Cayman Islands – Let’s explore here

What’s it like in the Cayman Islands?

The Cayman Islands are a set of three islands located in the Caribbean Sea in North America. The islands are called Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman. As a British Overseas Territory, the British monarch is the head of state. The territory has a population of around 88,000 people (2024), almost half of whom live in and around the capital city, George Town, on Grand Cayman Island. 

Just to the south of the islands lies the Cayman Trough, which is an incredible 20,000 ft (6,000 m) deep. The largest island, Grand Cayman, is 22 miles (35 km) long and 8 miles (13 km) wide. Cayman Brac is 12 miles (19 km) long and 1.2 miles (2 km) wide, and Little Cayman is 10 miles (16 km) long and 1 mile (1.6 km) wide.

The terrain on the islands consists mostly of flat limestone with some lovely beaches. The Cayman Islands’ highest point is The Bluff on Cayman Brac, at 141 ft (43 m) above sea level.

Although the Cayman Islands rely heavily on tourism like many other Caribbean islands, they are also a tax haven.

A bit about the history of the Cayman Islands

Early History and Indigenous Peoples

The Cayman Islands were originally inhabited by the Ciboney and Arawak peoples before European arrival. These indigenous groups were eventually displaced by later waves of Carib peoples. The islands, however, were not widely populated by native groups when the Europeans first arrived.

European Discovery and Settlement

The Cayman Islands were discovered by Christopher Columbus on his fourth voyage to the Americas in 1503. Columbus initially named them ‘Las Tortugas’ after the large numbers of sea turtles found around the islands. It was not until the 17th century that Europeans began to settle the islands. The islands became a stopover for passing ships and were used for provisioning and as a haven for pirates.

British Colonisation

The Cayman Islands came under British control in the 17th century as part of the British colonial expansion in the Caribbean. In 1670, the Treaty of Madrid confirmed British possession of the islands. Over the next century, the British used the islands as a strategic location for ships traveling through the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico. The islands remained relatively unpopulated until the late 18th century when settlers from Jamaica began to move to the islands.

Development of the Islands’ Economy

The economy of the Cayman Islands grew in the 19th century as settlers developed a maritime based economy. The islanders relied on fishing, including turtle hunting, and small scale agriculture. The islands also became a stopover for slave ships en route to the Americas, though the local population of enslaved Africans was relatively small compared to other Caribbean colonies. After the abolition of slavery in 1835, the Cayman Islands’ economy continued to depend on agriculture, especially the cultivation of coconuts.

20th Century and Economic Diversification

In the early 20th century, the Cayman Islands began to diversify its economy. The islands began to develop as a tourist destination in the 1950s, capitalising on their tropical climate and beautiful beaches. The introduction of regular air travel made the islands more accessible to international tourists. Alongside tourism, the Cayman Islands also developed an important financial services sector, with the establishment of banks and investment companies. This helped solidify the islands’ reputation as an offshore financial center.

Self-Governance and Political Developments

The Cayman Islands were granted self governance in the 1960s, allowing for greater local control over domestic affairs. However, the islands remained a British Overseas Territory with the British government handling defence and foreign policy. Over the following decades, the Cayman Islands continued to strengthen their political and economic ties to the United Kingdom, although there were occasional discussions about the territory’s future political status. The islands’ economy continued to grow rapidly due to the expanding tourism and financial sectors.

Modern Era and Continued Prosperity

Today, the Cayman Islands are a thriving offshore financial centre, known for their tax-neutral status and regulatory environment. The tourism industry continues to be a significant part of the economy, attracting visitors from around the world to its pristine beaches, luxury resorts and diving sites. The islands’ financial sector, including banking, insurance, and hedge funds, has also made them one of the wealthiest territories in the Caribbean. While the Cayman Islands remain a British Overseas Territory, they have a large degree of autonomy, with a locally elected government. The islands continue to debate issues like environmental sustainability and their relationship with the UK, but their strong economy and political stability make them a key player in the Caribbean region.

Cayman Islands road trip

The Cayman Islands is our 27th planned stop on our road trip through the islands of the Caribbean. Having (hopefully) explored the Bahamas, our next stop is Jamaica.

