CAYMAN ISLANDS SOLO TRAVEL
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO! CAYMAN ISLANDS TRAVEL GUIDE
PLAN AND BOOK YOUR CAYMAN ISLANDS SOLO TRAVEL
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WELCOME TO THE CAYMAN ISLANDS!
Hi! I’m Gwen, and my passion is using my 28 years of solo global travel and sustainability knowledge and experience to help the solo over 50’s be and stay adventurous through solo travel with their eco-friendly, responsible travel foot forward. Here is my Cayman Islands guide from my Cayman Islands travel so you can book and realize your Cayman Islands solo travel. What are you waiting for?
CAYMAN ISLANDS: DID YOU KNOW?
About the Cayman Islands
The Cayman Islands – consisting of three islands in the western Caribbean – Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman – the islands’ landmass total only 176 square miles. Discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1503, the islands are currently a British territory and are known for its capital, George Town, 7 Mile Beach, Stingray City, expansive coral reefs, underwater sea walls with multiple shipwreck sites, Bloody Bay Marine Reserve, financial services, and amazing weather with an average temperature of 78F.
Languages in the Cayman Islands
The official language is English can be heard with a Welsh, Scottish and English ‘brogue’ that reflects its heritage.
Cayman Islands Culture
The islands are a western culture influenced by the British, Afro-Caribbeans of Jamaica and recent immigrants from the U.S. Christianity is the predominant religion of Caymanians. Tourism and the financial services sector represent over half of the local economy, with much of the remaining livelihoods relying from the sea in fishing and turtle harvesting. Sea salt is its major export.
Jamaican cuisine, jerk spices and curry have a big influence on local dishes. Formally known as Las Tortugas (the turtles), turtle stew is the national dish with other traditional dishes consisting of conch, grouper, snapper and goat.
Popular Activities in Cayman Islands
Watersports dominate popular activities by both locals and tourists. Supporting a large tourism industry, the Islands consist of many beachfront resorts supporting these water activities, such as diving, snorkeling, and fishing. The islands tout over 365 dive sites thanks to its coral reefs, number of shipwreck sites and the Bloody Bay Marine Reserve.
Popular Cayman Islands Activities
CAYMAN ISLANDS TRAVEL PLANNING
Cayman Islands’ Currency
The Cayman Islands dollar (KYD or CI$) – exchange rates are usually favorable for U.S. citizens. U.S. dollars can be used in the Cayman Islands but do expect to receive Cayman Islands dollars in the exchange, which cannot be used in the U.S.
Tipping in the Cayman Islands
Traveling in a new country is easier when you know the country’s tipping etiquette in advance as each country has its own rules. That said, country rules and norms can shift, so here is an international tipping resource for over 70 countries to use as a general guideline that I have found is constantly updated.
What’s not on there is how to tip a concierge, beauty salons or spas, travel or tour guides, etc. For these extras, it is acceptable to tip 10% at minimum. Remember, tipping is for good service only.
Additionally, you should always tip in the local currency (if tipping in cash), and do not be offended if your tip is refused as it may not be the norm. I feel it’s always better to offer a tip for good service than not, unless I know it will be considered offensive, like in Japan.
Cayman Islands Holidays
It’s a complete bummer to spend time and money on the holiday of a lifetime only to show up at a key attraction, or try to access travel or banking resources, only to find them closed due to a national or local holiday.
Therefore, a key activity to do in your early Cayman Islands travel planning stage is to know the Cayman Islands’ holidays.
CAYMAN ISLANDS TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
Travel Documents for Cayman Islands
From the U.S., you will need a valid passport valid at time of entry that allows for two pages required for entry stamp. A Cayman Islands travel visa is not required for U.S. citizens. The U.S. State Department always has their link up to date with pertinent information on travel to the Cayman Islands. It is advised to always check there during your planning stage and again before you leave.
If you are not from the U.S., please check your government’s website.
Choose from Top Travel Document Holders
Vaccinations for Cayman Islands
There are normally no vaccinations required for the Cayman Islands. The U.S. State Department provides up-to-date required vaccination information to visit Cayman Islands. It is advised to always check for any Cayman Islands travel restrictions and required vaccinations during your planning stage and again before you leave.
If you are not from the U.S., please check your government’s website.
CAYMAN ISLANDS TRAVEL ESSENTIALS
Electronics for Cayman Islands
Want to use your 110 V electronics while traveling in the Cayman Islands? The Cayman Islands’ voltage is 120V, and the standard frequency is 60 Hz and use both Type A and Type B adapters, like the U.S. Therefore, U.S. electronics (hair dryer, clippers, curling iron, etc.) should not require a voltage converter in the Cayman Islands.
