Visiting and Staying on the Islands

• Are there any nude beaches?

  You will not find any nude beaches in the Cayman Islands. In fact, the law prohibits all forms of public nudity, including topless sunbathing. Many business places also request that you wear shoes and an appropriate cover-up before entering.

• Are there car rentals near Grand Cayman’s cruise port?

  The car rental company closest to the port is Cayman Auto Rentals, which is a 5-minute walk north of the cruise terminal. For more listings of auto rentals and transportation companies click here.

• Can I bring my pet?

  An Import Permit application must be obtained from the Cayman Islands Department of Agriculture prior to importing any live animal. Import permits for dogs and cats must be completed and submitted with an official health certificate of the pet(s), a rabies laboratory titre report and the processing fee for the import permit. No dog or cat will be allowed entry into the Cayman Islands unless it is at least ten (10) months old.

   For all procedures required to bring a pet into the Cayman Islands, visit www.customs.gov.ky.

• Can we bring meat into the country?

  Importation of meat and meat products for consumption would legally require an accompanied Certificate of Wholesomeness from the country of origin, irrespective of the type of meat. Meats are permitted only from a specific list of approved countries; meats from other countries or regions are prohibited. Conditions may be specific to a particular country or group of countries. Carcasses of endangered species intended for consumption are prohibited. For more information, visit www.customs.gov.ky. 

• Can we camp in the Cayman Islands?

  There are no designated camp sites in the Cayman Islands; however, camping on public land or private land with the permission of the owner is in fact legal. The Department of Environmental Health requires all campers to adhere to proper safety, disposal and sanitation practices while camping. Find more information about camping in the Cayman Islands here or by visiting deh.gov.ky

• Do I need a passport to enter the Cayman Islands?

  Most likely, you will need a passport to enter the Cayman Islands. You can review the most up-to-date information on entry requirements from the Cayman Islands Immigration Department.

• Do I need a visa to enter the Cayman Islands?

  You may or may not require a visa depending on your country of origin or mode of travel. Visit www.immigration.gov.ky for more information on visa requirements.

• Does the Cayman Islands have its own currency?

  Yes we do! But we also use U.S. currency interchangeably.

  The Cayman Islands currency was first issued in 1972. The basic unit is the dollar, issued in notes with denominations of KY$100, 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 and coins valued at 25 cents, 10, 5 and 1 cent.

• How hot does it get?

  The average temperature in the winter is 70-85 degrees Fahrenheit and 75-90 degrees in the summer. In the winter and summer, the temperature generally stays within the range of 70-90 degrees Fahrenheit day or night. The months with the least humidity and lowest temperatures are December through April.

  We should also point out that most properties offer air-conditioned rooms and the seasonal trade winds in our region help to make our islands even more enjoyable.

• How much alcohol can I bring into the Cayman Islands?

  All travellers over the age of 18 may bring:

  Up to 1 litre of potable spirits

  OR 4 litres of wine

  OR 1 case of beer (not exceeding 8 litres).

  Visit www.customs.gov.ky for more information on allowances. Please note that we do have many liquor stores on island that have a wide variety of beers and spirits to suit your needs.

• How much is a taxi from the Cruise Port Terminal?

  Taxi and shuttle rates from the Cruise Port can range from US$4 to US$30 per person for a one-way or round trip. You can find taxi and shuttle rates for approved operators here.

• How much is a taxi from the Owen Roberts International Airport?

  Taxi rates from the Owen Roberts International Airport will vary depending on the destination. The cost for a taxi can range from US$12 to US$75 depending on where you are going and how many people will be transported. For more information on taxi rates and other modes of transportation, visit caymanairports.com.

• In cases of emergency, where are the hospitals located?

  Grand Cayman has three fully-equipped hospitals. The government of the Cayman Islands' Health Services Authority is a modern facility with highly-trained professionals located in George Town, Grand Cayman. It boasts a 24-hour hyperbaric decompression chamber available for divers and an air ambulance service for other emergencies. The phone number for the Health Services Authority is (345) 949-8600. There are also private facilities offering professional medical services on Grand Cayman:

  • CMTH | Doctors Hospital – George Town
  • Doctors Express Urgent Care – George Town
  • Health City Cayman Islands – East End

  Cayman Brac has one government hospital, Faith Hospital. The phone number is (345) 948-2243.

  The Little Cayman Health Centre can be reached at (345) 948-0072. 

• Is fishing allowed from the shore?

  Fishing is the unofficial national sport of the Cayman Islands. The Marine Conservation Law prohibits non-Caymanians from taking any marine life from Cayman waters; however, visitors are allowed to engage in catch-and-release fishing.

• Is there public transportation in the Cayman Islands?

  On Grand Cayman, there is a daily bus service which runs from approximately 6:00am until midnight depending on the route and the day of travel. The bus fare also depends on the route, but varies between CI$1.50 and CI$3.00 per person. The central depot is located in George Town beside the public library on Fort Street. There are some designated bus stops along major routes, but passing buses can also be flagged down from the side of the road at any point. Stickers on the back of each bus outline their route and final destination. Visit our Transportation section for additional information on routes and schedules.  

  Due to the small size of Cayman Brac and Little Cayman, there is no public transportation on either of the sister islands.

• What are the vaccination requirements?

