Grand Cayman

The Cayman Islands enjoy a warm tropical climate year-round, with average daytime highs ranging from approximately 29°C in winter to 32°C in summer. 

The dry season runs from November to April, with March typically the driest month. This popular travel period coincides with Canadian winters, so accommodation rates tend to be higher. If you’re looking for savings, hotel rates tend to drop from May to mid-November. 

Plan your vacay with added peace of mind through the Cayman Islands’ Worry Free Hurricane Guarantee. Available through participating accommodation partners across all three islands, the program covers cancellations triggered by a Cayman Islands Government-issued hurricane watch, as well as compensation if your stay is cut short by inclement weather. Benefits and terms vary by property, so review your accommodation provider’s policy before booking. .

The three Cayman Islands – Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman, each offer a distinct holiday experience. 

Grand Cayman’s culinary scene ranges from casual local favourites to fine dining, with many options along Seven Mile Beach and in West Bay. With 14 Wine Spectator award-winning restaurants, there’s plenty for wine lovers to discover. Waterfront restaurants offer the chance to linger over dinner with a view of the sea. 

Cayman Brac takes its name from its striking limestone bluff, with “brac” meaning “bluff” in Gaelic. The island is a natural choice for outdoor adventure, with opportunities for rock climbing, cave exploration, hiking, birdwatching and diving. 

Little Cayman is the smallest of the three islands, where a relaxed pace and abundant wildlife make it easy to slow down. Roadside signs declaring “Iguanas have the right of way” hint at how much nature is part of everyday life. Visit Booby Pond Nature Reserve to see red-footed boobies, or kayak out to Owen Island for a quiet beach escape. Offshore, Little Cayman’s famous Bloody Bay Wall offers spectacular diving. 

Healthy coral reefs surround all three islands, while steep walls close to shore create exceptional sites for diving and sport fishing. Underwater visibility is often well beyond 36 metres. 

Though Grand Cayman may be grand in name, when it comes to size, the term is relative. The area of Grand Cayman is 197 sq. km. With the Sister Islands added in, this British Overseas Territory has a land mass of just 259 sq. km., not much larger than that of Saskatoon. Lying 145 km northeast of Grand Cayman, the Sister Islands are separated by a channel about 11 km wide. There is no ferry service between them. 

Little Cayman is flat, with its highest point reaching just 17 metres, while Grand Cayman rises only slightly higher to 24 metres. By comparison, Cayman Brac has a 44-metre limestone bluff on its eastern shore, dotted with caves. If you like exploring, the cliffside path is ideal for birdwatching and hiking. 

On Little Cayman, you can stroll across more than a dozen secluded beaches, or explore the lagoons, mangrove forests, salt ponds and wetlands. 

Grand Cayman’s most striking feature is North Sound. This shallow, reef-protected lagoon is home to the famous Stingray City.

As a British Overseas Territory, the Cayman Islands retain strong links with Britain and enjoy a parliamentary democracy. English is the official language, while Caymanian dialect reflects the islands’ heritage, with distinctive expressions and variations between districts and islands. 

Today, the Cayman Islands has a population of over 90,000, bringing together Caymanians and residents from a wide range of cultural backgrounds. 

Visitors can expect a warm Caymanian welcome. Faith and family play an important role in island life, and for many, Sundays are a time for worship and gathering around the table. Sunday brunch is very popular, with plentiful options at Seven Mile Beach’s resort hotels and local restaurants. 

The islands’ international community is reflected in their diverse restaurants, where global flavours sit alongside traditional Caymanian dishes. 

The Cayman Islands National Museum in George Town is an excellent place to explore the islands’ longstanding nautical traditions. If you’re a history buff, you’ll enjoy the exhibits and videos about the islands’ past, including a traditional handmade catboat from their early seafaring days. 

Car rentals, scooters, taxis and public transportation are readily available on Grand Cayman. 

People drive on the left-hand side of the road. Allow extra travel time during morning and evening rush hours, particularly around George Town.

Taxis in Cayman Islands 

Most travellers to Grand Cayman will find local taxis a convenient way to get around. Taxis here aren’t metered, but fares are regulated by the government. 

Outside of Grand Cayman, taxis are less common. Ask your accommodation provider to help arrange transportation or recommend local rental options. 

The Cayman Islands by Bus 

Public buses around Grand Cayman offer an affordable way to explore the island. Minibuses connect the island’s districts, with routes starting and ending at the George Town bus terminal on Edward Street. Buses display route numbers in coloured circles to help passengers identify their service. Fares and operating hours vary by route. 

Car Rentals

You can easily get by without a car in Grand Cayman, especially if you’re staying in the Seven Mile Beach area. However, if you plan to explore beyond the main hotel zone or stay on one of the Sister Islands, consider renting a car for greater flexibility.

Major car rental companies are available at the airport, and many large hotels can also assist with car rentals. Canadian visitors will need a valid Canadian driver’s licence to rent a car.

The currency used in the Cayman Islands is the Cayman Islands dollar (KYD), often abbreviated as CI$. U.S. dollars and major credit cards are also widely accepted. If you pay in U.S. dollars, change is generally given in Cayman Islands dollars. ATMs are available at banks and other locations around Grand Cayman, making it easy to withdraw cash.

Grand Cayman’s Owen Roberts International Airport is located in George Town, on the western side of the island. Upon arrival, you’ll clear immigration, collect your baggage and proceed through customs before travelling to your resort or hotel. Taxis are readily available outside the arrivals terminal, and car rental options are located nearby. 

If you've booked a tour through WestJet Vacations, look for a representative from Cayman Destination Management Transfers holding a WestJet Vacations sign. Identify yourself as a WestJet guest and you will be transported to your hotel.  

From the airport, it takes approximately 15 minutes to reach hotels along Seven Mile Beach and 10 minutes to reach central George Town. If you’re heading to East End or West Bay, allow approximately 30–45 minutes, depending on traffic and your accommodation’s location. 

Vaccinations 

Canadian travellers should ensure they are up to date on routine vaccinations and review current travel health guidance before departure. 

The Cayman Islands uses the same plug types as Canada, so Canadian travellers generally won’t need a plug adapter.