Grand Cayman At A Glance:
A bit of Britain in the tropics…world class scuba diving and snorkeling…exceptional brilliant white sandy beaches…excellent dining…an excellent choice for families and for those seeking an island that feels a bit more like the United States.

The Cayman Islands are a British Crown colony that includes Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman. Located just 480 miles south of Miami, Grand Cayman boasts permanent political and economic stability and provides a safe and relaxing atmosphere. The tranquil islands are home to some of the friendliest people in the Caribbean whose courteous and civil manners are renowned and most befitting their British heritage.

Grand Cayman is a small treasure offering elegance, warmth and the charm of tradition. Strictly imposed standards keep every inch of the island sparkling clean and extremely safe. Indeed, the streets are free of peddlers of any kind as law prohibits it.

Grand Cayman is nestled in the calm and clear turquoise waters of the Western Caribbean and blessed with sun-kissed beaches and waters teeming with fish. Indeed, Grand Cayman offers some of the best diving and snorkeling in the world and offers world-renowned scuba diving in its translucent waters that are prefect for the exploration of coral reefs.

Exceptional beaches lure visitors to Grand Cayman as well. Seven Mile Beach is the most photographed and the beach most associate with Grand Cayman although the beach is more like 5.6 miles long. It is located just minutes from the capital of George Town with its many duty-free shops, restaurants and entertainment. Seven Mile Beach offers talcum powder sand that consists of coral that has been pulverized by the wind and sea to become the island’s most impressive beach. Seven Mile Beach offers exceptional swimming and snorkeling and a variety of water sports.

Grand Cayman offers a low-key type of vacation and daytime activities revolve around the beach and sea while the evenings consist of dining out and some limited entertainment at a few of the larger hotels/resorts.

Villas Caribe offers condominiums mostly located in the famous 7 Mile Beach area with the majority of the Grand Cayman villas located in the Cayman Kai area. Seven Mile Beach offers the advantage of being located just minutes from the capital George Town for restaurants, shops, entertainment and major grocery stores etc. The Cayman villas in the Kai area is more remote (around a 50-60 minute drive to the airport, Georgetown, major shopping, nightlife etc.) and offers a quiet, beach oriented area for those seeking to get away from it all…The Cayman Kai area offers charming pastel cottages and villas located on quiet beaches or inlet coves and is more geared to the independent traveler.

Grand Cayman offers a wealth of activities and all of the modern conveniences of home… Georgetown offers exceptional dining and shopping.

Grand Cayman Airlines:

Air Jamaica
American Airlines
British Airways
Cayman Airways
Delta Airlines
Northwest Airlines
US Air

NY to Grand Cayman:
Miami to Grand Cayman: 70 minutes

Grand Cayman Villa Airport Transfers
The Owen Roberts International Airport ion Grand Cayman is located near Georgetown, the capital, and just a short drive to the Seven Mile Beach area. It is approximately a 50-60 minute drive to the Cayman Kai area. Unlike all of the other islands that we represent, there are no airport transfers or meet and greet services available on the island for our Grand Cayman villa rental clients. Instead, Grand Cayman rental villa guests pick up their rental car and drive to either the Grand Cayman condominium or Grand Cayman villa. Grand Cayman rental villas, are left with the doors open and left unlocked with the keys on the kitchen table.

Grand Cayman Activities:
Golf, scuba diving, swimming, sailing, tennis.

Grand Cayman Area Code: 345

Grand Cayman Attractions:

Atlantis Submarine:
Seats approximately 46 persons and goes down to around 100 feet to permit visitors a glimpse of the vivid undersea world. For the really adventurous, there is another submarine that takes guests down 800 feet.

Blow Holes:
The result of water in undersea caverns being compressed by incoming waves. The waves create pressure that propels the water straight up into the sky. Dramatic photo opportunities.

Hell:
“Hell” is an area of eerie limestone formations that are more than 1.5 million years old. They are said to resemble the charred remains of hell fire. Admission is free.

Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park:
A 60-acre wilderness preserve.

Stingray City:
One of the world’s most popular dive sites, it is located just inside the reef in the North Sound. Dozens of big rays, made tame from years of feeding by fisherman and divers, swarm around scuba divers and snorkelers in only 12-15 feet of water. Many dive and boat operators offer day trips.

Tortuga Rum Store:
Enjoy a free sample of their world rum cake between 10: AM & 4:00 PM weekdays. Orders are accepted for those that want to bring home a cake as well.

