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If you happen to’d requested me a number of months in the past what I knew about Grand Cayman, the reply can be… that it’s an island within the Caribbean perhaps? This and the truth that “offshore accounts within the Caymans” are one thing individuals speak about in motion pictures.
Nevertheless, 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 rapidly 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.
If you happen to’re touring with children, you’re in for an actual deal with. We’ve taken our two and four-year-old to 14+ nations, and Grand Cayman was THE most kid-friendly place we’ve ever been. I’ll share extra about why under (however belief me, your children will adore it).
After spending a month seashore and exercise hopping, I’m sharing an inventory of issues to do with children in Grand Cayman together with ideas for visiting this beautiful island.
The place to Keep in Grand Cayman
Grand Cayman isn’t a giant island. To drive from one finish to the opposite would take us lower than an hour. Nevertheless, the place you keep will impression how a lot you’ll be able to stroll and the sorts of actions close by.
We stayed in an space referred to as Seven Mile Seaside. That is the preferred space on the island and could be very walkable. If I had been to return, that is the world I’d keep once more.
Seven Mile Seaside is called probably the most stunning seashores on the earth! And it lives as much as the hype with utterly clear water that stays calm. We might spend mornings paddle boarding throughout the water, generally stopping at a close-by resort to seize espresso and muffins earlier than paddling again house.
Why do I like to recommend staying on Seven Mile Seaside? (Apart from the truth that the seashore is unbelievable)
We didn’t lease a automobile for many of our time on Grand Cayman. (We rented when individuals came over us!)
On Seven Mile Seaside, we might 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 out of doors seating space the place our youngsters befriended a few of the native cats. Plus, as my spouse famous, they’d wonderful gluten-free pizza and we might stroll there with out ever leaving the seashore.
Seven Mile Seaside is on the west facet of Grand Cayman, making it the proper place to catch a sundown on the seashore.
The place we stayed on the seashore was one of many skinniest factors of the island, so we might stroll the width of the island in lower than ten minutes, even pushing the double stroller. We might watch the dawn over Camana Bay (which I’ll share extra about in a minute) and watch it set from our personal seashore.
Seven Mile Seaside is the busiest, most touristy a part of the island. We might see a number of cruise ships port every morning. Our VRBO had a personal seashore space, however the remainder of Seven Mile Seaside was very busy on nowadays.
If you need a quieter tempo, I’d advocate Rum Level.
It’s a couple of 45-minute drive (or 20-minute boat experience) from Seven Mile Seaside and has a number of good eating places and seashores. If we weren’t touring with children, I’d contemplate this space for a peaceable getaway. Rum Level can be proper subsequent to Starfish Level, one other cool spot I’ll point out under.
Nevertheless, if touring with children, most actions and eating places are centered within the Seven Mile Seaside space. If you happen to keep in Rum Level, you’ll possible must lease a automobile.
The place to Keep on Seven Mile Seaside
There are plenty of accommodations and short-term leases in Seven Mile Seaside. Whereas we had been there in February and March, a few of the nightly resort charges had been as steep as $2,000 per evening! If you happen to’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 situated condominium advanced on Seven Mile Seaside. The advanced has a pool, fitness center, tennis courts, and epic grill setup. A few of our favourite nights concerned grilling whereas the children performed within the pool and consuming on the picnic tables earlier than catching the sundown on the seashore.
To say we beloved our keep at Laguna Del Mar can be underselling it. It was paradise. We might 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 seashore for miles.
Our buddy just lately renovated his 3-bedroom unit at Laguna Del Mar, and you’ll lease it right here on VRBO. Can’t advocate Andy’s place sufficient! We keep in plenty 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 have now stayed at a number of Kimpton accommodations over time, and when given a selection, they’re our favourite accommodations (largely for the service, consideration to element, and facilities).
We heard the Kimpton Seafire Resort in Grand Cayman had a personal waterpark, so we took the children to play sooner or later. Through the offseason, they permit non-guests to buy day passes. Nevertheless, they only allow us to in without spending a dime 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 wherein you’re visiting. Low season for Grand Cayman begins round April, so you can find decrease charges from then on. It was peak season after we visited throughout February, so a room prices as a lot as $2,000/evening.
Surprising, sure. Nonetheless filled with individuals? Sure.
For a budget-friendly choice, you’ll be able to e book the Vacation Inn on factors for cheaper than you’ll be able to e book a resort in Amarillo. (It was below 18,000 factors per evening!)
