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Letter from the editor
Welcome to the 23rd annual edition of Cayman Resident!
Each year, our dedicated team at Acorn Media works tirelessly to research, review and update every page in this guide — as well as the content on our website — so that you always have access to the most accurate and up-todate information. We’re also constantly adding new content that we believe will be useful for our readers. This year there is new information on public boat ramps and EV charging stations, how to value a used car in Cayman and what the new immigration rules may look like. We have added new schools and charities, as well as lots of new details on what the different residential districts in Cayman have to offer.
A heartfelt thank you goes to the many industry professionals who continue to share their expertise with us. Their contributions help us provide a trusted resource that reflects the Cayman Islands as they are today — thriving, evolving, and full of opportunity. Over the past year, our islands have seen remarkable growth in construction, the financial services sectors and stayover tourism, and there are new dining options and an ever-evolving list of cultural and musical events.
One of the joys of creating this publication is exploring every corner of island life — from big developments to small but meaningful changes — and answering questions you may not have even thought to ask. Cayman remains a truly special place to live and work, where the spirit of “Caymankind” is alive and well. Our Community Life section is a testament to this, showcasing the many social groups, service clubs, charitable organisations and churches that continue to give back and strengthen the fabric of our society.
As you turn these pages and browse our website, we hope you discover both useful guidance and fresh inspiration for the year ahead. On behalf of the entire team, we wish you, your loved ones and the wider Cayman community a happy, healthy and prosperous 2026.
Acorn Media mailing address: PO Box 31403
Grand Cayman KY1-1206
Cayman Islands
Acorn Media physical address: 209 Alissta Towers
North Sound Road, George Town
Tel: (345) 946 3200 Fax: (345) 946 2830
Email: info@acorn.ky www.caymanresident.com
Joanna Boxall Editor, Cayman Resident
Editor Joanna Boxall
Assistant Editor
Emily Richardson
Sales
Charles Grover
Deborah Roberts
Design/Production
Julian Dalton
Michelle Pankhurst
Researchers/Copy Editors
Emily Richardson
James Sedgley
Alanna Thomas
Summer Intern
Kellita Thompson
Proofreader
Peta Adams
Contributors
The CUC team
Alan Desaram
Amy Feindt
Lucy Frew
Buck Grizzel
Gregory Haddow
Nick Joseph
Desmond Kinch
Adam Lawson
Ian Mason
Menelik Miller
Juliet Osbourne
Laura Oseland
Emma Pearce
Fleur Peck
Louise Reed
Louise Somers
Claudia Subiotto
Matt Taber
Darren Trickett
Jeanette Verhoeven
Nick Ward
Appolina Winton
Photography
Heather Holt
Julie Corsetti
Rebecca Davidson
Lisa Reid
Daria Keenan
Cayman Islands Regiment
Design Studio
Cathy Church
Irene Corti
Jonathan Sparrow
John Doak
Acknowledgements
To create the Cayman Resident magazine and website every year takes a team of dedicated staff and the willing participation of industry experts. We owe our heartfelt thanks to:
Fleur Peck from Blue Point Consultants who shared her very detailed market report on what is happening in the world of property in Cayman.
Claudia Subiotto from RE/MAX who updated our Finding a Home chapter with all new information relevant to the property market right now.
Nick Joseph from Reside Cayman who, once again, shared his expertise on Cayman’s immigration laws and advised us on imminent changes.
Emma Pearce from Travers Thorp Alberga who reviewed and updated the Family Matters chapter.
Darren Trickett from Island Heritage who updated and added to our information on private pensions in the Settling In, Investing and Retiring chapters.
Adam Lawson from Vampt Motors who helped explain how to value a used car in the Cayman Islands, and this new information has been added to the Transportation chapter.
Lucy Frew who updated the information on legislation to meet client needs, jurisdiction of choice and banking in the Global Financial chapter.
Louise Somers who updated our information on taxation and Cayman’s status as a tax neutral jurisdiction.
Matt Taber who updated our information on investment funds and independent directors in the Global Financial chapter.
Alan Desaram who updated the information on single family offices.
Laura Oseland who updated our information on company and partnership structures.
Desmond Kinch who advised us on wealth management in the Investing chapter.
Louise Reed who updated the sections on the labour market and how to find a job in Cayman.
Amy Feindt who reviewed and updated the everchanging inventory of commercial office space in the Running a Business chapter.
Buck Grizzel from Stuarts Humphries who updated the content on trade and business licensing, as well as the legal formalities of running a business in the Cayman Islands.
Menelik Miller and Appolina Winton from Appleby who both helped to update the insurance information in the Global Financial chapter.
Ian Mason who updated us on Cayman’s evergrowing FinTech and cryptocurrencies sectors.
Juliet Osbourne who wrote about getting life insurance in the Retiring in Cayman chapter.
Nick Ward who updated our information on structured finance and CLOs.
Gregory Haddow who updated our information on trusts and foundation companies.
On The Cover
Our Cayman Resident 2026 cover photographs were taken by Julie Corsetti. We would like to thank Taryn Thompson and her daughter Tru Thompson (IG: @the_original_tru) for agreeing to be featured on the front cover, and to Julie Corsetti who took this wonderful photo of our 2026 cover model.
Last but not least we would like to thank the Islands’ wonderful photographers who have given us so many of their beautiful photographs to use in this issue. We need a wide variety of photos, from a cross-section of life in these Islands, and it is a huge task each year.
On a final note, we always welcome contributions, suggestions or photos to make this magazine even more informative and visually appealing each year. If you are a budding photographer and would like to get some of your photos published, then send us your best. As you can see, we publish a wide variety of images so don’t be shy! Contact Acorn Media on (345) 946 3200 or email: joanna@acorn.ky.
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Contributors 2026
Fleur Peck
Fleur shared her very detailed analysis of the Cayman property market with us.
Fleur is a Chartered Surveyor, registered valuer, member of the RICS and is the owner of Blue Point Consultants Ltd. She has 25 years’ experience in the property market having started her career in one of the top surveying firms in the UK before moving to Cayman in 2004. In addition to her extensive experience in the residential and commercial sectors, Fleur has developed a strong reputation in the hotel and resort industry for valuations, sales and consulting. Recent instructions include large scale feasibility studies, hotel and mixed use valuations in Cayman and the wider Caribbean region for blue chip clients.
Lucy Frew
Lucy updated the information on legislation to meet client and stakeholder needs, jurisdiction of choice and banking in the Global Finance chapter. Lucy is a Partner at Walkers, and the head of Walkers’ Global Regulatory & Risk Advisory Group. She brings more than 20 years’ experience as a specialist financial regulatory and risk management advisory lawyer. Lucy’s clients are financial institutions across the international and domestic spectrum, including a range of banks, investment funds, administrators, investment managers, advisers, brokerdealers, arrangers, trading venues and insurance and reinsurance sector clients. She also has significant experience in advising on FinTech and virtual assets.
Buck Grizzel
Buck updated the information on trade and business licensing, incorporation/registration, company registry fees as well as the legal formalities section of the Running a Business chapter.
Buck is a Senior Associate and Head of Local Legal Services at Stuarts Humphries in the Cayman Islands. With over 25 years of experience, he specialises in real estate, planning, corporate and commercial, immigration, wills, probate and estate planning, employment, business incorporation and licensing, and other regulatory matters. Buck has been consistently ranked as a Recommended Lawyer by The Legal 500 global directory and is praised by clients for being “competent” and “client focused”.
Menelik Miller
Menelik helped us to to update the sections on insurance in the Global Finance chapter. Counsel at Appleby in the Cayman Islands and Head of the Regulatory and Compliance group, Menelik practices in the area of financial services regulation, advising on regulatory issues, and establishing newly regulated businesses, prudential regulatory considerations, corporate governance and strategic approaches. He also has significant experience of regulatory inspections and other regulatory enforcement matters. Menelik has more than 10 years of experience working with and for financial service regulators in the UK, Jersey, BVI and Cayman.
Laura Oseland
Laura updated our information on company and partnership structures.
Laura is an Associate Partner at Nelsons Legal and has over 10 years of corporate, finance, funds, and regulatory experience. Having moved from the UK to Cayman in 2021, Laura brings specialist legal expertise in corporate governance and structuring, joint ventures, the whole fund life cycle and the associated regulatory regimes for investment funds and managers. Laura has added depth to the corporate and funds team at Nelsons Legal and supports colleagues specialising in litigation, dispute resolution, insolvency, and restructuring.
Darren Trickett
Darren updated our information on private pensions in the Settling In and Investing chapters. Darren is the Senior Corporate Relationship Manager at Island Heritage and has over 25 years of banking, finance and investment experience. Having worked for several retail banks in Cayman, with roles spanning from IT administration to branch management, in 2017 Darren joined Island Heritage to launch a new pension offering to bring greater strength, selection and transparency to employers in Cayman. Island Heritage is a wholly owned subsidiary of BF&M, the Bermuda-based parent with pension assets of over US$3 billion and a 122-year history as a leading insurer.
Emma Pearce
Emma Pearce wrote and updated the Family Matters chapter.
Emma Pearce is a highly experienced matrimonial law barrister with 20 years of practice in the UK. Her expertise spans high-net-worth divorce, as well as separation matters, pre- and postnuptial agreements, fact-finding hearings, domestic violence cases, child custody arrangements, and removal applications. Recognised as a Leading Junior in the South West Regional Bar of the UK, Emma has been praised in The Legal 500 (2024) for being “very thorough in her work”, with her advocacy described as “concise and persuasive.”
Appolina Winton
Appolina helped to update the sections on insurance in the Global Finance chapter. A senior associate in the corporate practice group at Appleby, and member of the Corporate Finance, Private Equity and Insurance teams, Appolina advises on complex issues and structures, acting for insurers, reinsurers, banks, investment firms and alternative lenders. Appolina also advises on and oversees the formation of Cayman Islands insurance vehicles, including managing licensing applications and liaising with the local regulator. Appolina has strong experience in finance transactions, with a particular focus on fund finance, corporate finance, structured finance and secured transactions.
People who have helped with this issue of the Cayman Resident
Nick Joseph
Over the years Nick has written, added to and updated our Immigration chapter - all of it!
With a BA in Psychology and Languages, and an LLB (Hons) in Law, Nick was admitted as a Cayman Islands Attorney at Law in 1997. Nick is a well-known Cayman Islands specialist in Cayman immigration, employment and licensing matters. He is the Founder of Reside Cayman and he and his specialist team work extensively in the field of residency as it relates to assisting qualified persons in securing and (for those already here) maintaining their residence in the Cayman Islands, and advancing through British Overseas Territories citizenship, British citizenship, and the right to be Caymanian.
Ian Mason
Ian helped us update the information we have on FinTech and cryptocurrencies.
Ian Mason is a Partner in the Regulatory & Risk Advisory Group, having joined Walkers’ Cayman Islands office in 2023. Ian’s practice includes both contentious regulatory work and advising on compliance matters, and he has particular expertise in advising on FinTech and cryptoassets, as well as financial crime, AML and economic substance issues, and advising clients on dealing effectively with regulators, including CIMA inspections, regulatory investigations and enforcement proceedings on the defence side.
Juliet Osbourne
Juliet wrote the information on getting life insurance in our Retiring in Cayman chapter.
Juliet is an Insurance Advisor with Sagicor Life of the Cayman Islands and is licensed by the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (CIMA). She has over five years of experience in the insurance industry and is the top advisor for Sagicor Life Cayman. Juliet is a member of the Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT), a global association that recognises leading life insurance and financial services professionals for their performance and service standards. Her work includes life and critical illness insurance, as well as retirement planning solutions such as annuities and other investment options. She works primarily with professionals and business owners on insurance and retirement planning matters.
Jeanette Verhoeven
Jeanette helped us update all the insurance content across the magazine.
Jeanette is a Registered Nurse who has been with Bogle Insurance Brokers since 2019. With over 20 years of experience in the Cayman health insurance industry, she has a strong track record of supporting employers with group benefits. In 2015, she received the Cayman Islands National Heroes Health Services Award. Jeanette’s medical background, deep industry knowledge, empathy, and longstanding professional relationships have made her a trusted resource for countless clients. She and her husband, Dennis, enjoy life with their five children and nine grandchildren.
Matt Taber
Matt is a professional independent director at Leeward Management and updated the sections on Investment Funds and Independent Directors. Matt has over two decades of legal and governance experience and serves on the boards of traditional investment funds, investment managers, and digital asset projects, bringing a unique blend of expertise across established and emerging financial markets. He was previously a partner at Harneys where he led the firm’s digital assets practice. He is registered as a director with the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority, is a committee member of AIMA Cayman, and was a founding member and original secretary of the Blockchain Association of the Cayman Islands.
Claudia Subiotto
Claudia completely rewrote and updated the Finding a Home chapter offering insights into the process of buying and renting property in Cayman.
As a Hall of Fame Top-Performing agent member of RE/MAX, Claudia brings to the table her experience and contacts in the property industry, as well as her thorough knowledge of how to live well in the Cayman Islands. Claudia’s past career in pharmaceutical sales—working under technical and extremely competitive conditions in New York, London and Rio—has established a great foundation for working in real estate. She has been writing for Cayman Resident for many years.
Adam Lawson
Adam wrote the information on how to value a used car in the Cayman Islands in the Transportation chapter.
Adam is the Sales and Marketing Director at Blue Ridge Trading LTD, currently contracted to Vampt Motors, representing the Toyota, Ford and Hino dealership. With 32 years of experience in the automotive and finance industries, Adam is an expert in vehicle-related consulting. He also serves as the Auctioneer for Cayman Auctioneers, specialising in vehicles and equipment auctions. Additionally, Adam is the primary buyer for TGSC LTD, overseeing various imports from Asia. Originally from South Africa, Adam has made the Cayman Islands his home since 2002, where he continues to thrive both professionally and personally.
Nick Ward
Nick helped us to update the sections on structured finance and CLOs. Nick joined Conyers’ Cayman office in 2021 and is a Counsel in the Corporate and Finance practice. He specialises in structured finance and fund formation matters, with extensive experience in CLOs, securitisation structures, other off-balance sheet financings and secured lending as well as all aspects of the establishment and ongoing maintenance of hedge and other private investment funds. Nick also advises on debt and investment fund listings on the Cayman Islands Stock Exchange and regularly acts for investment firms and fund sponsors on a wide variety of corporate and finance matters.
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About
Cayman
Cayman’s outlook, a history of the Cayman Islands, customs, traditions, festivals, legal and political systems, geology, flora and fauna, climate, business hours and dress code.
YEAR IN REVIEW & OUTLOOK
On Wednesday, 30th April 2025, a general election was held to choose Members of Parliament for each of the 19 districts of the Cayman Islands. The election was contested by The People’s Progressive Movement (PPM) headed by Joey Hew, The Caymanian Community Party (TCCP) headed by former Deputy Premier André Ebanks, and the Cayman Islands National Party (CINP) headed by former EY Partner Daniel Scott, as well as many independent candidates.
No clear winner emerged following the count, with the PPM winning seven seats, and the CINP and TCCP winning four seats each. However, within 24 hours of the election, negotiations had concluded favourably between TCCP and the CINP upon which, they formed a coalition with three independent candidates. The new government, known as The National Coalition for Caymanians, is headed by Premier André Ebanks of TCCP and the CINP’s Gary Rutty as his Deputy.
On the same day as the general election, voters were asked their view on three national issues in non-binding referendums. The public were asked whether they were for or against the introduction of a national lottery, for or against the decriminalisation of being found in possession of small amounts of cannabis, and for or against the development of cruise berthing facilities. A majority of voters voted in favour of decriminalising possession of small amounts of cannabis (55%) and introducing a national lottery (51%), but 64.5% said no to new cruise ship berthing facilities.
CAYMAN’S
Photos courtesy of the Cayman Islands National Archive
The Government is under no obligation to act on these results.
In the months since the new government was formed, it has indicated an intent to reform the immigration and work permit system, increase the minimum wage as well as boost scholarship opportunities for young Caymanians. Also in the works is a ban on fishing for non-Caymanians.
The previous United People’s Movement (UPM) government rejected the recommendation of the 2023 Minimum Wage Advisory Committee’s (MWAC) report to increase the national minimum wage—opting for a limited sector-specific increase instead, that didn’t even get off the ground. The MWAC proposed that a new national minimum of CI$8.75 per hour would have ultimately benefited more than 10,000 people. At the time, the UPM were concerned it would lead to a knock-on increase in the cost of goods and services to those who could least afford it. However, in June 2025, the new National Coalition for Caymanians administration decided the minimum wage increase should go ahead across all sectors from January 1st 2026.
Cayman welcomed 259,338 stayover visitors in the first half of 2025, an incremental increase of around 9,000 visitors from the same period in 2024. Most arrivals came from the United States, followed by Canada and Europe. Increased aviation seating capacity and new hotel openings are helping to contribute to an optimistic outlook for the tourist sector, which generates substantial revenue for the Government. Delta, United, Spirit and American Airlines are either introducing new routes or expanding existing services. With the ongoing construction of new hotels, local room stock has expanded to 8,415 and climbing.
Conversely, cruise ship visitor numbers remain a concern for the sector. In June 2025, just 44,709 passengers came ashore which was a 20% drop compared to June 2024 and the lowest monthly total since the year 2000. A small glimmer of hope might be that in the first six months of 2025, the total of 634,492 cruise ship
visitors is about 2000 more than visited in the same period in 2024. However, with the cruise ship berthing issue well and truly answered as part of the 2025 election, and more pressing issues to resolve as regards the country’s finances, it’s unlikely there’ll be a proverbial lifeboat for the local cruise industry launching anytime soon.
In March 2025, the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which is a useful indicator of the cost of living in the Cayman Islands, revealed a net 1.8% increase in total inflation (economic rate of change) on the previous year. By way of an overview, the latest report showed housing and utility costs decreased by 2.2%—due to a decline in the cost of electricity and water, but healthcare prices rose by 3.8%, communication costs rose by 5%, food by 3%, transport by 7.3%, education by 9.7% and rent by 2.8%. These figures are a good illustration of the struggle that many people in Cayman have to make ends meet, with more than half the population considered to be on a lower-than-average income.
Whilst local working families navigate a more challenging cost-of-living environment, there’s continued strong performance in the financial sector. In the first half of 2025, the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority issued 21 new international insurer licenses. Additionally, nine applications have been approved in principle, and 14 more are still under review. If all are approved, 2025 could beat last year’s record of 41 new licenses. These additions mean there are 712 Class B, C, and D insurance companies licensed in the Cayman Islands, with total premiums amounting to $41 billion and assets totalling $152 billion.
Moody’s credit rating for the Cayman Islands was reaffirmed as Aa3 in June of 2025, with a stable outlook due to Cayman’s political environment, strong policy continuity, high government effectiveness, sound financial management and economic growth. As a result, globally renowned companies continue to use the Cayman Islands as a hub for managing risks and finances, which in turn keeps the
market active, positive and competitive.
HISTORY & POLITICS
Early Cayman History - 1503 to 1670 Christopher Columbus is credited with discovering the Cayman Islands. The explorer was on his fourth voyage of discovery when his ships, ‘Santiago de Palos’ and ‘La Capitana’, sailed past Cayman Brac and Little Cayman, on 10th May 1503. His son Ferdinand noted in his journal, “We were in sight of two small, low islands, filled with tortoises, as was the sea all about.” Columbus named the islands ‘Las Tortugas’ after the large number of sea turtles he saw. Columbus and his men didn’t stop. Worm-eaten and leaking badly, their ships laboured on until they had to be beached and eventually abandoned in St. Ann’s Bay, Jamaica.
Historians question whether Columbus was really the first person or even European to set eyes on the Cayman Islands. A full year prior to Columbus’ journey, the three islands appeared on the 1502 Cantino map. Moreover, Queen Isabella of Spain authorised four other voyages to the New World in 1499. Aside from these facts, even if Columbus was the first European explorer to set foot in Cayman, at the time of his visit, there were as many as a million Carib, Taíno and Arawak Indians living in the adjacent coastal areas in the region. Archival research suggests that Cayman is a word of Carib-Indian origin, meaning crocodile. The Caribs and Taíno were proficient mariners, known to make ocean journeys in canoes up to 80ft in length. In Jamaica, thousands of Taíno Indians were living just up the current from Cayman, so it is probable that the Taíno were among Cayman’s first visitors.
In 1586, Sir Francis Drake and a fleet of 23 ships stopped in Grand Cayman for two days and recorded that the island was not inhabited, but that there were numerous crocodiles, alligators, iguanas and turtles.
In 1655, Admiral William Penn and General Robert Venables were sent from Britain by Oliver Cromwell to take Hispaniola Island from the Spanish.
The so-called ‘Western Design’ failed as the English did not capture the Spanish stronghold; however, they did manage to seize Jamaica. Shortly afterwards, Cayman became a possession of Great Britain, following the signing of the Treaty of Madrid in 1670.
Piracy
By 1660, the English had established themselves in Jamaica and began treating the Cayman Islands as natural appendages of that larger territory. However, apart from small settlements on Grand Cayman and Little Cayman, most of the three islands were left untouched. This was ideal for pirates, since Cayman also lay astride the route of treasure galleons returning to Spain, laden with gold and silver from the New World. The promise of capturing Spanish treasure ships on their way home from the Caribbean soon attracted the attention of a motley crowd of buccaneers, pirates and freebooters. The ‘Golden Age’ of piracy spanned from the 1650s to the 1730s. Cayman’s most notorious pirate was Edward Teach, also known as Blackbeard, who frequented the area from 1713 until his death on 22nd November 1718. Despite the celebration of Cayman’s National Festival, Pirates Week, held in November each year, the piratical part of Cayman history is downplayed. However, some of the biggest names in buccaneering circles, including Lowther, Lowe, Morgan and Blackbeard, prowled the coasts of the Cayman Islands. According to Neville Williams’ book, ‘A History of the Cayman Islands’, the abundance of fresh water, turtle meat and wood, made Cayman an ideal landing spot. Furthermore, the islands offered pirate captains the possibility of finding crews to man captured vessels and a quiet location away from the authorities where pirates could hide their loot and careen and repair their vessels. This pirate’s haven, however, only lasted for about 110 years. By the 1730s, the scourge of the buccaneers had been largely tamed, if not discouraged, by the growing population.
Slavery
The first Cayman land grants by the English Crown were made in 1734 and it is likely that these first settlers brought slaves. The holdings were granted to Campbell, Middleton, Bodden, Spofforth, Foster and Crymble. In 1773, the cartographer George Gauld drew the first map of Grand Cayman for the Royal Navy. He made a note in the margin, marking the population at 400 – half free and half slaves. By 1802, when Edward Corbett did his census, the population of Grand Cayman had grown to 933, of which 545 were slaves. Interestingly, only two of the original founding families, Foster and Bodden, remain. It is possible some of these families returned to Jamaica with their slaves having found Cayman unsuitable for planting on a large scale. According to the book ‘Cayman Emerges’ by Bertie Ebanks, when slavery was officially abolished in 1833, there were around 985 slaves owned by 116 families. During this time, the population was 2,000, resulting in a ratio of about one slave to one non-slave. This makes Cayman very unusual compared to other Caribbean islands, particularly Jamaica, where the ratio was 10 slaves to one free man at the time of emancipation. In exchange for their freedom, the claims of the 116 Caymanian slave-owners totalled £447,765 pounds sterling.
To this day, Cayman has very good race relations and according to the author Gary Lee Roper, quoting from his book ‘Antebellum Slavery’, “Grand Cayman differs greatly from its neighbour Jamaica, in that there were no large plantations on the three small Cayman Islands, slaves were limited to the trades and domestic arts”. This is part of what differentiated the Cayman Islands from other slave-owning nations at that time. Although slavery existed in Cayman for about a century, it was not ultimately able to prosper because the main sources of industry on the Island were not in areas that were conducive to the slave trade, like farming and agriculture.
1700 to 1900
In the 1700s, permanent settlement of Grand Cayman began with a few families, most notably the Boddens. Between 1734 and 1742, five land grants in Grand Cayman were made by the Governor of Jamaica. At this time, mahogany and logwood were exported to Jamaica. In 1780, William Eden, a mariner and early English settler, established a cotton and mahogany plantation in Savannah’s Pedro bluff, building St. James (now known as Pedro St. James Castle), a remarkable building for that period and the only house on Grand Cayman to survive the devastating hurricane of 1784. In 1794 the ‘Wreck of the Ten Sail’ occurred and Cayman’s most popular legend of how Cayman became tax-free was born. In 1798, the Governor of Jamaica appointed the first magistrate in Cayman.
The 1800s saw the first census in 1802, on 5th December 1831, Pedro St. James was the site of a historic meeting of residents who came together to select representatives for the five different districts. The meeting allowed for local laws to be formed for better government. Cayman’s first elections took place five days later, and on 31st December, the first Legislative Assembly met in George Town. The population at that time was approximately 2,000. Between 1830 and 1840, the first missionaries from the Anglican and Wesleyan churches arrived and the first schools were established, the Mico Charity and the Wesleyan school. In 1835, Governor Sligo of Jamaica landed in Cayman to declare all slaves free, in accordance with the Emancipation Act of 1833, and to help keep the peace in the abolition period. In 1846, the Presbyterian Church was established by the Rev. James Elmslie. In 1898, Frederick Sanguinetti, a British national, was appointed by the Governor of Jamaica as the first Commissioner of the Cayman Islands.
1900 to 1970s
In 1920, a major Education Act paved the way for the establishment of government schools in all districts. In 1937, the first
cruise ship, the ‘Atlantis’, visited Cayman and the beginnings of tourism commenced with the publication of the first tourist booklet. However, tourism did not really take off until the 1950s when several hotels opened. Then, in 1953, Grand Cayman’s first airfield was built, which replaced the seaplane service that had operated in the North Sound since the 1940s. The year 1953 was significant for two other reasons, the opening of the first commercial bank, Barclays, and the first hospital, the Cayman Islands Public Hospital.
In 1959, Cayman enacted its first written Constitution, which granted women the right to vote. In the same year, Cayman ceased to be a dependency of Jamaica. In 1962, following Jamaica’s independence from England, Cayman chose to remain as a Crown Colony. In 1965, the Mosquito Research Control Unit (MRCU) began operating. In that year, the Chamber of Commerce was established, the Caymanian Weekly newspaper (later the Caymanian Compass) began publishing and the Rotary Club of Grand Cayman was chartered. In 1966, landmark legislation was introduced to encourage the banking industry. In 1968, Cayman Airways started flying, and in 1970, the population reached 10,249 with a total of 403 visitors arriving that year. In 1972, a new Constitution was introduced under which Cayman would be governed by a Legislative Assembly, Executive Council and a Governor. In this same year, Cayman introduced its own currency. In the early 1970s, Cayman’s banking industry took off.
The Legal System
The Cayman Islands legal system is based on English common law, with the addition of local statutes which have, in many respects, changed and modernised the common law. The Islands have a good legal and judicial system, which is constantly being upgraded to enhance the Islands’ safety and reputation as a leading financial centre. The courts system is a simple one, with practice and procedure based on English law. Minor criminal and civil cases
are tried by a Stipendiary Magistrate sitting in the Summary Court. All serious crimes and most civil cases are tried by the Grand Court, presided over by the Chief Justice and Grand Court Judges permanently residing in the Islands. Appeals lie from the Grand Court to the Cayman Islands Court of Appeal, which sits in Grand Cayman and, from there, to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council in England. New residents, especially those from the US, may be surprised to find that barristers in court wear wigs and gowns.
The Political System & Government Ministers
The Cayman Islands is a parliamentary democracy with separate judicial, executive and legislative branches and holds its general elections every four years. Cayman has a ‘One Man, One Vote’ electoral system with 19 districts, each represented by one Member of Parliament.
The ministerial members of the current Cabinet are Premier André Ebanks, Minister for Financial Services and Commerce; Deputy Premier Gary Rutty, Minister for Tourism and Trade Development; Isaac Rankine, Minister for Social Development and Innovation, Youth, Sports, Culture and Heritage; Katherine Ebanks-Wilks, Minister for Health, Environment and Sustainability; Jay Ebanks, Minister for Planning, Lands, Agriculture, Housing and Infrastructure; Rolston Anglin, Minister for Finance and Economic Development, Education and Training; Nickolas DaCosta, Minister for District Administration and Home Affairs; and Michael Myles, Minister for Caymanian Employment and Immigration.
Relationship with the UK
The Cayman Islands has been connected to Great Britain since the signing of the Treaty of Madrid in 1670. From that time until 1962, Cayman was linked to Jamaica as a dependency. In 1962, Jamaica chose to become independent, but the Cayman Islands decided to remain a British colony. In 2002, the Foreign and Commonwealth
Office discontinued the use of the term ‘Dependent Territory’ and the Islands are now called an ‘Overseas Territory’. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office appoints a Governor, whose responsibilities cover a number of areas, including national security, foreign affairs, police, immigration, passport office, postal services and other portfolios, such as broadcasting, district administration and the civil service. There is little desire among Caymanians for the Islands to become independent; they have seen what has happened to Jamaica and the Bahamas and they want none of it.
GEOGRAPHY
Geology
The Cayman Islands are the tops of seamount pinnacles reaching up from the Cayman Trench – one of the deepest sections of ocean in the world. The Cayman Ridge stretches from the Sierra Maestra mountain range in Cuba to the Gulf of Honduras. This ridge forms the northern margin of the Cayman Trench, which is 100 miles wide and reaches depths of around 25,000ft. The Islands’ position near the Oriente Transform Fault and the Mid-Cayman Rise means that the three Islands are separate uplifted fault blocks that were pushed up by friction between the North American and the Caribbean tectonic plates. According to the research of geologist Brian Jones, each Island appears to have a granodiorite foundation, which is succeeded by a cap of basalt and an uppermost layer composed of carbonates. These carbonates were created by living organisms such as corals, algae and shells, and were laid down during sea level changes over the past 30 million years.
Caymanite
Hidden away, under the jagged crust of Grand Cayman’s East End and the craggy cliffs of the Bluff in Cayman Brac, lie beautiful and mysterious mineral deposits. These rock strata, called Caymanite, are found only in the Cayman Islands and are well disguised by the surrounding limestone. Caymanite has layers of colours
in earth tones, created by the different metallic contents of each stratum. When cut and polished, the stone has radiant hues and can be transformed into unique jewellery and carvings. There is a permanent Caymanite display at the Cayman Islands National Museum and pieces can be purchased at various places in Cayman, including the Museum, Artifacts and Pure Art Gallery.
Flora & Fauna
Cayman is world-renowned for its marine life, but there is much to see on land as well. Over 650 different species of plants, of which 415 are native, have been recorded in Cayman and the forests are far more diverse than those found in more temperate, northerly latitudes. Two of the best places to see the flora and fauna of Grand Cayman are the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park, where you’ll spot lots of the endangered Blue Iguanas, and the Mastic Reserve and Trail, which protects the largest contiguous area of untouched, old growth forest in Grand Cayman. Cayman Brac and Little Cayman are also particularly popular with bird watchers. In Cayman Brac, visit the Brac Parrot Reserve, and while on Little Cayman, see the Booby Nature Reserve, which is a major breeding ground for the Red-Footed Booby. Grand Cayman’s Bullfinch has recently been reclassified by the American Ornithological Society as an endemic species, Melopyrrha taylori, as it is only found in Grand Cayman. Cayman also has a colourful native green parrot that can be heard chattering amongst the trees on all three islands, especially at sunset. Frogs and lizards are common around houses, especially those near natural areas. Owls and bats can be seen at night while large, edible land crabs crawl across roads after heavy rains. The agouti is shy and rarely seen but can be spotted in the Eastern districts. Fresh water ponds attract migrating birds and are filled with hickatees, a species of aquatic tortoise, and tiny minnows. Much of Cayman is covered in wetland and large areas of mangrove wilderness, an essential breeding ground for fish and birds. Mangroves are now a protected habitat in Cayman and cannot be removed without authorisation. Their protection is a major objective of the National Trust for the Cayman Islands. To learn more about the practical health applications of Cayman’s flora and fauna, follow Bush Girl Medicine on Facebook and Instagram (@bushgirlmedicine).
Mosquitoes
Before the Mosquito Research and Control Unit (MRCU) was established in 1965, mosquito numbers were legendary. Reports were made of livestock being suffocated during the night and people did not venture outdoors without a smoke-pot to drive off the mosquitoes. In 1974 one mosquito trap, which is a tool still used today to survey mosquito numbers, caught 793,103 mosquitos in a single night. However, thanks to Dr Marco Giglioli, MRCU’s first director, numbers have fallen. He and his team dug a huge network of canals, ditches, dyke roads and paths into the wetlands and swamps, which serve as mosquito breeding habitat, and by manipulating the water levels of these wetland areas he
Fact Sheet
Composition:
Grand Cayman – Western Caribbean, about 150 miles south of Cuba, 480 miles southwest of Miami, 180 miles northwest of Jamaica
Cayman Brac – 89 miles northeast of Grand Cayman
Little Cayman – 5 miles west of Cayman Brac
Capital: George Town, in southwest Grand Cayman
Size: 102sq miles/164sq km (total area of all three islands)
Grand Cayman – area: 76sq miles; length: 22 miles; average width: 4 miles; highest point: about 70ft above sea level
Cayman Brac – area: 15sq miles; length: 12 miles; average width: 1.5 miles; highest point: The Bluff – 141ft above sea level
Little Cayman – area: 11sq miles; length: 10 miles; average width: just over 1 mile; highest point: 40ft above sea level
Population: 88,833 (Fall Labour Force Report 2024)
GDP: US$7.139 billion (World Bank 2023)
National Income Snapshot: (Jan 2025-June2025)
Total Government Revenue: CI$766 million
Total Government Expenditure: CI$572 million
Net Operating Surplus: CI$194 million
Core Government Debt: CI$381 million
Other Statistics: (2024)
Life Expectancy at Birth: 83.1
Hospital beds per 1,000 population: 3.1
Unemployment Rate: 2.4%
Total Work Permits: 37,370
Total Labour Force: 62,743
Total Civil Servants: 4,810
Average Inflation Rate: 2.6%
Total Imports: CI$1.6 billion
Bank & Trust Licences: 79
Captive Insurance Licences: 712
Total Mutual Funds: 13,090
Private Funds: 17,609
Active Companies: 122,733
Air Arrivals: 437,842
Cruise Arrivals: 1,076,875
Main Industries:
Financial Services, Construction, Healthcare and Tourism
Political Status:
Overseas Territory of the United Kingdom (i.e. British dependency)
Nationalities:
140 different nationalities are represented in Cayman, including Caymanian, Jamaican, Filipino, British, American, Canadian, Nepalese, a mix of Latin American and more.
controlled the pest by physical means. These dyke roads are maintained to this day and are used to survey standing water for the presence of developing mosquitoes. When larval mosquitoes are found in the water MRCU uses a biorational insecticide to try to suppress the mosquito’s emergence. However, many thousands of inaccessible wetland acres produce mosquitoes as do areas of standing water, so trucks and planes are used to fog and spray these pests at dusk. MRCU’s Integrated Mosquito Management (IMM) programme has also been working hard at limiting mosquitoes produced in containers such as tyres, buckets, barrels and other water-bearing receptacles. The public are reminded to never leave water standing in upturned pots or tubs as mosquitos can breed in something as small as a bottle cap! Remember to check around your house after it rains.
CUSTOMS & TRADITIONS
Once known as the ‘Islands that time forgot,’ the Cayman Islands have been catapulted into the 21st century at, some say, an alarming rate. Over the last two decades there has been a determined effort to uphold a balance between preserving the essence and simplicity of the past, while still moving resolutely into the future. Many Caymanian customs and traditions are linked inextricably to religious holidays. Whether camping by the sea at Easter or hunting for land crabs during the rainy season, these events are social
in nature and family-oriented. Visit East End on any given Sunday and you will see families and friends, recently returned from church, ‘shooting the breeze’ on their front porches or enjoying a noisy game of dominoes under the shade of a breadfruit tree. Being up to date on the latest ‘Marl Road’ (gossip) is as important as drawing breath in the Cayman Islands!
Traditional Cayman Homes
Caymanian homes, known as a ‘wattle and daub’ cottage, date back to the mid-18th century. Houses were usually rectangular, with foundation posts made from termiteresistant ironwood. Gaps between the ironwood or mahogany posts were filled with a basket weave of wattled sticks and then plastered on either side with lime daub made from burnt coral.
The earliest roofs were thatched using palm tree fronds, but in more recent times, wood, shingle or corrugated zinc have been used. Windows were simple openings with wood board shutters, while smoke-pots helped keep out mosquitoes. Normally, these one-storey dwellings would feature a steeply pitched roof. This would keep the houses cooler as hot air rises. The typical sandy yard would have been shaded with seagrape and popnut trees and there would be a separate ‘caboose’ for cooking.
Backing Sand
Family outings to the beach on weekends are a major part of Caymanian culture, but sand plays another very important role in
Public Holidays 2026
Thursday, 1st January New Year’s Day
Monday, 26th January National Heroes Day
Wednesday, 18th February Ash Wednesday
Friday, 3rd April Good Friday
Monday, 6th April Easter Monday
Monday, 4th May Emancipation Day
Monday, 18th May Discovery Day (3rd Monday in May)
Monday, 22nd June (TBC) King Charles III’s Birthday Monday, 6th July Constitution Day (1st Monday in July)
Monday, 9th November Remembrance Day
Friday, 25th December Christmas Day Saturday, 26th December Boxing Day
Cayman at Christmas time. Unlike many parents around the world, Caymanians have always been able to guarantee their children a ‘white Christmas’. The tradition of ‘backing sand’ has stood the test of time. Often, beginning as early as October, Caymanians could be seen by the light of the moon carrying ‘ground baskets’, woven from leaves of the magnificent thatch palm trees that tower loftily over the islands, brimming with powder-white sand from the beaches. The sand would be deposited in the front yard and on Christmas Eve, raked into intricate patterns and decorated with shiny new conch shell pathways.
Catboat Regattas
Cayman’s proud maritime history has served to provide many lasting traditions. The Catboat, a simple sailing boat once used for fishing and turtling in and around Cayman waters, is enjoying a revival thanks to the efforts of the Cayman Islands Catboat Club. Regular regattas are held in Grand Cayman and the sight of these humble, yet skilfully crafted vessels tacking their way around George Town’s bustling harbour, vying for space amid cruise ships and dive boats, is a truly remarkable snapshot of the juxtaposition of past and present in Cayman.
Traditional Industry
Many years ago, the principal economic mainstay of the Cayman Islands was the hunting of sea turtles. However, there were other industries, including schooner building, sponge harvesting, gathering of seabird eggs, wrecking, guano collecting, catching sharks for the leather industry, felling and removal of hardwoods such as mahogany and cedar, barking of red mangrove trees and cutting of logwood for their use in dyes. Coconuts were exported, cotton was gathered, ropes were made from thatch and, from the late 19th century until the 1960s, Caymanians worked as merchant seamen on commercial ships.
Thatch Weaving
& Rope Making ‘Laying rope’ was once one of the few
means of making a living for Caymanian women and children while the men were away at sea. This valuable custom has been passed down from generation to generation. Certain districts were known to produce the best ‘tops’ for cutting and people would often walk for miles to collect bundles of thatch, which would later be stripped, dried and twisted into fine fathoms of rope. This would then be traded overseas for goods such as cloth, sugar or kerosene.
Folk Music & Dance
Folk music and dance have been a part of Caymanian culture for decades. In order to preserve, celebrate and propagate the musical traditions of the Cayman Islands, the Cayman National Cultural Foundation formed the Cayman Islands Folk Singers. The company exists to help revive the folk music tradition in the Cayman Islands. The work it produces is reflective of the Caymanian image and helps us appreciate our place in the Caribbean region and the wider world. Since its inception, the group has been showcasing Cayman’s rich musical heritage through song. The Folk Singers have an impressive repertoire of Caymanian composition, as well as beloved songs from around the region. For more information, email: info@artscayman.org or ysch-admin@gov.ky.
Turtles & Turtling
When the first Europeans came to Cayman, they found one of the largest turtle nesting grounds on Earth. For nearly 200 years, ships of all nations, particularly French, Dutch and English, came to these shores to ‘turn’ green and loggerhead turtles and dry their flesh, an easily obtainable source of protein for ship or plantation stores. Early on, Cayman became the centre of the Caribbean turtle industry. By 1800, the turtle population had dwindled and the local turtling fleet turned their attention to the south coast of Cuba and the coastline of Central America. Until the early 1960s, Cayman ships still supplied the largest share of turtles entering foreign markets from the Caribbean. These were mostly caught on
the Mosquito Coast of Nicaragua.
The Cayman Islands officially banned turtle hunting in 1988 and the species is now protected under international conventions. The Department of Environment (DoE) began sea turtle nest monitoring in 1998 and in November 2023 a total of 1,003 nests were counted across the Cayman Islands. Properties on the beach with nonturtle-friendly lighting are the number one major threat to turtle conservation, but property owners are being urged to install amber lights.
Camping
Camping by the sea at Easter is a longheld Caymanian tradition. Popular spots to camp are beaches along the Queen’s Highway, Rum Point, Cayman Kai and Seven Mile Beach. Camping in Cayman is legal, but there are strict guidelines. These include removing all garbage, disposing properly of human waste, not camping on land which has a ‘Do Not Trespass’ sign on it and being very careful with lighting and burying bonfires due to nesting turtles. Permission must be sought from the Public Lands Commission (Tel: (345) 946 7110) to light a bonfire on public land. To rent a public beach cabana, visit https://app. univerusrec.com/cipwpub/.
TRADITIONAL EVENTS & HOLIDAYS
The Agricultural Show
Early Caymanians supplemented the sea’s bounty by subsistence farming. While organic farming has experienced a resurgence, the Department of Agriculture, in conjunction with the Agricultural Society, have been running the Agriculture Show for over 50 years. The show is a widely anticipated annual family event and provides farmers with an opportunity to sell their home-grown produce and display their livestock. There is also a wide selection of local produce, authentic dishes and handmade crafts available. Children participate in games, pageants, horseback riding and the petting zoo. The Agricultural Show is a testament to the love the people of these Islands have for the land. Held on
Ash Wednesday, it is not to be missed!
Easter
Easter is a very festive time in Cayman. Caymanians celebrate the occasion by camping on beaches and attending church services. Easter brunches also take place at numerous hotels and restaurants. Rum Point is a popular meeting point for groups with boats, and some families rent condos in Cayman Kai and enjoy the beach there.
Batabano & CayMAS
Cayman has two carnivals which are both hugely popular and include a colourful street parade where people dress up in stunning costumes and dance to pulsating Soca music. The carnivals celebrate the Caribbean’s diverse African and religious roots, and they reflect the Island’s rich heritage. Cayman Brac has its own celebration, Braccannal.
Wha Happening
Featuring a range of Cayman-specific comedic sketches, ‘Wha Happening’ delves into the topics and dialogues that resonate with the local community. This lively show is a dynamic blend of stand-up comedy and parodies. For more information, call (345) 949 5477.
Halloween
Halloween is a very popular event in the Cayman Islands. The festivities start just as the sun goes down and are wrapped up around 9pm. Very popular areas to trickor-treat include South Sound and Snug
National Symbols
National Bird: Grand Cayman Parrot
National Flower: Wild Banana Orchid
National Tree: Silver Thatch Palm
National Song: Beloved Isle Cayman
National Motto: “He hath founded it upon the seas”
Harbour, but people also trick-or-treat in their neighbourhoods. Check out Cayman Parent online (www.caymanparent.com) for a list of Halloween events.
Pirates Week Festival
Cayman’s National Festival, Pirates Week, begins in Little Cayman at the beginning of November, then moves to Grand Cayman where the famous Pirates Landing takes place in the second week of November and the float parade takes place the week after that. The festival then finishes in Cayman Brac at the end of November. For over 40 years Pirates Week has been the country’s largest celebration and it encompasses many additional events, including a street dance, running race, a sea swim, lots of wonderful steel pan music, song and costume competitions, delicious food and an amazing fireworks and drone display. For more information, visit their Facebook page (@CaymanIslandsPiratesWeekFestival).
Christmas
Christmas in Cayman is magical. There might not be snow, but we put up real Christmas trees, which need to be ordered in September or before, and fill our gardens with twinkling lights as the rounds of parties and good cheer begin. The festive season kicks off with the Christmas breeze, which starts to blow in November. Traditions include visiting Captain Theo Bodden’s magnificent garden, opposite Sunset House, which, from early-December, becomes a theatrical display of lights. Camana Bay’s annual tree lighting in November is a great family outing. The Rotary’s annual carol singing concert in early December is highly anticipated every year. Enjoy shopping at the local craft markets, and keep a look out for appearances from Father Christmas!
FORMALITIES
Attire & Dress Standards
In the workplace, men and women dress similarly to how they do in Europe and the US, though jackets are typically not worn. If lawyers are attending court, formal business attire is expected. Outside of work,
people generally opt for a smart casual style. During the day, it’s common to see shorts, t-shirts, and dresses. For evenings out, the dress code varies by venue, ranging from glamorous and smart to very casual, where t-shirts, shorts, and flip-flops are perfectly acceptable.
Business & Banking Hours
Business hours are typically Monday–Friday 8.30am–5 pm. Banks operate Monday–Thursday 9am–4 pm and Friday 9am–4.30 pm. Retailers, restaurants, pharmacies, and supermarkets open on Saturdays and public holidays, usually with reduced hours.
Climate
The most pleasant weather in the Cayman Islands is during the winter, from midNovember to April, as there is relatively less rain, brilliant sunshine and a constant, cool sea breeze, although the occasional nor’wester and cold front does blow through. These months coincide with peak tourist season. May to October is the rainy season, but unless a tropical system tracks over the Cayman Islands, the rain is normally only heavy for a few hours. During the summer months it is relatively hot and humid.
Date System
The Cayman Islands uses the English date system of day/month/year. However,
because of the influence of the US, some people write the date as month/day/year. It can be confusing, so make sure to check!
Greeting Customs & Caymankind
Say “Good morning” or “Good evening” on first meeting someone in Cayman. If you are talking to a Caymanian, then use the first name but preface it with a “Miss” or a “Mr”. “Mrs” is rarely used. If you do not know their name, and they are older than you, then “Sir” or “Ma’am” is appropriate.
The country’s name is pronounced “CayMAN” (never the Caymans or CayMEN Islands), and is a welcoming place where ‘Caymankindness’ is embodied by many, so be sure to engage with people you meet. Caymankindness is all about being kind and courteous.
Sunday Closings
Most Cayman businesses close on Sundays by law, but pharmacies, gas stations, convenience stores, restaurants, bars, hotels, salons, gyms, Camana Bay’s cinema, and Kings Sports Centre remain open.
Time Zone & Daylight Saving Time
Cayman is on Eastern Standard Time when the United Kingdom is on British Summer Time (BST), the time difference between the UK and Cayman is six hours. Daylight Saving Time is not observed in the Cayman Islands.
Grand Cayman’s Climate at-a-glance (2025 figures)
Cayman
A Global Financial Centre
Cayman’s success in the highly competitive global financial industry is the result of many factors, including its political and economic stability, sound regulatory regime, tax neutrality and its responsive and well-developed common law legal system based on English law. The presence of world-class service providers is a major attraction for clients, as is its stable banking environment and the absence of exchange controls.
Cayman’s status as an overseas territory of the United Kingdom and its regime of international cooperation in the areas of tax information exchange, regulation and law enforcement provide the necessary level of confidence in Cayman’s sophisticated, hospitable and predictable financial environment. This has made Cayman the destination of choice in the financial services industry, a place where law-abiding users can be connected with providers of investment capital and financing worldwide, benefiting both developed and developing countries.
Cayman is the leading domicile globally for mutual funds, the second leading domicile for captive insurance and is becoming an increasingly attractive destination for reinsurance companies. The need to demonstrate ‘economic substance’ for tax purposes is also leading many international firms to move parts of their business to Cayman, driving significant growth in the legal and financial sectors that provide services to these companies.
However, there is concern in the industry about the potential impact of immigration reform on the ability of firms to hire the talent they need to stay competitive. The industry works hard to
Photos courtesy of Heather Holt, Rebecca Davidson, Jennifer Marshall
develop Caymanian talent and with near full employment of appropriately qualified Caymanians, but the industry is also reliant on the ability to hire talent from overseas to drive growth.
Legislation to Meet Client and Stakeholder Needs
Cayman’s ability and readiness to pivot towards the needs of clients while remaining in line with global standards in financial services is a major reason for its success. The Cayman Islands has continuously amended its anti-money laundering, tax evasion, terrorist financing, proliferation financing and financial sanctions requirements to ensure it remains in line with developing global standards, in particular those of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).
Cayman is rated by FATF as being largely or wholly compliant with all 40 of the FATF recommendations on combating money laundering and the financing of terrorism and proliferation, which is a level of compliance that almost none of the EU member states, G20 members or other FATF members currently meet. Cayman policymakers and legislators are agile to the changing needs of clients, and the legal framework is continuously evolving to ensure it remains relevant to market participants, their clients and investors.
A beneficial ownership reporting regime was initially introduced in the Cayman Islands in 2017 in order to comply with international standards and commitments to combat money laundering, tax evasion and terrorist financing, and has since been updated in line with evolving global standards and the FATF recommendations (the beneficial ownership reporting regime). The beneficial ownership reporting regime requires: (i) each Cayman Islands company, limited liability company, foundation company, exempted limited partnership, limited partnership and limited liability partnership to, amongst other things, instruct its corporate service provider to establish and maintain a register of its registrable beneficial owners at its registered office, unless it can benefit from
an alternative route to compliance; and (ii) the competent authority to maintain a centralised electronic platform on which this beneficial ownership information is stored. The beneficial ownership information stored on this platform is not publicly available but can be searched by the competent authority on its own behalf or on behalf, and at the request of, specified Cayman Islands regulatory authorities, regulated entities and foreign competent authorities. In addition, a limited category of persons are able to apply to the competent authority for access to beneficial ownership information in respect of a specific legal person where they have a legitimate interest and where there is evidence that such legal person is linked to financial crime. There are possible fines and imprisonment for breaching the beneficial ownership reporting regime.
The Tax Information Authority Act has been in place since 2005 and has enforced the laws and regulations necessary to implement the automatic exchange of information regimes. In 2016, the Limited Liability Company was introduced at the request of US clients. In 2017, the Foundation Companies Act was introduced, which provides clients with a flexible vehicle for offshore structuring. In particular, the Foundation Companies Act has proved to be useful for virtual asset businesses looking for corporate vehicles without traditional shareholders.
Following consultation with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the EU and Cayman Islands stakeholders, the Cayman Islands and other international financial centres adopted economic substance requirements in 2019. Cayman was assessed by the OECD as fully compliant and continues to ensure compliance by updating its guidance accordingly (with the latest version being introduced in July 2022).
In 2020, the Cayman Islands amended the existing Mutual Funds Act and enacted a new Private Funds Act to provide a regulatory regime for smaller closed-ended
investment funds. The Cayman Islands had already introduced legislative changes to allow the funds sector to participate in the EU’s Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive.
Also in 2020, the Cayman Islands introduced the Virtual Assets (Service Providers) Act (VASP Act), which sets out the legal and regulatory framework for virtual assets service providers seeking to do business in and from the Cayman Islands. The VASP Act provides for a registration regime and licensing regime, which have been implemented in two phases. The registration regime came into force in 2020 and the licensing regime, which applies to virtual asset custody providers and virtual asset trading platform operators, came into force on 1st April 2025. The Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (CIMA) issued the Regulatory Policy—Registration or Licensing of Virtual Asset Service Providers in May 2024 and the Rule on Obligations for the Provision of Virtual Assets—Virtual Asset Custodians and Virtual Asset Trading Platforms in December 2024. It is expected that CIMA will issue further guidance on the new licensing regime under the VASP Act.
Cayman’s Financial History
On the dark and moonless night of the 8th February 1794, a navigational error resulted in 10 British ships, including a Royal Navy vessel, being wrecked on the treacherous coral reefs off East End, Grand Cayman. Local people saved everyone aboard the ships, including, so the story goes, a royal prince. When Britain’s King George III heard of this act of gallantry, he is said to have decreed that the people of the Cayman Islands should forever be free from taxes and conscription. There is no doubt that the Wreck of the Ten Sail, as it is now known, took place, but there is no documented evidence of the royal decree. However, this has not stopped the story from becoming one of Cayman’s favourite legends.
The real reason for the Cayman Islands being a tax-free jurisdiction is rather more prosaic. Until the mid-1960s, the population
was below 8,000, and most Caymanians made their living from subsistence farming, fishing, turtling, schooner building and making thatch-rope, while many of the men served as merchant seamen on ocean-going ships, usually ones flying the American or Liberian flag.
This meant that most of the residents in Cayman were living on meagre earnings. There were only a few companies at the time and capital gains were virtually nonexistent, so there was nothing worth taxing. However, in 1952, an aircraft runway was constructed, and the following year Barclays Bank opened a branch in Grand Cayman. In fact, Cayman’s status as an international financial centre derives from the foresight of some early legal practitioners and a receptive Government which, in the mid-1960s, drafted and enacted legislation together to build on this modest beginning.
In the following decades, more international banks were attracted to Cayman, together with law and accounting firms. When the Bahamas became independent from the UK in 1973, several expatriate workers from that jurisdiction were attracted to Cayman as a stable place to do business. Cooperation between the Government and the private sector has continued to this day. This, combined with a policy of welcoming expatriates with special skills to the Islands and a population of welleducated Caymanians, has kept Cayman at the forefront of the international financial industry.
Jurisdiction of Choice
To be successful in the highly competitive global financial industry requires political and economic stability, tax neutrality, a responsive legal system, reliable service providers, a sound regulatory regime, a stable banking environment and an absence of exchange controls. In addition to these factors, Cayman’s status as an overseas territory of the United Kingdom and its international cooperation regimes in the areas of tax information exchange, regulation and law enforcement, all provide the necessary level of confidence in Cayman’s
sophisticated, hospitable and predictable financial environment. That confidence is built on Cayman’s status as a transparent, cooperative jurisdiction that already meets or exceeds the full range of globally accepted standards for transparency and cross-border cooperation with law enforcement and tax authorities, together with jurisdictional commitment to maintaining that status quo. Cayman became an early adopter of automatic data exchange, signing onto agreements such as the OECD’s Common Reporting Standard, US FATCA and country-by-country reporting principles under BEPS. In the OECD’s Global Forum AEOI Peer Review 2024 Update, the Cayman Islands was named as one of 60 jurisdictions that achieved the highest rating of ‘in place’ for implementation of domestic and international frameworks, and as one of 67 jurisdictions that achieved the highest rating of ‘on track’ for effectiveness of AEOI in practice. The Cayman Islands was appointed to the Global Forum’s Steering Group for the period of 1st January 2023 to 31st December 2025.
Banking
Regulated by the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (CIMA), banking in the Cayman Islands is a major part of Cayman’s financial sector, with 79 banks licensed as of June 2025. Of these 79 banks, 11 hold Class A licences and are permitted to carry out local and international business. The other 68 banks hold Class B licences and are mainly restricted to offshore transactions with non-residents. The majority of these banks are branches, subsidiaries and affiliates of established international financial institutions conducting business in international markets. Of these banks, nine are from Europe, seven from the US, 16 from the Caribbean and Central America, 13 from Asia and Australia, 10 from Canada and Mexico, 22 from South America and two from the Middle East and Africa.
In December 2022, Cayman was ranked 18th internationally based on the value of cross-border assets, and 18th in terms of crossborder liabilities, at US$472.5 billion and
US$424.3 billion, respectively. The banking sector hires highly skilled professionals and is one of the most prominent employers on the island. Cayman Islands’ banks are bound by strict anti-money laundering, counterterrorism and proliferation financing laws, which are recognised as meeting or exceeding those of all major onshore jurisdictions.
To see a list of the banks licensed in the Cayman Islands visit www.cima.ky.
Taxation
Cayman imposes no income, capital gains, payroll or other direct tax on corporations or individuals resident in the Cayman Islands. The government generates revenue primarily through the following means:
> Import duties are levied on most goods imported to the Islands
> Stamp duty (especially on direct and indirect transfers of Cayman real estate)
> Work permit fees for expatriate workers
> Financial services licensing fees
> Annual company registration fees
> Tourism-related fees
Through this system, total Government revenues, as a percentage of GDP, are similar to other G20 countries and are sufficient to fund Government operations. This makes additional, direct taxation unnecessary.
The Cayman Islands is, however, committed to tax transparency and has an impressive history when it comes to the implementation of and reporting under international tax transparency regimes.
Cayman signed its first Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty in the 1980s and now has bilateral tax information exchange agreements with 36 jurisdictions. In 2013, Cayman signed a Model 1 Intergovernmental Agreement with the US. In the same year, Cayman joined the Multilateral Convention on Mutual Administrative Assistance in Tax Matters. These initiatives provided the legal basis for Cayman to adopt and implement US FATCA and the OECD’s Common Reporting Standard (CRS) which are designed to combat tax evasion and avoidance through cooperation and exchange of information.
Cayman also joined the OECD/G20
and Profit Shifting (BEPS) in 2017 and continues to implement and comply with BEPS global minimum standards which are primarily aimed at tackling tax avoidance, for example, country-by-country reporting and the economic substance regime.
A Tax Haven?
‘Tax haven’ is a phrase that is often thrown around in the global media and by overseas politicians; however, it is incorrectly assigned to the Cayman Islands. Cayman does not meet any of the tax haven definitions set out by the OECD, Transparency International or Tax Justice Network. For example, it does not offer tax incentives designed to favour non-resident individuals and businesses, nor does it have differing tax rates for foreign entities or legal mechanisms in place that affect the transfer of tax bases from one country to another in order to reduce taxes. Cayman is more suitably described as tax neutral and provides a tax-neutral environment in which to conduct transactions. This is particularly beneficial for global transactions involving multiple parties in numerous countries, all of which may be subject to various tax rules and requirements. Take for example an investment fund, a tax neutral jurisdiction is important to ensure the fund is not subject to tax at various levels and instead only subject to tax when proceeds are received from the fund by the investor.
Investment Funds
The Cayman Islands continues to be the unrivalled market leader for offshore alternative investment funds. With nearly 13,000 mutual funds (open-ended or ‘hedge’ funds) and more than 17,000 private funds (closed-ended funds) registered with the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority, Cayman remains the jurisdiction of choice for institutional and high-net-worth investors. The vast majority of Cayman funds are products that are geared toward sophisticated and institutional investors, and the regulatory framework reflects that reality—streamlined,
commercially sensible, and backed by a deep bench of legal, accounting and fiduciary talent.
Every Cayman fund must maintain a registered office through a licensed corporate services provider in Cayman, which handles key records and governance support. Beyond that, funds typically engage a combination of local and international service providers. That includes Cayman-based legal counsel, CIMA-approved auditors, professional directors (for corporate funds and general partners), anti-money laundering (AML) officers and trustees, and both international and domestic fund administrators.
While many asset managers continue to operate from traditional financial centres like New York or London, despite a drop in registrations after 2019 when Cayman registered fund managers were required to maintain some form of physical (aka ‘economic’) substance in the Islands (down from 2,198 to 1,400 today), in recent years there has been a growing interest from firms who want to establish a physical presence in Cayman. Initiatives such as those led by Cayman Enterprise City, which provide a streamlined route to physical presence on the island, have been part of this interest.
Cayman’s success story is not accidental. It’s a combination of factors: a strong legal system (anchored by final appeal to the Judicial Committee of the UK Privy Council), a tax-neutral platform that avoids leakage or complexity, and a deep pool of professional talent that knows how to work at institutional speed.
Funds are free to pursue their strategies without burdensome local restrictions, and they can count on predictable, world-class support infrastructure. That’s why Cayman is the default for serious asset managers looking to form their offshore component.
Fund Statistics
As of June 2025, CIMA statistics record 13,090 regulated mutual funds, comprising 9,003 Registered Funds, 253 Administered Funds, 44 Licensed Funds and 3,180 Master Funds. CIMA records also indicate that there were 17,609 regulated private funds.
Trusts & Foundation Companies
As a global centre of excellence for private wealth structuring, the Cayman Islands has served international clients for decades, providing modern, flexible and robust structures for wealth and estate planning, as well as trust structures for commercial applications. While based on English law, Cayman’s Trusts Act has been regularly updated to remain modern, competitive with other offshore jurisdictions, and responsive to the evolving needs of a complex global client base.
The Cayman Islands stands out from other offshore jurisdictions with its progressive and innovative private wealth legislation. The Cayman Islands STAR trust and foundation company are excellent examples of this.
Cayman Islands STAR (Special Trusts –Alternative Regime) trusts are particularly interesting and useful for wealth planning purposes due to their unique structure and versatility. Unlike traditional trusts, STAR trusts can have both charitable and noncharitable purposes (or a combination of both). This means they can be used not only to benefit specific individuals, families or entities, but also to further particular purposes (for example holding shares in a family business or to benefit purposes that wouldn’t fit under the traditional heads of what is ‘charitable’).
Importantly, enforcement of a STAR trust is carried out by an appointed ‘enforcer’ rather than the beneficiaries. The beneficiaries of a STAR trust do not have any standing to enforce the trusts of a STAR trust or any enforceable right against a trustee or enforcer or a right to the trust property. STAR trusts can also be established in perpetuity, meaning they may exist indefinitely as long as they continue to hold assets. This makes them highly attractive for clients seeking privacy, asset protection, dynastic planning and long-term succession arrangements.
Foundation companies can be an attractive alternative to trusts, particularly for clients in civil law jurisdictions where the common law concept of a trust is
often unfamiliar. Like trusts, foundation companies are commonly used as succession planning and asset protection vehicles. Increasingly, foundation companies are used to establish private trust companies for ultra-high-net-worth individuals and family offices.
Cayman foundation companies have the features of both a company and a trust. This allows them to hold assets, contract, sue, and be sued in their own name, whilst also being able to pursue both charitable and non-charitable purposes. They do not need to have shareholders or members. If they have no shareholders or members (often referred to as being ‘orphaned’) there is a requirement to appoint a ‘supervisor’. The supervisor has the right to receive notice, attend and vote at general meetings of the foundation company, and they can also be provided other powers and duties, given the flexible nature of the Foundation Companies Act.
A foundation company provides an attractive alternative in a range of wealth planning, philanthropic, private and commercial scenarios.
According to CIMA, as of June 2025, there were 134 Active Trust Licences, of which 54 were Full Trust Licences, 57 were Restricted Trust Licences and 23 were Nominee (Trust) Licences. In addition, there were 150 Private Trust Companies registered in Cayman.
Companies & Partnerships
The Cayman Islands is a popular jurisdiction for the establishment of business vehicles because of its stable legal system, modern and flexible corporate structures, businessfriendly culture and tax-neutral status. The main forms of business vehicles established in the Cayman Islands are exempted companies, limited liability companies, limited liability partnerships, exempted limited partnerships, segregated portfolio companies, special economic zone companies and local ordinary companies. In particular, the Cayman Islands is a pre-eminent jurisdiction for the formation of alternative investment funds.
In recent years there have been significant
developments in Cayman Islands regulation as it applies to business vehicles, particularly with respect to anti-money laundering, beneficial ownership, economic substance, data protection and the regulation of closedended alternative investment funds. These developments underpin the jurisdiction’s ongoing commitment to adherence to the very highest international standards.
In addition to law firms, which are available to provide specialist legal advice and assistance in the establishment and ongoing management of Cayman Islands business entities, there are also many highly qualified professional firms licensed to provide corporate services in the Cayman Islands.
Structured Finance and Collateralised Loan Obligations
A number of Cayman’s law firms specialise in structured finance and collateralised loan obligation (CLO) transactions for international clients. The Cayman Islands has become one of the world’s leading providers of special purpose vehicles (SPVs) for structured finance transactions and is recognised by international rating agencies such as S&P, Moody’s and Fitch, as a pre-eminent jurisdiction for rated debt capital market transactions. SPVs are often used in securitisation transactions which involve the acquisition of financial assets by the SPV and the subsequent issuance of securities to institutional investors secured on the assets acquired by the SPV.
The attraction for investors in securities issued by Cayman Islands SPVs includes statutory recognition of non-petition
provisions, tax-neutrality, creditor-friendly and stable legislation, a robust regulatory framework and a significant number of sophisticated professionals in the legal, accounting and fiduciary sectors who are well-versed in establishing and maintaining bankruptcy-remote, orphaned SPV structures.
The Cayman Islands remains the top choice of domicile for US CLO managers when establishing issuer vehicles, due to Cayman’s reputation as a sophisticated, creditor-friendly jurisdiction and the other reasons outlined previously. CLOs securitise assets, typically leveraged loans, by pooling them together and paying out income and principal repayments from the pool to investors. These investors buy tranches of debt or equity with specific seniority and pay-out structures, hence taking different degrees of risk. CLO SPVs will generally appoint a collateral manager responsible for managing the pool of loans and any other assets in the portfolio with a view to delivering returns for investors in a manner consistent with the terms of offering.
Cayman’s removal from the EU AML list in February of 2024 has seen the market move back to Cayman as the jurisdiction of choice for issuer vehicles—excellent news for the jurisdiction. In addition, there has been a flurry of refinancing and resets of earlier deals due to market conditions, highlighting the appetite among investors for CLO paper. Despite the current challenges in the market and some slowdown around April 2025, not least owing
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to ongoing war and prevailing US trade policy, CLO issuance continues to be robust, with many indications that this will continue. In fact, the market continues to see more innovation and a convergence with the private credit market.
Given its status as a recognised exchange, the Cayman Islands Stock Exchange is also a popular choice for managers should investors require that the notes be listed.
Independent Directors in Cayman
A very active service sector of Cayman’s financial services industry is the provision of professional independent directors across a range of structures, including hedge funds, private equity funds, special purpose vehicles, Web3 foundations, and insurance companies. Excellence in corporate governance is a critical aspect of the global financial services industry, especially in light of several high-profile cases in which investors were defrauded— partly due to inadequate independent oversight.
During and after the global financial crisis, independent directors based in the Cayman Islands added significant value as alternative investment funds faced difficult decisions aimed at ensuring investor interests were appropriately protected. Institutional investors have taken note and now frequently require independent governance oversight—typically in the form of professional directors—when making investment allocations.
In addition to providing oversight, the appointment of a local Cayman director can deliver meaningful benefits by establishing local substance. This may be necessary under Cayman Islands economic substance legislation or to demonstrate to foreign authorities that an entity has a physical operational presence in Cayman. A Cayman-based director also helps ensure that the entity remains up to date with applicable legislation and is compliant with all relevant Cayman Islands legal and regulatory obligations.
For all Cayman-registered corporate mutual funds, investment managers,
investment advisors, and broker-dealers in particular, their directors must be registered with the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (CIMA) under the Directors Registration and Licensing Act (DRLA) 2014. The DRLA requires any individual acting as a director for 20 or more ‘covered entities’ (e.g. funds and investment managers) to be licensed or employed by a licensed firm.
Financial Technology ‘FinTech’
The Cayman Islands Government introduced virtual asset legislation in 2020 to comply with global standards set out by the Financial Action Task Force in the form of the Virtual Asset (Service Providers) Act (the ‘VASP Act’). The VASP Act provides legal certainty and has contributed to the rapid growth of the virtual assets sector in the Cayman Islands, including a number of regulated trading platforms, custodians, broker-dealers, lenders and other service providers, as well as tokenised investment funds, debt issuances and real assets. The Cayman Islands is also by far the leading jurisdiction for regulated digital asset funds and attractive to those wishing to establish foundation companies as legal wrappers for decentralised autonomous organisations. The VASP Act is being implemented in phases. The first phase, a registration regime, came into effect on 31st October 2020 and focused on anti-money laundering and the counterfinancing of terrorism, compliance, supervision and enforcement. A more extensive licensing regime covering virtual asset custodians and operators of virtual asset trading platforms came into force with effect from 1st April 2025.
Under the VASP Act, there is the potential for the future introduction of a sandbox licence. A sandbox licence is a temporary (up to one year) licence that CIMA may direct a VASP to apply for in certain circumstances, but the sandbox regime has not yet been implemented.
As perhaps one of the most publicly recognised applications of FinTech, cryptocurrencies are virtual currencies
that use encryption technologies to secure and verify transactions, and to control the creation of additional units. But FinTech—a shortened form of ‘financial technology’—is broader than just cryptocurrencies. FinTech also refers to the use of other technologies, such as blockchain, that are revolutionising the delivery of financial services via digital applications, retail banking and investment markets. Particularly in recent years, financial services in Cayman have increasingly reflected the value of delivering products and services through FinTech innovations. Some of the virtual asset and FinTech-related activities that take place within Cayman include crypto exchange services, custodial services, initial coin offerings, tokenised funds and innovators working on new centralised and decentralised technologies. The VASP Act has introduced a framework to regulate digital assets in order to ensure that any risks associated with such activities are analysed and mitigated, and that any benefits are realised in a manner consistent with a well-regulated financial services jurisdiction. As of March 2025, there were 19 VASP registrations with CIMA under the VASP Act, with a number of applications pending.
The Government has introduced a number of other incentives to encourage FinTech firms to set up in Cayman. These include a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) granting incentives to companies (particularly FinTechs) to relocate their businesses and employees. There is also TechCayman, which was established in 2018 to encourage technology entrepreneurs to establish their businesses in the Cayman Islands, and to create a tech hub for collaboration and expansion.
Single Family Offices
The Cayman Islands are an increasingly appealing jurisdiction for the establishment and operation of single family offices. This is, in a sense, a natural evolution and development of the financial services activities for which the Cayman Islands is
The infrastructure developed to support investment funds, banking, finance and insurance has fostered a deep pool of experienced professionals with technical expertise. The skills of these professionals are highly transferable to a single family office environment, where the emphasis is on preserving and managing family wealth. Outside of the major onshore financial centres, few jurisdictions offer the same combination of talent, professional services, fiduciary and custodial expertise, transaction capability and connectivity as the Cayman Islands. As a result, single family offices of varying sizes and complexity have chosen to establish a presence here.
The success of multiple Caymanbased single family offices over the past three decades reinforces Cayman’s appeal as the jurisdiction of choice for sophisticated family office operations. In the last five years particularly there has been a significant increase in the number of single family offices relocating to the Cayman Islands. As the number of single family offices in Cayman grows, so too does the opportunity for collaboration, co-investment and access to larger, more innovative investment opportunities.
Reflecting the cosmopolitan character of the Cayman Islands, the family offices established here represent a truly global community. They serve families from across the world and with growing interest from the Middle East and Asia. Many of these offices not only maintain a physical presence in Cayman but also use Caymanbased structures—such as companies, limited partnerships or trusts—for asset acquisition, management and participation in international transactions.
Families Relocating
Home to residents from 140 countries, the Cayman Islands continue to attract growing interest from ultra-high net worth (UHNW) individuals and families worldwide. The same characteristics that make Cayman attractive for international
finance and structuring also appeal to private individuals seeking security and lifestyle benefits. Key advantages include the rule of law, judicial integrity, political and financial stability and world class infrastructure.
Beyond its professional appeal, Cayman offers one of the highest standards of living anywhere in the world. The jurisdiction is extremely safe, with low crime rates and a welcoming, inclusive culture. ‘Caymankind’, a term coined to capture the islands’ spirit, reflects a society that is respectful, cosmopolitan and community orientated.
As the population grows, enriched by new residents from diverse backgrounds with expertise in niche sectors, the islands are experiencing a rise in interest from wealthy families across all age groups and economic tiers. The robust pipeline of high-end residential developments signals a continued influx of UHNW individuals seeking security, opportunity and quality of life.
Moreover, several ambitious projects are underway to prepare Cayman’s youth and workforce for meaningful participation in the global economy. Notably, many of the families that have chosen to make Cayman their home are actively contributing to these efforts, particularly in areas such as technology and education. These developments reflect the Cayman Islands’ ongoing ambition and commitment to position itself as the jurisdiction of choice for family offices and UHNW families, whilst ensuring that Caymanians benefit through expanded opportunities and inclusive growth.
Insurance Legislation
The enactment of the Insurance Act, 2010 (the Insurance Act) was a result of a public and private sector collaboration to improve the regulation of insurance business in the Cayman Islands, enhance protection for domestic consumers and open new frontiers for international business development.
