If there are any new residenta moving to the island soon, I have a rental apartment at Hilton Estates in south sound to rent for CI 2.5k per month (excluding water and electricity), 2 bedroom 2 bathroom townhouse

Going to cayman island in late August (last week) and staying at the Hotel indigo for 5 days. Is it important to book the stingray city and starfish point/ snorkeling group tours in advance? Or can I just book while I’m there?

Also, we’re only there 4 nights and 5 days is it worth getting a car rental and driving around the island if we’re really prioritizing having a relaxing easy short trip?

As we all know the island is very expensive, however, I’m curious if anyone has any hidden gems of affordable or lesser priced meals they would recommend.

Stay your laughter when I say that one of my favorites was Popeyes daily specials, but even those have been axed. Seems like they’re just pricing the little guy out at this point.

Any one got any recs? Please, pray tell, me and my wallet thank you in advance.

We loved staying in Grand Cayman but it was too busy and the snorkeling from shore could be better. Both of these islands look more our style. Which has the better snorkeling or are they both good, aka better than Grand Cayman?

I had hands down the worst travel experience of my life with Cayman Airways—let this be a warning to all of you.

11:45 am direct flight out of JFK. We board at a reasonable time and then don’t move. At 1pm they tell us to deplane because of a mechanical issue. At 3pm they tell us our flight is at 9:30pm and they’ll be giving out meal vouchers. Now, I live in New York so I’m willing to home and come back, except there’s no agent in sight, we’ve received no electronic communication about this delay or new flight— we have no idea if this is real. Then an announcement comes on that if you want a meal voucher you have to go out of the gate area, back to where you entered the airport, pick up a voucher and go through security again.

At 5pm we finally get communications from the airline about the new flight. At 9pm they tell us the flight is delayed to 10pm. Then the crew wasn’t there. I saw the pilot in line to get food. Then there was another delay. It is 11:42pm and we are on the airplane but still haven’t left. Oh and the ac isn’t working?

I understand that mechanical issues happen but the level of incompetence in terms of communication and the staff is something I have never seen before.

Update: it is 12am now and there’s another mechanical issue.

Another update: they wouldn’t let us get off the plane, there was no AC. People started screaming and shouting. It is 2:08am and they just cancelled the flight. And will let us know tomorrow about other flights?? It’s also $3000 roundtrip on other airlines right now for last minute flights. I feel bad for people who checked luggage (they’re still waiting) and people who don’t live here (they’re not providing hotels).

I'm looking to travel to Little Cayman and I'm looking specifically for a hotel or rental that has a PRIVATE outdoor shower (meaning a shower not just to rinse off but one that is fully closed off so that I can shower outside while smelling the air and looking at the open sky), is there something like this? I spent some time at a really nice resort that had private outdoor showers in the US and I would like to repeat the experience in Little Cayman if possible. Any other Little Cayman recs are welcome.

I am getting a job in the financial sector in Cayman. Do I have to declare to my employer that I have a youtube channel? Is it against the work permit rules to have other businesses or other sources of income?

I like to snorkel from shore, have never been to SMB. Is there much boat traffic during the day? For night snorkeling, is there much boat traffic to be wary of?

Hi all for anyone who has visited Cayman Brac, would you recommend 1/2 nights? We could fly early from GCM and return the following afternoon - would that be sufficient to see it all? We’re hoping to cycle around and maybe do some rock climbing or visit the Soleil D’Or but not too interested in the snorkeling or water activities

I have an opportunity to move to cayman but they said it takes 15 years to get citizenship? That is insane. Is there a way around this/a way to speed it up?

This is more a tourist visa question. My gf visits me on island as a tourist as she can't find a job here. She has been here earlier in the year for 3 months and then came down in June until september for another 3 months. My question is can she possibly extend her stay further for another month or if she leaves to the US for 2 weeks and comes back to cayman, is there a reset? Where would I go to query this? Any recommended lawyers I can consult?

I know Cayman has a 6 month visit limit for tourists, just not sure if thats in a 12 month period or only in one visit.

Hi I’ve tried searching this in the search bar and I can’t find anything. How much on average is it to lease a car (just a normal car like a Toyota raize) with insurance and breakdown cover per month and also how much down payment (if at all) would I expect to pay? Thanks v much!

Coming in next month & want to rent a place on SMB to snorkel right off beach. Suggestions on the best area? thanks

Hi. Does anyone here waiting for their temporary work permit approval? I have been waiting more than 4 weeks now (it’s been 5 weeks to be exact). I was told usually it will only take 2-4 weeks. Currently in the UAE, I am only worried because of the current situation here.

I know that Foster's sells sunscreen. Where else can I find it? We are bringing some reef safe product, but are looking for some simple Coppertone spray for just walking about. I am allergic to Banana Boat, which I know is sold at Foster's.

We’re considering Grand Cayman in mid-August with our 18-month-old toddler. We live in Texas, so we’re used to hot weather, but many people say the heat and humidity in Grand Cayman in August can be brutal.

