Cayman Islands Canada Fall 2024

island adventures | art & events | RESTAURANT SCENE | spas & stays

The Cayman Islands

Beaches & watersports Cerulean-blue sea kisses white coral sands along Grand Cayman’s world-famous Seven Mile Beach. Beyond its vivid waters, the expansive beach (which—fun fact—is actually closer to six miles in length) is known for the array of watersports on offer from its shores. Its position on the leeward side of the island means the waters are typically calm enough for stand-up paddleboarding or kayaking. But there’s plenty of action for thrill-seekers, too: kitesurfing, parasailing or deep-sea diving excursions, for example. Those eager to venture off the beaten path will find many secluded sands to explore. With its outdoor dining tables, shaded areas and verdant landscape, Cayman Brac Public Beach is a prime setting for a tranquil beach picnic. At Little Cayman’s Point of Sand, a true “deserted island”-style beach awaits. As its name implies, the sand here is set in an angular formation that “points” into the Caribbean Sea as though sending a not-so-subtle hint. With the year-round warm temperatures and crystal-blue waters, you won’t need to be told twice.

An intriguing tropical trio awaits

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The National Gallery of the Cayman Islands on Grand Cayman

Island adventures

Art & events

Restaurant scene

Spas & stays

Cayman Brac

Dive and see the underwater world

Plan your trip

Grand Cayman

Stingray City

Saint June dining

ATV riding

The Crystal Caves

Cayman Cookout

Pirates Week

Pom Pom, the rooftop bar at Hotel Indigo

Palm Heights on Grand Cayman

Black Urchin Private Residence

Botanika Union spa (left); Paddleboard yoga (right)

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Little Cayman's Point of Sand

Cayman Art Week

Library by the Sea at Kimpton Seafire Resort

Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa's Wellness Festival

Land experiences The Cayman Islands is also the site of on-land adventures that justify tearing yourself away from the postcard-perfect beaches, at least temporarily. The Cayman Crystal Caves is a standout on that list. Tours through three cave sites provide up-close views of thousands of stalactites and stalagmites that protrude from the cave ceilings. Set on Grand Cayman’s north side, these naturally occurring underground caves formed millions of years ago but were only opened to the public in 2016. Travellers are so excited about the caves that they’ve become the No. 5-ranked attraction in the world, according to Tripadvisor users—just a few entries after the Empire State Building and the Eiffel Tower. Hiking, rock climbing, biking and ATV riding are just a few of the other on-land adventures awaiting active travelers to the Cayman Islands.

Island hopping A very cool thing about Cayman is the country’s ability to deliver on diverse vacation wish lists, thanks to its three distinct islands. Spending time on all three is the best way to understand each one’s unique vibe. With a little planning and help from daily inter-island flights from Cayman Airways, a dreamy island-hopping getaway is within reach. Immerse yourself in the local culture on Grand Cayman. Unwind in a barefoot-chic cottage on Little Cayman and kayak to tiny Owen Island off the southwest shore. Enjoy views from the country's highest point on the bluffs of Cayman Brac, then partake in some of the world's best diving. As an added bonus, you'll feel as though you’ve had three vacations instead of one.

Museums & galleries The country's idyllic landscapes have long inspired both native Caymanian and visiting artists to create. The National Gallery of the Cayman Islands on Grand Cayman is a treasure trove of such works, showcasing culturally relevant and thought-provoking pieces from both established and emerging artists. The gallery's permanent exhibits include the Intuitive Art and Early Pioneers collection, engaging both aesthetically and as a journey through the island's relatively recent emergence as a hotbed for visual arts. Admission to the gallery is free. Art fans can also witness (and purchase) works by Caymanian artists in galleries and open studios across George Town. Housing an ever-changing lineup of human and natural history exhibits, the small yet impactful Cayman Islands National Museum in George Town is another must-visit.

