Find a place and pace to suit your mood on this trio of tropical islands where there are secluded beaches, adventures and watersports, friendly locals and fun events.
Located in the western Caribbean Sea, the Cayman Islands are a British Overseas Territory, though little of what travelers find here feels particularly British. Rather than rain, tea and other quintessentially British delights, these three islands offer sun, sea, sandy beaches and shopping malls. Go scuba diving with tropical fish, hike rugged forest trails to discover exotic plants and spend the day browsing high-end designer stores.
The largest island is Grand Cayman, home to Seven Mile Beach, which features golden sand and plenty of room to stretch out your beach towel. In the eastern region, discover native plants and blue iguanas at Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park. Enjoy the tax-free shopping, bustling streets and lively cocktail bars of the capital, George Town.
Search for adventure in Cayman Brac, a smaller, rugged island known for its beautiful limestone caves, unspoiled hiking trails and parrot reserve, which is populated by brightly colored birds. Cayman Brac is a great place to mingle with local islanders in quiet, quaintly named towns such as Watering Place and Spot Bay.
Honeymooners often choose to visit Little Cayman, the smallest of the islands, for its secluded beaches. Go swimming in the uncrowded South Hole Sound Lagoon and don scuba or snorkeling gear to go in search of turtles, reef sharks and lobsters under the surface.
The largest passenger airport in the Cayman Islands is Owen Roberts International Airport on Grand Cayman. Daily inter-island services are also a popular way of getting between the islands. It’s also possible to take a cruise to the Cayman Islands. Cruise ships dock in one of three terminals in George Town.
By far the easiest way to travel around the islands is by rental car, which can be picked up from the airport or in George Town. On the smaller islands, rent a scooter or moped to more easily navigate the narrow roads.
In between your outdoor adventures, visit the islands’ many museums to learn more about the rich history of this Caribbean island trio.