Travelling overland between the islands is quite prohibitive due to the lack of transportation options. Travelling between different island countries via ferry is possible, however, ferries only operate between some islands. Chartering private boats between islands is also possible, although travelling with a car in this way is prohibitive. Flying is another option, although again, flights only operate between some islands.

Map of our road trip through the Cayman Islands

Weather in the Cayman Islands

When is the best time to visit the Cayman Islands?

The best time to visit the Cayman Islands is from December to April. During these months, the islands have 7-10 hours of sunshine per day and rainfall of 1.2 – 2.4 inches (30 – 62mm) per month. The temperature ranges from 23 – 30°C (73 – 87°F).

When is the worst time to visit the Cayman Islands?

The worst time to visit the Cayman Islands is from July to November. During these months, the islands still have 8-9 hours of sunshine per day. However, humidity rises and it rains an average of 5.7 – 9.4 inches (144 – 239mm) per month. The temperature ranges from 25 – 32°C (76 – 90°F).

Hurricane Season in the Caribbean

Hurricane season in the Caribbean runs from June 1 to November 30. Storms tend to be more frequent and more severe in the latter half of the season.

Hurricanes are least likely during December, January and February.

Travel in and around the Cayman Islands

Ferries to other islands within the Cayman Islands

There are no ferries between the three Cayman islands.

There are water taxis that travel between different points on Grand Cayman.

Ferries to other Caribbean island countries from the Cayman Islands

There are no ferries from the Cayman Islands to other Caribbean island countries.

What’s it like to drive in the Cayman Islands?

They drive on the left hand side of the road in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The majority of the roads in the Cayman are in fairly good condition, although some more minor roads are little more than dirt tracks.

Do you require an international driving permit in the Cayman Islands?

We’ve created a dedicated page to driving abroad, which answers this question, and more, which you might find helpful.

Can you use your UK driving license when driving through the Cayman Islands?

We’ve created a dedicated page to driving abroad, which answers this question, and more, which you might find helpful.

Do I need a carnet de passages to drive in the Cayman Islands?

We’ve created a dedicated page to driving abroad, which answers this question, and more, which you might find helpful.

What is the speed limit in the Cayman Islands ?

The speed limits for cars in the Cayman Islands are:

• 25 mph (40 km/h) for urban driving
• 50 mph (80 km/h) outside of built up areas

What currency do they use in the Cayman Islands?

In the Cayman Islands they use the Cayman Islands dollar. Cash is widely used. The use of credit / debit cards is widely accepted in tourist areas. Travellers cheques are not generally accepted. There are many ATMs in tourist areas, although not all accept foreign issued cards.

You should make yourself aware of the amount that your bank charges you for using credit and debit cards abroad. Often credit cards are cheaper for purchasing items directly, and for withdrawing cash from ATMs.

What language do they speak in the Cayman Islands?

They speak English and Creole in the Cayman Islands. Spanish is also spoken by some.

What time zone is the Cayman Islands in?

Remember, when you’re planning your next trip to take a look at what time zone it’s in.

Do I need a visa to visit the Cayman Islands?

We’ve created a dedicated, more comprehensive page on visas, which you should find helpful. Check it out!

Is wild camping legal in the Cayman Islands?

No, wild camping is illegal in the Cayman Islands.

What plug / socket type do they use in the Cayman Islands?

In the Cayman Islands they use plug / socket types A and B.

Cayman Islands health issues

Is it safe to drink water in the Cayman Islands?

Yes, it is safe to drink tap water in the Cayman Islands. Bottled water is also readily available across the country. 

What vaccinations are required for the Cayman Islands?

This NHS website is kept up to date with all relevant information on vaccinations in the Cayman Islands.

Phones in the Cayman Islands

What is the country calling code for the Cayman Islands?

The country calling code for the Cayman Islands is +1 345

What are the emergency phone numbers in the Cayman Islands?

• The emergency number for police in the Cayman Islands is: 911
• In the Cayman Islands, the emergency number for ambulance is: 911
• The emergency number for fire in the Cayman Islands is: 911

If you’ve got some useful info that you’d like to share, let us know! 

And don’t forget to check out all the other pictures!