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In the event you’d requested me a number of months in the past what I knew about Grand Cayman, the reply could be… that it’s an island within the Caribbean perhaps? This and the truth that “offshore accounts within the Caymans” are one thing folks discuss in films.
Nonetheless, we spent a month falling in love (sure, 30+ days) with Grand Cayman this winter.
I’ve been to numerous seashores and a handful of nations in our travels, however Grand Cayman shortly grew to become my primary favourite place on the earth.
If you’re contemplating a visit to Grand Cayman, cease studying this and go e-book it now. You’ll remorse nothing.
In the event you’re touring with youngsters, you’re in for an actual deal with. We’ve taken our two and four-year-old to 14+ international locations, and Grand Cayman was THE most kid-friendly place we’ve ever been. I’ll share extra about why under (however belief me, your youngsters will adore it).
After spending a month seaside and exercise hopping, I’m sharing an inventory of issues to do with youngsters in Grand Cayman together with suggestions for visiting this attractive island.
The place to Keep in Grand Cayman
Grand Cayman isn’t an enormous island. To drive from one finish to the opposite would take us lower than an hour. Nonetheless, the place you keep will influence how a lot you may stroll and the sorts of actions close by.
We stayed in an space referred to as Seven Mile Seashore. That is the preferred space on the island and may be very walkable. If I had been to return, that is the world I might keep once more.
Seven Mile Seashore is named one of the vital stunning seashores on the earth! And it lives as much as the hype with fully clear water that stays calm. We’d spend mornings paddle boarding throughout the water, typically stopping at a close-by resort to seize espresso and muffins earlier than paddling again residence.
Why do I like to recommend staying on Seven Mile Seashore? (Aside from the truth that the seaside is unbelievable)
We didn’t hire a automobile for many of our time on Grand Cayman. (We rented when folks came over us!)
On Seven Mile Seashore, we may stroll to eating places and entry every little thing we wanted inside a brief distance. Our favourite restaurant was Paradise Pizza. They’ve unbelievable brick oven pizza and a cool outside seating space the place our youngsters befriended a few of the native cats. Plus, as my spouse famous, that they had superb gluten-free pizza and we may stroll there with out ever leaving the seaside.
Seven Mile Seashore is on the west aspect of Grand Cayman, making it the proper place to catch a sundown on the seaside.
The place we stayed on the seaside was one of many skinniest factors of the island, so we may stroll the width of the island in lower than ten minutes, even pushing the double stroller. We may watch the dawn over Camana Bay (which I’ll share extra about in a minute) and watch it set from our personal seaside.
Seven Mile Seashore is the busiest, most touristy a part of the island. We’d see a number of cruise ships port every morning. Our VRBO had a non-public seaside space, however the remainder of Seven Mile Seashore was very busy on nowadays.
If you’d like a quieter tempo, I’d advocate Rum Level.
It’s a few 45-minute drive (or 20-minute boat journey) from Seven Mile Seashore and has a number of good eating places and seashores. If we weren’t touring with youngsters, I’d take into account this space for a peaceable getaway. Rum Level can be proper subsequent to Starfish Level, one other cool spot I’ll point out under.
Nonetheless, if touring with youngsters, most actions and eating places are centered within the Seven Mile Seashore space. In the event you keep in Rum Level, you’ll doubtless must hire a automobile.
The place to Keep on Seven Mile Seashore
There are quite a lot of motels and short-term leases in Seven Mile Seashore. Whereas we had been there in February and March, a few of the nightly resort charges had been as steep as $2,000 per night time! In the event you’re touring with a bigger household or group, I like to recommend short-term leases for a greater worth.
We stayed at a buddy’s VRBO at Laguna Del Mar, a centrally positioned condominium advanced on Seven Mile Seashore. The advanced has a pool, gymnasium, tennis courts, and epic grill setup. A few of our favourite nights concerned grilling whereas the youngsters performed within the pool and consuming on the picnic tables earlier than catching the sundown on the seaside.
To say we liked our keep at Laguna Del Mar could be underselling it. It was paradise. We may stroll throughout the road to dozens of eating places, stroll the pedestrian path to Camana Bay and play within the splash pads, or stroll alongside the seaside for miles.
Our buddy lately renovated his 3-bedroom unit at Laguna Del Mar, and you’ll hire it right here on VRBO. Can’t advocate Andy’s place sufficient! We keep in quite a lot of Airbnb spots world wide, and palms down, this was our favourite keep…ever.
The Greatest Resort in Grand Cayman
Primarily based on greater than 1,000 evaluations, the Kimpton Seafire Resort is the #1 rated resort in Grand Cayman. I can attest to the truth that the resort is totally stunning.