The main provisions of the Insurance
Act included, what were at the time, two new categories of insurer licences— Class C (special purpose vehicles for insurance-linked securities (ILS)) and Class D (large commercial reinsurers). Since 2010, there have been further developments to the Insurance Act, and in March 2013, Cayman introduced incorporated portfolio legislation for insurers structured as Segregated Portfolio Companies (SPCs). The amendment in 2013 conferred several advantages, such as allowing a portfolio insurance company (PIC) the flexibility to transition to a stand‐alone insurance company, unlike an unincorporated cell. The Insurance (PIC) Regulations 2015 were brought into force in January 2015, along with the related section of the Insurance (Amendment) Act, 2013. These regulations enhance the statutory insurance framework, providing additional alternatives to risk management by providing insurers incorporated as SPCs more flexibility.
In June 2022, the Insurance Act was amended by the Insurance (Amendment) Act, so as to allow capital redemption contracts or funding agreements, i.e. contracts under which an insurer may (a) receive and accumulate sums of money; and (b) pay a sum or sums of money or render money’s worth, on dates and in amounts that are not contingent on human life or against risks of the person insured. In July 2024 and January 2025 respectively, further amendments were made to the Insurance Act which, amongst other things, included references to the beneficial ownership regime and clarified certain points regarding fees payable by PICs.
Captive Insurance
Since 1979, the jurisdiction has become a major centre for international insurance business. The Cayman Islands is the second largest domicile for captives and holds the number one position worldwide for healthcare captives. The Cayman Islands is also a leading jurisdiction for group captives and ILS. The international insurance industry here is primarily made
up of companies insuring risks in North America, representing about 90% of the market. As of the 30th June 2025, the total number of Class B insurers (including captives) in Cayman was 687, with 20% of them in total being medical malpractice liability captives. However, the largest line of business now proves to be workers’ compensation, with 151 licensees or 22% of Class B insurers. The value of the total assets for Cayman’s Class B insurers (which includes group and pure captives) was approximately US$123 billion, with approximately US$31.8 billion in total premiums as of Q1 of 2025.
Reinsurance
In recent years, the Cayman Islands’ commercial reinsurance industry has experienced impressive double-digit growth annually. By the end of Q1 2025, the number of reinsurance licences reached 103, with total assets valued at upwards of US$93.2 billion. This surge is attributed to a notable trend: many reinsurance companies are now choosing to domicile in the Cayman Islands. This shift to Cayman is often attributed to the Cayman Islands’ continuing adherence to tax neutrality and Bermuda’s adoption of the European Union’s Solvency II (SII) framework for its insurance operations, which is not a regulatory requirement in the US, however there are additional reasons for this continued increase in business.
The Cayman Islands also offers significant advantages for US carriers and other nonEuropean or global reinsurance-focused entities in that it is able to provide greater efficiencies regarding regulatory capital ratios and investment options, by allowing reinsurers to develop their own internal regulatory capital models. These internal capital models frequently incorporate the US National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) risk-based capital guidelines, enabling more efficient capital structuring. Additionally, reinsurers can align with US regulatory and reporting requirements, offering familiarity and efficiency in operations resulting in lower
overall operating and redomiciling costs.
There is little appetite in the Cayman Islands to pursue the SII framework and this is primarily because across all areas of Cayman’s financial services sector, the jurisdiction is predominantly US-facing, and therefore SII would simply not be a match for the jurisdiction’s main clients.
In April 2024 the Cayman Islands Reinsurance Association (CIRCA), with other stakeholders, hosted the inaugural [Re]Connect conference for the reinsurance industry. Following the success of the conference in 2024, a second conference was held in 2025 with attendance at over 650 delegates with just under half being from overseas. [Re]Connect clearly showcased that Cayman is now another viable option within the reinsurance space with world class facilities and service providers. [Re] Connect also underscored the Cayman Islands’ government, CIRCA, CIMA and other stakeholders’ steadfast commitment to making Cayman an attractive domicile for reinsurance carriers.
For many US start-ups, the Cayman Islands is the most appropriate jurisdiction for their new reinsurance venture and their staff. A significant factor for executives of reinsurance entities is the value added from what life in Cayman offers. For example, executives can secure a 25-year Substantial Business Presence Certificate, which means immediate security of tenure. Once working in Cayman, all staff can buy or build a home without restrictions, educate their children in superb schools, benefit from the world class healthcare facilities whilst being safe in the knowledge that that there are no capital gains, income or payroll taxes.
This combination of government certainty, excellent service providers and insurance professionals, regulatory flexibility, cost efficiency, and strategic alignment with US standards and consolidated jurisdiction-wide commitment to the reinsurance sector are all mixing to fuel the Cayman Islands’ rise as another world class domicile for the global reinsurance industry.
Domestic Insurance
The number of Class A insurance companies operating in Cayman was 24 as of 30th June 2025. The insurance sector in the Cayman Islands remains robust. For the year ending 31st December 2024, Class A domestic insurers reported annual total written premiums of approximately US$1.2 billion.
Cayman Islands Insurance Associations
To support the insurance industry in the Cayman Islands there are three insurance associations:
The Cayman Islands Insurance Association (CIIA) advises on insurance policy and communicates directly with the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (CIMA), which regulates the insurance industry, on behalf of industry stakeholders and insurance providers. The CIIA places a focus on the education and professional development of its members to increase their insurance knowledge. The CIIA also aims to inform the public about current insurance topics of interest and provide transparent communication. For more information, see their website at www.ciia. ky.
The Cayman International Reinsurance Companies Association (CIRCA) is an industry group for commercial reinsurers located in Cayman. They are dedicated to fostering the industry through peer interaction, advocacy and education on topics impacting the regulatory and business environment. CIRCA’s members include reinsurers and other stakeholders who are focused on promoting the interests of commercial reinsurers in the Cayman Islands both here and abroad. CIRCA works collaboratively with all stakeholders in this expanding segment of the financial services industry. For inquiries about membership or other topics visit www.circa.ky.
Finally, there is the Insurance Managers Association of Cayman (IMAC) which, since 1994, has represented insurance managers, captive insurance companies and service providers, acting as a vital link between the industry, government and regulator in
the Cayman Islands. For more information visit www.imac.ky.
Aircraft Registration
The Cayman Islands Aircraft Registry, managed by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Cayman Islands (CAACI), offers aircraft registration and certification services to aircraft registered in the Cayman Islands, whether based locally or overseas. Established under UK legislation, the CAACI is responsible for both the safety and economic regulation of the Cayman aviation industry, including aircraft registered on the CIAR.
To register an aircraft, applicants must meet CAACI’s eligibility criteria and all registrants must submit due diligence documentation in compliance with international anti-money laundering (AML) regulations and will be required to comply with recurrent due diligence updates.
For more details, email civil.aviation@ caacayman.com or visit www.caacayman. com/aircraft-registry.
Ship Registration
The Cayman Islands’ seafaring history is preserved by the Maritime Authority of the Cayman Islands (MACI), which has oversight of the Cayman Registry and maintains its headquarters in Grand Cayman. The MACI is a first-class international organisation with a worldwide reputation for excellence and efficiency in global shipping. The registry is staffed by an international team of professionals with many years of experience in the world of international shipping. MACI offers consulting services to clients and other countries on a variety of maritime issues, including maritime administration structures, financial aspects of operating a maritime authority and how to draft specific legislation. As a Category One British Registry, the Cayman Registry is qualified to register vessels of all sizes and classes, from yachts to supertankers. In the super yacht range, Cayman is one of the world’s leading offshore luxury yacht registries.
The Cayman Islands flag and its safety
requirements are seen as the gold standard in the shipping industry. Registering your vessel in the Cayman Islands grants you protection and assistance from the UK Royal Navy regardless of location and full British Consular services for all Caymanflagged vessels. For more information, visit www.cishipping.com.
Currency
The legal tender of the Cayman Islands is the Cayman Islands Dollar (denoted CI$), and the sole issuing authority is the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (CIMA). The denominations consist of CI$1, CI$5, CI$10, CI$25, CI$50 and a CI$100 bill. However, the United States Dollar, with a fixed rate of exchange, is widely used in local finance and commerce.
Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (CIMA)
CIMA was established by the Cayman Islands Government in 1997 to regulate, supervise, protect and enhance the integrity of the financial services industry in the Cayman Islands. They are responsible for the supervision and regulation of licensed and registered entities operating in and from the jurisdiction. Today, the Authority supervises over 20,000 entities, employs over 300 staff members and collects in excess of US$100 million in fees from regulated entities. For more information, visit www.cima.ky.
The Ministry of Financial Services and Commerce (MFSC)
The Ministry for Financial Services and Commerce advises on the development and implementation of the commercial and regulatory framework for financial services and commerce.
To encourage the Cayman Islands’ continuing economic growth, stability and reputation as a sound place for business, successive Governments have committed to international tax cooperation and global regulatory standards that counter illicit finance, including money
laundering and terrorist financing. The Ministry supports compliance with these longstanding commitments through policy and legislative development, and by putting the policy and legislation into action through the Government agencies, statutory authorities, and the government company that it oversees.
For more information or to get in touch with the MFSC, Tel: (345) 945 5819, email: mfscpublic@gov.ky or visit www.gov.ky/mfsc.
Cayman Finance
Cayman Finance is a non-profit membership organisation that has represented the Cayman Islands financial services industry at home and abroad since 2003. Visit www.caymanfinance.ky for more information.
Cayman Islands Stock Exchange (CSX)
The CSX is a well-regulated, internationally recognised stock exchange with a strong reputation for efficiency, flexibility and tax efficiency. As a member of the Intermarket Surveillance Group (ISG) and an affiliate member of the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO), the CSX adheres to global regulatory standards.
Additionally, it holds recognised status from both the UK HMRC and the Irish Revenue, enabling debt securities listed on the CSX to benefit from the UK/Irish Quoted Eurobond Exemption (QEE). This exemption ensures that there is no withholding tax on interest payments for investors. The CSX offers diverse listing options with listing approvals often within days.
Established in 1997 and headquartered in George Town, the CSX has facilitated listings with a total market capitalisation surpassing US$800 billion. Whether for debt issuance, fund listings or specialist debt securities, the CSX provides a cost-effective, reputable and investor-friendly marketplace for issuers worldwide.
Investing
Saving and investing in Cayman, including wealth management services, tax considerations and investing in property.
The Cayman Islands’ well-regulated, tax-neutral environment is highly regarded internationally. As the world’s leading domicile for offshore hedge funds, the second largest captive insurance centre and a fast growing domicile for reinsurance, it is predictably the offshore jurisdiction of choice for both private and institutional investors. Cayman’s prominent reputation comes, in part, from the highly professional and business-friendly Cayman-based financial institutions that maintain a close working relationship with the Government and which meet and often exceed international regulatory standards, making it a very attractive destination for international investment.
WEALTH MANAGEMENT
There are a number of different ways to engage the services of investment advisors based in Cayman, either through the local office of a global firm or the asset management group of a local financial institution.
A local investment advisor will be able to offer expert investment guidance on a personal one-on-one basis in the resident’s time zone. They will also be familiar with the asset allocation and types
of investments that are appropriate.
Most of the retail banks in Cayman have a full range of financial services and there are an increasing number of specialised financial institutions that advise individuals who are looking for private banking or wealth management facilities. Brokerage firms offer a wide range of client accounts and a full suite of products. The regulator is not responsible for many aspects of investment offerings available locally, so do your homework before choosing an investment advisor or broker. Some of the factors to consider or questions to ask, as appropriate, are as follows:
> How is the firm regulated?
> The risks and likely expected return on the investment(s) you are evaluating, the investment process, and any competitive advantages the firm you are considering may possess.
> The professional qualifications of the individual advising you. Does the firm carry professional indemnity insurance?
> The liquidity of the investment(s) you are contemplating. What are the terms offered when you wish to sell all or part of your investment?
> The investment time horizon and its compatibility with the asset class in which you are contemplating investment. For instance, investing in equities is generally not recommended for those investing with a time horizon shorter than five years, given historic
Photos courtesy of Heather Holt, Gina Sanders & Rebecca Davidson
volatility.
> The tax consequences of your investment proposition. Whilst there is no income, capital gains or inheritance tax in the Cayman Islands, your investments could be subject to withholding tax on dividends in the country in which they are paid, with the rate varying by country. They could also be subject to US estate tax in the case of US-situs assets.
> Geographical diversification. Markets in one country may be overvalued at the same time that another country’s markets are undervalued. Historically, there has been a wide dispersion in equity market returns between countries decade by decade.
> Does the firm have a track record and has it been independently verified? It is useful to compare this historic performance to the returns of a passive ETF or index fund that tracks a suitable benchmark index to evaluate whether the advisor has added or detracted value in the past.
> Fees and expenses. These affect your net investment return so make sure you understand all fees and expenses when evaluating an investment proposition. Fees, expenses or commissions may be charged upfront, on a recurring basis or on exiting an investment, and may be embedded in the underlying investment.
There are a number of regulated wealth management firms based in the Cayman Islands that offer securities brokerage, along with investment advice and discretionary management services. Most financial institutions offer products and services to meet the needs of investors of all sizes. We recommend contacting a couple of the following companies to discuss your range of options and their minimum requirements. Some of the leading organisations offering wealth management solutions are listed here:
Butterfield Bank (Cayman) Limited
12 Albert Panton Street, George Town
Tel: (345) 949 7055
Email: info.cayman@butterfieldgroup.com
www.butterfieldgroup.com
Services include private banking, asset management, trusts and estate planning, custody services and lending solutions.
SEE AD PAGE 151
Premier Services at Cayman National Bank Ltd.
Suite 6201, Forum Lane, Camana Bay Tel: (345) 949 4655
Domestic.premier@caymannational.com
www.caymannational.com
Services include, but are not limited to, a dedicated Relationship Manager, preferential rates on loans and overdrafts, streamlined account opening and more. Available products include: Premier Accounts – chequing, savings and fixed term deposits; Premier Lending – mortgages, personal and car loans, prequalified for Visa Infinite debit and credit cards, and more.
SEE AD PAGE 64 & 152
CIBC Caribbean
25 Main Street, George Town Tel: (345) 815 2329
www.cibccaribbean.com/wealth
Services include private banking, investment advisory services, discretionary portfolio management, trust, estate and fund services.
SEE AD PAGE 53
Liberty Wealth Partners Ltd.
Fort 51, Fort Street, George Town Tel: (345) 516 2695
Email: hello@libertywealth.ky
www.libertywealth.ky
Liberty Wealth is a fee-only comprehensive wealth management firm offering holistic financial planning and investment management services. Liberty Wealth guides you to financial freedom and true peace of mind through a wealth management process that goes far beyond investments. SEE AD PAGE 48
LOM Financial Cayman
18 Forum Lane, Ground Floor, Camana Bay Tel: (345) 233 0100
Email: info@lom.com www.lom.com
LOM provides global private wealth and
asset management, brokerage, trading, and advisory services, for both individual and institutional clients across the globe. With 30 years’ experience and with offices in Cayman, Bahamas, Bermuda and the UK they offer a high-service alternative to the world’s largest private banks and wealth managers from a tax-neutral global platform.
Overseas Asset Management (Cayman) Ltd.
The Pavilion, Cricket Square, Elgin Avenue, GT Tel: (345) 949 8780
Email: admin@oam.com.ky
www.oam.com.ky
Overseas Asset Management is an independent boutique fund manager that seeks to generate superior long-term returns with a distinct investment philosophy and highly focused investment process. They aim to build strong client relationships, offering a personalised and friendly service, as well as an alignment of interests with clients. OAM is a Registered Person with the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority under the Securities Investment
RBC Dominion Securities Global Limited
Secure your financial future
With experience you can trust
Helping you build and protect wealth is just the beginning. We’re proud to provide personalized wealth strategies designed to help you enjoy a more confident financial future. Experience the benefits of sound financial planning with wealth management services tailored to your goals. Contact us to arrange a complimentary consultation today. 345-949-4066 rbcdscayman@rbc.com www.rbcdscayman.com
Business Act, and the OAM Funds are listed on the Cayman Islands Stock Exchange. SEE AD PAGE 43
Proven Wealth (Cayman) Ltd.
1 Gecko Link, West Bay Road, SMB Tel: (345) 769 5352 www.provenwealth.com
RBC Royal Bank (Cayman) Ltd.
Royal Bank House, 24 Shedden Road, GT Tel: (345) 949 4600
www.rbcroyalbank.com/investments/index. html
RBC Dominion Securities Global Ltd.
3rd Floor, 9 Forum Lane, Camana Bay Tel: (345) 949 4066
www.rbcdscayman.com
RBC offers the strength and experience of a global firm with a personalised boutique service. They pride themselves on their tailored approach to your individual wealth management needs, always putting your goals and priorities first. Backed by the strength and experience of Canada’s leading wealth management firm, RBC Dominion Securities Inc., they can draw on this global expertise while operating like a speciality local business to help you to protect and grow your wealth through every stage of your life. SEE AD THIS PAGE
RF Bank & Trust
Fidelity Financial Centre, 1 Gecko Link, SMB
Tel: (345) 746 6010
Email: invest@rfgroup.com
www.rfgroup.com
Offering a wide range of investment products and services, RF Bank & Trust provide financial solutions designed to help individuals and corporate clients meet and achieve their investment goals. These include investment management, pension plans, stock brokerage, educational investment accounts and personal retirement accounts.
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Sagicor Investments Cayman Limited
www.sagicorcayman.com
Sagicor Investments prides themselves on excellence and innovation, always leveraging
their expertise to design solutions that will help clients achieve their financial objectives with ease and efficiency. Whether equities, fixed income, or more sophisticated alternatives, clients will always benefit from their thoughtfully tailored solutions, uniquely fashioned to fulfill your investment objectives. Sagicor Investments Cayman is an affiliate of Sagicor Group Jamaica Limited and its parent Sagicor Financial Company which is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange and operates in over 20 countries worldwide. SEE AD PAGE 46
Scotiabank & Trust (Cayman) Ltd.
Scotia Centre, 18 Forum Lane, Camana Bay Tel: (345) 949 7666 www.scotiawealthmanagement.com/intl/en/ home/investment-management.html
Scotiabank in Camana Bay offers a full suite of retail banking services, two 24/7 ATMs, corporate and commercial banking and captive insurance services, along with Scotia Wealth Management and a premium banking centre.
Brokerage Services
As well as offering full-service brokerage, some financial services providers, including Butterfield, offer investment clients access to their trading platforms, allowing users to trade and manage their own investments. Alternatively, you can contact Tradeview to trade in the US market.
Tradeview
Harbour Place, 4th Fl, George Town Tel: (345) 945 6271 Email: info@tvmarkets.com www.tvmarkets.com
SAVING & INVESTING IN CAYMAN
Working in Cayman can be particularly rewarding as earnings and any investment gains are tax-free. Nevertheless, as the Cayman Islands are a tax-neutral jurisdiction, it is strongly recommended that all new residents looking for employment here take the following steps:
> Seek tax advice in your home country. The tax authorities in Canada, the UK and the
US treat income differently when their residents are physically working outside of the country. All newcomers to Cayman should determine if it is advantageous to transfer savings and investments to Cayman or keep them at home. It is also very important to determine how long you need to be a non-resident before securing tax-free benefits, if it is possible at all. Tax legislation is continually changing, so it is imperative to have the latest information before making investment decisions. For example, in the UK, an individual must be a non-resident for one full tax year to avoid tax on earned income. US citizens are liable to be taxed on worldwide income irrespective of where that income is physically earned, although you may be eligible for a foreign earned income exclusion which is adjusted each year based on the inflation rate and/or foreign income tax credit. Canadian citizens must prove that they normally and routinely live in another country and do not maintain significant residential ties with
Canada, such as owning a home or having a spouse and/or dependants in Canada for example.
> As soon as is practical after arrival in the Cayman Islands, you should establish a local bank account. This will provide you with a debit card and enable online banking. Note: Banks in Cayman are strictly regulated by the Governmentrun Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (CIMA), which has the regulatory and oversight functions of a central bank. However, there is no equivalent in Cayman to the US Federal Deposit Insurance, which means that deposits are not protected if a bank should be declared bankrupt.
> Consider the establishment of an investment account. This will enable new residents to take advantage of some of the other services that financial institutions or investment advisors offer, such as investment advice, brokerage
> Arrive prepared to meet local requirements for establishing banking and investment relationships. Local due diligence calls for having readily available (original) documents that confirm the personal identity and other particulars of an applicant. The requirements vary but generally include two forms of identification, confirmation of residential address, a bank reference, professional reference (both addressed to the bank in Cayman) and evidence of the source of funds. For a full list of requirements, see the Money and Banking section of the Settling In chapter.
> If planning to return to a country that is not US$-denominated, consider regularly converting CI$ or US$-denominated earnings to your home country’s currency. If all your savings are in CI$ and you only convert it upon returning to your home country, it is possible that exchange
course apply.
> Factor an eventual return to your home country into investment planning. It will not be advisable to liquidate all investments held locally and repatriate the funds at that time. To make the appropriate decision at the time, it is vital to be fully aware of your individual tax situation and what you are legally allowed to do. While here, it may be advantageous to establish a Cayman-registered company or trust to own investments. These could provide tax advantages upon returning to your home country. Most local banks have a trust department that can provide expert guidance and will advise on the best strategy based on each client’s personal situation. However, please see the ‘Domicile and Tax’ section on www.caymanresident. com first, as you might trigger inheritance tax if it is done too soon.
Are you a conservative investor, looking for secure investments and consistent returns? Or the adventurous type looking to capitalize on the next big wave? Our experienced Wealth Managers will guide you to select the best strategic investment options as we help you chart your course to financial success.
tax-neutral jurisdictions in which to establish a trust or a foundation company. The trust and foundation company regimes in Cayman benefits from a politically stable environment with no capital gains, income, profit, corporation or withholding taxes. Cayman’s Government also ensures that if the country’s tax status were to ever change, a trust that is registered as an ‘exempted trust’ would remain tax-free for up to 50 years. A variety of flexible trust and foundation company structures can be set up in the Cayman Islands for a wide range of purposes, including asset protection, estate planning and business succession. The top legal firms in Grand Cayman have proven track records in commercial and private trusts, including trust and foundation company formation and establishing private trust companies. These firms also advise on the regulatory and operational requirements relating to trust and foundation company structures. See pages 66-70 for legal firms that can help you establish a trust or foundation company in the Cayman Islands.
Collas Crill
Tel: (345) 949 4544
Email: cayman@collascrill.com
www.collascrill.com
Collas Crill is an offshore law firm with offices in Cayman, BVI, Guernsey and Jersey advising both local and international clients in a full range of trust and private wealth matters.
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Atrium Legal
The Piccadilly Centre, 5th Floor, 28 Elgin Ave, GT Tel: (345) 929 5605
Email: srt@atrium.ky www.atrium.ky
Atrium Legal offers a full suite of expert legal services spanning corporate and financial transactions, real estate, intellectual property, immigration, and more. Atrium Legal can advise and assist in a wide range of company formations, in particular trust formation and legacy structuring for the purposes of asset protection and estate planning.
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The financial services industry in Cayman is well positioned to support this class of digital assets with both decentralised and centralised economic models. The Virtual Asset (Service Providers) Act (Revised) (the VASP Act) of the Cayman Islands has introduced a framework to regulate digital assets and ensure that any risks associated with such activities are analysed and mitigated, that any benefits are realised in a manner consistent with a wellregulated financial services jurisdiction and that sensible measures are developed for blockchain innovation to thrive. The general procedure to purchase, transfer and store a crypto asset(s), is as follows:
> Purchase: Open an exchange account (e.g. Bitfinex, Uphold or Coinbase) and fund this account with a fiat currency.
> Transfer: The most secure way to store cryptoassets is within an application known as a digital wallet. Leading
examples include hardware wallets such as Ledger or Trezor, and hot wallets like MetaMask for Ethereum cryptoasset storage solution. The wallet has a deposit key which appears as a random set of characters. This is known as your public key (comparable to a username). The exchange will have a withdrawal function requiring your public key to send blockchain transaction instructions, moving cryptocurrency under the control of the user’s publicprivate key pair to a chosen recipient address. Once the transaction is executed on the exchange, a global network of computers (representing the decentralised governance) will process the transaction and publicly confirm its successful completion.
> Store: Your cryptoasset is now stored under the control of your publicprivate key pair. The keys are held in your digital wallet while the cryptoassets remain on their relevant
Delivering comprehensive legal solutions to meet client needs.
5th Floor, The Piccadilly Centre, 28 Elgin Avenue, George Town P. O. Box 2575.
t: (345) 929 5605
e: srt@atrium.ky w: atrium.ky
blockchains, ready for you to make purchases to another wallet or initiate further transfers.
Anyone looking to secure large values of cryptoassets should first speak to a technical expert as transactions are effectively irreversible and security standards and features are constantly being updated and improved. It should also be noted that cryptoassets are volatile, and may fluctuate significantly in value. Bullish, the digital asset institutional platform and owner of media outlet CoinDesk, is headquartered in the Cayman Islands. See bullish.com.
PRECIOUS METALS & SECURE STORAGE
Owning physical gold and silver offers investors opportunities for both wealth preservation and wealth appreciation across a wide spectrum of economic scenarios. Purchasing and storing precious metals in
There are no import or export tariffs on precious metals coming to or leaving the country (with the exception of numismatic
coins). Additionally, there is no sales tax on the storage of precious metals, and the jurisdiction imposes no income or capital gains taxes. This absence of direct taxation is particularly attractive to investors in precious metals.
Strategic Wealth Preservation (SWP)
Linford Pierson Highway, George Town Tel: (345) 936 1131 or 1 (888) 445 1977
Email: info@swpcayman.com
www.swpcayman.com
SWP is an international precious metals dealer and secure storage provider. They specialise in the acquisition, secure storage and liquidation of precious metals. SWP caters to individuals, companies, trusts and wealth management professionals, ensuring their clients’ assets are managed with utmost security and efficiency. All stored metals are 100% allocated, segregated and insured. SWP offers comprehensive services, including the delivery of precious metals to homes and businesses across North America and secure storage in state-of-the-art vaults located in
Someone is sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago.
the Cayman Islands, Canada, the United States, Switzerland, Singapore, UAE (Dubai) and New Zealand. SWP holds the distinction of being an approved member of the London Bullion Market Association, the Singapore Bullion Market Association, the International Precious Metals Institute, Industry Council for Tangible Assets, as well as Cayman Finance.
INVESTING IN A CAYMAN PENSION
According to the National Pensions Act, all participants (members) in a private pension plan can choose, upon retirement, to purchase an annuity guaranteeing you a fixed income for a period of time or begin drawing down the balance in their pension account. In July 2025 the Department of Labour and Pensions announced that the annual disbursement of funds under a Retirement Savings Arrangement (RSA) had been increased from CI$14,125 per year to CI$15,400.
We explain in detail here how the withdrawal of your pension funds works in the Cayman Islands. When you retire, whether that is 65 (the official ‘age of pension entitlement’) or as early as 50 with special restrictions, you can draw down a percentage of your pension pot based on your age and account balance. At 65, this would be between 2.05% and 5.11% of your total pension pot, or, if your maximum drawdown allowance does not reach an annual total of CI$15,000, then you may receive an annual allowance of CI$15,000, which can be paid monthly, quarterly or annually until the balance of your pension is zero. If a member has a pension balance of CI$200,000 and wishes to draw down the maximum from their pension at age 65, this is calculated as $200,000 x .0511, which gives a total of CI$10,220. As this is below the threshold of CI$15,000, the member can opt to receive CI$15,000 per annum. If, however, the member has a balance of CI$500,000 at 65, then they will receive up to CI$25,550 per annum. In addition to the above, when a member reaches their normal age of entitlement they may withdraw any voluntary contributions in their account. Furthermore, when
attaining the age of 89, the member may withdraw any remaining contributions in their account.
There are a few other things to consider:
> If a member has made additional voluntary contributions (AVCs), these can be withdrawn as a lump sum at normal retirement (65).
> Before retirement, members can access their AVCs in four specific circumstances, namely – temporary unemployment for a maximum of six months, the member faces a medical bill for non-elective medical treatment only, to purchase land or a home, construct a home or pay off the balance of a mortgage, or to pay for a member’s children’s education if in full-time education and under the age of 23.
> All pension plans are required to provide each member with a semi-annual statement, which must show the date payments were received from the employer, the amount received and the contribution period.
> Employers that avoid paying pensions are issued strict fines. A first conviction of non-compliance attracts a fine of CI$20,000, a second offense attracts a fine of CI$50,000, and employers may face up to two years imprisonment.
> Interest shall accrue on delinquent contributions that are not received by the 15th day following the earnings month. The administrator of the pension is required to notify the affected employees within 60 days of the notification to the Director.
Private pensions were made mandatory in 1998, and since then, the Government has granted pension holidays in 2010 and again from April 2020 to September 2022. Coupled with the emergency withdrawals during COVID-19, which saw members withdraw almost CI$500 million from various plans, many have good reason to worry that their pension will not provide a meaningful income when they retire. In fact, at the current contribution rate of 10%, a member will contribute one year of their average earnings for every 10
years they are contributing to their plan, meaning that those looking to retire in the near future might expect to see a balance representing just two years’ worth of their income, plus investment returns, less fees and withdrawals.
As most retirement professionals believe that a person should contribute around 20% to their retirement investment for a minimum of 40 years, Cayman’s private pension system will achieve little more than an income supplement for most pensioners. As yet there are no concrete proposals to increase pension contributions. In many other jurisdictions, individuals benefit from government-funded social security to supplement their retirement income; they are given tax breaks on registered savings plans if the money is not withdrawn until retirement and have higher pension contribution rates. As these benefits do not yet exist in Cayman, individuals should speak with their pension provider or a financial planner if they are concerned about their retirement income. At a minimum, it is recommended that those who withdrew funds from their pension account in 2020 should make provisions to repay those funds to their pension by making additional voluntary contributions over a few years. Ultimately, this will make for a more meaningful and comfortable retirement.
The Public Service Pensions Fund continues to be the pension leader in Cayman, and as of 31st December 2024 the market value of the Fund was CI$1.135 billion. In 2024, the Fund achieved a remarkable return of 16%, maintaining its position in the top one percentile of its peer group for performance in the year, despite the volatility in the global markets in the months leading up to the US Presidential election in late 2024. The Public Service Pensions Board continues to complete major initiatives relating to system self-service, risk management, appropriate oversight within the Authority and increased audit, with the results being enhanced services and retirement income for members
INVESTING IN CAYMAN PROPERTY
Market Performance 2022-2025
After record-breaking years during and after the pandemic, Cayman’s real estate market cooled in late 2023. Freehold transfers fell from 2,659 in 2022 to 2,198 in 2023, with sales slipping from CI$1.24bn to CI$1.08bn. The slowdown carried into 2024, with 1,134 transactions in the first quarter, compared to 1,185 the year prior. Yet, average sale values rose in value from CI$501k to CI$535k.
By mid-2025, activity remained steady, Q2 closed with 226 sales, up 13% from Q1. May alone saw 92 deals worth US$121m. New listings dropped to 322 from 512, signalling a steadying rather than a serious decline (the market is naturally quieter in low season anyway). Across the same period, sales volume grew 2% to US$276.7m, balanced across luxury and mid-market segments.
A key shift is time on the market, stretching from 252 days in Q1 to 416 in Q2. Buyers, facing high borrowing costs and global uncertainty, are more deliberate. Local purchasers are hit hardest by interest rates, with Cayman banks’ prime lending above the US Fed’s 7.5% benchmark. For many first-time buyers, financing is unattainable and so the sector that drives the market slows the whole show. The luxury sector, measured by properties valued above US$3m, remains strong however, driven by cash-rich buyers and relocators. All the factors point to a market steadily ticking over, with no fireworks or surprises, and stability ahead.
Causal Factors Shaping the Market
The past year has been marked by what many describe as a “recalibration” of the market. The pace set during the pandemic and its aftermath, when sales averaged over US$1 billion annually, was never sustainable. And yet, the robustness of the Cayman market is not in question, as it is forecast to still come reasonably close to that figure by the end of 2025. But today, economic realities do weigh heavily. Adding to high interest
rates, inflation and the rising cost of living continue to strain households. Furthermore, insurance premiums have jumped significantly in recent years. On average, property owners have seen insurance costs rise around 40% since the start of 2024, which is lower than the eye-watering 100% hikes of 2023 that occurred, but a major burden, nonetheless. These insurance woes are tied to global factors. More frequent storms and natural disasters, a tightening reinsurance market, new US tariffs on materials, shortages in those building materials, and persistently high construction costs (ergo the cost of replacing damaged buildings) have all driven up premiums. In some cases, obtaining insurance for new projects has become nearly impossible.
Despite this, the Cayman market remains resilient. Purchasers are more cautious, but they have not disappeared. Activity continues, particularly from cash buyers and international investors who see Cayman as a safe and stable market and are not deterred by factors which effect home seekers needing the help of institutional financing.
National Development Strategy
One of the biggest questions surrounding the future of Cayman’s property market is how national development will be managed. Rapid growth has brought benefits, but it has also created major challenges, particularly in traffic congestion and environmental pressures.
The National Development Plan, which was supposed to be updated in 2002
and reviewed every five years thereafter, is now more than two decades overdue. Each successive government has failed to present a strategy document to the public and development continues unchecked. Despite promises of progress, delays, staffing shortages, and outdated planning processes have stalled meaningful reform.
The Planning Department is still operating with staffing levels set in 2008, despite today’s much larger and more complex development landscape. At the same time, the construction sector has grown heavily reliant on lower-paid expatriate labour, raising concerns about sustainability and enforcement. At the time of going to press, the new government elected in April of 2025, has not yet had time to put forward a policy document for their national strategy for development.
The Luxury Property Market
High-end real estate in Cayman continues to defy trends. Demand for oceanfront homes and condos, particularly on Seven Mile Beach, far outpaces supply. Developments like Watermark set records, with beachfront property selling instantly. This scarcity frustrates ultra-wealthy buyers, some of whom are eyeing other Caribbean markets. With finite beachfront land available, construction over 10 storeys is becoming as inevitable as it is unwanted.
Beyond Seven Mile, areas like Snug Harbour, Crystal Harbour, and South Sound are seeing rapid price growth. West Bay is emerging as the next hotspot, offering more space and better traffic access than the congested east.
For investors, Cayman remains a stable income market, particularly for rentals. But for financed buyers, patience and planning are vital in today’s high-cost environment.
See our Finding a Home chapter (page 119) for details on new and existing developments, property distribution, and the purchasing process.
INVESTING IN ANNUITIES
Fixed annuities are single premium investment products that provide the ability to earn guaranteed interest over a fixed term. They are a great way to protect and grow accumulated savings without downside risks. An individual has the choice to select the duration of their desired investment, which corresponds to a fixed rate of return. Generally, the longer an individual invests, the higher the rate of return. Interest is credited every day and compounded annually.
At the end of the fixed term, a guaranteed amount is earned. This amount does not depend on market performance; rather, it is based on the guaranteed interest rate stated in the contract. Fixed annuities are for investors that seek both reasonable investment returns and the safety of their principal over a medium to long-term period. It is also for individuals who want the option, but not the requirement, to convert their savings into a monthly guaranteed payment over a stated period or their lifetime. Given the increasing reality of outliving financial resources during retirement, most individuals should consider allocating at least some of their savings to a fixed-return product like an annuity. Typically, the percentage allocated to a fixed product should increase as a person gets older.
Knighthead Annuity & Life Assurance Company
60 Nexus Way, 4th Floor, Camana Bay
Tel: (345) 623 0300
Email: info@knightheadannuity.com www.knightheadinternational.com
Services offered include fixed annuity investment products with highly attractive, guaranteed investment returns that provide predictable growth and peace of mind.
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ESTABLISHING A BUSINESS
As a well-regulated international financial centre with a stable political environment, a buoyant economy and a growing population, the Cayman Islands offers an ideal environment for businesses to flourish. Cayman's regulatory framework is being continuously enhanced to ensure that the jurisdiction remains aligned with international standards and client expectations. With a well-developed common law system based on English law and a local base of world-class corporate service providers, lawyers and accountants, many international businesses have chosen to incorporate or register here. As a result, the business sector in Cayman continues to grow. This chapter is your complete guide to setting up in or relocating your business to the Cayman Islands.
Legal Formalities
A business in the Cayman Islands can be run as an individual sole trader operation, a partnership or a company. It is also possible for a foreign company to register in the Cayman Islands so as to be permitted to operate locally for such purposes as, for example, being the general partner in a Cayman Islands limited partnership or owning real estate. The main distinction is that sole traders and general partners of an unregistered partnership firm have unlimited liability to third parties doing business with them, whereas the shareholders of a company typically have limited liability to third parties doing business with the company. The differences in, and suitability of, various types of business structures are highly technical and are best discussed with a qualified Cayman Islands attorney. Where two or more people want to go into business together but wish
avoid all the
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a partnership structure may be more appropriate. Professional advisors, such as lawyers and accountants, have traditionally used a partnership structure for their businesses. A partnership generally has less legislative governance requirements than a company and can be more flexible in its treatment of the partners’ responsibility for liabilities and shares in profits. Partners are also personally liable for any debts the business incurs, except for in the case of a registered Limited Liability Partnership, where the limited partners generally enjoy limited liability.
A company may be used where the owners and operators of the business wish to ensure limited personal liability for the debts of the business. Companies are commonly used for all sorts and sizes of businesses. There are more formalities and fees associated with forming and operating a company than with a partnership or sole trader business; however, for many, the benefit of the limited liability attached to a company offsets the extra effort and cost for the formation and operation of a company.
Foreign companies that do not wish to establish a Cayman Islands subsidiary have the option of registering a branch operation in the Cayman Islands. The process of registering a branch with the Cayman Islands Registrar of Companies is straightforward. The branch, once registered, is required to maintain a local registered agent and pay annual fees to the CI Government in order to maintain its registration. If your aim is to operate a business within the Cayman Islands, it is likely that some form of local licensing will be needed. More details on the local licence procedure are given later in this chapter.
For a business that is at least 60% beneficially owned and controlled by one or more Caymanians, the acquisition of a Trade and Business (T&B) Licence is required. Where beneficial ownership and control does not meet this threshold, a Local Companies (Control) Licence (LCCL) may be required. The grant of the LCCL is a matter of discretion for the T&B Licensing Board on the basis of various statutory
criteria focusing on the protection of local interests and retaining control of local economic resources for Caymanians versus the benefits that the business would bring to the Islands, in addition to the extent to which Caymanian participation has been sought (which will ordinarily include a requirement for public advertising) and whether the proposed business will compete with any local Caymanian-owned businesses.
Businesses wishing to set up a physical presence in the Cayman Islands, but whose activities are carried out mainly outside the Islands are, in most cases, exempt from the Local Companies (Control) Act. As such, although a T&B Licence is required in order to set up their local office and apply for work permits for any expatriate employees, they would not need a LCCL or need to meet the 60% Caymanian ownership and control threshold.
It should be noted that banks, trust companies, company management firms and a number of other businesses in the financial sector are exempt from the T&B Licence and LCCL, though they would need to secure the necessary licences from the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (CIMA). A different regulatory regime is available for businesses in certain approved categories seeking to set up within the Cayman Islands’ Special Economic Zone. For more information see page 57.
Sole Trader
Due to nationality requirements and the rules governing the grant of a T&B Licence, in practice, only a Caymanian will be able to operate a business as a sole trader if they are competing in the domestic market. A sole trader is able to start their business offering services or goods in return for payment, with very few formalities depending on the type of business. The sole trader can employ people to work in the business, but is personally responsible for all the liabilities of the business (e.g. rent, T&B Licence fees, utilities, salaries, health insurance, pension contributions and other statutory benefits for employees)
and is also the person who receives all the profits. As indicated previously however, a foreign national doing business internationally from within the Cayman Islands will generally only be able to obtain a licence and operate in Cayman if they first incorporate a suitable Cayman Islands company and obtain the relevant licences for that entity. There will be no requirement for such an entity to have any Caymanian participation.
Partnerships
A partnership is formed where two or more persons wish to carry on business in common for any lawful purpose, with or without other terms, and that business shall be carried on as a partnership.
One form of partnership is where all the partners are ‘general’ partners and participate in the management of the business. In this structure, the only restrictions on sharing profits and withdrawing capital are those agreed between the partners and each partner will be personally liable for the debts and obligations of the business.
The Cayman Islands also has structures for limiting the liability of its partners through Limited Liability Partnerships (LLP). The LLP is a partnership with a separate legal personality and limited liability for its partners regarding the debts and obligations of the LLP subject to The Limited Liability Partnership Act. It is intended as an alternative to ’general’ partnerships. The LLP is considered an attractive vehicle to professional services firms that have traditionally taken the form of ‘general’ partnerships since it is designed for the conduct of business domestically, as well as for business overseas.
The Exempted Limited Partnership (ELP) is another form of partnership specially designed to provide more flexibility to suit the needs of the financial industry in the Cayman Islands, and is typically used for carrying on business outside of the Cayman Islands. Limited partners must not participate in the management of the business to protect their limited
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liability status, and a limited partner’s right to share in the profits or withdraw capital is restricted by the terms of the ELP agreement and the Exempted Limited Partnership Act. An ELP is controlled by a general partner (subject to any reserved powers of the limited partners) who can either be an individual or corporation and it is the general partner that has unlimited liability for the debts and obligations of the ELP. In all cases, you are advised to contact a specialist to determine the partnership arrangement most suitable for your needs.
Exempted Companies & Limited Liability Companies (LLC)
A company that intends to conduct most of its business outside of the Cayman Islands would typically register as an exempted company. The key elements of an exempted company are that it is not required to keep a register of members open for public inspection (or hold an annual general meeting in Cayman), it is entitled to receive a tax-free guarantee from the
Government of the Cayman Islands for up to 30 years, it can offer shares to the public in the Islands if listed on the Cayman Islands Stock Exchange (CSX), and finally, it may issue shares without nominal or par value. The company is a corporate body with separate legal personality and is able to enter into contracts and own property, as well as incur liabilities. A shareholder in a company has a liability to the company limited to the amount unpaid on the shares held by that shareholder and cannot be liable for the liabilities of the company itself. The company may distribute profits to shareholders by paying dividends, and a shareholder can only get their capital investment in the company back by selling the shares they have or by the company following certain formalities under Cayman Islands law required to return capital to the shareholder. Company formation and operation are governed by the Companies Act and under common law rules in the Cayman Islands.
The Cayman Islands also permits the
formation and the registration of Limited Liability Companies (LLC). An LLC is a unique vehicle that blends key features of a Cayman Islands ELP with those of a Cayman Islands exempted company. Most notably, an LLC is not the typical company vehicle whereby the liability of shareholders is limited by shares or by guarantee, but instead operates by reference to members’ capital accounts and capital commitments, with freedom of contract among members determining the internal workings of the company similar to an ELP. Yet, unlike an ELP, an LLC is a corporate body with a separate legal personality and whose members enjoy limited liability. An LLC is, therefore, a hybrid between an exempted company and an exempted limited partnership. It was developed to meet the demands of various global client bases that wish to operate a vehicle that offers the greatly increased flexibility of partnership capital accounting capability but within a corporate vehicle with separate legal personality. This hybrid approach is useful
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in a variety of investment spaces (such as investment funds, joint ventures and holding vehicles for a variety of assets, including ships) where some investors and service providers find the share capital accounting structure of a company somewhat cumbersome for certain transactions.
Cayman Islands Branches
An overseas company which 1) establishes a place of business; 2) commences carrying on business within the Cayman Islands (even ‘offshore’ business); or 3) proposes to own real estate situated in the Cayman Islands, must register as a ‘foreign company’ (essentially registering a branch) under Part IX of the Companies Act. A registered Cayman Islands branch will not have a separate legal personality from the main company headquartered overseas. In many cases, this is desirable for group operations which are required to maintain tax residency in a certain jurisdiction but wish to have a Cayman Islands presence from which to conduct certain business of the group.
In the case of a bank, trust company, insurance company, management company, mutual fund, mutual fund administrator or any entity carrying on securities investment business, a licence to conduct such business will be required from CIMA, notwithstanding that the business is actually conducted outside the Cayman Islands. A Cayman Islands branch is able to secure a T&B Licence and, if necessary, a LCCL Licence in order to comply with the necessary legal requirements to set up a physical presence in the Cayman Islands.
Foundation Companies
Foundation companies are ideal vehicles for holding shares in operating businesses. Rather than shares in operating companies being held in the personal name of the business owner or founder, a foundation company can be established for the purpose of holding the family business structure. This is beneficial from an asset protection perspective, as the assets of the foundation company are separate and distinct from the personal assets of the business owner or founder. It also provides significant succession advantages, and, if structured correctly, can avoid the need for probate on the death of the business owner or founder.
The flexible framework of the Cayman Islands foundation company can be particularly attractive to businesses wishing to implement bespoke decision-making or succession protocols and can support the long-term sustainability and stability of a business structure.
Fund Administration
It is commonly acknowledged that Cayman’s success as an investment fund jurisdiction is due to a perfect combination of factors. These include: having a well-respected legal and judicial system based on English common law coupled with a track record of servicing the top global asset managers in the space; being in
HSM Corporate Services Ltd. provides corporate services in the Cayman Islands. HSM’s corporate team aim to work with our clients to achieve their objectives within the parameters of the structures available under Cayman Islands law.
• Incorporation of companies and Formation of Limited Partnerships
• Assisting in establishing bank accounts for corporate clients
• Company searches
• Corporate and Partnership filings
• Legalisation, notarisation and apostilling documents
• Re-domiciliation and transfer of companies
• Voluntary Liquidations and Striking off of Companies
the right time zone to serve the US market, which is a heavy user of the domicile; and attracting some of the world’s best service providers who are experts in their field, including fund accountants and auditors, fund attorneys, independent directors, fund administrators and trustees, all with over two decades of accumulated expertise. This familiarity and concentration of expertise inevitably makes the establishment and ongoing operation of investment funds in the Cayman Islands more efficient in terms of timing and costs than less specialised jurisdictions. Most of the world’s top administrators are licensed to carry on business in the Cayman Islands and as of June 2025 there are 69 fund administrators who are licensed in Cayman. A full list of registered fund administrators can be found on the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority website at www.cima.ky.
Funds & Investment Business
Common fund vehicles used in the
Cayman Islands to operate mutual and private funds include the Exempted Company, the Segregated Portfolio Company, the Unit Trust and the Exempted Limited Partnership. Limited Liability Companies may be established and may serve as the fund vehicle, although they are more commonly used as holding vehicles or other vehicles within the fund structure.
The Segregated Portfolio Company (SPC) is a single legal entity that enables the establishment of protected cells (known as segregated portfolios) providing statutory ring-fencing of the assets and liabilities of each segregated portfolio. A Unit Trust is usually established by declaration of trust or under a trust deed by a licensed Cayman Islands trustee whereby investors’ interests are represented by trust units.
The Exempted Limited Partnership (ELP) is established by an exempted limited partnership agreement entered into by the general partner and one or more limited partners. The general partner
will be the controller of the ELP and acts like a director in a company. Each type of vehicle can operate as an open-ended fund (where investors have the right to redeem their shares, units or interests at their own election), or as a closed-ended fund (where the right to withdraw shares, units or interests is made at the election of the directors, trustee or general partner, as the case may be).
The investment funds industry is regulated and monitored by the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (CIMA) through various legislation, including the Mutual Funds Act, the Private Funds Act and the Monetary Authority Act. An attorney can provide more information on structuring a fund and can advise on the necessity for a licence or applicable regulation and assist in compliance with the formalities. For more information on investment funds and fund statistics, see page 36 of the Cayman – A Global Financial Centre chapter.
Stay a step ahead of your competitors!
Protect your trade marks, patents and design rights with the Cayman Islands Intellectual Property Office (CIIPO).
Intellectual Property Legislation
The Cayman Islands Government has modernised the country’s intellectual property (IP) laws to better protect the works of persons involved in creative and business endeavours. This has also improved the local commerce framework. Intellectual property protection was significantly updated with the commencement of, amongst other things, the Design Rights Registration Act (2016), the Trade Marks Act (2016) and the Copyright (Cayman Islands) Order (2015). Original creations that are protected under copyright legislation include music, film, art and other creative fields in every format, including digital. Trade marks legislation allows individuals and companies to register their brands and company logos locally; and it protects against counterfeiting and infringement. Patents legislation allows patent holders to register their rights in the UK and extend those rights to the Cayman Islands. And design rights legislation allows design rights – the physical appearance of an industrial or handicraft item or a part of it – registered in the UK to be extended to the Cayman Islands.
For local and international companies, the Cayman Islands’ IP laws bolster confidence that their creations are protected; and this protection also promotes confidence among local and international investors.
Cayman Islands Intellectual Property Office (CIIPO)
Ground Floor, Government Administration Building, 133 Elgin Ave, George Town Tel: (345) 946 7922
Email: info@ciipo.gov.ky www.ciipo.ky
The Cayman Islands Intellectual Property Office was established in 2016 to register intellectual property. The Cayman Islands has a modernised legal framework for IP, which covers the registration of trade marks and allows registration for patents and design rights to be extended to the Cayman Islands. In 2024, CIIPO received 603 new trade mark applications bringing the number of entries in
the Register of Intellectual Property, including trade marks, patents and design rights to 8,529. SEE AD OPPOSITE PAGE
Cayman Islands Department of Commerce & Investment (DCI)
The DCI is responsible for the grant and regulation of licensing for most businesses in the Cayman Islands. This includes the administration and issuance of Trade and Business Licences, Local Company (Control) Licences, Tobacco Permits, Liquor Licences, Music and Dancing Licences, Public Film Exhibition Premises Licences, and Special Economic Zone Company Licences. DCI is also responsible for issuing Cinema Licences, the enforcement and compliance of Second-Hand Dealers and guidance and registration for Designated Non-Financial Business and Professions (DNFBP). For more information, see their website at www.dci.gov.ky.
Cayman Islands Centre for Business Development (CICBD)
The CICBD is a business support organisation established by the Cayman Islands Government to support the growth and development of micro and small businesses across the Islands. Through a long-term relationship-based approach, CICBD's business advisors provide consulting, training and coaching services to strengthen the competences of small business entrepreneurs. CICBD provides services to enterprises at all stages of the business life cycle and works with business owners to co-create customised solutions for their specific needs. For more information on how CICBD can help, email: CICBD@ gov.ky, call (345) 244 8009 or visit their website at www.cicbd.gov.ky.
Setting up a Single Family Office
The Cayman Islands is an increasingly appealing jurisdiction for the establishment and operation of single family offices. For more information, see page 38 of the Cayman – A Global Financial Centre chapter.
Walkers (Cayman) LLP
190 Elgin Avenue, George Town
Tel: (345) 949 0100
Email: philip.paschalides@walkersglobal.com
Walkers’ private capital team is composed of selected specialists who advise on corporate, finance, investment funds, trusts and estates and litigation matters. They work with highnet-worth individuals, family businesses, family offices, private banks and trust companies and their advisers to provide timely, customised advice across jurisdictions that address the particular sensitivities of private capital clients.
Small Businesses
Commerce in the Cayman Islands is supported by the Government continuing to incentivise micro and small businesses by significantly discounting T&B Licensing fees. To be classified as a micro business, owners can only employ four additional employees and cannot exceed an annual gross revenue of CI$250,000. Small businesses cannot employ more than 12 employees nor exceed an annual gross revenue of CI$750,000. For business licensing information, call (345) 945 0943 or visit www.dci.gov.ky.
Cayman Enterprise City
The Cayman Islands Government enacted the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) Act in an effort to diversify economic growth and attract additional foreign direct investment (FDI). Cayman Enterprise City’s (CEC) SEZs are uniquely engineered to support a diverse mix of globally focused industries, from software development, FinTech and digital assets to media, maritime, natural sciences, and aviation. By targeting highvalue business sectors that drive economic diversification, CEC is helping to build socio-economic resilience and sustainability for the Cayman Islands, while offering businesses a real, on-the-ground presence in a world-class jurisdiction.
CEC, an award-winning development project, delivers the most efficient corporate setup solution in the Cayman Islands, designed to attract new knowledgebased industries that underpin a resilient,
diversified economy poised for future growth.
Bundled business licensing and service office solutions help to reduce setup and ongoing operational costs by up to 40%.
CEC is now home to the largest innovation ecosystem in the region and facilitates over 425 SEZ companies.
Concessions and Reasons to Relocate to CEC
> 100% foreign ownership permitted
> Well-regulated and recognised free zone
> Secure, efficient and reliable IT infrastructure
> No local corporate, income, sales capital gains or payroll tax
> 100% exemption from import duties
> Fast, efficient and cost-effective set up within 4-6 weeks
> Five-year renewable work permits or residency visas granted within five days
> Five-year residency for employees and their dependents
> A safe, stable British Overseas Territory with robust laws
> Intellectual property owned offshore
> An appropriately business regulated environment
> Excellent service providers to support your business
> Easy access to North and Latin American markets
> Ongoing support offered by CEC’s Client Experience and Global Mobility teams
Eligible Market Sectors
CEC can accept companies and divisions of companies active in these key sectors:
> Internet and Technology
> Media and Marketing (including digital media, film and broadcasting)
> Commodities and Derivatives (including fund managers, investment managers, virtual asset traders and prop traders)
> Biotechnology, Life Sciences and Green Technology
> Maritime Services and Aviation Services
Why Companies Establish in CEC Global Tax Neutrality Companies are using CEC as part of their
global structuring strategy as it provides them with the opportunity to costeffectively establish a genuine physical presence offshore, which can significantly enhance their competitiveness in the global marketplace and enable them to generate a tax-exempt active business income in the Cayman Islands.
Work/Residency Visas for Staff
CEC enables businesses to immediately relocate key staff from any country of origin to the Cayman Islands, particularly those that may not be able to get visas for the US or Canada. CEC companies can obtain five-year work and residency visas for personnel within five working days.
Intellectual Property (IP)
Intellectual property can be held by a zone company and licensed internationally from this tax-neutral jurisdiction. Many CEC companies avail themselves of the benefit of establishing their IP offshore early, as part of their overall business strategy, in order to maximise the value of this key asset for the whole of the company’s life cycle, avoiding costly migration issues later.
Set-Up Process
CEC’s plug-and-play model allows businesses of all sizes to quickly and efficiently establish a physical business presence in the Cayman Islands within 4-6 weeks. Packages include Zone Employment Certificates (work/resident visas) for staff, Zone Trade Certificates to operate the business and fully serviced office solutions, which include everything from data connectivity to janitorial. Thoughtfully designed community spaces and dynamic programming provide excellent opportunities to engage, network and grow your business offshore. For more information, call (345) 945 3722, email: innovate@caymanenterprisecity.com or visit www.caymanenterprisecity.com.
Signal House
In March 2024, Cayman Enterprise City opened Signal House, a state-of-the-art,
40,000 sq ft business facility located off Fairbanks Road in South Sound. Purposebuilt to support innovation and growth, Signal House offers everything from enterprise-grade connectivity and robust IT infrastructure to fully serviced workspaces and collaborative environments.
TRADE & BUSINESS LICENSING
In order for an individual, partnership or company to conduct a trade or business in or from within the Cayman Islands, an application must be made to the Trade and Business (T&B) Licensing Board for the grant of a T&B Licence. There are some exceptions, such as banks, attorneys, medical professionals, schools and nonprofits, as these entities are either licensed through the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority, the Cayman Islands Attorney General and Courts, the Health Practice Commission, the Ministry of Education, or another Cayman Islands Government agency or authority. The T&B Licence fee is payable every year and the application for an annual renewal must be made at least 28 days – but not more than three months – before the date of expiry of the T&B licence. It is an offence to operate a business in the local market trading with the public of the Cayman Islands without a valid T&B Licence or other licence (unless exempt). Some examples of those that are exempt include Caymanian fishermen, artists and artisans. A company wishing to carry on business in the local market trading with the public of the Cayman Islands, which does not have at least 60% Caymanian ownership, directorship and control, will also need to obtain a Local Companies (Control) Licence (LCCL) from the T&B Licensing Board (unless it is otherwise exempt from such requirement). Each LCCL application is considered on its own merit. All relevant forms and information for both LCCL and related T&B Licence applications are readily available online at www.dci.gov.ky.
Incorporation/Registration
If you wish to incorporate and register a
Cayman Islands entity that will conduct business outside of the Cayman Islands, you are required to engage a local licensed service provider to incorporate your company. This is a seamless process and most firms also provide related services, such as registered office services, corporate administration, management, directorships and other officers of companies on the instruction of the beneficial owner(s). Online registration is now available and accessible through local licensed service providers. This is a secure online portal which is not available to the general public. Read on to see a list of top firms under Corporate Services. Note: Those wanting to register an ordinary resident company (also referred to as a 'resident company' or ‘ordinary company’) may apply for registration directly. Information is available at www.cbp.ky or by contacting the Registrar of Companies on (345) 946 7922. You can also visit the Companies Registry within the General Registry’s Offices on the ground floor of the
Government Administration Building, 133 Elgin Avenue, George Town.
Application Process
Your locally licensed service provider will contact the Registrar of Companies and confirm that the company name you want is available and then they will prepare and file the appropriate Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association for the type company you wish to incorporate. Other documents will be required based on the type of company you are incorporating. The Registrar will require to know the nature of the proposed business upon registration of a new company from their list of business activities classifications along with the type of company being registered (e.g. resident, non-resident, special economic zone, exempted company). The fees for incorporation vary depending on the type of company and its authorised share capital. For a typical resident company, with an authorised share capital of less than CI$42,000, the fee is CI$300
Delivering comprehensive legal solutions to meet client needs.
and for an exempt company, the minimum fee would be CI$700. Your local service provider will have their own fees list. The company is deemed incorporated on the day the incorporation documents and fees are submitted to the Registrar, provided that the incorporation documentation is in good order. The processing time is approximately five to eight business days, unless submitted on an express basis (an additional fee of CI$400 applies to express processing), in which case the application will be processed within 24 hours during business days.
Company Registry Fees
The registration and annual fees for a company are dependent on the amount of the authorised share capital. Also worth noting is that annual fees and annual returns are due in January of each year and the Companies Registry is under no obligation to notify the company that the fees are due. If these fees are not paid by 31st March (of each year), they begin to accrue penalties up to 100% of the applicable annual fee
per annum. Every company is responsible for paying these annual fees and filing the returns. If it has not been paid nor filed, the company is subject to being struck off the Register. If the company had assets at the time it was struck off, those assets will become the property of the Government of the Cayman Islands. If you were to overlook the fact that annual fees and returns were due, there is a risk that a company could be struck off without your knowledge. This is one of the benefits of using a locally licensed service provider, as they will process the annual returns and remind you of the amount and timing of annual fees. They will also keep you informed of regulatory updates and reporting obligations that apply to certain Cayman entities. The fees payable for these services are substantially lower than the costs of making an application to reinstate a company in circumstances where it has been struck off the Register.
Scan for more information about establishing a business in Cayman
Corporate Services
The following are a few of the locally licensed corporate service providers who can assist you with the incorporation process. The usual fee for their services is between US$750–$5,000, depending on the type of company being incorporated and excluding Government filing fees. The other services they offer include the provision of registered office services; processing of annual returns; drafting resolutions and minutes of annual general meetings and extraordinary meetings; providing certified true copies, apostilled and notarised documents; maintenance and updating of the company’s statutory registers (i.e. officers, shareholders, directors, and mortgages and charges); maintaining the minute book; assisting with corporate restructuring; and revisions to the memorandum and articles of association. Some also provide director services.
Atrium Corporate
The Piccadilly Centre, 5th Fl, 28 Elgin Avenue, GT. Tel: (345) 929 5605
Company Incorporations in 24 hours
Sinclair Group Centre
3rd Fl, Genesis Building Genesis Close
George Town, Grand Cayman KY1-1106
Switchboard (Cayman): +1 (345) 743 2626
Switchboard (London: +44 203 096 2232
Email: info@sinclairsoffshore.com www.sinclairs.com.ky www.sinclairsoffshore.com
Email: kfm@atrium.ky www.atrium.ky
Atrium Corporate is a licensed provider of bespoke corporate services to local and international clients, providing the full suite of corporate solutions including company formation and registration, compliance, risk advisory and regulatory services. SEE AD PAGE 47 & 59
Campbells
Floor 4, Willow House, Cricket Square, GT Tel: (345) 949 2648 www.campbellslegal.com
Campbells Corporate Services Limited (CCSL) holds an unrestricted trust licence issued by the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority and provides a full suite of company management and trust services to local and offshore clients.
SEE AD PAGE 143
CO Services Cayman Limited
Pavilion East, Cricket Square, George Town Tel: (345) 749 2000
Email: coscay@careyolsen.com www.careyolsen.com
Carey Olsen's corporate services team supports Cayman Islands companies, partnerships and LLCs with the evolving and increasingly complex administrative, regulatory and compliance requirements they face. CO Services Cayman Limited provides company, LLC and limited partnership formations, and provides registered office and entity dissolution services. It is licensed by CIMA and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Carey Olsen in the Cayman Islands, and a member of the global Carey Olsen network.
FG Services Ltd.
Suite 2206, Cassia Court, Market Street, CB
Tel: (345) 815 2800
Email: cayman@francisgreylaw.com www.francisgreylaw.com
FG Services Limited (FG) is the corporate services affiliate of FrancisGrey, Attorneysat-Law. FG provides company and partnership formation, registered office, economic substance support, board support and intellectual property services. FG is a licensed corporate services provider and a registered intellectual property agent (trademarks, copyrights, patents and designs).
SEE AD THIS PAGE & 68
HSM Corporate Services Ltd.
68 Fort Street, George Town Tel: (345) 949 4766
Email: corporate@hsmoffice.com www.hsmoffice.com
HSM provides corporate services in a responsive, timely and cost-effective manner. Their services include incorporation of companies (including Special Economic Zone companies), assisting in establishing bank accounts, preparing and filing applications to the Registrar of Companies and the handling of re-domiciliation and transfer of companies. SEE AD PAGE 55, 89, 95 & 142
Ogier Global
89 Nexus Way, Camana Bay Tel: (345) 949 9876
Email: cayman@ogier.com www.ogier.com/services/ogier-global
Ogier Global, Ogier's corporate and fiduciary division, provides integrated legal and corporate administration services. Renowned
for governance and regulatory compliance, their highly experienced team collaborates with clients and Ogier’s legal teams, managing various vehicles. Their Cayman-registered directors serve on boards of corporate funds, general partners and advisory board partnerships, offering exceptional service, responsive solutions and tailored compliance for Cayman fund structures.
OWC HR & Immigration Services
Tel: (345) 527 1546
Email: info@owcservicesltd.ky www.owcservicesltd.ky
Sinclair Corporate Services (SCS)
3rd Fl, Genesis Building, 13 Genesis Close, GT
Tel: (345) 743 2626
Email: info@sinclairsoffshore.com www.sinclairs.com.ky
The Sinclair Group provides fast company incorporation within 24 hours of receiving satisfactory KYC documentation. They specialise in foundation companies which combine all the advantages of offshore
companies with those of offshore trusts and can be used for investment holding, asset protection and estate planning. They offer company formations, corporate services, director services and ship registrations, as well as notarial and legal services.
SEE AD OPPOSITE PAGE
Stuarts Humphries
Kensington House, 69 Dr Roy’s Drive, GT Tel: (345) 949 3344
Email: info@stuartslaw.com www.stuartslaw.com
A boutique law firm that provides a full suite of corporate services, including the provision of a registered office, company incorporations, directorships, licensing, secretarial services, strike-offs and liquidations, regulatory and compliance, management and administration services for entities registered in the Cayman Islands. Clients gain an integrated solution.
SEE AD PAGE 70
Travers Thorp Alberga
2nd Fl, Harbour Place, South Church Street, GT
FFG Services Limited
FG Services Limited (FG) is the corporate services affiliate of FrancisGrey, Attorneys-at-Law. FG is a licensed Corporate Services provider and a registered Intellectual Property Agent.
Our services include:
• Company & Partnership Formation
• Registered Office Services
• Economic Substance and Board Support Services
• Intellectual Property Agents (Trademarks, Copyright, Patent & Designs)
t: 345.815.2800 f: 345.947.4728
e: cayman@francisgreylaw.com w: www.francisgreylaw.com Suite 2206, Cassia Court, 72 Market Street, Camana Bay
Tel: (345) 949 0699
Email: info@traversthorpalberga.com www.traversthorpalberga.com
Company formations, registered offices, company secretary and director services, and general corporate and commercial matters.
SEE AD PAGE 393
Independent Directors - Cayman
The Cayman Islands remain the leading offshore domicile for alternative investment funds, including both open- and closedended structures. As the jurisdiction continues to mature—bolstered by its expanding digital assets sector and increasingly sophisticated financial products—both regulators and institutional investors have raised expectations around governance. One regulatory development that is now firmly embedded is the rule and accompanying Statement of Guidance issued by the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (CIMA), which requires the operators of CIMA-regulated funds (e.g. general partner or directors) to establish a comprehensive corporate governance framework and demonstrate how they are actively monitoring fund activities and investment strategy. This requirement has been in force since late 2023 and is now a standard part of the regulatory landscape.
Another key component of this broader framework is the Directors Registration and Licensing Act, which requires any individual acting as a director of a regulated mutual fund or an entity registered under the Securities Investment Business Act to be registered with CIMA. Where an individual acts as a director for 20 or more such entities, they must either hold a professional director’s licence or be employed by a firm that is licensed by CIMA to provide director services. These measures give the regulator greater confidence that directors are subject to appropriate oversight and are discharging their duties in the best interests of the relevant fund and its investors.
This more rigorous approach to oversight has become increasingly important as the number of fund structures and managers
under CIMA’s remit has grown. Legislative reforms—including amendments to the Mutual Funds Act and Securities Investment Business Act, and the introduction of the Private Funds Act— have brought many previously unregulated vehicles within scope, raising the bar for governance standards across the board.
External pressure has also played a role. Institutional investors and international bodies such as the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and the International Organisation of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) have continued to advocate for stronger governance and more robust antimoney laundering controls in offshore financial centres.
Cayman’s response has helped the jurisdiction maintain its competitive edge and reaffirm its status as the pre-eminent global domicile for alternative investment funds. By striking a balance between meaningful regulation and commercial flexibility, Cayman continues to appeal to investors and fund sponsors seeking substance, oversight, and efficiency— without undue compliance burdens.
Several respected firms of professional directors are based in Grand Cayman, including Leeward Management, Waystone, Pontis Global, the Carne Group, and HighWater. In addition, leading law firms such as Stuarts Humphries, Maples Group and Walkers provide affiliated director services.
OPENING BANK & TRUST BUSINESS ACCOUNTS
To open a business bank or trust account in the Cayman Islands, you will need to complete a very detailed application, as well as provide the following information:
> Full incorporation paperwork
> Written request to open a new account on company letterhead giving an overview of the business (e.g. clients, number of staff and how revenue is generated) and reason for needing the account
> Certificate of incorporation, certified by a Notary Public
> Articles and Memorandum of Association, certified by a Notary Public
> Annual report, financial statements, auditors reports or business plan
> Certificate of Good Standing, if business is older than one year
> Register of members, officers and directors, certified by the registered office or a Notary Public
> The identity of each ultimate beneficial owner, director and signatory. This must be supported by a certified copy of their passports and proof of residential address
> If the business is conducted within the Cayman Islands, a copy of the current Trade and Business licence and/or relevant operational licence will be required
> Professional reference from an accounting or law firm and a professional reference from a bank that indicates a good relationship of over three years
> Source of wealth and funds
> Tax declaration form for company/trust/ beneficial owners
> All directors, members and signatories must also supply all relevant information, including a certified copy of the partnership agreement.
Depending on the bank, there may be additional due diligence for trust accounts including, but not limited to:
> Full information regarding the trust, e.g. nature and purpose, country of establishment, proof of regulation, etc.
> Certified copy of trust deed
> Current statements/nature of assets of the trust and value
> Identification and verification of all connected parties, i.e. beneficiaries, settlors, grantors, controllers, protectors etc.
If there are more than a nominal number of shareholders, the bank requires identification and references for the principal shareholders (those who own 10% or more of the shareholding), directors and officers responsible for the operation of the account. Companies incorporated in other countries require notarised documents to verify the bona fides of the company.
COMMERCIAL OFFICE SPACE FOR LEASE
As the leading provider of commercial real estate solutions in the Cayman Islands, Dart’s diverse portfolio of Class-A and Class-B properties is well equipped to help you find the right space for your needs. Whether you need short-term, turnkey office spaces or long-term business addresses, we offer a range of options.
COMING IN 2027: 90 NEXUS WAY
90 Nexus Way is a modern, 10-storey hub for innovation and productivity, integrated into the amenity-rich community of Camana Bay. Office, retail and F&B spaces available for lease. Register your interest by contacting leasing@dart.ky.
SPACES AVAILABLE NOW
With over 1,000,000 square feet of office, retail and restaurant space at their disposal, our commercial leasing team draws on their collective expertise to provide a seamless real estate solution for your business.
Butterfield Bank (Cayman) Limited
12 Albert Panton Street, George Town
PO Box 705, Grand Cayman KY1-1107
Tel: (345) 949 7055
Email: info.cayman@butterfieldgroup.com www.butterfieldgroup.com
SEE AD PAGE 151
Cayman National Bank Ltd.
Peter A Tomkins Bldg, 200 Elgin Ave, GT, PO Box 1097, Grand Cayman KY1-1102
Tel: (345) 949 4655
Email: cnb@caymannational.com
www.caymannational.com
SEE AD THIS PAGE & 152
CIBC Caribbean
25 Main Street, George Town
PO Box 68, Grand Cayman KY1-1102
Tel: 1 (800) 744 1168
www.cibcfcib.com/business-banking
Business banking services include business loans, credit lines, payment services inclusive of merchant services and cash management solutions and best-in-class digital banking
products. SEE AD PAGE 53
PROVEN Bank Corporate & Private Banking
1 Gecko Link, West Bay Road, Grand Cayman
PO Box 914, Grand Cayman KY1-1103
Tel: (345) 949 7822
RBC Royal Bank (Cayman) Ltd.
PO Box 245, Grand Cayman KY1-1104
Tel: (345) 949 4600
www.rbcroyalbank.com/caribbean
Scotiabank & Trust (Cayman) Ltd.
Scotia Centre, 18 Forum Lane, Camana Bay
PO Box 689, Grand Cayman KY1-1107
Tel: (345) 949 7666
www.scotiabank.com
OTHER FORMALITIES
Work Permits
All businesses will require work permits and/ or other relevant permissions for any nonCaymanian staff employed in the Cayman Islands. Details of such requirements can be found in the Immigration chapter.
Employee Entitlements
Cayman’s current Labour Act (2021 Revision) sets out the minimum entitlements that must be provided by an employer to its employees. There is no requirement for the employer to provide a contract of employment, but the terms and conditions of the job are required to be set out in a statement and provided to the employee shortly after commencing employment. Essentially, the minimum terms and conditions for leave, set out in the Labour Act, include two weeks annual vacation, increasing up to three weeks after four years and four weeks after 10 years of service. This is in addition to the (approximately) 11 public holidays scattered throughout the year. Employees are entitled to 10 paid sick days each year. After 12 months of employment with a company, female employees are entitled to a minimum of 12 weeks maternity leave (20 days of which are at full pay and a further 20 days at half pay), pro-rated for those who are yet to complete 12 months service. Nine weeks adoption leave is available for female employees (of which 15 days are at full pay) who adopt a child under three years of age. Upon termination of employment by the employer (excluding instances of misconduct), there is an entitlement to severance pay equal to one week’s pay for each completed year of service. There is a statutory unfair dismissal scheme which provides compensation equal to one week’s pay for each completed year of service where a tribunal finds in the employee's favour.
Health Insurance & Other Benefits
Employers are required to ensure that all employees, their unemployed spouses and dependants have health insurance. See the list of Health Insurance Providers in the Health & Wellness chapter. Employees are also entitled to a pension plan. Similar to other parts of the world, employers may offer enhanced benefits to prospective employees and it is not uncommon to see employers offering enhanced vacation leave, relocation
expenses, additional pension contributions, bonus options, upgrades to premium health insurance and private school fees.
BUSINESS SERVICES
Accounting & Auditing Firms
The Cayman Islands is a leading international financial centre, with accounting professionals playing a vital role in sectors such as banking, investment funds and insurance. Approximately 140 accounting firms operate in the jurisdiction, ranging from global firms—including the Big 4—to specialised local practices. These firms provide services including audit, advisory and financial reporting, ensuring compliance with international standards.
The Cayman Islands Institute of Professional Accountants (CIIPA) serves as the regulatory body for the profession. CIIPA licenses public accountants, oversees adherence to ethical and professional standards, and supervises anti-money laundering (AML) compliance within the accounting sector. Through off-site monitoring, guidance, and educational initiatives, CIIPA supports the integrity and quality of financial services in the Cayman Islands. For more information, visit www. ciipa.ky.
