I came to the Cayman Islands on holiday for a week more than 10 years ago – and never really left.
Living here has given me some incredible experiences, from snorkelling in crystal-clear Caribbean waters and enjoying freshly caught fish cooked right on the beach to riding horses through rolling waves and being pampered in a luxury spa. And that was just last week! No matter how long your holiday is, you'll leave with memories to treasure. Let me share some of my favourite Cayman experiences to inspire your own trip.
Three islands, three personalities
One thing many people don't realise is that the Cayman Islands, a British Overseas Territory in the western Caribbean, is actually made up of three distinct islands, each with its own personality.
Grand Cayman is the largest and most visited. Here you'll find the famous Seven Mile Beach, one of the Caribbean's most beautiful stretches of sand, lined with turquoise waters, stylish hotels and excellent restaurants. The sunsets are unforgettable. I still remember watching my first one from the beach at Kimpton Seafire Resort and Spa's Coccolobo beach bar.
But the Cayman Islands is far more than a beach destination. Across the water is Cayman Brac, where dramatic cliffs, caves and hiking trails create a more adventurous atmosphere. Then there's Little Cayman, just 10 miles long and one mile wide, where world-class diving and unspoilt beaches make it feel wonderfully removed from everyday life.
Whichever island you choose, you'll switch into Cayman time quickly. Within an hour of stepping off the British Airways flight from London Heathrow, you could be checked into one of the premium hotels available through British Airways Holidays and heading straight for a swim in the warm Caribbean Sea.
Why families keep coming back
The Cayman Islands is particularly popular with families, and it's easy to see why. The beaches are uncrowded, the water is calm and shallow, and getting around is refreshingly straightforward.
Water sports are another big draw, from sailing and fishing to jet skiing and even e-foiling. Many operators collect guests directly from hotels such as Grand Cayman Marriott Resort, making everything easy to arrange.
Most importantly, there's a feeling of ease here that visitors quickly embrace, and it won’t be long before everyone is operating on ‘island time’.
The culinary capital of the Caribbean
There’s a reason the Cayman Islands is often referred to as the culinary capital of the Caribbean. More than 130 nationalities call the islands home, creating an unusually diverse dining scene. One evening I might enjoy freshly prepared local seafood on the beach; the next, cocktails at Pom Pom, the rooftop restaurant at Hotel Indigo. Visitors who arrive in January may even catch the world-famous Cayman Cookout at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, where internationally renowned chefs gather to host demonstrations and events by the sea.
More than beaches and blue water
If you can tear yourself away from the shoreline, there's plenty more to discover.
On Grand Cayman, hire a car and explore the quieter Eastern Districts, where you'll find ancient Crystal Caves and secluded beaches such as Starfish Point. After dark, nearby Rum Point is home to one of the Caribbean's most spectacular bioluminescent bays.
And then there's the diving. With around 240 dive sites surrounding the island, the underwater world is every bit as impressive as the scenery above it.
For a change of pace, head to Cayman Brac. Its rugged landscape, hiking trails and dramatic viewpoints offer a completely different side of the Cayman Islands, while Little Cayman remains the ultimate tropical escape. Home to just a few hundred residents, it’s a haven for wildlife and one of the Caribbean’s most celebrated diving destinations.
My first-ever dive took place at Little Cayman’s famous Bloody Bay Wall, a spectacular underwater drop-off that remains one of the most memorable experiences I’ve ever had.
And wherever you go, you’ll encounter the islands’ famously warm ‘Caymankind’ welcome. It’s what made me fall in love with the Cayman Islands all those years ago – and it’s what keeps visitors coming back.
Making the journey easy
For families especially, booking through British Airways Holidays takes much of the stress out of planning a long-haul trip. Holidays include carefully selected hotels and straightforward car hire options, while low deposits allow you to secure your trip and spread the remaining cost in instalments.
For extra peace of mind, all British Airways Holidays packages are ATOL protected. There are five flights per week from London Heathrow to the Cayman Islands with British Airways, with a short stop in Nassau, Bahamas, and baggage is included. Add 24/7 holiday support and the relaxation can start from the moment you book.
Plan your Cayman Islands family adventure with British Airways Holidays
