The Cayman Islands are one of the Caribbean’s most sophisticated destinations. They’re located south of Cuba and were formerly known as ‘Las Tortugas’ meaning ‘the turtles’ due to past sightings. There are 3 islands, all of which are formed by large coral heads so are popular with snorkelers and scuba fanatics. The cosmopolitan Grand Cayman is the largest and most visited island, boasting culture, wildlife and the charming beach Rum Point. Cayman Brac is the 2nd largest island situated 90 miles away and is known for its fascinating selection of caves. Then just a further 5 miles away is the smallest island Little Cayman, which is truly enchanting.
Things to see and do in the Cayman Islands:
Attractions: One of the most popular attractions on Grand Cayman, the largest of the three islands, is Stingray City and Sandbar where visitors can touch, feed and swim with approximately 75 majestic Southern Stingrays who are far friendlier and more accustomed to people than you may imagine. Another popular wildlife encounter on in island is Cayman Turtle Farm, where visitors can get up close and personal with baby turtles right up to adult turtles weighing more than 500lb. For a taste of the island’s historical past, visit Pedro St. James National Historic Site in Savannah, which is the island’s oldest building (now a museum) with beautiful grounds and some great photo opportunities. The Grand Cayman’s Seven Mile beach (which is actually 5 ½ miles long!) is a great place to hang out with a whole range of watersports on offer plus a lively restaurant and bar scene. On Cayman Brac, a short 30-minute plane ride from Grand Cayman, there are some fascinating caves to explore, including Bat Cave, Peter’s Cave and the Halfway Ground Cave. Little Cayman, the smallest of the three Cayman Islands at only 10 miles long, is home to some fabulous beaches and incredible scuba diving opportunities, most notably Little Cayman’s Bloody Bay Wall and Jackson’s Reef, where you will see a huge variety of fish, sea creatures and coral.
Events/festivals: Visit in January for a taste of the Caymans at the annual Food and Wine Festival where you can sample local dishes and listen to live music. Between April and May, the islands host the Batabano Carnival when the streets come alive with colourful floats and vivid costumes. Kids will love visiting in November during ‘Pirates Week’. Visitors will enjoy a parade, live music, fireworks, competitions and the piece de resistance – a mock pirate invasion from the sea!
Sports: The Cayman islands are home to some of the Caribbean’s (if not the world’s) best scuba diving and snorkelling opportunities. Not only can you discover an amazing underwater world complete with turtles, there is incredible visibility – in some parts you can see up to 100 feet in front of you. The waters around the islands also offer some great sailing.
Nightlife: Grand Cayman Island is the liveliest of all three islands, with the majority of the nightlife scene happening along Seven Mile beach. The island has something for everyone, from laid back bars to more sophisticated, glitzy establishments (thanks to its thriving offshore banking industry). If you happen to be visiting at the right time, try to visit a Full Moon party at one of the beach bars where you can dine under a full moon and party the night away.
Eating/Drinking: Fresh seafood can be found on most restaurant menus, including conch and tuna which are generally fried in coconut oil. Turtle is also a local speciality, eaten as a steak or in a soup or stew. Cayman cuisine has developed a Jamaican influence over recent years, with popular foods such as jerk, rice ‘n’ peas and plantains on the menu. The traditional Cayman desserts are ‘heavy cake’ made from cassava and rum cake. The official drink of the island is the Tortuga Rum Punch.
Shopping: The best of the islands’ shopping can be found in the capital, George Town. The Cayman Islands are famous for their duty-free shopping, including jewellery, watches and luxury brands.
When to go
The Cayman Islands enjoy warm temperatures all year round. The most popular and pleasant time of year to visit is mid-November – mid-April when there is little rain and lots of sunshine. May to November is the rainy season, however, the showers tend to be short and sharp. The islands are located in the western part of the Caribbean and tend not to be affected so much by hurricanes however, storms are still possible during the hurricane season from June to November.
This luxurious beach house style hotel is situated directly on Seven Mile Beach and is one of our Cayman Island favourites.
Learn MoreThis boutique hotel is by far the islands most impressive. Set on the stunning Seven Mile Beach, it's ideal for a luxurious escape.
Learn MoreA luxurious boutique hotel, offering large apartment style suites. An outstanding experience for those wanting more space.
Learn MoreThe grandest and most elegant hotel in the Cayman Islands. This hotel offers exceptional standards and is set in a stunning location.
Learn MoreSet on a stunning beach in a peaceful setting, this property is ideal for a relaxing beachfront holiday and offers great value.
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One to One Service
Our experienced personal travel consultants will ensure you find the most suitable holiday, whilst taking care of every last detail. Everything from start to finish will be effortless.
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We can use any hotel, in any destination, so we will craft an itinerary to suit your exact needs. Also, as we can provide any itinerary, the only holiday we'll offer, is the one that's right for you.
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Our ATOL bonding provides you with the financial protection you need and as a member of the Travel Trust Association, you'll have 100% financial protection. Covering you for any eventuality.
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As a tour operator & travel agent, we'll search the market to ensure that we find you the best price. Also as an online business, we can ensure our prices are as competitive as possible.
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Helen
Andy was really helpful with organising our trip to SE Asia. Super prompt with answering any questions, excellent service.
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Anonymous
Dave has been very helpful and has been helping us to build our own tour and cruise
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JohnMansel
Chris has been very helpful, knowledgeable about Croatia where we wanted to have our Holiday. This is my first time using the company and if holixay goes to plan, i will be using eshores again in the future
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Mr SBaker
Have now booked several holidays with eShores and they have always been very helpful and professional. We have just returned from an amazing holiday to India, Sri Lanka and the Maldives and put together a bespoke holiday based on our requirements. A special thanks to Matt Woodward (Senior Travel Consultant) for all his time and effort to give us a holiday of a lifetime
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Julie
I’ve just finished planning our trip to the Italian Lakes with Kadie from eShores. She’s been absolutely superb at helping us plan exactly what we wanted (Venice, Como, Garda and a trip on the Bernina Express and no driving). Kadie has been helpful, patient, responsive and really took the time to understand what we wanted and helped us check out various aspects of the trip (Bernina Express which is a bit of a minefield.) Having help with all of the flights and connections on a multi centre trip is massively helpful. It’s the first time I’ve used eShores and I now can’t wait for the holiday (in September). I’d highly recommend Kadie and will definitely use eShores again and for bigger trips too.
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Steven
Friendly staff, great service. Sorted it all out for us, Chris was really helpful. Hopefully when we go in May we'll have no worries. Definitely use again
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Alison
This is the first time I have used this company and I am so pleased I found them. I couldn’t find any multi centre trips to Andalucia until I came across this company. It’s exactly what I wanted. From my first contact with them until I booked the trip I couldn’t fault them. Kelly was very efficient, friendly and helpful. Nothing was too much trouble. I would certainly recommend this company.
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Kadi
This is our 2nd time booking with Gavin. He organised our 1st teip to Thailand and now it is time to go to Vietnam. It is so easy and straightforward with him. He knows his stuff, recommends great places to go/see and is always after a great price for his clients. We will continue to book with eShores for custom made holidays.
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Arunkumar
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Carol
Found Kadie very efficient and helpful. This is the first time we have used eshores so hoping for a wonderful Greek Island hopping experience.
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