Turtle Farm:
The Cayman Turtle Farm is the only one of its type in the world. IT offers unique photographic opportunities and a self-guided tour, which details the facility’s conservation and breeding methods. There are over 12,000 green turtles ranging in size from two-ounce hatchings to 400-pound breeders.

Grand Cayman ATMS:
The island offers ATMS at several of the major banks and at some of the supermarkets.  

Baby-Equipment Rentals:
Car seats, cribs, high chairs, playpens, strollers, cots and bed rails are all available for rental for additional fees. Guests should contact Tourin Tots directly.

Grand Cayman Banks:
Banks on Grand Cayman are open from 9 AM –4 PM Mon.-Thursday and from 9 AM-4: 30 PM on Fridays. Most of them have ATMS.

Grand Cayman Beaches:
Grand Cayman is known for its spectacular beaches. Grand Cayman villa rentals are frequently found on spectacular beaches. Some of the more notable Grand Cayman beaches include:

Seven Mile Beach:
Perhaps the most famous and offers excellent swimming, snorkeling and is a wonderful beach to walk and job. A variety of water sports are available on Seven Mile Beach as well.

Old Man Bay:
Great beach for beachcombers and shell collectors.

Rum Point:
A lovely shady beach with a great, causal restaurant and bar. The beaches in the Cayman Kai area and Rum Point offer lovely sandy beaches with good close in snorkeling. A fair amount of what they euphemistically refer to as “turtle grass” seaweed is evident in patches of the waters in this area.

Smith Cove:
Idyllic for beach lovers and snorkelers

Grand Cayman Boating:
Sailboats, windsurfers and small motorboats are available for rental in the main resort areas. Large motorboats are not normally available for rental but it is possible to go water skiing, snorkeling and fishing with a guide. Glass bottom boat tours are popular as well and available in the main resort areas.

Grand Cayman Budgeting/Costs To Rent A Villa on Grand Cayman:
In addition to the weekly rental rate for a villa on Grand Cayman, the additional costs involved include but are not limited to the following:

Air Transportation
Car Rentals
Groceries & beverages (quite high as everything is imported).

Grand Cayman Car Rental
Villas Caribe highly recommends securing a vehicle rental for your stay at a Grand Cayman villa rental. Many Grand Cayman villas are located in Cayman Kai, and as this area is fairly removed from the more populated area in Georgetown/7mile beach, a car rental is essential. If you are interested in Grand Cayman villas or Grand Cayman rental villas, please click here for more information. Most Grand Cayman villa rental guests choose one of the below car rental agencies:

Avis Cico Rent A Car: 345.949.2648, avisgem@candw.ky & www.aviscayman.com

Budget Rent A Car: 345.949.5605, budget@candw.ky

Coconut Car Rentals: 345.949.4377, coconut@candw.ky & www.coconutcarrentals.com

Hertz Rent a Car: 345-949-2280, achertz@candw.ky & www.imexpages.com/ace

Just Jeeps: 345.949.7263, sotos4x@candw.ky & www.sotos4x4.ky

Soto Scooters: 345.945.4652

Thrifty Car Rental: 345.949.6640 & thrifty@candw.ky

Grand Cayman Cancellations:
Cancellation penalties are incurred and will vary depending upon the specific villa or condominium chosen. Upon confirmation with our company, a written cancellation policy will be issued along with the written invoice for the booking.

Grand Cayman Condominium Cancellations:
These will vary greatly from property to property-be sure to check with your Villas Caribe agent for specifics on the property you select.

Grand Cayman Villa Cancellations:
Winter & Summer:
$150 penalty on cancellations made up to 30 days prior to arrival.
No refunds within 30 days of arrival.
$50.00 fee is charged for each revision of a booking.
Christmas/New Years:
$150.00 penalty on cancellations made up to 60 days prior to arrival.
No refunds within 60 days of arrival.
$50.00 fee is charged for each revision of a booking.

Grand Cayman Capital: George Town

Grand Cayman Check-in/Check-out times:
Check-in time is generally after 3:00 PM and checkout time is 12:00 noon, unless otherwise noted.

Grand Cayman Chef Service:
Several chef services are available to our clients during their stay. If interested, our Concierge team is happy to assist you in selecting chef services from a variety of world class operations.

Grand Cayman Climate:
Warm & sunny with temperatures between 75 F and 90 F year round. During the winter, the nights are slightly cooler and so it might be a good idea to bring a cotton sweater.

