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When you’d requested me a couple 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 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 shortly turned my primary favourite place on the planet.
In case you are contemplating a visit to Grand Cayman, cease studying this and go guide it now. You’ll remorse nothing.
When 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 beneath (however belief me, your youngsters will find it irresistible).
After spending a month seashore 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 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 known as Seven Mile Seaside. That is the preferred space on the island and may be very walkable. If I had been to return, that is the world I’d keep once more.
Seven Mile Seaside is called one of the crucial stunning seashores on the planet! 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 house.
Why do I like to recommend staying on Seven Mile Seaside? (Apart from the truth that the seashore is unimaginable)
We didn’t lease a automobile for many of our time on Grand Cayman. (We rented when folks came visiting us!)
On Seven Mile Seaside, we might stroll to eating places and entry all the things we wanted inside a brief distance. Our favourite restaurant was Paradise Pizza. They’ve unimaginable 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 right 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 non-public seashore.
Seven Mile Seaside 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 personal seashore space, however the remainder of Seven Mile Seaside was very busy on nowadays.
In order for you a quieter tempo, I’d suggest Rum Level.
It’s a couple of 45-minute drive (or 20-minute boat journey) from Seven Mile Seaside and has a couple of good eating places and seashores. If we weren’t touring with youngsters, 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 beneath.
Nevertheless, if touring with youngsters, most actions and eating places are centered within the Seven Mile Seaside space. When you keep in Rum Level, you’ll probably 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! When you’re touring with a bigger household or group, I like to recommend short-term leases for a greater worth.
We stayed at a pal’s VRBO at Laguna Del Mar, a centrally situated condominium complicated on Seven Mile Seaside. The complicated 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 cherished our keep at Laguna Del Mar could 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 pal not too long ago renovated his 3-bedroom unit at Laguna Del Mar, and you’ll lease it right here on VRBO. Can’t suggest Andy’s place sufficient! We keep in plenty of Airbnb spots world wide, and palms down, this was our favourite keep…ever.
The Finest Lodge in Grand Cayman
Based mostly on greater than 1,000 opinions, the Kimpton Seafire Resort is the #1 rated resort in Grand Cayman. I can attest to the truth that the resort is totally stunning.
Now we have 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 someday. In the course of the offseason, they permit non-guests to buy day passes. Nevertheless, 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 value?
It is determined by the season wherein 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/evening.
Surprising, sure. Nonetheless filled with folks? Sure.
For a budget-friendly possibility, you’ll be able to guide the Vacation Inn on factors for cheaper than you’ll be able to guide a resort in Amarillo. (It was beneath 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, you could or could not want a automobile rental. Seven Mile Seaside is a really walkable space. Nevertheless, you’ll need a car if you wish to go to locations like Rum Level or the botanical gardens. We rented a couple of autos throughout our keep to go on day excursions.
We rented from Andy’s Rental Automobile, which has two areas in Grand Cayman (one on the airport and one at Seven Mile Seaside). I felt the costs had been cheap and the employees had been variety and truthful. I’d lease from them once more if once we come again.
Different Transportation Choices in Grand Cayman
When you don’t lease a automobile, you’ve gotten a couple of different choices for getting round in Grand Cayman. One possibility is to face on the facet of the street and hail a bus. They run up and down Seven Mile Seaside and can cease and choose you up. Every journey is a couple of dollars in money and it’s undoubtedly the most affordable possibility for getting round.
I say stand on the facet of the street 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 can 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 may flag one down as properly.
Lastly, there’s a water taxi service that departs from Camana Bay that you could take over to Rum Level. You’ll be able to view their departure occasions and fares right here.
Finest 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. But it surely’s a lot extra. There are outlets, Foster’s (suppose Complete Meals, however island type), a marina the place excursions and boat leases take off via the mangroves, and limitless 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 little bit 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 all places. 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 couple of causes:
1. The splash pads. The children cherished these and they’re shaded many of the day. Throughout hotter days, it was an excellent space to hang around for some time. Seize espresso from Jessie’s Juice Bar Cafe (or Starbucks if you happen to’re fundamental…like me…it’s proper subsequent to the splash pad, what can I say?)
2. It was a good looking stroll to start out our days.
As a substitute 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 procuring.
There’s a handful of grocery shops close to Seven Mile Seaside, however we frequented Fosters. Fosters is principally like a Complete Meals on the island. It is vitally 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’d seize a barbequed hen, freshly grilled burgers, roast veggies, salad bar (method cheaper than shopping for a bag), curries, and extra.
