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Is There A Best Time Of Year For A Trip To The Cayman Islands?

Many potential visitors to the Cayman Islands ask us about the best time to visit. In response to this question, we always like to ask in return, “What is most important to you about traveling to the Cayman Islands?”

 

For some visitors, the weather is most critical as they either want to sun on the beach in warm temperatures or visit when it’s nice but not so hot. Other travelers find that their ideal trip to the Cayman Islands is in the non-peak season when they have more of a “run of the island” and there are less crowds.

 

Some plan trips to the Cayman Islands around the lowest airfares and accommodation rates. Others want to work around school schedules and even the fun annual events that take place on the Cayman Islands.

 

So, if you’re wondering when the best time of year is to visit the Cayman Islands, consider the following:

 

The Weather is Warm Year-Round

 

Our islands are warm nearly any time of the year, with average highs holding in the 80s F. January and February are the coolest months on the Cayman Islands and you’ll usually enjoy temperatures in the high 60s or mid-70s then. It rains between May and October, but showers typically only last for a few hours at a time. The western islands are generally sheltered from hurricanes, which usually run through the Caribbean from June to November.

 

This means that if you want to sunbathe on the beach, swim in our gorgeous waters, enjoy dinners on the beach and hit the pool all afternoon, you can probably participate in these activities no matter when you come to the Cayman Islands. Snorkeling, taking part in water sports, hiking and other outdoor adventures are part of the year-round culture in the Cayman Islands.

 

Air and Accommodation Rates Drop in the Off-Season

 

You’ll find the best deals on accommodation rates in the Cayman Islands between March and June. This is our “off-season” if you want to call it that because it’s really always “on” on our islands. If you’re looking to get to our islands for a reasonable price and stay in the ultimate lodging for a great deal, plan your trip for a stay between March and June.

 

You may be able to book a first-class plane seat and a spacious, residence-style accommodation at unheard-of prices during these months. Then, you’ll have more budget money to spend on our cool island cocktails and special souvenirs to take back home with you.

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  • September 18th, 2018
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Experience the Best of the Cayman Islands With This Customized Itinerary

The Cayman Islands offer an abundance of things to see and do. So much so that many travelers have a hard time choosing what to experience first. From beaches and botanical parks to shopping and dining, there are plenty of ways to make a trip to the Cayman Islands exactly what you want it to be.
If you’re ready for fun on our islands but aren’t quite sure where to begin your adventure, consider following our customized itinerary. We’ve curated a list of some of the top attractions and activities, and some lesser-known gems that will surely be memorable.
Stay a weekend or a week. Squeeze the good times into a couple of days in the Cayman Islands or enjoy a more leisurely experience.
Cayman Kai
Visitors come from around the world to lay out on Cayman Kai and relax in the privacy of this beautiful beach. Cayman Kai sits on the northern tip of Grand Cayman, and it provides the epitome of island life. This secluded beach features stunning sea views and it’s great for swimming. Participate in water sports, splash in the lagoon, and linger under swaying palm trees.
Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park
Head to the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park to take in natural beauty along with history and culture. This pretty park showcases the simple elegance of traditional Caymanian gardens, and it highlights exotic floral displays. Guests who visit the park leave with an appreciation for nature and preservation, a delicate balance that must be considered by all island inhabitants.
Camana Bay

Camana Bay is a lively town on Grand Cayman that spans 675 acres between the North sound and Seven Mile Beach. The community is a sea-to-sound “village” with places to shop, dine, live, and play. Pedestrian-friendly and easily accessible via Seven Mile Beach, Camana Bay is an ideal destination for a day, afternoon, or evening. Lush landscaping and welcoming courtyards invite locals and tourists to linger and interact. Visit Camana Bay and pick up fresh produce at the weekly farmers market, sit down to cocktails and live music at a bar, browse jewelry and bookstores, swing an hour away on a hammock, or climb the 75-foot Observation Tower.

Cayman Craft Market

During your visit to the Cayman Islands, set aside some time to go to the Cayman Craft Market in bustling Downtown George Town. This one-of-a-kind market features Caymanian crafters selling thatch bags and hats, authentic island jewelry, paintings and woodcarvings, and much more. Peruse vendors offering local spices, jams and jellies, pickles, and delicious snacks.