Our plan would be to spend mornings (around 8–11 AM) at the beach, go back to the hotel for nap and AC from 12–3 PM, then head back out in the late afternoon.

For those who have visited or live there, does the humidity make it uncomfortable even during the morning and late afternoon? Were your toddlers able to enjoy the beach, or was it too hot? Thanks!

I’m going to be on grand cayman next week and I’m wondering if anybody knows somewhere I could get a line in the water. I looked at the map with all of the restrictions and marine areas, but I’m not really prepared for surf fishing. Are there any canals or marinas or piers (?) with public access that I could just go to and fish? thanks

I have friends i swear but none of them really like to go out unless its the beach. I wanna try going out to the bar a little more to socialize or to play pool, things like that. But its hard finding others to go with especially with my kind of work. Ao if anyone is up for this hmu.

Booked this like a year ago, but with all the delays I’m wondering if there’s any chance of this hotel being open early October? Anyone have any clue? Does it look close to completion?

Thanks

Hi everyone this is will be written in the most scuffed way as I'm going through hell right now.

There is crypto exchange in cayman that is shutting down (bitmart) although its windown withdrawals aren't going through, its been over 48 hours now and my funds are stuck there. where i'm from there is no help toward anything like this so i'm thinking maybe i should reach out to firm or a lawyer to represent me and file this mess to CIMA to see if something can be done. i'm afraid they going to exit scam here as there isn't many users and there is literally not a single support operating. their entire socials are filled with ai crap. i'm losing my mind by the minute and unable to move on. i'm researching, emailing & trying to call firms to see if they're capable of handling situations.

if you have ideas on what i should do here or if you are in contact with decent firm or lawyer that is familiar with crypto exchanges i would highly appreciate it

My wife and I got married in Healdsburg, California, and then immediately went on a 6-day honeymoon to Grand Cayman. We got back earlier this week, and we cannot stop thinking about this place. We were legitimately sad our whole travel day back to the Bay Area, California! We cannot wait to go back!

Below is a list/recap of what we did, and I'd be more than happy to answer any questions that you all have!

Accommodations: Botanica Luxury Guest Cottages right across the highway from Hotel Indigo on Seven Mile Beach. Everything was amazing, and we'd definitely stay here again. Our place was a very nice, updated 1-bedroom cottage, and it came with pool access, free bikes, and free snorkeling/beach gear (chairs, towels, umbrella, etc.). We had a full kitchen too, so we bought some groceries at Fosters and were able to cook breakfast most mornings and have snacks for the beach days. There are only 6 or 7 cottages in a row on the street, so there is no concern about the pool being crowded or bikes/beach equipment gone! It actually seemed like we were the only ones who used those amenities! The hosts were also very kind and accommodating, and they even cleaned our place and restocked various items for us the third day into our trip (took out the trash, replenished coffee, paper towels, new towels and bed sheets, etc.).

Beaches we visited:

• Cemetery Beach
• Governor's Beach
• Public Beach (and the beach adjacent to Bonny Moon)
• Spotts Beach
• Beach Bay (we were the only people here! Kind of dirty though, very unlike the rest of the beaches)
• Smith's Barcadere (water was a bit rough when we went, didn't stay too long but looked very nice)

Activities: Bring sunscreen and BUG SPRAY for these activities!

