Cayman Travel Information
When To Go
Regardless of when you visit, you're almost always assured of short-sleeve weather, balmy tradewinds, and plenty of sun. Temperatures vary about 10° between summer and winter. The hottest months are July and August, when average temperatures top out at 85 to 90°. The coolest month is February, when highs range from 72 to 86° and nighttime lows dip to the mid-60s to lower 70s.
Water temperatures drop slightly during the winter months, when they range from 78 to 82°. During the summer, the waters warm to about 85°, a balmy bath-like temperature that makes wetsuits strictly optional.
For a current weather report, call the Cayman Islands National Meteorological Service in George Town at
(345) 945-5773.
Immigration & Customs
United States and Canadian citizens need to show proof of citizenship in the form of a passport or birth certificate. Visitors must also show a return airline ticket.
Travelers can remain in the islands for up to six months. To extend your visit you must obtain permission by writing the Chief Immigration Officer, Department of Immigration, P.O. Box 1098, Grand Cayman. On island, the immigration offices are found at the Government Admin. Building on Elgin Avenue in George Town.
Visitors are allowed to bring in duty-free one liter of alcohol, four liters of wine or one case of beer, and 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 250 grams of tobacco.
Upon leaving the Cayman Islands, there is a departure tax of US $12.50 for every person 12 years or older. (This is not payable by credit card.) This has been raised from the former $10 per person to include a new $2.50 environmental protection fee. There is no departure tax for inter-island travel within the Cayman Islands.
The Cayman Islands are a duty-free port, so after 48 hours out of the States, Americans can return home with up to US $400 in purchases without paying duty. (Families may pool their exemptions; a husband and wife can take an exemption of $800, a family of four $1,600.) Cayman crafts are exempt from this allowance, as are works of art, foreign language books, caviar, and truffles.
Turtle products - shells, steaks, lotion, and shell jewelry - sold on the island cannot be brought back into the US or through the US in transit to other countries. Skip these items at the Cayman Turtle Farm gift shop.
Each visitor can also return with one carton of cigarettes and two liters of alcohol (only visitors age 21 and over). Additional liquor purchases result in a duty approximately 15% above the duty-free cost.
UNITED STATES CUSTOMS
When you leave the US, then return home, you will pass through US Customs at your point of US entry. (A few islands have Customs Pre-Clearance so you can go through the declaration before returning home, usually a faster process.)
You'll complete a Customs declaration form, one per household, identifying the total amount of your expenditures while out of the country. Each returning Cayman visitor has an exemption of $400.
Your duty-free allowance includes any items purchased in duty-free shops, gifts presented to you, gifts you bought in the islands for other people, and purchases you might be wearing, such as clothing or jewelry.
The US Department of Agriculture allows you to bring back up to one ounce of decorative beach sand. Some items cannot be brought back to the US. These include:
books or cassettes made without authorized copyright ("pirated" copies) any type of drug paraphernalia
firearms fruits, vegetables and meats/meat by-products (such as pâté), plants, cuttings,
tortoiseshell jewelry or other turtle products (which are sold in the Cayman Islands)
To make your passage through Customs a little easier, you should keep your sales slips and pack so your purchases can be easily reached. Get a copy of the Know Before You Go brochure (Publication 512) from the US Customs Service at your airport or by writing the US Customs Service, P.O. Box 7407, Washington, DC 20044.
Cost
Cayman is costly, there's no denying it. The Cayman dollar is stronger than its US equivalent, exchanged at a rate of US $1.25 to CI $1. Prices in hotels, restaurants, stores, and attractions reflect that unfavorable exchange rate and the high standard of living enjoyed on the island. Just how expensive is it? Accommodation prices vary with the season. High season, spanning from mid-December to mid-April, is the most expensive time to plan a visit. Rates are at their peak during this time and during the Christmas holidays expect prices to soar even higher. The least expensive time to visit is during the summer months when prices may be as much as 40% lower. To many visitors, the best combination of price and weather comes during the "shoulder seasons," the months sandwiched before and after high season. Prices are lower, the seas are usually calm, and the livin' is easy.
