< Previous8 WELCOME 9 WELCOME SPECTACULAR WHITE-SAND BEACHES, SUN-KISSED CLIMES, incredible sunsets and sparkling azure waters – welcome to the Cayman Islands. Our beautiful islands, made up of Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman, offer much to experience and explore. Safe and welcoming, visitors can enjoy secluded sand time, swing in a hammock with a cocktail in hand or go for a sunset sail to experience an unforgettable evening light show. Those on a quest for adventure have plenty of options. From cave hunting and exploring shipwrecks to swimming with stingrays and reeling in blue marlin, Cayman boasts some awe-inspiring adventures. Don’t miss Grand Cayman’s top attractions: Stingray City and the Sandbar, Cayman Turtle Centre, Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park and world-famous Seven Mile Beach. It is also a Mecca for divers worldwide, with the water noted for its exceptional visibility and accessibility. Discover the Sister Islands of Cayman Brac and Little Cayman, just a quick flight from Grand Cayman. These rustic, unspoiled gems boast amazing natural attractions along with spectacular wall and shore diving. Cayman is home to a rich and vibrant cultural scene with many festivals and events held throughout the year, including Pirates Week, which is Cayman’s national festival. Adding to the mix is a world-class culinary scene, luxury shopping, lavish spa retreats and an impressive cocktail culture. While Grand Cayman is cosmopolitan, it has a distinct laid-back vibe. ‘Soon come’ is a common local phrase that is a reminder to relax and go with the ‘island flow’. The kindness and genuine hospitality of the Caymanian people will make your stay all the more memorable. The publishing team at Welcome to Cayman wishes you a warm and welcoming stay. The Welcome Team WELCOME TO OUR ISLANDS8 WELCOME 9 WELCOME SPECTACULAR WHITE-SAND BEACHES, SUN-KISSED CLIMES, incredible sunsets and sparkling azure waters – welcome to the Cayman Islands. Our beautiful islands, made up of Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman, offer much to experience and explore. Safe and welcoming, visitors can enjoy secluded sand time, swing in a hammock with a cocktail in hand or go for a sunset sail to experience an unforgettable evening light show. Those on a quest for adventure have plenty of options. From cave hunting and exploring shipwrecks to swimming with stingrays and reeling in blue marlin, Cayman boasts some awe-inspiring adventures. Don’t miss Grand Cayman’s top attractions: Stingray City and the Sandbar, Cayman Turtle Centre, Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park and world-famous Seven Mile Beach. It is also a Mecca for divers worldwide, with the water noted for its exceptional visibility and accessibility. Discover the Sister Islands of Cayman Brac and Little Cayman, just a quick flight from Grand Cayman. These rustic, unspoiled gems boast amazing natural attractions along with spectacular wall and shore diving. Cayman is home to a rich and vibrant cultural scene with many festivals and events held throughout the year, including Pirates Week, which is Cayman’s national festival. Adding to the mix is a world-class culinary scene, luxury shopping, lavish spa retreats and an impressive cocktail culture. While Grand Cayman is cosmopolitan, it has a distinct laid-back vibe. ‘Soon come’ is a common local phrase that is a reminder to relax and go with the ‘island flow’. The kindness and genuine hospitality of the Caymanian people will make your stay all the more memorable. The publishing team at Welcome to Cayman wishes you a warm and welcoming stay. The Welcome Team WELCOME TO OUR ISLANDS10 WELCOME AS MINISTER FOR TOURISM AND PORTS, it is my pleasure to extend a warm Caymankind welcome to our valued visitors. Through the pages of this magazine, I am honoured to introduce you to the unique attributes that make up our three- island archipelago. You will soon discover the warmth of our turquoise waters and the beauty of our 365 dive sites, but I encourage you to immerse yourselves in the many experiences that await you away from our white- sand beaches. If you are like many of our visitors who enjoy learning about the heritage and culture of the Caymanian people, then a visit to attractions such as the 18th- century great house, Pedro St. James, dubbed the birthplace of democracy in our