Seven Mile Beach

A trip to the Cayman Islands isn’t complete without a visit to the famous Seven Mile Beach, one of the Ultimate Beaches in the Caribbean according to Caribbean Travel + Live and TripAdvisor’s 4th Best Beach in the Caribbean. Seven Mile Beach lies on Grand Cayman’s western side and offers sparkling water, coral sand, and a shoreline filled with luxurious properties.

This is just a small sample of the many things to do and see in the Cayman Islands. If you need more ideas for activities and attractions during your stay, simply ask us!

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  • August 14th, 2018
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4 Exclusively Caribbean Adventures On Grand Cayman

The Mar Caribe, or Caribbean Sea, is one of the most unique and beautiful places on earth, filled with sights and phenomena that can be found nowhere else. With a long and colorful history, filled with pirates and war, romance and adventure, and dotted with exotic islands surrounded by crystal clear blue waters and white sand beaches, it’s one of the most visited places in the world. And the Grand Cayman Islands are among the brightest jewels in this tropical paradise.

Every Caribbean destination has its own culture and environment, offering something just a little bit different from its neighbors. Here are four must-see Grand Cayman destinations to consider for your next visit to the Caribbean.

Exclusively Caribbean Adventures On Grand Cayman

Stingray City – Just a short boat ride off of Seven Mile Beach, within the barrier reef, there’s a place where sea life loves to gather, and most especially schools of wild stingrays. Most people think these creatures are dangerous, and in some situations they can be, but for the most part they’re very friendly, and the rays that hang out here are used to swimming with the humans. You can swim and dive with them, and play with and feed them. Back on shore there’s a sea turtle farm that allows you to have the same experience with those curious sea denizens. A truly amazing experience and one that shouldn’t be missed.

Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park – A visit to the Grand Cayman Islands just wouldn’t be complete without taking the opportunity to experience the unique flora and fauna that inhabit the islands, and this park allows you to see it all in one beautiful place. The Queen herself opened this park in 1994. Stroll through gardens filled with native plants and flowers, and watch the antics of the Cayman Blue Iguana, which thrives in this area. Many other birds and animals that live in the islands can be viewed here too.

Cayman Crystal Caves – One of the newest attractions available to visitors is also the oldest geological formation in the islands. Located in the lush jungle of the Northside, these caves were formed from the limestone strata over millions of years, creating huge underground rooms and breathtaking stalactite and stalagmite structures. The caves once served as hideouts for pirates and as hurricane shelters for the inhabitants. The caves are also home to bats, and guano was mined here for fertilizer. Professionally guided tours are available.

Pedro St. James National Historic Site – Back in the 18th century, when commerce and trade to the islands was at its height, a wealthy Englishman built this magnificent three-story mansion. It has been completely restored to its original glory, with period furniture and art. A step back into another age. There are many other attractions on the site to see also.

There are many more exclusively Caribbean adventures on Grand Cayman Islands to be enjoyed. Choose the one that’s right for you and have a wonderful time. That’s what Grand Cayman is all about.

Here are four must-see Grand Cayman destinations to consider for your next visit to the Caribbean.

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  • July 5th, 2016
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Five Great Shops to Hit While in the Grand Cayman Islands

When you’re a guest at South Bay Beach Club, you’ll be relaxing at the best resort in the Grand Caymans Islands. After you’re fully refreshed and rejuvenated, however, you might want to partake in a little “retail therapy.” Seven Mile Beach is the perfect place to do this, since there is duty-free shopping! Here are five great shops that you don’t want to miss during your stay at South Bay Beach Club.