We now have stayed at a number of Kimpton motels through the years, and when given a selection, they’re our favourite motels (largely for the service, consideration to element, and facilities).
We heard the Kimpton Seafire Resort in Grand Cayman had a non-public waterpark, so we took the youngsters to play someday. Throughout the offseason, they permit non-guests to buy day passes. Nonetheless, they only allow us to in free of charge because it was closing in half-hour (what did I inform you about Kimpton!?).
How a lot does the Kimpton Seafire Resort price?
It relies on the season by which you’re visiting. Low season for Grand Cayman begins round April, so one can find decrease charges from then on. It was peak season once we visited throughout February, so a room prices as a lot as $2,000/night time.
Surprising, sure. Nonetheless filled with folks? Sure.
For a budget-friendly choice, you may e-book the Vacation Inn on factors for cheaper than you may e-book a resort in Amarillo. (It was underneath 18,000 factors per night time!)
Learn Extra: Journey Hacking: How We Journey for (Virtually) Free
Renting a Automotive In Grand Cayman
Relying on the place you keep in Grand Cayman, it’s possible you’ll or might not want a automobile rental. Seven Mile Seashore is a really walkable space. Nonetheless, you have to a car if you wish to go to locations like Rum Level or the botanical gardens. We rented a number of automobiles throughout our keep to go on day excursions.
We rented from Andy’s Rental Automotive, which has two areas in Grand Cayman (one on the airport and one at Seven Mile Seashore). I felt the costs had been cheap and the workers had been sort and truthful. I might hire from them once more if once we come again.
Different Transportation Choices in Grand Cayman
In the event you don’t hire a automobile, you could have a number of different choices for getting round in Grand Cayman. One choice is to face on the aspect of the street and hail a bus. They run up and down Seven Mile Seashore and can cease and choose you up. Every journey is a couple of dollars in money and it’s undoubtedly the most cost effective choice for getting round.
I say stand on the aspect of the street as a result of there aren’t very clear bus stops, however you may flag down the bus simply. They aren’t conventional buses, however massive vans which might be clearly labeled.
There are additionally loads of cabs across the island you may name. You will note them driving round and might flag one down as properly.
Lastly, there’s a water taxi service that departs from Camana Bay that you would be able to take over to Rum Level. You’ll be able to view their departure occasions and fares right here.
Greatest Issues to Do in Grand Cayman with Children
1. Go to Camana Bay
On paper, Camana Bay is an outside buying space boasting al fresco eating places and waterfront eating. But it surely’s a lot extra. There are retailers, Foster’s (suppose Complete Meals, however island type), a marina the place excursions and boat leases take off via the mangroves, and infinite water options. No playgrounds had been walkable from our VRBO, however Camana Bay has two splash pads our youngsters lived in all month!
We walked over right here shortly after arriving, and we had been blown away.
It felt like a bit of paradise tucked away on the island. The very first thing I seen was what number of households with younger youngsters there have been. They had been in every single place. As we’d be taught, many of those households dwell right here as expats (however many go to too).
We ended up in Camana Bay each single day for a number of causes:
1. The splash pads. The youngsters liked these and they’re shaded a lot of the day. Throughout hotter days, it was an important space to hang around for some time. Seize espresso from Jessie’s Juice Bar Cafe (or Starbucks for those who’re primary…like me…it’s proper subsequent to the splash pad, what can I say?)
2. It was an exquisite stroll to begin our days.
As an alternative of merely making an overpass to Camana Bay, they constructed a whole jungle. You’ll see wild parrots, chickens, lizards, iguanas, and all types of wildlife simply in your stroll over the bridge. We made this a part of our morning ritual.
3. Grocery buying.
There’s a handful of grocery shops close to Seven Mile Seashore, however we frequented Fosters. Fosters is principally like a Complete Meals on the island. It is rather good and costly. Cayman usually is pricey, however $10 for a bagged salad blew our minds.
Nonetheless, their ready meals part is nice and one of many least expensive methods to seize a meal in Grand Cayman! We’d seize a barbequed hen, freshly grilled burgers, roast veggies, salad bar (approach cheaper than shopping for a bag), curries, and extra.
4. Nice restaurant choice
Our favourite spot was referred to as Agua. Their dessert was unbelievable, and so they had an important ambiance for consuming out subsequent to the water.
Agua and most of the different eating places had been very good, however since seating is obtainable outdoor, they had been kid-friendly, too. Informal clothes like a sundress and sandals could be nice. We tried a lot of the eating places alongside the waterfront, and Gelato & Co. additionally gives superb desserts.