islands, is a must. The Cayman Islands National Museum also offers a profound understanding of our islands’ traditions and national symbols, and the National Trust’s Mission House, originally built in the 1700s, allows you to walk in the footsteps of early settlers while learning about our islands' rich cultural history. Nature lovers can explore attractions like Stingray City, where folklore promises seven years of good luck after kissing a ray. Venture into the forest, to our underground Crystal Caves; witness the magnificence of the endangered Grand Cayman Blue Iguana at the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park, and allow the quiet glow of our Bioluminescent Bay to captivate you. Self-proclaimed foodies will delight in knowing that as the Culinary Capital of the Caribbean, the Cayman Islands boasts over 150 restaurants offering an array of cuisine from all over the world. We are also home to the region’s only AAA Five Diamond restaurant and wine lovers can indulge at one of our 10 Wine Spectator-rated restaurants. The Sister Islands are yours to explore, too. After a short flight, you can visit one of the many caves of Cayman Brac, scale the rock wall of the 140-foot Bluff, or escape to the serenity of Little Cayman where an abundance of sea life awaits you beneath the surface at Bloody Bay Wall. Whether it is our unparalleled culinary offerings, our pristine beaches, vibrant history and culture, or the warm hospitality of our people, I know you will create lasting memories while experiencing our beloved Cayman Islands. Sincerely, Hon. Kenneth Bryan, MP Minister for Tourism & Ports WELCOME MESSAGE FROM HON. KENNETH BRYAN, MP MINISTER FOR TOURISM & PORTS11 WELCOME WELCOME ETIQUETTE TIPS WHILE ENJOYING THE BEAUTIFUL BEACHES and sunny climes of Cayman, visitors are encouraged to observe the islands’ customs and etiquette. Decorum and manners go a long way, ensuring you don't unintentionally cause offence. Observe the following tips to avoid making a faux pas: · Wear your swimwear only at beach, the pool and when participating in watersports. Put on a cover-up if you go into a restaurant, bar, a supermarket, or other public place. · T opless sunbathing is deemed indecent. · Address your hosts, servers and others with a pleasant “good morning”, “good afternoon” or “good evening” before engaging in conversation or making a request. “Good night” is often used as a greeting as well as a farewell. · Tipping is the norm, starting at 15%, with many establishments including the gratuity in the bill. · Smoking is prohibited in indoor locations and in restaurant outdoor eating areas. Please be considerate of others if you choose to smoke outside. · The l egal age for consuming or buying alcohol is 18. · Drugs are illegal, including cannabis – known locally as ganja or weed. · If listening to music on the beach, ensure not to play it too loud. · Don’t lift starfish, stingrays, or – for that matter – any other marine life out of the sea. It is traumatising and could kill them. · Always take a taxi, bus, or travel with a designated driver if you are drinking alcoholic beverages and moving from one place to another. · It is customary to address people in a formal manner with the prefix of Mr. or Ms before their first name, especially if the person is your senior. For example, Mr. John or Ms Eve. IM AG E: Ta ne os R am say 12 WELCOME WELCOME THREE ISLANDS The Cayman Islands is comprised of Grand Cayman, which is the largest isle, with Cayman Brac 89 miles to the northeast and Little Cayman five miles west of there. THE NAMES Often, the Cayman Islands is referred to simply as Cayman, but should not be called The Caymans. Cayman Brac and Little Cayman are termed the Sister Islands. LANGUAGE English. TIME The islands are on Eastern Standard Time from November to April and Central Daylight Time for the rest of the year. They do not observe Daylight Saving Time. CAPITAL George Town on Grand Cayman. POPULATION According to the Economic and Statistics Office’s Fall Labour Force Report 2022, the population is 81,546. Around half of the population is made up of expatriate workers, representing more than 130 different nationalities. The report shows the population of the Sister Islands of Little Cayman and Cayman Brac as 2,304. The earliest census in 1802 listed the population as 933 residents – more than half of whom were slaves. Most Caymanians