United Kingdom 1 March 2019
Credit: James Carnegie Photography
We know how hard it is when it comes to deciding on a holiday. There are so many options to choose from and so many factors to think about – where to go, where to stay, what to do. Luckily the Cayman Islands has it all: luxury with an abundance of activities and experiences make it the perfect holiday choice for everyone. Whether it’s a family adventure, a romantic escape, a culinary journey or a diving expedition. Here are just 10 reasons to visit this Caribbean paradise:
- Beaches
The Cayman Islands is home to some of the best beaches in the world. In fact, Seven Mile Beach is consistently voted one of ‘the world’s best beaches’ in the Tripadvisor Traveller’s Choice awards. With soft white sand and calm, crystal clear water it’s the perfect place to while away the hours in Grand Cayman.
- Unforgettable memories – Stingray City and Bioluminescence Night Kayaking
Visiting the Cayman Islands is all about unforgettable memories. Although there is a whole host of things to see and do, two experiences that really stand out are Stingray City and a night time kayak tour to experience the spectacular bioluminescence.
Located approximately 20 minutes off the shores of Grand Cayman, Stingray City is a sandbar where friendly wild stingrays congregate. You can interact with these majestic creatures, standing waist-deep in the warm water as they swim around your legs. This truly is an experience not to be missed and one to remember forever.
Another unmissable experience is the night-time kayak tour to see the spectacular bioluminescence. The Cayman Islands is one of the few places in the world to witness this natural phenomenon where every stroke of your paddle leaves behind a glowing swirl of blue light. Truly magical!
- Weather
The average temperature in the Cayman Islands is 28°C so it’s perfect for a spot of year-round sunshine. January is the coolest month with temperatures around 25°C and warm trade winds providing a gentle breeze.
- Diving
Widely recognised as the birthplace of recreational diving, exploring the underwater world around the Cayman Islands is not to be missed. There are diving experiences on offer for all ages and abilities with qualified instructors on hand for those wanting to learn.
With 365 dive sites to choose from across the three islands and some of the best visibility in the world, expect to see colourful, abundant marine life, trenches, chasms and wrecks.
Not a diver? No problem as there are fantastic snorkelling sites just off shore. Expect to see colourful fish, fascinating coral reefs and maybe even a turtle or two. Cayman is also a great place to learn to dive as the waters are warm and the visibility unrivalled. You can even complete the theory and pool work in the UK and simply fly out to Cayman to finish your PADI qualification.
- Watersports
As well as providing stunning scenery underneath the waves, the surface of our calm, crystal-clear, turquoise waters provide the perfect setting for water sports. Snorkelling, sailing, paddle -boarding, kayaking and kitesurfing are all available. Most of the larger hotels include GoPro rental in their prices, so you can capture all your exploits on camera!
Paddle-boarding or kayaking to Owen Island is a popular activity in Little Cayman as the island is uninhabited, so you can make it your own slice of paradise for the day.
- Nature
There are several nature-based activities to enjoy in the Cayman Islands. These range from bird watching at the islands’ sanctuaries to kayaking through mangroves; learning about different flora and fauna. Naturalists will love the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park where the rare, indigenous, Blue Iguana roams and marvel at the spectacular stalagmites and stalactites of the Crystal Caves. A hike along the ancient Mastic Trail with a National Trust guide is also a must.
- Food
Proud to be known as the culinary capital of the Caribbean, the Cayman Islands is a haven for foodies. Fresh seafood, vibrant flavours and a strong farm- and sea-to-table ethos make the culinary offering diverse and delicious.
- Exploring
The best way to see the Cayman Islands is to explore at your own leisure. Hiring a car and finding your own way around the destination allows total freedom to go wherever the mood suits, whether it's searching for a secluded beach, looking for that perfect photo opportunity or simply to find out how Caymanian people live. Just make sure you've got your swimming and snorkel gear with you!
- Cayman Brac
A mere 30-minute flight from Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac earns its name from the spectacular Bluff that thrusts vertically from the ocean floor and runs down the centre of the island. The lighthouse located at the end of the Bluff provides spectacular views of the cliffs and ocean below and those with an adventurous side will love exploring the crisscross network of hiking trails.
- Little Cayman
At only ten miles long and one-mile wide, Little Cayman is perhaps the most unique of all three Cayman Islands. Small but mighty, the tranquil island offers uninterrupted relaxation and awe-inspiring landscapes everywhere you look, making it especially popular among couples and honeymooners. Pack a picnic and kayak or paddleboard over to the uninhabited Owen Island to experience true tropical island bliss.
There aren't many other sun-kissed islands in the Caribbean that can offer this diversity of experiences all in one place, making the Cayman Islands the perfect destination for a luxurious getaway, whatever the reason.