Did you know?
You can take a dip with stingrays in the Cayman
Islands. Visas
Not required for British citizens.
Getting there
Flights from the
UK go via the US or larger Caribbean
Islands and land in Grand Cayman, at the Owen Roberts airport near George Town. Cruise ships regularly dock at Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac.
Getting around
Short of chartering a private boat, the only way to island hop is by air. Cayman Airways flies 737s between Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac; Island Air has small prop planes jumping between all three. There is a minibus service on Grand Cayman, but it's elusive; the best way to get around is to hire a car or bike. There are hotel shuttles on Little Cayman and Cayman Brac, but they're only necessary to haul luggage to and from the airports. You'll be quite comfortable on foot.
Costs
Prices can be steep but as a guide: bottle of beer, £2; roll of camera film, £4.50; moderate restaurant meal, £20; litre of petrol, 50p; four-mile taxi ride, £6.
Weather
It's warm and sunny year-round in the Caymans. The rainy season is also the hottest - from May to October daily highs reach 85F (29C), accompanied by brief downpours that clear as quickly as they come. Hurricanes are unlikely, but check the weather reports before you set off. November to April is drier and cooler, with temperatures in the mid-70s (24C).
Time difference
Five hours behind GMT.
International dialling code from the
UK 00 1 345
Voltage
110V, 60Hz AC. Transformers are necessary for European appliances.
Opening hours
The islands are traditionally British and have rather conservative opening hours. Banks close by 4pm-4:30pm and most shops aren't open much later, though there are some grocery stores open into the evening. This definitely isn't the place to go for all-night clubs and bars.
Health - Before you go
No vaccinations are required but jabs for polio, typhoid and hepatitis A are recommended. Visit your GP two months before travel for advice. Take out enough travel insurance to cover emergency healthcare costs.
Health - When you are there
The emergency number for an ambulance is 911. There is a small hospital on Cayman Brac and George Town Hospital on Grand Cayman, which has a 24-hour emergency room. George Town hospital is well equipped and staffed, has a recompression chamber in case of diving emergencies, and is affiliated with Baptist Hospital of Miami for referrals involving specialist advanced care or treatment.
Warnings
The Cayman
Islands are some of the safest in the Caribbean. Beach vendors are not allowed; the islands maintain the atmosphere of a luxury resort. However, this does not come cheap - the Caymans are also some of the priciest islands in the Caribbean, and the most formal. Marine conservation is big here, too, so when diving remember - look, don't touch.
Emergency
The emergency number is 911. The Cayman
Islands are a United Kingdom Overseas Territory, so for legal issues or problems with passports or repatriation, visit the Cayman
Islands Government Office, Administrative Building, George Town, Grand Cayman. Tel: (00 1 345) 949 7900.
Customs
The islands maintain the traditions of old-school Britain, so dress formally if you plan to attend church and don't indulge in topless sunbathing - it's illegal.
Pets
The Cayman
Islands are in the PETS travel scheme under long-haul regulations. However, this is a long and complicated procedure requiring vaccinations, medical check-ups and route planning; it is not as simple as walking on and off a plane with your pet. Therefore the scheme is more suited to those returning from a long stay abroad, rather than the two-week holidaymaker. It takes several months to set up the relevant documentation; see your vet for further details.
Tipping
A 10% tip is standard.
Tourist office
6 Arlington Street,
London SW1A 1RE. Tel: 020 7491 7771.