Grand Cayman Communications
The Grand Cayman rental villas all are equipped with telephones and guests will be advised of the particular phone number of the property prior to departure. Please do note, however, that the majority of the Grand Cayman villa rental properties have a de-bar system on the phones which permits only local calls and collect international calls. To make an overseas call from a Grand Cayman villa rental, it is necessary to use one of these services: US dial AT&T, MCI, Spring, 1-800-CALL USA or call 1-800-744-2000 to bill to your credit card. Internet access-contact Lyndhurst Bodden- 345.949.9777 or e-mail- casper@candw.ky. Internet & E-mail access on Grand Cayman:

Cable & Wireless (CI) Ltd.:
Phone: 345.949.7800
Fax: 345.949.5472.

Chelsea’s Sports Bar & Billiards:
Phone: 345.949.8042.

Pirates Den Restaurant:
Phone: 345.949.7144
Email pdspub@candw.ky

Grand Cayman Currency:
Grand Cayman has its own currency in dollars and cents. It is tied to the US dollar so that the exchange rate will always be the same US $1.00=CI $0.80. US dollars are readily accepted everywhere on the island. As the Cayman Islands import everything, please expect a 20-30% increase in prices compared to the US with the exception of duty free shops for luxury items such as jewelry, cameras, perfume etc. British & Canadian currencies may be exchanged at the island’s banks.

Grand Cayman Deep-Sea Fishing:
Deep-sea, bottom, bone and shoreline fishing are available in most areas.
Deep-sea fishing has almost become as much of a lure to the island as scuba diving. During June, an International Fishing Tournament is labeled “Million Dollar Month” with cash and other prizes for winners. Most hotels and watersports concessions and shops will put visitors in touch with the top fishing boat charters.

Grand Cayman Deposits:
A 25%-50% deposit is required to confirm a reservation depending upon whether a condominium or villa booking (and it can even vary from condo to condo).
Reservations made within 60 days prior to arrival during the winter season and 45 days prior to arrival during the summer/low season must be paid in full.

Grand Cayman Dive Operators:

Bob Sotos:
Phone: 345.947.4631 or 800.262.7686

Don Fosters:
Phone: 345.949.5679 or 800.833.4837

Red Sail Sports:
Phone: 345.949.8745 or 800.255.6425.

Almost all of the operators rent diving gear including equipment for underwater photography.

Grand Cayman Departure Tax:  US $12.50 for all passengers.

Grand Cayman Documents for arrival onto Grand Cayman:
Every person entering Grand Cayman should be in possession of a valid passport and a valid return ticket. A visitor who is a citizen of the United States of America traveling direct may be admitted without a passport for a period not exceeding three (3) months. However, that person will be required to produce proof of nationality, by means of an original birth certificate or citizenship papers, and photo identification.

Grand Cayman Dress:
Due to the islands conservative British heritage, there is a dress code of conservative clothing. Light cotton dresses and light jackets for formal wear and typical tropical wear during the day.
All forms of public nudity, including topless sunbathing, are prohibited by law. Local customs dictate that visitors put on a shirt, dress or beach cover-up upon leaving the beach.

Grand Cayman Driving:
Driving is on the left, British style. A temporary Cayman license costs approximately US $7.50 and is obtainable from the car rental agencies upon presentation of a valid driver’s license from your own country.

You must be 21 years of age to rent a car on Grand Cayman but many of the rental agencies’ insurance will not cover renters under 25 yrs. of age-be sure to check directly with them. A seatbelt law is in effect, do drivers need to buckle up!

Grand Cayman Electricity:
110 volts/50 cycles-same as in the U.S.
No adapters necessary for visitors from North America but European visitors will require one.

Grand Cayman Ferry Service:
A 40-minute ferry runs between the Seven Mile Beach area and Cayman Kai.
Another ferry (12 minute ride) connects the Kaibo Marina are in Cayman Kai to the Safehaven Golf Course.

Grand Cayman Festivals:

Pirates Week:
The end of October is National Pirates Week with festivities including fireworks, parades through George Town, costume contests, music, street dances, food festivals and sporting celebration. Many activities geared to children are offered during this festival.

Grand Cayman General Information-Government & Standard Of Living:
Grand Cayman enjoys a high standard of living and, therefore, does not have the same widespread third world poverty, which is so common on so many of the other islands. As a British Colony, Grand Cayman enjoys a stable government and economy.

Grand Cayman Golf:

The Links at Safe Haven:
18 holes
Phone: 345.949.8020
A 6,605-yard par 70 Roy Case designed course. Cayman’s first and only 18-hole championship golf course. It is set amid lush gardens of indigenous trees, plants and flowering shrubs.
Clubhouse, locker rooms, pro-shop, patio bar and excellent restaurant open daily for lunch and dinner. Golf carts are mandatory.