  1. Divers Supply: Need to find some fun new swimwear before you hit the beach? This is the place to go, as it has all the latest trends and top brands of today’s swimwear. After all, everyone wants to look great pool and beach side!
  2. Casa del Habano: This is one serious cigar shop if you’re a cigar aficionado. The shop maintains exact temperature and has humidity control via a locked humidor. While you’re getting your puff on, you can also enjoy a cup of gourmet coffee at their cafe.
  3. Tortuga Rum Co.: Located in the West Shore Shopping Centre, this is the shop to hit if you want to pick up a a bottle (or two, or three, or more…) of Grand Cayman’s finest rum. Take your pick from coconut, gold, or dark rum to name just a few of specialties. Baked goods with rum are available too! Take back a rum cake or even some rum fudge to enjoy at South Bay later!
  4. Blue Iguana Souvenir Outlet Store: If you’re looking to take traditional souvenirs to friends and family, then this is definitely the proverbially tourist’s souvenir store to find that perfect cute, little souvenir. Choose from all the traditional tourist items, without breaking the bank: t-shirts, coffee mugs, keychains, magnets, and more!
  5. Kirk Jewelers: This gem (pun intended) of a store can be found on Cardinal Avenue, George Town’s main shopping district. If you’re looking for a high-class watch for a romantic gift while you’re on the island, check out this jewelry shop. You’ll find Bulgari, Omega, Gucci, and even Rolex watches. 

And when you’re winding your shopping excursion down, just know the comfort and beauty of South Bay Beach Club is waiting for you. Come back to your tropical oasis and relax on a poolside chaise lounge or under a palm tree in a hammock. After a hard day of shopping, you deserve it!

 

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  • May 3rd, 2016
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Nightlife in Grand Cayman

In Grand Cayman, your days are spent on the beach – snorkeling, playing in the water, and just enjoying the sun. You might relax with drinks, or spend the day shopping. That doesn’t mean your day needs to end when the sun goes down. Grand Cayman has a fantastic array of nightlife to suit any mood. Whether you want an upscale restaurant with specialty drinks, a loud nightclub, live entertainment, or a small dive bar where you can relax without worrying about your wardrobe, you can find it here.

Beach Bars

Of course, there’s no shortage of beach bars on Grand Cayman. If you’re in the mood to take your libations with full view of the beautiful water, these are some great spots to try:

  • Coconut Joe’s. This is a great outdoor restaurant and bar. Sit outside and enjoy the scenery with great food and a beer or watch the fantastic entertainment they regularly offer.
  • Kaibo Beach Bar & Grill. This one should have two entries. Kaibo offers a beach bar that’s stupendous for the location and great food. They also have an indoor upstairs restaurant, if you actually want to put on shoes and get dressed for a fancier experience.

Night Clubs

The islands certainly offer the atmosphere for relaxation but that doesn’t mean they skimp on the nightlife. There are a number of options available if you’re looking for a rollicking good time:

  • O Bar. This nightclub is one of the most popular in the area. They feature great music, large dance floors, and an experience on par with any highly rated nightclub in a big city. 
  • Legendz. This is the place to be if you want a little entertainment with your nightlife. Legendz serves good food and excellent drinks, but they’re known for the fabulous entertainment – local bands, DJ’s, and even comedians perform here to the delight of the patrons.

A Little Home Away From Home

There are many beach bars with the island ambiance all around them. If you’re looking for something a little more reminiscent of your favorite pubs back home, these might fit the bill:

  • Triple Crown Pub. This traditional styled pub is modeled after the ones you might find in Ireland or Britain, with all of the camaraderie and great warmth.
  • Hammerheads Brew Pub Bar. This bar and restaurant boasts its own micro brewery and offers some fantastic food.

Head over to the best spots that Grand Cayman‘s nightlife has to offer!

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  • April 19th, 2016
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Grand Cayman – Paradise for Families

Grand Cayman is home to one of the most beautiful and well-known beaches in the world: 7 Mile Beach.  It is a place where time stands still and conch is the catch of the day.  If you are visiting Grand Cayman in search of clear aqua blue waters, soft white sand, and soca music, you will not be disappointed.  But Grand Cayman has more to offer families than just languishing in the sun.  Try these activities during your stay:

