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If you happen to’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 possibly? This and the truth that “offshore accounts within the Caymans” are one thing folks speak about in films.
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 rapidly turned my primary favourite place on this planet.
In case you are contemplating a visit to Grand Cayman, cease studying this and go guide it now. You’ll remorse nothing.
If you happen to’re touring with children, you’re in for an actual deal with. We’ve taken our two and four-year-old to 14+ nations, and Grand Cayman was THE most kid-friendly place we’ve ever been. I’ll share extra about why beneath (however belief me, your children will like it).
After spending a month seashore and exercise hopping, I’m sharing a listing of issues to do with children in Grand Cayman together with ideas for visiting this attractive island.
The place to Keep in Grand Cayman
Grand Cayman is just not an enormous island. To drive from one finish to the opposite would take us lower than an hour. Nevertheless, the place you keep will influence how a lot you may stroll and the varieties of actions close by.
We stayed in an space known as Seven Mile Seashore. That is the most well-liked space on the island and could be very walkable. If I had been to return, that is the realm I might keep once more.
Seven Mile Seashore is called probably the most lovely seashores on this planet! And it lives as much as the hype with utterly clear water that stays calm. We’d spend mornings paddle boarding throughout the water, generally stopping at a close-by resort to seize espresso and muffins earlier than paddling again dwelling.
Why do I like to recommend staying on Seven Mile Seashore? (Apart from the truth that the seashore is unbelievable)
We didn’t hire a automotive for many of our time on Grand Cayman. (We rented when folks came visiting us!)
On Seven Mile Seashore, we may stroll to eating places and entry the whole lot we wanted inside a brief distance. Our favourite restaurant was Paradise Pizza. They’ve unbelievable 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 wonderful gluten-free pizza and we may stroll there with out ever leaving the seashore.
Seven Mile Seashore 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 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 seashore.
Seven Mile Seashore 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 seashore space, however the remainder of Seven Mile Seashore was very busy on as of late.
In order for you a quieter tempo, I’d suggest Rum Level.
It’s a few 45-minute drive (or 20-minute boat journey) from Seven Mile Seashore and has a couple of good eating places and seashores. If we weren’t touring with children, 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 children, most actions and eating places are centered within the Seven Mile Seashore space. If you happen to keep in Rum Level, you’ll probably have to hire a automotive.
The place to Keep on Seven Mile Seashore
There are quite a lot of lodges and short-term leases in Seven Mile Seashore. Whereas we had been there in February and March, a number of the nightly resort charges had been as steep as $2,000 per night time! If you happen to’re touring with a bigger household or group, I like to recommend taking a look at short-term leases for a greater worth.
We stayed at a pal’s VRBO at Laguna Del Mar, a centrally positioned condominium advanced on Seven Mile Seashore. The advanced has a pool, health club, tennis courts, and epic grill setup. A few of our favourite nights concerned grilling whereas the youngsters 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 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 seashore for miles.
Our pal just lately renovated his 3-bedroom unit at Laguna Del Mar, and you may hire 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 palms down, this was our favourite keep…ever.
The Finest Lodge in Grand Cayman
Based mostly on greater than 1,000 evaluations, the Kimpton Seafire Resort is the #1 rated resort in Grand Cayman. I can attest to the truth that the resort is totally lovely.
We now have stayed at a number of Kimpton lodges through the years, and when given a selection, they’re our favourite lodges (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 youngsters to play sooner or later. Throughout the offseason, they permit non-guests to buy day passes. Nevertheless, they simply allow us to in without cost because it was closing in half-hour (what did I let you know about Kimpton!?).
How a lot does the Kimpton Seafire Resort value?
It will depend on the season by which 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/night time.
Surprising, sure. Nonetheless filled with folks? Sure.
For a budget-friendly choice, you may guide the Vacation Inn on factors for cheaper than you may guide a resort in Amarillo. (It was below 18,000 factors per night time!)
Learn Extra: Journey Hacking: How We Journey for (Virtually) Free
Renting a Automotive In Grand Cayman
Relying on the place you keep in Grand Cayman, you might or might not want a automotive rental. Seven Mile Seashore is a really walkable space. Nevertheless, you will want 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 Automotive, which has two areas in Grand Cayman (one on the airport and one at Seven Mile Seashore). I felt the costs had been affordable and the workers had been sort and honest. I might hire from them once more if once we come again.
Different Transportation Choices in Grand Cayman
If you happen to don’t hire a automotive, you’ve got a couple of different choices for getting round in Grand Cayman. One choice is to face on the facet of the highway and hail a bus. They run up and down Seven Mile Seashore and can cease and choose you up. Every journey is a couple of bucks in money and it’s undoubtedly the most affordable choice for getting round.
I say stand on the facet of the highway 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 might flag one down as effectively.
Lastly, there’s a water taxi service that departs from Camana Bay that you may take over to Rum Level. You’ll be able to view their departure instances and fares right here.
Finest Issues to Do in Grand Cayman with Children
1. Go to Camana Bay
On paper, Camana Bay is an outside procuring space boasting al fresco eating places and waterfront eating. However it’s a lot extra. There are retailers, Foster’s (assume Entire Meals, however island model), a marina the place excursions and boat leases take off by 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 slightly paradise tucked away on the island. The very first thing I observed was what number of households with younger children there have been. They had been in every single place. As we’d be taught, 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 youngsters cherished these and they’re shaded a lot of the day. Throughout hotter days, it was an awesome space to hang around for some time. Seize espresso from Jessie’s Juice Bar Cafe (or Starbucks should you’re primary…like me…it’s proper subsequent to the splash pad, what can I say?)
