George Town Travel & Vacation Guide

The building of the Cayman Islands National Museum dates back to the 1800s and is a focal point of George Town. Every history tour of the island will make a stop here, since the museum is dedicated to the preservation, research and display of all aspects of Caymanian heritage, both cultural and natural. As a bonus, you can buy one-of-a-kind souvenirs at the gift shop of the museum, including a beautiful selection of ornate Caymanite jewellery and gifts. The proceeds go to finance museum maintenance and educational programs.

Cayman Spirits Co is a small-batch distillery that is famous for its Seven Fathoms Rum — an artisanal amber rum aged in year-old bourbon barrels that are secured and placed 13 metres (42 feet) underwater for 2 years. This ageing process is unique throughout the distilled spirits world. Learn about the Caribbean rum culture, see the big copper still and sample of rum and vodka on a guided tour.

The Cayman Turtle Centre is a conservation facility and tourist attraction that welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors per year. Although the facility was initially used to breed the endangered green sea turtle for commercial purposes and still continues to operate as a farming operation, its importance as a research and conservation facility cannot be overstated.

Fort George was a colonial era fortification that was built in 1790s to protect the harbour. By the 20th century, the fort was no longer in use. Only a tall silk cotton tree growing within the fort was used as a lookout post to spot German submarines that patrolled the Caribbean waters. Today, very little remains of the structure. The ruins belong to the National Trust for the Cayman Islands and are an important remnant of the colonial times.

About a 25-minute drive north from the cruise ship port in George Town you'll find Hell. Roughly the size of half a football field, this peculiar area is famous for its short, black, ironshore karst formations. The jagged structures make Hell appear rather treacherous. Part of the attraction is the Hell Post Office. Send a postcard to your friends and family!

The historic Ex-USS Kittiwake became a home to sponges, Goliath groupers, urchins and squirrelfish since its sinking in 2011. Over the years, the underwater wreck has blossomed into a beautiful and dynamic artificial reef — the perfect refuge for marine life. Divers of all skill levels, as well as snorkellers, explore the shipwreck with ease, as it is only 17 metres (55 feet) deep.

The long crescent of coral-sand Seven Mile Beach is a true gem of Grand Cayman. It was named one of the Ultimate Beaches in the region by Caribbean Travel + Life. While many of the Caribbean's most luxurious properties are located along the shore, the expansive waterfront is completely open to the public. Walk the full length of the beach and take in the natural beauty. On your walk, stop at the numerous restaurants and bars, souvenir stalls or even choose to or snorkel in the peaceful seas around Cemetery Reef.

Stingray City is the most popular tourist attraction of Grand Cayman. Book a tour of 3-5 hours and head out to the sandbars 40 km (25 miles) off the shore of Grand Cayman. Jump in to the shallow water and interact with the gentle Southern Stingrays. A guide will help you get individual attention from the animals, and will teach you how to feed and touch them. Memorable experiences and fantastic photos guaranteed.

Artifacts is one of the most unique shops you will find in downtown George Town. They have everything from shipwrecked coins to jewellery, porcelain and cigar cases. You'll get plenty of personal attention from the shopkeeper, who's an avid numismatics fan. The prices range from a few bucks to thousands of dollars. You should make a stop here, even if you're not planning to buy anything.

Camana Bay is a bayside retail and entertainment district — the best destination for featuring several blocks of shops, restaurants and cafes, as well as pleasant promenades. You'll find this vibrant area in the middle of Seven Mile Beach. A special feature of Camana Bay is the 23-metre (75-foot) Observation Tower. On Wednesdays from noon till 7 pm, you can find handmade jewellery, soaps, pepper jelly and locally grown produce at the Farmers & Artisans Market.

The world famous Cathy Church is an undisputed expert in both marine biology and photography. In her shop in George Town you can see (and buy!) her works, get any kind of equipment for underwater photos, replace your camera or buy a drone. You can also quickly print your own photos using an automated kiosk. And if you need a lovely frame — it's right there for you to choose. They have it all for a quick stop for all your photography needs and accessories, including top notch advice.

The Craft Market on the waterfront, just south of the cruise port, is a great place to see local artisans at work. Pick up a few unique gifts including woodcarvings and paintings, items crafted from conch and caymanite, plus local jellies, jams, pickles and snacks.

The charming Cayman cottage of Pure Art Gallery & Gifts exhibits and sells local fine art, prints, jewellery, souvenirs and collectibles. The shop has existed for over 30 years now, and new items arrive daily.

Passengers can stay in transit for 24 hours without a visa except for nationals of Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Angola, Bangladesh, Belarus, Burundi, Cameroon, China, Colombia, Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana, India, Iran, Iraq, Ivory Coast, Lebanon, Liberia, Moldova, Montenegro, Myanmar, Nepal, Nigeria, North Macedonia, Northern Cyprus, Pakistan, Palestine, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, Turkey, Uganda, Vietnam and Zimbabwe. No visa is required for a stay of up to 30 days for citizens of many (but not all) countries. Please keep in mind that your passport must be valid for at least six months with at least one blank visa page. For more information about longer stays check the visa policy on the Cayman Islands Immigration Department official website.

Owen Roberts International Airport is the main international airport for the Cayman Islands as well as the main base for Cayman Airways. Many flights to and from Grand Cayman operate on a seasonal basis, discontinuing service in the slower summer months.

George Town is a tender cruise port, which means that cruise ships anchor and passengers are transported to the terminals via smaller boats. Port George Town has 3 terminals, all close to the main shoreline road: South Terminal, North Terminal, and Royal Watler Pier. South and North terminals have tourist offices. Travel agents at the terminals can help you choose tours to Stingray City, shopping tours (including duty free), scuba diving and snorkelling tours. Boats can take you to see and get close to the dolphins. Don't miss the turtles at the Turtle Farm in West Bay. Jeep tours, catamaran rides, parasailing and kayaking — anything is within reach.

The closest pharmacy to the cruise port is the Caribbean Pharmacy & Wellness Centre. You can find an exhaustive list of pharmacies of Grand Cayman following the link below.