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Plan Your Trip to Grand Cayman: Best of Grand Cayman Tourism

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Grand Cayman

The largest of the Cayman Islands, Grand Cayman is all about down-shifting into holiday mode. Seven Mile Beach and Smith Cove are just two of the many beautiful beaches where you can really settle into sun-and-sand mode, while Stingray City (actually a sandbar) lets you bob along next to a community of stingrays. But that's not the only nature you can get up close and personal with: Starfish and turtles are basically everywhere, plus you'll find stalactite-filled caves and black limestone formations to explore too. If you're looking to head in-land, stroll through colourful George Town for shopping and sightseeing or grab a beer at Cayman Islands Brewery. There's more to see and we've got plenty of recs below.
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Essential Grand Cayman

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Travel Advice

How to do Grand Cayman in 3 days

From powder-white sands to wildlife to the best conch stew
Read on

Where to find local eats in Grand Cayman

Seven Mile Beach's fancy eats are great, but nothing beats the thrill of forking into Grand Cayman's lesser known culinary paths in Bodden Town, East End, and beyond. From smoky roadside BBQs filled with the aromas of jerk chicken to cosy family kitchens, here’s where to find the real flavours of Grand Cayman.
paulgoesthere, New York City, NY
  • VIVO! Restaurant & Catering
    21
    A hidden gem under the Lighthouse Point Hotel is a slam-dunk for anyone looking for tasty gluten-free and vegan options. But I’m here to testify that this spot is a paradise for all taste buds. The kitchen creates dishes with a local twist; choosing between the fish burger and the vegan curry is the kind of decision I live for). And those pumpkin fritters—yum. Extra bonus: There’s a breathtaking view, too.
  • Pepper's Bar and Grill
    1,783
    Pepper’s delivers it all: a lively crowd of sun-kissed tourists and easy-going locals, killer live music when you want to get on the dance floor, and a menu overflowing with local flavours. The fish and chips, ceviche, and jerk chicken are all show-stoppers.
  • Big Tree BBQ
    729
    I stumbled upon this roadside gem and now can’t stop talking about the downhome cooking. The menu is written on a blackboard; I recommend the fried snapper served with yuca, plantain, and the classic rice and beans if it’s available. For meat lovers, the oxtail is a rib-tickling delight. Wash it all down with a non alcoholic “Swanky”—it's like if an Arnold Palmer took a Caribbean holiday and added a zesty ginger kick.
  • Heritage Kitchen
    880
    Good luck putting your fork down at Heritage Kitchen, a local hideaway behind the Tortuga liquor shop in quaint Heritage Square. This is where I land for some no-nonsense, flavour-packed eating. The hearty fish soup and coconut mahi mahi here are the stuff of legends. Grab a seat on a picnic bench or, my personal sweet spot, the sea wall for water views with your meal.
  • Vivine's Kitchen
    468
    Dining here is like hitting a Caymanian food jackpot. Park where you can—everyone's here for Vivine's legendary eats—then grab a waterfront seat. The menu is a mystery until you spot the hand-scribbled daily dishes on the chalkboard—think stewed turtle or curried goat for the adventurous. The less exotic chicken and chips (fries) get a perfect “10” from me. Tip: Skip the booze and opt for fresh tamarind juice.
  • Chicken! Chicken! Caribbean Wood Roasted
    1,345
    If these walls could cluck, they'd boast about the best-kept secret in Grand Cayman: a place where rotisserie chicken is a legend. Picture chicken so tender it practically falls into your lap, roasted over a hardwood hearth. It's generally a grab-and-go situation here, but the old-timey Cayman cottage vibes might just make you want to linger. Dig into sides that'll make your taste buds do a happy dance—honey-rum beans and island cornbread, among them.
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Grand Cayman travel advice

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These questions and answers were created by AI, using the most common questions travellers ask in the forums.

Availability and Pricing

Some travelers have mentioned options like Turtle Nest Inn, which offers a rental car included in the price, daily housekeeping, and a pool, with no additional fees aside from taxes. Rates at Sunset House without a dive package are around $400 per night during the winter season. Paradise Pointe is also suggested as a more economical choice, potentially available for $150 a night off-season.

Location and Amenities

According to forum posts, accommodations such as Sunshine Suites & Morritts or the Wyndham Reef on the East End provide various amenities. The Turtle Nest Inn is praised for being on the beach in Bodden Town, while Sunset House is located just south of Georgetown. For those looking for budget-friendly options, accommodations like the simplest rooms at Sunset House or rentals in the Kaibo area or in Bodden Town are recommended.

Considerations and Tips

Travelers have called out that Grand Cayman can be a pricey destination, and finding lower-cost accommodations is increasingly challenging as it becomes a luxury destination. It's important to consider the timing of your visit, as rates typically drop after April 15, which is the end of the high season.

