welcome to your cayman islands vacation!
Grand Cayman Island and the Sister Islands, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman, consistently rank among the world's top diving and vacation destinations. Beautiful beaches, incredibly clear water, colorful reefs, dramatic walls and lots of marine animals lure divers and vacationers alike. Locatde just 150 miles south of Cuba, Cayman is an English-speaking British Crown colony and has the highest per capita income in the Caribbean. The government is stable and the islands are so safe that even the police don't carry guns. If you're looking for consistent quality with all the modern world conveniences (no worries about drinking the water, for example) Cayman definitely delivers.
When not scuba diving, there are lots of other activities to keep you busy. Grand Cayman offers submarine rides down to 1000 feet, horseback riding, excellent food, fishing, parasailing, windsurfing, kite boarding, tennis, golf, duty-free shopping, night life, walking tours of historic George Town, sunset and dinner cruises and scenic drives around the island.
Grand Cayman island
SUNSET HOUSE
This dedicated diving resort has been a favorite of divers for many years. It is located one mile south of George Town (the south end of Seven-Mile Beach). Great shore diving is just a few kicks away from the hotel. Divers also enjoy boat pickup from the hotel dock by Sunset Divers. Their thatched-roof restaurant "My Bar" is a local favorite.
GRAND CAYMAN DIVE SITES
The Cayman Islands have a long history of recreational diving in the Caribbean. Pioneer Bob Soto opened Grand Cayman's first dive shop in 1957. Now, there are more than 40 dive operators and 200 sites marked with mooring buoys.
Their warm, calm waters with 100 foot plus visibility offers an amazing variety of marine life and coral. Each island offers very different diving adventures for divers of all levels - from novice to expert diving with Nitrox and tech diving available. There are several wrecks scattered throughout the islands like the Caribbean's only diveable Russian shipwreck, the 330 ft. M/V Captain Keith Tibbetts on Cayman Brac.
As the resorts located to the south and north of Seven-Mile Beach are on rocky shorelines, world-class shore diving is steps from your hotel room. The Sunset House has shore diving on great reefs, the Nicholson wreck and even a statue of a mermaid (great photo opportunity). From the Cobalt Coast you can access the incredible North Wall. Either use fin power or rent a scooter to zip out to the wall.
When diving in Grand Cayman, most dive operators can take you diving on the north, south, west and sometimes east sides of the island so you can almost always find calm water.
The Cayman Islands observe strict conservation laws. They ask you to observe the following simple rule when diving - look, but don't touch! Coral reefs are extremely sensitive to being touched by divers and you may create more damage than you ever imagined. Some coral grows less than an inch per year and breakage by careless divers can take decades to be repaired.
STINGRAY CITY This is one of the world's most famous dives. Interact with the the friendly Southern Stingrays in a shallow 12-15 foot dive. A great place for snorkelers join the divers and play with the friendly rays!
NORTH WALL The North Wall is famous for its sheer drop off and its series of canyon ways and chimneys. Frequent schools of Eagle Rays and Horse Eye Jacks circle and play in the clear water, ever watchful for the cruising Hammerhead or Black Tip Shark. Explore canyon ways lined with sponges and towering coral formations with lobsters, crabs and moray eels watching you. Visit sites such as Eagle Ray Pass, Black Forest, Tarpon Alley, Chinese Wall and No Name Wall…to name but a few! A great morning’s diving for the experienced wall diver.
EAST WALLS As the east side of Grand Cayman is not very populated with few diving resorts, these virgin walls don't see a lot of divers. Some of the most pristine diving in the Caymans, you can dive rarely visited sites including "Babylon", named after the hanging gardens of folklore and famous for its huge trees of Black Coral and incredible coral and sponge life.
SOUTH WALLS This side of Grand Cayman offers an array of life unlike any other of the wall dives available. Soft corals fan out into the nutrient rich water and huge pinnacles are covered with reef fish and a huge variety of sponges and coral. The South side of the Island is the deepest side, with the top of the wall starting as deep as 80 or 90 feet and falling away seemingly endlessly. Join us at Hole in the Wall, The Sisters or Chinese Wall. The shallows are amongst the prettiest on the Island, with a maze of twisting canyon ways and swim-throughs. Stag Horn and Elk Horn coral provide a unique silhouette on your dive as you explore ledges and caverns. Sites such as Kent’s Caves, Japanese Gardens, Exotica and Della’s Delight are just a few of the sites you may visit.