Baker Tilly (Cayman) Ltd.
Governors Square, 23 Lime Tree Bay Avenue
Tel: (345) 946 7853
Email: info@bakertilly.ky www.bakertilly.ky
Baker Tilly (Cayman) Ltd. is an independent member of Baker Tilly International, and is a leading firm of Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors in the Cayman Islands. They provide a wide range of services to companies domiciled in the Cayman Islands, in particular, mutual funds and captive insurance companies registered with the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority.
BDO Cayman Ltd.
Governors Square, 23 Lime Tree Bay, SMB
Tel: (345) 943 8800
www.bdo.ky
BDO CRI
Century Yard, Cricket Square, 171 Elgin Avenue Tel: (345) 769 8820
Deloitte
8th Floor, 60 Nexus Way, Camana Bay Tel: (345) 949 7500 www2.deloitte.com
EisnerAmper Cayman Ltd.
Century Yard, Cricket Square, 171 Elgin Avenue Tel: (345) 945 5889 www.eisneramper.ky
EY Cayman Ltd.
62 Forum Lane, Camana Bay Tel: (345) 949 8444 www.ey.com
Grant Thornton Cayman
2nd Floor, Century Yard, Cricket Square, GT Tel: (345) 949 8588 Email: info@ky.gt.com
KPMG
SIX, Cricket Square, George Town Tel: (345) 949 4800 Email: kpmg@kpmg.ky
PwC
18 Forum Lane, Camana Bay Tel: (345) 949 7000 Email: ky_hc@pwc.com
Rawlinson & Hunter
2nd Fl, Windward 1, Regatta Office Park, SMB Tel: (345) 949 7576 webenquiry.cayman@rawlinson-hunter.com
Advertising Agencies, Social Media Consultants & Web Design Services
Cayman has a great selection of creative agencies providing exceptional advertising, marketing, branding and public relations services that can provide you with the right tools to promote your business. These include AirVu Media (email: info@ airvumedia.com), BB&P (email: simon@ bbandp.com), Hark Marketing Agency (Tel: (345) 936 0193), Heights Agency/Julian Foster (email: hello@heights.agency), Massive Media (Tel: (345) 947 6677 or email: hello@massivemedialtd.com), MC2 (Tel: (345) 946 1220), Netclues Inc. (Tel: (345) 925 2222), Not Your Standard Agency (Tel: (345) 745 6972 or email: info@notyourstandardagency.com), Tower Marketing (Tel: (345) 623 6700) and Wigglypen (Tel: (345) 916 8562).
Bookkeeping & Accounting Services
HLB Berman Fisher
Tel: (345) 928 4751
Email: info@bermanfisher.com www.bermanfisher.com
Omni Cayman
Tel: (345) 547 4473
Email: info@omnicayman.com www.omnicayman.com
Omni Cayman are Certified QuickBooks Pro Advisors offering professional accounting services. They have a team of qualified professionals with over 20 years’ experience in the Cayman market. The team members have gained their experience working for Cayman’s top firms, such as Deloitte, KPMG and BDO.
• QUICKBOOKS & ACCOUNTING
• FINANCIAL STATEMENT PREPARATION
• ACT AS INTERIM CFO
• AUDIT PREPARATION
• ASSIST IN FUNDING APPLICATIONS
• USA TAX CONSULTING
Omni provides full-service professional outsourcing, as well as individual and corporate US tax filing and consulting services.
SEE AD PAGE 65
Business Insurance
If you run a business, it is important that you are fully protected including protection for your property, any business interruption or liability exposures, whether it is caused by fire, hurricane or injury losses. To find the right insurance for your business, it is advisable to call one of the qualified advisors at one of Cayman’s top insurance providers on page 160-165 or see below for a list of companies who specialise in business-related insurance products.
Cayman First Insurance Company
> Cayman First Centre, 17 Vibert Bodden Drive, off Shedden Road, George Town > Countryside Shopping Village, Savannah Tel: (345) 949 7028
Email: askus@caymanfirst.com www.caymanfirst.com
Cayman First Insurance Company is a trusted leader in property, casualty and health insurance, proudly serving individuals, families and businesses with high-quality coverage tailored to evolving needs. Backed by an excellent financial strength rating and stable outlook from AM Best, Cayman First offers a comprehensive suite of insurance solutions, including health, home, motor, marine, casualty, and commercial coverage, designed to deliver confidence, protection and peace of mind.
SEE AD PAGE 166
CG BritCay
BritCay House, 236 Eastern Avenue, GT
Tel: (345) 949 8699
Email: info_ky@cgcoralisle.com www.cgcoralisle.com
CG BritCay can design business insurance plans that provide wide-ranging cover, including property, asset and profit protection, as well as protection against the potential legal liabilities of running a business. SEE AD PAGE 160
Gallagher Insurance Brokers (Cayman) Ltd.
Alissta Towers, 85 North Sound Road, GT Tel: (345) 945 0030
Email: scott_wallace@ajg.com www.ajg.com/caymanislands
Gallagher Insurance Brokers is the largest insurance brokerage in the Caribbean. Gallagher Cayman offers commercial business insurance solutions, including property, liability, business interruption and professional indemnity. They also have exclusive specialty insurance products designed for the financial services industry. SEE AD PAGE 66 & 320
Conference & Meeting Facilities
A host of large international conferences are held each year in Grand Cayman at The Ritz-Carlton, the Marriott, the Westin, Hotel Indigo and the Kimpton Seafire Resort. However, there are also a lot of smaller meetings and conferences held throughout the year, and for this, a handful of very professional and well-presented spaces are available for rent on a half or fullday basis. The Caribbean Club (Tel: (345) 623 4500) has a dedicated boardroom that can hold 15 people and is available for rent.
IT Services & Support
Creative Tech Ltd.
Suite 101, Cannon Place, North Sound Road, GT Tel: (345) 946 8324
Email: info@creativetechltd.com
Creative Tech offers IT infrastructure, computers, IT support, document solutions, conferencing and AV systems.
Kirk IT
67 North Sound Road, George Town Tel: (345) 623 4730
www.kirk-it.ky
Kirk IT provides end-to-end IT services and support for businesses of all sizes. They are a six-time Microsoft Partner of the Year and the exclusive HPE service centre for the Cayman Islands. With over 100 certifications across networking, cyber security, servers, storage, cloud, communications and even managed IT services, Kirk IT offers comprehensive IT solutions driven by a relentless commitment to customer success.
SEE AD PAGE 71
Office Supply Ltd.
Marquee Plaza, 36 Lawrence Boulevard, SMB
Tel: (345) 946 1200
Email: info@officesupply.ky
www.officesupply.ky
Office Supply is packed with electronics and accessories, offers tech repairs and is home to a printing centre. They are the exclusive dealer for SHARP business machines and Smart Boards, and are the authorised service providers for HP printers and computers, and Sharp multifunction business machines.
SEE AD PAGE 5
Legal Services & Attorneys-At-Law
Many of Cayman’s top legal firms are internationally recognised, solution-driven and client-focused. These global players attract highly-regarded lawyers from London, Hong Kong and other common law jurisdictions, including from London’s magic circle firms. Cayman’s leading firms specialise in corporate and international finance law, focusing on investment funds, capital markets and structured finance in addition to trusts and private client work. As Cayman is a hub for international finance,
Cayman law firms are also well-placed to advise asset managers and institutional investors from around the world, as well as being involved in high-value international insolvency and restructuring work and commercial disputes.
Appleby (Cayman) Ltd.
9th Floor, 60 Nexus Way, Camana Bay Tel: (345) 949 4900
Email: cayman@applebyglobal.com www.applebyglobal.com.
Bedell Cristin
Suite 5305, 18 Forum Lane, 3rd Fl, Camana Bay Tel: (345) 949 0488
Email: caymanenquiries@bedellcristin.com www.bedellcristin.com
Bedell Cristin advises international and domestic clients on all aspects of Cayman Islands law. The firm’s sector expertise includes funds, regulatory and compliance, insurance, banking, trusts, corporate, insolvency and restructuring, local business licensing, immigration, real estate and Wills and probate. SEE AD PAGE 396
Boddens
Governors Square, 23 Lime Tree Bay Ave, SMB
Tel: (345) 943 0303
Email: hello@boddens.ky or www.boddens.ky
Broadhurst LLC
4th Floor, Monaco Towers, 54 Edward Street, GT
Tel: (345) 949 7237
Email: info@broadhurstllc.com www.broadhurstllc.com
Campbells
Floor 4, Willow House, Cricket Square, GT
Tel: (345) 949 2648
www.campbellslegal.com
Campbells is a leading offshore law firm established over 50 years ago. From their offices in the Cayman Islands, the British Virgin Islands and Hong Kong, they provide comprehensive corporate and litigation advice and services to clients worldwide in relation to Cayman Islands and British Virgin Islands law.
SEE AD PAGE 143
Carey Olsen Cayman Limited
Pavilion East, Cricket Square, George Town
Tel: (345) 749 2000
Email: cayman@careyolsen.com www.careyolsen.com
Carey Olsen is a full-service offshore law firm. Its lawyers in the Cayman Islands combine a global perspective with deep local knowledge. The team has been hand-picked to bring together leading specialists in investment funds, corporate and commercial, fintech and digital assets, finance, insolvency, dispute resolution, trusts and estates, property and local business licensing.
Cayman Family Law (CFL)
Zephyr House, Ground Fl, 122 Mary Street, GT
Tel: (345) 746 5290
Email: info@caymanfamilylaw.com www.caymanfamilylaw.com
CFL is a boutique law firm specialising exclusively in divorce and family law. Their talented team of lawyers offer expert advice and representation in all areas of divorce, children and family law, including matrimonial finance, separation agreements, pre and post-nuptial agreements, child custody arrangements, child and spousal maintenance, mediation, Wills, guardianship and more.
Collas Crill
Tel: (345) 949 4544
Email: cayman@collascrill.com www.collascrill.com
Collas Crill is an offshore law firm with offices in Cayman, BVI, Guernsey and Jersey advising both local and international clients on a full range of legal services. SEE AD PAGE 141
Conyers
SIX, 2nd Floor, Cricket Square, George Town
Tel: (345) 945 3901
Email: cayman@conyers.com SEE AD PAGE 101
Dentons
2nd Floor, One Capital Place, Shedden Road, GT
Tel: (345) 745 5000
Email: info.ky@dentons.com
Forbes Hare
Suite 716, 10 Market Street, Camana Bay
Tel: (345) 943 7700
Email: cayman@forbeshare.com
FrancisGrey
Suite 2206, Cassia Court, 72 Market Street, CB
Tel: (345) 815 2800
Email: cayman@francisgreylaw.com www.francisgreylaw.com
FrancisGrey is a specialist corporate and commercial Cayman Islands law firm. The firm provides services in investment funds, Banking and Finance, Fintech Law, Intellectual Property, Regulation, Trusts and Private Client, Family Offices, Real Estate, Family Law, and Employment Law. SEE AD PAGE 61 & 68
HALO Legal Solutions
Tel: (345) 939 0079
Email: halolegalsolutions@gmail.com www.hlscayman.com
HALO Legal Solutions is the only full-service mobile business of its kind providing business, corporate and legal, office administrative management services as well as mobile Notary Public services. Services are provided digitally, remotely or directly on site, or, to the location
HALO Legal Solutions
of individuals, businesses, companies and their corporate offices and to law firms and legal offices in the Cayman Islands. SEE AD PAGE 67
Hampson and Company
4th Fl, Apollo House East, 87 Mary Street, GT
Tel: (345) 623 7788
Email: info@hampsonandco.com
www.hampsonandco.com
Hampson and Company offers experienced and comprehensive dispute resolution and litigation services with particular emphasis on family and matrimonial law, contentious probate and estate matters, and the defence of personal injury and medical malpractice claims instructed by insurers. SEE AD PAGE 395
Harneys
3rd Fl, Harbour Place, South Church Street, GT
Tel: (345) 949 8599
Email: cayman@harneys.com
HSM
68 Fort Street, George Town
Tel: (345) 949 4766
Email: info@hsmoffice.com
www.hsmoffice.com
HSM is a full-service law firm and their lawyers advise on the principal areas of corporate and commercial litigation, insolvency, property, private client and trusts. They have specialist lawyers handling business establishment in the Cayman Islands and related employment, immigration and relocation services.
SEE AD PAG E 55, 89, 95 & 142
Kobre & Kim
Suite 3207, 9 Forum Lane, Camana Bay
Tel: (345) 749 4000
www.kobrekim.com
Loeb Smith
5th Floor, Zephyr House, 122 Mary Street, GT
Tel: (345) 749 7591
Email: info@loebsmith.com
Maples Group
Ugland House, South Church Street, GT
Tel: (345) 949 8066
www.maples.com
The Maples Group, through its leading international law firm, Maples and Calder, provides comprehensive legal advice to global financial, institutional, business and private clients on the laws of the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, Ireland, Jersey and Luxembourg. With offices in key jurisdictions around the world, the Maples Group has specific strengths in areas of corporate commercial, finance, investment funds, litigation, regulatory financial services and trusts.
McGrath Tonner
5th Floor, Genesis Building, George Town
Tel: (345) 623 2740
Email: info@mcgrathtonner.com
Mourant
94 Solaris Avenue, Camana Bay
Tel: (345) 949 4123
Nelsons
The Grand Pavilion, 802 West Bay Road, SMB
Tel: (345) 949 9710
Email: info@nelsonslegal.com
Ogier
4th Floor, 89 Nexus Way, Camana Bay
Tel: (345) 949 9876
Email: cayman@ogier.com or www.ogier.com
Ogier in the Cayman Islands provides clear, commercial legal advice across a range of practice areas. They support clients on investment funds, private equity, corporate and commercial transactions, intellectual property, banking and finance, local legal support, dispute resolution, restructuring and insolvency, technology and Web3 matters, and both contentious and non-contentious trust and private wealth work. With more than 30 years’ experience in the jurisdiction, their Cayman office is part of a global team advising on BVI, Cayman, Guernsey, Irish, Jersey and Luxembourg law.
Priestleys Attorneys-at-Law
2nd Fl, Caribbean Plaza, West Bay Road, SMB
Tel: (345) 946 1577
Email: info@priestleys.ky
Ritch & Conolly LLP Attorneys-at-Law
5th Fl, Queensgate House, South Church Street
Tel: (345) 949 7366
Email: info@rc.com.ky
Samson Law Associates
The White House, 20 Genesis Close, GT
Tel: (345) 949 0123
Email: info@samsonlaw.ky
Sinclairs
3rd Floor, Genesis Building, Genesis Close, GT Tel: (345) 743 2626
Email: info@sinclairsoffshore.com www.sinclairs.com.ky
Sinclairs is a boutique law firm of Englishqualified lawyers with over 25 years’ experience in the Cayman Islands specialising in corporate and commercial transactions. Offers practical, responsive, cost-effective advice for the formation of Cayman structures (investment funds, exempt/foundation companies and partnerships). Licensed by CIMA to undertake company incorporations and the full range of corporate and director services. Notarial services are also offered.
Stanbrook Prudhoe
45 Beckz Close, George Town
Tel: (345) 324 1121
Email: contact@spcaribbean.com
www.spcaribbean.com
Stanbrook Prudhoe is a leading international firm with offices in the Cayman Islands, Turks and Caicos Islands and Guyana. They offer expert dispute resolution, insolvency and restructuring and litigation services and serve a range of international clients including asset managers and funds.
Stuarts Humphries
Kensington House, 69 Dr Roy’s Drive, GT
Tel: (345) 949 3344
Email: info@stuartslaw.com www.stuartslaw.com
A Cayman Islands focused law firm and leading provider of legal services to investment funds, corporate and commercial, Fintech, Special Economic Zone companies, and banking clients. Stuarts’ experienced team offers world-class and in-depth market knowledge in a wide range of areas. Offering timely, exceptional
legal advice and representation to clients in connection with their commercial transactions, structures, liabilities and regulatory obligations.
SEE AD PAGE 70
Travers Thorp Alberga (TTA)
2nd Fl, Harbour Place, South Church Street, GT Tel: (345) 949 0699
Email: info@traversthorpalberga.com www.traversthorpalberga.com
TTA advise on all types of offshore entities, including hedge funds, private equity, corporate and partnership vehicles, asset and structured finances, cryptocurrencies and ICOs, capital markets, general corporate and commercial matters and private client. In addition, their matrimonial and family law department deals with nuptial and separation agreements, divorce, financial provision, maintenance, residence and contact matters, and crossborder asset tracing. SEE AD PAGE 393
Walkers (Cayman) LLP
190 Elgin Avenue, George Town Tel: (345) 949 0100
Stanbrook Prudhoe
Email: info@walkersglobal.com
www.walkersglobal.com
Walkers is a leading international law firm. They provide legal, corporate, compliance and fiduciary services to global corporations, financial institutions, capital markets participants and investment fund managers. Their clients are the most innovative firms and institutions across the financial markets, and rely on them for their ability to provide solutions to their most important legal and business issues.
Legal Befrienders
75 Fort Street, Adonis House, George Town Tel: (345) 945 8789 or https://www.frc.gov. ky/our-services/legal-befrienders
Free legal advice on issues such as domestic violence, divorce and immigration every Tuesday 5pm-6.30pm. You can either call or visit the clinic where qualified attorneys offer advice on a walk-in, first come, first served basis.
Office Supplies, Printers
& Electronics
Cayman Islands Printer Cartridges
Tel: (345) 323 4313
Email: andrew@ciprintercartridges.ky
Facebook: @ Cayman Islands Printer Cartridges
Offers reliable, affordable printer/copier cartridges (Cayman Bulldog Brand) and recycles your used ones off-island when getting them replaced. For pricing, contact Andrew Bodden with the make and model of your machine. Tel/WhatsApp: (345) 323 4313 or email: andrewboddenw@gmail.com. All ink and toner come with a 100% replacement guarantee, plus free same and next-day
delivery, covering major brands.
SEE AD PAGE 222
Kirk Office
67 North Sound Road, George Town
Tel: (345) 623 5475
www.kirkoffice.ky
Kirk Office has been making workdays easier for over 30 years. With thousands of items in stock, they offer a great selection of office products, computers, and office equipment. Their experienced office furniture team handles everything from space planning to delivery and installation of desks, benching, storage and seating solutions. Kirk Office offers easy online ordering through their webstore, plus fast and free delivery Island-wide. SEE AD OPPOSITE PAGE
Office Supply Ltd.
Marquee Plaza, 36 Lawrence Boulevard, SMB
Tel: (345) 946 1200
Email: info@officesupply.ky
www.officesupply.ky
Office Supply Ltd. is an office products superstore stocking everything from arts, furniture, crafts and office supplies to tablets, high spec copiers and printers. They also offer tech repairs and printing services. They are the exclusive dealer for SHARP business machines and Smart Boards. As well as selling a large variety of office products, they sell HP, Dell, Asus, Acer, Lenovo and Dynabook computers and laptops. They also stock a very large selection of HP printers and are the authorised service providers for HP printers and computers and Sharp multifunction business machines. SEE AD PAGE 5
PBS Cayman Business Machines Ltd.
The Cayman Center, Suite 1 & 2, George Town Tel: (345) 949 8642
PBS Cayman Business Machines Ltd. is an authorised partner for Xerox, Lenovo, SMART, Leidos Securities, Cisco, Oracle, HP, DELL, ID Printers, NCR, IT solutions, software and more.
Office Automation & Electronics
Creative Tech Ltd.
Shop 6, Bay Town Plaza, West Bay Road, GT Tel: (345) 946 8324
Email: info@creativetechltd.com
Creative Tech offers a range of AV and conferencing systems, video walls, background audio systems, interactive displays and CCTV packages tailored to the corporate, hospitality, retail and educational sectors. Brands represented include Poly, Logitech, LG, NEC and Samsung.
Notary Public/Justice of the Peace
Notary Public or Justice of the Peace (JP) services are available either through law firms or from independent operators. JPs do not charge, but they can only certify local documents. Have your passport or driver’s licence handy when you need their services, as they need to verify your details and write your passport number in their records. According to the Notaries Public Act (2023 Revision), a Notary Public should charge in the region of CI$25 per stamp, however, the drawing and engrossing of bottomry and respondentia bonds attracts a fee of CI$65. Some will also charge a call-out fee if you want them to visit you to notarise documents, particularly outside of normal office hours. Here are a couple of active Notary Publics that you could contact:
Baysyde Biz
27 Duxies Lane, West Bay Tel: (345) 917 5756
Email: baysydebiz@gmail.com
Baysyde Biz is available 24 hours a day and seven days a week (by appointment) for document notarisation. They also provide assistance in preparation, submission, tracking and collection of documents, including banking, corporate, immigration, legal, personal and
more. Call Tesia Scott for more information.
HALO Legal Solutions
Tel: (345) 939 0079
Email: halo@haloindustriesllc.com www.hlscayman.com
HALO Legal Solutions is the only full-service mobile business of its kind providing business, corporate and legal, office administrative management services as well as mobile Notary Public services. Services are provided digitally, remotely or directly on site, or, to the location of individuals, businesses, companies and their corporate offices and to law firms and legal offices in the Cayman Islands. SEE AD PAG E 67
Sinclairs
3rd Floor, Genesis Building, Genesis Close, GT
Tel: (345) 743 2626
Email: info@sinclairsoffshore.com www.sinclairs.com.ky
Based in central George Town, the Sinclair Group offers practical, responsive and costeffective Cayman business solutions, including apostilling and notarial services through its three notaries. The standard charge is CI$25 or US$30 per notarised document, including certified true copies, affidavits and other legal documents. SEE AD PAGE 60
HR & Payroll Services
OWC HR & Immigration Services
Tel: (345) 327 2321
Email: info@owcservicesltd.ky www.owcservicesltd.k
Professional Training
See the Education chapter for information on training and educational opportunities.
Tax Advice
Receiving professional tax advice may be essential when running a multijurisdictional operation in the Cayman Islands, as certain countries require special reporting. Tax advisors in the Cayman Islands usually have specific legal and financial expertise and also advise private individuals on tax-related matters. They offer a range of services, including
providing advice on shareholder tax planning, international tax structuring for multi-jurisdictional transactions, compliance prior to an overseas acquisition, employment matters and reducing a business’ tax burden, as well as protecting and exploiting intellectual property. See the Immigration chapter for tax advisors.
Translation Services
Workforce Opportunities & Residency Cayman (WORC) requires that all documents (i.e. medical and police clearance forms) being submitted from non-English speaking countries must first be translated into English and the translated copy notarised. The following companies can help you with your translations:
Baraud
Tel: (345) 945 1781
Email: translations@baraud.com www.baraud.com
The languages currently offered for translations are Spanish, French, Italian, German, Portuguese and Dutch. SEE AD PAGE 79
BrazilCayman/Claudia Subiotto
Tel: (345) 927 1000
Email: brazilcayman@gmail.com
Offering reasonable rates for professional documentation and business-level translations from Portuguese to English and English to Portuguese for immigration, legal, government, education, property and personal transactions. Based in the Cayman Islands and in Brazil. Please call or email for more information. BrazilCayman's work is accepted by all Cayman Islands Government agencies.
Office Cleaning
Hew’s Cleaning Services
Tel: (345) 949 0734
www.hews-janitorial.com
Hew’s is a family-owned and operated company that has been in the Cayman Islands since 1977. All their work is safe, professional, trustworthy, efficient, friendly and caring. They specialise in maid services, offices, floors, carpets, upholstery, marble, windows, janitorial, mould and microbial remediation, water and
fire restoration, as well as post-construction cleanup. Staff are trained in Applied Microbial Remediation. SEE AD PAGE 197
My KandA Cleaners
Tel: (345) 326 3379
www.kandaservices.ky
My KandA Cleaners offers cleaning services for all types of office and retail space. They offer a customised cleaning and maintenance plan, including a checklist of detailed tasks to be completed by one of their trustworthy and reliable cleaning specialists. Their client care representatives are always available to address requests or concerns. SEE AD PAGE 197
Office Upholstery & A/C Duct Cleaning
Fabrizone Cleaning
Tel: (345) 949 5010
Email: info@fabrizone.ky
With over 25 years of professional cleaning excellence, Fabrizone Cleaning provides professional cleaning and exceptional customer service. They are experts in carpet, upholstery, flooring and drapery cleaning
for residential, property management and corporate customers. Fabrizone specialises in air quality services, including A/C duct purification and mould remediation, as well as professional restoration services after water, fire or mould damage. SEE AD PAGE 194
SETTING UP AN OFFICE
COMMERCIAL OFFICE SPACE
Grand Cayman's commercial space rental market is one of the strongest in the region, with high demand for all classes of space traditionally ranging from 750sq ft offices for smaller occupiers up to 30,000sq ft for some of the 'Big Four' accounting firms. The primary source of demand comes from the offshore financial sector, including law firms, accounting practices and insurance/ reinsurance firms. From a retail market perspective, Grand Cayman caters to an array of retail, which targets stay-over and cruise tourism, as well as the local market. This includes food and beverage premises and traditional brick-and-mortar retail stores.
The market comprises of close to four million square feet of space in all classes, which breaks down to roughly 1.25 million square feet of Class-A office space, 1.75 million square feet of Class-B space and close to 300,000sq ft of retail. High exposure ground floor retail space in George Town, which is near the cruise ship terminal, is in short supply and commands higher rent. Most properties in George Town would be classed as B+ or B- properties, except for Cricket Square and a few properties on the waterfront like Strathvale House, Whitehall House and Harbour Place. These Class-A properties located in George Town command rents of US$45-$65 per sq ft inclusive of a Common Area Maintenance fee (CAM), which breaks back to US$50 per sq ft in rent with US$15 of CAM.
Average vacancy rates vary by class and location, from as low as 2%-3% for Class-A+ to A space, 5%-10% for Class-Ato B+ space and around 10% for Class-B and C space. Within these averages, there is a wide variety of vacancy rates. For example, some Class-B properties in central George
Town have vacancies of between 10%15%. This has been somewhat due to the expansion and relocation of larger corporate tenants from the typically older buildings in George Town centre to the master-planned community of Camana Bay or the edge of George Town development, Cricket Square, which is off Elgin Avenue. There is, however, an increased interest in Class-B+ and B renovated ‘turnkey’ spaces in central George Town due to difficulties and costs associated with fit-out construction in some of the newer buildings, as well as value engineering annual overheads. This includes smaller turnkey office suites with access to shared amenities, such as conference rooms, serviced kitchens and reception desks, at an all-inclusive price. This type of office space is attractive to small corporations and sole proprietorships who want to be in George Town with close proximity to all the additional amenities that George Town offers, such as Class-A banks, the courthouse, Government offices, and a mix of local restaurants and coffee shops. Several Class-B buildings in George Town have sold recently and are under full renovation, which brings the increased revitalisation needed for George Town to attract tenants and new businesses. These renovations will, in turn, decrease the vacancy rates for the Class-B office space as buildings are renovated to a higher standard.
Class-A to A+ space is predominantly now found in development-type locations such as Camana Bay and Cricket Square on Elgin Avenue and in parts of the harbour front where redevelopment has occurred and buildings have been traditionally managed to a higher standard. Other buildings have been renovated to a high standard.
Office space rental rates vary depending on where they are and whether you are receiving a space in a shell and core condition or fully furnished (first vs second generation premises), and the general condition of the latter. For Class-A to A+ office space, which is ready to move into in developments like Camana Bay and Cricket Square, the range is US$60 to US$80 per square foot, per annum (psf pa) with an additional US$20
in CAM. For Class-A and A+ space that is in a shell and core condition which requires a fit-out, the cost ranges from US$50-$60 plus US$20 for CAM. Rents in the Class-B+ to A- sector are usually US$35-$50 psf pa, falling to US$20-$30 psf pa in the Class-Bmarket.
CAM charges range from US$15-$20 psf pa in developments such as Cricket Square and Camana Bay, where infrastructure costs are higher; and between US$12$14 psf pa in standalone office buildings in other locations. Retail rates vary from US$50-US$60 psf pa on the Seven Mile Beach corridor. Cardinall Avenue and Fort Street command rates closer to US$45-$65 including CAM.
The commercial office market continues to grow. Camana Bay opened 60 Nexus Way, the island’s first ten-storey commercial office building (200,000sq ft), which is already 80+% committed. Phase VII of Cricket Square, Pavilion East, opened in 2025 and is already 90% leased. This offers 150,000sq feet of LEED Gold Class-A office space across seven floors. They have plans to then build an adjacent ten-storey office building called Pavilion West. Cricket Square now includes Maiden Place (formerly the MUFG building) in their development, which offers another 25,000sq ft of Class-A office space. We are very fortunate that Cayman continues to be the jurisdiction of choice. We are seeing companies expand, refresh their existing space and relocate to, or within, the Cayman Islands. More and more companies are also rethinking the way their office premises serve the needs of their staff and clients, and they are seeking to create a reinvigorated work environment that is flexible and has a collaborative office space. In addition to the growth of existing firms, there are new industry verticals within medical, tech and reinsurance that have shifted their attention to the jurisdiction. Amenity-rich, Class-A developments will continue to expand alongside George Town, with the Government’s long-awaited plans for revitalisation, which will be much encouraged by the new residential retreat hotel ONE | GT (SEE AD PAGE 22) . This urban
resort, which is due to open December 2025, will feature a rooftop infinity pool with panoramic views, an oasis pool with cabanas and will have residences as well as hotel rooms and three uniquely stylish and sophisticated restaurants.
Office
Space Availability
Camana Bay
Tel: (345) 640 3600
Email: leasing@dart.ky or www.dart.ky
Camana Bay is the Caribbean's first and only master-planned town, which was built in 2007 with connectivity and accessibility in mind. It features over 900,000 sq ft of Class A commercial office and retail space, as well as 152 luxury apartments for long-term lease, and it is surrounded by thoughtfully landscaped public spaces with water views, restaurants, shops, essential services, a cinema, shaded courtyards and fountains.
SEE AD PAGE 121, 127 & INSIDE BACK COVER
Cannon Place
Tel: (345) 945 3517
Email: info@rpmcayman.com
www.cannonplace.ky
Cannon Place has 58 retail/office rental spaces ranging in size. The property is managed by Rovida Property Management Services. Call or email for availability.
Cricket Square
Tel: (345) 947 7080
Email: operations@orchiddevelopment.com www.cricketsquare.com
Upon completion of Phase 7, Cricket Square will house over 420,000sq ft of Class-A office space across the multi-building business park, with flexible leasing options ranging from 1,000 to 100,000sq ft. Hurricane resistant, stylish architecture is complemented by verdant landscaping, ample parking and a wide range of first-class amenities.
Dart
Tel: (345) 640 3600
Email: leasing@dart.ky or www.dart.ky
As the leading provider of commercial real estate solutions in the jurisdiction, Dart
delivers a wide range of options, from turnkey, short-term office spaces to long-term business headquarters and everything in between. With over 1,000,000 square feet of residential, retail, office and recreational space across the Cayman Islands, Dart’s expansive portfolio of Class A and Class B properties has a solution to meet your unique needs.
SEE AD PAGE 15 & 63
Elizabethan Square
80 Shedden Road, George Town
Tel: (345) 949 5521
Email: info@rpmcayman.com
Elizabethan Square has a total of 60 units ranging from 100sq ft to 4,800sq ft. The property is managed by Rovida Property Management Services.
Flagship
Tel: (345) 640 3600
Email: leasing@dart.ky or www.dart.ky
Located on the bustling corner of Seafarer's Way and Fort Street, Flagship is one of George Town's most iconic structures and a
refurbished, mixed-use retail and commercial building with remarkable harbour views in the heart of the capital. With its close proximity to the courthouse, major banks and post office, and walking distance to shopping, dining and amenities, Flagship is an excellent choice for small and mid-sized businesses. SEE AD PAGE 63
Heritage Holdings Ltd.
Tel: (345) 936 3227
Email: salesmanager@heritageholdings.ky
www.heritageholdings.ky
Offers office and retail spaces at Centennial Towers, Countryside Shopping Village and 61 West Apartments and the upcoming Axis Centre.
Nexus Studios
Tel: (345) 640 3600
Email: info@readyspaces.ky www.nexusstudios.ky
Located in 60 Nexus Way, Nexus Studios is Camana Bay's only turnkey Class-A executive shared workspace for individuals, small teams and entrepreneurs. With a thoughtful, leading-
edge design, the space features bespoke common areas, high-tech meeting spaces and efficient offices conveniently located in an amenity-rich, bustling town centre.
SEE AD PAGE 73
readyspaces
Tel: (345) 743 4610
Email: info@readyspaces.ky www.readyspaces.ky
Located in Regatta Office Park along the Seven Mile Beach corridor, readyspaces offers a turnkey solution for fully serviced office suites and meeting facilities, while providing a wide variety of flexible occupancy terms ranging from month-to-month, daily or halfdaily. With great proximity to shops, hotels and restaurants, readyspaces is perfect for startups and small or growing businesses in the Cayman Islands. SEE AD PAGE 54
Regatta Office Park
Tel: (345) 640 3600
Email: leasing@dart.ky or www.dart.ky
Nestled between two major thoroughfares,
Regatta Office Park’s prime location near Seven Mile Beach and Camana Bay makes it a top choice for new and established businesses. With six buildings set on nine beautifully landscaped acres, Regatta offers convenience, flexibility and remarkable value for Seven Mile Beach. There is ample parking, covered cabanas, on-site property management and security, access elevators, key fob entry and fibre-optic connectivity. SEE AD PAGE 63
Regus (Cayman)
Tel: (345) 743 4500
www.RegusCayman.ky
Provides serviced turnkey office space with flexible terms, designated parking, reception staff and 24/7 IT support in George Town.
Realtors - Commercial Rentals
International Realty Group (IRG)
Tel: (345) 623 1111
Email: info@irg.ky
www.irgcayman.com
RE/MAX Cayman Islands/Michael Binckes
Tel: (345) 945 2011
Email: michael.binckes@remax.ky
FITTING OUT YOUR OFFICE
Commercial A/C Contractors
EcoSmart Cooling Ltd.
Sparky's Drive, George Town
Tel: (345) 233 2665 (24-hour service)
www.airconditioningcayman.com
Professional and reliable air conditioning and commercial refrigeration contractors.
SEE AD PAGE 187
Costs to 'Fit Out' an Office Space
Costs to construct new office premises depend on numerous factors, including the existing condition of the space and desired final product. Well-fitted existing office space with partitioned walls and internal offices, suspended ceiling, lighting, air conditioning and power already in place may be reconfigured for as little as US$50-75 per sq ft. Finding such space has become more challenging as existing tenants continue to expand into built spaces, coupled with demand from new firms entering the market. Premises in newly constructed buildings are generally delivered in core and shell condition with fire-rated separation walls, plumbing rough-in and air conditioning unit(s). A firm might spend in the range of US$250$350 per sq ft to fit out the premises to a high quality depending on the type of layout required, i.e. office intensive or open plan. Some landlords offer a standard fitout package or a fit-out allowance, which can range from US$25-$50 per sq ft.
The Process of Setting Up an Office
The time required to set up an office depends on the condition of the space. The simplest offices can be set up in four to eight weeks, however, this is rare. By the time a design has been finalised, interior finishes have been chosen, furniture ordered, IT systems specified and work permits and licences granted, you should expect about four to six months to have passed. Tenants may be required to submit fit out plans to
the Planning Department for building code approval.
Office Space Planning & Design
Cayman has a number of architectural firms with qualified interior designers on staff who specialise in commercial premises. They can take a new or existing office and create a space to suit your business. To find an interior designer in Cayman, see pages 237-238.
LIVING.KY
48 MacLendon Drive, George Town Tel: (345) 233 8700
Email: info@living.ky or www.living.ky
LIVING.KY offers a complimentary interior design service as part of their custom furniture packages. Their team of on-site design experts will develop digital floor plans and product visualisations to help you create your ideal office space.
SEE AD PAGE 10, 125, 233 & 253
Telephone, Internet & Data
Utilities in Cayman are some of the most advanced in the region offering mobile and high-speed internet services comparable to Europe and Northern America. There are four main telecom service providers: FLOW/C&W Business, C3 Pure Fibre, Digicel and Logic/Brava, who all offer a range of services and delivery mechanisms. Signal quality and data speeds are very good as the topography of the islands affords few black spots.
Fixed line calling rates are competitive on the international market and the service quality is generally good. Mobile phone service providers in Cayman supply iPhone, Samsung Galaxy and other smartphones. Always check the cross-carrier rates to help in choosing what’s best for your business. International mobile phone roaming can be expensive, but some business plans offer discounted roaming plans for customers that travel often. Modern collaboration platforms are also widely used. Some of these platforms support video and voice calling and can even route calls directly to mobile devices. Check out Monday.
com, Toggl Plan, Flock, Filestage, Karbon, Microsoft Teams and Google Docs. As a startup business, you will be able to procure the usual services, such as 1 Gbps broadband, fixed line telephony and more specialist data services, such as MPLS (depending on your location and service provider). You may want to consider managed IT infrastructure and services being offered by local IT companies and telecom operators, such as Cloud backup, business continuity and virtual data centres. Grand Cayman is serviced by two underwater fibre links: MAYA1, which connects most of the western Caribbean nations before returning to the US, and the Cayman Jamaica Fibre System (CJFS) that takes an alternative route via the eastern Caribbean back to the US. For years there have been talks about the need to develop a third subsea cable to replace MAYA1, however progress remains slow. See the Settling In chapter for more information and see below for service provider details.
Brava by Logic
Tel: (345) 745 5555
Brava by Logic offers fibre internet, as well as business solutions products. They provide the latest and most comprehensive range of networking and security, cloud computing and managed IT solutions to meet your business needs. Brava partners with the best in the industry, including Fortinet, Microsoft and Cisco, just to name a few. Contact Brava today and allow them to help you transform your business. SEE AD OPPOSITE PAGE
C3 Pure Fibre
Tel: (345) 333 3325
Email: c3.techops@cr.ky www.business.c3.ky or www.c3.ky
Digicel
Tel: (345) 623 2499
Email: caymanbusiness@digicelgroup.com www.digicelbusiness.com
FLOW/C&W Business
Tel: (345) 949 7800 www.cwcbusiness.com.
i n Cayman Working
How to find a job in the Cayman Islands, the types of work available, insight into the Islands’ Labour Law, and details of Cayman’s recruitment companies.
years. For example, ONE | GT, a 95-suite hotel with 82 private residences in central George Town is due to open in early 2026.
There are always employment opportunities in the financial services industry, especially in growth areas such as reinsurance and family offices. The need to show an economic presence in Cayman has led to an increase in companies locating a part of their business to the jurisdiction, driving the demand for professionals in the legal, compliance and corporate services sector. The island has a well-educated local workforce, but the need for qualified accounting, finance, actuarial, compliance and financial services professionals, especially those who are designated and have at least a few years of experience, outnumbers the availability of candidates locally.
Jobs in other sectors (education, construction and retail) exist mainly to meet the demands of the local market. Cayman continues to promote itself as a destination for medical tourism and with the demand for specialty care growing, opportunities regularly come up for suitably qualified health professionals. Jobs in the tourism sector are buoyant and this is likely to remain the case as new hotel complexes open in the coming months and
The Autumn 2024 Labour Force Survey (LFS), which was published in July 2025, estimates that the total labour force is currently 60,828 people, while the percentage of those unemployed is at 2.4%. The LFS report also estimates that the population of the Islands as of Autumn 2024 was 88,833, and of those, 40,633 were Caymanians, 8,184 were permanent residents and 40,016 were non-Caymanians. Foreign workers make up a larger percentage of our current workforce and represent 139 different countries. Of the labour force, 22,535 were Caymanian, 4,906 were Permanent Residents and 33,387 were non-Caymanians.
Work Permits
Strict work permit regulations exist to ensure that Caymanians, the spouses of Caymanians, permanent residents and existing residents are given preference, in that order, for any position. The rules present some unique hurdles to the expatriate jobseeker, so a basic understanding of this process is required to put the employment market in context and avoid finding yourself in a position that is improvident at best and disastrous at worst.
Unless contracted to government, expatriates must either hold a valid work permit, a Special Economic Zone Certificate, a Certificate of Direct Investment, a Residency and Employment
EMPLOYMENT PROSPECTS
Photos courtesy of Nova Cayman, Irene Corti, Julie Corsetti & Rebecca Davidson
Rights Certificate or hold Permanent Residency with the right to work in a prescribed occupation (or occupations) in order to work and reside in the Cayman Islands. The administration of work permits is the responsibility of the Cayman Islands Government Department of Workforce Opportunities and Residency Cayman (WORC) and they are the legal obligation of your employer. There is also an understandable emphasis on the training of local staff to ensure that they have an opportunity to develop their skills. The onus is on the employer to demonstrate to WORC that they have tried to fill the position with a Caymanian by advertising the job on the WORC portal. Only after all efforts to recruit locally have failed can the employer rightfully justify a work permit application. This process must be repeated periodically (usually once every two or three years) depending on the employer’s circumstances. Some employees can, however, be granted work permits of up to five years duration or, in relation to senior positions in the financial services industry, up to 25 years.
Full Work Permits can take as long as six months to be processed. Temporary Work Permits (for anything from 30 days up to six months) can be granted within a matter of days (if an express fee is paid). A Seasonal Worker’s Permit allows the employee to work for eight months. Exemptions from the work permit restrictions can apply in particular circumstances for short-term visits and other types of permission, such as a Business Visitor’s Permit or even a Visitor’s Work Visa, which may be appropriate alternatives.
Note: A work permit is granted for a specific position with a specific employer and must be made by the employer; an individual cannot apply for one without the employer. This means that a work permit holder is not entitled to work in any other capacity or for any other employer, and any significant changes to the person’s role within an organisation
must be approved by WORC prior to the individual taking up a revised role. If you want to take up employment with a different company while you have an existing work permit, your current employer must cancel your permit using the A11 form (Request to Withdraw/ Cancel/Refund an Application) which is available on the WORC website. This then releases you from your current work permit. Ideally, this should be submitted the same day as your new work permit is submitted which means that you will not need to leave the island while your new work permit is processing. Note: Do not leave the island on vacation while your new work permit is processing or your current ability to stay on the island will cease until your new work permit is approved. Once employed, you should take some time to consider your situation before your employer applies for your full work permit, as you are effectively bound to them from the time of application until the expiry of the permit unless the permit is cancelled at the employer’s request.
It is unlikely an employer will be granted a work permit unless the proposed expatriate employee is professionally qualified or very well experienced in a relevant field, or there is no interest in the position from the local workforce (which is actually fairly common). This creates something of a ‘Catch 22’ for those expatriates without a professional qualification. The better the position, the higher the level of interest from the local workforce and the less likely it is that an expatriate will be granted a work permit.
There are certain occupations that hold little appeal for existing residents, offering little job security, irregular or anti-social hours, or a somewhat unpredictable or unreliable income stream. Examples include diving, construction, hospitality, security services and commission-based sales positions.
Labour Force & Work Permit Numbers
As of September 2025, there were 37,370
work permits in effect, up from 37,334 in 2024 and 36,263 in 2023. These work permit holders hail from 139 different countries, including Jamaica (14,295), the Philippines (6,940), India (2,181), the UK (2,090), Nepal (1,706), Canada (1,188), Honduras (1,112), the US (838), Nicaragua (712), South Africa (685), Ireland (399) and Kenya (382).
Labour Force by Work Permit Occupations
Of the 37,370 work permits as of September 2025, there were over 1,200 different jobs listed, however, the largest numbers were in the following categories: Domestic Helpers (4,271), Janitors (2,140), Food and Beverage Service Staff (1,737), Masons (1,429), Kitchen Helpers (1,135), Carpenters (1,121), Gardeners (971), Security Officers (808), Primary School and Pre-School Teachers (598), Line Cooks (586), Registered Nurses (440), Building Construction Labourers (436), Cooks (418), Sales Associates (392), and Lawyers (242) to name a few.
Rules on Residing in Cayman Whilst a Work Permit is Processing
WORC authorities generally dictate that individuals should not be present in the Cayman Islands while a work permit application is in process. However, this does not apply if you are already legally resident, including, for example, working legally on a Temporary Work Permit and the full version is submitted to WORC before your Temporary Work Permit expires, or having been released from your work permit and being regularised as a visitor (without leaving the island). Generally speaking, without special circumstances or the consent of the Director of WORC, no one is permitted to remain in the Cayman Islands as a tourist/visitor while a work permit application is being considered and you should not be on the island once this is submitted. Once your permit is approved, you can return to the Cayman Islands and start working. It should be noted that if you come
to the Cayman Islands on a Temporary Work Permit, and your subsequent Full Work Permit application is denied, you will have to cease work immediately and may have to leave Cayman on short notice, unless permitted to remain by virtue of some other provision or unless the denial is being appealed.
Rules on Dependants
Your spouse or children are not automatically entitled to reside in Cayman even if you hold a valid permit. They must be named dependants on the permit and a separate application must be filed if they were not added at the time of original submission. All accompanying dependants must submit an original medical cover letter if over 18 years of age and, for a spouse, a certified copy of your marriage licence, civil partnership, any final divorce decree if applicable, and a police clearance certificate. If the dependant is a child, a certified birth certificate naming you as a parent is required. If your child is of compulsory school age, you have a duty to secure attendance at school in accordance with the law. Where appropriate, arrangements for homeschooling can be made. WORC will consider, along with other factors, your ability to financially support your dependants. Dependants can be added to a temporary or full work permit grant.
Work Permit Term Limits: ‘The Roll Over’ Policy
In 2004, the Cayman Islands introduced an immigration ‘term limits’ policy, a necessary consequence of the nearexponential growth of the population over the previous four decades. Under current provisions, most expatriate workers can only remain in Cayman for a maximum of nine years unless they have applied for Permanent Residency (PR) after passing eight years of legal and ordinary residence. All applications must generally be made by the ninth anniversary of the expatriates’ arrival to live in the Cayman Islands.
The points system for awarding
PR provides workers with greater transparency and certainty through a clear and objective set of criteria. The government has announced its intention to reform the rules and although precise details are yet to be announced, it is likely that the system will be tightened, making PR harder to attain.
Labour Law - Know Your Rights
We strongly advise you to become familiar with your employee handbook, the Labour Act (2021 Revision) and the Gender Equality Act (2011 Revision). Below are some of the highlights of the laws governing employment in the Cayman Islands:
> Sexual Harassment: The Gender Equality Act (2011 Revision) states that sexual harassment is illegal in the Cayman Islands.
> Equal Pay: The law requires that employers pay equal pay for work of equal value, giving women the right to equal pay.
> Maternity Leave: The Labour Act (2021 Revision) stipulates that 12 calendar weeks must be granted for maternity leave. The amount of paid maternity leave is four weeks (20 days) of full pay; four weeks of half pay and four weeks of no pay, for all female employees who have completed 12 months of employment. Otherwise, it will be on a prorated basis. In March 2024, the Cayman Islands Government increased maternity and paternity leave for civil servants. Maternity leave increased from 90 to 110 working days and the paid portion of maternity leave has increased from 30 to 60 working days on normal pay. Paternity leave has increased to 20 working days, with 10 days on normal pay and the remainder without pay.
> Holiday Pay: According to the Labour Act (2021), each employee is entitled to a minimum of two weeks’ vacation (10 working days) for the first four years of employment, three weeks (15 working days) for years five to ten, and four weeks (20 days) if employed for over ten years for the same company. This does not include the eleven public holidays (approximately) that Cayman has each year. Staff required to work on a public holiday must be paid
double their normal rate of pay for the hours actually worked.
> Severance Pay: Under the Labour Act (2021), all employees who have continually worked for their employer for more than a year are entitled to receive severance pay if their employment is terminated for any reason other than for misconduct and poor performance at a rate of one weeks’ salary for every completed year of service. For part-time employees, severance pay is calculated based on the ratio of their hours of employment to the standard work week.
> Sick Leave Pay: If an employee takes any sick days in a full calendar year of employment, they are entitled to be paid their basic wage for a total of 10 days.
> Unfair Dismissal: If an employee feels that they have been unfairly dismissed, they have 90 days from the date the employment was terminated to file a claim for unfair dismissal with the Department of Labour and Pensions. If the employee is successful with their claim, they may be entitled to further compensation if the Labour Tribunal deems fit.
> Minimum Wage: In June 2025 the government announced that it would increase the minimum wage from CI$6 per hour to CI$8.75 effective 1st January 2026.
> Pension Payments: If you are Caymanian, your new employer must start paying your pension immediately. If you are an expat on a work permit, your employer can allow you a 9-month grace period before they have to start paying your pension. However, if you leave the island for more than three months, then your 9-month grace period starts over.
Overtime & Weekend Hours
Many companies expect their employees to work beyond the normal eight-hour workday. Conversely, standard Human Resource (HR) practices may vary from country to country. Before taking a job, familiarise yourself with the work culture. Ask your prospective employer’s HR professional whether overtime pay or time
in lieu is provided.
Knowledge of the Labour Act will assist you in determining what is legal in the Cayman Islands from an employment law standpoint. Check the Department of Labour and Pensions’ website (www.dlp. gov.ky) for more information. The Cayman Islands Society for HR Professionals (www. cishrp.ky) is also a great resource.
Finding a Job
There are always vacancies for well qualified professionals in the legal and financial services sector, and especially in the reinsurance industry which is booming in Cayman. For professionals looking for jobs in this industry, it is advisable to reach out to employment agencies as they are finding that new firms in this space are coming to agencies to assist with recruitment as they do not have the local connections to build their initial staff.
This is a time of amazing opportunity for well qualified Caymanians, especially those in the financial services field, as they are highly sought after and in much demand. However, it is commonly acknowledged that the appetite for qualified financial professionals outnumbers supply, and population growth is just not filling highlevel finance jobs.
The medical industry has transformed over the past five years, with high demand for specialist doctors and qualified nurses which mostly have to be recruited from overseas. There are still no recruitment agencies on Grand Cayman that specialise in this space, so direct applications to the different hospitals/clinics are your best bet for finding new positions.
Although there are 37,370 work permits in issue as of September 2025, these jobs fill a genuine need across a span of positions, from gardener to managing director. A very effective way to look for work in Cayman is to register with local recruitment agencies, as they have access to roles that you may otherwise not see.
Expatriate workers should be very wary of being offered a job in the gardening, domestic helper or handyman fields in
Cayman. They must ensure that there is a genuine job for them in Cayman. We have received stories of overseas workers getting a work permit, which they have been illegally asked to pay for themselves. Then, having taken out a loan to get themselves here, they have arrived in Cayman to find that there is no job and they have no way to support themselves.
Financial Services Professionals
Jobs in the financial services market in the Cayman Islands are more diversified now than in the last 15 years. It used to be predominantly legal and audit work, followed recently by a lot of compliance work; however, since the introduction of the International Tax Co-operation (Economic Substance) Act (2021 Revision) in January 2019 and the Virtual Asset (Service Providers) Act (2022 Revision) in October 2020, the landscape has changed. Cayman (like many other international financial centres) has established legislation requiring certain entities, which are
incorporated or registered in Cayman, to demonstrate that they have sufficient ‘economic substance’ in Cayman to show that they should not be taxed elsewhere. Therefore, many operational offices are opening in Cayman, including significant family offices, virtual assets service offices, private equity firms, foundation companies and reinsurance companies. These offices then need middle and front-end qualified professionals that can run the office and make decisions.
On top of this, Cayman is one of the world’s top 10 financial centres and the field of regulatory compliance is vital to the success of the jurisdiction. As the regulatory requirements for businesses increase, so do the resources needed to ensure that teams of experts are in place to monitor and uphold the standards required. From annual FATCA and CRS reporting to ongoing KYC work and AML investigations, the job market for compliance in the Cayman Islands holds a vast array of diversity and breadth at all levels. With some of the
largest financial services organisations residing in the Cayman Islands, coupled with some of the strictest regulations within the industry, there is a constant demand for qualified, detail-focused staff with compliance experience. For more senior positions, relevant offshore experience and the ACAMS qualification are both highly regarded in the jurisdiction.
Many positions also exist for professionally qualified accountants, particularly those with audit, investment, funds or reinsurance industry experience (but this is by no means essential and experience working as an accountant for an operating company in industry is equally considered). The Cayman Islands recognises most Commonwealth and international accounting designations. Many accounting positions are filled via recruitment agencies, and job seekers would be wise to consider registering with a specialist, Cayman Islands-based recruitment agency that has an in-depth understanding of the local marketplace. An experienced recruiter will be able to advise you on the prospects and appropriate salary for someone with your experience and qualifications. Many of the largest financial services employers on the island find their professional staff through recruitment agencies. However, if you are interested in working for one particular employer, it may be beneficial to approach them directly first, expressing your interest, before registering with an agency.
Lawyers should note that if they are seeking to practise Cayman Islands’ law, there are strict Bar admission requirements. To be eligible for admission, non-local lawyers must have at least three years post-qualification experience gained in a relevant jurisdiction (UK, Ireland, NZ, Australia, Canada and certain Caribbean nations), as well as previous financial services experience, preferably in mutual/ hedge funds, insurance, insolvency, finance or commercial litigation.
Other Skills & Professions
Finding good employment opportunities outside of the legal and financial services
industry may require more research. Most recruitment agencies will be able to point you in the right direction, and some may have vacancies within your field. If you are Caymanian, a Permanent Resident or currently on a work permit, you can register on the WORC portal and see all the jobs that have been posted on there.
Employers from top firms have access to this database and regularly post job listings on this online system. The department of WORC, in conjunction with the former NWDA, has a career assessment centre and provides free career counselling and training to Caymanians. You can also use LinkedIn and the Cayman Compass classifieds to make a list of potential employers.
The field of office temping has changed significantly in recent years. Employment agencies can no longer relocate you to Cayman, hold your permit and lend you out for a few weeks at one company and a few weeks at another. Now the employment agency must have a contract from a local Cayman firm showing where you are going to work, for how long and what work you are doing. The reality is that there are many Caymanians now filling those temping jobs, and expats are only needed if the job is genuinely temporary by nature and no Caymanian can be found. If you do want to sign up with an agency, you should do as much research on them as possible. A good agency will be able to provide references from current and past staff members, together with contact details, which will allow you to confirm their authenticity yourself. For other specific industries, the situation is as follows:
> CI Government (CIG): They are the largest employer in the Cayman Islands with over 4,800 employees, almost 70% of which are Caymanian. For job vacancies at statutory authorities and government companies, you need to go through the government’s careers portal (www.careers.gov.ky) where all civil service jobs are posted and where you need to create a profile before you can apply for a specific position There is good job security, the hours are reasonable and the pay and benefits are
good. If you are identified as a hard worker, you can also often get transferred to a different department if you would like a change.
> Construction: The construction industry in Cayman has contracted somewhat in the last year with an overall slowdown in construction finance, most notably for larger projects over CI$1 million. There are therefore fewer construction jobs available compared to the recent past. Local recruiters do not handle construction recruitment, however, potential employees could reach out directly to local construction companies or contact Ping, an international recruitment company that lists construction jobs that are available (www.pingrecruit.com). Local companies are often looking for experienced project managers who are highly skilled in luxury home building. Note: For those seeking a job in the construction industry in Cayman, you need to be licensed. See www.planning. ky and look under the ‘Resources’ tab for professional licences required for those in the building industry. See the Building in Cayman chapter for local companies operating in this sector.
> Electricians and Plumbers: Legally, all electrical and plumbing workers require a local licence to work in Cayman. Plumbers are licensed by the Plumber’s Examination Board and should contact the Planning Department about the specifics of the process. Information can be found on www. planning.ky. Electricians must satisfy the CI Electrical Board of Examiners that their qualifications meet the requirements of the Electricity Regulations. Call the Planning Department (Tel: (345) 244 6501) for more information. In all cases, a certified copy of your licence, trade certificate and trade references must be submitted along with your application for a local licence.
> Grocery: Foster’s supermarket has several locations and they advertise vacancies on their website (www.fosters.ky/careers). Kirk Market also list vacancies on their website (www.kirkmarket.ky). You can apply for jobs at Hurley’s through the careers page on their website (www.
> Health Field: Medical professionals fully registered in Australia, Canada, Jamaica, the UK, New Zealand, South Africa and the US may be eligible to practise in Cayman once they have become registered with the appropriate council. Nurses must hold a degree in Nursing and have a minimum of three years of experience as a Registered Nurse before they can practise in Cayman. Consultants and doctors with specialist training are a real growth area as the demand for specialty care grows. Visit the Department of Health Regulatory Services website for complete information about the registration process and requirements at www.gov.ky/dhrs. For more information on recruitment at the Cayman Islands Health Services Authority (HSA), visit the careers section on www.hsa.ky, where they list job vacancies. They also offer a medical internship programme and more information on this can be found on their website. Doctors Hospital is a locally owned provider of international standard, private sector healthcare services. They post job openings on the careers page of their website (www.doctorshospital. ky). You can email their HR department if you have any questions (email: HR@ doctorshospitalcayman.com). Health City Cayman Islands is a private, institutional tertiary care hospital with two locations, one in East End and another in Camana Bay. Visit the careers page of their website (www.healthcitycaymanislands.com) for a list of open positions. Email your resumé to careers@healthcity.ky.
> Hospitality Industry: Tourist workers are usually hired in September and October to fill positions in time for high season, which starts in December. Locals are encouraged to register on the WORC portal where they can view what jobs are available. Alternatively, email the hotels and restaurants directly. Seasonal permits for six or eight months are obtainable.
> IT: There is demand for workers to fill IT positions as the tech industry continues its steady growth on the island. With Cayman Tech City (part of CEC), TechCayman and
the need for expertise within areas such as blockchain, cryptocurrency, cybersecurity and Web3, organisations are having to look further afield to find the specialist skillsets needed. Vacancies in software development come up most often, (specifically within the .NET/C# and python spaces) in addition to project management, product management and business analyst roles. These positions are often advertised by and filled through employment agencies. Companies tend to seek mid-level to senior candidates for roles within tech and are generally open to sponsoring work permits and providing relocation support to qualified candidates. The exception to this would be within the areas of IT support, helpdesk and network administration, where there is a significant local workforce, so overseas applicants are usually not considered. There has also been an increase in internships and junior/entry-level tech roles as more tech graduates are entering the workforce now. These roles are always filled by locals.
> Office Support Staff: There is a consistent demand for compliance professionals, corporate administrators, legal secretaries, trust officers and HR professionals; these positions are often filled by employment agencies. Both Caymanians and expats are needed, and it is commonly acknowledged that there are more positions available than people to fill them. However, it is worth noting that although these positions are open to expats, employers prefer candidates who are already living in Cayman, or in the process of moving here as a dependant, rather than relocating an individual for these roles. There are a few personal and executive assistant positions, but these positions are generally filled by Caymanians. Support staff in accounting firms and non-qualified accounting positions, such as accounts payable/ receivable, also tend to be local.
> Luxury Retail: The major recruiters in the luxury retail field are Island Companies Ltd. and Kirk Freeport. You can email Island Companies Ltd. at acljobs@dart.ky and Kirk Freeport at work@kirkfreeport.com.
> Marketing: There are many marketing companies offering advertising, social media and web design services. For a list of some of the leading marketing companies in Cayman see page 65. Many of the larger firms have in-house marketing teams and it is worth contacting them to ask about vacancies. The Cayman Islands Marketing Professionals Association (CIMPA), which is very active, lists marketing vacancies on its website, visit www.cimpa.ky.
> Sales: Sales jobs usually have a commission-based component, and consequently, Caymanians tend to avoid them. The best way to find a sales position is to make a few phone calls from your home country, introduce yourself and then send your resumé.
> Teaching Positions: Jobs in private schools in Cayman regularly come up and if you visit the school’s websites you will find an employment page where you can see if anything is available and how to apply. Private schools also find many of their new staff through international recruitment companies, such as www.tes.com, that find superb teachers for specific positions worldwide. Teacher recruitment in the Cayman Islands is typically done from January to April, once schools know who will not be coming back for the next school year. Teaching and education jobs in Government schools, as well as positions within the Ministry of Education, are posted on www.careers.gov.ky. To apply for a position, you must create a profile on the website and only then can you apply for a specific position. You can also email: careers@gov.ky with questions. Their HR services team will respond to your enquiry very quickly. Employment contracts for teachers are generally two years in length, at least initially, include a range of benefits and may be subject to an annual performance process.
> Telecommunications: Staff are most often hired locally and promoted from within the particular business. Some jobs do occasionally become available, and in these cases, recruitment is often done through local and overseas employment agencies.
See the Settling In chapter for a list of the telecommunication companies in Cayman.
> Caribbean Utilities Company Ltd: CUC is the local electricity company. The company’s workforce is currently comprised of 82% Caymanian employees and 18% other nationalities, leading to a diverse working environment. Employees are given a number of opportunities for training, which allows growth and upward mobility within the organisation. If you are interested in joining the CUC team, you can email your resumé to careers@cuc.ky or visit www. cuc-cayman.com.
> Other: Dart is another corporation that is often seeking motivated employees. Visit their website at www.dart.ky/careers. TechCayman has global companies in the technology and IP sector that are moving to Cayman and are looking for employees, as does Cayman Enterprise City. Visit their websites for more information.
Recruitment Agencies
Affinity Recruitment Ltd.
2nd Floor, Piccadilly Centre, Elgin Avenue, GT
Tel: (345) 943 2020
Email: info@affinity.ky www.affinitycayman.com
Specialising in permanent and executive recruitment, temporary staff assignments, corporate immigration services and benefit administration. SEE AD PAGE 81 & 99
Baraud
1st Floor, Elgin Court, Elgin Avenue, GT
Tel: (345) 945 1781
Email: recruitment@baraud.com
www.baraud.com
With over 30 years of excellence in recruitment solutions, Baraud, Cayman’s industry pioneer and family-owned business, is recognised as the gold standard in recruitment, immigration and managed HR services across the Cayman Islands, as well as permanent job placements, contract support staff, outsourced payroll solutions and extensive translation services.
SEE AD PAGE 79
CML
Tel: (345) 949 1345
Email: info@cml.ky
www.cml.ky
Founded in 2004, CML is the largest professional recruitment firm in Cayman and is a trusted, strategic employment partner to many of the best-known offshore financial services, legal and IT firms. CML’s mission is to help clients build great teams and to help candidates build great careers.
Invenio Global
42 North Church Street, 4th Floor, George Town Tel: (345) 769 7000
Email: cayman@invenio-global.com
www.invenio-global.com
Invenio has four uniquely situated locations worldwide: Grand Cayman, Singapore, London, and the Philippines. Their experienced Cayman team are passionate about providing full-service global recruitment solutions to their clients on a permanent, contractual or temporary basis. Being a full-service recruitment consultancy, Invenio’s other specialisations are immigration services, general HR advice and payroll processing solutions.
Nova Recruitment
Tel: (345) 623 1029
Email: info@nova.ky www.nova.ky
Founded in 2017 with a focus on local talent, Nova Recruitment has since become synonymous with the recruitment of administrative and financial services support professionals in the Cayman Islands. Speak to their team today to see how they can help with your career aspirations.
SteppingStones Recruitment Ltd.
OS19 Harbour Walk, Grand Harbour, GT Tel: (345) 946 7837
Email: info@steppingstonesrecruitment.com www.steppingstonesrecruitment.com
SteppingStones is an award-winning, highly experienced, dynamic and forwardthinking professional services organisation headquartered in the Cayman Islands, specialising in permanent and temporary recruitment. Their dedicated recruiters are committed to identifying and securing the right career opportunities for their candidates while securing the best talent for their clients.
With beautiful beaches and year-round good weather, it is easy to see why Cayman is regarded as an ideal place to retire. Aside from the climate, what draws retirees to Cayman is that you can enjoy the ease of island life while still having access to world-class healthcare and remaining near the US. The retirement community in Cayman is thriving; the current figures show that the over-60s account for almost 13%of the population and, as a result, activities and services for seniors are increasing. Whether you intend to get involved in the community or simply relax on the beach, the lifestyle in Cayman suits any retirement model.
RETIRING IN CAYMAN - WHAT TO CONSIDER
Living in Retirement in Cayman
If you are wondering how you might spend your time in Cayman once you are retired, we thought we would include a few suggestions from our retired friends: you can golf, join a gym, do an exercise class or just walk the beach; if you are into gardening there is the gardening club and an orchid group, and you can visit the plant nurseries and work on your garden; if you are musical you can join the Cayman National Choir or the Cayman National Orchestra. There are many ways to volunteer your time too. A few examples include helping struggling readers read each week in government schools, or depending on the time of year, you could work with the National Drug Council to gather statistics for their annual school drug survey. Every four years, when there is a general election, the Elections Office look for independent observers who
Retiring
in Cayman
For those contemplating retiring, growing old and spending their final days in Cayman, this chapter details the things you will need to think about. For those who have lost a loved one, it covers everything you might need to know about wills and probate, repatriation and the various burial options.
Photos courtesy of Heather Holt
are willing to volunteer their time. There is a very good bridge club that meets twice a week, and there is also a mahjong club. If you play tennis, pickleball or squash, it is easy to book daytime lessons to improve your stroke, and you can join the league that plays each week. You can also meet friends for coffee, tea or lunch, and we have lots of wonderful churches where you can take part in their weekly Bible study, and then join them on Sunday mornings. Have a look at the Community Life chapter on page 432 for more ideas.
Discounts for Those Over 65
Although it is not widely publicised, a few places give a discount to those over the age of 65. For example, Hurleys supermarket give a 10% discount to seniors on Thursdays, although you must be prepared to show ID to prove your age. If you are Caymanian and you are renewing your Cayman passport, it is now free for those who are 65 and older. The post offices will give a CI$25 discount to seniors when they renew their annual PO box fees, and when you go to renew your driving licence or vehicle registration, you will get a 50% reduction on the fees. Cayman National Bank also has parking spaces close to the bank that are specifically reserved for seniors, and you could ask the Chamber of Commerce for one of their discount cards as you will get a 5-10% discount on any business that supports the Chamber.
Health Insurance for Retirees
All residents of the Cayman Islands, regardless of age, are required to have health insurance coverage from an approved Cayman Islands health insurer, and all health insurance companies are required, at the very least, to offer residents the minimum coverage which is called the SHIC plan (Standard Health Insurance Coverage). However, some Cayman health insurance companies (One Health and Aetna) only offer group plans with a minimum of 10-20 people, so unless your company can create a ‘retirees’ plan for you then you cannot get health insurance
from them. CG Britcay only offers people over 65 the SHIC plan, and you have to go through a broker to get it. There are three insurance brokers who specialise in offering health insurance plans to retirees and these are Bogle Insurance, Cayman Insurance Centre and Financial Integrated Services. Cayman First, BIF Insurance and Vanguard also offer the SHIC plan and as an individual you can go to them directly to get health insurance coverage.
The SHIC plan will cost a healthy 65 year old CI$167 per month, but if you have serious health issues, or have ever had cancer, it could well be double, triple or more per month. This plan will cover your legal requirement to have health insurance, but the amount it covers you for is generally acknowledged to be woefully inadequate! Your annual maximum coverage is CI$100,000 and the plan has a lifetime maximum of CI$1,000,000.
Vanguard is a good local option that covers people over the age of 65, and you can go to them directly or through a broker to get a plan. In July 2025 they quoted us CI$167 for the SHIC plan, CI$700 for their Select plan, CI$838 for their Choice plan and CI$2,000 for their Platinum plan (per individual aged 65). They appear to be the only insurance company in Cayman that offers premier plans to retirees. You will however, pay more if you have a preexisting condition, and the cost of the plan will go up each year, especially if you use it.
Cigna is another option and although they are an overseas insurance company, they do cover the Cayman Islands. You can use any doctor or private hospital, the plans can offer unlimited annual coverage, and if you are prepared to customise your plan so that you have an annual deductible, the fees are reasonable. They also have no maximum age, nor do their fees go up each year. For more information email: katie. singleton@cignahealthcare.com.
Another good option that covers Cayman, is IMG. They offer worldwide coverage, and again you can customise your plan so that it excludes certain countries and has a deductible. We were quoted
US$2,600 per month for two people aged 65, with worldwide coverage, a US$250 deductible and CI$5 million per person maximum lifetime coverage. It does not, however, extend to people over the age of 74. If you are prepared to have the same plan, but with a US$5,000 deductible and exclude the USA and Canada, then the cost is US$1,191 per month for two people aged 65 for their Silver plan. For a quote email: richard@4tdomrep.com or check out www.imglobal.com where you can play around with the options and get a quote.
Medical Care in Cayman
Grand Cayman has three fully equipped hospitals, easy access to internationally trained doctors and specialists, and some of the most advanced medical equipment in the world. If there was one place outside of the US where you could be guaranteed to receive first-rate medical care, you can be assured that Cayman is it. For more information on Cayman’s health system, see the Health and Wellness chapter.
End-of-Life Medical Laws
The Health Care Decisions Act (2022 Revision) addresses the problem that healthcare providers and families face when a patient is too ill to communicate their treatment preferences. The introduction of ‘Advance Health Care Directives’ by this law, commonly known as ‘Living Wills’, provides a legal framework to express your wishes regarding medical treatment while you are mentally competent. The Advance Health Care Directive is a document that sets out in writing which life-sustaining measures you would want to be applied to you under different circumstances, including a ‘Do Not Resuscitate’ order and the refusal of life support if you are in a vegetative state.
It is also possible to appoint one or more people as proxies to make medical decisions for you should you become mentally incapable. To be legally appointed as a proxy, you must be an adult and satisfy certain principles, such
as being mentally competent. Should the proxy holder die or renounce their duty, and the patient is mentally incompetent, the patient’s doctor automatically becomes the decision maker. It is highly recommended that you consult a lawyer to guide you through this process, given the potentially serious implications involved for your health and wellbeing.
The Health Care Decisions Act prohibits physician-assisted suicide and does not affect those who were in palliative care prior to the introduction of this law or the right of a person to receive palliative care.
The Human Tissue Transplant Act (2013) and the Human Tissue and Transplant Regulations (2018) came into effect in 2018. The law allows adults (18+) to register as organ donors. People under 18 years of age need parental consent to register and can only donate regenerative tissue (e.g. bone marrow). This law excludes the donation of foetal tissue, sperm or ova and prohibits the trading of human body parts. If you have not registered as a donor prior to your death, your organs/tissues cannot be donated once you are deceased.
In addition, a Human Tissue Transplant Council has been established to monitor compliance with the law and oversee the new donor registry. The registry has the potential to connect Cayman with the overseas organ donation network, whereby patients gain priority on other international registries. For more information on the healthcare system, see the Health and Wellness chapter.
Life Insurance
As you approach retirement, it is important to review your life insurance needs, especially if you want to ease the financial impact on loved ones when you pass away. Life insurance can help cover funeral costs, settle outstanding debts, or support everyday expenses like rent, groceries or caregiving needs. There are different types of life insurance designed for different stages of life:
> Term Life insurance offers coverage for a set period of time, such as 15, 20, or 30 years and is typically more affordable than permanent policies. It’s especially helpful if you still have financial obligations like a mortgage or dependent family members. If you pass away during the policy term, your beneficiaries receive the full benefit amount. This type of coverage is a practical option for many approaching retirement who want to ensure financial stability during their remaining working years or early retirement.
> Final Expense insurance, sometimes called end-of-life insurance, is designed to cover funeral and burial costs or other small debts. It is a simplified policy and does not require a medical exam, making it an accessible option for those who may not qualify for traditional coverage later in life. Premiums and coverage amount vary based on your age, gender, and the type of policy you choose. It is wise to speak with a licensed insurance advisor who can help assess your personal situation and
guide you to the right solution for your retirement plans.
Juliet Osbourne - Life Insurance
Tel: (345) 916 0500
Email: juliet@julietosbourne.com www.julietosbourne.com
Whether you need life insurance to cover your mortgage or protect your family and loved ones, Juliet can provide a policy to suit your lifestyle and budget. Juliet also offers annuities, critical illness policies, as well as other insurance products to safeguard you and your family’s future. Contact Juliet for a quote by phone or email.
Michael Webster - Life Agent
Tel: (345) 925 5433
Email: michael.webster@cic.com.ky www.lifeinsurance345.com
Michael Webster offers protection for both your mortgage and family. He offers term life, mortgage protection term life and whole life policies. For peace of mind, call for a free, no obligation quote. SEE AD PAGE 164
Home Care Assistance
Immigration Considerations
The Cayman Islands welcomes wealthy retirees as long as they have enough money to buy a house and support themselves in old age. Without a regular tax base, the CI Government is not able to support an ageing population. If you are the dependant/spouse of a Permanent Resident and they die before you do, the right of the surviving spouse to reside in the Islands may be revoked at the discretion of the Director of Workforce Opportunities & Residency Cayman. The surviving spouse may, within three months, apply for the Grant of Residency Certificate for Persons of Independent Means upon satisfying the requirements.