Cultural and culinary events Spotlighting dozens of local and international musicians, the Cayman Arts Festival will return for its 21st run this winter (Feb. 6–15). Previous events have featured Grammy Award-winning performers and musical styles running the gamut from classical to contemporary. Grand Cayman also hosts a weeklong visual arts festival, Cayman Art Week, each May. Foodie fans, meanwhile, will find many events worth travelling for. Cayman Cocktail Week (Oct. 25–Nov. 1) features a fun lineup of tastings, games and parties. Gourmands should hurry to reserve their spots at the Cayman Cookout (Jan. 15–20). Its bespoke food experiences are held at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman—the only resort in the Caribbean to receive Forbes Five Star ratings for its hotel, spa and restaurant. Spring's Taste of Cayman Food & Drink Festival, meanwhile, brings in top chefs for cooking demos and high-stakes competitions. You can expect more than great food, too; The Black Eyed Peas headlined the entertainment at last year's fest.

Pirates Fest and beyond Cayman Islands history is punctuated by tales of pirates—the real-life Blackbeard among them—who prowled Caymanian coasts in the 17th and 18th centuries. These buccaneers aimed to capture Spanish galleons filled with new-world treasures on their routes to Europe, and were often successful. This connection to pirate history and lore is celebrated with the annual Pirates Fest (Nov. 8–30), spanning all three islands. Heritage days, party nights, live music, fireworks shows and costume competitions are among the swashbuckling events on deck; check the event website for updates on each island's celebrations. There's an annual event for sporty types, too—namely, the Cayman Islands Marathon (Dec. 1), which also offers a half marathon and the option to participate as part of a four-person relay if you're not ready for the full 26.2 miles. See more festivals and events here.

Noteworthy and new The Cayman Islands is billed as the "Culinary Capital of the Caribbean," and not just for its vibrant food festival scene. Amid the islands' 200 restaurants, you'll find an impressively high number of exceptional ones. A big part of that is in the ingredients; obviously, the fresh-caught seafood is an obvious highlight, but many local venues also incorporate garden-fresh vegetables and organic meats, prepared with both traditional and international flair. Wave-making newcomers include Pom Pom, where the chic modern-rustic aesthetic, elevated Caribbean cuisine and stunning rooftop views all compete for attention. Fun and casual Bonny Moon opened on Seven Mile Beach in May, serving craft cocktails it cheekily calls "drinkies" alongside a menu that ranges from beach snacks to a whole branzino. Japanese spot Lucky Rabbit, Mexican cocina LOCO and farm-to-table concept Mario round out the hot new restaurants to try.

Perennial favorites No traveller should leave the country before sitting down to a meal at Ms. Piper's Kitchen + Garden, where the words "live a little" are etched on the glass and, one might imagine, whispered over comforting dishes like cassava cheese bread and Korean ribs. At beachfront Coccoloba Bar & Grill, the menu mingles Mexican street food faves (chicharrones, for example) with fresh Caribbean seafood. When a pizza night is in order, D's Pizza is a go-to. Cayman's also home to world-class fine dining locales. Blue by Eric Ripert (the celebrity chef who created the aforementioned Cayman Cookout festival) inside The Ritz-Carlton offers a sumptuous tasting menu and a sommelier-approved wine list. Tillies' refined yet approachable menu spans breakfast, lunch and dinner, with an extensive raw bar available from lunchtime on. The Brasserie, Agua and Luca are just a few more fine dining restaurants to seek out on your trip—reservations recommended.