  Vaccinations are not mandatory to enter our islands. If you wish to find out further information, please contact your family doctor or general practitioner. 

• What deals and promotions are currently running in the Cayman Islands?

  To see our latest promotions and events please click here.

• What employment opportunities are available in the Cayman Islands?

  Please review the Cayman Islands Department of Immigration’s up-to-date information about working in the Cayman Islands.

• What is the weather like?

  The year divides into two seasons: summer or "rainy" season, generally from mid-May through October, and winter or "dry" season, from November to April. March and April are the driest months while June and October are typically the rainiest months. Being in a tropical zone, it is not unusual to have brief morning sprinkles or afternoon showers during the summer. Similar to most West Indian Islands, rainfall tends to be higher in the western sections of the islands.

  You can find our 15-day forecast here.

• What kids’ activities are there in the Cayman Islands?

  Kids can enjoy various water sports like the banana boats, two-person parasailing or discovering our fantastic marine world through snorkelling and swimming with colourful tropical fish. Adolescents over 12 years can also learn to dive! View our amazing underwater reefs in submarines, semi-submersibles and glass bottom boats. Not to be missed is our famous Stingray City snorkel trip where everyone becomes a child at heart swimming with tamed southern stingrays in their natural habitat: the open sea.

  Cayman Turtle Centre is located in West Bay where you can find many different species, sizes and ages of turtles in addition to indigenous animals and birds. There is also a nature trail, lagoon and aviary on the property for kids to explore. See www.turtle.ky for more information.

  Other activities include a visit to the Cayman Islands National Museum and the multi-media theatre at Pedro St. James National Historic Site. For kids 10 years and older, horseback riding is available as well as cycling, golf and tennis.

  Some hotels also host kid camps for children under the age of 12. If you are visiting for our national festivals Batabano or Pirates Week, there are numerous activities for children as well.

  If you are staying at a guest house, condo or other accommodation we have a list of childcare service providers to help you enjoy your time in the Cayman Islands even more.

• Where and when are all of the festivals and cultural events?

  The Cayman Islands have a rich history and culture that is celebrated throughout the year, including our famed Pirates Week and Batabano. You can also click here for a complete listing of events.

  Pirates Week

  November is a very exciting time to visit Grand Cayman as we celebrate our National Pirates Week Festival during that month. The festivities usually start with the first of many fireworks displays, best viewed from Hog Sty Bay in George Town. There is a spectacular parade through George Town, heritage day events, costume contests, music, street dances, food festivals and sporting events during the five-day celebration! Pirates Week festivities also take place on the sister islands.

  Cayman Carnival Batabano

  Since its humble beginnings in 1984 as a community event which closed the tourism season, Rotary's Batabano Carnival has grown to become one of the Cayman Islands' most popular national tourism attractions. The carnival draws thousands of residents and visitors out into the streets to enjoy the music and dancing of the Mas' (short for Masquerade). With over 500 costumed participants in the Mas', Batabano's street parade is a wonderfully colourful spectacle.

• Where are the best golf courses in the Cayman Islands?

  There are two golf courses in the Cayman Islands, all located on Grand Cayman. The North Sound Golf Club is located just off West Bay Road, opposite Seven Mile Beach. The island course offers challenging play and panoramic views of North Sound. For more information, visit www.northsoundclub.com

  The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club is a nine-hole course, offering tournament conditioning, customized instruction, equipment rental and a pro shop. Contact The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman for more information. 

• Where are the gyms and fitness centres?

  A number of resorts and condominiums have gym facilities available to their guests. In addition, you can contact any of the following fitness centres on Grand Cayman for rates and times.

  • Anytime Fitness
  • Bliss Living & Yoga
  • Universal Fitness
  • King’s Sports Centre
  • CrossFit Cayman
  • World Gym

• Where can I bank and open an account?

  The Cayman Islands is known internationally for its banking. Many ATMs in the Cayman Islands accept overseas debit and credit cards. Check with your bank prior to traveling to learn about additional fees that may be incurred. Banking information can be obtained from the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority at www.cima.ky.

• Where can I find Wi-Fi or Internet on island?

  Many, if not most, of the accommodations and businesses on island provide Wi-Fi or internet access. You should check with them to ensure you have access.

  Below is a list of public Wi-Fi hot spots in the Cayman Islands:

  Airports

  • Charles Kirkconnell Airport - Cayman Brac
  • Owen Roberts International Airport - Grand Cayman
     

  FLOW Locations 

  • Anderson Square - George Town
  • Galleria Plaza- West Bay Road
  • Heritage Square – West Bay
  • Countryside Village - Savannah
  • Cayman Brac Office - Cayman Brac

  Internet Cafes/Coffee Shops

  • Azzurro Coffee Shop
  • Café del Sol Internet Coffee House
  • Cayman Coffee Club
  • Daily Grind
  • Full of Beans Cafe 
  • Lauren’s
  • Paperman’s Coffeehouse
  • Perk Up
  • South West Collective
  • Bodden Town Post Office
  • East End Post Office
  • Hell Post Office
  • North Side Post Office
  • Savannah Post Office
  • Seven Mile Beach Post Office 

  ​Libraries

  • East End Library
  • George Town Library 
  • Teacher Redley Powery Library (West Bay)
  • Bodden Town Library
  • North Side Library
  • Cayman Brac Library