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In case you’d requested me a couple of months in the past what I knew about Grand Cayman, the reply can be… that it’s an island within the Caribbean possibly? This and the truth that “offshore accounts within the Caymans” are one thing folks discuss 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 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 case 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 find it irresistible).
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 beautiful island.
The place to Keep in Grand Cayman
Grand Cayman shouldn’t be 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 may stroll and the kinds of actions close by.
We stayed in an space known as Seven Mile Seaside. That is the most well-liked 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 one of the vital lovely 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, generally stopping at a close-by lodge to seize espresso and muffins earlier than paddling again residence.
Why do I like to recommend staying on Seven Mile Seaside? (Apart from the truth that the seaside is unimaginable)
We didn’t lease a automotive for many of our time on Grand Cayman. (We rented when folks came visiting us!)
On Seven Mile Seaside, we may stroll to eating places and entry every part we would have liked inside a brief distance. Our favourite restaurant was Paradise Pizza. They’ve unimaginable brick oven pizza and a cool outside seating space the place our youngsters befriended a number of the native cats. Plus, as my spouse famous, they’d superb gluten-free pizza and we may stroll there with out ever leaving the seaside.
Seven Mile Seaside is on the west facet 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. Day-after-day was excellent!
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 non-public seaside space, however the remainder of Seven Mile Seaside was very busy on nowadays.
If you would like a quieter tempo, I’d suggest Rum Level.
It’s a couple of 45-minute drive (or 20-minute boat trip) 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 under.
Nevertheless, if touring with youngsters, most actions and eating places are centered within the Seven Mile Seaside space. In case you keep in Rum Level, you’ll 100% must lease a automotive.
The place to Keep on Seven Mile Seaside
There are quite a lot of inns and short-term leases in Seven Mile Seaside. Whereas we had been there in February and March, a number of the nightly lodge charges had been as steep as $2,000 per evening! In case 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 positioned condominium complicated on Seven Mile Seaside. The complicated has a pool, gymnasium, 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 seaside.
To say we liked our keep at Laguna Del Mar can 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 pal lately renovated his 3-bedroom unit at Laguna Del Mar, and you may lease it right here on VRBO. Can’t suggest Andy’s place sufficient! We keep in quite a lot of Airbnb spots all over the world, and arms down, this was our favourite keep…ever.
The Finest Lodge in Grand Cayman
Primarily based on greater than 1,000 evaluations, the Kimpton Seafire Resort is the #1 rated lodge in Grand Cayman. I can attest to the truth that the resort is completely lovely.
We’ve stayed at a number of Kimpton inns over time, and when given a selection, they’re our favourite inns (principally 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 children to play in the future. In the course of the offseason, they permit non-guests to buy day passes. Nevertheless, they only allow us to in totally free because it was closing in half-hour (what did I inform you about Kimpton!?).
How a lot does the Kimpton Seafire Resort price?
It is determined by the season wherein you’re visiting. Low season for Grand Cayman begins round April, so you will see 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 folks? Sure.
For a budget-friendly possibility, you may e-book the Vacation Inn on factors for cheaper than you may e-book a lodge 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, chances are you’ll or might not want a automotive 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 couple 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 affordable and the workers had been type and honest. I’d lease from them once more if after we come again.
Different Transportation Choices in Grand Cayman
In case you don’t lease a automotive, 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 trip is a couple of bucks in money and it’s undoubtedly the most cost effective 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 may flag down the bus simply. They aren’t conventional buses, however giant vans which can be clearly labeled.
There are additionally loads of cabs across the island you may name. You will note them driving round and may flag one down as nicely.
Lastly, there’s a water taxi service that departs from Camana Bay which you could take over to Rum Level. You may 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. However it’s a lot extra. There are retailers, Foster’s (suppose Entire Meals, however island fashion), a marina the place excursions and boat leases take off via 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 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 all over the place. As we’d study, many of those households reside 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 liked 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 primary…like me…it’s proper subsequent to the splash pad, what can I say?)