(I imply, we tried actual meals, too…however the dessert sport is STRONG over right here!)
5. “The Island”
The Cayman Islands are made up of three major islands: Grand Cayman, Little Cayman, and Cayman Brac. Grand Cayman is the preferred one with vacationers, however one other island is widespread with locals. It’s the small, clearly artifical sand island in Camana Bay.
Linked by a bridge, this little island was a kid-friendly paradise. Day by day, the native Montessori college would set free, and all the youngsters would play on the island whereas their moms chatted.
Ellie would like to go throughout this time to make new pals and play cover and search or catch the crab or regardless of the women had been taking part in.
2. Go to Starfish Level
That is on most lists of “issues to do in Grand Cayman” for good cause. We took a number of journeys to Starfish Level as a result of the youngsters favored it a lot. It’s a extremely shallow seaside space the place you may see tons of starfish within the water and contact them (although it’s necessary to by no means take them out of water). The water is mostly calm, however because it’s on some extent, you may escape any wind by strolling to the opposite aspect.
You’ll see a lot of tour boats come out so far and on busy days, a meals boat (like a meals truck, however a ship) will setup too. It’s an important little spot to spend the day.
Starfish Level is sort of an hour’s drive from the Seven Mile Seashore space however a really fairly and simple drive to make.
Professional tip: A recent fruit and juice stand is on the drive. I extremely advocate grabbing some recent mango pineapple juice and banana bread!
After hanging out at Starfish Level, you may drive to Rum Level for lunch. It’s too far to stroll, however you can bike.
There’s a beachfront restaurant and bar with a shallow water space for youths to play in. We ate right here a number of occasions and had nice meals (Minus the one time we ordered ceviche and bought meals poisoning. Keep away from the ceviche. Order the Colada Colada as a substitute).
3. Spend a Day on the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park
Botanical parks could also be hit and miss with youngsters, however we visited this one twice. It’s a bit of dear, and also you’ll want a automobile to get there. In any other case, we might’ve visited extra!
The flowers and bushes had been stunning, and an unbelievable playground and splash pad had been inside for youths. Plus, there may be a whole sanctuary space for the massive blue iguanas.
Strolling round, you may see parrots flying and iguanas within the paths. I might funds for round a half-day go to to the Botanic Park throughout a keep in Grand Cayman.
It price us 60 Cayman {Dollars} for 2 adults, a four-year-old and a two-year-old (the youngest was free). They playground was a spotlight for the youngsters. It was largely shaded and included this four-story platform with swings and seating so you may climb to the highest and see panoramic views of the island.
The backyard is “divided” into a number of completely different gardens The Floral Color Backyard was my favourite. There’s additionally mountain climbing trails to get from one aspect of the gardens to the iguana sanctuary.
We love to go to botanical gardens in each nation we go to and this was among the finest ones for the household. There’s no meals contained in the backyard (a minimum of it wasn’t open once we visited) however you may herald your individual meals. Simply be careful for iguanas who WILL steal your meals or chew you to get it.
4. Discover the Cayman Turtle Centre
The Turtle Centre has been a staple in Grand Cayman for many years. It’s a well-liked tour when cruise ships arrive in port, and for good cause. It’s an important place to spend a day exploring and strolling round. Snorkeling within the park (together with a few water slides) can be obtainable in case your youngsters are a bit older or good are swimmers.
We spent 3-4 hours strolling round, testing the turtles (even petting some) earlier than leaving. Our two-year-old’s spotlight was seeing them feed the nurse sharks on web site. It’s an important spot for a day journey with youngsters.
The most important shock of the turtle centre was the meals. The jerk hen meal was:
- Sufficiently big for the 4 of us to separate. Wonderful worth.
- The BEST jerk hen on the island. My spouse needed to return simply to eat that hen once more. 10/10.
5. Seashore Hop
One factor I liked about Grand Cayman was how straightforward it was to seek out remoted areas of seashores with out massive crowds. Starfish Level and Seven Mile Seashore sometimes have crowds, however we additionally discovered it straightforward to flee and discover a secluded spot.
One in every of our favourite seashores was referred to as Spotts Seashore. It’s an important spot for snorkeling and seeing sea turtles. Each occasions we visited Spotts, it wasn’t very crowded, and we had a lot of the seaside to ourselves. Going early within the morning is a superb time for recognizing sea turtles. If in case you have the gear to snorkel, it’s attainable to identify octopus, sea turtles, and extra.
One other nice seaside space is “Public Seashore,” which is over by Kimpton Sea Fireplace Resort. There are a few good playgrounds to hang around at over right here, proper alongside the beachfront.