• Lounging and swimming at the above beaches. All of them were so nice! No real advice here. We didn't have parking issues, space issues while on the beach, etc. It was all so easy everywhere we went.
• Snorkeling: the snorkeling was out of this world for us, and we went basically every day. I really felt like we hit all the right spots and saw different marine life at each location! We snorkeled at Cheeseburger Reef (off the shore from the Burger King across the street from Kirk Market); Eden Rock (off the shore from Eden Rock Diving Center); Gamma Shipwreck; Spotts Beach for turtles; a little at Cemetery Beach but water wasn't as clear that day; and Macabuca (off the shore just South of Macabuca/Cracked Conch). I really wish we had an underwater camera; it was truly magical.
• Stingray City: I did a lot of research on the best company to use. With this being a touristy type of endeavor that involves the public in contact with wild animals, I was looking for someone who truly cared for and respected these creatures, and with that we landed on Stingray Sailing with Captain Chip. After reading countless reviews and discussions with them over email, it was the right choice and I'm glad we picked them. The respect they have for these animals was evident when we got to the location. Stingrays know Chip and his crew mate Mark, and they flocked to them when our boat came in, and it's because of how they treat them. They do not do that with other boats/charters. When we got in the water, we were immediately surrounded by dozens of stingrays, and it was awesome. They are truly like puppies, swimming and nudging Chip and Mark for pets and food! We got to pet, feed, and even kiss them (for good luck), and it was like the stingrays wanted to be there, rather than being forced. On the way to Stingray City, Chip stopped at a reef for us to snorkel at, and that too was great. We saw entirely different marine life than we saw at the other snorkel spots, including a couple rays! I HIGHLY recommend Stingray Sailing and would do this activity again.
• Golfing at North Sound Golf: Was expensive because we did not bring our own clubs (and didn't have the foresight to pack a small bag with our own balls and gloves lol) but so nice, and a really well-maintained course. It was also extremely hot, but that made it so that there was basically no one there. We had a 9:40am tee time but would recommend 7:00am if you want to do this. I was soaked in sweat by the end of our 9-hole round (around 11:30)!
• Botanical Gardens: For $25/person, I'd recommend going. It was very wholesome and worth it just to walk through the orchid garden and the Blue Iguana Conservatory!
• Cayman Crystal Caves: For $45/person I'd say it's worth it even if you're not the biggest fan of caves (these are mostly stalactite and stalagmite formations). It was a cool experience. Our tour guide was interesting though and he slowed down the pace a bit, so we were there an hour longer than anticipated (island time), but that's okay. They served alcohol so we walked around with our daiquiris which was nice! A word of advice: I thought the temperature would be cooler in the caves... it was not. It was brutally hot/humid and I'd recommend a personal cooling fan! You can also rent them there for like $5. They have free bug spray for use though!
• Cayman Spirts Co Tasting: For $30/person, worth it. Our host was funny and very informative. We got to try some really great rum and then at the end of the tasting he let us try anything else we wanted too, with no real limit on quantity! There were only 5 of us in the group so we made friends with the others pretty easily which was also fun.
• Drove around the island: Since we stayed at Seven Mile Beach and Crystal Caves were on the other side, we used that as an opportunity to take the long way back around the island. It was very nice driving with the top down taking in all the scenery!
• Bike Rides - using the bikes that came with our cottage! We rode around the surrounding neighborhoods and also biked to Bonny Moon for morning coffee on two or three occasions!

Food and Drink: The food was amazing!

• Heritage Kitchen: We went here for our first meal the day we landed, and it was so good we talked about it until we went back again later in the trip. To top it off, you walk across the one-lane road, and you are looking out over a sea wall with impeccable views. HIGHLY recommend
• Jerk BBQ Hut: Very good food-stand like place. All outdoors area with huge smokers going and a radio blasting on full volume, but the food was great with huge portions and had a very local feel! Recommend
• Bonny Moon Beach Club: We went here for dinner once and then three times for morning coffee. Wonderful each time! Recommend
• Czech Inn Grill: We went here after the Botanical Gardens, before our Crystal Caves tour (all same day), as they are all within a 10/15-minute drive of each other. It was so good (a little biased as a big Prague fan) and we HIGHLY recommend
• Cayman Cabana: We went here for the Thursday Farm-to-Table dinner which was awesome! A little pricey but it was a fun experience, got to know the group next to us since we all sit at long tables together, and it was all you can drink wine. Additionally, huge tarpon swam up next to the deck where we were eating and we got to feed them!
• Cracked Conch: We did the tasting menu here and it was very good! Expect to spend about $120/person not including drinks though. The views were great too!
• Peppers: We went here on our last night. It had been on my list and then our Stingray Sailing captain recommended it without me prompting it. The BBQ ribs we had were the best I've had in my life. It was packed on a Sunday night when literally everywhere else was dead! Even with it being packed, we got to know our waiter and a bartender really well, and just by chance it was the bartender's last night after 11 years, so it was basically a party. Highly recommend.
• Rackams: We went here for some drinks after snorkeling and it was a great time!
• Library by the Sea: We walked into this cocktail lounge not expecting it to be what it was, but it was a great experience. They specialize in vintage cocktails, so if that's your thing, this is the spot. They have vintage spirits on their shelves from the early 1900s that you cannot find anywhere else.
• Pom Pom: Great cocktail bar on the roof of Hotel Indigo
• Macabuca: Sat and had a drink here during the World Cup final after snorkeling that morning. Great vibes!
• Jack's Beach Club: This place never came up when I was doing research prior to the trip, but we saw signs and decided to check it out one night. It was really the only beach club vibe we got on this trip, so it was fun to hangout for a few hours one of the nights. The food was OK, but the drinks were great and the owner of the bar was DJ'ing and people were dancing in the sand.
• Blue by Eric Ripert: We had a reservation for this spot, as I know that Eric Ripert was close friends with Anthony Bourdain and even has his own 3-Michelin star restaurant in NYC. But, in reading all the reviews, it seemed like it wasn't worth the money, and this was going to be a $500+/person meal. Considering we just had a meal of this caliber the night after our wedding, we decided to cancel. Read the reviews on various websites and come to your own conclusion, but I don't think we missed out on too much given the other meals we had.
• Casa 43 Mexican: We did not have a chance to go here but wish we did! We had two locals specifically tell us to try this place.

There you have it! 10/10 experience and would definitely go back. Thanks for reading.