Grand Cayman was our first visit to the Caribbean as a family of four. The flight from Miami to GCM is a short one at a little over an hour, and plenty of cheap deals are available.
Because we booked our trip for the peak Dec-Jan holiday season, I had to start planning as early as 5 months ahead. Thanks to AA’s award travel map, booking early was a breeze. Trip duration was about 4 days in the Caymans. D & S are newly 6 & 4.
TRANSPORTATION:
A rental car is a great way to get around the island; we picked ours up at Avis which was across the street from the airport. We rented one of their car seats, and brought one of our own. Within minutes of arriving at the airport, we were on our way exploring Grand Cayman.
STAY:
We stayed at the Marriott on Seven Mile Beach (7MB), one of the most beautiful beaches in the world! The hotel is pretty, and has its own 7MB portion. On our next visit to the island, we’re definitely renting a villa or an Airbnb and staying somewhere between Georgetown and Bodden town. This will keep us away from the touristy, though gorgeous Seven Mile Beach, and will significantly bring our costs down.
EAT:
Food on the island is expensive!
- Luca: Though for a special occasion dinner, this meal set us back $220 USD for two adults and two little kids. Ouch!
- Veranda at the Marriott set us back $200 USD.
Dinner view at Veranda - Peppers across the street from the hotel is a bit more affordable, but their food wasn’t anything special. The kids had a blast with the live entertainment and danced the night away.
- For cheaper options, consider Singh’s Roti Shop, with it’s amazing dhalpourie and goat curry. Yummy, H said he would go back to the island just for the food here.
- For an inexpensive breakfast/ brunch consider Cimboco and Coconut Joe’s Beach Bar & Grill ($50 USD for four).
- One of our favorite budget spots was Chicken! Chicken! The taste and price were just perfect!
- Eats Cafe is yet another inexpensive spot.
- Da Fish Shack, also affordable.
- Agua, Tukka and Luca are also known for their delicious brunches.
- Another favorite is Eric Ripert’s Blue, but it was well beyond what we wanted to spend!
- For Cuban, try Vivine’s kitchen, and for delicious jerk chicken, do not miss Red Bay jerk chicken.
DO:
- Stingray city: Book your stingray adventure as early as possible in your trip. Chances are bad weather could cause cancellations, but if you had planned the activity for one of your earlier days, you might be able to get rescheduled on a later day when the weather improves. We booked with Red Sail Sports, but Cayman Crystal Charters is another reputable company that you can dive with or go on fishing trips with.
- 7MB: The beach is just so incredible, you will not want to leave! Marriott charges $50 USD per day for use of their beach stuff, towels, Go Pro and other amenities. This was well worth it.
- Rum Point: An hour’s drive from 7MB on the other side of the island. The waters are shallow and just the perfect shades of blue, the sand was soft, and the Mudslides delicious!
Rum Point - Starfish Point: You’ll find hundreds of starfish here with which you can take pictures. Be careful not to lift them out of the water though.
Starfish snuggle up to you at Rum Point - Crystal Caves: Not far from Starfish Point are the Crystal Caves. These incredible structures that are definitely worth visiting.
- Turtle Farm: Not to be missed if you have little ones. You can see giant sea turtles and interact with hatchlings. The souvenir shop here is worth checking out. Many people also check out nearby Dolphin Discovery.
Caring for the turtles 
- Blowholes: These are a very interesting phenomena where water comes up through naturally created tubes in the earth.
- Camana Bay: A beautiful shopping center with wonderful food choices. There is also a water spout area that is great for little kids. Spend time window-shopping or making some big purchases here.
- Cemetery Beach: This beach here was incredible at sunset and the waters were so calm. I would highly recommend visiting this picturesque spot.
- Hell: Close to Cemetery Beach is this area of unique rock formations. We can’t confirm if this is what Hell really looks like, but we most certainly will tell you that we have been to Hell and back!
Hell - Georgetown: It was too touristy for us as the cruise-ships docked nearby. The souvenir shops cater to this crowd but that is not to say they aren’t worth buying from, but they just didn’t feel special.
- Tortuga Rum factory: Get the rum cakes!
- Boggy Sand Road: The beach here is stunning! It doesn’t appear to be as well known, which was great for us!
The beach at Boggy Sands - Smith’s Barcadere Cove: This was supposed to be a “secret” beach, but when we got there, it was crowded and the waters were very rough. Though it was gorgeous, we didn’t spend more than 10 minutes here.
NOTES:
If getting an airbnb, consider buying beach toys and supplies from the IGA and Cost U Less that are very close to the airport.
Check-in and boarding at the airport were CHAOS! Be ready for it! And have a wonderful trip!!
