Family holidays to the Cayman Islands

Grand Cayman – At 22 miles long and 8 miles wide, Grand Cayman is the largest and most commercial and glitzy of the islands. It contains most of the attractions too. The capital, George Town, is home to designer shops and the National Museum. To the north of George Town is Seven Mile Beach, consistently voted one of the best beaches in the Caribbean, and where most hotels, shops and restaurants can be found. Head to Starfish Point for, you guessed it, starfish floating around in clear shallow waters, or Boatswain Beach for turtles. Rum Point, further north, is another top place to visit with shady spots and watersports galore.

Little Cayman – Little Cayman is far less developed than its bigger brother, though its diving is no less magical. Head to Bloody Bay or Jackson’s Bight for some of the best diving in the world. For the truly adventurous, kayak over to tiny deserted Owen Island. This little island is only 10 miles long and one mile wide. It’s also very flat, and with little traffic is the perfect place to go cycling with the family. Boutique accommodation is plentiful.

• Stingray City, Grand Cayman – Forget swimming with dolphins, try snorkelling with stingrays. Even tiny ones can enjoy this spectacle, standing on a handy sandbar three to five feet deep in the water, while these elegant sea creatures glide past.
• Camana Bay, Grand Cayman – With fountains and ‘splaygrounds’, kid-centric shops and restaurants and an observation tower, this promenade is a nice change from beachside.
• Cayman Turtle Centre, Grand Cayman – A visit to the turtle centre is a must-do on a trip to the Cayman Islands. It’s a fabulous attraction for kids and adults alike. See and swim with these ancient reptiles and watch them hatch during May to October. There’s also an area filled with sharks and barracudas for added thrills, a nature trail and education centre.
• Kittiwake shipwreck dive, Grand Cayman – A wreck dive (or snorkel – the waters are shallow enough) to the Kittiwake ship is the perfect introduction for newbie divers but also offers enough diversity for regular divers too. In fact, it is often called one of the best shipwreck dives in the world. Expect to see many sea creatures now at home in this ex-USS boat.
• Blue Iguana Reserve, Grand Cayman – Come up close and personal to the islands’ dragons at this breeding centre in the Botanic Park.

• Atlantis submarine, Grand Cayman – If you want to see underwater life but don’t want to get wet, the Atlantis submarine will take you to depths of 100 feet. Added submarine trip excitement included.
• Boat and helicopter trip, all islands – Several boat operators offer boat tours around the islands and to major island attractions. Once you’ve explored life in the water, head to the sky for another viewpoint. Different trips are available depending on budget and time.
• Watersports, all islands – Take your pick from kayaking, paddleboarding, jetskiing, parasailing, kitesurfing, snorkelling, wakeboarding and windsurfing.
• Skate and surf park, Grand Cayman – Older kids and teens will love having a go at skating through half-pipes and surfing man-made waves.
• Horseriding, Grand Cayman – This unique experience sees horses, and their riders, take to the water for some swimming.
• Pirates Week, all islands – Visit during November to coincide with the annual Pirates Week, which celebrates Cayman culture and pirate folklore.

Educational Value

Pedro St James Castle, Grand Cayman – This building is the Cayman’s home of democracy, and a great place to learn about Cayman Island history.

Art galleries and museums, Grand Cayman and Little Cayman – For such tiny islands, there is a large amount of culture to enjoy. The National Gallery houses some fabulous Caribbean artwork, and there are three museums to choose from; the Heritage House Museum, National Museum, and Little Cayman Museum.

Nature, all islands – The islands are choc-a-block with marine and terrestrial life, and a snorkel trip should be a delight for all. If you want to learn more, head to the Bioluminescent Bay at night time to witness a naturally sparkling sea of neon, the Mastic Trail for a hike among Grand Cayman’s ancient forested interior and the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park for a potted history of the islands’ flora and fauna.

Getting Around

Car rental or taxis are the easiest way to get around the Caymans. The roads are easy to navigate, though bigger towns may feel a little hectic. Cars are left hand drive. Cycling is perfect on Little Cayman as the landscape is flat and there is little traffic.