. The luxury hotel company will expand its ecological program,... Read More
-
Three More Carnival Ships in Trouble
File this under the Department of Not Again: Carnival Cruise Lines has had problems with not one but three of its ships in the last week alone—this just... Read More
-
Best Beaches on Earth
There are an infinite number of beaches around the globe, but this year, to determine the best sandy spots, Travel + Leisure launched our first annual... Read More
-
Best Caribbean Hotels
Beachgoing travelers know the truth: not all Caribbean hotels are created equal. And during a long winter, when all you crave is warm sun and soft,... Read More
-
Most Romantic Caribbean Sunsets
See the slideshow of the Most Romantic Caribbean Sunsets.The Caribbean islands are famous for their sunshine—and rightly so. Is there anything more... Read More