Learn Extra: Journey Hacking: How We Journey for (Nearly) Free
Renting a Automobile In Grand Cayman
Relying on the place you keep in Grand Cayman, it’s possible you’ll or could not want a automobile rental. Seven Mile Seaside is a really walkable space. Nevertheless, you will have 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 Automobile, which has two places in Grand Cayman (one on the airport and one at Seven Mile Seaside). I felt the costs had been cheap and the workers had been sort and truthful. I’d lease from them once more if after we come again.
Different Transportation Choices in Grand Cayman
If you happen to don’t lease a automobile, you’ve gotten a number of different choices for getting round in Grand Cayman. One choice is to face on the facet of the highway and hail a bus. They run up and down Seven Mile Seaside and can cease and choose you up. Every experience is a couple of bucks in money and it’s positively the most cost effective choice for getting round.
I say stand on the facet of the highway as a result of there aren’t very clear bus stops, however you’ll be able to 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’ll be able to name. You will note them driving round and might flag one down as nicely.
Lastly, there’s a water taxi service that departs from Camana Bay you can take over to Rum Level. You possibly can view their departure occasions and fares right here.
Greatest Issues to Do in Grand Cayman with Youngsters
1. Go to Camana Bay
On paper, Camana Bay is an out of doors procuring space boasting al fresco eating places and waterfront eating. However it’s a lot extra. There are outlets, Foster’s (suppose Complete Meals, however island fashion), a marina the place excursions and boat leases take off by means of the mangroves, and countless 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 just a little paradise tucked away on the island. The very first thing I seen was what number of households with younger children there have been. They had been in every single place. As we’d study, 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 beloved these and they’re shaded a lot of the day. Throughout hotter days, it was a terrific space to hang around for some time. Seize espresso from Jessie’s Juice Bar Cafe (or Starbucks in the event you’re primary…like me…it’s proper subsequent to the splash pad, what can I say?)
2. It was a ravishing stroll to start out our days.
As a substitute of merely making an overpass to Camana Bay, they constructed a complete 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 procuring.
There’s a handful of grocery shops close to Seven Mile Seaside, however we frequented Fosters. Fosters is mainly like a Complete Meals on the island. It is rather good and costly. Cayman typically is pricey, however $10 for a bagged salad blew our minds.
Nevertheless, their ready meals part is nice and one of many most cost-effective methods to seize a meal in Grand Cayman! We might seize a barbequed rooster, 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 a terrific ambiance for consuming out subsequent to the water.
Agua and lots 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 can be effective. We tried a lot of the eating places alongside the waterfront, and Gelato & Co. additionally provides wonderful 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 main islands: Grand Cayman, Little Cayman, and Cayman Brac. Grand Cayman is the preferred one with vacationers, however one other island is fashionable 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. Daily, the native Montessori college would set free, and the entire children would play on the island whereas their moms chatted.
Ellie would like to go throughout this time to make new buddies and play disguise and search or catch the crab or regardless of the ladies had been taking part in.
2. Go to Starfish Level
That is on most lists of “issues to do in Grand Cayman” for good motive. We took a number of journeys to Starfish Level as a result of the children appreciated it a lot. It’s a extremely shallow seashore space the place you’ll be able to see tons of starfish within the water and contact them (although it’s essential to by no means take them out of water). The water is mostly calm, however because it’s on a degree, you’ll be able to escape any wind by strolling to the opposite facet.
You’ll see plenty of tour boats come out thus far and on busy days, a meals boat (like a meals truck, however a ship) will setup too. It’s a terrific little spot to spend the day.
Starfish Level is nearly an hour’s drive from the Seven Mile Seaside space however a really fairly and straightforward drive to make.
Professional tip: A contemporary fruit and juice stand is on the drive. I extremely advocate grabbing some contemporary mango pineapple juice and banana bread!
After hanging out at Starfish Level, you’ll be able to drive to Rum Level for lunch. It’s too far to stroll, however you might bike.
There’s a beachfront restaurant and bar with a shallow water space for teenagers to play in. We ate right here a number of occasions and had nice meals (Minus the one time we ordered ceviche and received meals poisoning. Avoid the ceviche. Order the Colada Colada as an alternative).
3. Spend a Day on the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park
Botanical parks could also be hit and miss with children, however we visited this one twice. It’s just a little dear, and also you’ll want a automobile to get there. In any other case, we might’ve visited extra!
The flowers and timber had been stunning, and an unbelievable playground and splash pad had been inside for teenagers. Plus, there may be a complete sanctuary space for the big blue iguanas.
Strolling round, you’ll be able to see parrots flying and iguanas within the paths. I’d 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 children. It was largely shaded and included this four-story platform with swings and seating so you’ll be able to 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 facet of the gardens to the iguana sanctuary.