Wellness and relaxation Cayman's wealth of relaxing spas and recreational activities make it an appealing place for travellers in need of R&R. The Manuka Body Therapy experience is just one example of the holistic treatments on offer at Botanika Union at the Grand Cayman Marriott Resort. Forbes Five Star-awarded The Spa at Seafire incorporates locally sourced ingredients—sea salt, seaweed and Caymanian coffee, for example—in its treatments. Tip: Serious wellness seekers should secure their stay during the Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa's Wellness Festival (Oct. 31–Nov. 3). The luxurious Ritz-Carlton Spa, Grand Cayman offers massages tailored to athletes, expectant mothers and aromatherapy fans—plus an array of glow-inducing body treatments. Those who prefer to unwind on the mat can enroll in classes at Yogi Wall on Cayman Brac, where a different style is taught daily. There's an outlet for pickleball fans to find their flow, too—namely at Pickleball Cayman, a massive shrine to the sport with 36 courts, professional coaches plus a bar and restaurant.

Hotels & resorts Beyond Cayman's pampering spa resorts, you'll find stays for a variety of travel styles. VIDA, a luxe boutique hotel set in Grand Cayman's West Bay, is an exciting newcomer on the scene. The sustainability-focused hotel offers conscious travel enhancements like guided movement and meditation sessions, plus an onsite café serving smoothies and locally sourced plates. Also newly opened, Hotel Indigo offers a full-service beach club, infinity pools and modern beach-chic guest rooms with ocean-view balconies. Families might consider amenity-rich hotels like the Grand Cayman Marriott Resort and the Wyndham Reef Resort Grand Cayman (which offers an optional all-inclusive dining plan). Accommodations at all-suite boutique hotel Palm Heights provide room to spread out—along with stunning ocean views.

Other ways to stay Condo and villa rentals have become popular for those seeking home-like amenities, extra space or extended stays (work from paradise, anyone?). You'll find options for every taste and budget, from exquisite waterfront homes to cozy retreats tucked away in quiet corners of the islands. For the latter, family-owned Botanica is a top choice, featuring lovely cottages in a serene setting that's still convenient to the beach and local businesses. Caribbean Club and Plantana offer stays in chic Seven Mile Beach condominiums. For customised stays, on-island management companies like Cayman Villas represent accommodations varied enough to check off just about any vacation must-haves. Book your Cayman Islands vacation today. Air Canada and WestJet offer four-hour nonstop flights from Toronto to Grand Cayman, with easy connections across Canada. Explore Visit Cayman Islands now to discover special offers and start planning your unforgettable getaway.

Those seeking an unplugged getaway will find it here, too. A quick flight to the striking seaside cliffs and tiny towns of Cayman Brac or the tranquil, sparsely populated nature retreat called Little Cayman will do nicely. A tour of the islands’ luxurious spas or an extended wellness-focused getaway can enhance the restorative effects. Read on to see how the Cayman Islands fulfills on a wide variety of vacation wish lists.

Smith Cove on Grand Cayman

Boating on Little Cayman

Ms. Piper's Kitchen (left); Tillies (right)

Hotel Indigo Grand Cayman

VIDA Cayman

island adventures | art & events | RESTAURANT SCENE | spas & stays

Beaches & watersports Cerulean-blue sea kisses white coral sands along Grand Cayman’s world-famous Seven Mile Beach. Beyond its vivid waters, the expansive beach (which—fun fact—is actually closer to six miles in length) is known for the array of water sports on offer from its shores. Its position on the leeward side of the island means the waters are typically calm enough for standup paddle boarding or kayaking. But there’s plenty of action for thrill-seekers, too: kitesurfing, parasailing or deep-sea diving excursions, for example. Those eager to venture off the beaten path will have many secluded sands to explore. With its outdoor dining tables, shaded areas and verdant landscape, Cayman Brac Public Beach is a prime setting for a tranquil beach picnic. At Little Cayman’s Point of Sand, a true “deserted island”-style beach awaits. As its name implies, the sand here is set in an angular formation that “points” into the Caribbean Sea as though sending a not-so-subtle hint. With the year-round warm temperatures and crystal-blue hues of the water, you won’t need to be told twice.