2. It was a fantastic stroll to begin our days.
As an alternative 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 Seashore, however we frequented Fosters. Fosters is mainly like a Entire Meals on the island. It is rather good and costly. Cayman typically 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 (method cheaper than shopping for a bag), curries, and extra.
4. Nice restaurant choice
Our favourite spot was known as Agua. Their dessert was unbelievable, they usually had an awesome ambiance for consuming out subsequent to the water.
Agua and most of the different eating places had been very good, however since seating is obtainable outdoor, they had been kid-friendly, too. Informal clothes like a sundress and sandals could be fantastic. We tried a lot 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 main islands: Grand Cayman, Little Cayman, and Cayman Brac. Grand Cayman is the most well-liked one with vacationers, however one other island is widespread 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 by day, the native Montessori faculty would set free, and the entire children would play on the island whereas their moms chatted.
Ellie would like to go throughout this time to make new pals and play disguise 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 youngsters appreciated it a lot. It’s a very shallow seashore space the place you may see tons of starfish within the water and contact them (although it’s vital to by no means take them out of water). The water is usually calm, however because it’s on a degree, you may escape any wind by strolling to the opposite facet.
You’ll see plenty 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 awesome little spot to spend the day.
Starfish Level is sort of an hour’s drive from the Seven Mile Seashore space however a really fairly and straightforward 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 could possibly bike.
There’s a beachfront restaurant and bar with a shallow water space for teenagers to play in. We ate right here a number of instances and had nice meals (Minus the one time we ordered ceviche and acquired meals poisoning. Keep away from the ceviche. Order the Colada Colada as a substitute).
3. Spend a Day on the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park
Botanical parks could also be hit and miss with children, however we visited this one twice. It’s slightly dear, and also you’ll want a automotive to get there. In any other case, we’d’ve visited extra!
The flowers and bushes had been lovely, and an unbelievable playground and splash pad had been inside for teenagers. 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 might funds 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 youngsters. 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 mountain 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 (at the very least it wasn’t open once 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 preferred tour when cruise ships arrive in port, and for good motive. It’s an awesome place to spend a day exploring and strolling round. Snorkeling within the park (together with a few water slides) can be out there in case your children are a bit older or good are swimmers.
We spent 3-4 hours strolling round, testing 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 awesome spot for a day journey with children.
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 wished to return simply to eat that hen once more. 10/10.
5. Seashore Hop
One factor I cherished about Grand Cayman was how simple it was to seek out remoted areas of seashores with out giant crowds. Starfish Level and Seven Mile Seashore sometimes have crowds, however we additionally discovered it simple to flee and discover a secluded spot.
Certainly one of our favourite seashores was known as Spotts Seashore. It’s an awesome spot for snorkeling and seeing sea turtles. Each instances 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 good time for recognizing sea turtles. In case you have the gear to snorkel, it’s doable to identify octopus, sea turtles, and extra.
One other nice seashore space is “Public Seashore,” 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, strive Smith’s Seashore or Smith Barcadere. The seashore is small and quiet with loads of shade bushes round. There are giant rock formations you may climb on to look into the intense blue waters. This seashore 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 pondering; I’m good, Heath. No have to 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 few four- and two-year-old. Was it protected? Would they care? After studying a bunch of evaluations on Journey Advisor, we opted to provide it a strive.
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 need to get into the water, nevertheless it was nonetheless a enjoyable journey for the adults whereas the youngsters 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 usually thought-about 3-4 toes deep, relying on circumstances. It was windy the morning we visited, and she or he placed on a life jacket because the waves would go over her head. (She’s 5’2″)
7. Hearken to Dwell Music at Peppers Restaurant
Certainly one of 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 youngsters dance and have a great 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 all the island perimeter. We discovered a shipwreck, noticed the Blow Holes, ate at Tukka (which was wonderful, however there’s one nearer to Seven Mile Seashore too), and noticed the undeveloped facet of the island. We wished to go to the Parrot Sanctuary, nevertheless it was closed the sooner or later we made it to the far facet of the island! It was an awesome day, however not probably the most kid-friendly and concerned quite a lot of being within the automotive.
Is Grand Cayman Price Visiting?
If you happen to haven’t already realized it from this submit, 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 most costly place to dwell on this planet, we may very well contemplate it. If you happen to’re on the fence about visiting Grand Cayman, you must guide a visit to this unbelievable island.
I’m completely satisfied to reply any questions beneath concerning planning a visit to Grand Cayman. Simply drop a remark.
FAQs on Visiting Grand Cayman
What’s the finest space of Grand Cayman to remain in?
Seven Mile Seashore 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 fantastic beachfront.
How costly is Grand Cayman?
Grand Cayman is ranked because the #1 most costly place to dwell in all the 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 finest time to go to Grand Cayman?
The most effective time to go to Grand Cayman for climate causes is from December by February. The climate is nice and constant. Nevertheless, should you go later within the shoulder season (April-Might), 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 setting. Our youngsters may run round freely and be children throughout our total 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 Children
Grand Cayman is ideal for younger households. We regularly really feel like eating places or shops are irritated once we stroll in with younger children, however we at all times felt welcome in Cayman. Even when our daughter spilled her total drink everywhere in the flooring at a restaurant, the workers was so sort and useful. If you happen to’re on the lookout for a tropical trip with younger kids, I can’t suggest Cayman sufficient!