4. Nice restaurant choice
Our favourite spot was known as Agua. Their dessert was unimaginable, they usually had an excellent 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 outside, they had been kid-friendly, too. Informal clothes like a sundress and sandals could be advantageous. We tried many of the eating places alongside the waterfront, and Gelato & Co. additionally provides wonderful desserts.
(I imply, we tried actual meals, too…however the dessert recreation 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 in style 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-after-day, the native Montessori college would set free, and the entire youngsters would play on the island whereas their moms chatted.
Ellie would like to go throughout this time to make new pals and play conceal 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 cause. We took a couple of journeys to Starfish Level as a result of the children appreciated it a lot. It’s a very 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 usually calm, however because it’s on some extent, you’ll be able to escape any wind by strolling to the opposite facet.
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 excellent little spot to spend the day.
Starfish Level is sort of an hour’s drive from the Seven Mile Seaside space however a really fairly and simple drive to make.
Professional tip: A recent fruit and juice stand is on the drive. I extremely suggest grabbing some recent 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 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 received meals poisoning. Keep away from 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 youngsters, however we visited this one twice. It’s a little bit expensive, and also you’ll want a automobile to get there. In any other case, we’d’ve visited extra!
The flowers and bushes had been stunning, and an unimaginable playground and splash pad had been inside for youths. Plus, there’s a whole sanctuary space for the massive blue iguanas.
Strolling round, you’ll be able to see parrots flying and iguanas within the paths. I’d finances for round a half-day go to to the Botanic Park throughout a keep in Grand Cayman.
It value 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 totally different gardens The Floral Color Backyard was my favourite. There’s additionally 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 among the finest ones for the household. There’s no meals contained in the backyard (no less than it wasn’t open once we visited) however you’ll be able to herald your individual meals. Simply be careful for iguanas who WILL steal your meals or chunk 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 excellent place to spend a day exploring and strolling round. Snorkeling within the park (together with a few water slides) can be accessible in case your youngsters 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 an excellent 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 wished to return simply to eat that hen once more. 10/10.
5. Seaside Hop
One factor I cherished 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 among our favourite seashores was known as Spotts Seaside. It’s an excellent 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 superb time for recognizing sea turtles. You probably have the gear to snorkel, it’s potential to identify octopus, sea turtles, and extra.
One other nice seashore space is “Public Seaside,” which is over by Kimpton Sea Fireplace Lodge. There are a few good playgrounds to hang around at over right here, proper alongside the beachfront.
For snorkeling and a secluded seashore, attempt Smith’s Seaside or Smith Barcadere. The seashore is small and quiet with loads of shade bushes round. There are massive rock formations you’ll be able to climb on to look into the intense blue waters. This seashore 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.
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 protected? Would they care? After studying a bunch of opinions on Journey Advisor, we opted to present it a attempt.
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 commonly thought-about 3-4 toes deep, relying on situations. 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 Stay Music at Peppers Restaurant
One among 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 children dance and have a very good 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 wonderful, however there’s one nearer to Seven Mile Seaside too), and noticed the undeveloped facet of the island. We wished to go to the Parrot Sanctuary, but it surely was closed the someday we made it to the far facet of the island! It was an excellent day, however not probably the most kid-friendly and concerned plenty of being within the automobile.
Is Grand Cayman Price Visiting?
When you haven’t already realized it from this publish, we cherished Grand Cayman. Not solely would I’m 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 planet, we may very well contemplate it. When you’re on the fence about visiting Grand Cayman, it is best to guide a visit to this unimaginable island.
I’m joyful to reply any questions beneath 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 good looking beachfront.
How costly is Grand Cayman?
Grand Cayman is ranked because the #1 costliest place to dwell in your entire world, in keeping 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 offer you 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 perfect time to go to Grand Cayman for climate causes is from December via February. The climate is nice and constant. Nevertheless, if you happen to go later within the shoulder season (April-Could), 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 objects 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 protected to drink in Grand Cayman, supplied by desalinated seawater made on the island.
Is Grand Cayman protected?
Grand Cayman may be very protected. Not as soon as did we ever really feel in a not protected atmosphere. Our children might run round freely and be youngsters throughout our whole 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 regularly 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 whole drink everywhere in the flooring at a restaurant, the employees was so variety and useful. When you’re on the lookout for a tropical trip with younger kids, I can’t suggest Cayman sufficient!