Senior & Retirement Homes
The Pines Retirement Home
60 Pines Drive, George Town Tel: (345) 949 5650
Email: info@thepinescayman.com www.thepinescayman.com
The Pines Retirement Home is a non-profit
organisation established to provide residential accommodation to meet the needs of elderly citizens during their retirement. Over time, the emphasis has moved to the provision of care provided by registered nurses in response to the needs of the community. There are 48 beds consisting of private rooms, double rooms, and wards. The cost is CI$3,410 per month for regular care residents, CI$7,150 per month for heavy care residents, CI$3,960 per month for private rooms, and CI$150 per night for respite care. These rates include three meals per day and snacks, as well as varying levels of assistance with activities for daily living, housekeeping, outings and more. Daycare is provided Monday to Friday from 8.30am5.30pm for a rate of CI$50 per day. This allows seniors to spend their day at The Pines, participating in numerous activities. The home is open to all citizens of the Cayman Islands.
Poor Relief Payments
For those too elderly to work, who are over the age of 65 and are in great need, the Department of Financial Assistance (formerly
the Needs Assessment Unit) currently offers a monthly stipend. However, a full assessment of needs must be undertaken and then the level of assistance required is investigated. This is only open to Caymanians and you must be resident in Cayman. The department is located at 55 Seafarers Way, 1st Floor Aqua Mall, George Town. They are open MondayThursday 8.30am-4pm in person and until 5pm over the phone. On Fridays they are out visiting the different districts. Tel: (345) 946 0024 or email: dfainfo@gov.ky.
HEALTHCARE PROVISIONS
In-Home Healthcare
With an ageing population and an increasing number of people choosing to retire in the Cayman Islands, the demand for in-home nurses continues to grow. Such nurses provide home-based care for patients, typically in the form of follow-up treatments post-discharge from a hospital or long-term nursing care at home for adults with a chronic illness, injury or disability. The following agencies are well-versed in offering inhome healthcare and nursing services:
Tel: (345) 916 5925 or (345) 916 1601
Email: aaacaregivers@candw.ky
AAA Caregivers provides in-home healthcare services and has qualified nurses, and nursing assistants, all with a tertiary education and 5-10 years of experience caring for and nursing the elderly. Available for visitors and residents.
Email: support@caringhandscayman.com www.caringhandscayman.com
Caring Hands Cayman, a professional in-home healthcare provider, is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life, dignity and independence of Cayman’s elderly residents, the sick, or those incapacitated and in need of nursing care at home, whether they are residents or visitors.
Tel: (345) 923 9567
Email: kescaregiving@gmail.com www.kesnannyand janitorial.com
Elderly care offered with kindness, compassion and patience. Services include transportation, medication reminders, bathing and grooming, companionship, hospital visits, errand services, laundry, light housework and nature walks.
SEE AD OPPOSITE PAGE
Palliative & Hospice Care
For many years, people living in Cayman have been very fortunate to have access to free palliative and hospice care at Jasmine. The charity provides care to improve the quality of life for people living with a serious illness and support for their loved ones. Palliative care can be useful throughout any serious, long-term illness and can be provided alongside treatment, not just at end-of-life. Care can be provided at a patient’s home, the hospital or at Jasmine’s purpose-built facility, depending on the needs and wishes of patients and their families. Anyone needing palliative care support from Jasmine can be referred by themselves, a family member, next of kin, or a physician. Referrals can be made by completing the form at www.jasmine. ky/contact/referrals/, by emailing nurses@ jasmine.ky, or by calling (345) 945 7447.
Jasmine
31 Jasmine Blossom Way, West Bay Road
Tel: (345) 945 7447
Email: info@jasmine.ky www.jasmine.ky
Jasmine is a non-profit organisation dedicated to providing free palliative and hospice care to individuals in the Cayman Islands facing serious illness. Their team, including a Palliative Care Physician, specialist nurses, and trained caregivers, supports patients at any stage of their diagnosis, working alongside primary care physicians to deliver symptom relief, emotional support, patient advocacy, and bereavement services. Over 90% of Jasmine’s funding comes from the generosity of the local community.
Wills & Probate
There is no inheritance tax in the Cayman Islands. Cayman Islands law allows for complete freedom of disposition, meaning that you can dispose of your Cayman assets on your death as you please, subject only to the law of your domicile. It is extremely difficult to contest an otherwise valid Cayman Islands will, and so it is recommended that you have an understanding of the probate process and an up-to-date will.
Post-death, the law requires a grant of probate or letters of administration to be obtained from the Grand Court of the Cayman Islands to enable personal representatives (usually those persons nominated as executors in the Will) to administer the deceased’s Cayman Islands estate. Court fees of around CI$250 are payable to the Cayman court, excluding legal fees (if applicable) to prepare the application. The application for probate must be filed within six months of the date of death, otherwise an additional application has to be made to the Grand Court for special leave. When probate or letters of administration are granted, it empowers the personal representatives to deal with the deceased’s Cayman Islands assets. It is advisable to obtain multiple copies of the grant of probate or letters of administration if there are multiple assets to administer.
It is important to note that under the Succession Act (2021 Revision), executors are only entitled to very modest remuneration. However, the Will may allow more generous remuneration.
The Formal Validity of Wills (Persons Dying Abroad) Act (2018) prescribes that a Cayman Islands Will is considered valid if it conforms with foreign or Cayman Islands execution formalities. This law also applies to Wills created before this law came into force in 2018.
The Succession Act (2021 Revision) and the Wills Act (2018) have introduced provisions for civil partners to be considered equal to married persons as a matter of Cayman Islands law.
Foreign probates or letters of administration (with certificated translations, if necessary) can be resealed by the Cayman Probate Court, at which point such resealed foreign legal documents will be effective in administering any Cayman Islands assets.
Dying intestate (i.e. without making a Will) can sometimes make matters more complicated. If a Cayman-domiciled person dies intestate, a closely connected person, such as a surviving spouse or surviving adult child, must apply to the Grand Court for letters of administration. Once obtained, this legal document empowers them to deal with the deceased’s assets in accordance with the Succession Act. Many people attempt to take on the responsibility of acting as a representative of an intestate estate and then immediately find themselves overwhelmed. In order to navigate this complicated process, it is advisable to seek advice from a duly qualified attorney-at-law. The benefit of having a local representative who is familiar with the Cayman Islands legal system cannot be overstated. Their familiarity with the rules could save your estate from significant expense, not to mention alleviate the stress placed on bereaved loved ones who may otherwise find themselves having to negotiate the requirements of a country that they may not be familiar with.
Drafting a Will
Although anyone can draft their own Will, there are certain legal requirements that must be met in order for it to be valid. Take advice from an attorney to make sure your Will:
> Is unambiguous
> Clearly sets out your wishes
> Meets legal requirements.
Attorneys can also provide additional services, such as the retention of your Will.
Letters of Wishes
A letter of wishes often accompanies a Will, setting out additional, non-binding requests. Such letters can be a great comfort to family members who find themselves unsure about where to begin when dealing with their final
Simple instructions include where your life insurance policies, annuities and pension plans are held. Also included are your bank account details, your electricity, water, internet account numbers, your computer password, a list of your fixed assets, your digital assets, the names of your attorney, accountant and doctor, and generally all those items that only an individual may know. Setting this out in a letter of wishes will save your representative hours of digging through papers and making telephone calls trying to determine where your assets are held. Giving precise details can save your estate from potential losses due to unidentified assets. Your attorney will ask you to provide the following information:
Family Information
> What is your full name, date of birth and home address? What is the full name of your spouse, their date of birth and address? What are the full names, dates of birth and current ages of your children? Were there any previous marriages? If so, were there any children from that previous marriage? What are their names and ages?
Key Roles in Your Will
> Names and addresses of your proposed executors: maybe a trusted friend as one and a trusted family member as the other. You need to explain your relationship to these people.
> Name and address of guardians to your children, although this is only relevant if your children are young.
Gifts
> Pecuniary bequests – These are legacies of cash that you may want to leave to someone.
> Legacies of property – You will need to identify the specific item/property that you want to leave to someone.
> Beneficiaries of the rest of your estate –This is whatever is remaining in your estate and can be given to one person, or it can be divided between several people.
> Substitute beneficiaries of your estate – In this section, you need to name a substitute to inherit your estate should the named beneficiaries die before the estate can be given to them.
> Age of inheritance – You will be asked if you want to specify an age when your beneficiaries inherit the residue of your estate. This is only relevant if your beneficiaries are very young at the time of you writing your Will.
> ‘Worst case scenario’ gift – You need to name a charity, family member or friend who will inherit your estate if everyone you have named in your Will dies and cannot inherit it.
Assets & Liabilities List
The final portion of the Will requires you to list your assets, liabilities (mortgages and outstanding debts), as well as any life insurance policies you may have and the details of your pension plan. A law firm can assist you in writing a Will and your Letter of Wishes, or advise you on probate. Refer to the Running a Business chapter for a list of law firms that will be able to help.
Inheritance Tax & Domicile
For foreign residents, inheritance tax may still be due in their country of domicile. Your lawyer will be able to determine whether you are domiciled in Cayman or advise you on how to change your domicile to Cayman. Purchasing a grave plot in Cayman and insurance that pays for your remains to be repatriated to Cayman are two ways to prove your domicile is in Cayman. For more information, see the Immigration chapter.
Law Firms with Family Practices
Cayman Family Law
Zephyr House, Ground Floor, 122 Mary St., GT Tel: (345) 746 5290
Email: info@caymanfamilylaw.com www.caymanfamilylaw.com
Cayman Family Law is a boutique law firm specialising exclusively in family law, including advice and assistance on Wills and probate
matters. They can also provide advice on the preparation of lasting powers of attorney and obtaining guardianship orders.
Collas Crill
Tel: (345) 949 4544
Email: cayman@collascrill.com www.collascrill.com
Collas Crill is an offshore law firm with offices in Cayman, BVI, Guernsey and Jersey advising both local and international clients in a full range of property legal services. SEE AD PAGE 141
Hampson and Company
4th Fl, Apollo House East, 87 Mary Street, GT Tel: (345) 623 7788
Email: info@hampsonandco.com www.hampsonandco.com
Hampson and Company offers experienced and comprehensive dispute resolution and litigation services with particular emphasis on family and matrimonial law, contentious probate and estate matters, and the defence of personal injury and medical malpractice claims instructed by insurers. SEE AD PAGE 395
HSM
68 Fort Street, George Town Tel: (345) 949 4766
Email: info@hsmoffice.com www.hsmoffice.com
As a full-service law firm, HSM lawyers provide guidance on the preparation of Wills; the obtaining of grants of probate or letters of administration; and the re-sealing of foreign probate matters. They represent clients in connection with non-contentious and contentious trust and estate disputes. The HSM Group specialises in litigation, restructuring, insolvency, private client, immigration, employment, corporate and commercial, family law, property, intellectual property and debt solutions. SEE AD OPPOSITE PAGE 55, 95 & 142
Ogier
4th Floor, 89 Nexus Way, Camana Bay Tel: (345) 949 9876
Email: cayman@ogier.com www.ogier.com
With over 30 years’ presence in the Cayman Islands, Ogier provides specialist legal services
to clients planning for their retirement. Their Cayman-based team works seamlessly with colleagues across their global network to support both local and international clients with all aspects of estate planning, wills and probate. They advise on will drafting, probate applications, estate administration and executorship, inheritance matters and mental capacity planning. Whether you’re based in Cayman or abroad, their team provides clear, tailored guidance that reflects your personal wishes and circumstances.
Stuarts Humphries
Kensington House, 69 Dr Roy’s Drive, George Town Tel: (345) 949 3344
Email: buck.grizzel@stuartslaw.com www.stuartslaw.com
Comprehensive wills and probate services for residents of the Cayman Islands and non-residents who have assets in the Cayman Islands, such as real estate, shares in companies or bank accounts. SEE AD PAGE 70
Travers Thorp Alberga
2nd Floor, Harbour Place, 103 South Church Street, George Town Tel: (345) 949 0699
Email: info@traversthorpalberga.com www.traversthorpalberga.com
Travers Thorp Alberga has an experienced succession and estate department focusing on all types of estate planning, inclusive of trusts, Wills and probate proceedings, both local, international and multijurisdictional. SEE AD PAGE 393
END OF LIFE IN CAYMAN
When a person dies, the next of kin is left with a number of decisions and arrangements to make. Fortunately, undertakers are there to help guide family and loved ones through the process. The main decision to be made is whether the body is to be buried, cremated or repatriated. Funeral homes help in all three scenarios. There are two funeral homes in the Cayman Islands: Bodden Funeral Services and Churchill’s Funeral Home. Both provide the same range of services and similar funeral packages, although Bodden Funeral Services has the only crematorium in the Cayman Islands.
Overview of the Process
When a person dies in the Cayman Islands the process is as follows:
As a full-service law firm we draft trusts and wills as well as set up foundation companies and family offices for both residents and non-residents of the Cayman Islands. We are able to assist those who have assets in the Islands whether real estate, shares in a Cayman company or bank accounts. We represent clients in connection with trust and estate disputes as well as provide guidance and advice on legal issues arising from trust and estate administration matters.
> If the person has been under the direct care of Jasmine then you need to call Jasmine’s emergency number first. The next person you call is your chosen funeral home. Someone from Jasmine, and someone from the funeral home, will arrive. They will take the deceased to a hospital where an examination is carried out and the person will be pronounced dead. The body is then moved to a funeral home.
> If the deceased has not been under the care of Jasmine, then the next of kin must call 911, explain how the person was found, and they will send a police officer to the house. However, 911 will ask you “was it
a sudden death?” and if it was then they will send the police, ambulance and fire truck. They will then try and resuscitate the person, and the police wil take a report. If it was not a sudden death and the person died of old age, make sure to make that clear when you call 911. Then find their ‘Do Not Resuscitate’ form or the paramedics will be under an obligation to try and resuscitate. When the police arrive, they will ask for the ID of the deceased and they will ask for lots of information. Once this has been completed, you can call the funeral home who will arrive and take the deceased to the hospital, where a medical practitioner determines whether further investigation is required.
> Meanwhile, the undertaker will collect the necessary information and complete the paperwork for the death certificate. This is then presented to Medical Records, where the attending physician verifies the information, fills in their portion and sends it to the General Registry. When the death certificate is ready, the body is released to the funeral home for burial, cremation or repatriation. Additional death certificates can be ordered online on the Cayman Islands General Registry website (www.vitals. ky) or at the Government Administration building for a fee of CI$10 per copy.
Burial
If the deceased’s wishes were to be buried, the next of kin must decide, with the help of the undertaker, on a casket, clothing for the deceased, whether to hold a service and, if so, what type of service
The average funeral package is CI$3,500 and these costs should include everything other than flowers, announcements and the funeral programme.
When calling the funeral homes, ask these questions:
> Do they charge a storage/cooler fee to keep the body for the days before the funeral? If so, how much is it per day? It can take time for loved ones to get to Cayman and a funeral can often be delayed for one to three weeks. A cooler fee can easily add
CI$1,000 to the cost of the funeral package.
> How often can you view your loved one and is there a fee to view the body?
> What make and material is the casket that is included in the basic package? Upgrading to a different casket can add upwards of CI$500 to your bill.
> Ask what the basic package includes. It usually includes: transfer of the body to the funeral home, cool-storage of the body in their facility, all clerical paperwork, embalming (required for repatriation), dressing, restoration, hair and make-up, coffin, viewing at the funeral home, staff for the service, transportation, hearse for the coffin, free bus for the family to the gravesite, gravesite equipment (chairs, tent, drinking water and coffin lowering device), vault sealing, guest books, one newspaper announcement and four radio ads. It would not include flowers, additional announcements or the funeral programme.
> If the deceased is a civil servant, died in a tragic accident, or is under the age of 18, then ask if the funeral home will offer you a discount.
Burial Assistance
For those in need, the Department of Financial Assistance (formerly the Needs Assessment Unit) can provide financial support to bury loved ones. They can give families a maximum of CI$3,500 towards a low-cost funeral package that is offered by the funeral homes to clients of the assitance unit. The department may also be able to provide up to CI$1,200 towards the cost of a vault. You will need to visit the office, fill in the required forms and wait to be assessed by one of the officers. They are located at 55 South Church Street, George Town. Tel: (345) 946 0024 or visit https://my.egov.ky/ web/dfa.
Pre-planning Funerals
In most countries, it is not uncommon for people to pre-plan their own funeral and then leave this plan on file with their chosen funeral home. You can also buy a government or a private burial plot in
advance and let the funeral home know the details. Leaving a plan for your funeral can take a huge weight off your family. You can also pay for the funeral costs in advance and the funeral home will freeze the cost no matter how much time passes before your family needs to access your file with the funeral home.
Cemeteries Management
The vast majority of cemeteries on all three islands are either privately owned family plots or government owned, but there is a private cemetery in Red Bay where anyone can buy a burial plot. Public/government owned cemeteries are managed by the Department of Environmental Health (DEH), which is responsible for the allocation of land for burial and the design and construction of burial vaults. However, the maintenance of the grounds and landscaping is carried out by the Recreations, Parks and Cemeteries Unit. Public burial plots and vaults can be bought at the Department of Environmental Health office (Tel: (345) 949 6696 or email: dehcustomerservice@gov.ky) for a fee of CI$1,200 for adults and CI$600 for children, only after an individual has died. Family plots cannot be purchased in advance at public cemeteries because most sites are full and it will be hard to obtain a plot next to your loved ones. Private cemeteries in Cayman are still monitored by the Department of Environmental Health to ensure that the vaults are constructed to DEH specifications. However, these are not available for public purchase as most of them are on family-owned land that is used as a grave site for that family only. The Garden of Reflection on Prospect Point Road is a private cemetery in Red Bay that has grave plots available for the public to purchase. This cemetery currently has over 300 available plots. Grave plots can be purchased for CI$4,250-$7,500 and the cost includes landscape maintenance. The plots are sold and managed by Crighton Properties, and the company maintains accurate records to ensure that reserved grave plots are not built upon. You can
contact Crighton Properties on (345) 949 5250 or email: dalec@crightonproperties. com, or through your undertaker. Grave vault construction must be arranged by the family and local contractors charge between CI$2,000 and CI$2,200 to build a concrete vault. The size of a single plot is 4ft x 8ft and there is a 5% discount if the family buys more than four plots.
List of Public Cemeteries:
West Bay - By the fire station and North West Point (closed: all vaults are sold), Boatswain Bay and Batabano on Batabano Road.
George Town - Dixie, Spotts (closed: all vaults are sold) and Prospect.
Bodden Town - “Old” Bodden Town across from the Bodden Town Clinic (closed: all vaults are sold) and ‘New’ Bodden Town located on the same side of the road as the Bodden Town Police Station, going east.
East End - East End and Gun Bay. North Side - North Side and Old Man Bay.
Cremation
If the deceased is to be cremated, the main decision for the next of kin will be the type of service they want, either one with the body present, followed by a cremation, or a memorial-type service, where there is no body. Cremation packages range from CI$2,000 to CI$3,000.
Burial at Sea
With Cayman’s well-known seafaring history, sea burials are an option worth considering in the Cayman Islands. They are a natural and sustainable alternative to traditional burials. To obtain permission for a sea burial, you must submit a copy of the death certificate, a certificate of non-communicable disease and the Burial Order to the Department of Environmental Health (DEH). Once this has been confirmed, the body must be prepared for a sea burial by a licensed mortician and the casket must adhere to a specific set of guidelines that can be found on the DEH website (www. deh.gov.ky). The burial must take place at least five nautical miles from shore, at
a minimum depth of 700ft, and outside of traditional fishing grounds. Although this is not a common option, the team at Bodden Funeral Services (Tel: (345) 949 7464) has experience with sea burials and can assist you if this is a route you would like to take. If you would like to scatter your ashes at sea, the only requirement is that you do so at least three nautical miles from the shoreline.
Repatriation
For expat workers, repatriation is often the preferred choice. The next of kin will need to decide whether to repatriate the body in a casket or whether to send it as freight, which is more cost-effective. The paperwork varies considerably depending on the country the body is to be repatriated to. Repatriation to the US, Canada or the UK is quite straightforward, whereas repatriation to Cuba and the Philippines is much more complex, so the administrative costs are higher.
Funeral homes, such as Bodden Funeral Services and Churchill’s Funeral Home, will take care of all the paperwork and arrangements, including the embalming, which is required for the deceased to be shipped overseas. The basic cost is CI$3,500, plus airfare and paperwork costs.
Importing a Body/Ashes to Cayman
In the event that the death occurs abroad, you must receive permission from the DEH to bring a body/ashes to Cayman. You will need to complete the ‘Importation of Human Remains Request Form’ available at www.gov.ky/deh and submit to DEHcustomerservice@gov.ky with all the documents and information required. There is an admin fee of CI$25 for local requests. If you are sending an international bank draft, the fee is US$100 (due to CI Government treasury policy, the department cannot accept international bank drafts under US$100). Requests must be made at least 48 hours prior to the body/ ashes arriving in the Cayman Islands. If granted, you will receive a letter of approval
that must be presented to Customs upon the body/ashes’ arrival.
Funeral Planning
Needless to say, arranging a funeral or memorial is a distressing affair, but funeral homes do all they can to ease the stress and make the process as straightforward as possible.
Funeral homes offer a pre-planning service, so that if a person is in the end stages of life, their family and next of kin have the option to talk with undertakers and make key decisions and plans ahead of time.
It is also worth noting that one can take out final expense insurance coverage, which, depending on the policy, will cover some or all of the funeral costs.
Funeral Homes
There is no set time frame within which burials, cremations or repatriations must occur and, barring any unforeseen complications, these can usually take place as little as two to three days after death.
Bodden Funeral Services
117 Walkers Road, George Town
Tel: (345) 949 7464
Email: sruby@boddenholdings.com
www.boddenfuneralservices.com
Bodden Funeral Services has been serving grieving families in the Cayman Islands with respect, dignity and compassion for over 60 years. With great attention to detail, care and guidance, they offer burial or repatriation and are the only option for cremation services in Cayman. Their undertaker is available 24 hours a day to assist your family in times of need.
Churchill’s Funeral Home
328 Eastern Avenue, George Town
Tel: (345) 943 4663
www.churchillsfuneralhome.com
The professional staff are committed to providing dignified, respectful, and compassionate assistance to every family.
Immigration
Passports & Domicile
An overview of work permits, employment rights certificates, permanent residency, visas,
and domicile. Find out more about Cayman’s
At Cayman Resident, we are often asked how many days one can stay in the Cayman Islands as a visitor. By law, a person who has no other basis to enter the Cayman Islands (i.e. a work permit), and no right to residence, may be admitted into Cayman as a visitor for up to six months, with extensions permissible in rare circumstances thereafter. However, many people arriving in Cayman will be permitted entry for an initial 30 days only, unless they own property in which they will be staying and can demonstrate an ability to maintain themselves during their stay. If a person is admitted as a visitor, wants to stay longer and an extension beyond 30 days was not approved on initial arrival, then they must go to Customs and Border Control (CBC) located on 94A Elgin Avenue in George Town before their time runs out, fill in an extension form and request to remain longer. This process can also be done online at www.cbc.gov.ky. Fees of CI$50 are payable for the first extension and CI$100 for each further extension. Note: It can get quite expensive after a few months! However, if you plan well in advance and come prepared with a letter showing you can support yourself, have health insurance and have somewhere to live, you may possibly be given a longer period to stay upon landing. If a visitor is arriving for a significant period, like many of our
ENTRY FOR VISITORS/TOURISTS
Photos courtesy of Bryan Winter & Rebecca Davidson
returning ‘snow birds’ do over the winter, they will generally be admitted for up to six months. For this, they must show the entry officer their return ticket, a very recent bank or investment statement showing that they have sufficient funds to support themselves and a hotel/condo reservation or a lease. This paperwork is looked at very discreetly and returned to the visitor. If the visitor owns a home in the Cayman Islands and can show the Land Register, then a six month permission will be granted to them and other visitors accompanying them.
PROPOSED IMMIGRATION CHANGES
In May 2025, following the general election, the new government proposed sweeping changes to our immigration system. At the time of going to print (September 2025) nothing has been cast in stone, but the proposed changes include:
1) introducing term limits for expat civil servants; 2) creating a national workforce database that connects Caymanians on university scholarships with employment opportunities; 3) the Permanent Residency (PR) points system will be restructured to prioritise community impact rather than accumulating points; 4) there will be much stricter transitions between work permits; 5) those marrying Caymanians will have to be married for 22 years before they can become Caymanian; 6) Fees for work permits will be increased for the first time in decades. As soon as the changes are announced we will update our website.
NEW ARRIVALS WITHOUT CAYMAN CONNECTIONS
If you are looking to move to the Cayman Islands and are neither Caymanian, nor married to a Caymanian, a work permit holder or a permanent resident, below are the normal ways you can become a legal resident:
1) Work Permits
a) Full Work Permit (FWP)
b) Temporary Work Permit (TWP)
c) Business Visitor’s Permit & Visitor’s
Work Visa
2) Government Contracted Worker
3) Special Economic Zone Certificate (SEZ)
4) Student Visa
5) Certificate of Direct Investment
6) Residency Certificate (Substantial Business Presence)
7) Residence as a Person of Independent Means
8) Certificate of Permanent Residence for Persons of Independent Means
It is worth noting that an overriding principle of Cayman Islands Immigration Legislation is that employment and career opportunities are offered to Caymanians before any other nationality. Caymanians are given preference over similarly qualified expatriates and employers must generally take steps to provide training opportunities to Caymanians who have the potential to fill a particular position. With the reality that Caymanians have already become a minority in their own Islands, the law expects that efforts be made to ensure that a balance of other nationalities exists so that no other nationality is culturally or numerically dominant. If a Caymanian cannot be found for the position, then preference in employment opportunities is required to be given first to the holders of Residency and Employment Rights Certificates and finally, to other persons who are already legally and ordinarily resident in the Islands, including existing work permit holders and their approved dependants. As a general rule, only if these categories of persons are unavailable for a position will a permit be granted to a person who is from overseas. Applications for most immigration permissions are made to the Department of Workforce Opportunities & Residency Cayman (WORC).
1. WORK PERMITS
Not every foreign national working in the Cayman Islands needs a work permit. There are specific categories of persons who are exempt from the requirements; for example, Cayman Islands Government
employees. Others can be exempted subject to strict requirements; for example, journalists representing a recognised news organisation, and non-executive directors of companies carrying on business in the Cayman Islands are allowed to attend board meetings, provided they remain in the Cayman Islands for no longer than ten days. A few other examples of people and activities that are exempted include: visitors who are coming to Cayman to organise, attend or speak at a conference or seminar; those representing an overseas educational institution who have come to promote or interview applicants for places, and those visiting for the purpose of servicing or repairing products under warranty.
Despite being a British Overseas Territory, no advantage is given to British nationals over any other nationality.
a) Full Work Permit (FWP)
A Full Work Permit allows a person to work and remain in the Cayman Islands for a specified period. All work permit fees are the responsibility of the employer. The law prohibits employers from requiring employees to pay any part of such fees. Annual fees range from nil (for positions in education) to CI$32,400 and above for the most senior positions in the legal industry. It is an offence for any non-Caymanian (who is not expressly exempted from the work permit regime) to engage in gainful occupation in the Islands without a work permit or alternative permission.
Prior to granting or renewing a permit, the relevant Board or the Director of WORC will need to be satisfied as to a number of matters, including: 1) the need to engage the services of the prospective worker; 2) attempts to find a Caymanian or other person who is already legally resident to fill the role; 3) the character of the worker (and any dependants); 4) the sufficiency of the salary proposed for the position; 5) the availability of suitable accommodation; and 6) the protection of local interests. The person is also required to have proficiency in the English language if from a non-English speaking country.
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Many skilled workers are granted a permit for between two and five years, with a renewal fee payable each year. Note: Work permits for self-employed people are only issued in exceptional circumstances. Employers in the private sector, excluding those employing household staff, must hold a valid Trade and Business licence, or alternative licensing commensurate with the industry in which they are operating.
Standard Term Limit (9 Years)
All foreign nationals gainfully employed in the Cayman Islands are currently entitled to be considered for the grant of a work permit for up to nine years. After eight years, most residents can apply for Permanent Residency. However, if they do not apply and are subject to the nineyear term limit, they will not be granted any form of work permit until they have ceased to be resident in the Cayman Islands for at least one year. In most instances, this means they will be expected to leave the Cayman Islands for a minimum of 12 months. Visits in the intervening period for vacation as a genuine tourist does seem to be generally permitted.
Note: There are exemptions to the term limit provisions. For example, a person married to a government worker or a person whose term limit is set to expire before that of their spouse can seek to arrange for their permit to be renewed for as long as their spouse is permitted to continue living and working in Cayman.
In order to understand the reasoning behind the Government’s creation of limits on work permit terms, it is helpful to know the history of the population increase in this diverse community. The Cayman Islands has undergone a dramatic change since the early 1970s. At the start of that decade, the population was approximately 10,000 people and now, 50+ years later, around 90,000 people live in Cayman. Much of this dramatic increase has come about as a result of foreign nationals settling on the Islands and obtaining permanent rights of tenure. With that change has come not only strains on infrastructure,
but also recognition amongst generational Caymanians that their culture might be overwhelmed if the process is not managed correctly. There is also a perception by many Caymanians that their participation in the success of Cayman is diminishing. Whilst the people of the Cayman Islands are welcoming towards foreign nationals, there has been a realisation that continuing to invite ever-increasing numbers of individuals to acquire security of tenure and become permanent inhabitants of Cayman is unsustainable. The Government has announced that it is taking steps to deal with the situation, but the public awaits confirmation of what those steps may be.
Registering a Job on JobsCayman
It is a requirement that almost all jobs are registered on the WORC web portal (www. worc.ky) prior to applying for or renewing a work permit. The first thing you need to do is register your company and then you can register the specific job that you are trying to fill. Call WORC on (345) 945 9672 if you need help with the process.
Required Forms
All immigration permit forms and instructions can be downloaded from WORC’s website (www.worc.ky). Note: An original Police Clearance Certificate (and a certified translation if not in English) is required. At present, there is a general expectation of there being a raised seal on such documents. Translations are generally required to be provided through an approved local translator (see page 71 for translation services providers). Make a copy of all the paperwork submitted and keep it on file for the rare occasion that the paperwork is lost by the Dept. of WORC.
Police Clearance Certificates (for those already resident in Cayman for six months) These forms must now be requested online: 1) Visit www.eservices.gov.ky and click on the ‘Apply for a police clearance certificate’ tab. 2) Fill in the form. 3) Upload the picture page of your passport and a current work permit stamp for
work permit holders. 4) Request for the police clearance to be emailed or mailed to you. The former takes two days and the latter about four weeks. 5) Pay CI$25 per police clearance.
Medical Declaration Letter
All work permits over three months in duration, including Work Permit Renewals, Permanent Residency and Caymanian Status applications, must be accompanied by a completed medical letter. Spouses and children over the age of 18 must also submit a medical letter. Among other things, the medical exam requires you to blood test for TB, HIV and VDRL, and you need a chest x-ray. Medical letters are required every 12 months. See www.worc.ky for more info.
Change of Employer, Promotion or Redesignation
Subject to some exceptions, the holder of a work permit may not change their employer for the duration of a permit. Changing employers upon the expiry of a work permit is permitted, although a release letter from the previous employer is usually requested before the relevant Board or WORC official will grant a permit in favour of a new employer. Protections are in place to prevent expatriate workers from falling victim to unscrupulous employers and WORC will assist workers as appropriate in relevant circumstances. Workers should however not assume that a work permit will be granted in favour of a different employer. Every application is dealt with on its merits and based on the circumstances prevailing at the time.
During the course of a work permit, the holder may not be promoted or redesignated without their employer notifying the relevant Board (or director of WORC) and without formal consent being received. This restriction is intended to protect opportunities for Caymanians and to ensure that due revenue is collected. Applications must be made well in advance, with new positions not started until after all required approvals have been forthcoming.
Rules on Residing in Cayman Whilst a Work Permit is Processing WORC generally requires that you be off-Island while a Full Work Permit (FWP) or Temporary Work Permit (TWP) application is in process. Therefore, do not book your flight to Cayman until your permit has been approved. Furthermore, although the vast majority of applications are approved without issue, there can be no guarantee that any application will be ultimately successful. However, if you are already on-Island and are switching from one employer to another, you may not need to leave the Island while your new work permit is processing. Having said this, you should make sure that your release letter from your current employer is dated to take effect on the exact date on which you hope to be authorised to commence gainful occupation in the service of your new employer. If this is not possible, then you may be required to get a visitor’s stamp in your passport when your current work permit is cancelled to avoid any prospect of you being labelled as an overstayer.
Dependants of a Work Permit Holder
The relevant Immigration Board must be satisfied that the worker has sufficient income available to adequately support any dependants. Currently, the Board would expect to see a minimum monthly household income in the region of CI$3,500 for one dependant to be included, with an increase of CI$500 for each additional dependant. This is a guideline only. In every case, the character, reputation and health of your dependants is taken into consideration, as well as whether you can comfortably afford to feed, house, educate and maintain them in the Islands. There is a possibility that you are granted a work permit, but your children are not allowed to accompany you if your income is considered insufficient.
Each year, a fee of CI$250 will be collected for each dependant of a worker in the unskilled category and CI$500 for each dependant of a worker in the skilled category. It appears to be open to the employer and the employee to agree between them who will pay for this, as it does not constitute part of the Work Permit fee. A non-refundable fee of CI$200 per person is also collected for repatriation. Either you or your employer can submit the letter applying for your spouse or children to be a dependant on your work permit, but your employer must submit a letter indicating the number of hours per week you work, your monthly income and any other benefits you receive. If each parent is working, then the employers of both must provide a letter. If your family members are not added as dependants, then they can only stay here as temporary visitors. Note: Only the following can be dependants of a work permit holder: spouses, children (including step and adopted children), grandchildren, parents, stepparents, grandparents, brothers, sisters (including half-brothers and halfsisters) and civil partners. This means that girlfriends, boyfriends, “common law spouses” and fiancées cannot be listed as dependants. However, the Cayman Islands now generally recognises legally
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married same-sex spouses as dependants, although the relationship may need to be formally registered as a Civil Partnership. If a girlfriend or boyfriend comes to the Island without their own work permit, they will be allowed in as a visitor and likely will be given as little as 30 days to stay. It would help their case if they arrived at the airport with a letter from their ‘sponsor’ (the permit holder) that states they will be supported while they are here. If they come in with this letter, they might be given a total of three to six months to stay. Stays of longer than six months in any calendar year by any person classed as a visitor are, in normal circumstances, unlikely to be permitted.
Children Over 18 Years as Dependants
Children who are dependants of work permit holders can only remain on a parent’s Work Permit after the age of 18 if they are, a) in full-time tertiary education or b) in special circumstances (for example, the child is unable, for medical or other exceptional reasons, to maintain themselves). Should your child turn 18 before they finish secondary school, the Immigration authorities will usually allow your child to remain in Cayman, although not formally as a dependant on your work permit, until they complete their secondary education. However, if your child chooses not to go on to university or college and they want to continue living in the Cayman Islands, then their only option may be to try and get a work permit. At this point, they are competing with every Caymanian and Permanent Resident school leaver who will have precedence over them, placing them at a distinct disadvantage in seeking job opportunities. Depending on when they moved to Cayman, they may also run afoul of the Term Limit provisions.
Divorced or Divorcing Couples
If an expatriate couple living in Cayman decide to divorce, any non-working, previously dependent spouse will have no particular right to stay in Cayman. Residence based purely on the presence
of children is not contemplated by the Immigration Act. Children in such circumstances can remain as approved dependants of the parent who is on a work permit or Government contract, and can continue to attend full-time education until adulthood (as late as 24 if attending university). However, the formerly dependent parent will likely only be able to remain if they obtain their own work permit (including through the Special Economic Zone regime) or Government contract; or, alternatively, secure some form of residency as a person of independent means. They may be permitted to remain as a tourist, but remaining in such a capacity for more than 90 days can present difficulties, and no permission ought to be expected after six months in any year.
On the other hand, the former spouse of a Caymanian, who is the parent of Caymanian children, will be allowed to remain (subject to various approvals) and be permitted to work until the children complete their education or their 24th birthday, whichever happens sooner.
b) Temporary Work Permit (TWP)
In appropriate circumstances and upon suitable application, the Director of WORC or their designate may grant a Temporary Work Permit to an individual, permitting them to engage in gainful employment in the Cayman Islands. Such permits, if granted, range from terms of one month up to a maximum of six months and generally cannot be extended or renewed. An eight-month permit, or ‘Seasonal Work Permit’, is also available and can span the high season in the tourism industry.
While Temporary Work Permits are often used as a bridge between the arrival of an expatriate worker and the issuance of their Full Work Permit, their use for persons who are not genuinely intended to be temporary employees (except in exceptional circumstances) is discouraged. Nevertheless, where urgency is required in the granting of a work permit and the seeking and gaining of permissions, the authorities will tolerate the use of the
Temporary Work Permit regime to achieve expedition.
Notes on a TWP: 1) A medical letter is only required if the permit is being sought for more than three months; 2) There is no prohibition on applicants for TWPs having dependants; 3) TWP applications can be expedited on payment of an ‘express fee’, which can, in normal circumstances, guarantee initial processing within 72 hours. Anticipated changes in the system, which are expected to reduce the application time for many Full Work Permits to as little as two weeks, will likely significantly reduce the ability of employers to rely on Temporary Work Permits for full-time positions.
c) Business Visitor’s Permit & Visitor’s Work Visa
Any business in Cayman that regularly needs workers to come from overseas to work for no more than 14 days on any particular visit may seek to apply for a Business Visitor’s Permit, allowing such individual(s) permission to work for a specified number of visits per year, subject to strict limitations. These Business Visitor’s Permits are not available for people attending for one visit only.
There is also a category of Visitor’s Work Visa that permits individuals who are employed outside of the Islands (and who wish to visit for up to five calendar days at a time to engage in commercial activity with a locally licensed entity or person/sponsor) to apply for the grant of a Visitor’s Work Visa. To obtain a grant on arrival, the local business or visiting worker must download a ‘Letter of Invitation’ form from the Immigration website and email it to imm-vwv@gov. ky at least 24 hours before they are due to arrive. It should be noted that once approved, the person will be required to pay CI$100 at the airport. The Visitor’s Work Visa is not available to those who are employed in a professional capacity (lawyers, accountants, medical professionals, architects, surveyors, teachers and other occupations), or
who are otherwise not entitled to a work permit by virtue of having reached their term limit. The Visitor’s Work Visa also does not exempt someone from the requirement to obtain an entry visa if they possess a passport from a country that would otherwise require a Visitor’s Visa to enter the Cayman Islands. In addition, a business visitor may not hold more than one Visitor’s Work Visa in relation to the same sponsor or sponsors within the same calendar month, but unlike a Business Visitor’s Permit, a Visitor’s Work Visa may be used for a single visit. Visitor’s Work Visas are dealt with by the Department of Customs and Border Control (CBC), not WORC.
2. GOVERNMENT CONTRACTED WORKERS
Any person employed as a civil servant by the Cayman Islands Government, or employed by other prescribed employers, including the Government of the United Kingdom, does not require a formal work
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permit and will have the appropriate permissions for them and their approved dependants to live in the Cayman Islands stamped into their passports. As of 2026 a term limit will be applied to such persons, but they are eligible to apply for Permanent Residence pursuant to the points system once they have been resident in the Islands for more than eight years. Care must be taken to ensure that any dependent children are able, should they wish, to remain resident in the Cayman Islands in the event that they cease to be classed as dependants on their parent’s Government contract.
3. SPECIAL ECONOMIC ZONE CERTIFICATE (SEZ)
These certificates are, in effect, a special category of work permit. They are only available to employees of entities (‘Special Economic Zone Enterprises’) established within Cayman Enterprise City’s SEZs, including Cayman Tech City, Cayman Commodities & Derivatives City and
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Cayman Maritime & Aviation City. Zone certificates enjoy certain advantages over traditional work permits, including a lower cost to employers and an exemption from any requirement to prefer Caymanians or other legal residents for any employment. Accordingly, no advertising is required as part of the application process and the permissions are capable of being granted in only a few weeks. Applications can be made to Cayman Enterprise City and a number of local corporate services providers can also assist enterprises established within the SEZ.
4. STUDENT VISAS
A non-Caymanian who is 18 years of age or older, seeking to enter the Cayman Islands to attend a recognised educational institution on a full-time basis, may be granted a student visa. The student should be self-sufficient or provide proof of support from other means. They must also submit a medical letter and a police clearance certificate when applying. The
application process generally takes four weeks. The student visa does not allow the student to engage in any gainful occupation. The student is expected to leave the Cayman Islands upon completion of the programme. Student visas can be granted for a period of up to four years but may be extended for a further 12 months. A person on a student visa may, after the proper application, have a dependant added to their application. It is possible, in appropriate circumstances, for a student to be given a visa to study online whilst in the Cayman Islands, even though the institution is not physically here.
5. CERTIFICATES OF DIRECT INVESTMENT
Wealthy individuals who are in a position to invest a substantial sum in an employmentgenerating business or businesses in the Cayman Islands may wish to participate in an incentive scheme intended to attract investors and their dependants. Such individuals, provided they can demonstrate an investment (or imminent investment) of a minimum of CI$1,000,000 in an employment generating business (or businesses) on the Island, may apply to the Director of WORC for a Certificate of Direct Investment.
Approval-in-Principle Certificates, which are valid for six months, are available prior to applying for a full certificate. Full certificates are valid for 25 years and are renewable. Such a certificate entitles the holder to reside in the Cayman Islands and to work in the business in which the holder has invested.
The spouse and dependent children (where applicable) of the holder of a Certificate of Direct Investment will, on successful application, be granted a Direct Investment Holder’s (Dependant’s) Certificate, permitting them to reside in the Islands for the duration of that certificate. The application fee is CI$1,000, with a further CI$20,000 payable on issue of the certificate and an additional CI$1,000 payable for each approved dependant.
6. RESIDENCY CERTIFICATES (SUBSTANTIAL BUSINESS PRESENCE)
A Residency Certificate (Substantial Business Presence) is available to individuals who either own at least a 10% share in an approved category of business or will be employed in a senior management capacity within such a business. In each case, the business must have a substantial presence in the Cayman Islands. It is designed and intended to be less onerous than the more established option of a Certificate of Direct Investment and is not limited to owners of the business.
Approved categories of business include: fund administration, brokerage services, investment and fund management services, investment banking, financial trading (including foreign exchange, securities and derivatives), captive insurance or reinsurance management services and underwriting, actuarial services, insurance claims management, family office, hedge fund administration, any business in Cayman Brac providing back office support, and any company registered as an exempted company under section 164 of the Companies Act (2018 Revision). It is expected that people in these positions would fill a senior management capacity and, therefore, ordinarily attract an annual work permit fee of CI$20,925 or above (CI$5,000 or above if based in Cayman Brac). Provided the Director of WORC is satisfied that the applicant and any spouse have clean criminal records and that they and any dependants are in good health and possess adequate health insurance, as well as fulfilling the other requirements, the applicant will be issued a 25-year Residency Certificate. A grant fee of CI$5,000 is due on issuance, with a further CI$1,000 payable in respect to each approved dependant. In addition, Certificate holders are required to pay an annual fee equivalent to that payable by a work permit holder in the same occupation.
7. RESIDENCE AS A PERSON OF INDEPENDENT MEANS
For foreign nationals not wishing to work in the Cayman Islands but simply wishing to have the right to reside, there are alternative options. In particular, one can apply to the Director of WORC for a Residency Certificate, which is valid for 25 years and is renewable. To reside in Grand Cayman, the person must show proof of an annual income of at least CI$120,000 (without engaging in employment in the Cayman Islands) along with an investment of CI$1,000,000 (of which CI$500,000 must be in developed real estate). The remaining CI$500,000 must be invested in a locally trading company or property. Holding assets with a broker or monies in a local bank account (whilst encouraged) does not count for these purposes. Investing in a local business, or even one which has publicly traded shares, such as Caribbean Utilities Company, can count. Most often, applicants will simply buy a substantial home (or a number of apartments) and immediately meet the requirement.
A deposit maintained in a local bank or institution of no less than CI$400,000 deems an applicant to have sufficient funds (and income) to maintain themselves and their dependants.
To become resident in Little Cayman or Cayman Brac, proof of an annual income of CI$75,000 without the need to be employed in the Cayman Islands is required, as well as an investment of CI$500,000 locally, of which at least CI$250,000 must be in developed residential real estate.
Whichever Island is to become your home, there is a one-time fee payable on grant of CI$20,000, and a further CI$1,000 payable for each approved dependant. The initial application fee is CI$500. The CI$1,000 dependant’s fee is then payable annually. The process of applying for a Residency Certificate is relatively straightforward, although at present requires approximately four months to be processed. Legal fees for this option are unlikely to exceed CI$8,000.
Note: With this form of Permanent
Residency, you can never claim to have changed your domicile. Those seeking to establish a formal domicile in the Cayman Islands are generally advised to seek a Certificate of Permanent Residence.
8. CERTIFICATES OF PERMANENT RESIDENCE FOR PERSONS OF INDEPENDENT MEANS
This is the ultimate permission which can grant Permanent Residence with the right to reside permanently in the Islands for the rest of one’s life. It is based on investment, rather than on waiting eight years to become eligible to apply, subject to a points system, for Permanent Residency. Unlike Residency for Persons of Independent Means, this option has no expiry date and qualifies the holder (upon certain criteria being met) to become eligible for Naturalisation as a British Overseas Territories Citizen (BOTC) once they have been legally resident in Cayman for five years, and have held Permanent Residence for at least one year. Once Naturalised, they are entitled to a BOTC (Cayman Islands) passport. Upon further application for registration as a British Citizen, they can become a full British Citizen. Neither Cayman nor the United Kingdom require the surrender of any existing citizenship. Finally, once a person has been a BOTC for five years, they can apply to become Caymanian.
In order to qualify for the Certificate of Permanent Residence for Persons of Independent Means, applicants will be required to have invested a minimum of CI$2,000,000 in developed real estate and possess sufficient financial resources to maintain themselves and their dependants. An applicant will also need to demonstrate that they and their dependants are in good physical health and are of good character. The number of these types of certificates is restricted to an annual quota of 250 set by the Cabinet. The application fee is CI$500 with a further CI$100,000 due upon grant and an additional CI$1,000 payable per dependant.
The right to work in an approved
occupation can be gained subsequently with an annual fee thereafter payable, equivalent to a work permit fee, for as long as employment is maintained, or until the individual becomes a Caymanian.
Enforcement
Breaches of the Immigration Law are treated as quasi-criminal by the Department of WORC and can have very serious consequences for all concerned. Overstaying, working or employing someone without or outside of the terms of permission granted may result in arrest and prosecution.
For those expatriates with a connection to the Cayman Islands, various options may be available. These are as follows:
1. Permanent Residency with the Right to Work
a) Based on application made after 8 years of living in Cayman
b) Based on being the Spouse of a Permanent Resident
c) Based on being the Child of a Permanent Resident
d) Based on being the Spouse of a Caymanian
2. Permanent Residency to Work) as a British Overseas Territories Citizen registered by entitlement by virtue of a connection with the Cayman Islands
3. Naturalisation
4. Acquisition of the Right to be Caymanian.
1. PERMANENT RESIDENCY (PR) WITH THE RIGHT TO WORK
a) Based on application made after eight years of living in Cayman Almost all persons who reach eight years of continuous legal ordinary residence in the Cayman Islands are eligible to apply for Permanent Residence with the Right to Work. Applicants are assessed under a points system which seeks to be as objective and transparent as possible, and those achieving 110 points or more are assured of a grant. If you are successful in gaining a Certificate, you must annually submit a declaration in respect of your job, investments and other factors, including the status of your dependants. There is a
condition whereby if the Certificate holder sells an investment that was listed in their application for PR, they must purchase an alternative qualifying investment within 180 days and inform the Board, with the details of the transaction, within 30 days. An unsuccessful applicant (who does not appeal) will be given permission to continue working for no less than 90 days, following which they will be expected to leave the Islands. An application for Permanent Residence with the Right to Work can be administratively onerous, although applicants, particularly those individuals who prepare over the years leading up to it, are likely to find their application successful.
Under most conditions, if an applicant is successful, then they can remain in the Cayman Islands indefinitely, provided an annual fee is paid by them or their employer, which is the equivalent of the fee paid for a Full Work Permit. They can work for any employer, although limitations are
RIGHTFROMTHESTART.
entitled to fill. Variations may be granted with the prior approval of the Caymanian Status and Permanent Residency Board or Director of WORC. Factors considered in a Permanent Residence application include:
> Your Occupation, Including Whether it is “Priority” in Nature: 15 points are presently available for each and every occupation, with (at least theoretically) another 15 bonus points available in relation to occupations which have been determined by the CI Government to be “Priority” in nature. No list of “Priority” occupations has been published at time of writing.
> Education, Training and Experience: A point is available for each year of experience that an applicant has been in their role (after a minimum threshold of two years and subject to a maximum of 10 years). Points are also available based on levels of academic or other qualification relevant to their occupation or role. For example, persons with professional qualifications are eligible for 15 points, whilst possessing an Associate’s degree will garner 8 points. A total of 25 points are available.
> Local Investments: Investment in Cayman Islands real estate and/or in a locally licensed company has the potential to generate up to 30 points. The total amount paid towards such investment(s) (including the full amount of any mortgage payments, the cost of renovations, where applicable, and stamp duty paid) is assessed relative to an applicant’s income over the prior five years. This is subject to a minimum threshold of CI$50,000. Investments in excess of CI$500,000 are guaranteed maximum points.
> Financial Stability: Evidence of savings held in local bank accounts (again relative to income) generates points. The maximum 15 points available will be awarded to any applicant who can demonstrate that they have (and have maintained) in excess of 5% of their last 12 months’ income in a local bank account. Further additional points are based on annual salary and income. By way of example, a person earning CI$55,000 each year will (generally) be awarded seven points. However, in calculating the points
available for a given salary, a deduction is made from the salary in respect of dependent children. The amount deducted varies depending on whether or not the child is of school age. Of vital importance is your ability to provide for the healthcare and educational needs of your family.
> Community Involvement and Integration into the Caymanian Community: Up to 20 points are available. By way of example (provided more than 35 hours are spent over a year in relation to relevant participation), two points will be awarded for each year an applicant has been engaged in relation to the rehabilitation of offenders, whilst participation and assistance in a local service club will generate 1.5 points for each year. Other points can be gained through charitable donations. Working with children and vulnerable adults may garner more points to your contribution to the community. Outstanding initiatives to get involved in include the Aim Higher mentoring programme (email: pamella. mitchell@kobrekim.ky) and the LIFE (Literacy is For Everyone) programme (email: volunteer@life.org.ky). See the Community Life chapter to get other ideas of where to get involved. You may be eligible for slightly more points if you can demonstrate that you have been training or mentoring Caymanians, especially if the mentoring is outside of normal work hours and is unrelated to your employer.
> History and Culture Test: You will be asked 40 multiple choice questions and will receive half a point for each correct answer. The questions on the test have generally been taken from the following books: The Cayman Islands in Transition (by J.A. Bodden; Roy Bodden), Founded Upon the Seas: A History of the Cayman Islands and Their People (by Michael Craton), Foundation - The Arts and Culture of the Cayman Islands Volumes 1-4 (by the Cayman National Cultural Foundation), Caymanian Expressions: A Collection of Sayings and Expressions Used in the Cayman Islands (by Kevin M. Goring), plus local media and facts regarding community and cultural events. The University College
of the Cayman Islands offers a four-week course that covers the history, culture, political system, general facts and the evolution of the economy of the Islands. It appears to be highly relevant to the test.
> Close Caymanian Connections: Having a close relative who is Caymanian will result in an automatic award of points. The number of points varies depending on the nature of the relationship.
> Demographics and Cultural Diversity: Points are awarded based on an applicant’s country of origin, provided their nationality is below 10% of the number of work permits in force. At present, Jamaicans and Filipinos are ineligible for points. Citizens of these countries already comprise approximately 38% and 18% of work permits in force in the Cayman Islands, respectively.
> Age: Applicants are eligible for varying points depending on their age. The most “desirable” bracket is in respect of applicants aged between 25 and 35. 10 points are awarded for persons falling within this range as of the date of application.
> Deductible Components: Points can be lost in defined circumstances, including where an applicant suffers from a contagious disease that could make them a danger to the community, are proven to have mistreated fellow workers, have criminal convictions or where they do not have an adequately funded pension.
The Board has the power to revoke the Permanent Residence of any holder who “fails to maintain the level of financial investment stated in the application”. The law also states that if false information is provided or a material fact is concealed in the application, the Board may revoke any Permanent Residence granted. Permanent Residents are required to report details of their circumstances annually. Finally, if persons become destitute subsequent to the grant of permanent residence, it may be revoked. Harsh as this might sound, without a large tax base available to provide an extensive social safety net, the Cayman Immigration (Transition) Act seeks to ensure that only people who will not
become a burden on society are awarded PR. As the current system stands, unless you own a property or shares in a business in Cayman, it can be difficult to make enough points to qualify for Permanent Residency. Applicants are likely to gain the most points should they purchase a property well before being eligible to apply, as any mortgage payments (including interest) will count in the assessment. The Cayman Islands Government is understood to be reviewing the system and prospective applicants are accordingly encouraged to seek points across the fullest possible range of opportunities.
Permission to Continue Working (PCW)
When a person applies for Permanent Residency, they must apply for and be granted Permission to Continue Working (PCW) before any existing work permit expires. Otherwise, they will have to cease work when their latest permit expires. In that case, they are not entitled to work whilst awaiting the outcome of their application for permanent residence until they have a PCW stamp in their passport. A PCW stamp attracts the same fee as a sixmonth work permit and must be renewed every six months while the application is pending. Most Permanent Residence applications are presently dealt with in approximately 12 months.
The Next Step for Permanent Residents
Many people have asked what happens next once someone has been granted Permanent Residency (PR). Below we explain.
> Naturalisation:
PR, you only need to wait 12 months from the date of approval before applying to be Naturalised on the grounds of residency. This is an essential step if you would ultimately like to apply for Cayman Status (other than on the basis of being under 18 and the child of a Caymanian, or the spouse of a Caymanian).
> The Right to be Caymanian (Caymanian Status):
years have passed (or you are Naturalised and have been resident in the Cayman
Islands for 15 years, whichever happens earlier), you can apply for Caymanian Status. See the Right to be Caymanian section in this chapter for more information.
How to Appeal a Permanent Residency Refusal
If your PR is turned down, the first thing you have to do is decide whether you are going to appeal the decision or not. If you choose to appeal, the next step is to serve a formal Notice of Appeal on the Secretary of the Immigration Appeals Tribunal (IAT), which is located in the Government Administration Building. Your Notice of Appeal ought to be received by the IAT within 28 days of your application being refused. At this point, all you need to include in the letter are: a) the grounds under which you are filing the appeal (i.e. that the refusal was (i) erroneous in law (ii) unreasonable (iii) contrary to the principals of natural justice or (iv) at variance with the Immigration Regulations); b) the decision against which the appeal is made; c) a copy of your original application and the refusal letter (if the latter document is available); and d) a bank draft for CI$1,000 made payable to the CI Government, which is
The IAT will then forward all of this to you. You are then required to file detailed grounds of your appeal with the IAT and serve a copy on WORC within 28 days of receipt of the Appeals Statement. In your appeal you must provide written arguments as to why you disagree with the points given in each section, raise any relevant other factors and provide any supporting evidence/documents. The use of an attorney in relation to the preparation of rebuttal grounds of appeal is strongly encouraged as many of the details can be very technical in nature.
The IAT will review all the documents and decide whether the appellant’s case has merit. If the IAT decides in favour of the appellant, this will be communicated. The successful appellant will then be given an opportunity to submit updates and/or provide fresh evidence for consideration, and any changes in circumstances as it relates to the application. The IAT will then reconsider your application and assess you afresh against the points system. Once the Tribunal has made its decision, the IAT Secretariat will inform you of it.
Cayman Immigration Services
stress about the paperwork. Leave the details to us.
Don’t
them on your government contract and paying no fees for them. There are other rules worth considering.
The dependent spouse of a Permanent Resident can and (in most cases) should apply for their own Permanent Residence and Employment Rights Certificate (RERC) in their own right, as soon as their spouse is granted Permanent Residence. They do not have to wait the usual eight years of residency and do not have to take any test or be subject to the points system. They should also apply to be naturalised after having PR for one year and then apply for the Right to be Caymanian as soon as five years have passed, or they have been living in the Cayman Islands for a total of 15 years. Do not overlook your children’s Naturalisation and Status application in this process!
Many people just carry on having their Residency and Employment Rights Certificate (RERC) as the Spouse of a Permanent Resident ‘tied to’ their spouse’s PR since there is no time limit on the award. This can, however, create problems down the line. For example, a problem arises when one of the spouses applies for and is granted the Right to be Caymanian. At this point, the RERC holder/spouse (and children) must have their Immigration status in the Islands ‘regularised’ within 45 days. In effect, and according to the interpretation applied to date by the authorities, the spouse can no longer be deemed the dependant of a PR holder when the person is now a Caymanian –and if applications are not made promptly, they can lose the right to live in Cayman.
As it pertains to accompanying children, as long as they are under the age of 18 and the parent acquires Cayman Status, they can apply for the ‘Acknowledgement of the Right to be Caymanian by Entitlement’ within those 45 days, provided they have resided in Cayman for a minimum of one year. If there are some accompanying children who are over the age of 18, they must apply within 45 days for a continuation of their Residency under Section 39 of the Immigration (Transition)
Act, but only if that child has been legally and ordinarily resident in the Islands for a minimum of seven years. Being away for schooling does not affect their ability to apply (provided Cayman has clearly remained their home throughout). Such applications are dealt with by the Director of WORC. It is very important that this rule is understood, as applying for Permanent Residency under Section 39 of the Immigration (Transition) Act grants the child PR independent of their parents. Serious issues have also occurred when Permanent Residents have become Caymanians. A policy provides that all dependent spouses have exactly 45 days to apply for Caymanian Status (if they have been married for over seven years) or for a Residency and Employment Rights Certificate as the Spouse of a Caymanian (if they have been married for under seven years). However, people have run into immovable problems if their marriage has broken down in the intervening years. One of the requirements in the Immigration (Transition) Act is that you can hand-onheart tick the box saying you have a stable marriage. If you cannot, then there are no particular rights remaining for you in the law; your certificate, as the spouse of a Permanent Resident, may have become void and you cannot now swap it for Caymanian Status. This means you may not be allowed to stay in the Cayman Islands. If you have children, the consequences can be devastating. It can accordingly be extremely important to make all relevant applications in a timely manner.
c) Permanent Residency Based on Being the Dependant Child of a Permanent Resident
An expatriate child of a Permanent Resident (even if the child has a Cayman Passport) must, in most cases, be a dependant on a parent’s Permanent Residence. Upon turning 18, most will be eligible to apply for Permanent Residence in their own right under section 39 of the Immigration (Transition) Act. They can do this without being subject to the points
system, provided they have been legally and ordinarily resident in the Cayman Islands for seven years prior to the application being made, were named on their parent’s application and approved, and are of good character. Their parent must also continue to be a Permanent Resident or have become Caymanian. Any such application must be made before the child turns 19 (ideally prepared even before they turn 18), but if the parent’s RERC has been varied to allow the child to be a dependant past 18, it can be made up until the child is 24, provided the child is still in tertiary education or within six months of the end of such education. They will then be able to apply to become Caymanian once they have been in Cayman for 15 years and are Naturalised or Registered, or five years after having been Naturalised or Registered and become a British Overseas Territories Citizen (BOTC). An expatriate child of the expatriate spouse of a Caymanian, and whose expatriate parent holds a RERC (Residency and Employment Rights Certificate) as the spouse of a Caymanian, can be added as a dependant of their parent until they are 18 (unless they continue into tertiary education and their permission is varied).
d) Permanent Residence as the Spouse of a Caymanian
The spouse of a Caymanian has no inherent right to live or work in the Cayman Islands (apart from any unexpired permission they may have held before being married to a Caymanian) unless they apply for and have been granted a Residency and Employment Rights Certificate as the Spouse of a Caymanian. The Cayman Islands Government has now amended the Law and these RERCs are now permanent in nature. Unlike other RERCs, these place no restrictions on occupation, presently require no annual declaration and require no annual fees. These certificates can, however, be revoked and may become void in the event of a breakdown in marriage. It can take several months to obtain a RERC as the Spouse of a Caymanian and so it
is recommended that you apply as soon as possible. Only where the application is made while the applicant has a work permit, can the applicant continue working while the application is pending.
Death or Divorce From a Permanent Resident
The surviving or former spouse of a Permanent Resident is required to notify the Director of WORC and the Caymanian Status and Permanent Residency Board of their change in circumstances within six months. Within these six months, the surviving spouse or former spouse may be eligible to apply for the grant of a Residency and Employment Rights Certificate in their own right. It may be important to consult with a lawyer or reputable immigration services company to confirm your standing and options in the event of appropriate circumstances arising.
2. PERMANENT RESIDENCY
BASED ON REGISTRATION BY ENTITLEMENT AS A BRITISH OVERSEAS TERRITORIES CITIZEN
Any child who is born in the Cayman Islands and whose parent subsequently becomes a Permanent Resident or lives the first 10 years of their life here may, immediately upon their tenth birthday, seek Registration as a British Overseas Territories Citizen (BOTC) by Entitlement. All persons so registered have prima facie right to remain in the Cayman Islands for life (and hold a BOTC (Cayman Islands) passport). Applications in relation to children who have lived in Cayman for the first 10 years of life are independent of a parent’s immigration status and cannot be denied to a child who meets the criteria. This reality is a reason for the rollover policy. It also creates an enormous opportunity for the Caymanborn children of those to whom the rollover is not applied, including Civil Servants and anyone exempted from term limits, such as persons married to government employees or even work permit holders.
3. NATURALISATION
If you are a Permanent Resident adult and not married to a Caymanian, getting Naturalised as a British Overseas Territories Citizen (BOTC) is an essential step in the process of acquiring Caymanian Status.
Once you have had PR for 12 months (and have lived in Cayman for at least five years), you can apply under the British Nationality Act for Naturalisation as a British Overseas Territories Citizen (BOTC) by virtue of a connection with the Cayman Islands. As part of the application paperwork, you will need to provide a current travel history from CBC. If you have been outside of the Islands for longer than 90 days in total in one year, or a total of 540 days over the course of five years, then this may affect your ability to be granted Naturalisation on the grounds of residency. If you are applying for Naturalisation on the grounds of being married to a BOTC, then you ought not to have been off the Islands for more than 270 days over the course of three years leading up to your date of application. Note: You will still need to pay your PR work-related fees every year once you are Naturalised. However, the spouse of a Caymanian is not liable to pay these fees.
The spouse of a Caymanian or Permanent Resident can apply for Naturalisation 12 months from the date that their RERC was approved, provided they have been resident in the Islands for at least three years and apply on the basis of marriage to a BOTC. Application is made to the Deputy Governor and must include an up-to-date travel history covering the last five years (you can obtain this from CBC), as well as certified copies of your relevant documents and a fee of CI$825. Note: A child under the age of 18 can (on successful application) be registered as a BOTC and the cost is CI$450.
Naturalisation entitles the applicant to a Cayman Islands passport but does not make the applicant a Caymanian (i.e. does not grant Status) or give them a right to work or even necessarily to reside in the Islands. It does, however, normally entitle
the holder to ultimately apply for the Right to be Caymanian on the basis of residence, provided they remain legally and ordinarily resident in Cayman.
The fact that many people who have become naturalised or registered or have otherwise become BOTCs and possess Cayman Islands passports without being Caymanian can be potentially confusing. It is perhaps best to think of a Cayman Islands passport as a travel document, naturalisation (or registration) as becoming a BOTC (but not a Caymanian), and being Caymanian (known as possessing the Right to be Caymanian) as possessing a particular type of Immigration permission (whether by right, entitlement or grant). Not all Caymanians are BOTCs, and accordingly, large numbers of Caymanians are not entitled to hold Cayman Islands passports.
4. ACQUISITION OF THE RIGHT TO BE CAYMANIAN
Any person who has been naturalised as a British Overseas Territories Citizen (BOTC) by virtue of their connection with the Islands may, upon satisfying various residency requirements (being resident for 15 years or being naturalised for five years, whichever happens sooner), apply for the Right to be Caymanian. Individuals who have been married to a Caymanian for seven years can also apply for the Right to be Caymanian. The surviving spouse of a Caymanian can apply for the Right to be Caymanian as long as they had been married for seven years and fulfil the other criteria. A person who is the child of a Caymanian, no matter the basis on which the parent became Caymanian, is generally considered a Caymanian if they are born subsequent to their parent becoming a Caymanian. Persons who can prove that they are the child or grandchild of a Caymanian who was born in the Islands can also apply to become Caymanian on the grounds of descent. The Cabinet may, in exceptional circumstances, grant the Right to be Caymanian to up to four persons in any year.
Any individual who acquired the Right
to be Caymanian can lose that right if they move away from the Cayman Islands for more than five years (other than if they are away for medical or education purposes), and if they are convicted of an offence which was made possible by, facilitated by or connected with the grant of the Right to be Caymanian. For further details, visit www.caymanresident.com.
Spouses & Children of Caymanians
When a Permanent Resident is granted Caymanian Status, the spouse and children of that new Caymanian must have their immigration status ‘regularised’ within 45 days. In effect, the spouse/children can no longer be deemed dependants of a PR holder once the person is a Caymanian!
In those 45 days, the spouse of a Caymanian has two options depending on how long they have been married: 1) if married for seven years, the spouse may be automatically entitled to apply for Caymanian Status as the Spouse of a Caymanian, or 2) if married for less than seven years then the spouse needs to apply for a Residency and Employment Rights Certificate as the Spouse of a Caymanian. Then, as soon as they have celebrated seven years of marriage, they can apply for Status.
However, serious issues have occurred when Permanent Residents have become Caymanians and their dependent spouses have to regularise their immigration status. As explained in the ‘Permanent Residence as the Spouse of a Permanent Resident’ section earlier in this chapter, one of the requirements in the Immigration Act is that you can hand-on-heart tick the box saying you have a stable marriage. If you cannot, your certificate as the spouse of a Permanent Resident may become void in 45 days and you cannot now swap it for Caymanian Status. This is why you should always apply for Permanent Residency in your own right, and then apply for Naturalisation and Cayman Status the moment you can.
As it pertains to accompanying children, as long as they are under the age of 18 and the parent acquires Cayman Status, they
can apply for the Acknowledgement of the Right to be Caymanian by Entitlement within those 45 days. This Status, however, will expire at age 18, so it is essential that they apply for “continuation” before they turn 18. For children applying for Status, there is now an acknowledgement form in which you have to give proof of the schools your child has attended in the Cayman Islands (or overseas), proof of how the child was able to remain and reside in Cayman (whether they were a dependant on a PR or Government worker’s contract), the birth certificate of the child and marriage certificate of the parents and pay a fee of CI$50. Children who go to boarding school will not be affected as long as their home has always been Cayman, and they return home most holidays.
If there are some accompanying children who are over the age of 18, they must apply, within 45 days, for a continuation of their Residency under Section 39, but only if that child has been legally and ordinarily resident in the Islands for a minimum of seven years. Being away for full-time secondary schooling or tertiary studies (again, provided Cayman remains their home and they return for holidays) does not affect their ability to apply. It is very important that this rule is understood, as applying for PR under Section 39 of the Immigration (Transition) Act grants the child PR independently of their parents.
Marrying a Caymanian
A person who is newly married to a Caymanian needs to apply to the Caymanian Status and Permanent Residency Board for a Residency and Employment Rights Certificate (RERC) as the Spouse of a Caymanian, which allows them to remain and work in any occupation and the certificate remains valid for as long as the marriage remains stable. It no longer expires at the seven-year mark. If they are in possession of a work permit before they are married, then the work permit remains valid for its duration. Provided an application for a RERC is made before the expiry of the work permit,
the right to live and work in the Cayman Islands continues whilst the application for a RERC is pending. If the RERC is approved, after the seventh anniversary of the wedding, and as long as the marriage is still stable, the holder may apply for the Right to be Caymanian. There is a nonrefundable application filing fee of CI$300 and, when approved, there is an additional government fee of CI$400. A person who has been resident in the Cayman Islands for many years and goes on to marry a Caymanian may apply for Permanent Residency in their own right as long as they apply before they have been resident for eight years. They may also apply for an RERC. The difference is that if the marriage does not last, they will not lose their residency status. Note: The RERC must include an affidavit to the effect that your marriage is not one of convenience.
Marriages of Convenience
The Cayman Islands Government is very aware that marriages of convenience have been arranged in order for foreigners to move to Cayman, remain, live and work without paying work permit fees. Offenders will be penalised if identified. The Cayman Islands Government has recently been focusing on this issue. Hundreds of so-called “sham marriages” have been identified. They appear to fall into two distinct categories. The first, and most obvious, being where the marriage is itself an artificial arrangement to seek to defeat the immigration legislation. The second, proving more difficult to police, is where the marriage concerned started as a genuine relationship but has broken down without that change in circumstances being reported to the authorities. Legislative amendments are coming.
Former Spouse of a Caymanian
In the instance where the former spouse of a Caymanian is the mother/father of a Caymanian child, they will usually be allowed to remain (subject to various approvals) and be permitted to work in the Cayman Islands until the child(ren)
complete their education or reach their 24th birthday, whichever happens sooner. If their last child reaches the age of 18 (or is in full-time tertiary education) and the non-Caymanian parent has not obtained an alternative immigration permission before this point, then the parent will, according to the provisions of the law as presently drafted, have to leave the Cayman Islands. Such a parent will, however, have an opportunity to apply for Permanent Residence pursuant to the points system, provided Cayman has been their home for more than eight years.
IMMIGRATION SERVICES
Immigration Consultants
If you have an immigration or residency question, call one of Cayman’s immigration specialists. You can also find information on the WORC website (www.worc.ky) or you can call them on (345) 945 9672.
Affinity Recruitment Ltd.
Tel: (345) 943 2020
Email: immigration@affinity.ky
www.affinitycayman.com
Specialising in: corporate immigration services, work permits, Right to Work Certificates, immigration advice and tailored outsourcing services. For the jobseeker, they will take you through the entire process, from application and work permit submission to understanding your contract, salary, benefits and medical insurance.
SEE AD PAGE 81 & 99
Baraud
Tel: (345) 945 1781
Email: info@baraud.com www.baraud.com
Baraud has been providing advisory services on all aspects of immigration requirements in the Cayman Islands, from Temporary Work Permit and Work Permit Grants to Renewal applications, Permanent Residency, Naturalisation and Caymanian Status, as well as Permanent Residency for persons of independent means. Their thorough and extensive knowledge of the local immigration Acts and regulations, policies and procedures, coupled with their long-standing working
relationship with the Department of WORC, enables Baraud to manage your immigration challenges seamlessly. SEE AD PAGE 79
CML Immigration Services
Tel: (345) 623 1025
Email: immigration@cml.ky www.cml.ky
Specialising in work permit management and residency services, CML offers a comprehensive immigration advisory service to ensure everything goes smoothly for their clients. If you want an immigration partner that understands your business or family’s needs and won’t let you down, contact CML today.
Conyers
Tel: (345) 945 3901
Email: cayman@conyers.com www.conyers.com
Conyers is a leading international law firm with deep expertise in immigration law, offering comprehensive guidance on relocating to and residing in Cayman. Whether you’re seeking support with Permanent Residence, Caymanian Status, or Residence by Investment programmes, Conyers provides proactive advice to help you navigate the process smoothly and avoid potential challenges. SEE AD PAGE 101
HSM
Tel: (345) 949 4766
Email: immigration@hsmoffice.com www.hsmoffice.com
HSM is a full-service law firm with immigration and relocation services, including business establishment, appeals, Caymanian Status, Permanent Residency and Naturalisation applications. SEE AD PAGE 55, 89, 95 & 142
Invenio Global
42 North Church Street, 4th Floor, GT
Tel: (345) 769 7000
Email: cayman@invenio-global.com www.invenio-global.com
With qualified and professional consultants who have over 15 years of combined immigration experience, Invenio can resolve any problems you face through their Cayman immigration services. Their services include help with work permits (applications, amendments, cancellations, tracking
and reimbursements), Permanent Residency, Naturalisation, Caymanian Status, Notary Public services and more.