are of European and African descent. GOVERNMENT As a British Overseas Territory, the Cayman Islands has a governor appointed by the UK Government. Cayman is a parliamentary democracy, headed by the premier. GEOGRAPHY Situated southwest of Miami, south of Cuba and northwest of Jamaica, the Cayman Islands are mostly flat, other than the steep cliffs on Cayman Brac known as The Bluff. Grand Cayman is approximately 22 miles long and eight miles wide at maximum width. The highest point on the island is 60 feet above sea level. Cayman Brac is 14 square miles and Little Cayman is 10 square miles. CLIMATE & HURRICANES The temperature is coolest in the winter months ranging from 60 F to 80 F, rising steeply to the 90s F in the summer, along with increased humidity. Hurricane season runs from 1 June to 30 November and warnings should be taken extremely seriously. Regular updates on approaching storms are available from the Cayman Compass at caymancompass.com and from Hazard Management Cayman Islands at caymanprepared.gov.ky. FAST FACTS IM AG ES : St eph en C la rke P ho to gr aph y13 WELCOME WELCOME BUSINESS HOURS Most offices open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and shops from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. or later, while supermarkets usually open at 7:30 a.m. The majority of stores close on Sundays. MEDIA The Cayman Compass is the nation’s newspaper of record and is published weekly on Fridays, with regular updates online at caymancompass.com. Part of Compass Media, the company also has four radio stations: Z99.9, Rooster 101.9, Island FM 98.9, GOLD 94.9. Additionally, it publishes the twice-yearly home & garden magazine InsideOut and a quarterly events and lifestyle magazine What’s Hot. The Caymanian Times is another newspaper on-island and there is also a number of other radio stations, as well as online news sites. There is no local television news station other than the government information channel, although cable channels are widely available. INTERNET The Cayman Islands has good internet connection with many premises offering free Wi-Fi. MEDICAL SERVICES There are three hospitals on Grand Cayman: Cayman Islands Hospital in George Town, which is operated by the government Health Services Authority (HSA); Health City Cayman Islands, which has its main campus in East End and opened the first phase of a medical campus in Camana Bay in 2023; and Doctors Hospital in George Town. There are also HSA clinics in each district on Grand Cayman, plus numerous private clinics offering general and specialty services. Faith Hospital on Cayman Brac is operated by the HSA, as is the clinic on Little Cayman. The standard of care is high, although complex cases may be flown off-island to either Jamaica or Florida. Health insurance is mandatory for residents and vital for visitors. WATER As there is little fresh water on any of the three Cayman Islands, water is desalinated and is safe to drink. RELIGION The people of the Cayman Islands are predominantly Christian, with a variety of churches welcoming residents and visitors alike. These include the Church of God, Roman Catholic, Seventh-day Adventist, Presbyterian/United Church and Baptist. Residents also follow the Baha’i, Jewish, Buddhist, Hindu and Muslim faiths. Although most of these communities are not large enough to support houses of worship, services are held in family homes, with visitors welcome to attend. See page 82 for further information on visitor resources, including emergency numbers, banks, supermarkets and airlines. IM AG E: Ta ne os R am say 49 WELCOME CAYMAN STYLE 50 WELCOME CAYMAN STYLE WITH SOFT WHITE SAND AND INVITING BLUE WATERS, visitors will delight in relaxing at any one of the Cayman Islands’ spectacular beaches. The most famous and popular beach destination is Seven Mile Beach on Grand Cayman, however there are plenty more sun-kissed spots to explore. Some are low-key retreats offering secluded sand time while others are ideal for swinging in a hammock, with a cool cocktail in hand. So, sit back, relax and enjoy some well-deserved beach time. BEACH THE WITH SOFT WHITE SAND AND INVITING BLUE WATERS, visitors will delight in relaxing at any one of the Cayman Islands’ spectacular beaches. The most famous and popular beach destination is Seven Mile Beach on Grand Cayman, however there are plenty more sun-kissed spots to explore. Some are