From its white sandy beaches to pristine blue ocean water, the Cayman Islands has a longstanding reputation as being one of the most luxurious vacation destinations on the planet. But those amenities come with a hefty price tag.
Sure, you can visit Grand Cayman and shell out $5,400 per night for a room at the Ritz, charter your own yacht or drop $330 for a seven-course prix fixe menu and wine pairing at the swanky Blue. Or you can choose your activities and accommodations wisely, and enjoy everything the island has to offer for a whole lot less cash.
Getting There
By air, Grand Cayman is an hour and 20 minutes from Miami. And while it usually requires hopping planes, there are direct flights (in season) from major cities like New York, Chicago and Detroit. Affordable fares can be found via services like Kayak.com and Priceline.com.
In general, the airfare is slated to start decreasing soon. According to Cayman Councilor for Tourism and Transport Joseph Hew, the country is currently in the process of expanding its airstrip, which will make room for more flights to reach the island. British Airways, for instance, will be offering flights via 777s (“triple 7’s”) starting in July. This will allow the island to accommodate an extra 30 percent of travelers a week, which will drive down seat expenses considerably.
Where to Stay
Comfort Suites Seven Mile Beach
22 Piper Way, Cayman Islands
+1-345/945-7300
The popular Seven Mile Beach area is filled with ritzy hotels, such as The Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman, where rooms start at $415 per night. But affordable lodging near the island’s tourism mecca can be found at the Comfort Suites Seven Mile Beach, a 3.5-star hotel that recently underwent a $2.8 million renovation.
For an average of $192 per night, visitors can enjoy beach access, a free breakfast buffet, a gym, poolside Caribbean dining, free Wi-Fi and a full kitchenette suite.
“We’re very unique in the fact that we employ local workers,” property manager Thomas Mason explains. “They [offer] a unique service when people come to the Cayman Islands. It’s a friendly service, a natural service, a real Cayman kind of service.”
Activities
Seven Mile Beach, which was recently named the #1 beach in the world by U.S. News and World Report, is where all the action is happening. Nearby Rum Point is a postcard-worthy spot to slide into a hammock and watch the sunset while sipping “the best mudslides in Grand Cayman.”
For interacting with wildlife, low-cost tourist options include a visit to the Cayman Turtle Farm ($18 for adults, $9 for children) and a trip to the famous Stingray City ($40). For some history, take a tour of historic Pedro St. James Castle ($10 for a guided tour). There are also a variety of free excursions, including a visit to The National Gallery of the Cayman Islands and the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park.
Those looking for a more kitschy experience can send their loved ones a postcard from Hell, Grand Cayman (free admission), a limestone rock formation that is said to resemble “what hell must look like.”
Or, if you’re feeling feisty, for $40 you can enjoy an all-night open bar, plus appetizers and a sunset cocktail cruise via Pirates of the Caymans.
Dining
Grand Cayman doesn’t grow any of its own food, so the majority of its staples are imported, which makes dining out more expensive. However, there are a variety of more affordable beach shacks and fish huts like Heritage Kitchen, serving up local fare, and Tukka, known for its delectable lionfish tacos. Chicken! Chicken! is a local favorite for affordable jerk chicken. And $9.95 at Eats Cafe will get you everything from all-you-can-eat waffles to a BBQ pulled pork sandwich meal.
The fisherman’s market in Georgetown is a great place for tourists to purchase the catch of the day right off the line, and most local restaurants will even fry up your purchase for around $5 to $8 per pound.
The island also offers restaurant weeks throughout the year and certain months when children can eat for free in various dining establishments. Details can be found on the Grand Cayman tourism website (Caymanislands.ky).
And if you want to take home a souvenir, The Tortuga Rum Company offers up its beloved rum cakes for prices ranging from $4.95 to $19.95.
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