OWC HR & Immigration Services
Tel: (345) 327 2321
Email: info@owcservicesltd.com www.owcservicesltd.ky
Their immigration services include Canada, Cayman, Jamaica, UK and US Visa applications. Also Cayman, Jamaica, UK and US passport applications and renewals, as well as work permits, Caymanian Status, Permanent Residency, Naturalisation, British Registration, Employment Rights Certificate and more. They also offer notary services.
Reside Cayman
Tel: (345) 746 6345
Email: hello@residecayman.com www.residecayman.com
Navigating Permanent Residency, relocation, immigration and citizenship in the Cayman Islands can be a difficult process. At Reside, they use over two decades of experience to put you on the right path to paradise. They would be happy to have an initial chat to clarify any aspect of your own personal aspirations.
SEE AD PAGE 97
Stuarts Humphries
Tel: (345) 949 3344
Email: buck.grizzel@stuartslaw.com www.stuartslaw.com
Stuarts’ immigration lawyers provide comprehensive Cayman Islands immigration and Permanent Residency advice. They support many clients to relocate to and establish businesses in the Cayman Islands from various global locations. SEE AD PAGE 70
Legal Befrienders
87 Mary Street, 2nd Floor, Apollo House West Tel: (345) 945 8869 or www.dcs.gov.ky/frc
If you are seeking free legal advice on issues such as domestic violence, divorce, immigration and more, the Family Resource Centre hosts The Legal Befrienders Clinic and phone line every Tuesday from 5pm-6.30pm. At the Clinic, qualified attorneys offer free legal advice on a walk-in, first come, first served
basis. No appointments are necessary.
VISAS & PASSPORTS
Visas for Cayman
Nationals of the US, Canada, the UK and most countries within the British Commonwealth do not require visas to enter the Cayman Islands. Citizens of Jamaica (between the ages of 15 and 70), Honduras and the Philippines, for example, do. Check the ‘Visa’ section of www.cbc.gov.ky or www.caymanresident. com to see if you need one. If you hold a passport from Jamaica, India or China and you have a US, UK or Canadian Visa, you do not need a separate Cayman Visa. However, you must enter Cayman directly from the country where you hold the visa and can only stay in the Cayman Islands for 30 days. Where visas are required, they must be sought and obtained prior to travel. Contact the British Embassy or Consulate with a visa department that is nearest you. There is a dedicated visa office within the Customs and Border Control office. You can call the manager of that department on (345) 649 4579 or email: Emily.Hurlston@gov.ky. There is also one in Kingston, Jamaica. Tel: (876) 906 7866 or (876) 906 5336, or email: caymanvisa@ cwjamaica.com.
Visas for the US
If you are looking to travel to the US as a non-American passport holder with an EU member passport, you must register online at least three days before travel via the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA). Once approved, you are allowed to travel to the US for up to two years without re-registering. The website is https://esta. cbp.dhs.gov/esta. However, the intention of ESTA is for EU residents living in EU countries to use this system and not for EU residents living in the Cayman Islands. It is strongly advised that residents of the Cayman Islands obtain a US visa from the US Embassy in Kingston, Jamaica. Appointments can be made at https:// jm.usembassy.gov/services/. For questions or concerns about the non-immigrant
visa process, email: KingstonNIV@ state.gov, and for questions pertaining to the immigrant visa process, email: KingstonIV@state.gov. Alternatively, you can email andrea@travelproscayman.com or call (345) 949 8182 and enquire about the service that Travel Pros offers whereby they will help you through the process of booking an interview at the Embassy, and then they check and submit all the required paperwork for you. They then organise a hotel and a driver for your stay in Kingston.
PASSPORTS
American Passports
The US Consular Agency has an office in the Smith Road Centre, Suite 202B, 150 Smith Road, George Town. They assist with US Notarial Services, performed for US citizens, plus they help with passport applications and renewals, and also ‘Consular Report of Birth Abroad’ certificates for children born in Cayman to American citizens. The first thing you need to do is email: CaymanACS@state. gov and then you will receive an automated response which includes up-to-date links to where you can start your application process. For those needing the ‘Consular Report of Birth Abroad’ certificate, the process is as follows. You will be added to a waiting list, and then officers from the US Embassy in Kingston will come over, check your documents and interview you. If you are a US citizen experiencing a serious emergency you can call Tanya Thompson on (345) 328 0033 or the US Embassy in Jamaica on (876) 702 6000.
British Passports
Application forms for British passports (renewals or new passports) need to be filled in online and then the required paperwork, including your existing passport(s), must be couriered to Her Majesty’s Passport Office, OVS-D, Millburngate House, Millburngate, Durham DH97 1PA, England. Go to www.gov.uk/overseaspassports to get started. Payment must be made by debit or credit card online during the application process. Processing time is about four weeks.
British Overseas Territories Citizen (Cayman Islands) Passports
BOTC (Cayman) passports are issued to people who are British Overseas Territories Citizens by virtue of a connection with the Cayman Islands. They are processed at the Passport and Corporate Services office in George Town and then sent to the UK passport office to be printed. The processing time for this is currently about six weeks. Application forms for a BOTC passport can be downloaded from www. gov.ky (see the ‘Passport & Corporate Services’ tab) along with the list of required documentation. Passports cost CI$75 for a child, CI$100 for an adult and the fee is waived for senior citizens who are 65 years of age or older.
Temporary passports, which are only issued in the event of a medical air evacuation, are still produced in Cayman and can be turned around within a day for those who are eligible. The passport office is located on the 2nd floor of Sussex House, 122 Elgin Avenue and is open MondayFriday 9am-3pm. Tel: (345) 943 7678.
Canadian
Passports
There is no Canadian Consulate in the Cayman Islands so people must now go through the High Commission of Canada in Kingston, Jamaica for consular services, general enquiries and for passport services. The usual process is that you apply online through the www.canada.ca website (search ‘how to apply for a passport when living abroad’), then you will be instructed to send your original documents to the High Commission of Canada to Jamaica, 3 West Kings House Road, Kingston 10, Jamaica, Tel: 1 (876) 926 1500, Email: kngtn-cs@ international.gc.ca.
For non-Canadians who wish to visit Canada, you will need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) via the www.canada.ca website. It is very straightforward, often gets approved in minutes, and all you need is your passport, a valid email address and a debit or credit card to pay the CAD$7 fee.
Other Consular Agencies
The Portfolio of Internal and External Affairs of the Cayman Islands Government and the Office of the Governor have assembled contact details for the consular representatives of other countries. Also see the ‘Passport and Visa’ section of www. caymanresident.com for details and a full updated list of consular agencies in the Cayman Islands.
TAX STATUS & DOMICILE
UK TAX STATUS & DOMICILE
If you were once a resident of the UK but are now a resident of Cayman, then knowing how many days you can visit the UK to see family and friends is very important. Generally, if you spend fewer than 16 days in the UK in a tax year, you will not be considered a UK resident. If you have not been a UK resident for three or more tax years, this is extended to 46 days. However, if you work full time in the UK, spend 183 days or more in the UK per year, have a home in the UK in which you spend 30 days in the tax year, plus you have no overseas home, then, legally, you are assumed to be a UK resident.
There are also ties which, if combined with the number of days you spent in the UK in any given tax year, can determine whether or not you are a UK resident. These ties include family (i.e. a child in a boarding school), having a house in the UK, working in the UK and spending over 90 days in the UK. The number of ties you have dictates how many days you can safely stay in the UK before becoming a UK tax resident.
Your domicile, on the other hand, will determine if you are liable to pay UK Inheritance Tax (IHT). If you wish to avoid IHT on your worldwide assets, you must plan carefully and make positive steps to shed your UK domicile. There is no specific form to fill out to explain that your domicile has changed; however, in your annual UK self-assessment tax return, there is a section which asks you to talk about your domicile. Note: When leaving the UK, you should either
complete and submit form P85 ‘Leaving the UK – getting your tax right’ to HMRC or include details on your last self-assessment tax return. This form advises HMRC that you are leaving the UK and will help them decide if you will still be required to file a UK tax return as a non-resident.
For formal or informal advice on UK tax status and domicile, including succession and estate planning for high-net-worth families and individuals, and tax residence and domicile reviews, you can contact Paul Hotchkiss from Hotchkiss Associates Limited
Tel: +44 (1624) 872140, or visit www. hotchkiss.im.
US TAXATION OF AMERICAN CITIZENS OR GREEN CARD HOLDERS MOVING TO THE CAYMAN ISLANDS
American citizens and green card holders are subject to US tax reporting requirements even when they are not living in the US. This can include both expats and lifelong residents of Cayman. Many Americans living in Cayman can reduce or eliminate their US tax using the foreign earned income exclusion. In 2025, this means that up to US$130,000 of qualifying earned income (plus an additional amount for certain housing expenses in excess of US$36,000) can be excluded. Generally, you can qualify for this exclusion if you can show that you are a “bona fide resident” of the Cayman Islands (or another country) for at least a full calendar year and have Cayman as your ‘tax home’ – usually living and working in Cayman is enough for this purpose. Additionally, you can qualify by being physically present in Cayman for 330 days in a 12-month period (which does not necessarily need to be a calendar year) and having your tax home in Cayman.
Even if all your income is excluded and you owe no US tax, you are still required to file a tax return, declare your worldwide income and elect to take the foreign earned income exclusion. Additionally, you are required to file
information returns for your foreign bank and financial accounts (including your Cayman pension), as well as for any business entities and trusts formed in Cayman or other foreign countries.
Non-Compliance & Catching Up
Individuals who have not complied with US tax reporting requirements in past years are subject to penalties if their noncompliance is discovered by the IRS. Penalties can be in excess of US$25,000 per year in some cases, even when no tax is due.
Some individuals may be able to take advantage of an IRS amnesty programme called the ‘Streamlined Filing Compliance Procedures’ if they can certify that their non-compliance was not wilful. This programme involves filing back tax returns, including information returns for business entities and trusts formed in Cayman or other foreign countries for the past three years, along with foreign bank and financial account reports for the past six years, and paying any taxes owed with interest. In many cases, a Streamlined Filing will result in no penalties imposed by the IRS. For formal advice, contact:
Omni Cayman/John Wagner
Tel: (345) 547 4473
Email: john@omnicayman.com www.omnicayman.com
Omni Cayman in the Cayman Islands are Certified QuickBooks Pro Advisors offering professional outsourcing, including US tax filing, interim CFO, audit preparation, shareholder meeting preparations, and other accounting and consulting services. Omni has a team of qualified professionals with over 20 years’ experience coming from Cayman’s top firms, such as Deloitte, KPMG and BDO. For some clients, Omni Cayman is contracted to fulfil specific accounting roles, while for others, Omni serves as the client’s entire accounting department.
Preparing
to Move
Everything
MOVING TO CAYMAN
Moving to Cayman will probably be a very exciting and significant milestone in your life, but there are a lot of details to consider before you arrive on the island, move into your new home, unpack, start your job and then finally put your feet in the sand.
Gateways to Cayman
The Cayman Islands’ largest airport, the Owen Roberts International Airport (ORIA), is located in George Town, Grand Cayman and serves up to 1.5 million passengers annually. In the last ten years, the airport has undergone CI$45.7 million worth of improvements, which include the expansion of the terminal and significant upgrades to the runway. Originally designed to handle 500,000 passengers, the airport is now able to accommodate up to 2.7 million passengers
per year. An Airport Master Plan (2041) was announced in May 2023 which includes extending the ORIA runway into the North Sound by 1,900 feet at a cost of CI$28 million, improving the air traffic control surveillance, and building a new general aviation facility. It is expected that following the extension of the runway, ‘Code E’ planes, which include the Boeing 777 and 787, and the A350 Airbus will be able to land fully loaded.
Residents were invited to take part in the 2025 consultation process by reviewing the Terms of Reference (ToR), which outlined significant proposed changes to airport facilities across all three islands. The document was available both online and in hard copy. Public outreach meetings were held on each island during the 21-day consultation period (May 16th–June 6th 2025), offering a chance for community engagement. Feedback could be submitted via email to the Department of Environment (DOE) at doe@gov.ky, or delivered in person as handwritten comments to the DOE office in George Town. This process ensured that the project remained aligned with community interests and environmental sustainability.
The national flag carrier of the Cayman Islands is Cayman Airways and the main gateway to Cayman is Miami. Various airlines offer daily flights between Grand Cayman and Miami, and weekly or seasonal flights to Charlotte, Chicago, Denver, Detroit, Fort Lauderdale, Houston, Havana, Kingston and Montego Bay in Jamaica, La Ceiba in Honduras, London, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, Nassau, Orlando, Tampa, Toronto, Panama, New York and Washington Dulles. There are also daily flights between Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman. Other airlines that service Cayman are Air Canada, American Airlines, British Airways, Delta, JetBlue, Southwest, Swift, United Airlines and WestJet.
Cost of Flights & Flying Time to Cayman
The average cost of a round trip ticket from Cayman to Miami is
Photos courtesy of Heather Holt & Rebecca Davidson
US$325, from Cayman to New York it is US$550 and from Cayman to London it is US$1,250. Costs will vary according to high or low season and how far in advance you book your ticket.
The flying time from Miami to Grand Cayman is 1.5 hours. The flight from London is 12 hours (this incudes 60 minutes on the tarmac in Nassau). Flying time from Toronto and New York is 4 hours. Cayman Airways’ flight from Los Angeles to Grand Cayman takes 5.5 hours.
Special Services
To ensure a stress-free arrival to and departure from the island, there are a few reliable companies that offer special services to help you. Taxis are readily available on arrival at the airport, and you can find out more information on fares in the Transportation chapter.
Atlantic Aviation
Tel: (345) 949 5252
An aviation service for private and chartered aircraft, including ground handling, full assistance with customs and immigration, and a refuelling service.
Majestic Tours
Tel: (345) 949 7773
Email: reservations@majestictours.ky
Offers full airport arrival and departure services as well as transfers and island tours.
Relocation Services
It is often useful to enlist the help of a relocation consultant. ‘Destination services’, as they have come to be known, offer private and corporate clients unbiased assistance and invaluable insight into island life.
demands of busy individuals and families. From shortlisting properties and arranging viewings to coordinating the shipping of personal items, cars, boats, furniture and even four-legged family members. Minerva handles every detail, including unpacking, logistics, IT set up, vehicle purchase, insurance, etc. Their ‘little black book’ of trusted network helps clients avoid common pitfalls, securing everything from the right contractors to the best hairdressers. The Minerva Academy can even source and train your household staff. SEE AD PAGE 303
Mosaic Cayman
Tel: (345) 928 7940
Email: relocation@mosaiccayman.com www.mosaiccayman.com
Their experienced staff provides personal and tailored assistance for individuals and families relocating to and from the Cayman Islands. Relocation packages include prearrival consultations, extensive home services, schooling and vehicle solutions, pet relocation, shipping services and more. SEE AD THIS PAGE
NCI Freight & Logistics
7 Eucalyptus Bldg, 4 Printer Way, George Town
Tel: (345) 943 4624
Email: info@nci.ky or www.ncifreight.com
NCI relocation services can handle your entire process of moving to the Cayman Islands and, when leaving, they can move you anywhere in the world. Whether an individual, couple or family, their services are tailored to each client’s needs. Their services include packing, shipping, unpacking and in-home setup. As an NVCCO licensed company it enables NCI to have direct negotiations with freightliners for competitive rates. They are connected to a network of reliable freight partners globally, providing an end-to-end freight and logistics solution for clients relocating to and from the Cayman Islands. SEE AD PAGE 115 & 299
Time Zones
While the US employs daylight savings, the Cayman Islands, being nearer to the equator, has relatively equal periods of day and night year-round. There’s only about an hour difference in daylight
Minerva Cayman
13 Genesis Close, Genesis Building, GT
Tel: (345) 746 0990
Email: contact@minerva.ky
https://minerva.ky
Minerva provides bespoke lifestyle management services tailored to the daily
MOSAIC CAYMAN
PECIA, 1ST
between 20th June and 20th December, so Cayman keeps the same time all year (-5 hours Coordinated Universal Time). This means the islands share Eastern Standard Time (EST = -5 UTC) with Miami and New York from November to March. However, when the US switches to daylight savings time in March, Cayman then shares Central Daylight Time (CDT = -6 UTC) with Chicago and Houston.
Before Signing Your Contract
When planning your move to the Cayman Islands, you will need to know what to expect in terms of the cost and standard of living, as they may be very different from what you’re used to. Bear in mind that the cost of living in Cayman is high (see the ‘Cost of Living’ tables on the opposite page). Unless you are moving from an expensive city, such as London or New York, you may discover that everything from groceries and electricity bills to
SHIP WITH PEOPLE WHO CARE
maintaining a car and schooling your children will cost significantly more. The process of moving can be very costly. Before signing, find out what your employer will do to absorb or mitigate certain costs. Here are some questions that you may want to ask your new employer and some points to consider, before you accept a job offer:
1) Cost of Shipping Will the company contribute towards transporting your personal items to Cayman?
2) Accommodation & Renting a Car Will the company provide you with a place to live and a rental car for your first month on the island? See the Finding a Home chapter for temporary accommodation options.
3) Cost of Setting Up Your Life in Cayman It is worth being completely aware of the costs of setting up a home in Cayman. For example, you will have to buy a car and a year’s worth of car insurance, and pay deposits on a house or apartment, which includes deposits on electricity, water and telephone set up. You will have to take a driving theory test (even if you already have a driver’s licence from another country) and pay for a driver’s licence. For a couple without children, we estimate the set-up cost to be just under CI$12,000. However, for a couple with children, we estimate it to be closer to CI$25,000 or even more if you don’t want the most basic of second-hand cars.
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4) The Cost of Living This will invariably depend on your standard of living, but we advise that you design a budget before taking the leap to Cayman. Things to take into consideration are your salary, minus 5% pension and your portion of health insurance. Then factor in accommodation, utility bills (water, electricity, phone, TV, internet), running a car (gas, registration, licence and insurance), groceries, school fees, entertainment, activities, clothes, flights off the island, savings, etc.
5) The Currency of Your Salary What currency will your salary be paid in? If you will be paid in US dollars, is it at the going rate? For example, you might think US$70-$80,000 is a fair salary for a qualified accountant,
3
Cost of Living in the Cayman Islands
Grocery Costs
Long Term Apartment/ House Rental Rates (per month)
but it is only CI$57,400-CI$65,600 (when using the bank exchange rate of .82) and the cost of living is greater here than in the US. Be aware that you will pay for almost everything in CI dollars, so if you are paid in US dollars, you are better off taking the money you need out of the bank in CI dollars rather than paying for something at a store with US cash at a conversion rate of .80. On a salary of US$70,000 per year, you will save around CI$1,400 a year by doing this.
6) Health Insurance This is compulsory and it is essential that you ask whether your company will be covering more than 50% of the basic plan single rate as required by law. Premium health insurance coverage for an individual member may cost CI$700-CI$1,300+ per month, double that for a couple and triple that for a family. Though the law states you are required to have at least the basic plan, the premium plan should be considered for better coverage. Some employers will pay at least 50% of a premium plan, including
some or all of the insurance cost of your family. However, you will usually have a monthly deduction of between CI$500 and upwards to CI$2,000+ per month (if you are on a premium family plan and carry most of the premium costs).
7) Vacation Time How many weeks of annual holiday does your contract provide for? There is a disparity in Cayman between companies that offer only the US system of 10 working days per year and others that offer 4-6 weeks. Be sure to ask!
8) Can Your Children Join You? Unless you are guaranteed to earn a minimum of CI$3,500 per month, you will not be allowed to have your children join you in Cayman. See the Immigration chapter for more information.
9) Divorce If you get divorced during the tenure of your stay, the non-working ex-spouse will have to leave the island or obtain a work permit, regardless of whether you have children. Your children can stay if they are listed as dependants on your work permit. See the Family Matters chapter for more information.
Cayman Currency
The Cayman Islands dollar (CI$/KYD) is pegged to the US dollar and does not fluctuate. The exchange rate is CI$1= US$1.20. The cash exchange rate is CI$1 =US$1.25, which means that US$20 cash is worth CI$16. US dollars are accepted everywhere. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted and there are many ATMs throughout the island. Currency denominations are CI$1, 5, 10, 25, 50 and 100 dollar bills.
Weights, Measures & Temperature
Cayman uses the US system of miles for distances, miles per hour for speed, inches for length and pounds for measuring weight. Petrol is sold by the imperial gallon. For temperature, Fahrenheit (°F) is used and not Centigrade (°C).
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Scan for detailed cost of living scenarios
When it comes to moving to the Cayman Islands, you have three options. The first option is to do 98% of the work yourself by packing up your belongings and arranging for a company to ship your personal items to Cayman. This may be the least expensive option, but it certainly isn’t the easiest. You must be prepared to arrange for the items to be inspected and cleared by customs when they arrive in Grand Cayman, pay the Port Authority and have your items picked up and delivered to your new home.
The second option is to pack everything yourself and have a freight forwarder organise the collection, shipping and customs clearance on arrival.
The third option is to arrange for a moving company to do everything for you, from packing up your home, trucking your belongings to the port and organising the shipping to clearing it through customs in Cayman, arranging for delivery to your new home and unpacking and setting up.
If you decide to use a moving company, you will need to book it at least 8-10 weeks in advance. It’s prudent to find out if they are an accredited member of a moving association to ensure that you will have recourse if you encounter any problems.
Sort through your personal items and decide what you are going to take, then call the moving company so they can visit your home and work out a quote. Be sure to get any quote in writing, but keep in mind that most expire after 30 days.
Next, establish a time frame for your move and confirm that the insurance policy being offered has sufficient protection to cover the cargo for the duration of the journey, i.e. until you take possession at the new destination. You should also discuss the deductible. Ask your mover to provide a copy of the documents with the itinerary, along with an itemised inventory and the name of the receiving agent.
Finally, the moving company will expect payment prior to exporting or shipping
your personal effects as it will be necessary for them to prepay the freight and any other handling and destination charges. Listed next are some locally based shipping companies, freight forwarders and moving companies who, to one degree or another, can help you move your home or business effects to or from Cayman. Their standard of service is very high.
International Packers & Movers
The companies listed on the following pages offer a full international moving service that takes all the stress out of moving. They will organise the whole process for you, from professionally packing up your house and organising for your belongings to be shipped to Cayman by sorting out the relevant paperwork, paying the Port Authority and any duty, and finally, delivering the goods to your new home in the Cayman Islands. It helps make what may feel like an overwhelming process, a breeze!
NCI Freight & Logistics
7 Eucalyptus Bldg, 4 Printer Way, George Town
Tel: (345) 943 4624
Email: info@nci.ky www.ncifreight.com
SEE AD PAGE 115 & 299
StaMar Enterprises Ltd.
The Conch Shell House, 492 North Sound Rd, GT
Tel: (345) 949 2399
Email: info@stamar.ky www.stamar.ky
SEE AD PAGE 116 & 301
Cayman & Miami-Based Freight Forwarders
Freight forwarders facilitate the entire shipping process between Miami and Grand Cayman and vice-versa. When shipping to or from Miami, there are three options to consider, depending on the quantity/volume. All companies charge by cubic feet, rather than by weight. Firstly, you can book by the container load. Secondly, your belongings can be consolidated with other packages in what’s
known as ‘Less than Container Load’ (LCL), and thirdly, there is the small packages service, which is particularly useful if you’re buying items online from vendors that won’t ship to Cayman. If you need this service, you will be provided with a postal address in Miami for your package to be delivered to. It will then be shipped to Cayman. For all three services, the freight forwarder will organise all the paperwork and clear the goods through customs.
The following companies offer this type of freight service. Note: You should contact the office in your country of origin to start the process.
Cayman Islands Customs Agency (CICA)
Tel: (345) 949 2350
Email: support@cicustomsagency.ky
Web: www.cicustomsagency.ky
CICA is a customs broker with more than 30 years of experience in logistics, clearance and the handling of all types of imported goods, including personal effects. CICA offers their own secure facility to receive and process your belongings and goods, and even free storage during the customs inspection phase. With CICA, getting your new home ready is easy with twice weekly consolidated shipments, expedited air service and great small package rates. You can ship furniture, electronics, home and office supplies, and even a new vehicle. CICA can assist you with bringing them into the Cayman Islands, from any forwarder, in any country. Contact CICA to set up an account and start shopping. SEE AD OPPOSITE PAGE & 301
CICA preferred US forwarder: Deluxe Freight 11401 NW 107th Street, Miami, Fl 33178
Tel: 1 (305) 513 0156 or (345) 949 2350
Email: sales@deluxefreight.com or cayman@ deluxefreight.com
Services include twice-a-week ocean consolidations, daily air shipments and small package handling rates for cargo 12 cubic feet or less SEE AD PAGE 112 & 301
Hyde Shipping Corporation
Tel: (345) 947 4933
Email: caymanteam@hydeshipping.com
Hyde Shipping offers a consolidated shipping service whereby you can have your LCL or online shopping sent to their Miami address and it will be consolidated and shipped to Grand Cayman. They also ship full container loads, cars, boats and heavy equipment with twiceweekly sailings to Grand Cayman.
SEE AD PAGE 110
Mail Boxes Etc.
Market Street, Camana Bay and Edgewater Way, Harbour Walk Tel: (345) 745 1400
Email: info@mbe.ky or www.mbe.ky
MBE makes relocating to the Cayman Islands easier by offering customs clearance, mailbox rental services and a US address for online shopping. More information, rates and account creation details are available on their website. Ask about their New Resident Offer to get exclusive discounts on these and other essential relocation services.
NCI Freight & Logistics
7 Eucalyptus Bldg, 4 Printer Way, George Town Tel: (345) 943 4624
Email: info@nci.ky or www.ncifreight.com
NCI offers air and ocean freight consolidation, U.S. pickups and inland trucking, short to medium-term storage, repackaging, custom crating, and seamless handling of all packages for personal, household, retail, construction and commercial goods including vehicles and boats, from their fully owned and operated Miami facility. They offer both Less than Container Loads (LCL) and Full Container Loads (FCL) on their weekly shipments to Grand Cayman and the Sister Islands from their hub in Miami. NCI also offers 30 days free storage in Miami, plus customs clearance, inspection, and delivery to your door. SEE AD PAGE 115 & 299
StaMar Enterprises Ltd.
Tel: (345) 949 2399
Email: info@stamar.ky www.stamar.ky
StaMar provides customs clearance and brokerage, import and export services for personal and commercial shipments, moving services, freight forwarding from Miami, and
pre-clearance for perishable cargo. For all your online shopping needs, StaMar offers weekly and three-day priority freight forwarding services to their US delivery address with realtime tracking via the customer portal, as well as customs clearance and Cayman delivery, all at competitive rates. SEE AD PAGE 116 & 301
Shipping by Air
All local and Miami-based freight forwarders can also ship by air. Alternatively, Cayman Airways Cargo has an air shipment service, which can prove to be a cost-effective shipping option if you are moving from the US. You need to deliver the items packed for shipping to the cargo area at the airport. Once they are delivered to Cayman, you will need to either arrange for collection yourself or use a customs broker. For more information, call (345) 743 8547 or visit www.caymanairways.com/cargo.
Excess Baggage
If you are only bringing your personal effects with you, another option to consider is using your airline’s excess baggage allowance. Cayman Airways charges a fee of US$25 on the first and second bag for economy class passengers travelling internationally. The third and fourth bags are charged at US$50 each. There is no charge for up to two bags when travelling between the Sister Islands. On all their flights to and from Cayman, American Airlines charges US$35 for the first bag, US$45 for the second bag and US$200 for the third and fourth bags. Jet Blue charges US$50 for the first bag and US$70 for the second. Southwest Airlines, charges US$35 for the first checked bag, US$45 for the second and US$150 for the third bag. On the direct flight to Cayman, British Airways does not charge for the first bag, but the second bag costs £95 and the third and fourth £165. If you pay online it costs less. WestJet charges CA$45 for the first bag, CA$65 for the second and CA$150+ for the third and fourth bags.
For most airlines, fees for extra bags are often lower if you pay for them online in advance.
Shipping by Sea Transit time from Florida to Cayman is usually two to three days. You can ship your personal items through a shipping company or a freight forwarder. Upon arrival in Cayman, you or your freight forwarder of choice will be required to clear the shipment through Cayman Customs and the Port Authority, and then arrange delivery.
Hyde Shipping Corporation
Full containers:
1801 SE 28th Street, Port Everglades, FL 33316, USA
US Tel: 1 (305) 913 4933
Cayman Tel: (345) 947 4933
Email: caymanteam@hydeshipping.com www.hydeshipping.com
Hyde Shipping Corporation
Less than container loads (LCL): 3740 W 104th Street, Suite 1, Hialeah, FL 33018, USA
US Tel: 1 (305) 913 4933
Hyde Shipping sends both full containers and LCLs to Cayman every Monday and Thursday.
Mail Boxes Etc.
Market Street, Camana Bay and Edgewater Way, Harbour Walk Tel: (345) 745 1400
Email: info@mbe.ky or www.mbe.ky
MBE offers services that will make relocating to the Cayman Islands easier for individuals and families. Their services include customs clearance, mailbox services and two US addresses which you can use for online shopping. Ask about their New Resident Offer for discounts on these and other popular services.
Seaboard Marine Cayman
Port of Miami, 1630 Port Boulevard, Miami
Tel: (345) 949 4977
Email: info@seaboardcayman.com
Seaboard Marine offers shipping services to North America, Central America, South America and Caribbean islands. Full container loads and less than container shipments are available, as well as a direct weekly sailing from
Miami and regular shipments from Jamaica.
Tropical Shipping
9505 NW 108th Avenue, Medley, FL 33178
US Tel: 1 (561) 881 3999
Local Agents: Tibbetts Logistics Ltd
Tel: (345) 943 8044
customercare@tibbettslogisticsCI.com
Ships full containers (FCL) or less than containers (LCL). Their ships leave the Port of Palm Beach, Florida for Grand Cayman every Tuesday and Friday with a two-day transit to Cayman.
SHIPPING CONSIDERATIONS
Import Duty
Visitors and residents that are flying into the Cayman Islands no longer have to declare their goods through customs if they do not exceed the CI$500 goods allowance or the alcohol and tobacco quotas. If you’re entering Cayman to take up employment or residency for a period in excess of 12 months (i.e. your work permit must be for one year or more), your personal and household effects are
admitted duty-free, although they must be imported within six months of arrival. This six-month period starts the moment you arrive, rather than the date your work permit is approved. For the import of used personal effects, you must complete a ‘Declaration for Unaccompanied Baggage’ form in addition to the ‘Customs Import Entry’ form and produce proof of residency by way of a work permit or other means. Please note that it is absolutely essential that you, or the freight forwarder you have assigned, make it very clear what items are new within your packing list so that duty can be assessed accordingly. The Customs Department will charge you a duty penalty on any new items they feel have been brought in without being declared on your paperwork. If you can’t import your household items within the six-month window, it is possible to ask the collector of customs for an extension. You will need to write a letter to PO Box 898, Grand Cayman KY1-1103 or call (345) 949 4579.
Most mail-order items will be charged 22% duty and any gifts sent by family and
friends are also subject to duty. Common duty charges can range from 7% to 27%.
See the table on the opposite page for a list of goods and their duty rates. You can also find a full list on the government website: https://online.gov.ky/cols/faces/ colshtc.
Customs Clearance
Clearing your household effects through customs yourself is possible, but it can be quite complex, so we recommend that you do it through a customs broker. They are reasonably priced and know the process inside out. The cost is usually CI$75/ US$100 plus any duty you may have to pay if anything you import is deemed to be new. Visit www.caymanresident.com/move/ shipping-to-cayman/custom-brokers for a list of custom brokers and freight forwarders, and also see page 113.
If you’d prefer to handle the process yourself, here is an overview of what you need to do: > Before your shipment arrives, you will need
to pre-register on the Customs Online System (COLS) website (www. online.gov.ky/cols/faces/home). Once you submit the request, they will either approve the registration or they will advise, via email, what other documents are required. If approved, you will be given a COLS trader identification number (TIN) and login information.
> You will then be able to log in to the COLS website, where you must start the nine-step process to declare your goods. Supporting PDF documents needed will include invoices and the Bill of Lading/Airway Bill. Confirming the declaration will constitute as your electronic signature, which will be legally binding. This process is subject to change as the customs department in the Cayman Islands continually upgrades their system.
> Once the customs entry has been approved and finalised by customs, payment will have to be made at the Customs Department on Owen Roberts Drive. Make sure to call Customs before collection on (345) 949 4579. There is also a government inspection fee of CI$100 on all containers and CI$0.15 per cubic foot for less than container load shipments.
> For air freight, you will need to go to the customs warehouse on Owen Roberts Drive to collect your shipment. You will pay the warehousing fee, which depends on the weight and/or size of the package, whichever is greater.
> For ocean cargo, once customs has released the shipment, go to the Port Authority on Portland Road, Industrial Park (Tel: (345) 949 2055), to get clearance of your goods. Once all fees are paid, you can collect your shipment from the Port Authority. They are open Monday-Friday 8.30am-4.30pm and Saturday 8.30am-12pm. For a 20ft container, the fee is CI$383.81. For a 40ft container, the fee is CI$767.62. Prices will vary for less than container loads (LCL) based on the size and weight of the cargo. The fee is calculated per dock receipt at CI$16.65 per 40 cubic feet or 2000lbs, plus a trucking fee (Note: These prices are subject to change). Collect your items as soon as possible, as a storage fee is charged daily after five business days.
> If your goods are to be inspected, you will have to arrange an inspection time with the Customs Inspection Unit. Be sure to have your documents ready to show what has been declared.
DECIDING WHAT TO BRING & WHAT NOT TO BRING
Here are some basic guidelines to help assist you in deciding what to bring to help you settle into your new life.
Clothing
There are a reasonable selection of stores on the island, but certainly not as many as in a large city and the prices will likely be more expensive than you are used to. You may need a light sweater if you will be working in an air-conditioned building or when we are hit with a cold front. If you work in a labour-intensive field, and are outdoors often, (gardening or construction) you will need breathable, long sleeved cotton tops of a light colour. Bring a raincoat for hurricane and rainy seasons as well as suitable footwear.
Duty rates on Goods Imported to the Cayman Islands
The following rates apply whether brought in by the individual (if exceeding the personal goods allowance), or are imported by a freight forwarder.
*Does not apply to visitors getting married in the Cayman Islands.
Computers, Phones & Tablets
Laptops, smartphones and tablets/iPads are dutiable if they were recently purchased overseas. If you are travelling to and from Grand Cayman with electronic devices, you can register them, so you are able to prove to customs that these devices have not just been purchased abroad. To obtain a form visit www.gov.ky/cbc/forms and click ‘Articles taken abroad (as baggage) Registration form’. Forms must be submitted at least 24 hours before travel.
See the Shopping chapter for details on where to buy electronic goods locally.
Electrical Appliances
Cayman runs on the same electrical system as the US (110/115v) but uses a three-pin plug. However, the US two-pin plug will work. If your appliances run on 220v and they don’t have dual capability, they will not work in Cayman. See plugs on page 159.
Importing Food
Small quantities of meat and seafood can be imported if it is for personal use only.
Cooked or frozen seafood of up to 20lbs is allowed for personal consumption, providing that there is proof of purchase and/or inspection.
Small quantities of meats (up to 11lbs) are allowed provided the original packaging is intact and the packaging bears the inspection mark/icon from the competent government authority in the country of export. To read more, visit https://doa.gov. ky/faqs/.
You can also bring in coffee and herbs for personal use, if they are sealed in their original packaging.
Fresh fruits and vegetables require an import permit from the Cayman Islands Department of Agriculture, regardless of the quantity.
Furniture, Lighting & Appliances
Rented condos and homes generally come with all the basic furnishing, lights and appliances needed.
If you’re buying a house or apartment, they will also usually be fully furnished,
unless they are newly built. Bring personal accessories and smaller items, like framed photographs and other personal mementoes, to help your new house feel like your own. Any larger pieces of furniture can be shipped from home later. There are some fantastic furniture and homeware stores in Cayman. See the Shopping chapter for more information.
When moving to the Cayman Islands, we recommend you think carefully before selling good quality pieces of furniture or those with sentimental value, as it is unlikely you will be able to replace them in Cayman. If you intend on buying new furniture overseas, you’ll have to pay for the shipping plus 22% import duty.
Firearms & Other Weapons
It is possible to import a firearm or your firearm collection to the island; however, the Cayman Islands has very strict laws on the possession of unregistered firearms. It is illegal to possess a firearm without a Firearms Licence authorised by the Commissioner of Police. Punishment for this offence is severe, with a minimum of 15 years’ imprisonment, or 10 years with a guilty plea. To import, the applicant must complete a Firearms Licence and Import form, which can be obtained from the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service (RCIPS). In addition to providing various supporting documents, the applicant will be required to declare that their firearm will be stored in a locked box or safe bolted to the wall and floor. The RCIPS reserves the right to inspect the safe, firearm and ammunition at any time. You can also import a bow and arrow or your bow and arrow collection, but the same procedures for importing and storing a firearm must be followed. The use of spear guns is also regulated. It is illegal to possess, use and import a spear gun without a licence from the Marine Conservation Board.
Kitchen Appliances
Most rental apartments come with appliances such as a washer/dryer, dishwasher, microwave, refrigerator and oven. A fully furnished apartment should
also come with a toaster, kettle and coffee maker, but if they don’t, then local home centres, such as A. L. Thompson’s (SEE AD PAGE 227, 234, 244, 247 & 294) , stock these items. Check with your landlord beforehand to find out what is included.
If you are importing home appliances, please note that they must all meet American Standards according to the International Code Council (ICC) and must be UL listed (Listed and Labelled for the North American market) or Customs will not allow you to clear them. Similar rules apply to building materials as the Cayman Islands have very strict local building regulations which take into account seismic activity and hurricanes. You can check the Planning website for their ‘Codes’. Also see the Building in Cayman chapter for more information.
Medication
Be sure to pack at least a month’s supply of medication that needs to be taken daily while you organise your on-island healthcare and health insurance. Most medicines are available on Grand Cayman, although they may be sold under another brand name. Ask your GP for the generic names of prescription drugs. Cayman has wonderful and very well-equipped pharmacies, see page 354 in the Health and Wellness chapter for a full list of pharmacies in the Cayman Islands.
Wine
Individuals can bring a maximum of four litres of wine in their luggage. If you want to import your wine collection from home, you must bring it in through a company that has a liquor licence. Regardless of the value of your wine on the open market, the Cayman Islands Government charges the following duty per litre of wine: CI$10.80 for Champagne, CI$7.80 for sparkling wine, CI$3.60 for table wine and CI$5.25 for dessert wine.
Tell them you saw it in the
Ask any real estate professional about the current state of the property market in the Cayman Islands and, as always, they will be buoyant and optimistic, irrespective of whether your intention is to buy or sell. And, whilst there is a lot to be positive about in Cayman’s robust marketplace, particularly the luxury sector (especially Seven Mile Beach) which is insulated enough to withstand many outside influences save force-majeure, the reality is that for the last 12 months or so the market has been in a state of what is best described as a recalibration. This is not surprising, given the record highs of the pandemic and post pandemic era (2021-2024) when sales each year averaged around US$1bn. The truth is, it all comes down to economic factors. Currently, inflation is high, the cost of living is high, interest rates are high (7.5% as of August 2025), property insurance costs are still high, and all these factors temper the market with a sense of cautiousness amongst buyers, effectively slowing things down. That being said, there has been some movement so far in 2025 simply because the Cayman market is resilient and almost operates in a bubble.
According to the Cayman Islands Real Estate Brokers Association (CIREBA), there were 426 transactions in the first half of 2025 equalling CI$547.5m in sales and 1,815 active listings of which 346 are pending and 238 are pending/ conditional. The value of those
listings was CI$3.720bn.
Photos courtesy of Heather Holt & Jonathan Sparrow
Therefore, compared to the same period last year, 2025 has seen a nominal 5% increase in transactions and a 3% increase in the value of those transactions, and therein lies some good news. It means that those who were brave enough to tolerate high interest rates mid-2024 when they signed on the dotted line, have been rewarded with a slight increase in the value of their investment.
What Drives the Cayman Property Market?
Despite Government efforts to encourage first time Caymanian buyers to get onto the property ladder through a stamp duty waiver, (see our table on page 140) and by recently including areas that were previously exempted from this policy, the majority of purchases are still from new individuals moving to Cayman and from local investors. They are primarily moving here to work in family offices, banks, accountancy and in legal services. There are also the traditional vacation home buyers who, having visited as tourists, fall in love with Cayman and buy property.
Cayman attracts a lot of interest from people overseas who review real estate websites, blogs and podcasts, demonstrating the allure of Cayman. Properties often sell and rent without people even being here. Particularly on Seven Mile Beach, which is effectively a Cayman property market within the Cayman property market. The apartments, condominiums and very limited number of free-standing homes on this luxury strip seldom, if at all, see a reduction in price. The reality is that without mountains, the number of properties that can offer an ocean view is limited; people that live on an island have the desire to be as close to the ocean as possible, so as a result, oceanfront property prices do not fall.
10 Reasons to Buy Property in Cayman
The Cayman Islands represent a great opportunity for property investment even
if only in the short term. It is advisable to own your own home if you can afford it, as opposed to renting. In Cayman, there are several advantages in taking this approach:
1. No on-going property taxes (the only property tax is the one-time 7.5% stamp duty at time of purchase)
2. No inheritance tax
3. Use of British common law and a politically stable government
4. Use of robust and safe torrens system of property registration, backed by the Cayman Islands Government
5. A regulated real estate market with access to multiple listing systems (MLS) to ensure potential buyers can see everything that’s available
6. High standard of construction with a stringent set of rules and inspections
7. Rigid planning rules set density, boundaries and setbacks from the ocean, neighbours and roads
8. Public access to beaches through right of ways
9. Robust infrastructure in place for electricity, city water and highly qualified service providers
10. Low levels of crime.
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Legal Overview
The real estate market in Cayman is simple and straightforward. Apart from a one-time stamp duty payment of 7.5%, there are no annual property taxes or restrictions on foreign ownership by individuals, and titles are granted and guaranteed by the Cayman Islands Government and recorded in a modern, reliable and centralised land registry called the Torrens System, where every plot is mapped and given a descriptive title number based on location. Any encumbrances such as mortgages, rightsof-ways and cautions pending contracts are recorded on the title register of the parcel of land. As a result of this, there is no need for lengthy title searches, title companies or title insurance. In fact, title companies and title insurance does not even exist in Cayman. Vacant land can be owned and held for future investment potential. To date, Cayman real estate has proven to be an attractive and profitable investment.
Owning land in the name of a corporation is possible, but strict rules apply, and a lawyer’s advice is essential. Buildings are subject to a series of planning permissions and building permit approvals. These are monitored by the Cayman Islands Central Planning Authority and Building Control Unit, which carries out plan reviews and on-site inspections that relate to the site, building, plumbing, mechanical and electrical works. There are also requirements for structural engineers to take into consideration, such as seismic design principles depending on the building heights and purpose of the building. Construction materials have to be imported and are subject to duties that range from 15%-22% on the landed value, which includes duty on the shipping costs. Consequently, the cost of building is considerably higher than in places where materials are more readily available. Refer to the Building in Cayman chapter for a detailed guide on building a residential property, as well as a list of building professionals in the Cayman Islands. Attorneys are usually used by both foreign and local purchasers to aid in getting all documents ready. An attorney can also help with more complicated transactions and ensure that the detailed procedures required by the Cayman Islands Land Registry are more easily negotiated. The biggest difference between a purchase here as opposed to most other jurisdictions is the stamp duty, which is a 7.5% fee based on the Cayman dollar price of the property. It is paid to the government up to 45 days after closing on each transaction in order to register your title and it is paid by the purchaser.
Navigating the Cayman Property Market
Prior to the 1980s, the Cayman Islands real estate market was characterised by a lack of regulation, inconsistency and legal safeguards. It was often described as a 'Wild West' environment where individualistic practices prevailed. Recognising the need for a structured and standardised industry, visionary local realtors established the
Camana Bay’s 10-storey residential development features 89 fully furnished apartments for long-term lease, ranging from studios to three bedrooms. Amenities include a second-floor terrace pool, outdoor kitchens, a rooftop observation deck and rentable guest suites.
Located in Camana Bay, residents also enjoy a vast portfolio of services and amenities right on their doorstep. Visit camanabay.com for more information and email kapok@camanabay.com to enquire about availability.
CAMANA BAY
CAMANA BAY
Cayman Islands Real Estate Brokers Association (CIREBA) in 1987.
Cayman Islands Real Estate Brokers Association
CIREBA, as a not-for-profit organisation, aimed to regulate the real estate industry for the benefit of all stakeholders—buyers, sellers and realtors alike. They developed a system incorporating elements of the US and Canadian real estate models, blended with local market practices and framed within British law.
The establishment of CIREBA led to significant advancements, including the introduction of the Caribbean’s first multiple listing system (MLS) and a comprehensive educational programme for brokers and agents. This programme includes entry-level certification, continuing education, a stringent code of ethics, and a comprehensive set of rules and regulations with penalties for noncompliance. Consequently, CIREBA has become known for having the highest standards of professional excellence and represents the largest local network of certified realtors in the Cayman Islands. It serves as a quasi-regulatory body that offers buyers and sellers unmatched assurance. Its long-standing reputation and established commitment to ethics, integrity and excellence of practice provides a trusted and reliable foundation for real estate transactions.
CIREBA's leadership and innovation have been instrumental in shaping the modern Cayman real estate industry, which is widely regarded as one of the most robust and professional in the Caribbean. Established almost 40 years ago, their reputation gives buyers and sellers the peace of mind that they are in secure hands. Today, the organisation is thriving, representing close to 40 member brokerages and more than 300 certified agents, representing the vast majority of real estate practitioners in the country. These established brokers share property listings through the online MLS, their agents collaborate to deliver the best results for their customers, and together
they provide a professional, credible and trusted platform for buying and selling local real estate.
The CIREBA website www.cireba.com gives buyers access to view all available properties that are listed on the MLS system and the flexibility to work with their preferred agent. The MLS provides sellers with maximum exposure for their listings and the added benefit of all member agents to share those listings with their potential buyers. As the industry leader, CIREBA collaborates closely with industry partners, regulators and the Cayman Islands Government on real estate-related matters, ensuring a professional and positive experience for all involved.
Cayman Islands Realtors Organization
The Cayman Islands Realtors Organization (CIRO) is one of two official governing bodies for licensed real estate professionals in the Cayman Islands. Established to promote professionalism, accountability and consumer protection in the real estate sector, CIRO sets and enforces the highest standards across the industry. As a regulatory authority, CIRO plays a vital role in ensuring that all members adhere to a strict code of ethics and best practices in their dealings with clients, colleagues and the public.
CIRO is responsible for overseeing the licensing and ongoing education of member real estate agents and brokers. Through its regulatory framework, it provides guidance on compliance, ethical conduct and operational standards, fostering a trusted and transparent environment for property transactions.
In addition to its regulatory responsibilities, CIRO also facilitates collaboration and communication among industry professionals, offering resources such as a centralised Multiple Listing System (MLS) at www.CIRealtors.org, industry insights, and shared marketing tools to support its members' success.
For buyers, sellers and investors alike, engaging with a CIRO-licensed professional ensures that they are working with
someone who is qualified, accountable, and committed to upholding the integrity of Cayman’s real estate industry.
Cayman Islands Realtors Organization (CIRO)
190 North Church Street, George Town
Tel: (345) 323 0066
Email: kiara@myrealtor.agency
www.cirealtors.org
The Cayman Islands Realtors Organization (CIRO) is a regulatory body founded by independent brokers to promote professionalism, ethics and transparency in the real estate industry. Established just a few years ago, CIRO supports its members with guidance, accountability and a commitment to raising industry standards.
TYPES OF PROPERTY OWNERSHIP
Land
Caymanians like to invest in land for ‘land banking’. Traditionally, they offer land to newlyweds as wedding gifts, so good land is always in high demand but rarely comes onto the market, and when it does, it does not stay on for long. There were 429 parcels of land listed by mid-2025, 106 had been sold across the three islands in the first part of 2025 and the vast majority of those were low-density residential. Further east, Patrick's Island has been another very popular area for house lot sales, especially as it recently became a gated community. In Cayman Brac and Little Cayman, there were 18 and 7 land sales respectively in the first half of 2025, compared to a total of 27 in the first half of 2024.
Land values in high demand areas such as Grand Harbour and Crystal Harbour have more than doubled in the last five years—a 0.3 acre lot in the latter will set you back a cool US$1.3m at the moment. In fact, since 2023, land has been at a premium with traditionally low-valued subdivisions in areas such as West Bay and Savannah also seeing rapid increases in their worth, simply because they are just about the acceptable distance of a viable daily commute to George Town (Cayman’s traffic woes not withstanding) and there is very little inventory in general.
However, at the same time, there has been a slowdown in land sales in response to high construction costs and interest rates. As things stand, CI$300k is the magic number, for according to the CIREBA MLS, this number will buy you around a third of an acre in either West Bay, Prospect, Bodden Town or Savannah, where there are listings available now. You would get a little bit more for your money if you were willing to venture out further to East End, where you might find about double the acreage for the same price.
Single Family Homes
In the first quarter of 2025, the Cayman Islands real estate market recorded 192 property sales totalling US$261 million, with more than half of that value generated by just 24 transactions exceeding US$2 million each. The luxury single-family home sector dominated these high-end sales, with 14 properties selling for over US$2 million, including seven above US$5 million and four surpassing US$10 million. The standout deal of the quarter was a 17,000 square foot residence at Lalique Pointe in Crystal Harbour, which sold for an extraordinary US$26 million—a striking contrast to 2024, when only eleven single-family homes sold above US$5 million during the entire year. Meanwhile, properties priced below US$2 million made up a significant portion of the market, contributing US$115 million from 168 transactions. Since building costs remained expensive post-pandemic (quotes of CI$400 per square foot for non-luxury finishes are common) and were exacerbated by the introduction of US tariffs, it is no wonder buyers opted to buy move-in ready homes rather than build.
Compared to previous years, there has been a significant increase in the amount of time it takes to sell a single-family home, but again, this is down to the current state of the market. Although, realtors have noticed an upward trend of people favouring single-family homes over condos as they are not subject to mandatory strata fees and insurance costs, and there are no
Condominiums & Apartments (Part of a Strata)
In Cayman, most multi-unit developments are complexes which form part of a Strata, whereupon owners hold individual units but share responsibility for common areas, maintenance, and running costs through a strata corporation. The corporation is made up from the owners themselves. Rules (by-laws) govern use, and decisions are made collectively. Benefits include shared expenses, organised management, and amenities overseen by an elected executive committee from the pool of owners. Typical designs are either condominiums with single units on vertically rising floors with external stairs and lifts, or terraced townhouses with the living area downstairs and bedrooms on the first and sometimes second floor.
It seems there is an ever-growing inventory of new condos, despite the negative factors of building costs for developers and high interest rates for the target market. However, they are an attractive investment for those with cash to spare.
This is always apparent on Seven Mile Beach, where appreciation seems to be continuous, and owners with an older property with great beach frontage have benefitted the most. These units are prime material for redevelopment stemming from the planning department's decision to now allow building heights up to 10 floors. A case in point is the Lacovia units that used to sell for US$1.2m back in 2019, but the prices jumped to US$3.6 million when the redevelopment was unanimously approved by the strata members. Now, three years later, there is nothing in the complex available valued at less than US$7.8m.
The most spectacular triplex penthouse, The Pearl at The Watermark was being listed for US$38.8 million for a 10,000sq ft area. Note: Prices on SMB vary depending on square footage, floor level and unobstructed views. But lately, a few solid trends have emerged: rooftops, elevators, gyms and
covered parking lots are now highly desired by buyers, who seek urban comforts with breathtaking views.
Inland apartment complexes with 2 to 3-bed units continue to see a steady increase in price. These units are usually acquired for owner-occupation or for long-term rental income. Secret Garden, a popular condo complex in George Town, is a good indicator of how prices have risen. A 2-bed property sold in 2024 for CI$515k, showing a 10% increase on an identical sale the previous year. Close-by in highly desirable South Sound, a 3-bed condo in San Sebastian sold for a healthy CI$760k in early 2024 and an almost identical 3-bed unit at nearby Vela then sold for CI$850k, even though San Sebastian was 630sq ft bigger, thereby confirming that the area is a hot bed for sellers and is highly desirable.
Warehouses
With the growth of the population and businesses, and the trend of modern apartments having minimalistic spaces, the need for storage spaces has skyrocketed. Many parcels of land have been sold for the sole purpose of building warehouses. In June 2025, a newly built warehouse complex was selling for CI$550k per unit of 1,250sq ft, which is an average of CI$420 psf. Currently, there are other newly built warehouse spaces selling for upwards of CI$340 psf. Important features to potential buyers include fire rated dividing walls, smoke detectors, sprinkler systems, steel and concrete construction able to withstand winds of 150mph, an electric shutter system, mezzanine level optimising a vertical space, fitted restrooms, air conditioning and finally, location in an area that does not flood. Many spaces now double as a workshop or office space. Such features go way beyond the typical shuttered storage spaces of old, hence the price tag. Popular areas for warehouses are central George Town—especially near the airport—and near the centre of Seven Mile Beach.
LIVING.KY
LIVING STYLISHLY LIVING COMFORTABLY LIVING AFFORDABLY
Over the past several years, the pace of property development in Grand Cayman threatens to outpace the infrastructure necessary to support it. Below you will find information on a representative cross section of new and recent housing developments—and the refurbishment of some old ones.
Seven Mile Beach: Just about finished is the 10-storey Grand Hyatt Residences located on Pageant Beach, George Town, just on the cusp of where Seven Mile Beach begins. The 351-room hotel contains 167 residential units and amenities include five on-site restaurants, an ocean lagoon and a world-class spa and fitness facility. Studios and 1 to 3-bed units are priced upwards of US$900,000 to as much as US$10 million. The Watermark, a prestigious new arrival to the north end of SMB, is just about finishing off its indoor areas and will provide residents of the 54-unit development with seven-star resort-style amenities and whiteglove services that are beyond what any other property has ever offered in Cayman. It is scheduled to be finished sometime at the beginning of 2026. Condos are currently selling for US$11-$38.5 million. Lacovia, which is under construction, will be a three-tower, multi-storey, contemporary development comprising of 3 to 5-bed units, all outfitted with luxury appliances and bespoke finishes. Aqua Bay, being built in the northern part of SMB will be situated on a 90ft wide beachfront with a waterfall edge pool, a private beach, BBQ areas for al fresco dining, a fitness centre, oceanfront lounge and games room, and on-site undercover parking for each villa. Just announced is Hyatt Centric, a 275-room mixed use building. The half overlooking West Bay Road and Camana Bay will be hotel rooms operated by Hyatt, whilst the half overlooking the ocean will be residences with studios, 1 and 2-bed units, all with total access to the beach where Sunset Cove is currently located.
Seven Mile Corridor (SMC): Prisma, in Crystal Harbour, will be a 10-story building
offering 58 apartments, 20 townhouses, five duplexes, a restaurant, a two-storey parking garage and 20 pools over 7.5 acres. The Landmark Square, located on Earth Close, will offer 20 residences from 1-bed plus den to penthouses with private terraces, a communal rooftop, a gym, covered parking and more. Nearby, Lumiere at Clipper Bay, a family-focused gated community will be well located for those working at Camana Bay. It’s being designed with an emphasis on natural light, simple architectural lines, and high-quality finishes. The Grove Too, which is set for completion in late 2025, offers investment opportunities for commercial retail and upmarket residences on the northern end of Seven Mile Beach.
West Bay North: Blue Palms has eight 3 to 4-bed townhomes with rooftop terraces, there is one currently listed for CI$1.3m. The Sands is located near Centennial Towers in West Bay and has six waterfront residences consisting of only two units per floor, starting at US$3.6 million. Under construction is Serrana, which is an ultramodern, low-density development. Each of the 18 units has panoramic ocean views and prices starting from CI$3.2m. Oceans 9 is now finished and is an incredibly impressive newly built community of nine detached 4-bed oceanfront homes within a gated community. Just finished construction is Point West, a property developed by the same developers as ONE Canal Point. It features 32 oceanfront units with luxury amenities and will cost upwards of US$1.85 million for a 3-bed, though there are other configurations available. Also newly built in the North West Point area near Macabuca is Sunset Point, which is nestled on almost 3.5 acres. With over 460 feet of stunning waterfront, this new development offers a variety of units from CI$635k for a 1-bed to a 3-bed end unit at CI$1.45m. Annie’s Retreat Villas, set to be a more modestly priced, boutique, private residential complex located off Northwest Point Road, is a gated development designed with only 10 villas with prices from CI$389k. Off Sonny Powery’s Drive, you will find Secret Beach, a refuge of
tranquil luxury in a walled garden on one of the most beautiful pocket beaches in West Bay. Finally, Dolphin Point Club, a new eco-friendly development that consists of 42 open-plan residences which range from 1-bed units to 4-bed villas. All units are either west or south-west facing, providing residents with a gorgeous sunset view every evening. Other amenities tip the luxury scale, as you would expect. The property still has units available as of July 2025, with prices starting at US$2.4 million.
West Bay Central & East: Centrally located
Arze is where residents enjoy access to resort-style amenities including an infinity pool, state-of-the-art fitness centre, private beach access, and lush landscaped grounds. Recently finished, a 1-bed unit is priced at $385k and 2-beds start at around CI$500k. Nearby, by the same developer, the 16 new, 2-bed open-plan living units at upcoming Saje boast amenities such as a private rooftop oasis complete with mini garden, wood-style decking, design wall, 35 ft swimming pool, and a perfectly fitting, optional lounge. Prices start at CI$575k.
Out east towards the North Sound, Sandpiper Villas, which is scheduled for completion in mid to late 2026, is located within the gated Shores community featuring lake views and premium amenities. Designed with sustainability in mind, the villas include energy-efficient systems, solar provisions, EV charging and hurricane-rated safety features. Sea Mist, comprises of 32 1-bed units and is positioned across four apartment blocks at high elevation, and has low strata fees. Units are listed at around the CI$420k mark. Featuring a mix of townhomes and condominiums, La Paidion has a modern urban design and is located near the Shores. Each of the townhomes has their own roof-deck, balcony on each floor, and a stunning view of the North Sound from the master bedroom. The grounds have green spaces, a clubhouse, fitness centre, pool and a roof-deck patio ideal for dining, socialising or a private party. A 3-bed unit
NOW LEASING
• Proximate to Camana Bay shops, restaurants and supermarket
• 24-hour on-call security
• Private pool and BBQ
• Exclusive discounts at Camana Bay
• One- and two-bedrooms available
• On-site maintenance team
• Underground parking
• Fully furnished
• Pet friendly
is currently around $900k at the time of writing.
Camana Bay: OLEA is located to the south of Camana Bay’s town centre. It defines the amenity-rich waterfront neighbourhood. Kapok, a 10-storey, for-lease residential building located towards the north end of the Town Centre on Bismarckia Way, close to Foster’s supermarket, has 89 residences ranging from 561sq ft studios to 1,679sq ft, 3-bed units. The Terraces offers residents the ‘work, live and play’ dream. With direct access to all of Camana Bay’s renowned amenities, The Terraces offer modern 1 and 2-bed apartments.
George Town (Downtown): The newest development downtown is ONE | GT (S EE AD PAGE 22) , scheduled to be finished December 2025 at a cost of CI$120 million, comprising of 95 hotel suites and 82 private residences. Prices start at CI$709k for units on the 4th floor to CI$4.3m on its terrace. ONE | GT will offer restaurants, bars, a 10th floor infinity pool, storage units and parking for residents. FIN, which is also on the outskirts of George Town on South Church Street, is a relatively new, high-end condominium complex. It is an Art Deco-inspired, ultra-luxury residential development featuring 36 bespoke oceanfront residences with lavish amenities like a salt-water lagoon, elevated glass-bottom pool, private beach, concierge services, on-site spa, fitness centre, luxury car and boat services, and more. Prices are upward of CI$2million if they become available.
George Town (North): Downtown Reach built in 2021 is the epitome of functional urban living that’s all about the convenient location. It has 52 units with a shared pool and a gym. Nearby and similarly built for convenience is Yarl, now in its third phase of construction, offering a pool, pickleball court and a gym too. Finally, in the same area is new edition Urbana, a gated community slated to be finished in 2027 with comparable amenities to its neighbours. Multiple units and configurations are already for sale from CI$430k-750k.
South Sound: The area remains a developer's dream, as well as a prime area for grand homes, where the appeal is in the proximity to everything. Behind the established gated community of Bahia and now under construction is Privé by Baraud Development. It comprises of 36 townhouses and 16 villas nestled within a six-acre South Sound site. Nearby Q, overlooking the boardwalk, is following suit with a total of 22 new 2-bed townhouses. Condominium mini tower, The South Sound Collection, is carefully designed to allow for decadent exclusivity in the heart of South Sound with just a few oversized units making up the complex. Karma (slated for 2026) is an exclusive 8-unit development with open layouts and uninterrupted Caribbean Sea views. Residents will enjoy premium amenities including a rooftop terrace, pool, gated access, carports, and storage. Other than these, luxury complexes such as Tides, Vela and San Sebastian dominate the landscape and are snapped up by investors, executives and young families whenever units become available.
Grand Harbour and Tropical Gardens: Arvia is a gated canal-front complex with docks, and is the epitome of modern condo living. It offers luxurious amenities for its residents as Grand Harbour shops and restaurants are seconds away. Prices start at around CI$1 million for a 3-bed or CI$755k for a 2-bed. Aura, is a modern oceanfront fourstorey building featuring elevators, a 60ft in diameter circular pool, 75ft lap pool, gym, 120ft private dock, outdoor BBQ and kids play area. Unit sale prices start at around CI$1 million. Close by in the same price range, with more square footage and less of a view is Grand Palmyra. The complex provides residents access to a shared pool, garden and seating area. It is also a short walk to the Harbour Walk Plaza. Harbour Walk Residences offers the high standard of contemporary design and amenities one would expect in Cayman's 'suburbs'. European-style suites range upward from 1-bed and come in six different styles. Residents can enjoy all the extensive retail,
leisure, fitness and wellness facilities that Harbour Walk has to offer. Allure comes with water views, hugs the coastline and features 2 and 3-bed luxury condos and a wide range of amenities for around the CI$750k mark. Indigo Bay (phase two) pre-construction contracts are being sold at this luxury development located just past Grand Harbour. A few existing units are also available at just shy of CI$1.4 million for a 3-bed.
Prospect and Beach Bay: The Channels offer canalfront living if you are brave enough to navigate the perilous world of building your own home. Parcels start at CI$400k. Paraiso phase two's townhomes start at CI$1.08m and will have 2,550sq ft of luxury living space with 3 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, a den, 30ft private boat dock, pool and ample green space. Construction starts in 2025. Jaz, located on Poindexter Road, will be a contemporary-design, 31-unit development, and is slated to start construction in late 2025 with 2 and 3-bed homes from CI$585k. The Landing has straightforward 2-bed plus den townhomes starting at CI$435k. Further east, The Residences at Mandarin Oriental, which will be constructed in Beach Bay now that the very drawn-out planning process is complete, will feature 67 acres of coastal gardens linked by nature trails and 700 feet of pristine white sand beach. It will sit atop one of the highest elevations in Grand Cayman, also known as St. James Point. Each of the 89 residences will have panoramic views of the ocean due to the expansive terraces that blend indoor and outdoor living. Residents will enjoy amenities such as in-residence dining services, a racquet club with tennis and pickleball, multiple adult and family pools and a wellness and yoga centre. Pre-construction started in mid-July with pricing starting upwards of US$6million. Residents can expect the same impeccable service found at Mandarin Oriental properties worldwide.
Savannah and Lower Valley: With George Town land at a premium, more and more 2-bed townhome developments
are appearing further east. Euphoria has 2-bed units available as of July 2025 at around CI$450k. Lavania Court is a new 12-townhome development with pricing around CI$499k and up. Sunrise Landing at the northern tip of Hirst Road will have 42 units and is set to be completed in 2025 with prices starting at CI$485k. The units will have a private balcony, private ground floor terrace, a communal cabana with an outdoor BBQ station, pool, fully equipped gym and plans for a visitors’ boat dock. Woodcrest will have 10 cozy units each one a 2-bed. Prices are currently at CI$439k and there are several available.
Bodden Town, East End and North Side: The Silver Reef Residences are available with pricing from CI$795k. Beach Groves is a proposed sustainable project in Bodden Town that aligns with Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) principles. Beach Groves will be in the vicinity of a wildlife sanctuary and prices based on availability start at US$1.6 million. Up on North Side, near the newly
built basketball and beach volleyball courts, is a small oceanfront complex called Long Point View, with 2-bed units at CI$670k.
OVERVIEW OF RESIDENTIAL AREAS IN GRAND CAYMAN
Seven Mile Beach (SMB)
lSMB is divided into two areas. The beach side or west of the road, and the east side across the road, known as the Seven Mile Corridor. Both are ideal locations within walking distance of restaurants, bars, nightclubs, shops and Camana Bay's town centre, which has two schools, a new private hospital named Health City Camana Bay, and a huge supermarket. There are many apartment complexes on Seven Mile Beach itself, but most are rented out for short-
term, daily rentals. Monthly rental prices in this area start at around CI$6,000 but expect newer waterfront properties to be significantly more. To the south of Seven Mile Beach, before the tunnel, one can find well established properties that offer long-term rentals like George Town Villas, The Grandview, Sunset Cove, Tamarind Bay, South Bay Beach Club, Laguna del Mar, Seagull condominiums and Cayman Reef. As for new developments at the southern end, just on the cusp of where Seven Mile Beach begins, there is the Grand Hyatt Residences located on Pageant Beach. The 351-room hotel contains 167 residential units, five on-site restaurants, an ocean lagoon and a world-class spa and fitness facility. Studios and 1 to 3-bed units are priced upwards of CI$750k to as much as CI$8.3 million. Another planned development currently being sold will be the Hyatt Centric located between the Marriott Hotel and the new Grand Hyatt Resort. Proposed as a 316-room mixed use building, the half overlooking West
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W EST BAY RO AD SEVEN MILE BEA CH
Bay Road and Camana Bay will be hotel rooms operated by Hyatt, whilst the half overlooking the ocean will be residences with studios, 1 and 2-bed units, with total access to the beach where Sunset Cove is currently located. It is slated to be finished in 2028 and will be a huge resort offering a rooftop restaurant, cafes, beach service, pickleball/tennis courts, a fitness studio, ballroom event facilities and more.
At the midway point on Seven Mile Beach, the luxury accommodations which the area is famous for line the turquoise ocean. The Sovereign, The Pinnacle, Water’s Edge, Watercolours, and several others have become well established over the years and as for new developments, The Watermark promises to be the crown jewel, see our New & Recent Developments section earlier in the chapter.
Seven Mile Corridor (SM C)
Areas like Snug Harbour, Parkway, Governors Harbour, Canal Point, Crystal Harbour and the Cayman Islands Yacht Club are all nice places to live and popular with families, though the prices of properties can vary significantly. There are many 4-bed houses in these areas, but you can also find upscale 2 and 3-bed apartments in a few of them. Properties are usually well maintained, and business professionals tend to rent or buy them. These neighbourhoods around the Seven Mile Corridor are generally quiet areas, near to restaurants and the beach, and near to two great schools, Cayman International School and Village Montessori.
Britannia apartments, townhouses, houses and estates are popular and vary in price, but based on the large number of units, you can usually find a motivated seller. Apartments and houses have either canal (aka the Britannia Canal), pool or golf views and the property is within walking distance of Camana Bay and all its great facilities. It has great landscaping, lots of mature trees and they allow pets. In June 2025, the Privy Council confirmed Britannia homeowners’ rights to use the former golf course and beach club as binding easements. The
challenge now is the implementation of these rights, as the golf course has been closed since 2016 and the hotel has new owners.
Opposite the Britannia canal is Palm Heights Drive, which lies to the south of Snug Harbour and is accessed through the main Snug Harbour entrance. This is another popular residential location. One side of this road lies on the picturesque Britannia Canal, where you can find several attractive residential canal-front houses, townhouses and apartments. The other side of Palm Heights Drive consists mostly of detached family homes, some with beautiful gardens. Palm Heights Drive is often mistakenly considered to be part of Snug Harbour, but this is not the case. Whilst residents here use the Snug Harbour Park and playground, they cannot book the tennis, pickleball and basketball courts.
Snug Harbour, which lies north of Palm Heights Drive, to the east of West Bay Road, is reached from the Esterley Tibbetts Highway. This is a sought-after residential area and is very popular with families. As well as being family and dog-friendly, Snug Harbour has the advantage of being close to Seven Mile Beach and Camana Bay with easy access to George Town and West Bay. The area has two roads, Jennifer Drive and Andrew Drive, which run parallel West-East and finish at the North Sound. There are several intersecting roads in between. Much of the residential housing consists of detached family homes with gardens, ranging from modest 2-bed homes to more upscale, 5/6-bed residences. However, there are several apartment buildings and townhouses here too, particularly towards the North Sound and flanking the Britannia Canal. Residents of Snug Harbour enjoy access to the Snug Harbour Park, consisting of a tennis court, pickleball court, basketball court, a children’s playground and a large grassy park. This is a popular meeting spot for families. Residents can book the courts online.
Canal Point Drive is a lovely neighbourhood of canal front single-family homes and currently, just three condominium
complexes, One Canal Point, Lotus and Southampton Gardens. Adjacent there is a second canal called Clipper Bay, that has single-family homes, parcels of land for sale and two condominium complexes, Lumiere and Plymouth.
Camana Bay
Camana Bay and its Town Centre are situated on 685 acres that stretch from Seven Mile Beach to the North Sound. The design of Camana Bay is based on New Urbanism, a planning model that promotes walkability through a mix of housing, shops, restaurants, public spaces, schools, hospitals and parks. Streets and walkways interconnect, offering a safe and scenic stroll or bike ride, while shady courtyards nurture social gatherings and a sense of community. Pedestrians can easily access Camana Bay and Seven Mile Beach corridor via the Rise, a pedestrian walkway connecting with the Paseo in the heart of the Town Centre. Designed by a team of award-winning architects and planners, Camana Bay has a contemporary style, inspired by traditional Caribbean architecture and is landscaped with beautiful, mature trees and native plants to give it a distinctly Caymanian character.
Camana Bay has become a very popular place to live simply because it welcomes the return to a traditional style of community, with the Camana Bay Cinema, notable restaurants, Foster’s supermarket, a weekly farmers market, doctors’ clinics, banking services, a 24-hour gym, two schools, residential housing and prestigious office space for businesses. Living in Camana Bay is all about the lifestyle. It is incredibly appealing to be able to walk everywhere, particularly if your workplace is located there, have everything taken care of for you and enjoy access to world-class dining
CA'v1ANA BAY
and entertainment, including concerts and festivals, shopping and children’s activities right on your doorstep.
Live at Camana Bay
Tel: (345) 640 3600
Email: live@camanabay.com www.camanabay.com
Camana Bay’s location in the heart of the Seven Mile Beach corridor offers the best of island living. Residents of Camana Bay enjoy seamless connectivity to excellent dining, shopping and entertainment in the Town Centre and along West Bay Road. A short walk over the Rise leads to one of the best beaches in the world.
Kapok at Camana Bay is the newest residential addition to the Town Centre. It is a 10-storey, 120,000-square-foot for-lease residential building with 89 units from studios to 3-bed apartments. SEE AD PAGE 121
OLEA at Camana Bay presents an exclusive opportunity to live within the award-winning community of Camana Bay. Featuring for-sale condominiums, townhomes, canal front duplexes and the island’s first lazy river, OLEA is located minutes from Camana Bay’s bustling Town Centre and Seven Mile Beach.
The Terraces at Camana Bay is a luxury collection of 63 for-lease one and 2-bed apartments (some apartments have a den which could be used as a second or third bedroom) and over 27 different floor plans. Residents at The Terraces enjoy waterfront or island views, underground parking, 24-hour security and access to two pool areas equipped with showers, bathrooms, seating area and outdoor kitchen. SEE AD PAGE 127
Provenance Properties Cayman Islands Market Street, Camana Bay
Tel: (345) 640 7000
Email: info@provenanceproperties.com
As Dart’s exclusive brokerage and Christie’s International Real Estate’s affiliate in the Cayman Islands, Provenance Properties is among the world's leading real estate firms representing buyers and sellers of distinctive properties. Open Monday-Friday 9am-5pm (or by appointment).