2. It was a stupendous 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 kinds 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 Entire Meals on the island. It is rather good and costly. Cayman generally is dear, however $10 for a bagged salad blew our minds.
Nevertheless, 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 (means 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 environment 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 can be nice. We tried many of the eating places alongside the waterfront, and Gelato & Co. additionally presents 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 main islands: Grand Cayman, Little Cayman, and Cayman Brac. Grand Cayman is the most well-liked one with vacationers, however one other island is common with locals. It’s the small, clearly artifical sand island in Camana Bay.
Related by a bridge, this little island was a kid-friendly paradise. Day-after-day, the native Montessori college would let loose, and all the youngsters would play on the island whereas their moms chatted.
Ellie would like to go throughout this time to make new buddies and play cover 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 couple of journeys to Starfish Level as a result of the children favored it a lot. It’s a very shallow seaside space the place you may 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 may escape any wind by strolling to the opposite facet.
You’ll see a number 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 contemporary fruit and juice stand is on the drive. I extremely suggest grabbing some contemporary 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 acquired 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 youngsters, however we visited this one twice. It’s a bit of dear, and also you’ll want a automotive to get there. In any other case, we might’ve visited extra!
The flowers and bushes had been lovely, and an unimaginable playground and splash pad had been inside for youths. Plus, there may be a whole sanctuary space for the big blue iguanas.
Strolling round, you may 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 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 principally 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 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 top-of-the-line ones for the household. There’s no meals contained in the backyard (not less than it wasn’t open after we visited) however you may usher in 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 motive. 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 obtainable 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 website. It’s an excellent spot for a day journey with youngsters.
The largest shock of the turtle centre was the meals. The jerk hen meal was:
- Large enough 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. Seaside Hop
One factor I liked about Grand Cayman was how simple it was to search out remoted areas of seashores with out giant 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 seaside to ourselves. Going early within the morning is a good time for recognizing sea turtles. When you’ve got the gear to snorkel, it’s potential to identify octopus, sea turtles, and extra.
One other nice seaside 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 seaside, attempt Smith’s Seaside or Smith Barcadere. The seaside is small and quiet with loads of shade bushes round. There are giant rock formations you may climb on to look into the brilliant blue waters. This seaside 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 considering; I’m good, Heath. No must pet a stingray.
Nevertheless, there’s a sequence 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 couple of four- and two-year-old. Was it protected? Would they care? After studying a bunch of evaluations 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 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 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 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. Take heed to Reside 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 an excellent 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 the whole island perimeter. We discovered a shipwreck, noticed the Blow Holes, ate at Tukka (which was superb, 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 in the future we made it to the far facet of the island! It was an excellent day, however not probably the most kid-friendly and concerned quite a lot of being within the automotive.
Is Grand Cayman Price Visiting?
In case 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 most costly place to reside on the earth, we may very well contemplate it. In case you’re on the fence about visiting Grand Cayman, you must e-book a visit to this unimaginable island.
I’m glad 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 most well-liked space to remain in when visiting Grand Cayman. It has a excessive density of eating places and actions and a stupendous beachfront.
How costly is Grand Cayman?
Grand Cayman is ranked because the #1 most costly place to reside in the whole 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 foreign money change!
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 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 drawback with utilizing a bank card.
Can I drink the water in Grand Cayman?
The water is protected to drink in Grand Cayman, offered by desalinated seawater made on the island.
Is Grand Cayman protected?
Grand Cayman could be very protected. Not as soon as did we ever really feel in a not protected surroundings. Our youngsters may run round freely and be youngsters throughout our complete 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 after we stroll in with younger youngsters, however we at all times felt welcome in Cayman. Even when our daughter spilled her complete drink everywhere in the ground at a restaurant, the workers was so type and useful. In case you’re searching for a tropical trip with younger kids, I can’t suggest Cayman sufficient!