The Britannia:
Phone: 345.949.8020
Designed by Jack Nicklaus, the course is actually three in one-a 9 hole, par 70-regulation course, an 18-hole par 57 executive course and a Cayman course (which is played with a Cayman ball that goes approximately half the distance of a regulation ball).

Sunrise Family Golf Centre:
Phone: 345.947.4653
E-mail: sunrise1@candw.ky
Website: www.sunrisecayman.com
Cayman’s newest golf course, Sunrise is a 9-hole par 3 course.
Clubhouse with pro-shop, rental clubs available.

Grand Cayman Grocery Shopping:
Visitors will find the supermarkets in Grand Cayman are well stocked and offering a staggering array of exotic and distinguished specialty foods for the good life. Modern stores are everywhere along the Seven Mile Beach area. In the Cayman Kai area, visitors will only find small, neighborhood markets.

Along with the great variety, visitors will find extremely high prices as everything is imported to the island. Count on paying 20-30%+ more for items.

For clients staying at villas in the Cayman Kai area, we recommend clients stop at the major grocery stores in Georgetown prior to heading out to the more remote area. The major food markets are located near George Town and the airport supermarket is Fosters (open 7:00 AM-11:00 PM Mon.-Sat.). All markets are closed on holidays and Sundays.

Every day except for an occasional Sunday, local fishermen sell their morning catch of fresh fish on the rocks, next to Surfside Watersports in George Town. Beware-many locals will eat barracuda-visitors should NOT eat it as it has been known to cause ciguatera (fish poisoning).

The deli counters and salad bars of the local supermarkets offer some of the island’s best take-out values. Foster’s Food Fair, Hurley’s and best of all the Kirk supermarkets offer great salad selections and delicious hot local dishes.

Grand Cayman Hiking:
While the island is basically flat, some hiking opportunities exist on Grand Cayman…Guided nature walks are available at the National Trust’s Mastic Trail which is a rugged 2 mile hike through pristine woodlands and mangrove swamps.

Grand Cayman History:
Christopher Columbus first spotted what is now Little Cayman and which he named Las Tortugas (Spanish for turtles) because of the many sea turtles he saw in the warm, clear waters. Years later the islands were called Caymanas, after the crocodiles which roamed the islands.

Historians believe the islands were first populated by natives of other Caribbean islands, shipwreck survivors and pirates. The islands were first colonized by Spain and later Great Britain.

The population of the three islands combined is approximately 40,000 and the most common nationalities are Canadian, British, Australian and recently Jamaican.

Internet & E-mail access on Grand Cayman:
Cable & Wireless (CI) Ltd.: 345.949.7800 or Fax: 345.949.5472.
Chelsea’s Sports Bar & Billiards: 345.949.8042.
Pirates Den Restaurant: 345.949.7144 or e-mail pdspub@candw.ky

Grand Cayman Language:
The official language is English accompanied by a distinctive “brogue” reflecting the heritage of Welsh, Scottish and English ancestors.

Grand Cayman Location:
480 miles south of Miami, Florida.

Grand Cayman Maid Service:
The majority of villas do not include any maid service-the villas are generally cleaned prior to a guest’s arrival and again after their departure. Additional maid service is available for additional fees if desired for approximately US $20-$25/per hour.

The majority of the condominium resort properties have hotel/type maid service 5-6 days per week. Clients will be advised of the frequency/if any type of maid service included in their villa or condo rental.

Grand Cayman Marriage & Weddings:
Getting married on Grand Cayman is relatively easy and couples can even marry the day they arrive in the Cayman Islands. Arrangements must first be made for a marriage officer within the Cayman Islands and the Governor must grant an application for a special marriage license.

Grand Cayman Natural Perils:
Malden Plum
Lady Hair Plant
Machineel tree-the leaves and apple like fruit are poisonous to touch and should be avoided-do not seek cover from rain under a machineel tree.

Grand Cayman Nightlife:
Nightlife is varied providing a variety of entertainment options for every taste from romantic cruises to fine dining as well as nightclubs.

Grand Cayman Pre-stocking:
While there is no staff at the villas or condos on Grand Cayman, guests who are arriving late in the day may choose to have the villa pre-stocked with some arrival necessities. We are happy to arrange this service, which is available for additional fees.