Remember, most smart phones, tablets and laptops don’t require a converter, but double-check your device(s) before you leave home.
Although you don’t have to bring an adapter, check your electronics – if you have one requiring a 3-prong outlet you may want to bring a Type B adapter just in case.
If you are going to another country in addition to your trip to Cayman Islands, you can check this international travel adapter guide to make sure you’re prepared.
Cyber Security While Traveling
Having a virtual private network (VPN) service and portable WiFi is always a good idea to not just stay connected, but stay connected securely in your hotel and all public spaces, like airports, train stations, and restaurants.
GUIDES & ITINERARIES
It has been many years since I was in the following Cayman Island destination. If revisit this destination in the Cayman Islands, it will be updated. The more I travel the Cayman Islands, the more that gets added to this Cayman Islands Travel Guide.
Until then, here are my recommended things to do in the Cayman Islands (from what I’ve already enjoyed or would do when I revisit).
Grand Cayman
Things to Do in Grand Cayman Without a Rental Car
Reserve a Grand Cayman Airport Transfer
HOW TO BOOK CAYMAN ISLANDS TRAVEL
It’s important to book the top three travel necessities early: flights, accommodations and ground transportation.
No Cayman Islands guide would be complete without the booking tools below. These, along with fun Grand Cayman things to do and ecotourism ideas, will allow you to realize your solo trip to Cayman Islands.
Cheap Flights to Cayman Islands
With the ever-growing demand for airline tickets to the Cayman Islands, flights book quicker these days. Find cheap flights to Cayman Islands now.
Don’t Wait to Book Your Flight to Cayman Islands
Cayman Islands Places to Stay
Second in importance to buying airline tickets to Cayman Islands is finding the best place to stay in the Cayman Islands for your Cayman Islands solo travel. Develop your Cayman Islands travel itinerary now and find the best Cayman Islands solo travel accommodations to knock one more travel planning item off your solo travel list.
Find the Best Solo Travel Accommodations in Cayman Islands
Getting Around the Cayman Islands
There is no Uber or Lyft in the Cayman Islands (at time of writing); however, it does have a ride equivalent smartphone app, Flex, you can download to schedule transportation, so getting around and booking transportation in advance or working on the fly, is no problem, although it may be recommended to book a taxi or Flex ride in advance to ensure you receive the correct car.
Of course, you can easily find a rental a car in the Cayman Islands, which is a very convenient, and usually inexpensive, mode of transportation for any Cayman Islands travel itinerary.
Find the Best Deals on Cayman Islands Rental Cars
Things to Do in Cayman Islands
Here are some of the top things to do in the Cayman Islands to book for your Cayman Islands solo travel.
Popular Food and Drink Activities in Grand Cayman
CAYMAN ISLANDS ECO-TRAVEL IDEAS
There are ways to reduce your eco and carbon footprint through air travel, accommodations, tours, and activities in the Cayman Islands. To help avoid greenwashing businesses, here are some eco-friendly or sustainable travel (also called responsible travel) tips and resources, you can use to book your travel.
Air Travel Tips
Skyscanner provides a ‘Greener flights’ filter highlighting flights that emit less CO2.
Purchase carbon offsets through your airline or through a third party, like MyClimate.org, Carbonfund.org, or terrapass. Carbon offsetting allows you to buy a certificate to reduce carbon emissions, a major contributor to climate change, which in turn contribute community projects across countries to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
Ground Transportation
The best eco-friendly forms of ground transportation in the Cayman Islands are public transportation, walking or renting a bicycle or electric scooter. They are also apt to cost less than other ground transportation.
Explore Cayman Islands’ Bike and Electric Scooter Rentals
Accommodation Tips
Look for Cayman Island accommodations with the following self and third-party assessed certifications when you book:
Green Globe – Green Globe certifies hotels, resorts, conference centers, transportation, attractions, tour operators, and other tourism businesses globally on sustainable operations and management. Look for Cayman Islands and other Caribbean Green Global members.
Green Key Global is an internationally recognized environmental certification for the lodging and meetings industries, including hotels and hostels, campsites and holiday parks, restaurants and attractions in 65 countries. Search for Green Key awarded sites.
Living Building Challenge – if you want to stay in a true, sustainable building, find one certified by the Living Building Challenge. LBC’s certification directory shows all project types globally. Hopefully they will put in a filter soon to allow searching by hotels or hospitality type.