Although room prices fluctuate with the season, food and transportation costs remain stable. Food, of course, varies with the type of restaurant, but expect to pay about 30% more than you'd pay at home for a comparable meal. Even fast food establishments offer standard favorites with a price tag a little heftier than you are accustomed to seeing. Even while trying to cut costs, we've paid US $50 for burgers and soft drinks for three at seaside lunch spots. To combat high prices, many repeat Cayman visitors prefer to prepare a meal or two a day "at home." Condominium units with full housekeeping facilities are exceedingly popular, especially on Grand Cayman. Some vacationers even go as far as bringing along ice chests packed with staples. Here are a few money-saving tips in the Cayman Islands:
Consider bringing some food with you or making a stop at a supermarket in George Town.
Pick up coupon booklets at the airport. These can include 10%-off coupons and other bargains at eateries on Grand Cayman.
Look for two-for-one specials (popular on Sunday nights).
Buy rum on-island and make your own drinks.
Double-check the gratuity. Some restaurants add a 15% gratuity to the bill, so make sure you don't inadvertently tip twice.
Check for laundry facilities if you rent a condominium.
Look for early bird specials at some restaurants. Dining before 6 p.m. can save money.
Make sure you understand whether the menu prices you are reading are marked in US or CI dollars.
PRICE CHART
(Prices in CI dollars)
Coke $0.80
12-pack of soft drinks $4.30
Bar of soap $1.00
Bag of chips $3.00
Gallon (imperial) of gas $2.28
(Gas is sold by the US gallon on Little Cayman and runs about $2.38.)
You'll find that grocery prices are slightly higher on Little Cayman and Cayman Brac because all items must be brought in from the larger island.
Holidays
Festivals
Throughout the calendar year, Cayman Islanders celebrate with special events. You'll find activities aimed at fishermen, preservationists, pilots, scuba divers, and those who just want to have a good time.
PIRATES WEEK: The biggest blowout of the year is Pirates Week, scheduled annually at the end of October. It's a shiver-me-timbers time when the islands celebrate their buccaneering history with treasure hunts, parades, and plenty of excuses to dress as pirates and wenches. The celebration begins with fireworks and continues with parades, a 5K run, an underwater treasure hunt, a golf tournament, triathlon, sailboard race, children's fun fair, and much more.
Although swashbuckling may be the theme of Pirates Week, Caymanian heritage is also emphasized during this festival. Reenactments of an old time Caymanian wedding, thatch craft, and more have entertained and educated visitors at past festivals. Local foods, such as stewed conch, fish tea, and coconut rundown, are served, and traditional quadrille dancing is highlighted.
MILLION DOLLAR MONTH: The month of June is Million Dollar Month, when fishermen from far and near come to try their luck. Residents as well as visitors from around the world enter this tournament. The grand prize is US $250,000, awarded to the first angler to break the existing Cayman Islands All-Tackle Record for Atlantic blue marlin. The current record of 584 pounds was set in 1984. Other prizes include US $250,000 to the boat landing the largest blue marlin over 300 pounds; US $50,000 each to the boats landing the heaviest dolphin, wahoo, and yellowfin tuna; and US $50,000 to the boat of a single angler landing the largest Grand Slam (heaviest combined weight of a dolphin, wahoo, and yellowfin tuna). The visiting angler who reels in the largest eligible fish is awarded US $5,000.
The tournament begins at The Links at SafeHaven. Registration is US $200 (plus boat charter expenses) and is open to amateur and professional anglers. Boat/group registration fees are US $1,000.
This tournament draws over 200 anglers. Conservation rules apply, and fishermen are encouraged to release any catches under 300 pounds. Only those fish caught in sanctioned Million Dollar Month boats are eligible for the cash boat prizes and registered anglers can fish only on the Queen's Birthday (June 16), the day of the Mermaids Tournament, and weekends (Friday through Sunday). For more information, contact MDM Headquarters, P.O. Box 878 George Town, Grand Cayman, % (345) 949-5587, fax (345) 949-5528.
AVIATION WEEK: Another peak time is International Aviation Week in early June. Sponsored by the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism, Aviation Week features an air show over Seven Mile Beach, displays, safety seminars, and live air-sea rescue demonstrations. Private pilots from throughout the states (including many who might not be comfortable making the journey alone) travel in a caravan from Key West, Florida, across Cuba's Giron corridor on the 330-nautical-mile route. In recent years, this "invasion" has included over 150 private planes.
Public Holidays
During public holidays, expect all government offices and most retail establishments to close.