  • The Jolly Roger Pirate Experience – Have you ever wondered what being on a pirate ship might be like?  Find out in Grand Cayman!  Enjoy a sword fighting, swashbuckling pirate show in the Caribbean.
  • Visit Stingray City – This excursion is fun for everyone.  Located on the North Sound, Stingray City is home to just under 100 wild stingrays.  Mingle with the stingrays while standing on a sandbar in the middle of the sea. These gentle giants are incredibly friendly and love to be fed.  A visit to Stingray City is only a sensory experience that you will not soon forget.
  • Swim with the dolphins – Dolphin Cove and Dolphin Discovery offer the opportunity for you to swim with the dolphins.  The perfect excursion for children of all ages, the parks both have other opportunities to see exotic wildlife and sea life in lieu of swimming.
  • See Grand Cayman by helicopter – Children and parents alike will enjoy soaring above the beaches and mangroves below to see the island in a unique way. 
  • Snorkel at Rum Point – Enjoy some of the most shallow and clear water on the island.
  • Cayman Motor Museum – If you are looking for an activity away from the water and sand, head over to the West Bay and visit the Cayman Motor Museum.  The kids will love seeing the bat mobile that was produced for the 1960s TV Series, “Batman”. 
  • Try a water sport together -There are so many things you can do on the beach to spend a day.  Snorkeling is a favorite for all ages, riding Jet Skis, paddle boarding, banana boating, parasailing – the list goes on and on.  Make sure to collect seashells along the way to commemorate your day at the beach.

Grand Cayman is a fantastic place to spend your family vacation.  Playing in the sun, meeting new people, and having unique experiences are part of what life is all about.  You can do all those things and more in Grand Cayman, the jewel in the Caribbean Sea.

 

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  • March 29th, 2016
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The History of Seven Mile Beach

Called one of the best beaches in the Caribbean by “Travel + Leisure” magazine as well as “U S News and World Report,” Seven Mile Beach (also known as West bay Beach) sits on the west side of Grand Cayman Island. This 6.3-mile continuous stretch of sand (despite its name) is one of the most developed areas of the island and home to many of the resort destination’s top hotels.

The History of Seven Mile Beach

Grand Cayman Island and Seven Mile Beach were originally home to the Carib tribe. Christopher Columbus and his crew brought Europeans to the island’s shores in 1503 on his fourth voyage to the New World. Subsequent slavery and the introduction of European diseases for which the native tribe had little immunity erased the indigenous population. All that remains today is the lovely topography of the islands and the name, Cayman, which is derived from the Carib word for “crocodile.”

The Cayman Islands were ruled by Jamaica between 1863 and 1962. When Jamaica won her independence from Britain in 1962, the Cayman Islands elected to remain a protectorate of the United Kingdom. A governor administers the island nation today.

The structure of Seven Mile Beach continues to evolve and the stretch loses a little bit in length each year to erosion. Still, the beach is one of the most lovely and most beguiling in the region. Seven Mile Beach is known for its colorful coral reefs just offshore and the excellent snorkeling and diving found there. As with

all beaches in the Cayman Islands, access is open to the public. In addition to the many luxury hotels, the beach is home to multiple seaside restaurants.

To book your own idyllic vacation along Grand Cayman’s Seven Mile Beach, contact South Bay Beach Club at soutbaybeachclub.com or by calling 407 992-2844.

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  • March 22nd, 2016
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The Five Best Restaurants to Try in Grand Cayman Island

Sure, you go to Grand Cayman Island for lots of great reasons, to lounge on the warm and lovely white sand beaches, swim, snorkel, fish, and boat in the crystal clear blue waters, relax in the luxurious resorts and hotels, and enjoy the native flora, fauna, and culture. Not to mention the vibrant night life.

But if you’re like most people, visiting Grand Cayman to sample the cuisine is probably at the bottom of your list, an afterthought, if it’s there at all. And that’s a shame, because the island has a reputation for some of the best Caribbean cuisine to be found in those waters, at least among foodies.

As a matter of fact, the food should get top billing, right after the beaches. But find out for yourself. Here are five of the best gastronomic experiences that Grand Cayman has to offer.