Land experiences The Cayman Islands is also the site of on-land adventures that justify tearing yourself away from the postcard-perfect beaches, at least temporarily. The Crystal Caves is a heavy hitter on that list. Tours through three cave sites provide up-close views of the thousands of stalactites and stalagmites that protrude from the cave ceilings. Set on Grand Cayman’s north side, the naturally occurring underground caves formed millions of years ago, but were just opened to the public in 2016. Travelers are so psyched about the caves, they’ve become the No. 5-ranked attraction in the world per Tripadvisor users—just a few entries after the Empire State Building and the Eiffel Tower. Hiking, rock climbing, biking and ATV riding are just a few of the other on-land adventures awaiting active travelers to the Cayman Islands.

Island hopping A very cool thing about Cayman is the country’s ability to deliver on diverse vacation wish lists, thanks to its three distinct islands. Spending time on all three is the best way to understand each one’s unique vibe. With a little planning and help from daily inter-island flights from Cayman Airways, a dreamy island-hopping getaway is in reach. Immerse in the local culture on Grand Cayman. Unwind in a barefoot-chic cottage on Little Cayman and kayak to tiny Owen Island off the southwest shore. Enjoy views from the country's highest point on the bluffs of Cayman Brac, then partake in some of the world's best diving. As an added bonus, you'll feel as though you’ve had three vacations instead of one.

Museums & galleries The country's idyllic landscapes have long inspired both native Caymanian and visiting artists to create. The National Gallery of the Cayman Islands on Grand Cayman is a treasure trove of such works, showcasing culturally relevant and thought-provoking pieces from both established and emerging artists. The gallery's permanent exhibits include the Intuitive Art and Early Pioneers collection, engaging both aesthetically and as a journey through the island's relatively recent emergence as a hotbed for visual arts. Admission to the gallery is free. Art fans can also witness (and purchase) works by Cayaymanian artists in galleries and open studios across George Town. Housing an ever-changing lineup of human and natural history exhibits, the small yet impactful Cayman Islands National Museum in George Town is another must-visit.

Cultural and culinary events Spotlighting dozens of local and international musicians, the 2-week-long Cayman Arts Festival will return for its 21st run this winter (Feb. XX–March XX). Previous events have featured Grammy Award-winning performers and musical styles running the gamut from classical to contemporary. Grand Cayman also hosts a weeklong visual arts festival, Cayman Art Week, each May. Foodie fans, meanwhile, will find many events worth traveling for. Cayman Cocktail Week (Oct. 25–Nov. 1) features a fun lineup of tastings, games and parties. Gourmands should hurry to reserve their spots at the Cayman Cookout (Jan. 15–20). Its bespoke food experiences are held at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman—the only resort in the Caribbean to receive Forbes Five Star ratings for its hotel, spa and restaurant. Spring's Taste of Cayman Food & Drink Festival, meanwhile, brings in top chefs for cooking demos and high-stakes competitions. You can expect more than great food, too; The Black Eyed Peas headlined the entertainment at last year's fest.

Noteworthy and new The Cayman Islands is billed as the "Culinary Capital of the Caribbean," and not just for its buzzy food festival scene. Amid the islands' 200 or so restaurants, you'll find a disproportionately high number of excellent ones. A big part of that is in the ingredients; obviously, the fresh-caught seafood helps, but many local venues also incorporate garden-fresh vegetables and organic meats, prepared with both traditional and international flair. Wave-making newcomers include Pom Pom, where the chic modern-rustic aesthetic, elevated Caribbean cuisine and stunning rooftop views all compete for attention. Fun and casual Bonny Moon opened on Seven Mile Beach in May, serving craft cocktails it cheekily calls "drinkies" alongside a menu that ranges from beach snacks to a whole branzino. Japanese spot Lucky Rabbit, Mexican cocina LOCO and farm-to-table concept Mario round out the hot new restaurants to try.