January 1 New Year's Day
February Ash Wednesday
March Good Friday, Easter
May 19 Discovery Day
June 16 Queen's Birthday
July (first Monday) Constitution Day
November 10 Remembrance Day
December 25 Christmas Day
December 26 Boxing Day
Cultural Festivities
If you're interested in learning more about the culture of the Cayman Islands, an excellent time to visit is during Cayfest. Scheduled for several weeks in July, Cayfest is a national festival of the arts of the Cayman Islands. It includes theater, dance, painting, pottery, architecture, photography, and more. Check out traditional Caymanian arts and dances, such as the quadrille. For more information, contact the Cayman National Cultural Foundation at
(345) 949-5839.
CALENDAR
You'll find plenty of rollicking festivals throughout the year. Here's a sampling of some which are planned annually:
January
Windsurfing Regatta at Cayman Windsurf,
Morritt's Tortuga Club.
February
Mardi Gras Parade, Little Cayman.
Cayman Islands Angling Club Annual Wahoo
Tournament.
National Children's Festival of Arts.
March
St. Patrick's Day Jog, Hyatt Britannia Golf Course.
Boat Show, Grand Cayman Sailing Club.
Easter Regatta, Round the Islands Sailing Race.
Easter Bash, Little Cayman (fundraiser for the
Little Cayman District Committee of the National
Trust).
Humane Society Dog Show.
April
Earth Day Celebration.
Tuna Tournament, Cayman Islands Angling Club.
Rotary BATABANO Carnival.
May
"Responsible Diver" Month.
Garden Club Flower Show, Treasure Island Resort.
"Shoot-Out" Fishing Tournament, C.I. Angling
Club.
June
Million Dollar Month International Fishing
Tournament.
Cayman Islands International Aviation Week.
July
Taste of Cayman.
Chili Cook-Off.
Culinary Competition and Presentation of
Culinary Awards of Excellence.
Kiwanis Golf Tournament.
August
One Day Light Tackle Shoot Out, Cayman Angling
Club.
Cayman Madness Dive Vacation Promotion.
National Trust for the Cayman Island's Annual
Trust Fair.
September
Cayfest National Arts Festival.
Cayman Madness.
Rotary International Fishing Tournament.
October
Pirates Week.
National Trust Haunted House Fundraiser.
November
Tackle Fishing Tournament, Cayman Islands
Angling Club.
Cayman Islands Angling Club All Tackle
Tournament.
Birthday Celebration, National Museum.
December
Christmas House Lighting Competition.
Arrival of Santa Claus, Owens Roberts International
Airport.
Rotary Christmas Tree Lighting and Carols,
George Town.
Transportation
Air Service
You'll arrive in the Cayman Islands at Owen Roberts International Airport, a stylish facility that resembles a Polynesian structure. The principle carrier into this port of entry is Cayman Airways
(800-G-CAYMAN), the national carrier with flights from Miami, Tampa, Orlando, and Houston. Flights to Grand Cayman from Miami average about 70 minutes.
Service is also available with American Airlines from Miami (and Raleigh-Durham during high season), Northwest Airlines from Miami and Detroit, USAirways International from Charlotte and Tampa, and America Trans Air from Indianapolis, Seattle and Chicago. Additional carriers include Air Jamaica, Canadian, Sunworld, Taesa, Royal, Sun Country, Cubana, and British Airways with twice-weekly service from London.
AIR SERVICE TO THE
CAYMAN ISLANDS
Air Jamaica (800) 523-5585
American (800) 433-7300
Cayman Airways (800) 422-9626
from Canada % (800) 441-3003
Island Air (800) 922-9626 or (345) 949-0241
Northwest (800) 225-2525
USAirways (800) 622-1015
United (800) 241-6522
Direct flights to Cayman Brac are available from Miami, Tampa, Atlanta, and Houston or from Grand Cayman. Service to Little Cayman is available only with Island Air from Grand Cayman or Cayman Brac. Departure tax is US $12.50 per person; no tax charged for inter-island travel.
Island Hopping
Island hopping is part of life in the Cayman Islands; both Little Cayman and Cayman Brac are served by small aircraft rather than ferries. Cayman Air offers twice daily service to Cayman Brac from Grand Cayman, except on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Island Air (345-949-525, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; fax 345-949-7044) provides daily service between the three islands.
The flight from Grand Cayman to Little Cayman takes 45 minutes; the aircraft continues on to Cayman Brac after a short stop. Passengers may check up to 55 pounds of baggage free of charge; excess baggage is charged US 50¢ per pound.