We love to go to botanical gardens in each nation we go to and this was the most effective ones for the household. There’s no meals contained in the backyard (no less than it wasn’t open after we visited) however you’ll be able to 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 preferred tour when cruise ships arrive in port, and for good motive. It’s a terrific 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 children are a bit older or good are swimmers.
We spent 3-4 hours strolling round, trying out 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 a terrific spot for a day journey with children.
The most important shock of the turtle centre was the meals. The jerk rooster meal was:
- Large enough for the 4 of us to separate. Superb worth.
- The BEST jerk rooster on the island. My spouse needed to return simply to eat that rooster once more. 10/10.
5. Seaside Hop
One factor I beloved about Grand Cayman was how simple it was to search out remoted areas of seashores with out massive crowds. Starfish Level and Seven Mile Seaside usually have crowds, however we additionally discovered it simple to flee and discover a secluded spot.
One in all our favourite seashores was referred to as Spotts Seaside. It’s a terrific spot for snorkeling and seeing sea turtles. Each occasions we visited Spotts, it wasn’t very crowded, and we had a lot of the seashore to ourselves. Going early within the morning is a good time for recognizing sea turtles. In case you have the gear to snorkel, it’s attainable to identify octopus, sea turtles, and extra.
One other nice seashore space is “Public Seaside,” which is over by Kimpton Sea Hearth Resort. There are a few good playgrounds to hang around at over right here, proper alongside the beachfront.
For snorkeling and a secluded seashore, strive Smith’s Seaside or Smith Barcadere. The seashore is small and quiet with loads of shade timber round. There are massive rock formations you’ll be able to climb on to look into the brilliant blue waters. This seashore could 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 pondering; I’m good, Heath. No must pet a stingray.
Nevertheless, there’s a collection of shallow sandbars off the coast of Grand Cayman the place you’ll be able to comfortably pet and expertise the stingrays. I used to be apprehensive a couple of 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 strive.
Because it seems, the stingrays there are extremely docile. The tour guides have names for every stingray as they see them each day. They’ll even allow you to maintain them.
Our four-year-old was terrified and didn’t need to get into the water, but it surely was nonetheless a enjoyable journey for the adults whereas the children 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 usually thought of 3-4 ft deep, relying on circumstances. It was windy the morning we visited, and he or she placed on a life jacket because the waves would go over her head. (She’s 5’2″)
7. Hearken to Reside Music at Peppers Restaurant
One in all 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 superb 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 complete island perimeter. We discovered a shipwreck, noticed the Blow Holes, ate at Tukka (which was wonderful, however there’s one nearer to Seven Mile Seaside too), and noticed the undeveloped facet of the island. We needed to go to the Parrot Sanctuary, but it surely was closed the sooner or later we made it to the far facet of the island! It was a terrific day, however not essentially the most kid-friendly and concerned plenty of being within the automobile.
Is Grand Cayman Value Visiting?
If you happen to haven’t already realized it from this submit, we beloved 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 most costly place to dwell on the earth, we may very well contemplate it. If you happen to’re on the fence about visiting Grand Cayman, you must e book a visit to this unbelievable island.
I’m completely satisfied to reply any questions under relating to 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 Seaside is by far the preferred space to remain in when visiting Grand Cayman. It has a excessive density of eating places and actions and a ravishing beachfront.
How costly is Grand Cayman?
Grand Cayman is ranked because the #1 most costly place to dwell in your complete world, in line with Expatistan. Whereas we had been there, paying $100 for a meal for 2 individuals was not unusual. The groceries and meals at eating places will certainly offer you sticker shock when you arrive. One Cayman greenback is $1.25 USD, so your bank card invoice will really feel the foreign money 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 by means of February. The climate is nice and constant. Nevertheless, in the event you go later within the shoulder season (April-Might), it will likely be much less crowded with vacationers, and charges are cheaper.
Are US {dollars} accepted in Grand Cayman?
Sure, we might pay in USD or a bank card for each restaurant and retailer we visited. Most gadgets are marked in Cayman Islands {Dollars}, however there is no such thing as a downside with utilizing a bank card.
Can I drink the water in Grand Cayman?
The water is secure to drink in Grand Cayman, offered by desalinated seawater made on the island.
Is Grand Cayman secure?
Grand Cayman could be very secure. Not as soon as did we ever really feel in a not secure surroundings. Our youngsters might run round freely and be children 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 Youngsters
Grand Cayman is ideal for younger households. We frequently really feel like eating places or shops are irritated after we stroll in with younger children, however we at all times felt welcome in Cayman. Even when our daughter spilled her total drink everywhere in the ground at a restaurant, the workers was so sort and useful. If you happen to’re in search of a tropical trip with younger kids, I can’t advocate Cayman sufficient!