low-key retreats offering secluded sand time while others are ideal for swinging in a hammock, with a cool cocktail in hand. So, sit back, relax and enjoy some well-deserved beach time. WITH SOFT WHITE SAND AND INVITING BLUE WATERS, visitors will delight in relaxing at any one of the Cayman Islands’ spectacular beaches. The most famous and popular beach destination is Seven Mile Beach on Grand Cayman, however there are plenty more sun-kissed spots to explore. Some are low-key retreats offering secluded sand time while others are ideal for swinging in a hammock, with a cool cocktail in hand. So, sit back, relax and enjoy some well-deserved beach time. 49 WELCOME CAYMAN STYLE 50 WELCOME CAYMAN STYLE WITH SOFT WHITE SAND AND INVITING BLUE WATERS, visitors will delight in relaxing at any one of the Cayman Islands’ spectacular beaches. The most famous and popular beach destination is Seven Mile Beach on Grand Cayman, however there are plenty more sun-kissed spots to explore. Some are low-key retreats offering secluded sand time while others are ideal for swinging in a hammock, with a cool cocktail in hand. So, sit back, relax and enjoy some well-deserved beach time. BEACH THE WITH SOFT WHITE SAND AND INVITING BLUE WATERS, visitors will delight in relaxing at any one of the Cayman Islands’ spectacular beaches. The most famous and popular beach destination is Seven Mile Beach on Grand Cayman, however there are plenty more sun-kissed spots to explore. Some are low-key retreats offering secluded sand time while others are ideal for swinging in a hammock, with a cool cocktail in hand. So, sit back, relax and enjoy some well-deserved beach time. WITH SOFT WHITE SAND AND INVITING BLUE WATERS, visitors will delight in relaxing at any one of the Cayman Islands’ spectacular beaches. The most famous and popular beach destination is Seven Mile Beach on Grand Cayman, however there are plenty more sun-kissed spots to explore. Some are low-key retreats offering secluded sand time while others are ideal for swinging in a hammock, with a cool cocktail in hand. So, sit back, relax and enjoy some well-deserved beach time. 16 WELCOME THE BEACH GRAND CAYMAN IS RENOWNED for its spectacular white-sand beaches. Powdery soft beaches can be found dotted across the island, each offering different scenery and experiences. Here are some tops spots to check out: SEVEN MILE BEACH Famous for a reason, Seven Mile Beach – which is actually 5.5 miles long – offers stretches of white sand and crystal-clear waters. It can be busy around the hotels, but you can usually find a spot away from the crowds to relax in solitude. Notable spots are: West Bay Public Beach: parking, cabanas, toilets, changing facilities, dock, nearby restaurants. Governors Beach: Ample parking, excellent snorkelling and a mobility (mobi) mat. Can get busy on weekends or peak tourist season. Public Beach: Cabanas, children’s playgrounds, toilets, a mobi mat and changing areas. Cemetery Beach: Shade, snorkelling and the wreck of the USS Kittiwake. SMITH BARCADERE Also known as Smith’s Cove, this sheltered cove with natural limestone outcrops is a local favourite, with picnic benches, restrooms and showers. There is ample parking across the road and excellent snorkelling attractions. This spot can get busy on weekends and when tourists are on island. SOUTH SOUND BEACH More rustic than Seven Mile Beach, South Sound Beach varies throughout the year. Sometimes calm, and sometimes breezy and rough, it is always beautiful and less visited than its Seven Mile sister. Consuelo’s Beach forms part of this stretch and is popular with surfers in rougher weather. SPOTTS BEACH On the southern side of the island, Spotts Beach is nestled within ironshore cliffs and its sea grass provides turtles with somewhere safe to munch. Snorkellers can usually spot them early morning or late afternoon. BEACH BAY A secluded and rocky beach by one of the highest parts of the island. The area is due to become home to a large hotel. BEST BEACHES Grand Cayman 17 WELCOME THE BEACH COE WOOD BEACH Situated in Bodden Town, this beach is often quiet. The small beach boasts children’s playground and cabanas, restrooms, dock, a mobi mat and nearby Grape Tree Café, which serves up a delicious fish fry. GOVERNOR RUSSELL BEACH Bodden Town’s Governor Russell Beach offers picnic benches, cabanas and excellent snorkelling. HERITAGE BEACH This East End