Fares from Grand Cayman to Little Cayman or Cayman Brac are US $122 round-trip or US $105 for the day trip (there and back in one day). Flights between Cayman Brac and Little Cayman are US $40 round-trip. Special fares are available for children under 12.
INTER-ISLAND FLIGHT SCHEDULE
Flight times and prices are subject to change; call Island Air for bookings and times.
Grand Cayman to Little Cayman
Departs 8 a.m. & 3:50 p.m.; arrives 8:45 a.m. & 4:35 p.m.
Little Cayman to Grand Cayman
Departs 9:55 a.m. & 5:45 p.m.; arrives 10:40 a.m. &
6:30 p.m.
Grand Cayman to Cayman Brac
Departs 8:00 a.m. & 3:50 p.m.; arrives 9:10 a.m. & 5 p.m.
Cayman Brac to Grand Cayman
Departs 9:30 a.m. & 5:20 p.m.; arrives 10:40 a.m. &
6:30 p.m.
Cayman Brac to Little Cayman
Departs 9:30 a.m. & 5:20 p.m.; arrives 9:45 a.m. &
5:25 p.m.
Little Cayman to Cayman Brac
Departs 8:55 a.m. & 4:45 p.m.; arrives 9:10 a.m. & 5 p.m.
Cruise Service
Grand Cayman limits the number of cruise ships that can be in port at any time to three or four, with a maximum capacity of 5,500 passengers. This limit ensures that everyone has a good experience while on the island and nobody feels overcrowded in George Town.
Grand Cayman is served by numerous cruise lines, including Norwegian, Princess, Regal, Royal Caribbean, Royal, Sun Line, Carnival, Celebrity, Costa, Crystal, Crown Commodore, Cunard, Dolphin, Holland America, and others.
EARTH WATCH: Grand Cayman is just completing the first of three permanent cruise ship moorings in the George Town
Harbor. Designed to protect the fragile coral reefs from anchor damage, this $184,000 project has been contracted to the Tampa-based marine engineering firm of Moffat and Nichol. An ongoing 10-month geo-technical study has determinined the kind of moorings required and their optimal locations, and will continue to measure the environmental impact of the project.
Cruise ship passengers arrive by tender in George Town at either the North or South Terminal (just steps apart). Both terminals are right in the heart of George Town, just a stroll from shopping and dining. The clean waterfront brims with shops featuring fine jewelry, black coral, artwork, leather goods, and more.
Visitors arriving for the day will find plenty of drivers offering trips to Seven Mile Beach as well as island tours just steps from the cruise terminals. You'll find a selection of organized tours (typically to the Turtle Farm, Hell, and Seven Mile Beach) for about $25 (a two-hour tour around the island). See Guided Tours, below. To experience the island without the crowds, consider hiring a driver by the hour. A taxi stand is located at the terminal and a knowledgeable driver will take up to four persons for US $37.50 per hour.
If you'd rather spend your time on the beach, take a taxi directly to Seven Mile Beach, about three miles from town. Taxi fare runs about US $4 per person each way; a steady flow of taxis from the hotels to town insures that you'll have no difficulty returning to town.
Generally, the busiest cruise ship days are Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. If you're not onboard a ship and want to visit George Town during a quiet day, plan to shop on Monday or Friday. (Not all shops are open on Saturdays, and many close on Sundays.)
Car Rental
Renting a vehicle, at least for part of your stay, is often the easiest and most economical way to get around, especially if you plan to explore. Car rentals begin at about US $30 per day; expect to pay about $43 per day for a 4x4 vehicle.
A temporary driver's license is required. You can obtain this from the rental agency by presenting a valid driver's license and paying the US $7.50 fee. You must also show a major credit card. You must be 21 or over to rent a vehicle; some agencies require renters to be 25 years of age.
Remember that driving is on the left side throughout the Cayman Islands. Most vehicles are right-hand drive; most 4x4s have a left-hand stick shift.
