The Cayman Islands are a British Crown colony that combines one of the world’s largest banking centers with first-class scuba diving and watersports. An abundance of amenities, a low crime rate, clean beaches, and a modern infrastructure has created a tropical vacation paradise.

The Cayman Islands are made up of three islands – Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman. Grand Cayman is the largest of the three. Of its total area of about 78 square miles, almost half is wetland. Its most striking feature is the shallow 35-square mile, reef-protected lagoon, the North Sound. Cayman Brac lies about 89 miles northeast of Grand Cayman. Its terrain is the most spectacular of the three islands.

How’s the weather? Lovely. The average temperature is 78°F in the winter and about 86°F in the summer with humidity in the 77 percent range. Rainfall varies seasonally, but in the capital of George Town the average monthly figure is six inches. Hurricane season lasts from June to November.

All U.S. and European Union citizens entering Grand Cayman are required to have a passport. Make sure to contact the nearest consulate in advance of your trip to confirm necessary entry requirements.

How to Get There

By Plane Grand Cayman’s Owen Roberts International Airport (GCM) is only a 70-minute direct flight from Miami. Cayman Airways also offers more non-stop flights between Grand Cayman and the US than any other airline, with daily service from Miami and Ft. Lauderdale, and regular service from Tampa, Chicago and Houston.

American Airlines flies non-stop daily from Miami and has weekly service from New York JFK Airport, December through April. ATA is also a good choice for those flying out of Chicago with non-stop Saturday service from December through April. Continental operates four flights weekly between Houston and Grand Cayman, on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

For private jet flight, consider Marquis Jet. If you are an Exclusive Resorts member, you have special access to their Marquis Jet Card, which allows you to arrange travel through their NetJets program.

Getting Around While You’re There

You may want to rent a car to explore Grand Cayman island. Like in the UK, driving is on the “wrong side” (left) which may be a bit stressful for those not used to it. You will find many of the well known franchise rental car agencies in Grand Cayman along with several local operations with a wide variety of rental cars, 4-wheel drive vehicles, vans and minibuses. Cayman Brac and Little Cayman have a limited number of available rental cars and jeeps.

All visitors to the Cayman Islands who intend to drive any vehicle are required to purchase a Visitor’s Driving Permit for US$7.50 each (one-time charge, valid for six months or duration of stay, whichever is shorter) except individuals who hold a valid International Driver’s License. You must be 21 to rent a car in the Cayman Islands, and some rental agencies’ insurance will not cover renters under 25.

Mopeds and scooters are also available on Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac. Riders are required by law to wear a helmet. Average daily rate is US$25 which includes helmet and the mandatory Visitors Driving Permit.

Where to Stay

Destination Clubs

(To see a map of all the destination club home locations, check out our map widget.)

Exclusive Resorts (5 homes)

Luxury Resort & Hotel Picks

The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman (photo, right) – Set on 144 acres that extend from Seven Mile beach, a stretch of pure white sand along the Caribbean waters, to the North Sound, the Ritz is all about tasteful opulence, with partnerships with La Prairie spa and Eric Ripert, chef of Le Bernardin in New York. During the high season, rates start at $699 (Waterway room) and $929 (Ocean Front room) and go as high as $5,000 for a 2,400 sq. ft. suite overlooking the ocean. Rates dip to $299 for Waterway, and $499 for Ocean Front during the September 5 through October 31 season.

The Hyatt Regency Grand Cayman Beach Suites – The island’s finest Caribbean beach resort, it is located on the white sands of Seven Mile Beach. The resort offers golf, a deluxe European spa, and fine dining at Hemingwy’s Restaurant.

Westin Casuarina Resort & Spa – On Seven Mile Beach, the Westin Casuarina Resort & Spa is was listed on the Condé Nast Traveler’s 2002 Gold List. Its 343 rooms are $312 to $1,390 through December 15, when rates go up to $366 to $3,150 for the holidays.