SO UT H SO UND
South Sound is still a hugely popular area and likely always will be. It isn’t surprising given how picturesque the ocean views are here and its proximity to schools, supermarkets and George Town. The area is also home to the Cayman Islands Rugby Club, Tennis Club and Squash Club, a public dock, a government boat launching ramp, beaches and a seaside boardwalk. Desirable condominium complexes in South Sound include The Tides, Vela and San Sebastian. Popular subdivisions include The Venetia, The Lakes and The Boulevard. Emerald Beach, Caribbean Paradise, Pirate’s Lair and inland, Plantation, St. Tropez, The Chimes, The Mantras and many other ones all are very attractive to home seekers and investors.
Cayman Enterprise City has also begun to build their one million sq ft campus in South Sound. The vision over the long term is for the campus to include residential areas, a school, restaurants and other amenities over the 53-acre site. The first building, Signal House, a 40,000sq ft office space, is complete and occupied as of March 2024.
One downside to South Sound being such a popular area to live is that the traffic during rush hour can be bumper-tobumper the entire length of South Sound Road. Apart from SMB, South Sound is one of the most convenient and, therefore, expensive areas in which to buy or rent on the island.
Grand Harbour at the end of South Sound, is the most conveniently located of the eastern subdivisions and many of the homes here are high-level properties. There are three distinct areas to Grand Harbour, the older and more developed side called South Reach, which is a gated community, The Isles and The Estates, both
of which have seen a lot of recent building work. Grand Harbour has been completely transformed by the addition of Harbour Walk, which has restaurants, hairdressers, gym, offices, cafés, shops and residences just like Camana Bay. In addition to the supermarket called Hurley's, which is at Grand Harbour shopping centre, there are liquor stores, a pharmacy, medical and dental offices, a yoga studio and a school. Many of the condominium and town home developments in this area are new, refer to our New & Recent Developments section earlier in the chapter for more information.
Canal Front Living
Inland waterways branching from the North Sound create canal subdivisions that offer a more affordable alternative to oceanfront living while still providing the convenience of a private dock right at your home or apartment. There are around 20 such communities in Grand Cayman: about half are located along the Seven Mile Beach corridor and West Bay, while the others extend eastward from Prospect to North Sound Estates and the Cays at Rum Point. These subdivisions take time to fully develop, and their stage of maturity has a significant impact on property values. As they grow, prices and appeal change accordingly, making this an important factor for buyers to consider. The following overview classifies canal subdivisions into five levels, with one being the most expensive and five the most affordable, though some straddle levels depending on specific roads, home quality, and landscaping.
Level 1: Top-of-the-line estate homes, meticulously maintained with strong covenants and security gates. For example, Vista Del Mar, The Ritz-Carlton Deckhouses, Lalique Pointé, Diamond’s
CANAL FRONT LIVING
Edge, Stone Island and Salt Creek are first in class in these tier-one communities because of their covenants, exclusivity, attention to detail, well-maintained public open spaces, amenities offered, security and the quality of the houses and townhouses. The most expensive, non-beachfront homes are found here.
Level 1.5: An example would be the non-gated, yet very prestigious, Cayman Islands Yacht Club. It has benefitted the most from direct access via the Esterley Tibbetts Highway, and residents are taking advantage of its boating facilities and two very good restaurants, Morgan’s and Bàcaro. In due course, a pedestrian trail to Seven Mile Beach will be built.
Level 2: Excellent maintenance and services, these are luxury homes with a manned security gate and strong covenants. Crystal Harbour leads this class of the field and has been one of the most actively developed canal subdivisions on Grand Cayman in recent years. Prisma is being built here. Popular subdivisions within Crystal Harbour include Cypress Pointe, Cypress Pointe North and Solara, and there is the Holiday Inn Resort that has a few privately owned units. Britannia and Britannia Estates are well established and still very well-regarded and a convenient living location. One important consideration, if you are planning on buying land to build on, is that concrete pilings are required in the house foundations of properties in both the Yacht Club and Crystal Harbour. This raises the cost of construction considerably. Crystal Harbour also offers some amenities, including a children's park, tennis and pickleball courts.
Level 3: Good services, mid to luxury level homes, well maintained with good covenants. Parts of Grand Harbour feature canalfront living and would fit comfortably at this level. Canal Point is in this class, followed by The Shores and Clipper Bay which is located between Snug Harbour and Canal Point. Governors Harbour has lost its sheen due to the lack of a landscaping buffer
from the Esterley Tibbetts Highway and haphazard road maintenance (as these are private roads) but this could change.
A little further east, Patrick’s Island has some beautiful homes with mature landscaping and wide, open basins. It also backs onto a huge swath of undeveloped land with numerous dyke roads that lead to the North Sound via inland lakes and are lovely for walking dogs, running and getting away from it all. Patrick's Island recently became a gated community.
Level 4: Basic services with mixed mid-level homes, older subdivisions like Red Bay, Omega Bay and Prospect all have their 'good' and 'not as good' sections. Palm Heights in Snug Harbour has the benefit of looking across at Britannia, but this area contains mainly duplex properties. Canal subdivisions in this level include Palm Heights, Omega Bay, Sunrise Landing and Newlands Sound. New canal front developments include Paraiso in Grand Harbour (Prospect) and The Lagoons in Omega Bay. Finally, Ocean Crest and Allure, in Tropical Gardens, are two new oceanfront complexes that are listed here as the shallow ocean there is not swimmable.
Level 5: Canal subdivisions in this level include Red Bay, Prospect and North Sound Estates, all of which straddle levels 4 and 5, depending on which street you are looking at. Minimal maintenance and either no covenants or these are not enforced. Mid-level to lower-value homes, but most still to a very reasonable standard. All these subdivisions are similar, mixedquality developments. The developers are now deceased, so there is no consistent, ongoing maintenance undertaken. North Sound Estates is farther out but has been quite active due to reasonable pricing. Some homes are very nice, however, there is a considerable amount of uncleared debris around. This keeps prices on the lower side considering many lots are still on the water. Land lot prices here have still effectively doubled in the last five years though!
Prospect & Red Bay
P ROSPECT & RED BAY
Prospect and Red Bay, which are right next to each other, are two of the fastest growing areas in Grand Cayman. They are close to George Town, various schools and the Shoppes at Grand Harbour and Harbour Walk, which both have various stores, a school, restaurants, a pharmacy and a large supermarket, Hurley’s Marketplace. There are also two banks in the area, as well as the Department of Vehicle and Drivers Licensing, the Cayman Islands Sailing Club, King’s Sports Centre and Powerhouse Gym, the Prospect Playhouse and the Cayman Islands Brewery. The district also has five schools, including Prospect Primary School, Red Bay Primary School (which are both Government schools), First Baptist Christian School, Montessori by the Sea and Hope Academy (which are private schools). Currently being built in the area is a large garden centre which will sell plants, ornamental fish and lots of accessories for the garden and pond. There is also an area with food trucks, a Burger King, a couple of jerk centres, roadside food stands, a Popeyes restaurant and a Tim Horton's drive-through. A large commercial and residential project, still in the planning stages, will be situated to the south of the Cayman Islands Brewery. The commute to town from this area is relatively quick (10 minutes) outside of rush hour, but at the height of rush hour, it can take more than 40 minutes. There are lots of residential homes in this area with a mix of inland, canal front and oceanfront properties. Newer developments in the area include Grand Palmyra, Arvia, Periwinkle, Paraiso, Aura and Indigo Bay. Prospect Point Road is a sought-after oceanside neighbourhood, nestled along a winding street where longtime Cayman residents have established exclusive, multimillion-
dollar homes in
West Bay (WB)
W EST BAY
West Bay is a hotbed for development right now (see our New & Recent Developments section on page 126). Parts of it have grown into sought-after residential areas, particularly at the tip of the western end of the island, where a long meandering coastal road runs through it. Conversely, the heart of West Bay is mainly a maze of narrow streets running through its middle. There is a huge mix of different properties, from luxury oceanfront homes on the coast, to a littering of quaint apartments and islandstyle cottages, to some rather rundown and tired properties in the central parts. The canal front area called The Shores commands premium prices on rentals and sales, as do properties on Boggy Sand Road, the last residential neighbourhood remaining on Seven Mile Beach.
Acclaimed restaurants in West Bay include Bella Trattoria, Calypso Grill, Cracked Conch, Macabuca, Tukka West, Nova, Ristorante Pappagallo and VIVO. The Cayman Turtle Centre is in West Bay, as is Cemetery Beach for amazing snorkelling. The diving from the Cracked Conch restaurant and from Lighthouse Point nearby is also very popular. Divetech, the on-site dive shop at Lighthouse Point, is welcoming and friendly staff can explain where nearby dive sites are located. They can also take you to the Kittiwake shipwreck. Schools in West Bay include Grace Christian Academy, Wesleyan Christian Academy, and the West Bay Government Primary. Two new high-end preschools are now open in West Bay: Montessori West and Kiddiewinks Garden Playschool. You can go horseback riding and cycling along a rugged and little-travelled beach
called Barkers, which spans part of the northern tip of West Bay. Barkers Beach is a nice area to get away from it all and is popular with dog walkers and kite surfers. Note: The area is closed to vehicle and pedestrian traffic from sunset to sunrise. It currently takes about 10-15 minutes to drive from West Bay to George Town using the bypass.
George Town is the capital of the Cayman Islands. It is located on the southwest corner of Grand Cayman and has a busy port, with an influx of several cruise ships almost daily and cargo ships unloading most evenings. The main roads in George Town are North and South Church Street, which run parallel to the sea. Smith Road, Shedden Road and Eastern Avenue cut through town and run down to the waterfront roads off North and South Church Street. It is a good area to live in if you have school-aged kids, as the main schools are on Smith Road and Walkers Road and are five minutes from the town centre. With increasing traffic levels, it means you will avoid the main rush hour traffic. Private primary, prep and high schools in George Town include CF School, Footsteps, Island Primary, Cayman Prep and High School, St. Ignatius Catholic School, Triple C, Cayman Academy, Calvary Baptist Christian Academy and Truth for Youth. There are many preschools in the area, including the award-winning Little Trotters, three Montessori schools (Montessori Del Sol, Island Montessori and Montessori School of Cayman), Precious Gems, Discovery Kids, Miss Nadine's, Shining Stars, Sister Janice's, Sprogs and Tiny Tots.
A lovely, gated neighbourhood off Walkers Road where houses occasionally come up for sale is the upscale Webster’s
Estates. All the homes sit on larger than usual plots, have mature shade trees, large gardens and are architecturally designed. No apartment complexes have been allowed in Webster’s Estates, so there is a quiet community and family feel to the area. On the apartment front, there are many condominiums for rent off Walkers Road starting at about CI$1,500 for a studio, CI$1,800-$2,500 for a 1-bed apartment, above CI$2,500 for a 2-bed unit, and over CI$3,300 for a 3-bed townhouse. Some of these apartments look and feel dated, so it is worth looking around and not getting discouraged, as there are some gems as well. A few of the well-established properties include the three Retreats (Garden, Sunset and Coco), Secret Gardens, Hilton Estates and the L’Ambience complex off Fairbanks Road. These are mature-landscaped familyoriented complexes and pets are allowed.
Savannah, Lower Valley, Newlands & Pedro St. James
This is another area with both inland and canal front properties. Sunrise Landings and North Sound Estates (both canal front areas) fall within Savannah and Lower Valley. These areas are very popular with young families as land is still affordable. You can also easily find canal front house plots for sale at a reasonable price. Inland, you will find that properties on the market in this area are family homes on larger plots with good-sized gardens and lovely shade trees. Savannah is one of the highest-elevated areas of Grand Cayman. From late May to early August, the poinciana trees of which the area has an overwhelming abundance, flower and the sight as you drive through Savannah is breathtaking. Pedro St. James Castle, a national historical site and the oldest-existing structure in Cayman, is also located in Savannah. Countryside Shopping
Village, located at the roundabout where the road intersects between Savannah, Pedro and the entrance to Newlands, is the largest central shopping hub in the area. This village of shops has a Foster's supermarket, CNB bank, large pharmacy, medical clinic, liquor store, hardware store, gym, veterinary clinic, dry cleaners, several restaurants and a few other useful stores. Country Corner, next door to Countryside, has additional locations for Cimboco, Chicken! Chicken!, Cafe Del Sol and GNC. Lower Valley is the agricultural heart of Grand Cayman and popular with Caymanians with familial connections to farming. There's a palpable sense of history, pride and respect for local heritage in this community. The Department of Agriculture is based here and host events like the farmers' market, known as The Grounds, at the agricultural pavilion.
Beach Bay
BEA CH BA Y
Beach Bay is on the right just before you get to Bodden Town. It has one of the highest elevations on the island, offering spectacular views of the surrounding coastline. If you drive all the way down Beach Bay Road, you’ll find Sea Spray Drive, a scenic coastal road lined with charming houses and apartments. One end of the road has a very private but rocky beach, while the sunsets over the Bluff at the other end of the coast road are amazing. The area has a distinct rural charm, and the houses are sparsely dotted around the lush, bushy landscape. That may all change, however, when the Mandarin Oriental begins construction on its landmark development. The new residences will showcase 66 acres of coastal gardens linked by meandering nature trails and an impressive 700 feet of pristine white sand beach, bringing world-class service, refined luxury, and personalised hospitality to both owners and residents alike.
George Town
GE ORGE TO WN
BODDEN TO WN
Those who venture out to Bodden Town love it. It is on the beach, away from the hustle and bustle, and the rents are in the low to mid-range. The community still has the feel of a small Caribbean town, with a mixture of locals and expats living alongside one another. The beaches are rustic, usually littered with driftwood and dried turtle grass and are lovely places for walking dogs. Although the impression of a long commute may keep the faint-hearted away from Bodden Town, it takes just 2025 minutes to reach George Town if you leave early or late enough to miss the rush hour traffic.
Frank Sound & Cottage
FRANK SOUND & CO TT AG E
Frank Sound crosses inland as you drive towards Rum Point. It has affordable homes with large properties, and the land is very fertile with mature shade and fruit trees. Another huge bonus of this area is the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park and the Mastic Trail, both of which are great to explore and located just off Frank Sound Road. It is also the location of the Clifton Hunter High School. This is a great area for those that work at Health City.
North Side & East End
This is a beautiful and historic part of the island. On the way to the eastern districts, you’ll pass Pedro St. James Castle in Savannah, the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park in Frank Sound, and the Wreck of the Ten Sail in Gun Bay. Residents in North Side and East End are said to be the friendliest in Cayman. Commuting to George Town from either area takes at least 40 minutes without traffic. Dining options include Over the Edge in Old Man Bay, known for local seafood with a French twist (especially the catch of the day and shrimp in Chablis sauce!) The Caboose (formerly Kurt's Korner) offers local fayre such as grilled fish, stewed beef, and oxtail. The Italian Kitchen, by Foster’s supermarket in East End, serves basic Italian but is closed for lunch and takes no evening reservations. In East End, La Casita, Tukka East, and Eagle Rays (at Ocean Frontiers) are popular, while Vivine’s Kitchen, on the water, serves local dishes in Miss Vivine’s garden and is packed on Sundays. Activities include diving with Ocean Frontiers, walking the Mastic Trail (bring bug spray, water, and sturdy shoes), snorkelling off the North Coast (respect the marine park), exploring the Crystal Caves, beachcombing deserted beaches, kiteboarding, sailing, or renting a jetski from White Sand Sports at Wyndham Reef Resort.
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Living in North Side
Life on the north coast comes with trade-offs. Distance from Town preserves the old-time Cayman lifestyle but makes trips to Seven Mile Beach, the airport and other essentials less convenient. Onshore trade winds keep temperatures cool but they coat windows with salt and damage electronics. With few neighbours, the area offers dark skies for star gazing and a constant holiday atmosphere— almost every home has a sea view. Many houses belong to long-term visitors who have vacationed here for decades, while short-term guests stay at The Retreat, Island Houses, The Rum Point Club Residences, Kaibo Yacht Club Villas or The Pools of the Kai Condominiums. Residents from other districts often book Rum Point/Kaibo
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NORTH SIDE & EAST END
On the north side, Stake Bay roughly refers to the middle section of the island.
AST KE YBA (Cayman Br ac )
In Cayman Brac’s West End, you will find the airport, two grocery stores, a gas station and a couple of condo complexes. Hence, the north shore of the West End has the highest population of residents on the island. The famous Russian wreck dive, renamed M.V. Captain Keith Tibbetts, lies just offshore. The Cayman Islands Department of Tourism Information Centre is located here, as well as the West End Primary School (also a Government hurricane shelter) and the island’s only airport, Charles Kirkconnell International Airport. Stake Bay
W EST END (Cayman Br ac)
"West End
Cayman Airways connects the island to Grand Cayman multiple times daily via Saab SF340s (30 seats) and Twin Otters (17 seats). Fares average CI$75–86 each way, and weekly direct jet flights also operate from Miami. Residential construction follows strict hurricane codes, with poured concrete or block foundations. No import taxes apply to building materials, and most supplies are available locally. Custom finishes and furniture can be sourced from Grand Cayman, Miami or abroad. The island has excellent contractors, tradesmen and excavation services for landscaping.
Cayman Brac, the easternmost of the Cayman Islands, is about 12 miles long and just over a mile wide. Named by early Scottish fishermen, “Brac” comes from the Gaelic word for bluff, referring to the limestone ridge that runs through the island and peaks at 150 ft, the highest point across all three islands. The island is home to over 200 bird species, iguanas, hidden caves, and scenic trails. It offers a tranquil, family-friendly atmosphere with virtually no crime. Cayman Brac is also renowned for its superb diving.
There is a holiday home feel about the area and life is centred around the beach. There
Cayman Kai is just beyond Rum Point.
YMANCA KAI
r
Increasingly, residents work remotely and commute to town only once or twice a week. Cayman Kai
Rum Point features a shaded beach on the North Sound, clear waters, and a mix of luxury homes and affordable condos. The Rum Point Club, accessible by car, ferry or boat, is popular for hammocks, picnic lunches, swimming and snorkelling in safe, shallow waters. Sundays are busy with crowds and moored boats. Activities include paddleboarding, water skiing, kayaking, sailing, visiting the Sandbar stingrays, fly fishing the mini sandbar, and bioluminescence tours with Cayman Kayaks. The commute to George Town is just under an hour. Nearby groceries include Chisholm’s and Foster’s Express opposite The Wyndham Reef Resort in East End. The area’s luxury anchor is Rum Point Club Residences, with 500ft of oceanfront, private balconies, gourmet kitchens, spa, infinity pool, private dock, lobby bar and room service.
are many luxurious houses and a few upscale apartments on the water. Prices in this area are high for large private homes, but there are 2-bed condos at the Kaibo Yacht Club that rent for around CI$200 per night. Some residents treat themselves by renting a house or condo here for the weekend. Call Cayman Villas (Tel: (345) 945 4144) to see what vacation rentals they have available. Great restaurants include the chilled-out Kaibo Beach Restaurant and the upscale Upstairs at Kaibo, which has a superb rum collection and a tasting menu with wine pairing. Kaibo also has a coffee shop and sells ice and fuel for cars and boats. The commute into George Town at rush hour will take well over an hour.
Utility services are generally reliable. Island Energy provides electricity, with rates subject to government approval and monthly fuel surcharges. Water Authority Cayman supplies piped water to the western and northern areas, while other regions receive trucked deliveries. Rates are CI$5.99/m³ for piped and CI$7.55/m³ for trucked, plus a CI$0.22/ m³ statutory fee and a variable energy adjustment. Water quality meets WHO standards. Propane is delivered by Home Gas. Telecommunications are provided by Digicel and FLOW, with excellent phone service and reliable internet that supports streaming options.
Rum Point
Stake Bay is the capital of the island and is where you will find the main Government building, the hospital, the museum, a houses for staycations, especially on long weekends. Full-time locals are often retired, with few commuting the 50-minute drive into town; others work in nearby hospitality. Forward planning is needed for errands: Chisholm's Grocery (Tel: (345) 947 9418) on North Side Road covers basics, but larger shops mean at least a trip to Countryside Shopping Village.
OVERVIEW OF RESIDENTIAL AREAS
IN CAYMAN BRAC
RUM POINT
grocery store and the island’s only high school—the well-respected Layman E. Scott Sr. High School.
The Bluff
THE BLUFF (Cayman Br ac )
The island’s gentle ascent eventually leads to the limestone cliffs, which are its namesake. A lighthouse crowns the 150ft tall seaside edge of The Bluff. The birds circling overhead may eventually lead you back inland to the ancient woodlands of the Brac Parrot Reserve. It is home to many endemic flora and fauna species of the Cayman Islands. The Bluff has seen a significant increase in housing developments, and it also has the Government-owned Cayman Brac Day Care Centre. In the central part of the Bluff is the Government's sports facility, which has a 25-metre pool that is used for local swimming education and also hosts national competitions. There is also a FIFA-approved football field.
Eastern Districts
Continue east to Watering Place, Creek and Spot Bay and you’ll find a true Cayman Brac welcome. 'Mom and Pop' stores and small local restaurants showcase authentic souvenirs and traditional Caymanian fare. The Cayman Brac Heritage House is located between Creek and Spot Bay and complements the Cayman Brac Museum, offering re-enactments of our country’s past, with displays showing how islanders used natural resources to create houses and tools. There are two primary schools, Creek Primary School and Spot Bay Primary School, in this area.
OVERVIEW
IN LITTLE CAYMAN
Little Cayman is a diver’s paradise, just a short flight from Grand Cayman, offering a safe, slow-paced, and friendly island lifestyle. Despite its size (10 miles long and one mile wide), it is not a miniature of Grand Cayman and lacks urban conveniences such as city water and recycling. Fewer than 200 residents live there permanently, though the population can reach 400 on New Year’s Eve.
There is no town, but near Edward Bodden Airfield on the west side you’ll find one grocery store (with liquor), one coffee shop, one gas station, one bank with an ATM, and one clinic with a single nurse (no doctors, dentists, or hospital). Hotels generate fresh water through seawater reverse osmosis. Residents support the grocery store despite higher prices than Grand Cayman. For specialty foods or storm preparation, it is wise to bring perishables by plane, since the weekly supply barge may be delayed by
weather.
Flights run three to ten times daily depending on season, cost CI$85 to 100 each way, and take 35 minutes on a 17-seat Twin Otter (direct or via Cayman Brac). Each passenger can bring up to 55 pounds of luggage, split into two bags. Major supermarkets in Grand Cayman (Foster’s, Kirk’s, Hurley’s, Cost.U.Less) can deliver items to the airport for air freight. Residents also use the barge, packing bulky goods like toilet paper into cars or boats to maximise volume. Customs clearance is simpler than in Grand Cayman, and US orders can ship directly.
Power cuts occur occasionally but are usually brief. Electricity comes from diesel, while propane trucks supply home cooking gas. One or two mechanics handle most auto issues, but air-conditioning and appliance technicians must be flown in at the caller’s expense. Mosquitoes are controlled by regular aerial spraying, although breezes help. Water comes from
Carolyn Ritch Ken Ziemniak Jackie Beji
rain collection or can be purchased from local hotels when needed.
West Side of Little Cayman
The island’s most famous diving destinations, the Bloody Bay Wall and Jackson Wall, are both on the north side of Little Cayman and are easily accessible by boat to divers staying at any of the resorts or villas in the area. There are a number of good options, including the Southern Cross Club, Little Cayman Beach Resort, The Conch Club and Paradise Villas. Most of the accommodation is within walking distance of the Edward Bodden Airfield. The Booby Pond is also the only RAMSAR site in the Cayman Islands (an internationally recognised and important wetland) and home to the red footed booby bird. The indigenous Sister Islands’ Rock Iguana also roams freely on the island.
East Side of Little Cayman
Heading up the road away from South
Hole, the island becomes more and more of a deserted paradise with just a small number of houses scattered along the coastline. South Hole Sound is at the border of the two areas, and the beautiful South Shore provides stunning views on the way to Point of Sand at the eastern end of the island, where you can gaze across the water towards Cayman Brac. Point of Sand is located at the very tip of Little Cayman and is probably one of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean. The sea is crystal clear and incredibly inviting. Pack a lunch and bring your bathing suit and towel to enjoy some time in the sun, sand and surf, quite often with no one in sight.
BUYING A PROPERTY
Realtors - Sales
selling, relocating or renting, she leverages her extensive experience and attention to detail to help you make informed investment decisions in Cayman. With a strong portfolio of repeat clients, Amber is dedicated to finding the perfect property that meets your criteria and budget. She is always eager to assist with your real estate needs. Contact Amber Yates today to get started. SEE AD OPPOSITE PAGE
Berkshire Hathaway Home Services
Tel: (345) 949 3521
Email: info@bhhscaymanislands.com
www.bhhscaymanislands.com
With an ever-changing landscape and so many choices in real estate representation, the team at Berkshire Hathaway Home Services provides decades of experience and the comfort of local knowledge. They will get to know you, understand your needs and go above and beyond to ensure you reach your investment goals. Guided by the Berkshire Hathaway Home Services principles of trust, integrity, stability and longevity, they empower people to achieve their dreams.
When buying a property, it’s more productive to work with one real estate agent. As mentioned before, the Islands’ largest MLS is run by CIREBA and it ensures the best market coverage to view every property on all three islands. A seller will list their property with a specific agent. That agent then enters the details into the CIREBA MLS, which is accessible to all CIREBA agents. The agent you are comfortable working with will show you all the listings, regardless of the listing source, so there is no need for you to reach out to different offices. However, you are not limited to only working with CIREBA agents. You can also work with a CIRO or independent agent. If you are a buyer, you do not pay for the services of a realtor, they receive their commission from the seller with whom they have a Listing Agreement.
Amber Yates - Century 21
Tel: (345) 926 0396
Email: amber@c21cayman.com www.century21cayman.com
With 20+ years of Real Estate experience, let Amber help you navigate the Cayman Real Estate market with ease. As a consistent award-winning top performer for Century 21 Cayman and the Caribbean, Amber brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to every real estate transaction. Whether you are buying or
Cayman Islands Sotheby’s International Realty
Sheena Conolly – Broker/Owner
Governors Square, Seven Mile Beach
Tel: (345) 623 1234
Email: info.cayman@sothebysrealty.ky www.sothebysrealty.ky
As the only firm to have been awarded ‘Best Real Estate Company’ in the Cayman Islands by AIPP, they are a professional team of realtors who offer exceptional real estate concierge services in the Cayman Islands. They work closely with you to find the best real estate solution for your needs, whether that is a luxury home, a Seven Mile Beach condo, investment property, land for development, an oceanfront residence in Cayman Kai or a family home. Connect with them today. SEE AD THIS PAGE
Claudia Subiotto - RE/MAX
Seven Mile Shops, 215 B West Bay Road, SMB
Tel: (345) 927 1000
Email: claudia.subiotto@remax.ky
With over two decades in Cayman, Claudia is known for going above and beyond in everything she does, solving problems and
proposing solutions other realtors don’t. Whether it is a property assessment, detailed and historical market analysis and research on comparable sales, extensive networking with legal and property specialists, valuable market insights, impeccable listings, phenomenal marketing and promotion of properties, flawless closings and superb documentation; no detail is left unexplored, resulting in successful rentals, sales and purchases. Her knowledge of Cayman, membership in the Institute of Luxury Home Marketing and command of the real estate market led Claudia to reach rank #1 of all RE/MAX worldwide individual residential agents in 2025! SEE AD PAGE 135
Crighton Properties
Tel: (345) 949 5250
Email: info@crightonproperties.com www.crightonproperties.com
Since the early 70s, Crighton Properties has provided their clients with expert advice about the local real estate market. They have access to an extensive range of real estate options, whether you are looking to invest in a beachfront home, condo, canal-front lot or investment property. The knowledgeable agents at Crighton Properties will assist you every step of the way with your property listing or sale. Contact them today to get started with your Cayman property search. SEE AD PAGE 133
Engel & Völkers
Tel: (345) 623 1400
Email: heidi.kiss@evrealestate.com www.cayman.evrealestate.com
Engel & Völkers (E&V) Cayman Islands stands out as the premier choice for luxury real estate in the Cayman Islands, expertly combining deep local market knowledge with a renowned international network in over 30 countries. Their team of top-tier real estate advisors delivers exceptional, white-glove service tailored to every client—whether you’re searching for an elegant beachfront estate, a sophisticated condo, or an ideal starter home. With Engel & Völkers, you gain access to exclusive listings and a personalised buying or selling experience designed to exceed your expectations. E&V understands the Cayman Islands’ dynamic real estate market and are
committed to helping you find your perfect property, be it for investment or as your dream home. Experience unparalleled service and expertise with Engel & Völkers Cayman Islands—the trusted name in luxury real estate. SEE AD PAGE 7
Kass Coleman – RE/MAX agent
Tel: (345) 949 2396 or Cell: (345) 916 0378
Email: Kass.coleman@remax.ky www.facebook.com/KassCaymanIslands
Kass Coleman has excelled in Cayman real estate with RE/MAX for over 30 years in all areas of sales and marketing. Kass is a lifestyle specialist' and will help you every step of the way when buying or selling your property. Let her experience and proven track record work for you. SEE AD PAGE 123
Kristina King - ERA Cayman
Tel: (345) 916 7988
Email: kristina.king@eracayman.com
Kristina grew up on Grand Cayman after her parents moved here in the early 70s. She puts building customer relationships first, utilising her vast knowledge and experience gained over many years of living and working in the Cayman Islands to offer her clients guidance. If you are looking to sell your property or find the perfect home or investment, and ensure every transaction is a successful experience, call Kristina today! SEE AD PAGE 147
Property Cayman
Tel: (345) 749 4663
Email: admin@propertycayman.com www.propertycayman.com
Specialising in matter-of-fact property
advice, celebrated internationally for sales and marketing, and recognised locally for donating a portion of every sale towards local affordable housing solutions, this Caymanianowned and operated agency does more than just say that they do things differently. They live it. So, whether you are a first-time buyer or seasoned investor, Property Cayman’s welcoming energy, pressure-free advice, and client-over-commission approach will make you feel at home even if you’re not—yet.
Rhulens
Tel: (345) 938 1000 (local)
Tel: 1 (917) 836 9108 (New York)
Email: sloane@rhulens.com
www.amber.com
Rhulens is your trusted advisor when it comes to purchasing, selling or renting residential real estate in Cayman. Their extensive experience, market knowledge and strong negotiation skills enable them to achieve the best possible outcomes for their clients. They offer unbiased research, analysis and advice, and provide exceptional customer service.
Ritch Realty Ltd.
Tel: (345) 949 9838 or (345) 925 5653
Email: info@ritchrealty.ky
www.ritchrealty.ky
Ritch Realty Ltd. is a leading real estate agency in the Cayman Islands specialising in sales, property management and rental properties at premium locations in Grand Cayman. A family owned and operated business and member of CIREBA, Ritch Realty Ltd. has been providing real estate services to clients since 1991.
SEE AD PAGE 137
Overview of Buying a Property
Buying a property in Cayman has many advantages, not least that if you are staying for some time, mortgages tend to work out cheaper than rent over a three to five-year period. There are no restrictions on foreign ownership of real estate if the property is for personal use and there are no annual property or capital gains taxes. If the property is rented out as an investment, then no tourist tax is payable if the property is rented to residents. Although, if more than two properties are owned for rental, there will be additional licences required, namely a Trade and Business, and a Local Companies (Control) Law Licence. Cayman’s Land Registry office enables transfers to be relatively quick and simple, but for peace of mind, it's best to use an attorney. Every piece of property is registered under a unique block and parcel number, which means every owner is registered and the government guarantees the accuracy of the entries recorded at Lands and Survey. A potential purchaser may examine the records regarding any piece of property to check whether there are any liens, charges or restrictions on it. Unless stipulated within the covenants for a particular development, there are
no time deadlines for building on raw land. The land can be held undeveloped indefinitely and many families are land banking for future generations. Planning approvals are valid for five years following the grant of planning permission. It's been over four years since COVID-19 upended global supply chains of building materials and drove up prices and slowed the availability of products and materials. Builders in Cayman say that problems still persist, but developers and individuals are still building and the industry is healthy.
Stamp Duty & Other Charges
Stamp duty, which is payable on all conveyances or transfers of any immovable property (other than those between certain family members as set out in the Stamp Duty Act for natural love and affection), is 7.5%. However, for Caymanian buyers there are some concessions (see the table below). For more detailed information on how stamp duty is applied, and can be paid, visit www.caymanresident.com and search 'stamp duty.'
In 2021, the government changed the approach to assessing stamp duty on preconstruction properties. Until 2022, that duty was calculated on the published
developer’s price at completion. Note: The law has not changed, just its interpretation. Stamp duty has always been charged on the purchase price or on the market value, whichever is higher, as assessed by the Lands and Survey Department. As real estate prices have gone up, it is very likely that a pre-construction property, with a purchase agreement signed one or more years prior to completion, will be assessed by officials to be worth more than the agreed purchase price. An alternative to the unknown appreciation costs is to pre-pay the 7.5% stamp duty, but in that case, purchasers run the risk of the development not going ahead and stamp duty fees are not refundable! There are potentially additional charges as well:
> 1% stamp duty charged on mortgages of CI$300k or less and 1.5% stamp duty charged on mortgages of more than CI$300k. You should also budget up to 1% for legal and registration fees.
> When you build a house, building permit fees are charged according to the square footage of the property being built.
> When purchasing with bank financing, the bank will require a report on the ‘market value’ of the property. Each lender has its own rules, but the report
SINGLE CAYMANIAN BUYER
2-10 CAYMANIAN BUYERS
will need to be prepared by an approved firm of professional valuation surveyors. Depending on the property size, prices start at around CI$725 for this report.
Stamp Duty Exemptions on Chattels
Stamp duty is not charged on the furnishings or chattels of a house. If you are not entirely sure how to calculate the value, then contact the Lands and Survey Department (Tel: (345) 244 3420). Check out their website at www.caymanlandinfo. ky for more information.
Know Your Client/Customer
Remember, the sale or purchase of real estate in the Cayman Islands constitutes as Relevant Financial Business for the purposes of Cayman’s anti-money laundering measures. As part of the Know Your Client/Customer (KYC) requirement, your real estate agent, or any professional acting in relation to a real estate transaction, is required by the Cayman Islands Government to collect your identification details as well as other relevant information to finalise the transaction. Individuals must provide certified photo ID (typically a passport), address verification (like a driver's licence or utility bill), and disclose the source of funds and wealth. For companies, corporate seals are required, as well as forms of identification for its directors and beneficial owners holding 10% or more of the company's shares. If you need further information about these requirements, contact a legal conveyancing professional.
Legal Conveyancing
Conveyancing is the technical word used to describe the way a property is legally transferred from one person to another. Technically, you can do the conveyancing yourself, but if the property is being bought with a mortgage, your lender will insist that you use a lawyer to confirm that the property is free from any liens or other encumbrances and to draft the appropriate charge documents. A few law firms in Cayman have departments that specialise
in conveyancing. Their job is to prepare the paperwork for your mortgage and property transfer. They check that there are no encumbrances such as a mortgage lien, outstanding strata payments or anything else that would hinder the purchaser's use and enjoyment of the property. They usually charge 1% of the property value unless a different figure has been negotiated. A typical simple transfer of land takes no more than three to four weeks, with registration of the new proprietor at the Land and Survey Department taking place four to six weeks after that.
Campbells
Tel: (345) 949 2648
Email: llee@campbellslegal.com www.campbellslegal.com
Campbells handles all aspects of property transactional work, from sales and purchase to conveyance and related residential and commercial financing for both individuals and corporations. SEE AD PAGE 143
Collas Crill
2nd Floor, Willow House, Cricket Square, GT
Tel: (345) 949 4544
Email: cayman@collascrill.com www.collascrill.com
Collas Crill is an offshore law firm with offices in Cayman, BVI, Guernsey and Jersey advising both local and international clients in a full range of property legal services. SEE AD THIS PAGE
Carey Olsen Cayman Limited
Pavilion East, Cricket Square, George Town Tel: (345) 749 2000
Email: cayman@careyolsen.com www.careyolsen.com
Carey Olsen's real estate lawyers have a wealth of experience advising major developers and lenders as well as landlords, vendors, investors and purchasers. The firm advises on a broad range of commercial and residential real estate with particular expertise in infrastructure and construction development projects, having advised on some of the largest and most complicated projects in Cayman.
Tel: (345) 815 2800
Email: cayman@francisgreylaw.com
SEE AD PAGE 61 & 68
Tel: (345) 949 4766
Email: property@hsmoffice.com
HSM’s property team are always accessible during fast-moving transactions, providing comfort and certainty to clients regardless of what side of the property transaction they are on. They act for financial institutions, developers, strata corporations, buyers/sellers and landlords/tenants of residential and commercial properties.
E, 55, 89 & 95
89 Nexus Way, Camana Bay
Tel: (345) 949 9876
Email: cayman@ogier.com www.ogierproperty.com
• Property Contracts
• Planning and Preconstruction
• Strata Regulation
• Leases and Licenses
• Residency by Investment
• Wills and Estate Management
• Property Holding Vehicles
Chambers +1 345 815 7404 ldacosta@hsmoffice.com
Fort Street George Town PO Box 31726 Grand Cayman KY1-1207 Cayman Islands www.hsmoffice.com
Ogier’s Cayman Islands property team provides practical, reliable advice on all aspects of residential and commercial real estate. With deep local knowledge and cross-jurisdictional expertise, they guide clients through property transactions with clarity and confidence. Ogier works with a broad range of clients including first-time buyers, local residents, investors, developers and high-net-worth individuals relocating to the island. Whether you’re purchasing your first home, investing in commercial property or navigating a more complex transaction, their team ensures a smooth and informed process from start to finish.
Stuarts Humphries
Kensington House, 69 Dr Roy’s Drive, George Town
Tel: (345) 949 3344
Email: info@stuartslaw.com www.stuartslaw.com
A Cayman-focused law firm that advises on the lease, purchase, sale and development of commercial and residential properties in the Cayman Islands, including hotels, large commercial buildings and residential units and land developments. Stuarts also advise banks and other institutions, and individuals in connection with mortgage financing, joint property ventures, and landlords and tenants in connection with long term leases and short-term tenancies.
SEE AD PAGE 70
Mortgages & Borrowing
Most Cayman banks offer mortgages with rates tied to the KYD and USD prime rate, which typically follows the US Federal Reserve 'New York Prime Rate.' Deposits usually range from 10%–35% of the purchase or construction cost. Mortgages run 15–30 years but rarely extend beyond retirement age, and long-term interest-only options are unavailable in Cayman.
Banks typically charge 1%–3% above prime, with lower rates for larger deposits. A 0.5%–1% difference in rates can significantly impact costs. Fees include a commitment fee of up to 1% of the loan and, in some cases, early repayment penalties. Comparing offers from multiple banks is essential to secure the best rate and terms.
Life Insurance Required for Mortgages
A property insurance policy collaterally assigned to the bank is required for all mortgages. Turn to page 162 in our Settling In chapter for a list of insurance companies and brokers. Many banks will also require a life insurance policy so the mortgage can be repaid in the event of death. Your loan officer will advise on their bank’s specific requirements.
Juliet Osbourne - Life Insurance
Tel: (345) 916 0500
Email: juliet@julietosbourne.com www.julietosbourne.com
Juliet is a life insurance expert specialising in finding competitively priced policies to cover your mortgage, protect your family, or safeguard your income. She ensures you get the best plan tailored to your lifestyle and budget while making the process easy to navigate. Contact Juliet for a quote by phone or email.
Michael Webster – Life Insurance Agent
Tel: (345) 925 5433
Email: michael.webster@cic.com.ky www.lifeinsurance345.com
Michael Webster offers services in the Cayman Islands for the protection of both your mortgage and family. He offers term life, universal life and whole life policies, plus college saving plans, child savings plans and more. All of his insurance products are affordable and can be customised to suit your needs and budget. SEE AD PAGE 164
Strata Title s
Residential property in Cayman is often sold as part of a strata plan if it is in a condominium or apartment complex.
Most countries have the concept of freehold property, where the owner has ownership and responsibility for the land they own and all buildings on it. Strata ownership is less familiar to many people, but very common in Cayman. The following is an explanation of how it works:
> If you buy a property that is part of a strata plan, you will have the registered title of the house or apartment that is situated within the property in the plan. You will also own a share and have voting rights in the ‘strata corporation’ which owns all the land in the strata plan, including estate roads, communal gardens, shared pools, etc.
> The strata corporation has an obligation to insure the strata property and maintain it for the benefit of the owners, along with the right to recover the costs of doing so from them. There will be rules and regulations governing how the strata company is run (known as strata by-laws) and an annually elected committee that is authorised to run the corporation. Examples of monthly strata fees you might expect to pay are: CI$350 for a 2-bed inland townhouse and CI$450 for a 3-bed inland apartment. Factor in about the same monthly amount again for property insurance. For condos along Seven Mile Beach, one could easily pay upwards of CI$1,000 before insurance and a mandatory CI$65 sewage charge. Your realtor will be able to find the exact strata fees for you.
Property Valuations & Appraisals
Whether applying for a mortgage, or purchasing or selling a property, it is customary to instruct an independent valuation surveyor who is a registered valuer, chartered surveyor and member of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) to carry out a valuation report. The report provides an independent opinion of value using different methods depending on the type of property. The valuer will carry out an inspection of the property, take photographs and produce a report detailing the description, location, leasehold or freehold information, comparable evidence of recent sales, market rental values and, in some instances, build costs and land
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To learn more, contact:
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D +1 345 914 5852
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and Restructuring Debt Recovery (on behalf of Banks)
Industrial and Retail Leasing
Strata Debt Recovery Corporate/Commercial Transactions
values. It provides a purchaser or owner with invaluable data as well as current market conditions and trends. In addition to meeting the bank's requirements, a valuation should also provide the purchaser or owner with the reassurance of the fair market value of the property. Realtors also have access to historical sales information which can help in getting an unofficial valuation of your property if you are thinking of selling.
BCQS International - Property & Development Consultants
2nd Fl, Whitehall House, 238 North Church St, GT Tel: (345) 949 8644
Email: info@bcqs.com
www.bcqs.com
BCQS is a firm regulated by RICS, offering trusted valuations and appraisals for residential, commercial, and development properties. With over 55 years of experience in the Cayman Islands, they provide reliable property assessments and advisory services to homebuyers, sellers and lenders.
Blue Point Consultants
Tel: (345) 525 0706
Email: info@bluepointproperty.com www.bluepointproperty.com
RICS registered valuer offering property valuations, development appraisals, feasibility studies, acquisitions and disposals, consulting on landlord and tenant issues, property searches, reinstatement cost for insurance purposes and loss adjusting. Specialising in hotels and resorts. SEE AD THIS PAGE
Bould Consulting
4th Floor, Genesis Building,
Genesis Close, George Town
Tel: (345) 946 6063
Email: info@bcl.ky
www.bcl.ky
Development and construction consultants for resort, commercial, residential and public sector projects. For over 55 years, Bould Consulting have delivered expert valuation, quantity surveying, and project management services across the Caribbean. From luxury resorts and high-end residences to public infrastructure, their experienced team ensures clarity, value and leadership at every stage. They provide fast, reliable advice accepted by all major lending institutions, and actively manage cost, time and risk to protect their clients’ investments. They make regular visits to Cayman Brac and Little Cayman.
SEE AD THIS PAGE
For over 55 years, BOULD have been development and construction consultants for resort, commercial, residential and public sector projects, delivering expert valuation, quantity surveying, and project management services across the Caribbean. Providing fast, reliable advice accepted by all major lending institutions, their experienced team ensures clarity, value, and leadership at every stage.
Charterland Ltd. is a chartered surveying practice and RICS regulated firm providing a comprehensive range of professional property related services with integrity and independence, and in a timely manner. Professional services include: property valuations, reinstatement cost assessments for insurance purposes, compensation assessment, feasibility studies, quantity surveying and cost consulting.
DDL Studio Ltd.
2nd Floor, Buckingham Square, West Bay Road, SMB Tel: (345) 945 3622
Email: info@ddlstudio.com www.ddlstudio.com
DDL Studio Ltd. takes pride in being a fully regulated provider of valuation and appraisal services, recognised by the prestigious Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). Their team of experienced and qualified professionals is committed to delivering precise and reliable valuations, adhering to the stringent practices and procedures established by RICS. Specialising in commercial, residential, specialised and institutional properties, their goal is to provide top-tier valuation services that meet your specific needs. SEE AD PAGE 259
JEC Property Consultants Ltd.
96 Mary Street, George Town Tel: (345) 945 5930
Email: contact@jec.ky or www.jec.ky
JEC Property Consultants offers a range of expert property management services,
Charterland
maintenance coordination, compliance, and dispute resolution for strata properties, while also providing leasing, tenant relations and strategic planning for commercial properties. Their rental management services cover tenant acquisition, rent collection, property maintenance and legal compliance, ensuring efficient and profitable rental operations. With a focus on personalised service, JEC aims to enhance property value and owner satisfaction.
SEE AD THIS PAGE & 252
Quayside Surveyors Ltd.
Tel: (345) 938 0662
Email: info@quaysidesurveyors.ky www.quaysidesurveyors.ky
Quayside Surveyors in Grand Cayman offer a wide range of valuation and property related services, including freehold and leasehold valuations, reinstatement assessments for insurance purposes, development appraisals, residual valuations, landlord and tenant, construction cost estimates, project management and loss adjusting. They provide residential and commercial property valuations for secured lending, mortgages, disposals or acquisitions, legal disputes, divorces, taxation, audits, estate settlements, immigration and stamp duty assessments. Quayside Surveyors is fully regulated by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and is upheld by the highest standards of professionalism and ethics.
Pitfalls to Avoid
Steer clear of these financial pitfalls when buying property in Cayman:
> Water Bills: Make sure the final water bill on the property has been paid by the previous owner. Water companies are under no obligation to reconnect water supply to accounts that have been disconnected due to non-payment and still have unpaid, past-due charges. Renters are also encouraged to ensure previous water bills have been paid for by the landlord or previous tenant prior to moving in.
> Air Conditioner Servicing: Check whether the property owner has been regularly servicing the A/C units. A lack of regular maintenance will greatly reduce the life
expectancy of air conditioning condensers and new systems can cost thousands of dollars. As a condition of the sale, request that the seller have the property’s units serviced and provide a report.
> Pest Control: Find out if the previous owners had the property sprayed regularly for ants, roaches, termites and other pests. Failing to have this done could put you at risk of an infestation problem. If you are buying a wooden house, get the house checked for termites before you buy the property.
> MEP Report, Home Inspections and Site Surveys: As a condition of purchase, it is very important that you get a home inspection and/or a MEP report (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) done on the property before you finalise the sale. Significant problems can reduce the value of the property. If you are purchasing raw land, then a conditions site survey is recommended by a qualified engineer who will assess, among other things, whether your new house will need to be built with
pilings, thus hugely increasing the cost of building. More information on what the technician does, and why it is important, is listed in the Home Inspections and Site Surveys section of this chapter on the next page.
> Planned Special Assessments: If you are buying a condo, a good realtor will request a report from the strata’s property management company that confirms whether any special assessments are planned on the apartment complex. Special assessments may involve considerable costs and you might well be able to get the existing owner to pay for them (or have them deduct it from the sale price).
> Hidden Costs: Ask your realtor to request a breakdown of the monthly costs of running the property in the summer and in the winter months. It is not uncommon for a 4-bed house on a 1/3 acre (particularly in a windy position) to have an average water bill of CI$650 per month and an average monthly electricity bill in the region of CI$1,000-$1,500+ depending on the month
of the year, size of the house and whether the property has been well insulated. If the house has Icynene spray foam insulation in the attic, it will not only significantly reduce your electricity bills but help hold your roof together in the event of a major hurricane.
Home Inspections & Site Surveys
In the UK, it’s common to commission a chartered building survey before buying a property, whereas in the US, a full home inspection by a licensed home inspector is typical. In the Cayman Islands, companies offer both services, and it’s highly recommended to have one when purchasing a home. Although it is an extra cost for the buyer, having a professional home inspection or site survey completed before finalising a major property purchase offers several advantages. Identifying hidden defects provides leverage in any final negotiations, either compelling the seller to make repairs or allowing the buyer to budget for future costs by insisting on a reduction in the final price.
A land survey verifies property boundaries, helping to prevent future disputes or legal complications with neighbours. Ultimately, making a satisfactory inspection or survey a precondition of any sale contract safeguards your investment, ensures transparency in the transaction, and delivers peace of mind.
A building condition survey, conducted by a civil or structural engineer, assesses the roof, insulation, floors, walls and other structural elements. It also checks appliances and may recommend a Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (MEP) report by specialists.
A licensed home inspector performs a full inspection of structural components (foundations, floors, walls, ceilings, roof, hurricane straps) and interior elements (doors, windows, appliances), testing safety and functionality. They can also inspect mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems, producing a report with findings and recommended remediation.
The same diligence applies to purchasing land. Even if a lot appears solid, it may
INSPECTIONS
Why Inspect?
contain soft peat or other conditions requiring costly foundation work. A site investigation, from a simple trial pit to a detailed borehole test, identifies ground conditions. This data guides your structural engineer in designing the necessary foundation, and most builders require the report before construction.
WestPoint Inspections
Tel: (345) 936 2454
Email: info@westpoint-inspections.com www.westpoint-inspections.com
A team of professional home inspectors licensed and qualified to operate in the US and the Cayman Islands. They provide comprehensive home inspections, including full examinations of homes, which include structural integrity, exterior and site, all interior components, appliances and mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems. The company also offers full construction services from remodelling projects to building multi-million dollar homes.
SEE AD THIS PAGE
Property Management Services
Given the number of property owners who live overseas, property management is an invaluable service in Cayman. A good property management company will market your property, screen prospective tenants, draw up a lease, handle financials, produce monthly reports, handle maintenance matters and be on call 24/7.
Avata Property Services Ltd.
Tel: (345) 947 4747 or (345) 916 4286
Email: info@avatapsl.com or alan@avatapsl.com www.avatapsl.com
With over 50 years of experience working throughout the Caribbean, Avata’s team of property professionals in the Cayman Islands use their combined skillsets to deliver first-class service to their clients. Contact them today for a quote or review of your property management needs SEE AD THIS PAGE
Build Cayman
Tel: (345) 927 1184
Email: info@buildcayman.ky www.buildcayman.ky or
Discover a new level of property management with Build Cayman's premier facilities management solutions. Their team of industry professionals passionately cares for commercial, office and residential properties. Enjoy efficient and effective maintenance while they handle the details. As part of the Cayman Group, you can trust them to elevate and safeguard your investment. SEE AD PAGE 262
JEC Property Consultants Ltd.
96 Mary Street, George Town
Tel: (345) 945 5930
Email: contact@jec.ky or www.jec.ky
JEC Property Consultants offers a range of expert property management services, including strata management, commercial property management and rental management. They handle financial management, maintenance coordination, compliance and dispute resolution for strata properties, while also providing leasing, tenant relations and strategic planning for commercial properties. Their rental management services cover tenant acquisition, rent collection, property maintenance and legal
compliance, ensuring efficient and profitable rental operations. With a focus on personalised service, JEC aims to enhance property value and owner satisfaction. SEE AD PAGE 145 & 252
Minerva Cayman
13 Genesis Close, Genesis Building, George Town
Tel: (345) 746 0990
Email: contact@minerva.ky
https://minerva.ky
Lifestyle management experts offering bespoke services tailored to the needs of highperforming individuals, their families, and their properties. For your property, Minerva offers tailored support to keep everything running smoothly. From managing maintenance and paying bills to guest readiness and absence care, they ensure your property is always well looked after. Their comprehensive property management includes inspections, contractor oversight, storm preparation, luxury goods procurement and pre-arrival checks. They also manage holiday and personalised check-ins.
SEE AD PAGE 303
CentreIsland Properties
Long Term Leasing:
• Residential (apartments and condos) on 7 Mile Beach, George Town, West Bay, Snug Harbour and Palm Heights Drive.
• The Residences at the Falls 48 luxurious condos in Seven Mile Beach across from the Westin Hotel. Available for long term leasing.
• Commercial (office, retail and large commercial warehouse spaces) on 7 Mile Beach and George Town Centre Island Properties is your 1-stop shop for long-term residential and commercial leasing complete with a professional property management team on Grand Cayman
REM Services Ltd.
Locale, Unit C1, 455 West Bay Road, SMB
Tel: (345) 946 8664
Email: rent@remservices.ky
www.remservices.ky
REM Services Ltd. is a professional property management company in the Cayman Islands with over 35 years’ experience. Providing services to clients in Cayman and overseas, REM specialises in private, residential and beachside condos, along with residential and commercial strata management. SEE AD PAGE 148
Starting Your Search
You can find a place to rent by either searching online yourself through the CIREBA website (www.cirebarentals. com), through the CIRO website (www. cirealtors.org), through a specific realtor who specialises in rentals, or through the EcayTrade website (www.ecaytrade. com). Private landlords list a lot of rentals on the latter, but updates are irregular and scams can occur, so be vigilant. In
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contrast, the CIREBA multiple listings system is regularly updated and accessible to all member agents, so working with one agent does not exclude properties listed by others. Using a realtor is often the best option since it’s free and they know local availability. As one would expect, rental costs along the Seven Mile Beach corridor and in the South Sound area are generally higher than units in West Bay or Savannah. Have the following in mind when you contact an agent:
> Timeframe: Most tenancies start on the first of the month. Landlords may be flexible if asked, but a security deposit (usually one month’s rent) is required. Wait until your work permit is approved before searching, as the market moves fast. Realtors can provide video tours or extra photos if you haven’t arrived yet.
> Deposit: The standard security deposit is one month’s rent (e.g., CI$2,500 for a CI$2,500/month lease) and is refundable if there’s no damage or unpaid rent. The first month’s rent is also due before move-in.
> Location: Premium, convenient locations attract higher rents. Sacrificing wish list items can mean a healthy reduction in monthly rental expense.
> Size: How many bedrooms do you need or want? Many people like to have an extra bedroom for visitors, or even a home office.
> Lifestyle: You will likely have to compromise on either your location, size or your budget. Prioritise your wish list prior to the search.
Related Costs
In addition to the first month’s rent and deposit, you will have to pay associated start-up costs for your new accommodation:
> Utilities Deposit: Estimate approximately CI$75 for water, CI$250-$600 for electricity and CI$180 for a landline, cable and/or internet package. See the Settling In chapter for more details.
> Maintenance Costs: Most landlords will take care of maintenance costs associated with garden and pool care, pest control and servicing of general systems such as A/C. If this is not specified within the lease agreement, enquire prior to signing.
> Insurance: Insuring personal belongings is the responsibility of the tenant. The property owner will be responsible for any issues that are not the fault of the tenant, i.e. inclement weather, a burst pipe or the A/C system failing.
> Furnishings: Most units come furnished. Prior to signing a lease, ask for an inventory list showing everything that comes with the unit. You will have to be prepared to supplement anything missing.
> Pets: A large number of complexes or owners do not accept pets. Those that do may require an additional security deposit, which can be as much as CI$600 per pet to cover additional cleaning.
> Monthly Costs: You’ll pay utilities based on consumption, unit size, and building age; your realtor can provide an estimate. Cable and internet may be included at a basic level, with upgrades available at extra cost.
Realtors - Rentals
For potential renters, the best approach is to email one of the realtors below, make a connection and have them guide you in your search. It's important to be realistic regarding budget. Whilst a place on the beach seems immediately attractive, it comes at a premium. Rental agents will also give you a list of what they have available, arrange viewings, and drive you around to see properties, which is particularly helpful if you are new to the island and do not have transport yet. This is a free service but be aware that the property rental market moves fast and new properties are often rented within days of them hitting the market. Rental agents will not show properties listed on EcayTrade exclusively by private landlords, only those that are officially registered with CIREBA or CIRO.
BCQS Rentals
2nd Fl, Whitehall House, 238 North Church St Tel: (345) 949 9300
Email: rentals@bcqs.com www.bcqsrentals.com
If you’re looking for the ideal apartment or home to rent over the long-term, talk to the friendly professionals at BCQS Rentals. With full relocation and tenant placement services, BCQS can help
you every step of the way. BCQS Rentals brings quality tenants and landlords together. Review their website to see the latest rental listings.
Centre Island Properties
Tel: (345) 326 4790
Email: rge@bcqs.com www.centreislandproperties.com
Centre Island Properties is a premier real estate company having residential and commercial properties available for rent in Grand Cayman.
SEE AD PAGE 147
REM Services Ltd
Locale, Unit C1, 455 West Bay Road, SMB
Tel: (345) 946 8664
Email: rent@remservices.ky www.remservices.ky
REM Services Ltd. is a professional property management company in the Cayman Islands with over 35 years’ experience. Providing services to clients on-Island and overseas, REM specialises in residential, vacation and commercial properties. Both short-term and long-term rental options are available. SEE AD OPPOSITE PAGE
Ritch Realty Ltd.
Tel: (345) 949 9838 or (345) 925 5653
Email: info@ritchrealty.ky www.ritchrealty.ky
Ritch Realty Ltd. is a leading real estate agency in the Cayman Islands specialising in sales, property management and rental properties at premium locations in Grand Cayman. SEE AD PAGE 137
Temporary Accommodation
Many companies extend the offer of temporary accommodation to new employees for the initial weeks following relocation to the island, providing the opportunity to become acquainted with the proximity of the workplace and essential amenities, before undertaking the search for a suitable rental property. Options include Shangri-La Inn & Suites (www. shangrilabandb.com), The Locale Hotel (www.staylocal.com), or Governor's Village (www.gvcayman.com). Sunshine Suites Resort (www.sunshinesuites.com) is being refurbished in a CI $30m project that will include all 66 suites as well as an enhanced
lobby and restaurant. The targeted opening date is autumn 2025.
Sunshine Hotel & Suites
Tel: (345) 949 3000
Email: ssr.reservations@pyramidglobal.com www.sunshinesuites.com
Newly reimagined and refurbished for 2025, The Sunshine Hotel & Suites, formerly Sunshine Suites Resort, has a modern tropical design radiating island charm. Nestled just a 5-minute walk from Seven Mile Beach, their all-suite
boutique hotel features fully renovated guest accommodations with upgraded kitchenettes, furnishings, lighting, and finishes. There’s a newly designed, modern welcome lobby which features a grab-and-go market, and a brand new fitness centre. The hotel continues to offer full access to the beach and pool facilities at their sister property directly opposite on Seven Mile Beach. The in-house Sunshine Grill restaurant has also been fully refurbished and provides hugely popular breakfast, lunch and dinner options to islanders and visitors alike. SEE AD THIS PAGE
The Sunshine Hotel & Suites: Boutique Comfort Just Steps from Seven Mile Beach
“Discover the newly reimagined The Sunshine Hotel & Suites, formerly Sunshine Suites Resort, where modern tropical design meets relaxed island charm. “
• Fully renovated guest suites with upgraded kitchenettes, furnishings, lighting, and finishes
• New fully refurbished lobby and grab-and-go market
• Brand New Fitness Centre
• Full beach and pool access to the oceanfront Sister property immediately across on Seven Mile Beach
Tucked inside The Sunshine Hotel and Suites, the all-new, refurbished Islandfavourite Sunshine Grill is back with local flavour and flair!
Settling In
MONEY & BANKING
Opening a Personal Bank Account – Resident
All banks in the Cayman Islands adhere to mandatory due diligence requirements and will perform extensive checks before opening an account to ensure that you are thoroughly legitimate and that no money will be laundered. Each bank may have slightly different requirements. Here are some:
> An employment letter addressed to the bank confirming your position, salary and expected length of employment. Or source of funds documentation
> A recent utility bill (not older than three months) or lease agreement in the individual’s name as proof of address. In the event of the latter, you would need to provide a copy of your landlord’s utility bill
> Original passport (to be certified by the bank, meaning a personal meeting is required)
> W9 forms for US citizens
> Original or notarised copy of Work Permit letter, Cayman Status, Right to Work or Naturalisation certificate
> Completed and signed application form.
Opening a Personal Bank Account – Non-Resident
Non-residents can open a bank account in Cayman without visiting the islands (not all banks offer this service), but they must submit multiple certified documents to prove their identity, current
Photos courtesy of Julie Corsetti, Heather Holt & Rebecca Davidson
overseas address, the source of funds and bank references. Local banks will often want a legitimate rationale for opening an account for an overseas resident, in addition to the following:
> An employment letter addressed to the bank confirming your position, salary and length of employment
> An original bank reference (issued within three months of the date of account application) on the bank’s letterhead, including length of banking relationship
CAYMAN NATIONAL
(minimum three years), average balance held in the account(s) for the previous year, and the manner in which the account(s) has been conducted
> Bank reference or character reference from a professional (attorney, accountant, teacher, notary public, JP, etc.)
> A recent original utility bill (no older than three months) or a lease agreement in the individual’s name as proof of address
> Certified copy of your passport(s) for all countries of citizenship (to be certified by
the bank)
> W9 forms for US citizens
> If you own or rent property in Cayman, then a certified copy of the land register agreement, a transfer of land document or a copy of a rental agreement
> Completed application form.
Opening a Business Bank Account
For more on opening a business account, refer to the Running a Business chapter.
Local Banks
Butterfield Bank (Cayman) Limited
12 Albert Panton Street, George Town PO Box 705, Grand Cayman KY1-1107
Tel: (345) 949 7055
Email: info.cayman@butterfieldgroup.com www.butterfieldgroup.com
Branches & Banking Hours: Butterfield Place Banking Centre (GT), Monday-Friday 9am4pm, Midtown Plaza Banking Centre (GT), Monday-Friday 9am-4pm and Camana Bay Banking Centre (SMB), Monday-Friday 9am4pm.
Banking Centre Services: Accounts, online banking, ATMs, credit and debit cards, currency exchange, wire transfers, bank drafts, utility bill payments, night deposit facilities, safety deposit boxes, standing orders, mortgage services and loans.
Other Services Offered: Credit references, trust services, private banking and investment management. SEE AD PAGE 151
Cayman National Bank Ltd.
PO Box 1097, Grand Cayman KY1-1102
Tel: (345) 949 4655
Email: cnb@caymannational.com
www.caymannational.com
Branches & Banking Hours: Kapok in Camana Bay (SMB), Centennial Towers (WB), Countryside Shopping Village (Savannah), Elgin Ave (GT), Cayman Brac, Monday-Thursday 9am-3pm, Friday 9am-3.30pm; Little Cayman, Monday and Thursday 9am–11.30am and 12pm-2pm (hours subject to change with Cayman Airways flight schedule).
Bank Services: Chequing, savings and fixed deposit accounts, credit and debit cards, online banking and mobile app, largest ATM/
ITM network island-wide, currency exchange, wire transfers, electronic funds transfer, travellers’ cheques cashing, bank drafts, letters of credit, utility bill payments, standing orders, merchant services, e-commerce, night deposit facilities, customised credit solutions such as mortgages, loans and domestic and international/domestic premier banking at the Camana Bay location. SEE AD PAGE 64 & 152
CIBC Caribbean
25 Main Street, George Town
Tel: (345) 815 2329
www.cibccaribbean.com
Branches & Banking Hours: Main Street (GT) and Governors Square, Lime Tree Bay Avenue (SMB) Monday-Thursday 9am-3pm and Friday 9am-3.30pm.
Bank Services: Vehicle loans, mortgages, land loans, personal, chequing and savings accounts, credit and debit cards, currency exchange, international wire transfers, SMART ABMs, bank drafts, utility bill payments, teller services, online banking, mobile banking, telephone banking, ATMs, loans and transfers. SEE AD PAGE 53
PROVEN Bank
PO Box 914, Grand Cayman KY1-1103
Tel: (345) 949 7822
Email: info@provenbank.com
www.provenbank.com
Branches & Banking Hours: 36A Dr. Roy’s Drive, GT (retail branch), Monday-Thursday 9am-4pm, Friday 9am-4.30pm; 1 Gecko Link, SMB (corporate and private banking), MondayFriday 9am-5pm by appointment.
Banking Services: PROVEN Bank chequing and savings accounts, credit cards, debit cards, prepaid cards, online banking, teller services, ATM, merchant services, currency exchange, wire transfers, bank drafts, and loans.
RBC Royal Bank (Cayman) Ltd.
PO Box 245, Grand Cayman KY1-1104
Tel: (345) 949 4600
www.rbcroyalbank.com/caribbean
Branches & Banking Hours: 24 Shedden Road (GT), Monday-Thursday 9am-3pm and Friday 9am-3.30pm; 53 Shamrock Road (next to Grand Harbour), Monday-Friday 9.30am-4pm.
Scotiabank & Trust (Cayman) Ltd.
Scotia Centre, 18 Forum Lane, Camana Bay PO Box 689, Grand Cayman KY1-1107
Tel: (345) 949 7666
www.scotiabank.com
Branches & Banking Hours: Camana Bay (SMB) and South Sound (across from Grand Harbour), Monday-Thursday 9am-4pm and Friday 9am4.30pm.
Online Banking, ATMs & Cheque Books
All banks in Cayman offer online banking, however if online banking is important to you, it is worth asking about each bank’s online capabilities. All banks allow you to pay almost all your monthly bills online.
ATM machines are available at all bank branches and all supermarkets. If you use your own bank’s ATM, you will not be charged a withdrawal fee other than Government’s 25 stamp duty charge for every withdrawal. The charge to use another bank’s ATM is CI$2CI$3, depending on the bank, for each withdrawal. This is worth considering as CNB and Butterfield have the lion’s share of ATM machines in Cayman.
If you need a cheque book on your personal bank account, make sure to ask the prospective bank if they offer this service, as some do not.
Money Transfer Services
Due to the number of foreign nationals in the Cayman Islands, there are numerous money transfer companies, including MoneyGram, JN Money transfer and Western Union. Money transfer companies accept both US and CI dollars.
MoneyGram
MoneyGram has nine locations on Grand Cayman, offering a fast and secure way to send money. Tel: (345) 945 5616.
Western Union
Western Union is located at most Foster’s Supermarkets in Grand Cayman, as well as other outlets. Also located in L M Superstore in Cayman Brac.
Cayman’s sophisticated tourism and financial industries have ensured that telecommunications are as advanced as those you would find in any developed country. Options for mobile and residential phone services and high-speed internet connections (via fixed lines and through mobile data) are available across all three Islands.
In the Cayman Islands, international connectivity is provided via two separate submarine cables: the Cayman-Jamaica fibre system, owned by Cable & Wireless Communications Limited (C&W) and the MAYA-1 subsea cable, owned and operated by a consortium in which C&W is a member, with connections to various locations in Central America. The former dates back to 1997 and the latter, 2000. Both subsea cables are nearing the end of their lives and new infrastructure could cost over CI$100 million of public funds. The CI Government (CIG) has no certainty or control over the existing cables, and their expiration threatens the islands’ future (as per the CIG business case report). Hence, since 2002, the government has been exploring options for replacing these
Dialling Codes
TO THE CAYMAN ISLANDS
From the UK: 001 + 345 + number From the USA: 1 + 345 + number
the Caribbean: 1 + Country Code + number To the USA and Canada: 1 + Area Code + number To the UK: 011 + 44 + number
Rest of the world: 011 + Country Code + number
systems, either independently or by finding partner investors.
Finding a Provider
Choosing the right provider will depend both on the services available in your area and your personal usage. Unsurprisingly, bundled options from the same provider can result in significant discounts.
It is worth noting, however, that due to the monopoly on connectivity, the cost of telecommunication services tends to be higher than in Europe and North America.
TELEPHONE SERVICES
Every provider in the Cayman Islands provides local and long-distance telephone services. All mobile phone providers offer an international direct dialling service. Mobile phone service options are varied and there are choices to suit any need, including mobile data, text messaging and voicemail.
The mobile providers in the Cayman Islands are Digicel and FLOW. Internet
services are available from four providers: Logic, FLOW, Digicel and C3 Pure Fibre. Standalone and bundled options are available and, in some instances, discounts are offered for taking more than one service.
Residential phone service choices are aplenty, with installation times varying from a couple of hours to a couple of weeks, depending on the company and the type of service you choose. If you are building a home in a newly developed area and want a fixed line installed, check directly with your provider to confirm the expected time of installation.
Overview of Local & Long-Distance Telephone Services
Logic and C3 Pure Fibre offer phone services which allow users to make calls at home using an internet connection rather than traditional fixed lines. FLOW provides consumers with residential phones that use fixed landlines.
Logic’s Chatterbox service gives you unlimited international calls for a fixed monthly fee. A variety of monthly plans are available, depending on which countries you call the most. Chatterbox offers local, US, UK and Canada phone numbers, allowing you to stay connected to friends and family.
MOBILE SERVICES
Both Digicel and FLOW offer prepaid options (pay-as-you-go/top-up), as well as postpaid plans (billed per month). Both options include voice calls, text messaging and data, and some also include a certain number of international calls (anywhere minutes).
Most residents have Android or iOS smartphone devices. FLOW and Digicel use both 4G and 5G technology, and the coverage across the islands is very good. Both companies have apps that enable customers to view and pay their bills for postpaid phones, top-up credit on prepaid phones, as well as activate a number of addon plans, such as reduced international calling rates, roaming and data plans.
Prepaid Mobile Services
The advantage of prepaid mobile phones is that there is no contract, no monthly fee and no deposit required.
Prepaid SIM cards can be purchased from mobile service provider stores, as well as from other retailers, like supermarkets and gas stations. If you have an unlocked phone, all you need to do is purchase the SIM card, put it in your phone, add credit and start calling. Credit can be added at the same locations. SIMs can be bought online and through the mobile service providers’ apps. Digital eSIMs are also available at both FLOW and Digicel.
The disadvantage of prepaid phones is that the per-minute rates are higher than for postpaid plans. Local calls cost 23 to 43 cents per minute, depending on the time of day and whether you are calling numbers within your network or to other networks. The prepaid credit can be used for making calls, using mobile data or texting. You will get better value by purchasing data, text and voice calling bundles.
Postpaid Mobile Services
You will usually be required to sign a contract for 12 or 24 months with a postpaid plan. These are easy to set up –you just need to take ID, proof of address and a deposit to your chosen provider –and there are a choice of plans allowing customers to choose the one that best fits their needs.
Postpaid plans are paid monthly, and include a basic allocation of minutes, text messages and data allowance. Contracts often include a discount on handsets and the cost of the phone can usually be spread out over the course of the contract.
As there is no such thing as a credit rating system in the Cayman Islands, you will need to put down a deposit, typically CI$100-$200, if you choose a postpaid plan.
Handsets
Mobile phones can be bought locally at Cellular World (Tel: (345) 943 2355) and Cell Cayman (Tel: (345) 328 3456) both
carry all the top brands and stock a great range of accessories, including headphones, car chargers, cases, screen protectors and more. They also repair phones.
Phone Repairs
Cell Cayman
Clock Tower Plaza, 6 Eclipse Drive, Eastern Avenue, George Town (next to Popeyes)
Tel/WhatsApp: (345) 328 3456
Email: info.cellcayman@gmail.com www.cellcayman.com
Cell Cayman have a team of qualified technicians who provide reliable phone repairs, including screen, back glass and charging port replacements. They also fix battery issues, signal problems, software glitches, motherboard faults, and offer services like unlocking and virus removal. Contact them for a free quote or to find out more. Open MondaySaturday 9am-7pm. SEE AD OPPOSITE PAGE
Cellular World
Bay Town Plaza, West Bay Road
Tel: (345) 943 2355 (repairs)/945 2355 (retail)
WhatsApp: (345) 525 2355
Email: info@cellularworld.ky www.cellularworld.ky
For over 20 years, Cellular World has been the pioneer phone shop selling and repairing phones. They keep up with the latest technology and can repair most mobile phones regardless of how complicated the problem is, from hardware to software, as well as cracked screens and charging problems. They are the authorised service centre for Samsung and an authorised Independent Repair Provider (IRP) for Apple. They sell the most popular brands of mobile phones and tablets (including Samsung, Apple, Motorola and Xiaomi), and they carry a selection of basic keypad phones and a range of budget smart phones. Open Monday-Friday 9am-7pm and Saturday 10am-7pm.
SEE AD THIS PAGE
Roaming
All mobile phone providers offer worldwide roaming so that you can make and receive calls while travelling on your Cayman number. If roaming is not in your plan, these calls fall outside your monthly
plan allocation, meaning that you will be billed at much higher rates than at home for both outgoing and incoming calls and text messages, as overseas networks charge higher rates for visiting users.
I NTERNET
Logic, FLOW, Digicel and C3 all offer home-based internet plans with unlimited usage. Generally, the download speeds offered by all four providers are very high. The higher the download speed, the better the performance for downloading data, playing games online and streaming content.