beach has a stage and boat ramp and can turn into a hive of social activity. A fish fry and ample parking make this an easy place to stop. Not a great spot for snorkelling. COLLIERS BEACH Also found in East End, this quiet beach offers shallow snorkelling and a relaxed feel with a nearby fish fry, making it a great spot for a picnic. BO MILLER BEACH This Old May Bay beach is small, breezy, and is the location of a family cemetery. RUM POINT AND CAYMAN KAI The beaches in this area are quiet with calm waters and include Rum Point’s shallow waters, Starfish Point’s resident starfish (do not take them out of the water), and Cayman Kai Public Beach. BARKER’S BEACH Regular winds and shallow reef-protected waters make Barkers – located in West Bay – a kitesurfer’s paradise. The rustic sands also play host to horseback riding, dog walking, and a stop on the ATV adventure route. See page 60 for information on beaches in the Sister Islands. Grand Cayman’s beaches vary from powdery white sand and calm waters, to rustic hideaways in quieter corners of the island.16 WELCOME THE BEACH GRAND CAYMAN IS RENOWNED for its spectacular white-sand beaches. Powdery soft beaches can be found dotted across the island, each offering different scenery and experiences. Here are some tops spots to check out: SEVEN MILE BEACH Famous for a reason, Seven Mile Beach – which is actually 5.5 miles long – offers stretches of white sand and crystal-clear waters. It can be busy around the hotels, but you can usually find a spot away from the crowds to relax in solitude. Notable spots are: West Bay Public Beach: parking, cabanas, toilets, changing facilities, dock, nearby restaurants. Governors Beach: Ample parking, excellent snorkelling and a mobility (mobi) mat. Can get busy on weekends or peak tourist season. Public Beach: Cabanas, children’s playgrounds, toilets, a mobi mat and changing areas. Cemetery Beach: Shade, snorkelling and the wreck of the USS Kittiwake. SMITH BARCADERE Also known as Smith’s Cove, this sheltered cove with natural limestone outcrops is a local favourite, with picnic benches, restrooms and showers. There is ample parking across the road and excellent snorkelling attractions. This spot can get busy on weekends and when tourists are on island. SOUTH SOUND BEACH More rustic than Seven Mile Beach, South Sound Beach varies throughout the year. Sometimes calm, and sometimes breezy and rough, it is always beautiful and less visited than its Seven Mile sister. Consuelo’s Beach forms part of this stretch and is popular with surfers in rougher weather. SPOTTS BEACH On the southern side of the island, Spotts Beach is nestled within ironshore cliffs and its sea grass provides turtles with somewhere safe to munch. Snorkellers can usually spot them early morning or late afternoon. BEACH BAY A secluded and rocky beach by one of the highest parts of the island. The area is due to become home to a large hotel. BEST BEACHES Grand Cayman 17 WELCOME THE BEACH COE WOOD BEACH Situated in Bodden Town, this beach is often quiet. The small beach boasts children’s playground and cabanas, restrooms, dock, a mobi mat and nearby Grape Tree Café, which serves up a delicious fish fry. GOVERNOR RUSSELL BEACH Bodden Town’s Governor Russell Beach offers picnic benches, cabanas and excellent snorkelling. HERITAGE BEACH This East End beach has a stage and boat ramp and can turn into a hive of social activity. A fish fry and ample parking make this an easy place to stop. Not a great spot for snorkelling. COLLIERS BEACH Also found in East End, this quiet beach offers shallow snorkelling and a relaxed feel with a nearby fish fry, making it a great spot for a picnic. BO MILLER BEACH This Old May Bay beach is small, breezy, and is the location of a family cemetery. RUM POINT AND CAYMAN KAI The beaches in this area are quiet with calm waters and include Rum Point’s shallow waters, Starfish Point’s resident starfish (do not take them out of the water), and Cayman Kai Public Beach. BARKER’S BEACH Regular winds and shallow reef-protected waters make Barkers – located in West Bay – a kitesurfer’s paradise. The rustic sands also play host to horseback riding, dog walking, and a stop on the ATV adventure route. See page 60 for information on beaches in the Sister Islands. Grand Cayman’s beaches vary from powdery white sand and calm waters, to rustic hideaways in quieter corners of the island.Next >