Where to Eat

Grand Old House – A Wine Spectator award winner, this former plantation house offers one of the island’s top dining experience. It’s “New World Caribbean” cuisine and Cayman-style turtle steak is highly recommended. Open for lunch and dinner. Reservations required. 345-949-9333

Hemingway’s – Praised by Gourmet magazine, this seafood restaurant serves lunch and dinner with international influences. The open-air, beachside setting is popular. Reservations required. 345-949-1234

The Reef Grill at the Royal Palms – This restaurant features open-air dining with the accompaniment of local musicians. Your server can help you choose the perfect wine from an extensive list. Reservations required. 345-945-6358

Caf̩ Havana РLocated at the Westin Casuarina Resort & Spa and echoing a 1950s Cuban club, the Cuban and South American cuisine provides a twist to the other seafood offerings around the island. The wine list has received the Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator. No children under 10 allowed. 345-945-3800

What to Do

Fractional Yacht Clubs

• Yacht Share – read the reviews
• SharedYachts
• Merril-Stevens Yachts
• Monocle Yachts
• The Sacksgroup Yachting Professional

Yacht Charters
For visitors who aren’t interested in fractional yacht ownership, luxury yacht charters may be the answer. Luxury yacht charters outings usually include gourmet meals, watersports as jet skiing and diving, large dining rooms, and beautiful furnishings and accomodations.

Yacht Charter Club – The Malahne 177’ yacht accomodates 15 to 17 guests in four doubles, four twins, and one single ensuite cabins. Rates from $100,000 per week. Their Motor Yacht Altair was converted in 1997/98 to a 194’ luxury motor yacht to the designs of John Bannenberg. Deluxe accommodation for 18 guests. Rates from $210,000 per week

Best Golf

Designed by Jack Nicklaus, the Britannia Golf Club at the Hyatt Regency Resort is three courses in one. A links-style course featuring grassy mounds, rolling dunes, lakes and oversized bunkers, it has all the natural challenges and hazards of a traditional links layout.

The Britannia Golf Course is a unique 18 hole executive with par 3s and 4s. On Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sunday mornings the course is played in executive format. Otherwise it is played as a very challenging nine hole regulation course or twice for 18 holes. Usually played with regular golf balls, Jack Nicklaus designed a special Cayman golf ball that travels half the distance of a normal ball to give golfers the feel of playing a regulation course on an executive layout.

Guests of the Hyatt Regency Resort receive priority booking, while non-hotel guests may reserve tee times up to 24 hours in advance. Call 345.745.4654 for reservations.

Tee times are 8 to 9:50 a.m. and noon to 1:50 p.m. Credit cards are not accepted, only cash or travelers cheques.
Hyatt guests pay US$140 for 18 holes or US$90 for nine holes. Non-guests pay US$150 for 18 holes and US $100 for nine. Golf club rental is available.

Best Shopping
Some of the best duty-free shops anywhere can be found in George Town. You’ll find a good selection of traditional duty-free items such as watches, china and crystal, perfumes and fine jewellery where prices may be as much as 30% cheaper than in the States. Versace, Cartier, Gucci, Bacarrat, and Lalique all have stores on the island.

• Tiffany’s – Located within the Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman resort where several other boutiques are scheduled to open throughout 2006.
• Bernard Passman – The black coral pieces at this jewelry store are a favorite of the British royal family.
• Richard’s Fine Jewelry – Their celebrity customers love their coral jewelry.
• Tortuga Rum Company – Choose from numerous blends of rum, or try their delicious rum cakes.
• La Casa del Habano – For serious smokers, a stop in this Cuban cigar shop is a must.

Insider Tips

1. Stingray City Trips – Stingrays will actually swim up and eat out of your hands. Visitors can scuba dive or snorkel at the site.


2. Cayman Turtle Farm – Replenishing the endangered sea turtle population, this farm has 16,000 sea turtles on site. Kids will love the tiny baby turtles and 600-pound adults. Children under six get in free.


3. Butterfly Farm – Butterflies of all colors and design flutter around this center and guides give informative tours, and cocoons and caterpillars.


4. Atlantis Adventures – Submerge 100 feet in a real submarine to discover the wonders Caribbean undersea life. You will see large barrel sponges, star coral, colorful fish. Located in George Town, tours last 1.5 hours.