Many Brits dismiss the Cayman Islands as ‘too pricey’ or ‘a diving destination’. They could be missing a trick, discovers Louise Scott
Throughout the Caribbean, tourists are largely restricted to all-inclusive resorts. Not so in the Cayman Islands.
The economically strong islands – a UK territory – are well developed and easy to explore independently, with a strong US influence creating a feel distinctly more Florida than Jamaica.
The result is a somewhat sanitised Caribbean experience, but the Cayman Islands come into their own with a laid-back charm, interesting heritage and a glut of green initiatives that will appeal to the UK’s growing number of eco-conscious travellers.
Although far from a budget destination, the Cayman Islands are not as expensive as some might think. Eating out costs about the same as or little more than in the UK and there is some affordable mid-range accommodation – lots of it self-catering.
Beach bums will feel at home on the endless swathes of white sand, but it’s activity and attraction addicts that will get the most out of these islands.
Where to stay
Join the tourist crowds at Seven Mile Beach on Grand Cayman’s east coast, just two miles from capital city George Town. It’s heavily built up, with busy roads and high-rise hotels lining the shore.
For an informal resort property just footsteps from the sea, head for the four-star Grand Cayman Beach Suites which has spacious accommodation with kitchen, living room area and balcony.
Elsewhere in the area, the Ritz-Carlton offers opulent (if chintzy) chic, and is set to unveil a number of deluxe five-bedroom family houses for rental in 2009.
Divers and ecotourists should head for the islands’ first ecologically sustainable luxury resort – Cayman Diving Lodge in the less developed East End of Grand Cayman – also due to open next year.
Cayman Villas offers a variety of multi-bedroom properties for rental around the island, mostly at the top-end price bracket.
For mid-range, try the Sunshine Suites Hotel, in the Seven Mile Beach area and walking distance from a large supermarket. There’s also the homely Spanish-style Turtle Nest Inn in Bodden Town, and divers’ favourite Sunset House in George Town.
By day
Things to see and do on Grand Cayman’s flat 76 sq mile expanse are all reached easily in a hire car or, to differing degrees, by local bus.
This is a premier diving destination, so get close to the coral reefs and scuba with Ocean Frontiers at Compass Point on the East End or Divetech at Cobalt Coast in the West Bay area. Explore the shipwrecked USS Kittiwake warship, a new attraction from June 2009.
If wetsuits aren’t your thing there’s the Atlantis Submarine at George Town, which will give you seabed views through a porthole – a good choice for kids. Other family attractions include the turtle farm at Botswain’s Beach.
Wildlife enthusiasts will love the Queen Elizabeth II botanic park, which houses a sanctuary for the once endangered native blue iguana, and the Mastic Trail, where you can spot parrots, woodpeckers and tree frogs.
The Cayman Islands’ best known animal attraction is Stingray City. It is a sandbar off the north shore, where you can swim with, hold and feed friendly stingrays in the wild. When you fancy lunch, the cosy Vivine’s Kitchen in East End serves up typical Caymanian dishes such as conch stew in what feels like your favourite aunt’s house.
Need a lie down? Tumble into a hammock, slurp on a smoothie and watch the kitesurfers from the shade of the trees at Rum Point – a beach paradise with a perfect relaxed vibe.
By night
Before dusk, join a kayak tour of the Kaibo’s mangroves, then rest your oars and sip rum as you watch the sunset.
Then, for dinner with a difference, try the Cayman Traditional Arts Centre – one of the islands’ oldest houses where visitors can sample Caymanian dishes and try crafts such as rope making and basket weaving.
Alternatively, the classy Bacchus in George Town is a reliable choice for a good, affordable meal.
Like many tropical islands, the Cayman Islands are no hedonistic hotbed and the nightlife is sedate and civilised. That said, the DJ on Friday night at the Ritz-Carlton provides some action, while the Reef Grill at Royal Palms on Seven Mile Beach often has live music and the Calypso Grill and Bar in West Bay is livelier than most.
Cayman Islands fact file
Flight time: 10 hours direct
Currency: Cayman dollars, US dollars
Time difference: GMT -5 hours
Weather: Warm tropical climate year-round, humidity moderated by trade winds. Hurricane season June-November.
Airlines
- British Airways flies direct from Heathrow, with a stop in Nassau (passengers do not disembark)
- Alternatively, fly to Miami and take a Cayman Airways flight from there
Sample product
Caribtours offers seven nights at Grand Cayman’s five-star Ritz-Carlton in a garden view room on a room-only basis for £1,966 per person. Price includes one free night’s accommodation, return flights with British Airways, private transfers and lounge access on departure from London, between May 1 and December 12 2009 (excluding peak flying times) (020 7751 0660).
Barefoot Traveller offers seven nights at Cobalt Coast Dive Resort on a bed-and-breakfast basis for non-divers from £1,220 per person twin-share, including British Airways flights, return transfers, taxes and surcharges. Price for divers is £1,385 including 12 morning boat dives with Divetech and unlimited shore diving. Prices are valid for travel from January to April 2009 (excluding Easter) (020 8741 4319).