CAYMAN ISLANDS VISITOR’S GUIDE
Cayman Islands - Visitors to the Cayman Islands enjoy a tropical paradise, but without the many hassles and inconveniences of traveling to a developing country. The Cayman Islands are located just 150 miles south of Cuba (only an hour flight from Miami). It is an English-speaking British Crown colony with the highest per capita income in the Caribbean. The government is extremely stable and the island is so safe that even the police don't carry guns. Grand Cayman has all the modern conveniences, yet it is different enough to feel like you're in another country. The Cayman Islands are on Eastern Standard Time year-round (they don’t observe Daylight Savings Time). Electricity is 110 volt, 60 cycle, same as in the U.S.
Documentation – US citizens will need a passport to travel to the Cayman Islands beginning Jan 23, 2007.
Citizens of some countries also need a Visa - see http://www.caymanislands.ky/getting_there/entry_requirements.aspx Airline tickets and documents must be in the same name (or you must carry additional documentation to explain any discrepancy, such as a marriage certificate). No vaccinations are required. PLEASE be sure that you are carrying correct documentation - you will not be able to board your airplane without it.
Flight Info - Airlines sometimes make last minute changes to flight itineraries. For this reason & for your own peace of mind, we recommend that you call your airline 72 hours and again at 24 hours for extra peace of mind prior to departure to reconfirm your flight times and flight numbers in each direction. International flights require check-in at the main airline ticket counter (NOT the gate!) at least 2 hours prior to departure. The departure tax from the Cayman Islands is included in the price of your air ticket.
Entering the Caymans - When you check in for your flight, or on the plane, you’ll be given a Cayman Islands Immigration Card. Complete both the top & bottom sections before you land. As you clear immigration, you’ll show this and your proof of citizenship to the agent. He or she will keep the top part, you’ll keep the bottom: store it in a safe place, since you’ll need it to leave the country. Lost paperwork can be remedied, but at considerable hassle. If you lose your Immigration Card, get to the airport several hours before departure, and ask airline or immigration personnel what to do. You’ll also complete a customs declaration form (one per family). Carrying any contraband - like guns, drugs, pornography, or fruits and vegetables - is a very bad idea. Cayman has very serious laws regarding their import.
Transportation – For those staying on Grand Cayman, we recommend renting a car (if you're comfortable driving on the left!). There are several rental agencies across the street from the airport. The rates are very reasonable (about $25/day + tax and collision insurance). If you are staying on Seven Mile Beach, it is not necessary to have a car. Taxis are available and there is a daily bus service which runs from 6 am until midnight depending on the route and the day of travel. The bus fare also depends on the route and varies between CI$1.50 to CI$3.00 per person. If you are staying on Cayman Brac or Little Cayman, car rental is not necessary as the islands are quite small.
Weather - Balmy breezes all year, with rare cold snaps (60s - brr!) in the dead of winter. Highs April-November: 90s, December-March: 80s. Lows usually in the 70s. Light jackets are a good idea in the winter.
Luggage - Most airlines enforce a 3 bag limit (two checked, one carry-on) for international flights. Checked bags are usually limited to 50 or 70 pounds each. Remember to pack depth gauges in your carry-on bags. Pack lightly – Cayman is normally informal and tropical. There are a few nicer restaurants on Grand Cayman, so pack accordingly. Some items to remember: several swimming suits, mostly t-shirts, shorts and casual resort wear, comfortable shoes, flip flops, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, insect repellent, and windbreaker or light jacket.
Money – Credit cards are widely accepted throughout the islands. The Cayman Islands Dollar (CI$) equals US$1.25 or, the US dollar equals CI $.80. There are ATMs on Grand Cayman in town and along West Bar Road, but none on Little Cayman and Cayman Brac. Tip as you would in the U.S. Of course, tipping depends entirely on the quality of service you receive. Waiters and bartenders get 15-20% of the bill. Dive boat crew, about US$10 / trip. Your hotel maid will appreciate a few dollars or so per day, left in the room upon departure. If you’re pleased with the service, consider tipping a bit extra.
Crime – Very rare in the Cayman Islands – the policemen don’t even carry guns. But take sensible precautions... as you would anywhere. Don’t leave valuable lying around, and don’t flash large amounts of cash in public. Your hotel has a safe-deposit service for your valuables - take advantage of this, for your own peace of mind.
Eating and Drinking – Of course, fresh seafood is heavily featured at many restaurants. Their West Indian heritage is reflected at many restaurants with lots of influence from their North American cousins. Ethnic restaurants are popular including Italian, Greek, Chinese and Indian, just to name a few. There are also sophisticated European-style restaurants with world-class chefs. Many places feature live music and gorgeous ocean views. The water is safe to drink – just like in the U.S.