CAR RENTAL AGENCIES
In George Town:
Andy's Rent A Car, Airport Rd. (345) 949-5579
Budget Rent A Car, Walkers Rd. (345) 949-5605
Cayman Rentals, N. Church St. (345) 949-6408
Coconut Car Rentals, Crewe Rd. (800) 262-6687or (345) 949-4377
Conmac Car Rental, Airport Rd. (345) 949-6955
E. Scott Rent A Car, Airport Centre (345) 949-8867
Economy, Biggies Pl., Airport Rd. (345) 949-9550
Just Jeeps, N. Church. St. (345) 949-7263
K&K, Rankins Pl., Eastern Ave. (345) 949-7857
Soto's 4X4 Ltd. (345) 945-2420 (Mary St. north of cruise ship landing)
Tropical, Rankins Pl., Eastern Ave. (345) 949-1950
At the airport:
Cico/Avis (345) 949-2468
Budget (345) 949-5605
Coconut Car Rentals (800) 262-6687 or (345) 949-7703
Dollar Rent-A-Car (345) 949-4790
Economy (345) 949-9550
Hertz (345) 949-2280
Marshall's Rent A Car (345) 949-7821
National (345) 949-4790
Soto's 4x4 Ltd. (345) 945-1232
Thrifty (800) FOR-CARS or (345) 949-6640
Seven Mile Beach:
Andy's Rent A Car (opp. Marriott) (345) 949-8111
Avis Cico Rent A Car (Hyatt Regency location) (345) 949-8468, (Westin Casuarina location) % (345) 945-5585
Coconut Car Rentals, Coconut Pl. (800) 262-6687 or (345) 949-4377
Hertz Rent-A-Car, Marriott Hotel (345) 949-8147
Marshall's (345) 949-2127 (Turtle Beach Villas, West Bay Rd.)
Soto's 4x4 Ltd. (345) 945-2424 (2 blocks north of Marriott)
Sunshine Car Rentals, West Bay Rd. (345) 949-3858
Cayman Brac:
Avis/Cico (345) 948-2847
Brac-Hertz Rent-a-Car (345) 948-1515
Four D's Car Rental (345) 948-1599
Little Cayman:
McLaughlin Car Rentals (345) 948-1000
Taxi Service
Taxi rates are based on a maximum of three riders. The minimum fee is CI $4 for the first mile, CI $1.75 for each additional mile. Waiting time is charged at CI $.75 per minute. All prices below are given in CI dollars.
Airport to Hyatt $11.20
Lighthouse (East End) to Westin Casuarina $32.25
George Town to Treasure Isle Resort $5.50
George Town to Villas of the Galleon $8.00
Sleep Inn to Westin Casuarina $6.50
Sleep Inn to Turtle Farm $14.50
Westin to Turtle Farm $11.00
Treasure Isle Resort to Hell $12.75
On Foot
With the low crime rate in the Cayman Islands, travel on foot is fun, safe, and easy. Walking is the easiest way to get around George Town, especially along the waterfront area. Many travelers also walk along Seven Mile Beach, strolling to dinner and back to their hotel. If you are staying in the East End or West Bay, however, consider another transportation option.
NOTE: Driving is on the left side throughout the Cayman Islands, so pedestrians should always look right before crossing the street.
Scooters
Scooters are available for rent at two locations on Grand Cayman. Cayman Cycle Rentals
(345-945-4021) has rentals at Treasure Island Resort, the Hyatt Regency Grand Cayman, and Coconut Place; Soto Sooters and Car Rentals
(345-945-4652) at Coconut Place also offers rentals. Scooters average about $25 per day. A permit is required to drive a scooter and riding experience is necessary.
Bicycles
With its relatively flat grade, the Cayman Islands are a good destination for bicyclists. On Grand Cayman, along West Bay Road, traffic can be extremely heavy during morning and evening rush hours.
For rentals on Grand Cayman, call Cayman Cycle Rentals at
(345) 945-4021 or stop by the offices at Coconut Place on West Bay Road, the Hyatt Regency Grand Cayman, or Treasure Island Resort, all on Seven Mile Beach. Bicycle rentals are also available from Soto's Scooters and
Car Rentals at Coconut Place. (345) 945-4652.
Prices vary, but average about $12 per day for a 10-speed bike and $14 for a mountain bike.
On Little Cayman, bicycling is one of the best means of travel and complimentary bicycle use is available from most accommodations.
