Flights, seasons, money, driving on the left — the practical answers in one place, so you spend your island time actually on the island.
The Cayman Islands are one of the easiest Caribbean trips to plan: short direct flights, safe drinking water, English everywhere and a currency pegged to the US dollar. Here is what to sort out first.
Almost everyone lands at Owen Roberts International Airport (GCM), just outside George Town on Grand Cayman. Cayman Airways, the national flag carrier, connects the islands with the US and flies between the three sisters.
Direct routes run from major US hubs and from the UK — from Miami it is only about 70–80 minutes in the air, which makes even a long weekend realistic.
Sort your stay firstDecember to April is the dry season and the peak: reliable sunshine, calm seas and the busiest calendar. May to November is greener, quieter and gentler on the budget.
Hurricane season officially runs June to November, so keep an eye on forecasts if you travel then. Temperatures barely move — expect roughly 26–31°C year-round.
See the big dates each yearCayman drives on the left, British-style. A rental car is the easiest way to reach the far ends of Grand Cayman — the rental agency arranges your temporary visitor driving permit when you pick up the keys.
Prefer not to drive? Taxis are easy to find at the airport and resorts, and public minibuses run along the main routes, including the Seven Mile Beach corridor into George Town.
Line up a day on the waterThe Cayman Islands dollar (KYD) is fixed to the US dollar at roughly 1 KYD = 1.20 USD, and US dollars are accepted everywhere — you never need to exchange cash. Just check whether a menu or quote is in KYD or USD before you commit.
Cards are widely accepted across the islands. At restaurants and bars, tipping of 15–18% is typical; some venues add a service charge, so glance at the bill first.
Find where to eat & drinkSeven Mile Beach is the classic: resorts, beach bars and sunsets on the island's most famous shoreline, with most of the dining a short hop away.
George Town keeps you walkable to the waterfront, duty-free shopping and the cruise harbour. For quiet, book the far side: East End and North Side trade crowds for empty beaches and world-class reef.
Browse places to stayCayman is a British Overseas Territory and everyone speaks English. Plugs are US-style at 120V, so North American visitors can leave the adapters at home.
Tap water is safe to drink across the islands. And since the reef is the whole point, reef-safe sunscreen is strongly encouraged wherever you swim or snorkel.
Read all our travel guidesStingray City, the crystal caves, bioluminescent bays — the definitive list of Grand Cayman's essential experiences, ranked.