LEED Certified – the USGBC’s LEED Certified label on buildings, like many of the Marriott’s hotels, are those that have verifiably employed multiple and varying green building strategies to improve human and environmental health. Search the LEED directory for Cayman Islands’ certifications.
Green Lodging Program – Audubon International has an environmental stewardship certification through third-party verification. Search its certified members directory.
GSTC Certified – the Global Sustainable Tourism Council provides global standards for sustainable travel and tourism, as well as international accreditation for sustainable tourism Certification Bodies. Booking sites that offer GSTC certified sustainable are bookdifferent, EcoHotels, and Transat.
Another way to find accommodations in the Cayman Islands implementing eco-friendly or sustainable practices, certified or not, is to reserve a Booking.com Travel Sustainable accommodation. Booking.com started the Travel Sustainable program in 2022.
Find Your Travel Sustainable Stay in the Cayman Islands
Eco-Friendly Things To Do
The Cayman Islands has ecotourism ideas available to explore for your next vacation.
Search Green Global and Green Key awarded members for eco-friendly activity providers in the Cayman Islands. Some may also have the GSTC Certified logo.
When doing any type of water sports in the Cayman Islands, use reef-safe sunscreen to protect marine biodiversity. Here are a few of the best recommended reef-safe sunscreens to get you started:
Book Now, Pay Later – Eco-Friendly Activities in Cayman Islands
Eco-Travel Products
There are more ways to do your part for the planet in your responsible travel, like bringing sustainable and eco-friendly products to protect the Cayman Islands’ environment.
For more ideas on how to travel with the planet in mind, read my 10 Easy Eco-Travel Tips and view my suggested Eco Travel Resources to learn more.
CAYMAN ISLANDS SAFETY
Before You Go
Always consult your government’s Cayman Islands travel advisory for your Cayman Islands travel destination in the beginning travel planning phase and up to your departure date.
Buy Cayman Island travel insurance and international medical insurance for your Cayman Islands solo travel to protect yourself and cover for emergencies.
Cayman Islands Safety
Although considered a safe place to travel within, there could be some petty theft in the Cayman Islands tourist areas, so locking your valuables in a hotel safe could be advised. Beyond that, my standard tips for female and solo travelers are:
Beyond that, my standard tips for female and solo travelers are:
- always carry photo ID with you; if you don’t want your passport on you at all times, at least carry a copy of it.
- always be “street wise”.
- always be aware of your surroundings, especially if you feel the need to imbibe or feel the need to “let loose” – you’re on vacation so have fun!
- never leave your food or drink unattended.
- keep your belongs on your person, or at least in your view in close proximity, at all times.
- be open to meeting and talking with new people – that is where a lot of the travel experience lies – but be careful on how you divulge personal information.
- research places in advance, if possible, so you know what to expect (i.e., “have a familiar view” – I like to Google the street view of new addresses I’m going to first).
- if something, someone or someplace makes you feel uncomfortable, go with your gut – leave.
CAYMAN ISLANDS BUDGET TRAVEL TIPS
Best Time to Visit Cayman Islands
The Cayman Islands’ high season, due to the best weather conditions, is mid-December to mid-April but, of course, this could make it the highest cost time to go as well on top of the fact that prices are a little higher in the Caymans anyway as products have to be imported. A lower cost time to go is from June to November (summer is the rainy season), but that is also considered hurricane season so plan well and have travel insurance in case you need to rebook or get delayed due to weather.
Like Belize, I would recommend going at the end of high season in late April to avoid the crowds, higher costs and get good weather. You could also visit in May or October, still less crowded but when weather starts to get warmer (80’s F).
Budget Accommodations
Unfortunately, Cayman Islands hostels are not plentiful (at time of writing). A budget hotel away from beachside would be a better option for a budget stay in the Cayman Islands. Save more money and book your Cayman Island accommodation well in advance.
Best Time to Book Travel
Ready to book Cayman Islands solo travel? Well, the sooner you book your reservations, the more you’re likely to save money and get the best flight, accommodation, and rental car choices and deals.
Don’t miss out and find the best Cayman Islands travel deals. The best time to book travel is now. Bundling flight, hotel and/or transportation reservations may even save you more money when traveling to Cayman Islands.
Book Cayman Islands Travel Early to Save Money
PERSONAL STORY
I’ve luckily had the opportunity to snorkel at Grand Cayman, but now that I dive I can’t wait to go back. I was to go recently, but Covid shot that travel down. I’m putting Caribbean island-hopping on my bucket list.