The Island Guide
Everything you need to make the most of Grand Cayman — getting around, where to eat, where to explore, and the things worth knowing before you arrive.
Arrival & getting around
Owen Roberts International Airport (GCM)
Grand Cayman's airport is a 10–15 minute drive from George Town and a short ride from the property. Immigration is efficient; have your arrival form and accommodation address ready. We'll send exact directions and a smart-lock code the morning of your stay.
- Allow 20 minutes door-to-door from the airport to Casa de Bells.
- Clear immigration with your passport and a completed arrival card.
- We can arrange an airport meet-and-greet or a private driver — just ask.
Renting a car & driving
A rental is the easiest way to explore. You'll drive on the LEFT in Cayman, and your home licence is accepted for up to a month (though a visitor's permit from the rental desk is routine). Roads are well-signed and traffic is light outside George Town rush hour.
- Drive on the LEFT — the same side the wheel is on.
- A visitor's driving permit is issued at the rental counter.
- Book rental cars well in advance for the high season (Dec–Apr).
Taxis & transport
Hailing a taxi
Taxis are regulated and metered. You'll find ranks at the Owen Roberts airport, cruise terminals, and most large resorts. Drivers are courteous and knowledgeable, but prices are fixed by zone — confirm the fare to your destination before you set off.
- Ask for the zone fare up front; meters are rarely used for set routes.
- Cayman Cabs app and several dispatch desks offer on-demand pickup.
- Taxis are not required to take card — carry small KYD or USD cash.
- Late-night and early-morning pickups almost always need a pre-call.
Alternatives that work well
Most guests rent a car for the freedom, or use ride-share-style dispatch services. We can arrange an airport meet-and-greet or a private driver for arrivals, weddings, or group day-trips — just message us ahead of time.
- We recommend booking a rental car in advance for stays over a few days.
- A private driver is ideal for wedding parties and group excursions.
- Bicycles and e-bikes are popular along Seven Mile Beach and Camana Bay.
Emergency contacts
- 911
Police · Fire · Ambulance
Single dispatch for all life-threatening emergencies.
- 945-8244
RCIPS non-emergency
Royal Cayman Islands Police Service for non-urgent reports.
- 949-8600
Health Services Authority (GT Hospital)
- 949-8600
Cayman Islands Hospital — George Town
24-hour emergency department.
- 911
Government Helicopter/Coast Guard
Marine and search-and-rescue via 911 dispatch.
- 345 926-8585
Casa de Bells — direct host line
Reach Grace & Glaister for anything at the property.
Where to eat
The four spots below are our host favourites — the local plates and fine-dining tables we send our own friends to. For the rest of the island's restaurant scene, we've linked a thorough, up-to-date guide further down.
Jerk chicken, spiny lobster, fresh snapper, tropical fruit — the flavours of Grand Cayman.
Host favourites
Grace & Glaister's go-to tables on Grand Cayman.
Peppers
A local favourite for jerk and Caymanian comfort food — go early, it sells out.
The Roost
A laid-back local hang with hearty island plates and a loyal regular crowd.
Lobster Pot
A long-standing waterfront favourite for fresh lobster and seafood.
Blue Cilantro
Chef-driven island fine dining with a curated wine list.
Cayman Resident — Restaurants
The definitive, up-to-date guide to dining across Grand Cayman — kept current by Cayman Resident.
Places to explore
From the iconic sandbar to a hidden bioluminescent bay — the island experiences worth your time. For the complete, up-to-date rundown, we recommend the guide below.
Explore Cayman — Things to Do
The definitive guide to activities and attractions across Grand Cayman — kept current by Explore Cayman.
Diving & snorkeling
Eden Rock / Devil's Grotto
Shore dive · beginnerRight in George Town. Easy entry, swim-throughs, and clouds of silversides.
Cemetery Reef
Shore snorkelWalk-in reef off Seven Mile Beach. Best in the morning before the wind picks up.
Kittiwake Wreck
Wreck · intermediateSunk as an artificial reef — a stunning, penetration-friendly dive off West Bay.
Babylon
Wall dive · advancedA spectacular coral pinnacles dive on the North Wall. Big stuff, blue water.
Stingray City Sandbar
Snorkel · familyThe shallow version — perfect for non-divers and kids.
Before you get in the water
- Bring reef-safe sunscreen — it's required by law and protects the coral you came to see.
- Full-foot fins and a rash guard beat a wetsuit in warm Cayman water most of the year.
- We keep masks and snorkels in every unit — just grab a bag from the closet.
- Oceanic Islanders and Sunset House are excellent local operators we trust.
Getting married in Cayman
A same-day destination wedding is one of Cayman's quiet luxuries — licence to "I do" on your timeline. For the official requirements, forms, and current fees, we recommend the resource below.
"From the sand at sunset to a private villa garden, the island is your aisle."
Cayman Islands Government — Getting Married
The official guide to marriage licences, officers, and the paperwork you'll need — kept current by the Cayman Islands Government.
Investing in Cayman
A stable, British Overseas Territory with no direct taxes and a sophisticated professional sector. For a thorough, up-to-date guide to buying property, residency by investment, and the Special Economic Zones, we recommend the resource below.
Cayman Resident — Investing in Cayman
The definitive guide to buying property, residency by investment, and the Special Economic Zones — kept current by Cayman Resident.
Currency, banking & tipping
Currency & exchange
The Cayman Islands Dollar (KY$ / KYD) is pegged to the US dollar at KY$1.00 = US$1.20. US dollars are widely accepted; change is usually given in KYD. Carry small bills — many beach bars and craft stalls are cash-only.
- KYD 1 = USD 1.20, fixed.
- US dollars are accepted almost everywhere at that rate.
- Always carry some KYD cash for small vendors and tips.
Cards & ATMs
Visa and Mastercard are accepted nearly everywhere; Amex is common at larger restaurants and hotels. ATMs are plentiful in George Town, Seven Mile Beach, and Camana Bay — bank ATMs generally offer the best rates. Notify your bank that you're travelling.
- Banks are open Monday–Friday, with limited Saturday hours.
- Most ATMs dispense KYD; some airport ATMs also dispense USD.
- A contactless card covers almost all everyday spending.
Tipping
Tipping is expected and appreciated. 15–20% is the restaurant standard; many resorts add an automatic service charge, so check the bill. Tip housekeeping a few dollars per day, bell staff per bag, and tour guides 10–15%.
- Restaurants: 15–20%, unless a service charge is already on the bill.
- Hotel housekeeping: KY$5–10 per day, left on the pillow.
- Tour guides & drivers: 10–15% or a few KYD per person.
Good to know
The questions our guests ask most. If yours isn't here, just message us.
Everything you need, above the reef.
Planning a stay, a wedding, or an investment? We're one message away — and happy to make the right introductions.