Guided Tours
Guided tours are a good way for first-time visitors to get a good overview of the nation. Guided tours are available from most taxi drivers for about US $37.50 per hour for four persons; you can also check with your hotel tour desk for possibilities. Island tours typically include the Cayman Turtle Farm, Hell, Seven Mile Beach, and other attractions. Prices start at US $25 for a two-hour tour and run up to about $66 for a full-day trip. Here are several tour operators that offer varying packages:
Burton's Tours
(345) 949-7222, fax (345) 947-6222
Burton Ebanks is a local resident with an extensive knowledge of the entire region. He does both group and private tours and we can highly recommend him for his complete knowledge of Grand Cayman.
Elite Limousine Service
(345) 947-2561, fax (345) 949-3834
Elite does both sightseeing tours as well as airport transfers.
Evco Tours
(345) 949-2118, fax (345) 949-0137
Sightseeing tours, dinner cruises, cruise ship tours, charter fishing trips, and more handled by this agency.
Majestic Tours
(345) 949-7773, fax (345) 949-8647
Aiport transfers and sightseeing tours.
McCurley's Tours
(345) 947-9626
Sightseeing tours as well as transfers available.
Reids Premier Tours
(345) 949-6531, fax (345) 949-4770
Sightseeing tours, shopping tours, fishing trips, snorkel trips, and more offered.
Rudy's Travellers Transport, West Bay
(345) 949-3208, fax (345) 949-1155
Rudy Powery, president of the Bird Club, leads guided birding tours as well as sightseeing trips.
Silver Thatch Excursions fax (345) 945-6588
Both the history and natural history of the area can be learned aboard a Silver Thatch Excursion. Six different tours are available, including The Eastern Experience (historic sites from Old Prospect to the Ten Sails Monument in East End); Walk the Mastic Trail; Botanic Park Adventures (choice of Historic Route or Environmental Route); A Walk Back In History (historic walking tour of West Bay); Central George Town; Visit to Old Prospect (Watler's Cemetery, Old Savannah Schoolhouse). Birdwatching Excursions to one or more natural wildlife habitats include the Governor Michael Gore Bird Sanctuary; Meagre Bay Pond; Botanic Park and Malportas Farm. Hotel pickup/return, drink, and snack (sandwich and traditional Caymanian pastries) are included.
Tropicana Tours Ltd. (345) 949-0944, fax (345) 949-4507
Sightseeing and watersports are handled by this agency.
Vernon's Sightseeing Tours (345) 949-1509, fax (345) 949-0213
Sightseeing tours, dinner transfers, shopping tours, fishing trips and more offered.
Accommodations
You'll find a wide variety of accommodations in the Cayman Islands, especially on Grand Cayman. Luxury resorts, full-service hotels, lavish condominiums, budget hotels, guest houses, and bed-and-breakfasts are available.
Room prices vary greatly with type of accommodation, location, and time of year. High season (mid-December through mid-April) brings prices about 40% higher than in summer months. Government tax of 10% is charged on all accommodations.
Here are some average prices for a one-night stay during high season:
Seven Mile Beach resorts $200-$300
Small hotels, inns $175-$200
Condominiums $95-$500
Guest houses $60-$80
Villas $300-$700
Cayman Brac properties $85-$200
Little Cayman properties $150-$400
To book condominiums and villas, call the property directly or one of the booking agencies that handles condominium and villa reservations:
Special Concerns
Dress
Swimsuits are de rigueur on the beach, but wear a cover-up away from the sand and swimming pool. You will find that this is a casual island, however, and many restaurants welcome casual dress (shorts, t-shirts) at dinner. Call for dress recommendations if you have doubts.
Nude and topless sunbathing is prohibited throughout the Cayman Islands.
Crime
One of the Cayman Island's greatest assets is its low crime rate. With its excellent economic position, crime is rare. Vacationers and locals both enjoy walking on public beaches or strolling along busy West Bay Street after an evening meal.
Crime rates are especially low on Little Cayman. When you pick up your rental vehicle at the one agency in town, they'll tell you just to leave the keys in the ignition.
However, no destination is completely crime-free. Use the same common-sense precautions you would exercise at home.
Do not leave valuables on the beach while swimming. Invest in a waterproof pouch for keys and necessities and lock other items in your car or hotel room.
Don't leave valuables in your unlocked rental car. Many of the Cayman Islands' rental vehicles are open-air jeeps; leave possessions in your hotel room.
Use hotel safes and safety deposit boxes.
Don't walk in isolated areas alone at night.
Drugs
Be warned that the Cayman Islands exercise strict anti-drug laws. Marijuana is an illegal substance and possession of it can result not only in large fines but also in a prison term.