If you’re staying on Little Cayman or Cayman Brac, there are few dining options outside those at your resort – you will, however, enjoy a wide variety of foods served buffet style at Little Cayman Beach Resort and Brac Reef Beach Resort!
Problems - Staff at the hotels and dive shop will be able to help you resolve almost any problem that comes up. If you’re unhappy with your hotel room for any reason, tell the front desk or manager, and ask them to resolve the situation. For serious situations, emergencies, or assistance with problems you can’t resolve locally, call us at Bay Adventures (Miami) at 305-981-0050. IMPORTANT: if you believe you are being charged unfairly for something, get a receipt and the name of the person who insists on payment – otherwise there is no recourse for getting your money back!
Communications - You can direct dial from your hotel room to the US. Hotels will add a long distance surcharge, so check first. Many travelers return home to huge unexpected phone bills. Most US cell phones will work from all of the Cayman Islands. Here are some useful phone numbers. From the U.S., direct-dial 1-345 plus the numbers below:
WHEN NOT DIVING...
Check with your hotel for to make arrangements for land activities on Grand Cayman. Popular activities include:
Take an island tour. Several companies in George Town offer island tours ranging from local culture and heritage to nature trails and eco-systems. The Great Cayman Outdoors Experience is a full day tour that combines horseback riding along the beach, a submarine adventure, shopping for eco-crafts and a nature tour.
Go to Hell! This tiny town is located on the rugged northwestern coast. Buy some souvenirs from Hell at the gift shop (where the proprietor wears red cloths and horns) or send a postcard from Hell complete with a "hell" postmark.
Visit the Turtle Farm. This is the only self-sufficient turtle farm in the world. You’ll see hundreds of turtles ranging from tiny hatchlings to huge adults weighing hundreds of pounds.
Go bowling at the Stingray Bowling Center located along Seven Mile Beach. They have ten lanes with computerized scoring, satellite television, video arcade, pro shop and a snack bar.
Rent a car and drive around the island on your own. Rentals are inexpensive (about $25/day plus tax and insurance). The southern and eastern coasts are much more rugged than civilized Seven Mile Beach. The shops and restaurants are replaced with local towns and scenic vistas. Before heading out of town, stop by the National Trust of the Cayman Islands for copies of historical walking tours and other information. They are located off Old Courts Road and Eastern Ave. (949-0121).
Visit Pedro St. James, the oldest building in Grand Cayman (located along the southern coast). Very little has changed since Englishman William Eden and his slaves lived here in the late 1700s. Walking through the house and grounds will take you back to that plantation life-style era.
Visit the Cayman Islands National Museum (located in the heart of George Town facing the ocean) to learn about the island’s history.
And a few more suggestions -
Your vacation begins the moment you walk out your front door. Enjoy!
Use our advice as a starting point for your own exploration, and you’ll find that great sunsets, exhilarating diving, and the beautiful waters are only the beginnings of a great vacation. Have a great trip!
Dive Gear - tanks and weights are provided. You bring (or rent) the rest. Remember mask, snorkel, fins, regulator, BC, booties, slate, dive light, depth gauge, bottom timer or watch, computer/dive tables, camera and film, logbook and weight belt (without weights). A mesh bag packed inside your gear bag for traveling, can be handy for carrying and rinsing your gear. Bring extra: mask and fin straps, snorkel keeper, batteries. Ocean water temperature varies from about 74 in the winter to the mid 80s in the summer. A light tropical shorty or dive skin is great for summer and fall; you may want more thermal protection in the winter.
Reef Diving – The reefs in Grand Cayman are not far off shore. There is diving on all sides – north, south, east and west....so no matter what the wind is doing, there is almost always calm water somewhere. The famous Stingray City is in the North Sound area. Most all dive shops offer weekly trips there (or sometimes several times a week depending on demand).
Cayman has some incredible wall dives. Normally a two-tank boat dive will consist of a deeper wall dive first, followed by a shallower reef dive. Shore diving is done all over the island. It is most accessible if you are staying at the Sunset House or the Cobalt Coast. You can access wall dives from shore at both these resorts. Scooters are also available at the Cobalt Coast for quick access to the wall.
They are very serious about reef preservation in the Caymans. They practice no-hands diving, don’t touch and only take photos. Please also steam-line your equipment and clip your gauges to your BC. Remember that your group leaders and boat crews are there to help you enjoy yourself, so don’t hesitate to ask questions, discuss