Perennial favorites No traveler should leave the country before sitting down to a meal at Ms. Piper's Kitchen + Garden, where the words "live a little" are etched on the glass and, one might imagine, whispered over comforting dishes like cassava cheese bread and korean ribs. At beachfront Coccoloba Bar & Grill, the menu mingles Mexican street food faves (chicharrones, for example) with fresh Caribbean seafood. When a pizza night is in order, D's Pizza is a go-to. Cayman's also home to world-class fine dining locales. Blue by Eric Ripert (the celebrity chef who created the aforementioned Cayman Cookout festival) inside The Ritz-Carlton offers a sumptuous tasting menu and a sommelier-approved wine list. Tillies' refined yet approachable menu spans breakfast, lunch and dinner, with an extensive raw bar available from lunchtime on. The Brasserie, Agua and Luca are just a few more fine dining restaurants to seek out on your trip—reservations recommended.

Wellness and relaxation Cayman's wealth of relaxing spas and recreational activities make it an appealing place for travelers in need of R&R. The Manuka Body Therapy experience is just one example of the holistic treatments on offer at Botanika Union at the Grand Cayman Marriott Beach Resort. Forbes Five Star-awarded The Spa at Seafire incorporates locally sourced ingredients—sea salt, seaweed and Caymanian coffee, for example—in its treatments. Tip: Serious wellness seekers should secure their stay during the Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa's wellness festival (Oct. 31–Nov. 3). The luxurious Ritz-Carlton Spa, Grand Cayman offers massages tailored to athletes, expectant mothers and aromatherapy fans—plus an array of glow-inducing body treatments. Those who prefer to unwind on the mat can enroll in classes at Yogi Wall on Cayman Brac, where a different style is taught daily. There's an outlet for pickleball fans to find their flow, too—namely at Pickleball Cayman, a massive shrine to the sport with 36 courts, professional coaches plus a bar and restaurant.

Hotels & resorts Beyond Cayman's pampering spa resorts, you'll find stays for a variety of travel styles. VIDA, a luxe boutique hotel set in Grand Cayman's West Bay, is an exciting newcomer on the scene. The sustainability-focused hotel offers conscious travel enhancements like guided movement and meditation sessions, plus an onsite cafe serving smoothies and locally sourced plates. Also newly opened, Hotel Indigo offers a full-service beach club, infinity pools and modern beach-chic guest rooms with ocean-view balconies. Families might consider amenity-rich hotels like the Grand Cayman Marriott Resort and the Wyndham Reef Resort Grand Cayman (which offers an optional all-inclusive dining plan). Accommodations at all-suite boutique hotel Palm Heights provide room to spread out—along with stunning ocean views.

Other ways to stay Condo and villa rentals have become popular for those seeking home-like amenities, extra space or extended stays (work from paradise, anyone?). You'll find options for every taste and budget, from exquisite waterfront homes to cozy retreats tucked away in quiet corners of the islands. For the latter, family-owned Botanica is a top choice, featuring lovely cottages in a serene setting that's still convenient to the beach and local businesses. Caribbean Club and Plantana offer stays in chic Seven Mile Beach condominiums. For customized stays, on-island management companies like Cayman Villas represent accommodations varied enough to check off just about any vacation must-haves.

T he waters of the Cayman Islands are renowned for their incredible clarity and gemstone-blue hues. As with many aspects of this Caribbean island nation—located just a four-hour nonstop flight from Toronto—what lies below the surface is even more impressive. Underwater cliffs and reefs teeming with kaleidoscopic marine life solidify Cayman’s status as one of the world’s top diving and snorkelling destinations. The same “more than meets the eye” principle also applies to the islands themselves. At first glance, you may see them as a relaxing tropical haven—and two brand-new luxury hotel additions only underscore that viewpoint. But that's not the whole story. Grand Cayman is a stage for art, music and culinary events that bring in some of the world’s biggest names. On top of the famed diving opportunities, there’s a host of thrilling land and sea adventures on offer—ATV riding, parasailing and cave tours.