Grand Cayman Population:
40,000

Grand Cayman Restaurants:
Grand Cayman features many great restaurants that are easily accessible to our Grand Cayman villa rental clients. Grand Cayman restaurants feature a wide variety of international and local cuisine. Furthermore, Grand Cayman also features many American fast food chains for those wishing to grab a quick bite. Please note, though, that fine dining in Grand Cayman can be expensive, and in some cases--depending on season, men may be required to wear a sport coat to dinner. If you are interested in Grand Cayman villa rentals, please click here for more information regarding our Grand Cayman rental villa selection.

Hemingway's:
345-945-5700
Caribbean favorites with a modern twist in an elegant open-air setting makes this one of the best restaurants in Cayman Island. Located within the Hyatt Regency Grand Cayman, Seven Mile Beach.

Rackam's Pub:
345-945-3860
People come here for the friend staff and casual mixed grill, but they stay for the sunsets. In north George Town.

Smuggler's Cove:
345-949-6003
Restaurants in Cayman Island don't get much more romantic than this candlelit nook, which serves choice seafood entrees on an ocean-side deck. In George Town. Reservations a must. Note: does not serve lunch on weekends. Telephone:

Ottmar's:
345-945-5879
345-945-5882
An international menu in an atmosphere that's strictly West Indian. In Seven Mile Beach. Reservations a must. Telephone:

Lighthouse at Breakers
345-947-2047
Restaurants in Cayman Island like this one pride themselves on good service, good wine, and good food - all three coexist at this seaside Italian eatery. In Breakers. Reservations a must for dinner.

Grand Cayman Security Deposits:
The majority of the villas do not require any security deposit to be paid.

Grand Cayman Shopping:
Grand Cayman offers a variety of shopping experiences from art galleries to those searching for exceptional jewelry. The duty-free merchandise is offered at prices 20%-40% less than in the U.S. or Canada. Popular items include fine English china, tobacco and the island’s famous rum.

Grand Cayman, also, boasts a thriving artistic community. Visitors will find numerous galleries located throughout the island. Local crafts include woodcarvings, locally made jewelry and souvenirs.

Spanish treasure coins and antique coin jewelry are one of the islands most unusual busy. Do be sure that you are given a detailed Certificate of Authenticity with any coin purchase. Locally produced items include black coral jewelry. Try to avoid shopping in town when the cruise ships are in port.

Grand Cayman Villas-Sights/Activities:
Grand Cayman has a wide variety of sights and activities that are popular with Grand Cayman villa rental guests.

Grand Cayman Snorkeling:
Grand Cayman offers exceptional snorkeling due to the clarity of its waters…The best areas are to be found where there is a reef close by. You may either bring your own equipment or rent-the rates are reasonable.

Grand Cayman Sports:
Boating, Golf, Hiking, Horseback Riding, Sports Fishing, Diving, Parasailing, Sailing, Tennis, Kayaking and Windsurfing are all available on the island.

Grand Cayman Staff:
The properties on Grand Cayman do not include any staff except for maid service when included.

Grand Cayman Telephone Deposits:
The majority of the villas and condos have an overseas debar placed on the telephone lines. Only collect or credit card overseas calls are permitted.

Grand Cayman Tennis:
The majority of the large hotels and resorts on the island have tennis courts that may be booked even if you are not a guest. The Cayman Kai area has two courts available to guests at villa in that area. You must bring your own rackets and balls and the fee is US $25 per hour.

Grand Cayman Time Zone:
Grand Cayman falls in the Atlantic Time zone, which is one hour ahead of US Standard time. The island does not observe daylight savings time.

Grand Cayman Tipping:
The majority of hotels and restaurants automatically add a 10-15% service charge, some do not. Be sure to examine your bill and certainly feel free to reward those who serve you well with any added tip you feel is appropriate.

Grand Cayman Topography:
Grand Cayman is a relatively flat island. There are no rivers, lakes or mountains on the island and no part of the island rises more than 60 ft. above sea level. Despite their flatness, the islands actually sit upon an ancient mountain known as the Cayman Ridge that is surrounded by sheer walls that plummet to the bottom of the Cayman Trench nearly 30,000 feet deep in some places. The landscape is studded with cactus, dry brush and sandy areas with a few Australian pines.

Grand Cayman Tourist Board Contact Information:

USA/New York Office: 212.682.5582
USA/Los Angeles Office: 213.738.1968

Grand Cayman Water:
The water on the island is pure and safe to drink from the tap.

Grand Cayman Windsurfing: Available on Seven Mile Beach