Fibre Optic
Most of Grand Cayman and the Sister Islands can enjoy consistent superfast fibre optic broadband speeds. Logic, FLOW and C3 offer fibre optic broadband, as well as fibre TV packages. See the TV section for more information.
Internet Providers
Logic’s fibre optic network covers over 75% of the homes in the Cayman Islands and is the premium provider in Cayman offering speeds up to 1GB. Logic TV is also available as a bundle with your internet package, meaning you get the benefit of monthly savings.
FLOW packages are offered to suit different needs and household sizes, from 600 Mbps to 1GB. For more information, visit www.discoverflow.co/cayman.
C3 Pure Fibre offers a selection of fibre optic-based services. C3 Pure Fibre serves both residential and business customers with WiFi, TV and phone services. For more information, visit www.c3.ky.
Digicel offers broadband service for both business and residential customers. Find out more online at www.digicelgroup. com/ky.
C3 Pure Fibre
409 Walkers Road, George Town
Monday-Friday 9am-5pm and Saturday 9am1pm
Tel: (345) 333 3333 (customer service)
ONE STOP PHONE SHOP
Sales, Service & Repairs
iPhone, iPads, Samsung, tablets
Phones for Sale
Apple iPhone, Samsung Smart Phones and Tablets, Unlocked and dual Sim phones. Other budget smart phones in stock at all times and for sale.
Cellular Phone Repairs
Quality repairs for all phones and tablets.
Samsung Authorized Service Centre
Apple Independent Repair Provider (IRP)
Best original accessories for iPhones and Samsung including chargers, cases, screen protectors, and more
Phone unlocking service
Opening Hours
Monday-Friday 9am-7pm Saturday 10am-7pm
Contact Details
Email: info@cellularworld.ky
Website: cellularworld.ky
Main Retail: Phone 945-2355
Repairs Phone: 943-2355
Whatsapp: 525-2355
Address: Bay Town Plaza, WB Road
Cellular World Cayman
Email: info@c3.ky
www.c3.ky
Digicel
Cayman Technology Centre, 115 Printer Way, GT
Monday-Friday 8am-5pm
Tel: (345) 623 3444
Email: cayman.customercare@digicelgroup.com
Web: www.digicelgroup.com/ky
FLOW
Galleria Plaza, West Bay Road. Monday-Friday
9am-5.30pm, Saturday 9am-4pm
Local customer care: (345) 747 5050
Email: cay-bluecare@cwc.com (customer service)
www.discoverflow.co
Logic
Logic (Main Retail Centre) 43 Eclipse Drive, off Eastern Avenue, behind Rankin’s Plaza, GT
Monday-Friday 8.30am-5.30pm, Saturday 9am-1pm, closed Sunday
Tel: (345) 745 5555
Customer support line: Open Monday-Sunday 8am-8pm
Email: support@logic.ky
www.logic.ky SEE AD THIS PAGE
TELEVISION
Residents can enjoy international programming through cable, satellite and broadband. There are also three free local, over-the-air TV stations which can be received in all households as long as the TV has an antenna. These are: Cayman Christian TV (channel 21), Hurley’s TV Ltd. (channel 24 and 27) and the Seventh Day Adventist Network (channel 30). You can also get CI Government TV over a fixed network.
Television Service
Three companies (Logic, FLOW and C3) provide TV programming to the Cayman Islands. LogicTV has four tiers of packages available with a range channel options to suit your budget and needs. Add-ons for HBO MAX and sports channels are also available. Set-up includes one set top box and additional set top boxes are available
for households with multiple TVs. LogicTV also offers Whole Home DVR and free Video On Demand. Customers can bundle their TV, internet and phone plans and save. For more information on all LogicTV services and packages, call (345) 745 5555 or visit www.logic. ky. FLOW TV works with broadband and a FLOW-supplied set top box. Packages start at CI$40 per month. C3 offers cable TV and Pure TV, depending on your needs.
Streaming Services
Streaming services are a great alternative to TV, you just need a stable WiFi connection. The majority of the most popular streaming services in the US are available
If you’re travelling or streaming outside of the country where you originally set up your account, services will notify you directly of differences you may experience. These include the selection of movies and TV shows available and different maturity ratings.
Gas - Household
Gas is a safe and efficient energy solution for powering your home appliances. Propane is a non-toxic gas that provides a greener and more economical alternative for a wide range of appliances. By using propane, you can save up to 40% on your energy bill and reduce your carbon emissions by 85%.
The 20lb cylinders used for BBQs can be found at almost every gas station in Cayman, where you can buy a new filled cylinder or swap an empty used cylinder for a full one. Various gas companies around the Island allow customers to have their own cylinders filled at a fraction of the cost of exchange.
Bulk delivery can be utilised by installing a larger on-site tank either in the ground or a tall 100lb cylinder. Many houses in Cayman have an underground refillable propane tank in their garden or one standing alongside an exterior wall. The gas is then piped into the house. The size
options for the tank vary depending on the amount, quantity and type of appliances being used.
In addition to cost and energy savings, another benefit is that many of your propane appliances can still be used even in the event of a power outage. If you would like a free consultation to determine the energy savings your home or company can achieve by switching to propane, call one of the following companies:
Clean Gas
277 Sparky Drive, Industrial Park, George Town
Tel: (345) 233 4427
www.cleangas.ky
Home Gas Ltd.
Walkers Road Plant, 490 Walkers Road, GT
Tel: (345) 949 7474
www.homegas.com
Home Gas supplies propane gas for residential and commercial use. Offering a full-360 service operation including installation, maintenance and repairs, as well as gas supply and delivery.
Home Gas also offers appliances, including water heaters, cooking stoves/ovens, dryers, generators, outdoor fire features, tiki torches and more. Their services are available on all three Islands. SEE AD THIS PAGE
Water
Cayman Water (Tel: (345) 945 4277) and Water Authority - Cayman (Tel: (345) 949 2837) supply Grand Cayman with quality water. In the case of both companies, water is extracted from deep underground via a
water. Currently, piped water is available to customers on the western end and north coast of Cayman Brac, straight up to Spot Bay. The remainder of the island is served by water trucks. Water Authority will continue to expand its network in Cayman Brac, with a new Bluff water works facility in the long term.
Both companies require you to fill out an application, present your Land Registry form for proof of ownership and pay a non-refundable connection fee that varies according to the size of your water meter. Please note that both companies only allow property owners (not renters) to apply for water service. If you are a tenant, please arrange with your landlord to receive duplicate billing.
Water costs are typically lower than electricity, but an undetected leak, such as a running toilet or faulty irrigation system, can quickly inflate your water bill to far exceed other household costs. Always be sure to inspect your home regularly for dripping taps and ‘phantom flushing’ toilets to avoid an unexpectedly high water bill. CostWatch provides monitoring and automation services that allow you to track and manage your utilities, keeping costs within budget. If you have a leak, running toilet or irrigation fault causing high water usage, CostWatch will notify you quickly and could even stop it automatically. If you do suspect a leak, contact a licensed plumber as soon as possible.
As of September 2025, Cayman Water rates remain unchanged since
2023. The first 3,000 US gallons for a residential customer are charged at CI$18.98/1000 gal. Anything above that costs CI$22.77/1000 gal. An energy adjustment factor surcharge is applied each month that varies according to the cost of electricity. Monthly meter charges also vary depending on the size of the meter, from CI$3.50 to CI$40 for meter sizes ranging from 5/8” to 6”. Cayman Water’s website (www.caymanwater. com) provides additional information to customers, such as current water quality data and answers to frequently asked questions.
At the Water Authority ‒ Cayman, the first 12 cubic meters (m³) (approximately 3,200 US gallons) for a residential account is charged at CI$4.34/m³. Anything above that costs CI$5.57/m³. In addition, there is also a statutory fee of $0.22/m³, and an energy adjustment factor charge (that varies monthly and covers the fluctuations in the cost of electricity to produce the desalinated water). Monthly meter charges also vary depending on the size of the meter, from CI$5 to CI$58 for meter sizes ranging from 20mm to 150mm. The Water Authority’s website (www.waterauthority. ky) allows property owners and tenants to register for an online account and pay their bills electronically. For emergencies outside of business hours, call (345) 946 4357.
Water Authority - Cayman
13G Red Gate Road, George Town
Tel: (345) 949 2837 (Grand Cayman) or (345) 948 1404 (Cayman Brac)
Email: info@waterauthority.ky www.waterauthority.ky
Water Authority - Cayman is proud to supply the world’s most popular drink to the people of the Cayman Islands. Water Authority provides piped water, trucked water, sewerage and septage services to various service areas throughout the Cayman Islands.
SEE AD THIS PAGE
Bottled Water
Locally bottled water is clean, affordable and comes in large blue reusable BPA-free five-gallon bottles that can be delivered to your home or office. Flowers Bottled Water (Tel: (345) 949 8688) sells purified, chlorine-free water in five-gallon BPA-free bottles. You can also buy imported bottled water from grocery stores. However, this generates a huge amount of plastic waste, so is discouraged. If you do purchase water from supermarkets, take the time to properly recycle your waste (see the Being Green chapter for information on recycling in Cayman).
Bulk Water
Flowers Block
184 Seymour Drive, Industrial Park, GT Tel: (345) 623 0000
Email: customerservice@flowersgroup.com www.flowersgroup.com
Offers bulk water for those who need their cisterns or swimming pools filled.
SEE AD PAGE 265
Electricity
Caribbean Utilities Company, Ltd. (CUC) is the sole provider of electricity to Grand Cayman. The island runs on a 60Hz, 120-volt electricity system with three-pin plugs. However, the outlets are designed to accommodate a two-pin American plug.
To obtain electricity services, property owners are required to complete and sign an online application for electrical service, pay a deposit for Post-Pay Service (there is no deposit required for Pre-Pay electricity), show proof of ownership and a photo
ID. Tenants are required to complete and sign an Application for Electrical Service, pay a deposit (for post-paid accounts), provide a signed rental agreement or lease and submit a photo ID. Applications should be submitted online. The customer application form can be found on CUC’s website at www.cuc-cayman.com. All customer-related services and offerings are able to be completed digitally and remotely.
The security deposit required for existing post-paid electricity accounts (billed monthly) is calculated based on the average historical usage of the property for 45 days of consumption. Deposits for newly constructed residential homes or condos are calculated based on square footage and the number of bedrooms. Customer deposits may be re-evaluated, upon request, following at least six months of regular usage.
Monthly electricity bills will vary depending on the size of your house condo/apartment, your lifestyle, how often (and cold) you run your air conditioning, the efficiency of your air conditioning unit, the age of the property and how well the property is insulated, among other factors. It is important to note that the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating (SEER) and regular maintenance of your air conditioning unit can make a big difference in kilowatt-hour (kWh) consumption and your monthly electric bill. Air Conditioning accounts for between 50% and 75% of the electricity consumption in most Grand Cayman homes. The higher the SEER, the less energy will be consumed for the same amount of cooling. A SEER of 20 for example, will consume around 25% less electricity than a SEER of 16 for the same amount of cooling. Managing your energy usage and getting your air conditioning units serviced regularly will ultimately save you money.
As of July 2nd 2025, base rates were CI$0.1356 per kWh for residential customers with a monthly facility charge fee of CI$6.82. There is an additional regulatory and licensing fee of CI$0.0009 per kWh, which applies only to usage over
1,000 kWh per month.
While bill payments are not accepted at the Company’s Administration Building nor the Customer Service Centre, details on the numerous payment methods are listed under ‘Payment Options’ on CUC’s website (search ‘Payment Options’). Most customers pay online directly or via online bank payments.
Caribbean Utilities Company Ltd. (CUC)
> Administration Building:
457 North Sound Road, George Town PO Box 38, Grand Cayman KY1-1101
Monday-Friday 8am-5pm
> Customer Service Centre: Caribbean Plaza, West Bay Road
Monday-Friday 9am-4pm
Tel: (345) 949 5200
Tel: (345) 945 1282 (24-hour fault reporting)
Email: service@cuc.ky www.cuc-cayman.com.
Island Energy
201 Stake Bay Road, Cayman Brac
Monday-Thursday 8.30am-4.30pm, Friday 8.30am-4pm
Tel: (345) 948 2224 (Customer Service)
Tel: (345) 948 2624 (Emergencies)
Email: info@islandenergy.ky
Island Energy, formerly known as Cayman Brac Power and Light, is the trusted provider of electricity for Cayman Brac and Little Cayman. Originally founded in 1956, the utility company has been serving the energy needs of the Sister Islands for over six decades.
Petrol & Diesel
The Utility Regulation and Competition Office (OfReg) of the Cayman Islands confirms that there are 30 retail petrol stations across the Islands; 27 retail stations on Grand Cayman, two retail stations on Cayman Brac and one retail station on Little Cayman. This constitutes 14 Rubis retail stations, 11 Esso (SOL) retail stations, and two Refuel stations across the three islands.
As of September 2025, the average full-service price for premium, regular and diesel fuel were CI$5.58, CI$5.04
and CI$5.30 per imperial gallon (IG), respectively, although prices vary from one station to another. The fuel prices in the Cayman Islands are influenced by the price of fuel on the international market. Selfservice petrol prices are typically 5¢ per IG less than full-service prices. Weekly prices for retail fuel across the three islands are posted on OfReg’s website: www.ofreg.ky. The (import) duty component of gasoline is 75¢ per IG and 85¢ per IG for diesel. The quality of gasoline sold in Cayman is generally regular unleaded (89 AntiKnock Index (AKI) octane) and premium unleaded (93 AKI octane), which are available in the US. Regular E10 (87 AKI octane), mid-grade E10 (90 AKI octane), and premium E10 (93 AKI octane) are also
I I
I I •
Cayman’s Electrical Plug
Cayman’s Electrical Outlet
Cayman Islands law states that all fuel stations must display their fuel prices in CI dollars per imperial gallon, except at marinas, where prices can be displayed in CI dollars per US gallon for comparison purposes. A US gallon is approximately 20% less per volume than an imperial gallon. Make sure you are being charged appropriately.
Scotts Landing at the Barcadere Marina sells only premium Valvtect Marine fuel.
Valvtect ultra-low sulphur diesel and premium 93 octane ethanol-free gasoline are specifically formulated for marine engines but will also help to increase fuel mileage and protect the engine in your vehicle, generator or other equipment.
INSURANCE
Cayman has a wealth of insurance companies that can provide coverage for your home, car, boat, aircraft, life, health, property, contents, liability and
We’re like packing a box and everything fits perfectly.
visit cgcoralisle.com
much more. Keep reading for more about insurance in the Cayman Islands.
Boat Insurance
Refer to the Boating chapter for a list of companies that offer boat insurance.
Car Insurance
Refer to the Transportation chapter for more information.
Health Insurance
Under the law, all residents of the Cayman Islands must have health insurance and all employers should ensure that their employees, their employees’ unemployed spouses and dependent children residing in Cayman are also covered.
The options for coverage range from the basic Standard Health Insurance Contract (SHIC) to premium plans that cover everything but cost significantly more. The law states that the employer must cover at least 50% of the employee’s basic plan single rate but they are not obligated to cover any of the costs of eligible dependants. Therefore, knowing how much the health insurance deductions will be each month is crucial to working out if you can afford to live here. SHIC plan premiums generally range from CI$168-$200 per month for individuals, CI$300-$500 for couples, and CI$500-$650 for families. Adding dental and vision benefits increases the cost by about CI$50-$100 more per month, per individual.
Companies also offer an enhanced or premium plan, but the cost for this can be in the region of CI$450-$2,200 per individual per month, with approximately double this rate per couple and triple this rate for a family. Make sure to ask how much of this will be deducted from your paycheck and to ask for a summary of coverage benefit outline.
Health insurance rates depend on the size of the group, the age of the employees, the types of pre-existing conditions and whether it is a SHIC, mid-tier or premium plan. Rates will increase each year due to inflation, plus if there are ongoing major
claims. The good news is that premium plans offer global coverage and the benefits are very extensive. The basic SHIC plan mainly provides on-Island care and will usually only offer overseas care when treatment is not available in Cayman. The coverage for dental, prescriptions, out-patient doctor’s visits or diagnostic procedures is also limited on SHIC plans. For more information, see the Health and Wellness chapter.
Home Insurance
Home insurance is generally calculated as a percentage of the property’s value and typically includes liability coverage. Waterfront properties carry higher premiums based on their value, storm protection features, elevation and proximity to the sea. Storm-related coverage is often treated as a separate peril and subject to a higher deductible. If your property is part of a strata complex, the building must be insured under the strata’s name, and each owner contributes a share—usually based
on square footage—often included in monthly strata fees. Some owners choose to purchase additional personal coverage.
The Cayman Islands Government charges a flat rate of CI$12 stamp duty on all insurance policies, plus 2% stamp duty on premiums for policies covering immovable property. This means that if you purchase or renew an existing policy on your home and the premium for the house is/was CI$5,000, you will pay stamp duty of CI$112 (2% of CI$5,000, plus CI$12). The fee is due in full at policy inception and does not go to the insurance companies. Shop around for an insurance rate to suit your needs.
Contents Insurance
Budget for about CI$500 per CI$35,000 of coverage. If you are renting a property, your landlord may have insurance to cover the contents provided in your unit, such as appliances, but anything belonging to you needs to be covered by your own policy. Though the risk of theft in Cayman
has risen over the past few years, it is still relatively low. However, due to the chance of flooding and hurricane damage, contents insurance is recommended.
Insurance companies suggest you make a list of all your home contents and personal possessions, including relevant serial numbers and the current replacement cost for each article. Photographs of items and their serial number labels stored on the cloud are a good thing to have in case of loss. You should review your insured items list every year to update the values, as these details will assist in faster claims settlements. These reviews will ensure you do not inadvertently under-insure your contents. The consequences of under-insuring your contents are simple: if the insurance company finds you have insured your contents for CI$10,000 when they are really worth CI$20,000, and your loss is CI$5,000, then you will only be reimbursed CI$2,500 (minus any deductibles). This is called the condition of average and is not unique to Cayman.
JOIN THE CIRCLE OF LIFE
has provided generations of Caymanians with
Under-insurance is also applicable to your home insurance. You need to ensure your property rebuild valuation is current and the sums insured are adequate, especially in the current environment of high construction costs.
If your property is part of a strata complex, you will need to examine the policy to determine where the coverage extends, e.g. your kitchen fixtures may
your kitchen appliances and fixtures yourself.
Travel Insurance
Refer to the Travel chapter for more information.
Insurance Providers & Brokers
Employers or individuals seeking coverage can use a broker’s services to help find the
multiple options at once and serve as your advocate for claims matters too.
Aon Risk Solutions (Cayman) Ltd.
18 Forum Lane, Camana Bay
Tel: (345) 945 1266
Email: aoncayman@aon.com
Bogle Insurance
34 & 35 Pasadora Place, Smith Road, GT
Keeping Cayman Covered
CINICO has you covered – with health, motor, and home insurance, including exclusive parametric coverage that pays out automatically after a hurricane – available to all Cayman residents!
Tel: (345) 949 0579
Email: service@bogleins.com
Caribbean Alliance Insurance
203 Alissta Towers, North Sound Road, GT Tel: (345) 949 9744
Email: latoya.webb@caribbeanalliance.com
Cayman First Insurance Company
> Cayman First Centre, 17 Vibert Bodden Drive, off Shedden Road, George Town
> Countryside Shopping Village, Savannah Tel: (345) 949 7028
Email: askus@caymanfirst.com www.caymanfirst.com
Cayman First Insurance Company is a trusted leader in property, casualty and health insurance, proudly serving individuals, families and businesses with high-quality coverage tailored to evolving needs. Backed by an excellent financial strength rating and stable outlook from AM Best, Cayman First offers a comprehensive suite of insurance solutions, including health, home, motor, marine, casualty, and commercial coverage, designed to deliver confidence, protection and peace of mind.
SEE AD PAGE 166
Cayman Insurance Centre (Insurance Brokers)
Cayman Business Park, Unit A3, 10 Huldah Ave, GT Tel: (345) 949 4657
Email: info@cic.com.ky www.cic.com.ky
Products: life, group health, individual health, property, motor, liability and professional indemnity. SEE AD PAGE 161
CG BritCay
BritCay House, 236 Eastern Avenue, GT
Tel: (345) 949 8699
Email: info_ky@cgcoralisle.com
www.cgcoralisle.com
For 40 years, CG BritCay Insurance has been known as a company that offers security, stability and great customer service. Products offered include property and casualty (home, motor, travel and commercial insurance), health insurance and employee benefits, life insurance and pension services. SEE AD PAGE 160
CINICO
3rd Floor, Maiden Place, 227 Elgin Avenue, GT Tel: (345) 949 8101
www.cinico.ky
Government-owned insurance company offering the Standard Health Insurance Contract plan as an individual, couple or family.
CINICO also offers comprehensive motor and home insurance policies, including innovative parametric insurance policy cover for hurricane events. SEE AD OPPOSITE PAGE
Gallagher Insurance Brokers (Cayman) Ltd.
Alissta Towers, 85 North Sound Road, GT Tel: (345) 945 0030
Email: gc_generalinfo@ajg.com www.ajg.com/caymanislands
Gallagher Insurance Brokers is the largest insurance brokerage in the Caribbean. Gallagher Cayman is focused on providing affordable insurance solutions and risk management services to a range of personal and commercial customers, including condominium and strata, business insurance, construction, group health and homeowners. With Gallagher’s extensive relationships throughout the industry, and global footprint, they have access to both the regional insurance and international markets. SEE AD PAGE 66 & 320
The Insurance Company of the West Indies (Cayman) Limited (ICWI) Tel: (345) 949 6970
Email: cayman@icwi.com www.icwi.com
Products include motor, property, casualty, liability and marine. Ask about REACT, family pack, uninsured motorist, accident forgiveness and alternative transport under the motor policy. SEE AD PAGE 164
Island Heritage Insurance Company Ltd.
Tel: (345) 949 7280
Email: customercare@islandheritage.com.ky www.islandheritageinsurance.com
Insurance provider for home, motor, marine, commercial, pension and group life and disability. SEE AD THIS PAGE
Marsh Management Services Cayman Ltd.
Governors Square, 23 Lime Tree Bay Avenue
Tel: (345) 949 7988
Email: caymanoffice@marsh.com
www.marsh.com
Marsh provides clients with a single source for risk management services. Their experienced team of professionals can assist by developing a comprehensive employee benefits programme, including group medical and ancillary plans. The Property and Casualty team offers insurance including, but not limited to, strata, marine, homeowners, business and liability insurance, contractor’s all risk and professional indemnity. SEE AD PAGE 318
Live
Insurance matters. It gives you the confidence to live life as you should, knowing you’re protected. As a leading local insurer for over 25 years, we have a consistent track record of providing best-in-class customer service with quick and efficient claims processing. This means insurance you can rely on when you need it most—the Island Heritage way.
345 949 7280
MichaelWebster Insurance Agent
The Right Insurance For
Your Needs
Pensum Services
Unit A7, Cayman Business Park, George Town
Tel: (345) 923 6655
Email: insurance@pensum.pro
www.pensum.pro
Pensum has over 15 years of experience in international insurance, including marine, aviation, commercial and private propertyrelated insurance and health insurance for international crew members. Pensum can also assist in obtaining healthcare professional liability insurance for medical providers.
Saxon Insurance
14 Saturn Close, Eastern Avenue, GT
Tel: (345) 947 2966
Comprehensive Plus
Email: insurance@saxon.ky
www.saxon.ky
Saxon strives to protect all people in Cayman through smart, flexible and affordable insurance. Provides products for both personal and commercial, including auto, property, contents and strata. SEE AD PAGE 167
Vanguard Risk Solutions
2nd Floor Maiden Place, 227 Elgin Avenue, GT
Tel: (345) 949 5836
Email: info@vrscayman.com
www.vrscayman.com
A leading insurance broker in the Cayman Islands for over 40 years, providing independent and trusted advice from experienced and qualified professionals. Vanguard offers a comprehensive range of insurance solutions for both individuals and companies, including for homes, commercial and condominium buildings, general and professional liability, motor, marine, health and group life insurance.
Life Insurance
Juliet Osbourne - Life Insurance
Tel: (345) 916 0500
Email: juliet@julietosbourne.com www.julietosbourne.com
Juliet is a life insurance expert specialising in finding competitively priced policies to cover your mortgage, protect your family, or safeguard your income. She ensures you get the best plan tailored to your lifestyle and budget while making the process easy to navigate. Contact Juliet for a quote by phone or email.
Michael Webster - Life Agent
Tel: (345) 925 5433
Email: michael.webster@cic.com.ky www.lifeinsurance345.com
Michael Webster offers protection for both your mortgage and family. He offers term life, mortgage protection term life and whole life policies. For peace of mind, call for a free, no obligation quote. SEE AD OPPOSITE PAGE
Sagicor
198 North Church St, George Town Tel: (345) 949 8211
Email: cy_infocayman@sagicor.com www.sagicorcayman.com
Sagicor has operated in the Cayman Islands for over 30 years and is registered with the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (CIMA) as a Class A Domestic Insurer. It is a member of the Sagicor Group of companies which operates in over 22 countries across the Caribbean and USA. Sagicor offers a diverse range of life insurance products to fit your individual needs.
SEE AD THIS PAGE
PENSIONS
Private (Non-Government) Pensions
The Cayman Islands is different from many other jurisdictions when it comes to pensions. There are two pension sectors in Cayman: privately funded pension plans and Government-funded pension plans for civil servants. The private sector pension plans are funded by employees and employers but are Governmentmandated. The National Pensions Act (referred to in the following as ‘the Act’) requires employers to remit a total of 10% of the employee’s monthly earnings to an approved pension plan, with no more than 5% coming from the employee and no less than 5% coming from the employer. Those who are self-employed are required to contribute 10% of their earnings to a pension plan.
amounts are advanced as loans and the employee must repay an additional 3% of their salary for 10 years or until the loan is fully repaid, this (along with a previous emergency provision to allow members to withdraw funds to assist with the COVID-19 pandemic, and subsequent pension holiday) will have a detrimental effect on the value of the employee’s pension when retirement arrives.
In January 2023, the National Pensions (Amendment) Act 2016, Commencement
Order 2022 was passed with several notable amendments being introduced through the course of the year:
> From January 1st, 2023, each pension plan is required to hold an Annual General Meeting within 6 months of the financial year end of the plan and must provide evidence of the meeting (agenda, attendance record, minutes and copies of other documents distributed) to the Department of Labour and Pensions within 3 months thereafter. Statements
Housing Withdrawal provisions in Section 52 of the Act allows Caymanians to withdraw sums of money from their pension plans to assist with buying a property, mortgage balance reduction and paying off mortgages. While these
must also be provided at least semiannually to each member and must show the date payments were received from the employer, amount received and the contribution period for which payment is made for each employer and employee.
> From March 1st, 2023, higher fines may be levied on employers that avoid paying pensions. On summary conviction for a first offence of non-compliance, employers can receive fines up to CI$20,000 or possible imprisonment for up to 2 years, or both. Second offences can attract fines up to CI$50,000 or imprisonment up to 3 years, or both.
> From July 1st, 2023, interest shall accrue on delinquent contributions (contributions not received by the 15th day following the earnings month) and are reportable to the Director on the 15th of the following month. Additionally, the administrator is to notify the affected employees within 60 days of the notification to the Director.
Pension Withdrawals
In August 2025, due to the rising cost of living, Government increased the amount pensioners in the private sector can take from their Retirement Savings Arrangement ‘RSA’ pension at retirement age. This annual payment of funds has increased by 2.63%, from CI$15,000 to CI$15,400 per year. The amount a retired person can withdraw is based on their age and account value. When the amount calculated from the indicated percentage in the drawdown schedule is less than CI$15,400, the member is free to take the higher sum.
In cases where the calculated amount exceeds $15,400, members may withdraw up to the full calculated maximum. In addition to the RSA drawdown, pensioners can withdraw all voluntary contributions as a lump sum once reaching their normal age of entitlement. Any amount remaining in the account upon a member’s death will be paid to the assigned beneficiaries. Members who are married or in civil
partnerships must appoint their spouse to receive 100% of the benefit, whereas unmarried members may appoint anyone.
Pension When Changing Job
Employees moving from one employer to another in Cayman have the option to transfer their balance from the previous employer’s pension plan to that of the new employer or take a refund if the amount does not exceed CI$5,000.
Pension When Leaving Cayman
An employee wishing to transfer their balance to an overseas pension or retirement product must have been terminated from their employer’s plan, reside outside of Cayman, and have made no contributions for at least two years before making their application. For a transfer to be considered, the new retirement account must meet the following requirements:
> The pension benefit must be locked in and fully vested
> It must be protected from seizure and garnishment under personal property or bankruptcy laws
> Access to the funds must be restricted until, no earlier than 10 years (age 55) before the normal age of pension entitlement.
Applications are subject to approval by the Department of Labour & Pensions on a case-by-case basis. Funds left in a Cayman pension account will be paid to members living internationally when the member reaches early or normal retirement age. If paid to a foreign bank account, the member may bear the cost of wire transfers and any charges from the receiving bank. There are no tax implications in Cayman, but members should query this with their home country to ensure compliance. For more information, contact your pension plan provider directly. If you have a query, call the Department of Labour and Pensions (Tel: (345) 945 8960 or visit www.gov.ky/dlp).
Chamber Pension Plan
14 Saturn Close, Eastern Avenue, George Town Tel: (345) 745 7630
Email: admin@pensions.ky
Coralisle Pension Services Ltd.
BritCay House, 236 Eastern Avenue, GT
Tel: (345) 949 8699
Email: pensions_ky@cgcoralisle.com www.cgcoralisle.com
Excellent investment returns; competitive administration/investment fees (no hidden fees); contributions allocated and invested every month; personalised and flexible investment strategies; comprehensive employee and employer statements; enhanced access that allows members to verify and make amendments to their account details and investment allocations online.
Island Heritage Retirement Pension Plan
Island Heritage House, 128 Lawrence Blvd Tel: (345) 949 7280
Email: retirement@islandheritage.com.ky
www.islandheritageinsurance.com
Island Heritage offers long-term value through active capital management and careful analysis of risk/return. Pension members are provided with the solutions, resources, tools and guidance needed to develop and manage a retirement strategy. SEE AD PAGE 163
RF Bank & Trust
Fidelity Financial Centre, 1 Gecko Link, SMB
Tel: (345) 746 6010
Email: invest@rfgroup.com www.rfgroup.com
Facebook and Instagram: @rfbanktrust
The RF Pension Plan is the ultimate group pension plan for all employers. When you join the defined contribution pension plan, your team has automatic access to and exclusive discounts on all of RF Bank & Trust’s investment products. Secure a top-performing pension and provide your staff with the tools to create and manage wealth. SEE AD PAGE 45 & 168
Silver Thatch Pension Plan (Powered by Saxon Pensions)
14 Saturn Close, Eastern Avenue, George Town
Tel: (345) 943 7770
Email: support@silverthatch.org.ky
Verdant Isle Pension Plan
Saxon Centre, 2nd Floor, 14 Saturn Close, Eastern Ave, George Town
Tel: (345) 640 8477
Email: support@verdantisle.org.ky
Public Service Pensions
Civil servants are members of the Public Service Pensions Plan (PSPP), which is administered by the Public Service Pensions Board (PSPB). This means that 24 ministries and portfolios of the Cayman Islands Government, along with 15 statutory authorities and Government-owned companies, are actively participating in the PSPP.
The PSPP has both defined benefit and defined contribution components. Any member who joined the PSPP prior to January 2000 is part of the defined benefit plan portion. Individuals who join the PSPP after January 2000 are part of the defined contribution plan. So if you are looking to start employment with one of the PSPP’s participating employers, you will join the defined contribution plan.
As the pension leader, the Public Service Pensions Fund continues to be the standard, and as of 31st December 2024, the market value of the Fund was CI$1.35 billion. In 2024, the Fund achieved an exceptional return of 16.4% and it was this return that ranked the Fund in the top 1 percentile of its peer group for performance in the year. The Public Service Pensions Board continues to complete major initiatives relating to system self-service, risk management, appropriate oversight within the Authority and increased audit, with the results being enhanced services and retirement income for members who have served the islands.
credited to your employee contribution account. A further 6% of your pensionable earnings will be credited to your employer contribution account on your behalf by your employer. The balances in both these accounts will increase each year based on a credited rate of return, which is calculated from the average of the rates of return received on investments for the previous three years, net of expenses.
Retirement Options:
Your age, years of service and Caymanian status are all factors that will determine your retirement options, or options available to a plan member if they leave the PSPP before becoming eligible to retire. The normal retirement age is 65, but early retirement options are available for plan members with at least 10 years of qualifying service. Upon electing to retire, a plan member can collect a full monthly pension, or they can elect to receive up to 25% of their benefit as a lump sum and then receive a reduced monthly pension. If a plan member is no longer employed with a participating PSPP employer, and they are not eligible for retirement, they have options to leave their accrued benefit in the plan until retirement, transfer it to another approved plan in the Cayman Islands or request a cash-out of their accrued benefit. Note: The cashout option is subject to satisfying specific conditions relating to a non-Caymanian no longer working and residing in the Cayman Islands.
Public Service Pensions Board
: If members want more information specific to their pension, they can meet one-on-one with a PSPB member services officer. Walk-in service is available Monday to Friday or by appointment at either of the PSPB offices.
The PSPB Grand Cayman office is located in Cricket Square in George Town, and the PSPB Cayman Brac office is located at 5 Dennis Foster Road. For more information on the Public Service Pensions Board, call PSPB on (345) 945 8175, email: pspb@ pspb.ky or visit www.pspb.ky.
At the end of 2024, the Cayman Islands population was officially estimated by the Economics and Statistics Office (ESO) to be at 88,833. Unofficially, as of July 2025, the number of people living and working here is thought to be at 90,000. With the new CI Government still coalescing around a workable national development strategy, and the focus in the tourism sector pivoting to stay-over guests, indications suggest a potential breaking point in Cayman’s already overburdened road and transport systems. However, Cayman’s key routes have seen changes recently, and the sight of road workers sweltering in the midday sun as drivers navigate seemingly endless traffic cones is common, representing a valiant attempt to alleviate the island’s peak-hour traffic congestion.
CROSSROADS: THE STATE OF OUR HIGHWAYS
On Cayman’s roads, safety considerations take pole position on the minds of conscientious drivers and riders, but not on the minds of the unqualified and reckless. Fourteen people died in motor vehicle accidents throughout 2024, an increase of five people from 2023; thirty-four people were critically injured, and there was a staggering average of sixty-two accidents per week. There is a serious national concern that things are just worsening year on year. A sentiment that is now directed at the number of accidents and injuries recorded in the first half of 2025 too. RCIPS Commissioner Kurt Walton was on the record in May of 2025 stating that in general, the driving culture in Cayman is “horrific”, and many drivers show a complete
“disregard for other road users.” Previous efforts to combat the problem such as the launch of the National Road Safety Strategy (NRSS) in November 2023, which became known as “Road to Zero”—a scheme to clamp down on road safety violations such as speeding, driving under the influence, and reckless and distracted driving—showed some promise with a 30% reduction in speeding and unlicensed vehicle summonses in 2024. However, the prevalence of other poor driving practices was clearly apparent on the roads again in the early part of 2025, so in June the RCIPS initiated Operation Clyro, a comprehensive and intensive road safety campaign to tackle the scourge of careless driving in Cayman. Subsequently, in July 2025 the next phase of the NRSS was deployed by Government. Entitled “Smart vs. Reckless”, it proved ironic that it was launched on the same day that sadly, separate road traffic accidents resulted in two fatalities. Nevertheless, both of these road safety awareness schemes involve a traditional and digital media outreach and an increased police presence targeting those foolish enough to drive under the influence, with excessive speed, or negligently. At the time of writing, the results of the operations were not available, but with infractions such as dangerous manoeuvres, mobile phone use, poor signalling, and other legal violations such as unroadworthy vehicles, seatbelt use, expired registrations, and unlicensed drivers and vehicles all under the microscope, it is not unexpected that a considerable amount of traffic tickets were issued as a result. What is known at the time of writing however, is that a total of 7,735 tickets for a multitude of traffic offences were issued in 2024, which speaks volumes about the standard of driving on our relatively small islands.
The Islands’ population is currently around 90,000, with the National Roads Authority (NRA) estimating growth to be in excess of 100,000 by 2036. With very few public or mass transport options available, commuters have little choice but to use their own vehicles. Regardless, in a hot country with minimal provisions for cyclists and pedestrians, it is the most convenient,
comfortable and speedy mode of transport. It is no surprise then that in 2023, Deloitte was commissioned by the Government to assess the Island’s public transport systems, finding that CI$25-30+ million of investment is needed to create a government-run bus network. Unfortunately, nothing has been introduced subsequent to this report, save three new bus routes which launched in January of 2025.
The need to find new ways to alleviate rush hour congestion is a contentious issue among residents, and the debate continues to grow in fervour. It is widely believed that the pace of residential development in Grand Cayman is outstripping the highway infrastructure necessary to support it. Nevertheless, as of August 2025, there are several NRA projects in various stages of development.
Projects On Hold
Unlikely to move forward is the longgestating East West Arterial extension (aka the Rex Crighton Boulevard) to Frank Sound Road. After environmental impact studies and assessments were completed and readied for presentation to Cabinet, the new Government stated that until the public finances crisis has been resolved, there simply isn’t the money to continue the costly project past Phase 1, which terminates opposite the Agricola Drive and Shamrock Road T-junction. Other hitherto much-touted projects also appear to be on hold whilst the new Government manages the budget deficit, such as the
extension and beautification of Godfrey Nixon Way, with a landscaped median connecting Eastern Avenue to the main George Town area. The plans called for an arboreal, neighbourhood feel. The next phase of the Airport Connector Road, continuing the route all the way to the George Town Barcadere has also stalled.
Projects Moving Forward
In positive news, steady progress continues to be made toward enhancing traffic flow and improving road safety for all users at the Frank Sound Road and Bodden Town Road intersection, historically an accident blackspot. Better still, the so-called King’s Connector, which began construction in June of 2024, is scheduled for completion sometime in 2026. It is the realignment and widening of Crewe Road (westbound and eastbound from Grand Harbour). This is the next stage of a multi-phase development that involves increasing the number of lanes on the primary Grand Harbour arterials and their intersections to six, and adding a service road from Edgewater Way. As part of the project, one of the extra traffic lanes became available for road users in August of 2025, running eastbound beyond the Lions Centre. The addition marks the next stage in the ongoing project aimed at boosting overall traffic flow in the area which has long been considered a bottleneck, and the main cause of rush hour traffic for commuters coming from the eastern districts. But with 28,000 vehicles expected to be passing through the area by 2036 (which is a 57% increase on the
current amount), the challenge is huge. You can find out more about these and other projects by visiting www.caymanroads. com.
RULES OF THE ROAD
In Cayman, there are drivers hailing from all around the world, where traffic laws can be quite different. It is crucial that drivers know the rules of Cayman’s roads to drive safely. 3,215 speeding tickets were issued in 2024, so do always try to keep your speed down to avoid a hefty fine and keep our islands safe.
Here’s what you need to know:
> We drive on the left-hand side of the road
> Seatbelts must be worn by all passengers
> Turning left at a red light, only after a full stop, is allowed and is legal
> Using a mobile phone (unless hands-free) while driving is illegal
> We have a few four-way stops. These work on the basis of whoever gets to the fourway stop first, after making a full stop, proceeds first
> The speed limit on the Island varies between 25mph-50mph. Speeding tickets are freely dispersed to people who go over the limit
> The speed limit in school zones is 15mph when, a) amber lights are flashing, or b) road markings or signs are posted
> All drivers must give way to pedestrians on pedestrian crossings
> Headlights must be fitted to dip left. Those importing cars from the US take note
> The use of fog lights is not allowed
> You cannot overtake if there is a solid single or double white (or yellow) line in the centre of the road
> The law requires that in the event of an accident involving injury to a person/ animal/vehicle, you must exchange names, addresses, DOB, registration numbers and your insurance details. Or report the accident to the police within 24 hours.
Roundabouts
Along with road widening, roundabouts have been used as a means of controlling traffic flow. There are now over two dozen
located around Grand Cayman, including a couple of three-lane roundabouts. Here are some rules that can help you if you are unfamiliar with how roundabouts work and want to avoid an accident:
1) Always travel around a roundabout in a clockwise direction. Never turn right
on the roundabout have right of way and you must wait for space to get onto it.
3) Use your indicators when approaching and exiting a roundabout. If taking the first exit, indicate left when approaching and exiting. If taking the right exit or going all the way around the roundabout, use the
shar•row noun / sharõ /
1. The Shared-Lane Marking indicating where a cyclist has the right to ride.
Under Cayman Islands Law, bicycles have the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicles.
The Cayman Islands embraces safe, alternate transportation. Bike Safe. Drive Safe. Share the Lane.
before taking your exit. Make sure not to overtake while on the roundabout. If a car is on your right and they want to turn left, they have the right of way, and you may be in their blind spot.
4) When using a mini single-lane roundabout, merge left when space is available and keep left of the painted circle until you reach your exit. All other cars must yield to a vehicle on the roundabout. Be sure to indicate when exiting the roundabout.
5) When using two-lane roundabouts, if taking the first or second exit, keep in the left-hand (outer) lane. Keep in the righthand (inner) lane if taking a subsequent exit and maintain your position until the exit prior to the one you will be taking before merging to the outer lane. When merging prior to exiting, check your mirrors to ensure someone is not overtaking you on the outside. Use your indicators! See the adjacent diagram for guidance.
6) When driving on a three-lane roundabout, it is important to use caution. Know your intended exit as you approach and ensure you are in the correct lane. The rules are: 1) keep in the left-hand lane if taking the first exit and indicate left, 2) keep in the middle lane if driving straight ahead and follow the lane marked with a straightthrough arrow; indicate left just before you exit, 3) if taking a subsequent exit, use the right-hand lane and indicate right while on the roundabout. Just before reaching your exit and as you exit the roundabout, switch to your left indicator. Check your mirrors before moving from the inner lane to the outer lane prior to exiting to ensure that no one is overtaking you on the outside.
Using the Centre Turning Lane
The turning lane in the centre of some roads is designed to help drivers turn without holding up other drivers. The lane should never be used for overtaking.
Overtaking
As traffic volume increases, more of Cayman’s single-lane carriageways are being upgraded. On a two-lane dual carriageway,
you should stay in the left-hand lane. Use the right-hand lane for overtaking or turning right at roundabouts. After overtaking, move back to the left-hand lane when it is safe to do so. On a dual carriageway with three or more lanes, you may use the middle lanes or the right-hand lane to overtake vehicles to your left, but you should return to the middle lanes and then the left-hand lane when it is safe to do so. Overtaking using an inside lane is not permitted. Finally, always remember MSM or mirror-signal-manoeuvre, prior to overtaking another vehicle.
Safe Use of E-Bikes & Scooters
In the last year, careless riding of e-scooters and e-bikes on Cayman’s roads has hit the headlines. Dangerous and unlawful use which flouts not only traffic safety laws but common sense too, has put riders and other drivers at risk. Riding without helmets or lights, riding on sidewalks and weaving through traffic and pedestrian areas at high speeds, are just some of the concerning behaviours cited by police officers regarding these vehicles. And that’s just it, they are vehicles not toys. Under the Traffic Act (2021 Revision), motorised scooters and e-bikes that are capable of speeds exceeding 15mph are legally classed as motorcycles or motor vehicles. Owners must register and license these vehicles with the DVDL, hold a valid driver’s license, and have the appropriate insurance. In addition, Low-Speed Electric Vehicles (LSVs), including some e-bikes, are permitted only on roads with posted speed limits of 30mph or lower and are prohibited from high-speed roadways. These vehicles must always be used responsibly and owners who ignore the law face fines, vehicle seizures, and prosecution. Despite these growing problems, understandably e-scooters and e-bikes remain an affordable, environmentally friendly transport option with the ability to reduce road congestion, albeit not at the expense of ignoring Cayman’s traffic laws.
School Buses & School Zones
Under the Traffic Act (2021 Revision), when a school bus has its lights flashing and has stopped to allow children to get on or off, drivers are not permitted to overtake. This applies to vehicles approaching the bus from both directions. If you approach a bus that is letting children off, stop at least 20ft away and wait until the bus has pulled away before you continue driving. You should also pay attention to the 15mph speed limits in designated school zones. At certain times of the day, warning lights flash outside schools and school zones.
Cell Phones, Texting & Driving
A CI$150 fine is automatically issued to anyone seen driving while talking on a mobile phone unless it is hands-free or mounted. In 2024, 324 tickets were issued by the RCIPS for drivers using a mobile phone whilst operating a vehicle. In section 78 of the Traffic Act (2021 Revision), it states that the ban on mobile telephones whilst driving does not apply, so long as their use, “does not require the pressing of more than one button to make, receive or terminate a telephone call.” You are, however, legally allowed to use your phone while driving if you are calling 911 to report an emergency and it is impractical to pull your vehicle over.
Children & Car Seats
Cayman’s Traffic Seat Belts Regulations (2012) state that any child travelling in a motor vehicle must wear a seatbelt or, for those under two, be seated in a car seat attached by a seatbelt. It also states that a rear-facing child’s car seat must not be fitted in a seat with a front airbag. Children’s car seats can be purchased from Little Coconuts (www.littlecoconuts. ky), and from The Baby Shoppe (www. www.babyshoppe.ky). Second-hand options are not recommended but can be found on EcayTrade (www.ecaytrade.com) and Facebook Marketplace
Tinted Windows
In 2024, 624 traffic fines were issued for
vehicle windows that were tinted in excess of that permitted by law. Whilst a certain level of tinting of your car windows is permitted, it is important to know how dark you can make them. In Section 23 (3) of the Traffic Act, (2021 Revision), it states that you may tint your front passenger and driver windows up to 35%, rear and quarter glass windows at 15% and 15% for the rear windscreen. The front windscreen may only have six inches of tint measured from the top at any degree. Tint installers, police and vehicle inspectors use light meters to determine legal compliance. If your car windows do not meet the criteria, you risk being fined and your vehicle will fail a licensing inspection until the tint is brought within legal levels. Having your car tinted to the legal limit can significantly reduce the temperature in your car and we do recommend it. The average cost to have a sedan tinted is CI$200 and for an SUV it is CI$250. Two companies specialise in it: Cayman Window Tinting, (Tel: (345) 939 7343) and X-Press Professional Window Tinting, (Tel: (345) 916 0502).
Drinking & Driving
Although the drinking and driving rules in Cayman are strict, driving under the influence continues to be one of the leading causes of fatalities and serious collisions on Cayman’s roads. In 2024 there were a total of 281 arrests in relation to DUI offences. Approximately 67% of all DUI offences involved a driver that was at least double the drinkdrive limit, and in 25% of those cases, the driver was three times the drink-drive limit. If you do intend to drink prior to using Cayman’s roads, ensure that you take a bus or taxi. See page 185 for more information on taxi options. Failing that, designate a driver in your group who will not be drinking.
If you are caught either driving or sitting in the driver’s seat of a car while over the legal limit of 0.07% (70mg of alcohol in 100ml of blood), you will be fined CI$1,000 or imprisoned for six
months, and you will lose your driving licence for a year. Repeat offenders face larger fines, longer jail terms and permanent driving bans. Having a DUI conviction can also affect your ability to obtain a work permit in Cayman.
LEGAL REQUIREMENTS
DRIVING LICENCES
Theory & Driving Tests for NonLicence
Holders
For those wanting to join the 65,295 individuals with a valid Cayman driver’s licence, the path is routine, but the process is quite slow. First, you must book a theory test of driving knowledge at one of the Department of Vehicle & Drivers’ Licensing (DVDL) offices or you can email: dvdlexambookings@gov.ky. You have 50 minutes to answer 40 multiplechoice questions (on a touchscreen computer), of which you must get 80% correct. The test costs CI$25 and, if there is space available, you can take the test at the time of booking. In the Cayman Islands, you have to be 17 years old to apply for a licence. Take your passport on all visits to the DVDL test centre for proof of identification.
To learn all you need to know to pass the written test, the DVDL recommends that you review their official Road Code booklet, which can be found on their website, as well as parts of the Traffic Act (2023 Revision) and all of the Traffic Regulations (2021). Their website (www.dvdl.gov.ky) has a wealth of information on it, including links to all the traffic laws. Alternatively, there is a very detailed and well-informed driving instruction book called ‘Drive Safely in Cayman’ by Graham Walker, who started teaching driving in Cayman in 1992 and taught thousands of people before his retirement. It costs about CI$20 and is available at local booksellers.
Having passed the theory test, you can then obtain a learner’s licence for CI$60, which is valid for six months and allows you to drive whilst accompanied
by someone with a full Cayman licence (who has been qualified for one year). An ‘L’ plate must be visible on the front and back of the vehicle. Make sure that your car insurance policy covers a learner driver; most will require that the learner is put on the insurance.
After obtaining the provisional licence, the practical road test can be taken for a fee of CI$50. Note: It cannot be taken later than six months after obtaining the provisional licence. You can book an appointment for the practical road test in advance after passing the written test. A full driver’s licence will be issued when both exams are passed. For Groups 0-3, the fee is CI$75 for three years or CI$125 for five years. For Group 4+, it is CI$120 for three years, CI$200 for five years or CI$400 for ten years.
Cayman Islands residents can only collect their renewed driver’s licences from DVDL offices. The option to collect at local Post Offices has been discontinued. Motorists can however renew their licences online to save time at www.dvdl.gov.ky and collect them in-person once notified to do so. Alternatively, residents can visit the DVDL offices, fill out a form and wait.
There is no difference in a driving licence for automatic or standard shift (manual) cars. You can take your test in either type of car and then drive whichever you like.
Driving Instructors
Brand new drivers to Cayman’s roads should organise driving lessons with the following instructors who have been approved by the DVDL The Real Thing Driving School - Francisco Baccay (Tel: (345) 922 6223). Cherry Marie Scott (Tel: (345) 928 8284) offers a two-hour theory lesson and a pre-test on the driving rules. There’s also Martin’s School of Motoring (Tel: (345) 923 7218). For lessons in riding a motorbike, call Keith Keller at the Cayman Islands Motorcycle Riders Association (Tel: (345) 916 6438).
Converting an Existing Licence
According to the Traffic (Amendment) Act (2024 Revision), if you have a full, valid domestic driving licence from a Convention country, that is, a country within the Geneva, Vienna or Paris Convention on Road Traffic Agreement (see www.dvdl.gov.ky for a full list of applicable countries), you may drive on it for a period not exceeding twelve months. Within that time, you must take (and pass) the written theory test before your licence can be converted to a Cayman driver’s licence. This basically means that people from all the major European countries, most major English-speaking countries (including Canada, the US and South Africa), and a handful of Caribbean countries, are entitled to obtain a Cayman driving licence after they have passed the written theory test. (New residents from the UK, Isle of Man, Jersey, Guernsey and Gibraltar are not required to take a written test). You then have the option of getting a driver’s licence that is valid for three, five
or ten years.
If you currently have a learner’s permit or are enrolled in the Graduated Driver’s Licensing Programme from another country, then you will have to schedule to take both the written theory and practical road tests in Cayman.
If you have an International Driving permit, you can legally drive on it for as long as it is valid. However, you cannot convert an International Driving permit to a Cayman driver’s licence.
If you have a full, valid driving licence from a country that is not a Convention country, then under section 29 of the Traffic Act (2021 Revision), you are allowed to drive for only one month if you drive a motor car, a truck not exceeding 8,500lbs, or a motorcycle under 125cc. After one month, you are required to pass both the written theory and practical road tests. However, you do not need to hold a learner’s licence to sit the practical road test since you already have driving experience.
DRIVE SAFELY
A comprehensive guide to learning to drive safely in the Cayman Islands.
If you are caught driving without a valid licence, there is an automatic CI$4,000 fine or imprisonment for up to 12 months or both.
If you are a legal resident, you can drive on Cayman’s roads if you:
> Have an International Driver’s permit. As long as it is valid, you are exempt from the requirement to hold a Cayman driver’s licence and can, therefore, drive on it legally.
> Have a full, valid domestic driver’s licence from a Convention country. You can drive in Cayman for up to twelve months before you must have passed the written theory test so you can be issued with a Cayman driver’s licence. You cannot drive legally after the initial 12 months has passed without having done so.
> Have a full Cayman driving licence. Cayman driving licences are only valid for either three, five or 10 years. You will need to get your licence renewed promptly or you are effectively driving without a licence and therefore driving illegally. If caught driving without a valid licence, you will be suspended for 12 months, face a fine of up to CI$4000 or imprisonment for up to 12 months, or both.
If you are a visitor (i.e. not a resident and you don’t have a work permit):
> You can drive in Cayman provided you have a valid driver’s licence and insurance coverage.
> Visitors who have a full, valid driver’s licence from a convention country can drive for twelve months in Cayman.
> Visitors who have a full, valid driver’s licence not from a convention country can drive for one month in Cayman, provided they only drive a motor car, a truck not exceeding 8,500lbs or a motorcycle under 125cc (Section 29A Traffic Act 2021).
If you lend your car or truck to a visitor, you must ensure they have a valid driving licence, otherwise they will be deemed to be driving illegally and this could invalidate your insurance and cost you your driving licence too! It is also recommended that you check with your insurance provider to make sure any additional drivers are covered by providing their details.
Used and trusted by thousands of drivers. A must read for any parent of a young driver.
> Have a full, valid domestic driver’s licence not from a Convention country. You can drive for one month in Cayman, but only a motor car, a truck not exceeding 8,500lbs, or a motorcycle under 125cc. To legally drive thereafter, you must obtain a Cayman driving licence by passing both the written theory and the practical road tests.
In fact, you must always be very clear on what your insurance company requires before covering you as the main driver. Some policies have very strict age limitations, while some will not insure people until they are 21, 23 or even 25 years of age. Additionally, most insurance companies will not insure new drivers to drive an SUV until they have had a licence for one year.
Obtaining a Driving Reference Letter
A driving reference letter, also known as a driving record or extract, can be obtained from the DVDL which outlines the driver’s licence history in Cayman. The document costs CI$75 and takes approximately three
to five working days to be processed. Obtain this before leaving the Island if you intend to drive overseas in places like Canada where you will not be issued, or reissued, a Canadian driver’s licence without it.
DVDL Offices
The Department of Vehicle and Drivers’ Licensing (www.dvdl.gov.ky or email: dvdl. helpdesk@gov.ky) is authorised to inspect and test vehicles, register motor vehicles and maintain the register, issue licences in respect of motor vehicles and drivers, and conduct driving tests.
The Department of Vehicle & Drivers’ Licensing (DVDL) has three locations in Grand Cayman:
> 990 Crewe Road, Red Bay, Tel: (345) 945 8344. Open: Monday-Friday 8.30am-4pm. No vehicle inspections on Wednesdays.
> Jacques Scott Plaza, 2357 West Bay Road, West Bay, Tel: (345) 949 7231. Open: Tuesday-Friday 10am-6pm and Saturday 9am-4pm.
> 2035 Bodden Town Road (opposite the South Coast Bar and Grill), Tel: (345) 244 5528. Open: Tuesday-Friday 10am-6pm, Saturday 9am-4pm.
The Department of Vehicle & Drivers’ Licensing (DVDL) in Cayman Brac and Little Cayman:
> Cayman Brac District Administration Building, Tel: (345) 948 2222. Open: Monday-Friday 8.30am-4pm.
> Little Cayman District Office, Tel: (345) 948 1051. Open: Every other Thursday 9am2.30pm.
LICENSING YOUR VEHICLE
Your vehicle can be inspected and its registration renewed for up to 30 days before the expiry date. You can also renew your vehicle and driving licence online— just follow the tab on the DVDL website. No more waiting in line! You will still have to get your car inspected, but that process is usually quite quick, and once they confirm your car has passed, the information will be recorded in their computer system. Failure to license your vehicle could result in a hefty fine. As of
July 2025, there were 50,343 licensed vehicles on Cayman’s roads. However, at the same time, there were an additional 11,798 unlicensed (and therefore uninsured) vehicles carelessly “gadding about”. Whilst some could actually have been in storage, under repair or derelict, it’s still very likely that a huge percentage were (and still are) physically active on Cayman’s public roads. By doing so, the drivers are breaking the law and exhibiting a callous disregard for other road users. Please, do not be a part of this growing problem. License your vehicle, purchase the appropriate insurance and maintain a valid driving licence.
The law does not require you to have a Cayman licence to register a car in your name, but if you are registering it in the name of a company, you must provide an annual return for that company. The cost for one year’s inspection and licensing for a vehicle up to 2,500cc or a four-seater car (excluding the driver) is CI$215 (CI$180 registration, CI$35 inspection). Any vehicle that exceeds 2,500cc and does not exceed eight seats (excluding the driver) costs CI$235. A Hummer costs between CI$535 and CI$1,035 per year. A truck up to 8,500lbs costs CI$435 per year (CI$400 registration, CI$35 inspection).
Disabled vehicles have no annual licensing fee unless you own two, in which case you must pay standard fees for the second vehicle. Scooters, trucks and taxis have different prices for both inspection and licensing. Vehicle inspections are offered at the Crewe Road and Breakers locations, and at the district administration building in Cayman Brac. Avoid doing this on rainy days, as they will not inspect the cars if it is raining. You can also have your vehicle inspected at various automotive repair shops and many people will combine an annual car service with the car inspection process. You can find a list of approved private garages on the DVDL website. The garage will issue you with a Certificate of Roadworthiness, which you then take to the DVDL when you go to renew the car licence.
Depending on the age of the vehicle and registration history, it can be inspected and licensed for one, three or five years. For five years, the vehicle must be brand new and not previously licensed in any country. Vehicles licensed for three years must not be older than ten years from the date of manufacture. Licence plates cost CI$75 per set. Personalised plates can be purchased for CI$300 per set (replacements cost CI$22.50 each). With the new electronic licence plates, you are required to place the coupon at the top centre of the windscreen, directly below the rear-view mirror. However, if you still have old plates (see below), then place the coupon within six inches of the edge on the left side or driver’s side, with the time period facing outside of the car.
Updating Vehicle Registration Plates
The DVDL is mandating the replacement of all decommissioned or temporary plates, including Electronic Vehicle Registration (EVR) plates, by 14th November 2025. This is part of efforts to modernise Cayman’s vehicle registration system and improve road safety. Plates being recalled include temporary plates, quincentennial plates with white letters, and plates with the old-style yellow or orange backgrounds, including personalised ones. Drivers can exchange these for new white plates at the Crewe Road DVDL location, Monday to Friday during business hours, by presenting their current plates, windshield coupon, and logbook. Failure to comply may result in police prosecution, fines up to CI$2,500, six months in jail, or both.
Disabled Parking Badges
To obtain a disabled parking badge, you can collect a form from the DVDL or download a PDF version from the DVDL website and have a licensed physician fill out the relevant portions, stating whether it needs to be temporary or permanent. Your application will then be reviewed, and if approved, you can purchase a tag for CI$5 or you can choose to pay a fee of CI$75 for a licence plate. Visitors are
allowed to use their international disabled parking badge for the duration of their trip to legally park in designated spots.
Transfer of Ownership
When purchasing or selling a vehicle, you need to transfer the ownership. A fee of CI$25 will be charged to complete the transfer. You and the buyer/previous owner must fill out a transfer form from the DVDL, and sign the transfer section of the log book in front of a justice of the peace or notary public. If a financial institution has a lien on a vehicle, this would have been registered with the DVDL. To proceed with the transfer of ownership, you must first obtain a Notice of Lien Removal from the lender. Removing a lien will incur an additional fee of CI$25 from the DVDL. In the unfortunate event that you are responsible for dealing with the vehicle of a person who has passed away, an original death certificate or a notarised copy must be produced. If the spouse is seeking the transfer, then an original or notarised copy of the marriage certificate is required as well. If the person dies intestate (without a Will), then a notarised letter or affidavit must be produced stating that there are no other interested parties, including a spouse or any children who would otherwise be entitled to the vehicle. If there is a Will with multiple trustees/administrators, a letter stating that there is no objection to the transfer of ownership must be signed by all parties in the presence of a witness. The Notary Public must be the same across all documents requiring notarisation. For further guidance with this process, visit www.dvdl.gov.ky.
Disposing of a Vehicle
Before taking your vehicle to the George Town landfill, you must terminate its licence at the DVDL. Fill out an ‘Application for Suspension/ Termination of Vehicle Licence’ form and present it to the DVDL along with photo ID and the vehicle’s registration certificate. You will
have to pay any additional back-duty if accrued. You will then be required to surrender your registration plates, logbook and coupon to the DVDL. If you are terminating your vehicle prior to the expiration date of your coupon, you may get a refund. Once this process has been completed, the vehicle cannot be driven on the road. The Department of Environmental Health charges a CI$75 fee to remove a derelict vehicle from private property and dispose of it. Otherwise, you can have it towed and dropped off at the George Town landfill at any point during its opening hours (Monday-Friday, 7am-4pm). You must be the registered owner of the vehicle to terminate it. In exceptional circumstances, another person can terminate the vehicle if the registered owner has given written authorisation in an affidavit in the presence of a Licensing Officer, a Justice of the Peace or a Notary Public.
MOTORCYCLE & SCOOTER LICENCES
There are three groups of motorcycle licences: Group 0 (mopeds/motor scooters), which are covered under Groups 2, 3 and 4, Group 1 (up to 125cc) and Group 1A (over 125cc). You must be at least 19 years of age to drive a motorcycle with an engine over 125cc.
If you have a bike licence from abroad that explicitly states that you are entitled to ride a bike over 125cc, then it may be possible to obtain a Full Group 1A licence by taking a theory test and paying a CI$75 fee. However, this largely depends on which country your licence has been issued in and is not guaranteed. If you already have a Group 2, 3 or 4 Cayman driver’s licence, then you can easily obtain a Learner’s Group 1 bike licence without having to take a written test. Having obtained it, you should book a practical road test. With a Provisional Group 1 licence, you are only allowed to carry a passenger who is the holder of a Full Group 1 licence.
If you don’t have a qualifying licence,
then you need to pass both written and practical tests. Once you’ve obtained a Full Group 1 licence, you must wait one year before you can qualify for a Provisional Group 1A, and after you have been tested again, you will be able to ride unlimited displacement motorbikes. However, if you are over 19 and can prove you have a full Group 1 licence, then you can skip the 12-month wait time. Cayman Custom Cycles (Tel: (345) 945 7433) offers this course, along with the Group 1 motorcycle training courses.
CAR INSURANCE
You can transfer ownership of a car without car insurance, but you cannot license the vehicle without insurance. The average cost of third-party cover for a mid-sized car not exceeding 2.5 litres (2500 cc) is likely to be in the region of CI$500 to CI$800 per year, depending on whether it is a convertible or a sports car (which are more expensive). Comprehensive insurance on a nearly-new, second-hand CI$16,000 car would be in the region of CI$1,000 per year (with a no-claims discount factored in). Insurance on a new CI$45,000 BMW would cost approximately CI$1,900 per year. If you bring a letter from your existing insurance company stating that you have had no claims in the last year or more, you may be eligible for a discount. Also, be aware that banks insist on comprehensive policies covering cars they are financing, and some insurance companies will not sell comprehensive insurance on vehicles over ten years old. Insurance rates vary considerably, so shop around. Note: Thirdparty insurance is available on-Island, but it does not cover fire, theft or collision. It is a good idea to ask if the comprehensive policy covers hurricane or flood damage (also known as ‘acts of God’), as some companies do not. Be sure to check your policy, as many will automatically only cover drivers aged 25 to 65 who have had a licence for 12 months or more. Insurance rates for teenagers who have recently passed their driving test are extremely high as they are seen as
inexperienced drivers. You may find it easier to find car insurance on a secondhand, four-door car than on a high-end sports car if you are under 23.
If you are caught driving without insurance, the police take it very seriously and you will be subject to a fine of CI$500 (CI$2,000 if involved in an accident), possible imprisonment for 12 months, and the loss of your licence for a year. In 2024, 125 people were prosecuted for this offence. If you lend your car to someone knowing that the car is not insured, then they plus you, as the owner of the vehicle, will be fined and lose your licence for 12 months. The law requires that you must carry your car insurance documents in your car at all times and present them to police whenever asked. For a list of car insurance providers, please refer to the Settling In chapter.
RENTAL CARS
Rental rates are higher in winter (from mid-December) but lower in the summer (from mid-April). Vehicle options are wide-ranging. Most rental car companies offer resident rates.
To rent a car, drivers must have a credit or debit card in order to make the reservation, be over the age of 21 years and have a valid driving licence. If you are under 25, depending on the rental company, you may not be subject to full coverage, may be charged more or may not be allowed to rent a car. For residents, we have the following suggestions:
Ace Rent-a-Car
Cayman Centre, 25 Roberts Drive, GT
Tel: (345) 927 5727
Email: customercare@acerentacar.com www.acerentacar.com
ACE provides reliable, affordable vehicles and exceptional customer service to visitors and residents of the Cayman Islands. Conveniently located at The Cayman Centre close to the airport, expect a seamless rental experience with a wide range of vehicles and complimentary airport shuttle service. As part
of a trusted international brand founded in 1966, ACE Rent-A-Car Cayman combines global standards with warm local hospitality to ensure every customer enjoys a smooth and stressfree journey.
Alamo Rent-a-Car
At the Airport, George Town
Tel: (345) 945 7368
Avis
At the Airport, George Town
Tel: (345) 949 2468
Budget Rent-a-Car
At the Airport, George Town
Tel: (345) 949 5605
Economy Car Rental
At the Airport, George Town
Tel: (345) 949 9550
ZÜN
10 Market Street, Camana Bay
Tel: (345) 943 2834
For residents looking to live here for only one to five years, leasing may be a better option. The following companies offer car leasing:
Swift Auto Leasing
Tel: (345) 927 5727
Email: info@swift.ky or www.swift.ky
Swift Auto Leasing offers flexible and economical vehicle leasing options to meet the needs of new residents in the Cayman Islands. Their vehicle selection is reliable, fuel-efficient, and convenient to drive. The lease includes roadside support, fully comprehensive insurance, vehicle licensing, and all maintenance and repairs. They offer both short-term daily leasing and longterm leasing at competitive rates. A security deposit is required upon signing, along with the prepayment of the first month’s lease.
<&wlFT AUTO LEASING
Tony’s Toys Automotive Centre
91 Sherwood Drive, Industrial Park, George Town
Tel: (345) 946 8697
Email: info@tonystoys.net
www.tonystoys.net
Whether you’re a part-time visitor or fulltime resident, Tony’s Toys offers flexible short and long term leasing options. Choose from a variety of makes and models, from compact cars to spacious SUVs, and from practical to luxury vehicles. Leasing rates now start at CI$700 per month and include insurance, vehicle maintenance, roadside assistance, and unlimited mileage. SEE AD PAGE 180
IMPORTING A VEHICLE
If you would like to import a car to the Cayman Islands, you’ll need to get the car to the Port of Miami or Tampa, book the car on the next ship sailing to Cayman and clear US Customs. If you are importing a vehicle from Japan, it will come through the port in Jamaica and then to Cayman. In the meantime, contact the shipping company/ agent and take all your paperwork to CI Customs to pay duty (0%-42% depending on the type and value of your car), plus a one-time fee for future car disposal (see the Environmental Disposal Fee section on page 176). Following that, head to the Port Authority to pay the port handling fees. You can then collect your car immediately once it arrives, though CBC may require inspection of the vehicle. You can hire a customs broker to help you with this process, as it can be fairly complicated and time consuming. For more information, visit www.online.gov.ky/ cols/faces/home.
On May 1st 2023, the Customs and Border Control (Prohibited Goods) (Amendment) came into law. This law prohibits any vehicles with a model year of eight years or older from entering the Cayman Islands. There are exemptions on certain commercial, agricultural and industrial-use vehicles, as well as classic and antique motor cars. In late 2024, new exemptions were added for Caymanians who were repatriating and wanted to bring their vehicles back with them. Details of the law can be found on the DVDL website
Shipping Costs & Details
The average cost for shipping a mid-sized vehicle (approximately 500 cubic ft or less) with either Seaboard Marine or Hyde Shipping is roughly US$2,000 (without insurance). Both companies recommend you add insurance. Contact them for a quotation.
US Customs Law states that the vehicle title for used cars must be stamped by US Customs for a 72-hour clearing period (excluding the day of delivery, shipping and weekends) prior to the shipping date. To be clear, unless you’re buying your vehicle straight from the manufacturer, it is considered ‘used’ under US Customs Law. US dealerships will often gift a full tank of fuel with purchases, however, be aware that the vehicle will not be allowed to leave the US more than a quarter tank full. As this fuel limit can vary between shipping companies, it is best to ensure that your tank is empty. No personal effects may be placed inside the vehicle when shipping.
We recommend you use a broker to assist you when shipping a car to Cayman. They will help you gather the documents, including the car title, letter of intent, power of attorney and bill of lading. All vehicles must be delivered to the port (or consolidator’s bonded warehouse) before US Customs clearance. Which port you take your car to will depend on the shipping company you choose to ship with.
Hyde Shipping Corporation
3740 W 104th Street, Suite 1, Hialeah, FL 33018
US Tel: 1 (305) 913 4933
Cayman Tel: (345) 947 4933 www.hydeshipping.com
Seaboard Marine Cayman
Port of Miami, 1630 Port Boulevard, Miami, FL 33132
US Tel: 1 (305) 863 4444
Cannon Place, Industrial Park, Grand Cayman
Tel: (345) 949 4977
Clearing Your Car Through US Customs
It is the owner’s responsibility to clear their car through US Customs or to appoint a customs broker to do so. The following customs brokers, based in Miami, can help:
Barrett Trade Services, LLC
US Tel: 1 (305) 477 1512 or Fax: (305) 477 1238
Email: abarrett@barretttradeservices.com
Cayman Islands Customs Agency (CICA) & CICA Office/Deluxe Freight US
Cayman: 39 Ashgo Street, off Godfrey
Nixon Way, George Town Tel: (345) 949 2350
Email: support@cicustomsagency.ky www.cicustomsagency.ky
US: 11401 NW 107th Street, Miami, FL33178
Tel: 1 (305) 513 0156
Email: cayman@deluxefreight.com
NCI Freight & Logistics
7 Eucalyptus Bldg, 4 Printer Way, George Town Tel: (345) 943 4624
Email: customercare@nci.ky www.ncifreight.com
NCI Freight provides a complete transportation solution for shipping vehicles and boats to the Cayman Islands. The service includes US pickup and inland trucking, shipping, customs clearance, customs inspection and local licensing in the Cayman Islands.
SEE AD PAGE 115 & 299
These companies can also assist you with the transfer of a vehicle from the dealership to the port and help with cargo insurance. They will then send all the paperwork associated with the transaction via courier, so that you can collect them in Cayman. When exporting a vehicle from the US, an ‘Export Power of Attorney’ from the shipper needs to be notarised by a US Notary.
Clearing Your Car Through CI Customs
Once your car has landed at the port in Cayman, the shipping company will notify you. You can use a customs broker to clear your car through Cayman Customs and
they will handle the following steps on your behalf. However, if you are doing the customs clearance yourself, here are the steps to follow:
> First, pre-register on the Customs Online System (COLS) website (www.online. gov.ky/cols/faces/home), where you must complete the form and upload the supporting PDF documents. Once you submit the request, they will either approve the registration or they will let you know, via email, if other documents are required. If approved, you will be given a COLS trader identification number (TIN) and login information.
> Collect paperwork from the shipping company and pay the shippers.
> Log in to the COLS website and follow the process to declare your shipment. Supporting PDF documents needed include the bill of lading, title of the vehicle and the official invoice/valuation. Before submitting, you can review and confirm the information. Confirming the declaration will constitute your electronic signature, which will be legally binding. This process is subject to change as Cayman Customs is continually upgrading the system.
> Once approved, Customs will send you an email. You then go to the Customs Office on Owen Roberts Drive (Tel: (345) 949 4579) and pay the duty and environmental fee for your vehicle.
> Obtain car insurance (you will need proof of insurance on the vehicle before picking it up from the port).
> Head to the Port Authority Warehouse on Portland Road in Industrial Park and present the Customs clearance documents. A fee will be charged depending on the weight of your vehicle.
> You will then be able to pick up your vehicle.
> Go to the Department of Vehicle and Driver’s Licensing (DVDL) and follow the inspection and licensing process. They will also need to see the vehicle’s certificate of title.
Costs depend on the type of vehicle being licensed. Be aware that, as per the Cayman Islands’ Traffic Act, it is an offence to keep
a vehicle in the Cayman Islands without it being registered with the DVDL. See the Licensing Your Vehicle section for more information.