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Beach Bar Recommendations

According to forum posts, Macabuca in West Bay is highly recommended for its ocean view and casual eats, with multiple users emphasizing it as a must-visit. Coccoloba at the Kimpton on Seven Mile Beach is also praised for its great drinks and bar food right on the beach.

Additional Options

Some travelers mentioned Royal Palms and Calico Jacks as fun beach bars, especially for cruise visitors looking to enjoy music and a lively atmosphere on Seven Mile Beach. However, it's noted that these locations can be quite crowded due to their popularity with cruise ship passengers.

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Renovations and Accessibility

According to forum posts, Rum Point is currently undergoing renovations, which may affect the availability of certain activities and facilities. Some travelers mentioned that the area is not fully open and advised waiting until the renovations are complete for a better experience.

Beach and Water Activities

Travelers have called out that Rum Point offers good snorkeling opportunities, although it requires swimming out a considerable distance. The beach area is undergoing significant development, which has altered some of its original rustic charm. The water near the shore can be less clear due to seagrass growth.

Dining and Amenities

For many users, the dining options at Rum Point are a highlight, with several recommending nearby restaurants like Tukka and Kaibo for good seafood and rum selections. However, the prices for food and amenities at Rum Point can be high, as indicated by a traveler's report of a $200+ lunch for five people.

Overall Experience

Some travelers suggest that despite the ongoing developments and changes, Rum Point remains a worthwhile visit for those seeking a quieter, less developed part of the island compared to more commercial areas like Seven Mile Beach.

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Popular Choices

According to forum posts, Red Sail is a common recommendation among divers due to its convenience for those staying in central areas of Seven Mile Beach. It is noted for its large boats which some divers prefer for comfort and less crowding.

Small Group Preference

For divers interested in smaller group experiences, some travelers suggested Living the Dream, which is owned by Gary and Liz and is known for its personalized service. InDepth Watersports and Cayman University Divers are also recommended for smaller group dives, particularly on the West Bay or northern Seven Mile Beach.

East End Options

Ocean Frontiers is highly recommended for those staying on the East side of Grand Cayman. It provides easy access to unique dive sites that are difficult to reach from the Seven Mile Beach area. This operator is known for accommodating both novice and experienced divers with a variety of dive profiles.

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Safety and Availability

According to forum posts, travelers generally feel safe using taxis in Grand Cayman, even when traveling solo. Taxis are readily available, and it is common for drivers to provide personal contact information for direct calls, enhancing convenience and safety.

Booking and Costs

Some travelers suggested pre-arranging rides with specific drivers like Shawn Smith, who is highly recommended for his professionalism and reliability. There is also an app called CI:GO that helps users estimate taxi fares beforehand, ensuring transparency in pricing.

Specific Recommendations

Travelers have called out specific taxi drivers by name, indicating a preference for personalized service. For instance, Shawn Smith is mentioned multiple times for his excellent service, suggesting that building a rapport with a particular driver could enhance the taxi experience in Grand Cayman.

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Hotel Options

According to forum posts, the Westin, Ritz Carlton, and Kimpton Seafire are highly recommended for their larger beachfronts along Seven Mile Beach. Travelers have noted that while these hotels offer extensive amenities, they can become crowded when at full occupancy.

Condo Options

Some travelers suggest considering condo rentals for a more spacious and potentially less crowded beach experience. Recommended condos include the Caribbean Club, Meridian, Beachcomber, Coralstone, and Casa Caribe, which are noted for their large beachfronts and central locations on Seven Mile Beach.

Alternative Hotel

Palm Heights is another hotel option highlighted by users. It has a smaller scale compared to the Ritz and Westin, which might give a perception of a more extensive beachfront due to fewer guests.

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Current Beach Condition

According to forum posts, the beach near the Marriott in Grand Cayman has suffered significant erosion, with the water now reaching the sea wall. This has resulted in a substantial reduction of the beach area, often leaving little to no sand space available for beachgoers.

Beach Access and Alternatives

Travelers have reported that direct beach access from the Marriott is limited, with ocean entry points now primarily through stairs leading directly into the water. Some users recommend checking nearby beaches like Governors Beach for better sand and less erosion, which is within walking distance and offers a more traditional beach experience.

Traveler Insights

For those considering staying at the Marriott, it's suggested to set expectations regarding the beach conditions. While the hotel continues to offer excellent service and amenities, the beachfront may not meet the typical desires for a beach resort experience due to ongoing erosion issues.

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Proximity to Airport

Some travelers have indicated that GTYC restaurant is close to Grand Cayman Airport and offers a shuttle service to and from the air terminal, making it a convenient dining option for those on layovers or awaiting flights.

Restaurant Recommendations

According to forum posts, George Town Yacht Club is highly recommended for its delightful food and drinks in a tropical setting, with cracked conch being a particularly praised dish.

Additional Options

For a broader range of choices, the central Seven Mile Beach area, though more exclusive and expensive, is within reach and offers various eateries and shops, accessible especially if staying nearby or renting a car.

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