Marriage
Getting married in the Cayman Islands is now a simple process. Couples need to arrange for a Marriage Officer and must apply for a special marriage license for non-residents (US $200) at the Chief Secretary's office, Fourth Floor, Room 406, Government Administration Building, George Town,
(345) 949-7900.
The simplest way to go about this is to contact the Chief Secretary's office before your visit to obtain the name of a Marriage Officer (who will need to be named on your application form). You'll then complete the form with your names, occupations, permanent addresses, and your temporary address while staying in the Cayman Islands. You will also need to present the following:
- Valid passports or birth certificates verifying that you are at least 18 years of age (the minimum age for marriage without parental consent).
- The original (or a certified copy) divorce decree or death certificate, if applicable.
- A letter from the authorized Marriage Officer who will officiate at your ceremony.
- A Cayman Islands International Immigration Department pink slip showing proof of entry. Or, for cruise passengers, a boarding pass. If you are arriving on a cruise ship, have your Purser call ahead to the ship's agent for assistance.
- Two witnesses.
- No residency period is required. Write for a copy of the free brochure, Getting Married in the Cayman Islands, from Government
Information Services, Broadcasting House, Grand Cayman, (345) 949-8092 or fax (345)
949-5936
Water
Water throughout the Cayman Islands is drinkable, although many resorts use desalinated water produced by reverse osmosis. The result is safe, potable water, although some visitors prefer the taste of bottled water. You'll find bottled water available at restaurants and grocery stores throughout the islands.
Electricity
Electricity is 120 volts at 60 cycles. US appliances will not need adapters.
Gratuities
A 15% gratuity is standard. Some establishments add the gratuity to the bill automatically, so be sure to check first.
Telephone
Most 800 numbers will not work from the Cayman Islands. To access toll-free numbers, substitute 400 for 800. Callers are charged for these calls.
Time
Eastern Standard Time. The Cayman Islands do not observe daylight savings time. Locally, dial 844 for current time.
Clinics
For medical emergencies, you'll find a hospital on Grand Cayman and one on Cayman Brac:
Faith Hospital
Stake Bay, Cayman Brac
(345) 948-2356
George Town Hospital
George Town, Grand Cayman
(345) 949-8600
Several medical centers offer non-emergency care:
Cayman Medical and Surgical Centre
Rankin's Plaza, Eastern Avenue G
George Town
(345) 949-8150
Professional Medical Centre
Walkers Road
George Town
(345) 949-6066
West Bay Road Medical Clinic
West Bay Road (next to Treasure Island Resort)
Grand Cayman
(345) 949-2080
Hyperbaric Chamber
A two-person, double-lock recompression chamber is available for emergency treatment on Grand Cayman at the George Town Hospital. It is staffed 24 hours a day by trained operators and supervised by a physician specializing in hyperbaric medicine.
Precautions
Remember when your mom told you "look but don't touch"? Those words of wisdom come in handy on the islands. Although most plants and animals are harmless, you'll find a few creepy crawlies both in and out of the water, as well as some plants that are best avoided.
SCORPIONFISH: A mottled pinkish fish that hangs out on coral and is so ugly it actually looks dangerous.
SEA URCHINS: Painful if you step on their brittle spines.
JELLYFISH: These cause painful stings with their tentacles.
STINGRAYS: Dangerous if stepped on. Can be avoided by dragging your feet when wading, which kicks up the sand.
FIRE CORAL: There are many varieties. All those edged in white will burn you if you brush against them.
NO-SEE-UMS: Tucked into that oh-so-wonderful sand lie tiny sand fleas, waiting to bite when the sand cools. You won't feel their bites, but just wait a day or two: welts like jumbo mosquito bites will make themselves apparent and they'll itch for days. To avoid the no-see-ums, stay off the sand at sunset. The fleas are most active when the sand cools.
MANCHINEEL: Manchineel trees (Hippomane mancinella) present an unusual danger. These plants, members of the Spurge plant family, have highly acidic leaves and fruit. During a rain, water dropping off the leaves can cause painful burns on your skin and the tree's tiny apples will also burn when stepped on. In most resorts, manchineel trees have been removed or are clearly marked, often with signs and with trunks painted red.
COWITCH (Mucuna pruriens and Helicteres jamaicensis): Think of fiberglass on a vine. Think how much you'd itch if you brushed into this plant, covered with fine fibers, as you walked along in shorts. Think of avoiding this one.
