Cayman Islands – A Unique Tropical Experience

When it comes to variety, the Cayman Islands is perhaps no different from the world’s most popular tourist destinations. What would probably be the only difference is the quality of the experience – the food, the social life, the adventures, and all the other things that are mostly classified as upscale.  

Food

With such a wide array of restaurants and other outstanding gourmet establishments, food and eating at the Cayman Islands can rank among the best in the world. The food is fresh and the cooking is superb, although the price may be a bit on the high end.

The specialties are turtle steaks and turtle soups, conch chowder and conch salad, red snapper sea bass and lobsters. There are restaurants with very good services and they accept credit cards.

Bars and restaurants are well-stocked with all kinds of beverages normally available in America and Europe. Some even have draft beers available in some few bars.

Night life

At Grand Cayman, the day does not end when the sun goes down. In fact, it is just starting at the comedy clubs, bars and nightclubs around. There is variety of music and the clubs have everything: salsa, reggae, calypso, disco and others. 

There are also concerts at such places as Lions Centre in Red Bay and theater productions at the Harquail Theatre on West Bay Road or at the Prospect Playhouse in Red Bay.

There are also dinner cruises on board at a replica pirate ship and a 19th century tall ship. For the latest on entertainment on the islands, visitors can follow through the events at the local newspaper.

Shopping

The shopping center at George Town with its array of boutiques and duty-free shops is now one of the leading centers in the Caribbean group. Local foods abound at the Farmers Market Cooperative on Thomas Russell way or Frankie’s Fresh Fruits and Juices on Read Bay Road.

There are also new and modern shopping places with goods from American and European fashion brands, furnishings and household goods. There are local goods, as well like the Tortuga Rum company specialty rum and rum cake, shell jewelry, caymanite (the island’s semi-precious stone) tropical fruits and wood carvings. 

The Cayman spirit

At the Cayman Islands, life is a blend of local traditions and American and British social conventions. Shaking of hands is still the usual greeting. Because of the prevalence of people with the same family name, a person may be introduced by his Christian name (Mr. Tom or Mr. Jim).

Flowers are acceptable as gifts on arrival or after a visit for a meal. It is deemed normal to prescribe modes of dressing on invitation cards. Casual wear is acceptable in most places, but beachwear is best confined to the beach. (Topless bathing is prohibited.)

Money 

Ten to fifteen percent tips is normal for most services, and hotels and apartments state the specific amount. Restaurant bills usually include the 10 to 15 percent in lieu of tipping.

Currency is in Cayman Islands Dollar with denominations in 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 cent. US dollars are accepted currencies, too, as are credit cards.

At Cayman Islands, everything is accounted for. Simply bring along your sense of fun and adventure.