For snorkeling and a secluded seaside, attempt Smith’s Seashore or Smith Barcadere. The seaside is small and quiet with loads of shade bushes round. There are massive rock formations you may climb on to look into the brilliant blue waters. This seaside may be very near George City, the place the cruise ships port.
6. Pet Sting Rays at Sting Ray Metropolis
I do know what you’re considering; I’m good, Heath. No must pet a stingray.
Nonetheless, there’s a collection of shallow sandbars off the coast of Grand Cayman the place you may comfortably pet and expertise the stingrays. I used to be apprehensive a few four- and two-year-old. Was it secure? Would they care? After studying a bunch of evaluations on Journey Advisor, we opted to provide it a attempt.
Because it seems, the stingrays there are extremely docile. The tour guides have names for every stingray as they see them every day. They’ll even allow you to maintain them.
Our four-year-old was terrified and didn’t wish to get into the water, but it surely was nonetheless a enjoyable journey for the adults whereas the youngsters frolicked within the boat. This space will get crowded whereas cruise ships are in port, so I like to recommend checking the cruise ship schedule for a day when there aren’t as many boats.
My spouse famous that the water is commonly thought-about 3-4 ft deep, relying on situations. It was windy the morning we visited, and she or he placed on a life jacket because the waves would go over her head. (She’s 5’2″)
7. Hearken to Stay Music at Peppers Restaurant
One in every of our youngsters’ highlights was listening to music at Pepper’s Restaurant on Wednesday nights. They’ll have a band arrange and play cool island music. The youngsters dance and have a great time, and the meals is nice. We ended up coming again to Pepper’s on a number of events.
Honorable Point out
When my household visited us, we rented a big SUV and drove your entire island perimeter. We discovered a shipwreck, noticed the Blow Holes, ate at Tukka (which was superb, however there’s one nearer to Seven Mile Seashore too), and noticed the undeveloped aspect of the island. We needed to go to the Parrot Sanctuary, but it surely was closed the someday we made it to the far aspect of the island! It was an important day, however not probably the most kid-friendly and concerned quite a lot of being within the automobile.
Is Grand Cayman Price Visiting?
In the event you haven’t already realized it from this submit, we liked Grand Cayman. Not solely would I am going again, however I’ve been actively pitching Alyssa to maneuver there since we left.
If it wasn’t the #1 costliest place to dwell on the earth, we may very well take into account it. In the event you’re on the fence about visiting Grand Cayman, it’s best to e-book a visit to this unbelievable island.
I’m comfortable to reply any questions under concerning planning a visit to Grand Cayman. Simply drop a remark.
FAQs on Visiting Grand Cayman
What’s the greatest space of Grand Cayman to remain in?
Seven Mile Seashore is by far the preferred space to remain in when visiting Grand Cayman. It has a excessive density of eating places and actions and an exquisite beachfront.
How costly is Grand Cayman?
Grand Cayman is ranked because the #1 costliest place to dwell in your entire world, in accordance with Expatistan. Whereas we had been there, paying $100 for a meal for 2 folks was not unusual. The groceries and meals at eating places will certainly provide you with sticker shock when you arrive. One Cayman greenback is $1.25 USD, so your bank card invoice will really feel the forex trade!
What’s the greatest time to go to Grand Cayman?
The very best time to go to Grand Cayman for climate causes is from December via February. The climate is nice and constant. Nonetheless, for those who go later within the shoulder season (April-Might), it is going to be much less crowded with vacationers, and charges are cheaper.
Are US {dollars} accepted in Grand Cayman?
Sure, we may pay in USD or a bank card for each restaurant and retailer we visited. Most gadgets are marked in Cayman Islands {Dollars}, however there isn’t a downside with utilizing a bank card.
Can I drink the water in Grand Cayman?
The water is secure to drink in Grand Cayman, supplied by desalinated seawater made on the island.
Is Grand Cayman secure?
Grand Cayman may be very secure. Not as soon as did we ever really feel in a not secure atmosphere. Our children may run round freely and be youngsters throughout our total keep.
What language is spoken in Grand Cayman?
English. Grand Cayman is a British Territory so the official language is English, the first language everybody on the island speaks.
What to do in Grand Cayman With Children
Grand Cayman is ideal for younger households. We frequently really feel like eating places or shops are irritated once we stroll in with younger youngsters, however we at all times felt welcome in Cayman. Even when our daughter spilled her total drink all around the ground at a restaurant, the workers was so sort and useful. In the event you’re in search of a tropical trip with younger youngsters, I can not advocate Cayman sufficient!