COCKSPUR (Caesalpinia bonduc): This shrub won't inflict any permanent damage, but it will rip at you with its hooked thorns as you walk past.
MAIDEN PLUM (Comocladia dentata): Be prepared for a nasty rash from this weed if you come in contact with its sap. The weed is dark green with ovate-shaped leaves.
SAND SPURS (Cenchrus genus): Also called "wait-a-minute,"D this pesky thorn will penetrate unsuspecting bare feet that stumble across it in the sand. Best defense: follow mom's advice once again and wear your shoes.
SNAKES: The Cayman Islands do not have any poisonous snake species. You might come across a harmless grass snake (Alsophis cantherigerus), which feeds on frogs and lizards. The population of this reptile has been reduced by mongooses on the island.
SUNBURN: Nothing will slow down your vacation faster than a sunburn, your biggest danger in the Caribbean. You'll be surprised, even if you don't burn easily or if you already have a good base tan, how easily the sun sneaks up on you. At this southern latitude, good sunscreen, applied liberally and often, is a must. This ailment ranks as the number one travelers' concern throughout the Caribbean. You are especially vulnerable while on the water; sea breezes may cool the skin but don't prevent burns. Many snorkelers wear t-shirts to protect exposed backs from these strong rays.
Sunscreens are sold on all the islands, but prices are steep; plan ahead and bring your favorite brand from home.
RAINY DAY ACTIVITIES
Into every vacation a little rain may fall, so if clouds prevail during your vacation, don't despair. Here's a list of activities that don't depend on sunshine:
- Cayman Turtle Farm (Grand Cayman's West Bay area). Although much of the farm is located outdoors, the tanks can be enjoyed in all but the worst weather.
- National Museum (George Town).
- Scuba diving.
- Shopping in George Town.
- Pirate Cave, Grand Cayman.
- Caves, Cayman Brac.
- Seaworld Explorer (George Town).
- Atlantis Submarine (George Town).
- Cardinal D's Park, George Town.
Note that most tropical rainstorms are short-lived.
Information Sources
When on Grand Cayman, visit the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism office at Elgin Avenue, Cricket Square, in George Town,
(345) 949-0623, fax (345) 949-4053. You'll also find information booths with maps and brochures at the Owen Roberts International Airport and the North Terminal cruise ship dock.
Before your trip, contact the tourism office nearest you for brochures and information. For general information and reservations, call the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism at
(800) 346-3313. For hotel and condo rates in the Cayman Islands and for special air-accommodation packages,
(800) G-CAYMAN, the number of the Cayman Airways Holidays.
TOURISM OFFICES
Miami: 6100 Blue Lagoon Drive, Suite 150, Miami, FL
33126-2085, (305) 266-2300
New York: 420 Lexington Avenue, Suite 2733, New
York, NY 10170; (212) 682-5582
Houston: Two Memorial City Plaza, 820 Gessner, Suite
170, Houston, TX 77024; (713) 461-1317
Los Angeles: 3440 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 1202, Los
Angeles, CA 90010; (213) 738-1968
Chicago: 9525 W. Bryn Mawr Avenue, Suite 160,
Rosemont, Il 60018; (708) 678-6446
Canada: 234 Eglinton Avenue East, Suite 306, Toronto,
Ontario, Canada M4P 1K5; (416) 485-1550
United Kingdom: 6 Arlington Street, London, SW1A
1Re, England, United Kingdom; (0171) 491-7771
While on-island, pick up a copy of the free Key or Destination Cayman magazines for information on shopping, dining, and nightly entertainment. What to Do Cayman and What's Hot! in Cayman look at places of interest to visitors. Another good source of information is the Cayman Airways in-flight magazine, Horizons. These publications are distributed at the Owen Roberts International Airport as well as at most hotels. Grand Cayman has a daily paper, The Caymanian Compass.
Three local television stations serve the Cayman Islands. CITN (channel 27), CTS (channel 24) and CCT, Cayman Christian Television (channel 21), provide local broadcasting. Most residents and practically all resorts and hotels receive satellite television broadcasts from the States.
Three local radio stations broadcast in the islands. Radio Cayman, owned by the government, is broadcast on all the islands. Z-99 and ICCI-FM at the International College of the Cayman Islands broadcast on Grand Cayman.
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