  • The Cracked Conch – A popular local destination for over 34 years, the Cracked Conch is located on the waterfront on the North West Point of West Bay, and offers some of the most breathtaking views of the ocean to be found anywhere on the island. It specializes in seafood, Caribbean, and International fare, enjoyed in an atmosphere of island chic, with several spacious outside patios. Prices are affordable, with main dinner courses available from $32-$46. Recommended is the Seared Local Snapper, with chorizo and tomato vinaigrette.
  • Calypso Grill – Sited on Morgan’s Harbour, the Calypso Grill is a cozy option with a delightful contemporary and island decor. Watch the boats sail in and out of the bay as you enjoy the Wahoo Escoveitch, deep-fried wahoo served with Jamaican hot peppers and onion vinaigrette.
  • The Brasserie – This George Town eatery just might offer the freshest ingredients around, as it keeps two of the local fishermen on the payroll to supply daily fresh fish, and grows its own vegetables and herbs, as well as breadfruit and banana trees. Prices are low to moderate, and you should try any of the daily catch grilled over hardwood coals.
  • Catch – One of Morgan Harbour’s newest establishments, opened in 2014, it has an excellent waterfront setting with great views and outdoor dining, and a lounge that’s already gaining a reputation for serving up some of the best cocktails in the area. Prices run low moderate, and one of the house specialties is the Grilled Mahi Mahi at $28 for dinner, served with onion and pepper cous cous, roasted corn, chimichurri, and a selection of organic locally grown vegetables.
  • Morgan’s – Located at the recently renovated Cayman Islands Yacht Club, this restaurant features large, open dining areas and an outdoor patio with views of Governor’s Creek and the local yacht fleet. Known for fresh daily seafood, the prices range from low to moderate. Any of their catch of the day entrees will be a winner, but make sure to try the Thai Seafood Curry, a spicy mix of shrimp, mussels, and scallops.

 

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  • January 18th, 2016
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The comeback of the Blue Iguanas

Who They Are
Too unique and intelligent to qualify as mere things, the Grand Cayman Island’s Blue Iguanas are fascinating. Even for the Caribbean — where bright colored flowers, fish, reptiles and birds are almost common-place, — the Blue Iguana is a distinct species. With metallic blue skin and thorny dorsal spines, the five-foot lizard has a fantastical, computer-generated appearance, the possibility of extinction for the Grand Cayman resident became a distinct possibility in the late 1990s.
A result of human activities encroaching on the natural habitat of the Blue Iguana, numbers fell to a staggeringly low counts by 2002. Cats and dogs; non-native bird and snake species; and vehicles were responsible for a large sum of the depopulation. While adult Blue Iguana are hardy animals with the ability to defend themselves from most preditors, the smaller juvanile Blue Iguana are very susceptible. Likewise, adult Blue Iguana are no match for cars. Unfortunately, the heat captured by the pavement of roads and highways attract iguanas which leads to a large number of vehicular fatalities.
Blue Iguana Conservation Efforts
Noticing the declining numbers of Blue Iguana in the 80s and 90s, the Wildlife Conservation Society took it upon themselves to begin a captive breeding program, but its efforts were almost too late. By the time the program was ready to begin breeding the reptiles in captivity, Blue Iguana numbers had already fallen to below 15 in the wild. Fortunately, the program has been highly successful and Blue Iguana numbers are already back above 900.
Additionally, conservation areas have been set aside for the Blue Iguana. With reserves around the island that permit the lizards to live free of human influence in their natural habitat, conservation experts believe that the wild Blue Iguana is now here to stay.
Blue Iguana in Captivity
Surviving well in the wild, Blue Iguana are also becoming increasingly popular as pets. Because of their size, the Blue Iguana is not the reptile for everyone, but those people with enough space to house them find the animal to be a wonderful addition to the home. Bright and intuitive for reptiles, the Blue Iguana takes great interest in the activities of their owners, following them with their turquoise-blue-colored eyes.
Best kept outside, a pen for a Blue Iguana requires the fence be buried at least two feet into the ground because — like most legged reptiles — they are proficient diggers. Blue Iguanas have hardy appetites and are ferocious eaters preferring to feast in the morning before temperatures get too hot. They are primarily herbivores, eating leafy greens and vegetables, but they will also eat carrion when it is offered. However, unlike some other large lizards, they are not hunters.
A single Blue Iguana or a pair work best. Mixing two males is a particularly bad idea because they have a tendency to fight which leads to heavy scaring and unhealthy animals.

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  • January 12th, 2016