Duty Costs of Importing a Car
Since the Cayman Islands does not have direct taxation, the Cayman Islands Government charges import duty on all vehicles being imported into the Islands as a way of raising revenue. The percentage charged depends on the value and type of the car.
The import duty is calculated on what is known as the CIF value, which is the cost of the car plus the insurance premium for its journey by ship, plus the sea freight charges. Here is a list of import duties based on CIF value:
CIF up to CI$20,000 = 29.5%
CIF up to CI$25,000 = 32%
CIF up to CI$30,000 = 37%
CIF from CI$30,000 and up = 42%
Duty Costs of Importing an Electric or Hybrid Car
See below for import duties on electric and hybrid cars for personal use based on the CIF value
Electric Vehicles:
CIF up to CI$29,999 = 0%
CIF up to CI$60,999 = 5%
CIF up to CI$99,999 = 10%
CIF from CI$100,000 = 15%
Hybrid Vehicles:
CIF up to CI$29,999 = 10%
CIF up to CI$60,999 = 12%
CIF up to CI$99,999 = 15%
CIF from CI$100,000 = 17%
Environmental Disposal Fee
A fee is added to cover the cost of disposing of a vehicle in years to come. For example, if a vehicle is valued at CI$12,000 (CIF) or less when imported, an environmental disposal fee of CI$1,000 plus a waste handling fee of CI$250 will be charged in addition to duty of 29.5%.
Exporting a Car from Cayman
To ship a car off the Island, go to the shipping company and either get a letter or dock receipt from them as proof of a vehicle being shipped off-Island. Then go to the DVDL and terminate registration of the vehicle and surrender the logbook, coupon and licence plates. Go to Customs and fill out a vehicle export form. They will review your entry and either approve or deny it.
If approved, take this form over to Customs and they will then process the document. You can then arrange the shipping of the vehicle with a freight forwarder or one of the shipping companies.
BUYING A NEW CAR
Unlike some countries, there are no size restrictions on cars in Cayman (except Hummers, which cannot be wider than 6.7ft). Almost every make of car is available to purchase and you can own as many cars as you want.
For some context on the local car market, here is a snap shot of available vehicles from several local showrooms at the time of writing (July 2025). A 2024 Suzuki Alto GL is an entry-level compact car common on Cayman’s roads and a reputable, local dealer has it priced for sale at CI$15,900. A small SUV, in this case the 2025 Hyundai Venue GLS, is listed for CI$28,200. The 2024 Honda CR-V EX, a mid-size SUV and a very popular vehicle in Cayman, can be bought for CI$44,900. On the larger size, you can drive home a 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited for CI$77,900. In terms of luxury vehicles, one dealer known for importing from high-end manufacturers is advertising a 2025 Range Rover LWB (long wheelbase) at CI$157,860, and a 2025 Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG at CI$289,840. As you can imagine, the insurance on the latter won’t be cheap!
New Car Dealers
The following makes of car are sold by the authorised dealers listed below. Most dealerships do not carry a large inventory
of parts but they can order them. There are no authorised dealers on the island for Acura, Alfa Romeo, Buick, Citroen, Peugeot or Porsche.
Audi
Audi Cayman Islands (Arch Automotive)
10 Market Street, Camana Bay
Tel: (345) 943 2834
Email: archauto@archauto.ky
BMW, MINI & KIA
GT Automotive
52 Godfrey Nixon Way, George Town Tel: (345) 945 3415
Chevrolet
Advance Automotive
113 Owen Roberts Drive, George Town
Tel: (345) 945 9191
Ford, Toyota, Hino
Vampt Motors Sales Showroom
514 Walkers Road, George Town
Email: sales@vamptmotors.com
www.vamptcayman.com
Vampt Motors’ sales team operates from a dedicated showroom that focuses on customer satisfaction. They offer convenient parking, easy transactions and free test drives from Monday to Saturday. Their lot features a wide range of Ford, Toyota and Hino vehicles, with a special emphasis on hybrids. SEE AD OPPOSITE PAGE
Honda, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, MercedesBenz, Mitsubishi & Suzuki
Car City Ltd.
151 Industrial Way, Industrial Park, GT Tel: (345) 949 0440
Hyundai, SSangYong & GWM
Prestige Motors
125 Owen Roberts Drive, George Town Tel: (345) 949 7550
Email: prestige@candw.ky www.prestigemotors.ky
JAC, Nissan, Tesla & BYD Motors
318 Eastern Avenue, George Town
Tel: (345) 517 5137 or email: info@ljmenergy.ky
Sells electric vehicles and electric car chargers.
Land Rover, Jaguar, Renault, Subaru & Changan
Trac Automotive
181 Dorcy Drive, George Town
Tel: (345) 945 3876
Email: sales@tracautomotive.ky
Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz (Car City)
131 Industrial Way, Industrial Park, GT
Tel: (345) 949 0440
Tony’s Toys Automotive Centre
91 Sherwood Drive, Industrial Park, GT
Tel: (345) 946 8697
Email: sales@tonystoys.net
www.tonystoys.net
Tony’s Toys has been in business for over 25 years, offering a wide range of cars, SUVs, trucks, and commercial vehicles. If they don’t have what you’re looking for, they can source it for you. They also provide financing options to suit most budgets, with approval within 72 hours (terms and conditions apply).
SEE AD THIS PAGE
Volkswagen
Arch Automotive
15 Portland Road, Industrial Park, GT
Tel: (345) 949 8221
Email: archauto@archauto.ky
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There are many reputable used car dealers on the island that will usually guarantee a car for three months, as well as sell parts for their cars and service them. When buying a used car privately, be sure to verify that you are dealing with the official owner of the vehicle, otherwise you will encounter difficulties when transferring ownership. For information on the transfer of ownership of a vehicle see page 176. A few of the rental agencies, such as Avis
BUYING A USED CAR
and Budget, sell their fleet of American and Japanese models every year and you can usually pick up a good car at a great price. You can also check out EcayTrade (www. ecaytrade.com) and Facebook Marketplace for second-hand vehicles.
How to Value a Used Car in Cayman
For the past 40 years, all car dealers, banks and insurance companies have used the same formula to value a used car. They take the sale value of the vehicle when it was new and deduct 20% for the first year and then 15% for each subsequent year. So, a car that was bought brand new in 2020, for CI$30,000, would have a book value of CI$12,529 five years later in 2025. If you are just into the next calendar year you can also use 1.25% per month.
After establishing that base line, you will deduct money for body damage, worn tires etc., or you will add to that value if it is in exceptional condition, low miles etc. Then you have to consider the make and model and whether that brand of car is in high demand in Cayman. If, for example, it is a Toyota or Honda, which are both highly in demand, and are good at keeping their value if looked after well, you might expect to pay significantly more than the book value. A Toyota with a book value of CI$12,500 might actually sell for between CI$14,000 and CI$18,000 depending on whether you bought it privately or through a dealer and whether it has a service history that you can verify and is in good condition with low mileage. However, if the car is a less popular make and model, then you would probably pay less than the book value regardless of how good the vehicle looks.
Generally speaking, when bought new from a local dealership, Japanese vehicles retain the best resale value. Followed by Korean brands, then true American and European brands. Check the number of days that a car has been for sale on websites such as EcayTrade, as this will be a very good indication as to what brands and models are most desirable.
Used Car Dealers
The following is a list of some wellknown car dealers that regularly carry a good stock of used cars:
Advance Automotive
113 Owen Roberts Drive, George Town
Tel: (345) 945 9191
Avis
Airport Rental Plaza, 210 Owen Roberts Drive
Tel: (345) 949 2468
Budget Car Sales
Airport Rental Plaza, 210 Owen Roberts Drive
Tel: (345) 949 5605 or (345) 328 8446
CARS Ltd. (Campbell’s Auto)
117 North Sound Road, George Town Tel: (345) 949 7135
Car City Ltd.
151 Industrial Way, Industrial Park, GT Tel: (345) 949 0440
Distinct Imports
98 Walkers Road, George Town
Tel: (345) 949 6199 or (345) 929 6199
Tony’s Toys Automotive Centre
91 Sherwood Drive, Industrial Park, GT
Tel: (345) 946 8697
Email: customercare@tonystoys.net www.tonystoys.net
The lot features a wide range of quality preowned vehicles to match your lifestyle and your budget. If there’s something specific you’re after, they can special order it. They also offer financing with fast approvals.
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HYBRID & ELECTRIC CARS
Electric vehicles are becoming a more common sight on Cayman’s roads and can be imported with duty concessions for personal and commercial use. According to data provided by the DVDL as of August 2025, 781 electric vehicles, 1,060 hybrid vehicles and 27 propane vehicles were licensed in the Cayman Islands. See page
179 for electric vehicle import duty rates. Electric vehicles are available for purchase on Grand Cayman through certified local automotive dealers. Purchasing an electric vehicle through a local automotive dealer ensures you, as the vehicle owner, have proper warranty coverage, as well as access to certified technicians and parts for manufacturer-recommended maintenance. In addition, local automotive dealers can assist electric vehicle owners with the proper recycling of used lithium-ion battery components. Most of the major global electric vehicle brands are available in the Cayman Islands through a certified local automotive dealer.
In terms of driving distances, the Island’s small area and flat topography makes it an ideal location for electric vehicles and Level 2 alternating current charging. Battery sizes vary by vehicle make and model, but most electric vehicles can be driven for around 200 miles on a single charge. Unlike other countries, drivers of electric vehicles on Grand Cayman do not have to worry about running out of battery charge. One hour of recharging on a Level 2 public or private electric vehicle charger can add as much as 35 miles’ worth of capacity to the battery.
Electric Vehicle Chargers
Caribbean Utilities Company, Ltd. (CUC) is conducting a regulatory-approved pilot project for a publicly accessible Level 2 smart charging network. With the assistance of customer-partners, CUC has deployed CUC-owned and operated charging stations at 23 locations throughout Grand Cayman. The intent of CUC’s pilot project is to introduce pay-as-you-go publicly accessible electric vehicle charging at commercial, tourism and multi-unit residential properties for CUC’s customers. If your multi-unit residential property or workplace could benefit from a CUC-owned, operated and maintained EV charging station, please visit CUC’s website at www.cuc-cayman.com for more details. You can also contact service@ cuc.ky for more information. See the EV charger location map on the opposite page.
The combination of the sun’s rays and Cayman’s salty air can be hard on your car, but fortunately, road conditions in Cayman are much better than in other Islands in the Caribbean. We recommend checking your tyre pressure and fluid levels monthly. Probably the worst thing that your car will face is the silent, invisible rust maker, the salty air! If you plan on living on or near the water, your car will rust faster than normal if not taken care of. Getting your car undercarriage coated with a rustproofing agent is also a very good idea. It costs roughly CI$250 (or CI$450 if you want the entire car done) and one coating properly maintained will indefinitely protect your car.
The sun can also damage your car. You can help prevent damage by waxing it at least once every six months. A sunshade for your windshield will keep your car interior cooler and protect the dashboard. You may also want to invest in window tinting, but make sure you follow current regulations regarding the percentage of tinting you are allowed to use (see page 172).
The following is a guideline on car maintenance and average costs, though the maintenance schedules vary by manufacturer and costs may increase if new parts are required:
> Every six months or 5,000 miles/7,500km a mid-service is recommended. This should cover almost all points on the car, as well as check your air conditioning filters, rotate the tyres and top up all of your car’s vital fluids (roughly CI$175).
> A full service for your vehicle is recommended every two years, it includes all the above, plus spark plugs, providing a complete check of your car. This service costs roughly about CI$450. It’s important to have your car serviced regularly to keep it running smoothly.
Remember that in a hot climate like Cayman, the plastic interior in your car, such as dashboard and ducts, will heat up during the day and may release benzene,
which is a known carcinogen, into your car. Remember to open the windows and allow your air conditioning to run for a moment, clearing the air before you close the car and start driving.
The following are reliable car maintenance shops and dealerships:
Advance Automotive
113 Owen Roberts Drive, George Town Tel: (345) 945 9191 www.advancechevrolet.com
Arch Automotive & Goodyear Tyres
15 Portland Road, George Town
Tel: (345) 949 8221
Authorised service centre for most makes and models of Audi and Volkswagen.
Automotive Art
480 Shedden Road, George Town
Tel: (345) 949 7102
Email: info@autoartky.com
CARS Ltd. (Campbell’s Auto)
117 North Sound Road, George Town Tel: (345) 949 7135
Car City
151 Industrial Way, Industrial Park Tel: (345) 949 0440 www.carcity.ky
GT Automotive
52 Godfrey Nixon Way, George Town Tel: (345) 945 3415
Email: s.gunby@gtauto.ky or p.smith@gtauto.ky www.bmw.com.ky or www.gtauto.ky
General Automotive Services
194G Dorcy Drive, Industrial Park, Unit 3, GT
Tel: (345) 746 9119
Offers repair services for Tesla and more.
Mercedes-Benz (Car City)
131 Industrial Way, Industrial Park Tel: (345) 949 0440
Motor Zone
61 Seymour Drive, George Town
Tel: (345) 321 6686
Email: info@motorzone.ky www.motorzone.ky
Genuine and OEM quality car parts and accessories for a wide range of makes and models of vehicles. Courteously supplying businesses and over-the-counter customers. Working directly with manufacturers to ensure affordable pricing for customers on all stock and special orders.
Superior Auto
14 Sherwood Drive, George Town
Tel: (345) 949 9570
Email: info@superiorautocayman.com or sa@candw.ky www.superiorautocayman.com
Tony’s Toys Automotive Centre
91 Sherwood Drive, Industrial Park, GT Tel: (345) 946 8697
Email: service@tonystoys.net www.tonystoys.net
Tony’s Toys is a full-service garage and body shop with a team of highly trained technicians.
They handle diagnostics, servicing, and repairs for European, Japanese, and American vehicles. They also offer headlight restoration, brake rotor cutting, rustproofing treatments, and window tinting. SEE AD PAGE 180
Vampt Motors Service Department
368 Walkers Road, George Town
Tel: (345) 949 2245
Email: service@vamptmotors.com www.vamptcayman.com
Vampt Motors’ service team comprises factory-certified technicians working in a state-of-the-art service department to uphold the manufacturing standards of Ford, Toyota, and Hino vehicles within dealer standards. Their team excels in hybrid vehicles and are the warranty experts. Schedule appointments directly by website or email. SEE AD PAGE 181
Vampt Motors Body Shop
368 Walkers Road, George Town Tel: (345) 949 2245
WhatsApp: (345) 938 9019
Email: bodyshop@vamptmotors.com
www.vamptcayman.com
Their comprehensive body shop specialises in bodywork repairs for most vehicle brands and collaborates with major insurance carriers to streamline the process. Vampt Motors Body Shop is also the exclusive dealer in Cayman for Ziebart rust protection. SEE AD PAGE 181
Parts, Tyres & Batteries
Cayman Islands Government regulations state that your tyres must be in good condition when they are checked at your annual car inspection. They also stipulate that you cannot alternate brands of tyres as this could cause your car to drive erratically. Batteries generally have a life span of four to five years; depending on the weather conditions, vehicle type and driving habits. The following reliable tyre and battery shops offer new tyre sales and repairs, as well as battery tests and installation.
Arch Automotive & Goodyear Tyres 15 Portland Road, George Town
Public Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Stations in Grand Cayman
Tel: (345) 949 8221
Authorised dealer for Goodyear Tyres and a large selection of all tyre brands.
Automotive Art
480 Shedden Road, George Town
Tel: (345) 949 7102
Email: info@autoartky.com
Tony’s Toys Automotive Centre
91 Sherwood Drive, Industrial Park, GT
Tel: (345) 946 8697 or (345) 623 TIRE (8473)
Email: parts@tonystoys.net www.tonystoys.net
They stock over 3,500 tyres and batteries to fit every vehicle, along with a wide variety of parts and accessories at competitive prices. If you are looking for something specific, special orders are available. SEE AD PAGE 180
Vampt Motors Parts Department
368 Walkers Road, George Town
Tel: (345) 949 2245
WhatsApp: (345) 814 0114
Email: parts@vamptmotors.com www.vamptcayman.com
Vampt Motors is an authorised dealer of genuine OE Toyota, Ford and Hino parts at competitive prices. They are the exclusive dealer in Cayman for genuine Toyota parts and Motorcraft, backed by the factory warranty. SEE AD PAGE 181
Roadside Assistance
There is one dedicated roadside assistance provider in Grand Cayman, Autoshield, though some insurance providers will offer assistance as part of their coverage. In Grand Cayman only, ICWI (SEE AD PAGE 164) offers their customers 24-hour roadside assistance if they are comprehensively insured.
Auto Detailing
The Auto Spa (Tel: (345) 943 1946), on Godfrey Nixon Way, offers a wide range of cleaning packages and charges from CI$28 for a sedan and CI$33 for an SUV. Cayman’s newest wash shack, Good Guys (Tel: (345) 938 0666), on Huldah Avenue, offers touch free, soft touch and self-service car wash services. There is also Supa Shine (www.supashineautodetailing.com). You
will likely also hear of numerous mobile car cleaners by word of mouth. They charge approximately CI$35 for a sedan and around CI$50 for an SUV.
ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORTATION
Despite any given destination being relatively close on each of the Islands, most people do not walk in Cayman due to either the weather, the lack of proper footpaths in many areas or the absence of sufficient street lighting. There are, however, plenty of alternative transport options available to residents and visitors.
Bicycles
Bicycles and electronic bicycles are duty free. Some people do ride bicycles and electrical bikes to work, however there are very few designated cycle lanes on-Island — though the Esterley Tibbetts Highway does have cycle lanes from West Bay to the Britannia roundabout.
There are painted symbols on some of the roads on Grand Cayman to indicate where the road is shared between cyclists and motor vehicles. You will find the markings located on South Church Street, North Church Street and North Sound Road. The shared lane markings, or sharrows, are either white or green symbols with two chevrons and a bike.
As cycling is not as common as it is in the UK for example, drivers do not give cyclists due care and attention. In addition, Cayman does not have specific laws, such as minimum passing distances, to protect cyclists like other countries do. It cannot be stressed enough how vigilant cyclists need to be on Cayman’s roads. Bicycles are considered vehicles, therefore cycling into oncoming traffic is illegal. It is highly recommended that public road-using cyclists review the cycling section in the Cayman Islands’ Road Code (the latest edition is 2012). It is available on the DVDL website (www.dvdl. gov.ky). Uncle Bill’s (SEE AD PAGE 238) and Kirk Home Centre sell a good selection of bicycles and equipment, including helmets. You may also want to register your bicycle with the police department. They will record your
bicycle’s serial number and place a marking on it that is only visible under a UV light. Another option for exploring by bicycle is bike sharing and rental. Cycle Cayman (www. cyclecayman.com) has eight stations: three in Camana Bay, one at Regatta Business Park, one in Cricket Square, one at the Government Administration Building, one at Dart Park and one at the old Cayman Craft Market on South Church Street. They also offer a bicycle touring service. Paddle Wheel (www.paddlewheel.ky) sells a selection of bikes and offers bike rentals with half-day, full-day, three-day and weekly rates. They also offer e-bike tours as well as bicycle maintenance and repair services.
Motorcycles
To drive a motorbike over 125cc, you have to wait 12 months after getting your licence, then take a practical road test. This type of motorcycle also requires that the motorist be at least 19 years of age. Those holding a Learner’s Licence cannot carry a passenger and helmets must be worn at all times.
Automotive Art
480 Shedden Road, George Town Tel: (345) 949 7102 Email: info@autoartky.com
Cayman Custom Cycles
4 Dorcy Place, Dorcy Drive, Industrial Park Tel: (345) 945 7433
Runs motorcycle and scooter riding instruction courses for Group 1 and Group 1A licensing, plus tours of the island on Harleys. They service and repair all makes and models of motorcycle, offer roadside assistance and do custom paint jobs and powder coatings.
Super Soco
83 Breezy Way, George Town Tel: (345) 945 4252 or (345) 946 5045
Sells 100% electric motorcycles and mopeds.
Scooter Rentals
Electric scooters are a great way to commute for lunch and around central George Town, Seven Mile Beach and Camana Bay without the hassle of traffic. Please note you must
wear a safety helmet when riding an electric scooter.
Bird Scooters
Bird scooters offer stand and ride scooters and can be found around various parts of Grand Cayman. The cost for renting a scooter is CI$1 to start and CI$0.15 per minute after that. Download the Ride Bird app from the Google Play store or the Apple App store to find out more.
Scooter Rentals (Sister Islands)
Scooten! Scooters!
Little Cayman (across from the airport)
Tel: (345) 948 1000
Email: rentals@littlecaymancarrentals.com www.scootenscooters.com
Part of Little Cayman Car Rentals, Scooten! Scooters! specialises in environmentally friendly, high quality, Yamaha scooters. A one day rental is about US$40.
School Bus Rental
School buses can be rented from Lemay’s Transport. He has air-conditioned school buses that can carry up to 96 students, and he can subcontract others if needed. Call Michael Lemay on Tel: (345) 547 9182 or email: lemaytransport@outlook.com.
Public Buses
Auditing company Deloitte were commissioned by the Government in 2023 to recommend public transport solutions. The resulting report was comprehensive but came with a suggested capital investment of at least CI$25 million, so it is unlikely there will be an overhaul of Cayman’s public transport network anytime soon. In the meantime, Cayman does have a functional public bus system. There are currently nine operational bus routes and eight different coloured circles on the front and rear with a route number in the middle and ‘Public Bus’ written along the top. All routes run to and from the bus depot in George Town, where there is a Public Transport Inspector during operating hours. A route map can be found online (www.caymantransport. ky/transportation-services/public-bus).
There are over 125 designated bus shelters and bus stops on the island, but the best way to catch a bus is to simply wave one down from the side of the road. If you hear a bus beeping at you, it is the driver checking to see if you need to be picked up. Most buses carry between 1429 people. Passengers should tell the driver where they’re going when they board a bus to ensure they have boarded the correct one, and tell the driver to stop when they want to alight. The average fare is CI$2 per journey or CI$3.50 if you take a long trip, such as George Town to East End or North Side. Anywhere beyond Hutland Road, such as Rum Point and Cayman Kai, will cost CI$8. The best routes for buses are on the main roads around retail areas and non-residential areas. There are also scheduled buses that run along South Church Street, South Sound Road, Walkers Road, Fairbanks Road, Industrial Park and Owen Roberts Drive. The Public Transport Board has formulated a strategic plan that includes long-term, mid-term and shortterm objectives for the Public Transport Unit, and a set of goals has been established towards a better and more reliable public transportation system. These goals include integrating existing infrastructure with advanced technology, ensuring there is professional leadership and adequate staffing, promoting and inspiring the use of the bus system and making route information easily accessible. You can find a helpful guide to Cayman’s published bus routes by visiting the Explore Cayman website (www.explorecayman.com/getting-around/ buses-in-cayman). In September 2025, bus route maps were placed at 25 bus shelters across Grand Cayman, showing route numbers, major stops and contact info. Riders can scan the QR code on the maps or visit www.caymantransport.ky.
Taxis
Taxis are an option, but they are more expensive than buses. You will find plenty of taxis at the airport, in central George Town and parked at many of the major resorts along Seven Mile Beach. A reliable
taxi firm is A.A. Transportation Service (Tel: (345) 926 8294).
The Cayman Islands Government’s digital fare calculator, CI:GO aims to ensure consistent and transparent pricing for taxi fares by setting standard prices for routes. The app allows passengers to plug in their route, pieces of luggage and the number of passengers and see what the fare should cost in both US and CI dollars. The CI:GO app is available for free in online app stores.
Water Taxi/Ferry
Cayman Islands Ferries runs a not-for-profit water taxi service, providing a quicker, greener option to reach some North Side districts. It runs daily (except Mondays) from Camana Bay to Kaibo (restaurant and beach) and also stops at Rum Point marina. You can view the schedule and tickets, and even download their app by visiting www. caymanferries.com.ky.
Tell them you saw it in the
Running Your
Home
costs of living in Cayman.
MAINTAINING YOUR HOME
While living on a beautiful Caribbean island does not always come cheap, the quality and selection of services available in Grand Cayman are akin to those found in major European and US cities. From expert contractors and skillful landscapers to pool maintenance professionals and experts in pest control, there are service providers to cater for every need around your home and garden. It pays to shop around before choosing a service provider to find the right company at the right price. In this chapter, we list some highly recommended professionals, as well as insider maintenance tips that can help you look after your home, pool and garden.
Air Conditioning
Air conditioning is a necessity in Cayman, but it will increase your electricity bill. Keeping the temperature at the highest setting you feel comfortable with will help reduce costs, as well as using an overhead fan, especially during the winter months when a fan may be all you need in the mornings and evenings. You can also save electricity by closing curtains or blinds during the day, making sure your air filters are clean and that your home is well insulated. Also, ensure that you have your air conditioning unit regularly maintained by a professional company to maximise its efficiency. When selecting an air conditioning system, presuming you are getting a new one, make sure the system has a high Seasonal
Photos courtesy of FEDA Maintenance Services, Tomasz Zajda, Andrey Popov & David Gales
✓ Maintenance | Service Contracts
✓ A/C Replacement/Upgrade to High Efficiency Unit
✓ Indoor Air Quality Products
✓ Sheet Metal Fabricating Installation
✓ Geo Thermal Cooling Systems Design/Build
✓ Mini Ductless A/C systems VRF
✓ Cool Load Sizing and Duct Design
✓ Spray Foam Insulation
Efficiency Rating (SEER). This can make a big difference to your energy consumption. Also remember to get your A/C ductwork checked for mould.
Air Conditioning Contractors
Below are a few local companies who can advise, install, maintain and repair A/C systems. Although the cost of quarterly maintenance is often similar, some companies will include the cost of new filters, whereas others will not.
Cooling Pros
Cooling Pros keeps Cayman’s homes and businesses comfortable year-round. As an authorised dealer of Midea Air Conditioning, they supply and install high-quality, energyefficient systems built for reliability in tropical climates. Their team of experienced HVAC technicians provides expert installation, fast and accurate diagnostics, reliable repairs, and preventative maintenance. With Cooling Pros, you’ll stay cool, have lower energy use, and enjoy dependable comfort backed by trusted equipment and service. Sister company to Appliance Pros and Foam Pros. 111A Cannon Place, 294 North Sound Road, Industrial Park, George Town. Tel: (345) 746 7764, email: info@ coolingpros.ky or visit www.thepros.ky.
SEE AD PAGE 17
EcoSmart Cooling Ltd.
EcoSmart Cooling Ltd. has been in business for over 20 years. They offer a wide range of services including geothermal cooling, air source air conditioning, ductless/split air conditioning systems and air conditioning repair and maintenance for all brands, makes and models. Sparky’s Drive, George Town. Tel: (345) 233 2665 or (345) 936 2665, email: info@ecosmart.ky or visit www. airconditioningcayman.com. SEE AD PAGE 187
FEDA Maintenance Services
FEDA Maintenance Services offers everything from new installation, replacement air conditioning units, quarterly servicing and repairs. They also service and repair commercial refrigeration and ice units. Tel: (345) 924 0819 or (345) 329 1334, or email:
info@fedaservices.com. SEE AD PAGE 194
Parsons Air Conditioning
A full service air conditioning and refrigeration company, with factory trained technicians, that provides residential and light commercial air conditioning repair, maintenance and whole system installations. Parsons offers a full range of air conditioning equipment from economical to high efficiency systems, including Seacoast anti-corrosion paint and anti-corrosion grenades for air conditioning systems specifically designed for coastal and canal areas. Tel: (345) 949 3945, email: service@parsonsac.com, quotes@parsonsac. com or parts@parsonsac.com, or visit www. parsonsac.com. SEE AD OPPOSITE PAGE
A/C Duct Cleaning, Sanitation, Mould Remediation & Decontamination
Air conditioning ductwork is usually made of fibreglass and, in our humid climate, has a lifespan of around ten years before it can become susceptible to mould. It is hazardous to health and must be removed quickly if discovered. You should get your maintenance technician to regularly photograph inside your ductwork to keep an eye on mould growth. Fiberglass ductwork cannot be safely cleaned once it has mould growing in it. At this point, it must be replaced. If your roof space is insulated with spray foam insulation, you can get KoolDuct, which does not allow mould to grow.
EcoSmart Cooling Ltd.
EcoSmart Cooling offers comprehensive mould inspection services to identify and remediate mould growth. They visually inspect for mould and they also use moisture metres and thermal imaging cameras to detect hidden mould, plus they perform air quality testing before they present their findings and recommend remediation strategies. Sparky’s Drive, George Town. Tel: (345) 233 2665 or (345) 936 2665, email: info@ecosmart.ky or visit www. airconditioningcayman.com. SEE AD PAGE 187
Parsons Air Conditioning
Parsons uses an ultraviolet sanitation device called ‘Altru-V UV’ to increase
your air conditioner’s system capacity, improve airflow and return your air conditioning system to like-new condition. Tel: (345) 949 3945, email: service@parsonsac. com, quotes@parsonsac.com or parts@ parsonsac.com or visit www.parsonsac.com.
SEE AD OPPOSITE PAGE
Appliance Sales, Service & Repairs
A. L. Thompson’s
They sell and support the following major home appliance brands: Avanti, KitchenAid, Miele, Sub-Zero, Whirlpool and Wolf. 189 North Sound Road, George Town, Tel: (345) 949 8622 or visit www.althompson.com.
SEE AD PAGE 227, 234, 244, 247 & 294
The Appliance Guru
Installs, maintains and restores appliances for domestic and commercial clients. They also sell appliance parts. Tel: (345) 516 0090 or email: service@theguru.ky.
Appliance Pros
Appliance Pros keeps your home or business running smoothly with expert installation, maintenance and repair of all major household appliances, including refrigerators, freezers, ovens, microwaves, exhaust hoods, washing machines, dryers, dishwashers, garbage disposals and water heaters. As an authorised dealer of Midea Appliances, they supply a full range of high-quality, dependable appliances. Their skilled team works quickly and efficiently to minimise downtime, extend appliance life and ensure your essential equipment performs at its best. Sister company to Cooling Pros and Foam Pros. 111A Cannon Place, 294 North Sound Road, Industrial Park, George Town. Tel: (345) 746 7767, email: info@appliancepros.ky or visit www.thepros.ky. SEE AD PAGE 17
Bon Vivant Kitchen Studio
Offers kitchen design services, luxury appliances, custom cabinetry and plumbing fixtures, as well as service and repairs for premium brands such as La Cornue, Bosch, Thermador, Smeg, Liebherr and The Galley. Bon Vivant can also stock your kitchen with countertop appliances, cookware, tabletop items and a full range of culinary accessories.
Comfort You Can Trust.
A full service air conditioning and refrigeration company with factory trained technicians that provides residential and light commercial air conditioning repair, maintenance and A/C system installations. Parsons offers a full range of air conditioning equipment from economical to high efficiency systems, including Seacoast anti-corrosion paint and anti-corrosion grenades for air conditioning systems specifically designed for coastal and canal areas.
Their design team can help maximise your outdoor space with custom solutions from Alfresco, Big Green Egg and Ooni, among other outdoor brands. Whether it’s a new build, a complete renovation or just a few upgrades, they provide top-quality products with exceptional customer service, including warranty and repair. Located on Market Street, Camana Bay. Tel: (345) 623 2665, email: info@ bonvivant.ky or visit ww.bonvivant.ky.
SEE AD PAGE 250 & 296
FEDA Maintenance Services
FEDA Maintenance Services offers appliance repair services as well as general maintenance, air conditioning, plumbing and electrical work. Tel: (345) 924 0819 or (345) 329 1334, or email: info@fedaservices.com.
plumbing, appliance repair, general maintenance and more, for residential and commercial properties. Tel: (345) 924 0819 or (345) 329 1334, email: info@fedaservices.com.
SEE AD PAGE 194
GPE Services
Whether you need help with lighting or ceiling fan installation, outlet repairs, circuit breaker upgrades, or any other electrical issue, GPE Services has experienced technicians with the expertise to handle all your needs. You can trust their team of professionals to provide the expert electrical services you need for a safe and efficient home. Tel: (345) 936 7263, email: info@gpepro.com or www.gpepro.com.
is highly advisable to lock all doors and windows, particularly when you are not at home, to deter an opportunistic thief. There is a lock that is unpickable called the ‘mult-lock’. With this key, a new key cannot be copied without proof of identification by the property owner. They are expensive but highly recommended.
If you live in Cayman and are going away for an extended period, have a friend or a neighbour check on your home periodically. For added protection, you can also have an alarm system installed in your home, which can then be connected to a security company. There are several security companies across the island that can advise you on beefing up your home security.
FEDA Maintenance Services
FEDA Maintenance Services offers top-notch electrical services, from changing a switch to new installation. They also offer a wide range of contracting services, including air conditioning,
When it comes to protecting your property and loved ones, you don’t want to cut corners. Feel confident that your security company is an expert in the industry.
Our Central Monitoring Station is located on island and staffed 24/7/365 with professionally trained Central Station Agents who ensure your property and the people you love are safe.
AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR:
While Cayman enjoys one of the lowest crime rates in the Caribbean, burglaries do occur. These are often crimes of opportunity and occur at residences when no one is at home, late at night, the entry is concealed and there is easy access. It
Island Electronics
of MindSINCE 1986 ielgroup.com | 949-8255
Provides residential and commercial security and monitoring services including intruder alarms, CCTV, remote home management systems and 24/7 security monitoring. They are Five Diamond Central Station certified by the Central Station Alarm Association. 90 Godfrey Nixon Way, George Town. Tel: (345) 949 8255, email: info@ielgroup.com or visit www.ielgroup. com. SEE AD THIS PAGE
The Security Centre Limited
Pest Control
They offer intruder alarm systems, alarm response, CCTV, guarding services, fire alarm systems and locksmith services. Cayman Technology Centre, 115 Printer Way, George Town . Tel: (345) 949 0004, email: info@security. ky or visit www.security.ky.
Cayman’s warm, tropical climate is hospitable to many different types of insects and other pests. Although none of them pose a huge danger to humans, any bites or stings should always be treated with caution, especially children, the elderly and pets.
Scorpions tend to be more prevalent after periods of heavy rain and you may notice scorpions in locations close to construction work or areas of land that have recently been cleared of rocks, logs and debris. While scorpions are not particularly poisonous, their stings can be very painful and some
people may need to seek medical treatment.
Termites are a major problem in this region and can cause a lot of damage to a property. If you are planning to purchase a house or a piece of land, it is important to have a termite inspection done prior to purchase and a pre-treatment done prior to building. Several species of spiders can be found in Cayman, and while most are harmless, the Brown Recluse Spider is not. Medical attention should be sought if you suspect you’ve been bitten.
Rodents are an all-year problem in Cayman. There are two species of rats and one species of mouse in Cayman. People with pets will likely encounter ticks and fleas – local vets sell NexGard chewable tablets, which are an effective flea and tick control medicine for dogs. Ticks are a particular nuisance during dry weather and if you have a tick infestation in your home, then a reliable pest company needs to spray the floors of your home twice over a twoweek period.
It is the task of the Mosquito Research and Control Unit (MRCU) to suppress the mosquito population and assist in preventing mosquito-borne diseases. The MRCU conducts aerial spraying with insecticides to kill both larvae and adult mosquitoes. Fogging trucks are used for ground spraying at times when mosquitoes are most active, such as following heavy rainfall. To minimise mosquito problems on your property, ensure there are no open containers where water is left stagnate, as these areas are breeding grounds for mosquitoes. The MRCU can be contacted by calling (345) 949 2557 or by emailing: mrcu@gov.ky. Their website can be found at www.mrcu.ky.
In some parts of Grand Cayman, land crabs are common although their number has been diminished by development and consequent habitat loss. Migrations are prompted by heavy rain when they make their way to the sea to spawn. Many Caymanians catch land crabs to eat, so when driving during crab season, use caution and watch for ‘crabbers’ along the roadside and crabs crossing the road.
Feral chickens and roosters roam freely in Cayman and they are considered a huge nuisance; they crow at all hours and they love to scratch up lawns, flower beds and vegetable patches. You can purchase a trap for CI$65 from the Department of Agriculture (Tel: (345) 947 3090) and also A. L. Thompson’s on North Sound Road. Trapped chickens can then be delivered to the Department of Agriculture Pound for their humane disposal.
If you spot one of the invasive green
iguanas in Grand Cayman, call (345) 949 1544 who will dispatch a licensed and registered culler at no cost. The nonindigenous, invasive green iguana must not be mistaken with the endemic Cayman Blue Iguana, which is a protected species, nor the Rock Iguana on the Sister Islands. The green iguana is a pest that breeds in large numbers and has no natural predators. They are voracious eaters and prior to 2018, when they were culled in large numbers, they wreaked havoc on gardens and farmland.
Providing Trusted Pest Control for Cayman Homes
& Businesses for Over 30 Years.
Bug Busters specialises in comprehensive pest control solutions for residential, commercial, and industrial properties.
SERVICES INCLUDE:
Pest Control
Lawn and Ornamental Services
Rodent Control
Structural Fumigation
Soil Treatment
Subterranean Termite Control
or 949 7782 for a
Quarterly Spraying at Home
If you are buying a property, you should check if it has been sprayed regularly for pests. If renting, ask your landlord if they have a pest control company that sprays quarterly to control ants, scorpions and cockroaches. To protect their investment, most property owners will do this, however, if your landlord doesn’t, it is worth organising yourself. If not mitigated, pests can become a serious problem to your property.
A typical house, depending on size and location, costs between CI$140-$260 per quarter to treat. This range includes the treatment of more aggressive species, such as scorpions.
Bug Busters
Lawn & Plant Pest Control (shrubs, ornamentals, grass, crops, orchids). Comprehensive pest control solutions tailored to every need.
Residential (interior, exterior, lawns and gardens).
Events (concerts, open houses, beach parties, BBQs).
Effective pest control.
Safe for humans and pet friendly.
Spraying for mosquitos, ants, roaches, scorpions & installation of rodent bait stations.
Serving the Cayman Islands for over 35 years, Bug Busters specialises in comprehensive pest control solutions for residential, commercial, and industrial properties. They follow an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach, focusing on minimal chemical use while promoting effective housekeeping and structural maintenance practices. Their services include general pest control, rodent control, lawn and ornamental treatments, structural fumigation, soil treatment and subterranean termite control. Tel: (345) 949 7782, email: info@bugbusters.ky or visit www. bugbusters.ky. SEE AD PAGE 191
Mosquito Solutions
Comprehensive pest control solutions for commercial, residential, lawns, gardens and events. They offer monthly treatments for mosquitoes, lawn pests and rodents and quarterly spraying for ants, roaches, centipedes and scorpions etc. Plus they offer a signature mealy bug and white fly treatment that is safe for humans and is pet friendly. Tel: (345) 548 0720, email: mosquitosolutions88@ gmail.com or visit www.mosquitosolutions.ky. SE E AD THIS PAGE
Pestkil Ltd.
Operates across all three islands and has been in business since 1982. Services include the control of cockroaches, rodents and ants, as
well as all other pest control for residential and commercial locations, including lawn, shrubs and tree services. Owned and run by a Doctor of Entomology (insects), Pestkil holds a long-standing position in the community, boasts a strong team culture of experienced and trained employees and provides a topquality customer service experience. Pestkil is a provider of the Sentricon Termite Elimination System in Cayman, the most effective system on the market for the eradication and protection against subterranean termites. They also use heat technology for the control of bed bugs, wood boring beetles and drywood termites. They are located at 311 Walkers Road, George Town. Tel: (345) 949 9145 or www. pestkil.com. SEE AD OPPOSITE PAGE
Painting Contractors
FEDA Maintenance Services
FEDA Maintenance Services offers exterior and interior painting for commercial and residential properties. They also provide repair and maintenance of air conditioning, electrical, plumbing and appliances. Tel: (345) 924 0819 or (345) 329 1334, or email: info@fedaservices. com. SEE AD PAGE 194
Wesco
Wesco provides interior and exterior painting services for commercial and residential purposes. Tel: (345) 939 3788 or email: wesco. ltd@hotmail.com
Plumbers
FEDA Maintenance Services
FEDA Maintenance offers a range of plumbing services from repairing a leaky faucet to major repairs and installations. They are fast, efficient, dependable and affordable. Tel: (345) 924 0819 or (345) 329 1334, or email: info@fedaservices. com. SEE AD PAGE 194
GPE Services
From fixing leaky faucets and clogged drains to installing new fixtures and water heaters, GPE Services has skilled technicians that have the knowledge and tools to tackle any plumbing issue with efficiency and precision. You can count on them to respond quickly in times of need and provide effective solutions to get your
plumbing back on track. Tel: (345) 936 7263, email: info@gpepro.com or www.gpepro.com.
SEE AD PAGE 263
MAC Plumbing and Maintenance Services Ltd.
Offers complete plumbing maintenance for your home or office and can assist with everyday blockages, sewer line location and inspection, camera inspections, annual plumbing, and leak detection, as well as bathroom and kitchen remodelling and repair services. Also offers an emergency 24-hour call out service. Tel: (345)
949 8067 or email: mac@macplumbing.ky.
SEE AD THIS PAGE
Recycling
Cayman welcomed the return of glass recycling facilities in 2025 following a more than two year hiatus. The Department of Environmental Health and the Flowers Group have teamed up to recycle all colours of glass with the byproduct being used to manufacture paving blocks.
There are various recycling depots
MAC 24 hour Emergency Plumbing & Maintenance Services LTD
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We provide a wide range of services from air conditioning, electrical, plumbing, appliance repair, painting, general maintenance and much more for residential and commercial properties. Please get in touch with us today, we would love to speak with you about any of your projects’ needs.
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across Grand Cayman; many of which are located at the island’s major supermarkets. Residents can recycle the following items at each of these locations: a) mixed paper and cardboard, b) clean metal food cans (tin and aluminium), and c) PET/PETE and HDPE plastics (type 1 and type 2) and d) glass. When recycling plastics, be sure to check the bottom of containers for codes such as PET, PETE and HDPE or look for the 1 and 2 symbols as other types of plastics cannot currently be recycled. See page 223 for a table of recycling locations. You can also check the DEH website (www. gov.ky/deh) for updates.
Read the signs at each depot and follow the instructions carefully. It is essential that no additional waste items are disposed of in the recycling bins. Make sure everything has been washed out as dirty items can contaminate the recyclables and could cause them to be sent to the landfill. Don’t put plastic wrappers, plastic bags and cling wrap in with the type 1 and type 2 plastics. Bins are organised using the following colour codes: blue – type 1 and 2 plastics, yellow – paper and cardboard, gray – tin and aluminium cans and brown – glass.
In Cayman, residents can also deposit recyclable items at the 24-hour drop-off site located at the front of the George Town landfill. There is no fee for this service and assistance is provided during regular business hours. Camana Bay also operates a recycling depot, accepting aluminium, plastic, glass and cardboard items.
Recyclables in Cayman Brac and Little Cayman are safely stored at their respective landfills until arrangements are made for shipping to Grand Cayman for further processing. Once at the recycling facility at the George Town landfill, recyclables are sorted, processed and baled for shipment to recycling plants in the US.
For more information about how you can recycle, refer to the Being Green chapter.
Utilities Management
Caribbean Utilities Company Ltd. (CUC)
Caribbean Utilities Company, Ltd. (CUC) commenced operations as the only public
electric utility in Grand Cayman in May 1966. The company relies primarily upon diesel generation to produce electricity but is committed to moving to more environmentally friendly renewable energy sources in support of the 2024-2045 National Energy Policy. There are two different renewable energy programmes offered by CUC and more information can be found on their website. Administration Building: 457 North Sound Road, George Town. Customer Service Department: Caribbean Plaza, West Bay Road. Tel: (345) 949 5200, email: service@cuc.ky or visit www.cuccayman.com.
CostWatch
CostWatch provides intelligent monitoring and automation services to detect abnormal utility use, especially of water and electricity. Then they notify homeowners or management personnel of the unusual spike in usage, and early detection can help avoid high costs and other potential damage. Unit 15, 125 Owen Roberts Drive, George Town. Email: info@ costwatch.ky or visit www.costwatch.ky.
CLEANING SERVICES
Many people opt for a weekly, bi-weekly or monthly cleaner. It is an affordable luxury and there are a number of very reputable companies to choose from. The new trend is for team cleaning as it takes less time and is more thorough. Depending on the size of your home, a cleaning company will send in a team of three to eight people for one to two hours. The average cost is CI$100 or less per week for a one or two-bed apartment, CI$150 for a three or four-bed apartment, and for a big house, they will give you a quote. If you don’t go through an agency, it is easy to find someone via word of mouth. For a seasonal clean of your carpets, area rugs, windows and upholstery, it’s worth hiring a specialised team to do the job. The agencies listed below can help.
Dean’s Cleaning Services
Providing comprehensive cleaning services to residential, commercial and industrial customers across Grand Cayman, Dean’s Cleaning Services offers a wealth of knowledge
and experience in the cleaning industry. They are certified in water restoration and mould remediation, keeping your home safe and your family healthy. 472 West Bay Road, George Town. Tel: (345) 945 7007, Emergency After Hours Tel: (345) 926 9999, email: info@ deanscleaningcayman.com or visit www. deanscleaningcayman.com. SEE AD THIS PAGE
Fabrizone Cleaning
With over 25 years of professional cleaning excellence, Fabrizone provides professional
cleaning and exceptional customer service. They are experts in carpet, upholstery, flooring and drapery cleaning for residential, property management and corporate customers. Fabrizone specialises in air quality services, including A/C duct purification and mould remediation, as well as professional restoration services after water, fire or mould damage. Crighton Building, 2nd Floor, Crewe Road, GT. Tel: (345) 949 5010, email: info@ fabrizone.ky or follow them on social media @ fabrizonecayman. SEE AD OPPOSITE PAGE
• Carpet Steam Cleaning
• Upholstery Steam Cleaning
• Tile & Grout Steam Cleaning
• Area Rug Cleaning
• Specialty Rug Cleaning (Natural Fiber)
• Pressure Washing Services
• Mould Remediation
Services (Certified)
• Assessments & Consultations
• Post Construction Cleaning
• Emergency Water Extraction Services (24 Hours)
• Thermal Imaging & Leak Detection
• Fogging & Ozone Treatments
• Structural Drying Services & Drying Equipment Rental
• Auto Interior Cleaning
• Boat Interior Cleaning
• End of Tenancy Cleaning
• Area Rug Collection & Delivery Service
• Janitorial Services
Hew’s Cleaning Services
A family-owned company that provides trustworthy, professional and efficient commercial and residential cleaning services. Contact them for general and deep cleaning, as well as oven, carpet, cupboard and window cleaning. They also offer sanitising, marble polishing, upholstery cleaning and much more. Staff are trained in Applied Microbial Remediation. They also offer a residential team cleaning service and they come prepared with supplies. A great, hassle-free service. Tel: (345) 949 0734, email: chris.hew@hews-janitorial. com or visit www.hews-janitorial.com.
SEE AD OPPOSITE PAGE
My KandA Cleaners
Offering a great customer experience, from booking your appointment to completing your checklist and safely locking your home. Their professional cleaning specialists bring all the cleaning supplies needed. Their goal is to ensure that clients are satisfied with their cleaning service and attention to detail. They offer discounts on recurring cleaning services.
My KandA Cleaners mainly use non-toxic cleaning supplies. Tel: (345) 326 3379 or visit www.kandaservices.ky. SEE AD OPPOSITE PAGE
Reliable Industries Ltd.
Reliable Industries Ltd. is a family-owned cleaning and restoration company that has been in operation for over two decades. They have consistently maintained a gold standard of customer service reflected in all their operations. Reliable Industries Ltd. takes pride in understanding the needs of each individual client. Their wide array of services cover legal, healthcare, financial, industrial, and residential sectors, and include 24/7 emergency flood services, water extraction, restaurant and hood cleaning, exterior building cleaning, pressure washing and glass cleaning, marble and natural stone, tile and grout cleaning, carpet and upholstery, and post-construction cleaning. 313 Compass Drive, North Sound Way, George Town. Tel: (345) 949 9303, email: info@reliable.ky or visit www.reliable.ky.
SEE AD THIS PAGE
RELIABLE .
•Commercial Contract Cleaning
•Maid Service
•Carpet Cleaning
•Window Cleaning
•Pressure Washing
•Strip & Polish Tiles
•Hard Floor Cleaning
•Post Construction Cleaning
•High Rise Window Cleaning
•Marble Maintenance
DOMESTIC HELP & NANNIES
Many families employ domestic help either on a full-time, live-in or part-time basis. You can often find someone via word of mouth, on Facebook forums, such as ‘Women in Cayman’, ‘Hope of Cayman’ or ‘KY Mommies’, or you can try an agency. Make sure to ask for and check all references.
> Hiring through an agency: Expect to pay approximately CI$16 per hour for a minimum of four hours if hired on a full-day or half-day regular, weekly basis. On a temporary basis, allow CI$20 or more per hour, and some charge a daily transportation fee. The convenience of using an agency is that they train the staff, pay their health insurance and pension, and will replace them if they can’t work for any reason. Refer to our sister publication, Cayman Parent, for detailed information. We recommend the following agencies: AAA Caregivers Agency (Tel: (345) 916 5925 or www.aaacaregivers.ky), Best Home
•Building Maintenance
•Upholstery Cleaning
•Bucket Truck Rental
•Kitchen Hood Cleaning
•Flood Water Damage
Restoration
Care (Tel: (345) 926 2297 or email: bhc@ candw.ky) and The Perfect Maid and Nanny Agency (Tel: (345) 325 1507 or email: info@theperfectmaidandnanny.net).
> Hiring someone yourself: If you hire someone yourself, expect to pay between CI$450-$1,250 per week for 40-45 hours per week, depending on whether they are a domestic helper or a trained nanny. A domestic helper can help around the house with cleaning and laundry while nannies tend to focus solely on the children. You will also need to take care of your employee’s health insurance and pension, give them at least two weeks paid vacation per year and pay them double time for working any public holidays. A good employer may also pay for one airline ticket home per year and give a Christmas bonus of between two weeks and a month’s salary. For part-time work, babysitting or overtime, the going rate is CI$12-15 per hour.
Private staffing companies, such as Minerva Cayman (SEE AD PAGE 303) (Tel: (345) 746 0990), offer certified housekeeping
training of household staff.
> Things to note: If you hire a non-Caymanian helper on a full-time basis on your own, you must apply for a work permit. Paperwork and instructions can be downloaded from the WORC website (www.worc.ky). A police clearance, passport photos and a full medical are also required. Prospective employees may be required to take an English test as well. It is worth noting that WORC does not usually grant expatriates a work permit for domestic help, unless they show sufficient need, i.e. they have children who need looking after, in which case you will also need to provide certified copies of the birth certificate of each child to be cared for and think carefully about the information you provide in your cover letter.
A job vacancy for a nanny needs to be advertised on the WORC website (www. worc.ky), but a vacancy for a domestic helper does not need to be advertised. The work permit for a domestic helper costs CI$150 per year, while the cost for a certified nanny is CI$650. If you are an
MORE THAN CLEAN
expat, you cannot submit your domestic helper’s work permit paperwork until your own work permit has been approved; it is illegal to make your employee pay for their own work permit; helpers are not allowed to have dependants on their work permit and the maximum time they will be allowed to stay in the Cayman Islands is10 years.
MAINTAINING YOUR GARDEN
If you live in an apartment complex, the strata will generally take care of garden maintenance. Homeowners not part of a strata can seek landscaping services from one of the many local service providers. See the Lawn and Garden Maintenance section further in this chapter. Alternatively, you can maintain your own garden. Lawnmowers, fertiliser and other gardening equipment are available from most home centres, such as A. L. Thompson’s (SEE AD PAGE 227, 234, 244, 247 & 294) , Uncle Bill’s (SEE AD PAGE 238) and Kirk Home Centre. There are also very good plant nurseries with experienced staff who can advise you. Refer to the Shopping chapter
for details on where to buy shrubs, plants and all-weather outdoor furniture.
Landscaping
Expect to pay independent landscapers around CI$25-30 per hour. Many gardeners will chop back plants, so be very specific about what you need trimming. Try to make sure gardeners and landscapers don’t kill any snakes. Grass snakes in Cayman are harmless and help keep the frog population in check.
Planting Trees
Planting trees around your property will help keep your house cool, provide shade outdoors while your children play in the afternoons, and add character and value to your property. Local resident Margaret Barwick, author of the book ‘Tropical and Subtropical Trees’, maintains that emphasis should be on respecting and incorporating indigenous flora where possible. Planting indigenous trees supports the local wildlife (birds and bees, in particular), they will also
be less affected by pests, and will bounce back far quicker after a major storm. The Neem tree is a fantastic shade tree that grows fast and is drought-resistant. Another great option is the Mahogany, an indigenous, endangered tree that is salt tolerant and fairly fast growing. The smaller Poui, Poinciana and Tabebuia trees are also very popular on-island for their showy canopy of bright flowers.
Not to be forgotten are fruit trees. Mango trees are slow growing, but they are wonderful when they bear fruit. A few amazing types are the Bombay, Carrie, Nam Doc, Keitt and the Nelson.
While coconut trees are fast growing palms and provide nuts filled with delicious water and jelly, the nuts may fall and hurt children if they play under them, so you will need to have them removed regularly. Avoid planting the invasive, non-native Casuarina tree.
Bush Girl Medicine (www.facebook. com/bushgirlmedicine) is a useful blog where you can learn more about local
plants and their historical uses.
Lawn & Garden Maintenance
Lawns in Cayman, and particularly those with St. Augustine and Zoysia grass, often suffer attacks from white grub, armyworms and cinch bugs. If your lawn is showing brown patches and is coming up in clumps then you have a problem. The most effective way to treat it is to have a pest company spray the lawn every three months and make sure you water it well, although you can try a homemade remedy such as garlic, liquid dish soap and warm water to eradicate grubs.
Power Flower
For over 30 years, Power Flower has been providing residential and commercial clients on-island with premier landscape maintenance and design services of the highest standard. Their family of professional landscapers, irrigation specialists, plant and grass pest specialists and tree pruners are committed to delivering outstanding service and timely communication for every project on every property. 31 Orchard Lane, off Crewe Road, George Town. Tel: (345) 949 2256 (office) or (345) 321 0308 (nursery), email: office@ powerflower.ky or visit www.powerflower.ky.
SEE AD PAGE 246
Vigoro Nursery & Landscaping
Vigoro is a full-service landscape and design company with two conveniently located garden centres. Both stores sell a large variety of indoor and outdoor plants, shrubs, trees, soil, fertilisers, large and small ceramic pots, water features, and home and garden furniture and accessories. Walkers Road, George Town. Tel: (345) 949 4270. Agricola Drive, Savannah. Tel: (345) 945 5236. Email: tom.balon@vigoro. ky or craig.stewart@vigoro.ky, visit www. vigoro.ky or IG: @vigoro_cayman.
Pool Maintenance
If you rent or buy in an apartment complex, the strata will take care of the cost of pool maintenance. If you own a house with a pool, expect to pay on average
per month for a
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removing unwanted bees from people’s homes and gardens for years. Cayman Bee Farm (Tel: (345) 925 2337) offers beehive removal and relocation services, and their natural raw Cayman honey can be found in various retail outlets. Jamaal Solomon of Raegan’s Honey (Tel: (345) 926 4411) also offers bee removal.
Sargassum Removal
Sargassum is a genus of large brown seaweed that floats in island-like mats on the water’s surface, and is a crucial habitat for many different species. Because of this, you are not allowed to remove seaweed that has not washed ashore. At certain times of the year, particularly during the summer months when it does wash ashore, it gives off a foul smell as it dries and can irritate the eyes and induce headaches. Sometimes, a nor’wester will blow through and take it out to sea again, but sometimes it builds up so much that it must be removed. If doing this yourself, be sure to remove it in the least intrusive way (hand raking) and be conscious of wildlife, especially during turtle nesting season (May-November). Care must be taken not to destabilise the beach and cause erosion. Using machinery to remove sargassum is not advised due to the environmental risks, but if it is deemed necessary, the Department of Environment must grant approval beforehand. It is essential that you use the same route on and off the beach when using machinery to prevent further destruction.
Residents who live along the main West Bay Road corridor, and some of the connecting neighbourhoods, are served by the island’s only public sewerage system, which is operated by the Water Authority – Cayman (WAC) (SEE AD PAGE 158) . The wastewater is collected in the West Bay Beach Sewerage System and treated at WAC’s wastewater treatment plant. Residents located outside of the public sewerage system area have their wastewater treated in an on-site wastewater treatment system,
typically located on the same property as the residence. On-site systems are septic tanks or aerobic treatment plants, both of which discharge the treated effluent into an effluent disposal well. Septic tanks are typically used at older and smaller developments. Both treatment systems require maintenance. Solids accumulating in the treatment system reduce treatment capacity over time and require periodic removal (pump-out) by licensed septic tank cleaners, which are listed on WAC’s website (www.waterauthority.ky). The required frequency of pump-out ranges from one to five years, depending on the size of the tank and usage. In addition to periodic pump-out, aerobic treatment systems require routine maintenance of mechanical equipment, e.g. motors, blowers and pumps. WAC maintains a register of certified service providers, which can be found on their website. Unlike WAC’s wastewater treatment facility, the management of on-site wastewater treatment systems is the responsibility of the property owner, but can be outsourced to a service provider, and some oversight is provided by WAC. For more information, email WAC at developmentcontrol@ waterauthority.ky.
The Department of Environmental Health (DEH) (Tel: (345) 949 6696) is responsible for all waste management and recycling in the Cayman Islands. Residential garbage is collected weekly on Grand Cayman, while commercial garbage is collected based on the needs of the individual business. There is no charge for residential garbage collection, but there is for condo complexes and commercial garbage collection. Complexes with 10 or more dwelling places are viewed as commercial establishments.
Place your garbage on the kerbside on the evening before your scheduled pickup day to avoid a missed collection, as pick-up commences as early as 3am. Avoid putting the following items into your container: hot coals, grease/oils,
sharp objects, garden waste, dead animals, liquids, household hazardous waste items and electronic appliances. Take these items to the George Town Landfill dropoff area, which is open 24/7.
Hazardous material, including batteries and chemicals, must be disposed of properly. Household batteries can be taken to grocery stores, while chemicals and cooking oil must be taken to the George Town Landfill drop-off area.
JUNK (Tel: (345) 325 5865) also collects recyclables from private residences and businesses for a fee.
Garden waste can be taken to the George Town landfill. For those living in North Side or East End, Beacon Farms (Tel: (345) 947 9800) accepts all green waste from individuals or landscaping companies. The loads of green waste must be completely free from plastic and all non-organic material. They then mix the green waste with shredded paper and cardboard to make nutrient-rich compost.
The DEH provides free kerbside bulk waste (old furniture, appliances, etc.) pick-up once per year. Never place bulk items out on the kerbside until the DEH has announced its annual bulk waste pickup schedule. You may, however, hire DEH to pick up your bulk waste throughout the year at the cost of CI$100 per load (Monday-Friday), or CI$150 (Saturday). On Cayman Brac, it will cost CI$75 (Monday-Friday). To get in touch with someone at the DEH Solid Waste Unit, Tel: (345) 949 6696 or (345) 948 2321 (for customers on the Sister Islands).
Lastly, littering and dumping of garbage (fly tipping) are both illegal under the Litter Act (1997 Revision), and if caught you will be fined a minimum of CI$500 and face six months in prison. They are also deeply frowned upon. Please help keep our beautiful Cayman Islands clean and tidy!
SEWAGE & WASTEWATER TREATMENT
Although the Cayman Islands can be affected by hurricanes, other natural disasters occasionally affect us as well. This chapter has information on hurricanes, earthquakes, tsunamis and waterspouts, along with how to be prepared. Hazard Management Cayman Islands (HMCI) is the authority tasked with managing both natural and man-made disasters, should they occur. They are responsible for the National Disaster Management Programme, which includes preparedness, response, mitigation and recovery. Their main aim is to protect Cayman’s residents and visitors by being prepared for every scenario should a disaster come along. This includes working with emergency responders to reduce loss of life, suffering and damage. Visit www.caymanprepared.gov.ky for more information.
Hurricanes
With the consensus being that an increase in storm activity is expected due to climate change, it’s crucial to be prepared. A hurricane is a large rotating system of wind and water originating in the tropics with sustained surface winds of at least 74mph. It is the most common natural disaster that threatens the Cayman Islands. Hurricanes start as tropical disturbances when a mass of organised, oceanic thunderstorms persists. Once closed circulation occurs and winds reach 74mph, it becomes classified as a hurricane. Hurricanes are measured by the Saffir-Simpson wind scale, but this scale is not a very good indicator of the likely impact. The hurricane category only measures wind speed; it does not consider things like the size of the
wind field, the angle of approach, or the
Photos courtesy of Cayman Islands Regiment
forward speed. These elements can affect the height of the storm surge, which is the most significant threat to life and property. Both Grand Cayman and Little Cayman are generally very low-lying (on average less than 7ft above sea level), and a hurricane can cause the sea level to rise as high as 20ft above the usual sea level in some extreme, albeit rare, cases. In addition to the surge, hurricanes are usually accompanied by very large waves, which are a different and separate threat from the surge. Waves pose a very real danger for coastal residents on open coastlines, as opposed to canals. Most properties located on the coast are vulnerable to impact from the sea in a hurricane, but some people are not aware that surge risk also exists for residents living well inland, especially those living in single-storey dwellings in low-lying areas. For example, if a very large and powerful hurricane threatens, and your ground floor is 10ft above sea level, it is possible for the storm surge to fill the house with water up to the ceiling and, in some cases, leave you trapped. It is important to tune in to Radio Cayman, the Cayman Islands National Weather Service, HMCI and other official Government information sources when a hurricane is threatening.
Getting Prepared
Preparation is key! If Cayman gets a significant hit by a hurricane, plan to be without power and water for up to a minimum of seven days. After Hurricane Ivan in 2004, it took two to three months for most residents to get their electricity back and about a month for water. Keep in mind that there were no banks, supermarkets or gas stations open for at least a week, so it is vital to have an emergency supply of canned food and water that will last at least one week per person. You are advised to store a gallon of water per day for each person in your house and to keep it cool by storing it in a dark location. Additionally, you should purchase five to seven days’ supply of non-perishable items before hurricane season starts. Have a portable radio with extra batteries on hand since radios do not
require an internet connection or mains power; they are an important source for information in the aftermath of a storm. Internet, television and phone systems may go down for hours, days or weeks.
Know Your Shelter
Decide ahead of time where you will stay during a hurricane. If your home is high enough and durable enough to withstand winds, storm surges and waves, then it is probably the best place to stay. Ask your neighbours about the vulnerability of your neighbourhood in the case of flooding and wave threats or reach out to Lands and Survey (www.caymanlandinfo.ky) to get a topographical map of your specific area. This costs roughly CI$45. If you decide that it is safe to stay in your home, find the most secure areas in your house to shelter and plan potential escape routes. If your home is not secure, then have an evacuation plan. Low-lying areas will flood, so take shelter on higher ground at your workplace or a friend’s house. Hurricane shelters are also an option.
A complete list of shelter locations can be found at www.caymanresident. com or www.caymanprepared.ky. There is at least one Emergency Medical Centre (EMC) shelter located in every district, with doctors and nurses at these shelters. Ambulances will not be running during a hurricane, so if you have a health issue that may require medical attention, go to an EMC shelter. Shelters can become crowded, and they ask that you bring enough supplies (food and water) for your family.
Earthquakes & Tsunamis
Grand Cayman lies close to the boundary zone of the Caribbean and North American tectonic plates, which are seismically active.
The strongest recorded earthquake in the Cayman Islands occurred in January 2020 and measured 7.7 magnitude. Its epicentre was 67 miles from Cayman Brac and 154 miles from Grand Cayman. Although there were multiple
reports of sinkholes and some reports of one-to-two-foot-high waves, no major structural damage occurred. Over 20 aftershocks were felt, with the strongest tremor measuring 6.1 magnitude.
Staying Safe During Disasters
In the case of an earthquake, the advice is to drop, cover and hold. Get under a solid piece of furniture and be sure to cover your head to protect yourself from falling objects. If you are in a strong, elevated building away from the coast, stay inside unless there are clear signs of structural damage. If outdoors, move to an open space away from objects that are likely to fall, such as glass, electrical cables, trees and light poles, and crouch down and cover your head until the shaking stops. If you are in a vehicle, pull over to the side of the road in an open area and keep your seatbelt on. After the shaking stops, proceed carefully, being aware of the potential for splits in the road, sinkholes, fallen powerlines and trees.
Tsunamis are most often triggered by underwater earthquakes, with waves spreading outwards rapidly from the site. In deep water out at sea, these waves typically measure only a few inches in height and may travel at speeds of 500mph but when the tsunami reaches shallow water, the wave slows and its height increases. Although tsunamis triggered by earthquakes can occur in Cayman, the probability is believed to be very low. If a very long and strong earthquake is felt, there may be very little warning if a tsunami threatens, so residents should not wait for an official warning and should act immediately.
If you feel a very strong earthquake, you should head inland and get to an elevated area, such as the second floor of a concrete building. For those living close to the sea, ensure you are familiar with the nearest multi-storey building or location of nearby higher ground. If you are on the coast and notice the water receding, move away immediately and, if possible, towards high ground. If you are in a boat out at
sea, face the direction of the waves and go out to deep water. However, if you are in a harbour, find shelter on the upper floors in a concrete building. Waves may strike at intervals anywhere between 5 minutes and an hour. Cayman has not experienced a destructive tsunami in its entire recorded history, and strong destructive earthquake events are also incredibly infrequent, so the likelihood of one occurring is very low.
Waterspouts & Tornadoes
Waterspouts are rotating columns of water formed by whirlwinds occurring over the sea. They sometimes form along the dark, flat bases of cumulus clouds and are sometimes seen in the coastal waters around the Cayman Islands. They are typically not harmful as they travel slowly, and the wind speeds associated with the waterspouts are usually less than 69 miles an hour. They are only active for about 20 minutes. Typically, these waterspouts dissipate quickly when they make landfall. They are often confused with tornadoes, which are a very rare phenomenon for the Cayman Islands and,
❑ Plywood and screws for windows and doors (if necessary)
❑ ‘C’ type fire extinguisher for electrical fires
❑ Oil and petrol for generator (optional)
❑ Portable gas stove and refills (never use generators or portable gas stoves indoors or near buildings due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning).
❑ Charcoal and lighter fluid: flashlights, candles, lanterns and oil
❑ Matches and lighter in a watertight bag
❑ Battery-operated radio, fan and extra batteries
❑ First aid kit, sunscreen and hygiene supplies
❑ Medication (ensure your prescriptions are full and you have an adequate supply).
❑ Mosquito coils, citronella candles and bug spray
❑ Rope or strong twine, duct or packing tape
❑ Shut off wrench and pliers
historically, have caused little to no damage.
Emergency Alert System
In the event of a major emergency or disaster, the public is alerted through the National Emergency Notification System (NENS), local media and Hazard Management Cayman Islands (HMCI) website and social media channels. NENS delivers real time updates directly to subscribers via email, SMS and app notifications. Alerts include key information such as the type of incident, location (if known) time, and any urgent safety instructions.
The NENS app is free to download at https://www.nens.gov.ky/. While it is a valuable tool, residents are still encouraged to plan. For ongoing updates and preparedness tips, follow HCMI on Facebook and Instagram (@CaymanPrepared) and their X account (formerly Twitter) (@CINEOC).
Prepare Your Property
Install hurricane shutters or get plywood sheets to cover openings in your home before hurricane season so you can protect
your property when you need to. Once wind breaches a home, it is much easier for the roof to separate and blow off. It’s too late to think about saving your personal items and important documents, filling the car with gas and buying supply kits and non-perishable supplies when a hurricane is imminent. Withdraw enough cash to last for a few weeks, ATM machines may not work, banks might ration cash withdrawals and personal cheques may not be accepted. Prepare an evacuation bag containing important documents (inside a watertight ziplock bag) and enough clothes, water, food, snacks and medication for each member of your family for at least five days. Refer to the checklists in this chapter and visit www.caymanresident.com.
It is prudent to begin assessing your home before hurricane season starts by ensuring that trees are gently pruned, especially if they are close to power lines or water pipes, or near the roof of your house.
❑ Plastic sheeting to cover furniture
❑ Clothing (rain gear, life vests, sturdy shoes, galoshes/boots and a whistle)
❑ Tarpaulin for the roof
❑ Surgical and yard gloves (for clean-up)
❑ Paper towels, toilet paper and napkins
❑ Disposable plates, plastic glasses, plastic cutlery and several plastic bags
❑ Aluminium foil and plastic freezer bags
❑ Can opener/knife (e.g. Swiss Army)
❑ Clorox wipes (for cleaning cutlery)
❑ Chlorine bleach (sterilising water) and Dettol (disinfecting hands and feet)
❑ Hand sanitiser and baby wipes (for personal hygiene)
❑ Ice chest and ice
❑ Broom, mop, bucket and rubbish bags
❑ Pet food and litter box
❑ Baby supplies: nappies, wipes and food
Never attempt to cut branches close to power lines yourself. Instead, call CUC on Tel: (345) 945 1282 and they will send a team to evaluate your property and trim any potential hazards. Additionally, ask your gardener or strata maintenance (if you have one) to remove coconuts as they can become dangerous missiles in high winds and can put both you and your home at risk. Install hurricane shutters on windows and glass doors to protect your home or business. Options vary considerably, including maximum security screens (Crimsafe), impact windows and doors, hurricane shutters (accordion, panel, roller, colonial or Bahama) or electric roller doors and windows. If you already have shutters installed, check that they can still be applied and are not damaged. Cayman’s building code regulations ensure that modern buildings are strong enough to withstand a certain degree of quaking, so the main hazards are unsecured appliances, objects and structures that could fall and cause injury, downed power lines and damaged water and sewerage systems. As a preventative measure, HMCI recommends
Hurricane Supply Kit
Things to purchase, set up, prepare and do in advance of hurricane season
Things to Do
(2–3 days before a tropical storm or hurricane)
❑ Design a family plan for which shelter and route are the best to suit your needs
❑ Fill cars with petrol/charge if electric and move them to higher ground
❑ Withdraw cash from the bank; ATMs won’t work without power
❑ Bring in everything from outside, e.g. bird feeder, hose, barbecue, chairs, potted plants
❑ Secure boat and remove all equipment, e.g. battery and life jackets, etc.
❑ Arrange for the safety of your pets
❑ Move furniture and belongings away from windows and doors and elevate off floor level
❑ Put silicone or foam around outside doors and fill sandbags sufficient to protect against flood water damage on ground floors
❑ Pick rugs up from the floor, remove drapes from windows, and store in plastic bags
❑ Buy buckets and sheets of plastic to protect furniture and wood floors from ceiling leaks
❑ Pack irreplaceable and precious items into large plastic bags or sealable food containers/ tubs and reinforce them with tape
❑ Do laundry; it may be a long time before you can do it again, then fill the machine with water
❑ Clean tubs/baths and fill them with water
Important Documents & Records
Store in a portable, watertight container, scan or back up to an external hard drive
❑ Store passports, birth certificates, driver’s licences and pet documents in a portable, watertight container. Scan important documents and/ or back up to an external hard drive.
❑ Take photographs of home contents and vehicles for insurance purposes.
❑ Have a digital back up of photos and videos of your property and valuable items.
❑ Create an inventory of household finances (itemised), including bank accounts and credit card information.
❑ Insurance policies, wills, contracts and deeds of your home.
❑ Turn freezer and fridge to the coldest setting; if you lose power, food and ice will last longer
❑ Freeze water
❑ Charge mobiles and have a cell phone charger that plugs into your car’s USB port or car lighter
❑ Consider blocking toilets with old towels in case they back up
❑ Wedge sliding doors to prevent them lifting from tracks and reinforce garage door
❑ Keep swimming pool full, to around 12 inches from the top
❑ Turn off propane tanks
❑ Check supply of emergency food
❑ Close cistern openings and disconnect downspouts
❑ Have empty gallon bottles to fill with water for bathing and toilet flushing purposes
❑ Make sure you have old towels, shirts, etc., to line doors and windows against water
❑ Have raincoats/ponchos handy, as it might rain for several days after a hurricane
❑ Make sure you have the phone numbers of family and friends and that they have yours
Flags
HURRICANE ALERT
Hurricane threat more than 36 hours away.
HURRICANE WATCH
Hurricane threat 24 to 36 hours away.
HURRICANE WARNING
Hurricane conditions expected within 24 hours.
ALL CLEAR
The storm has passed, use caution.
Hurricane Scale
The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale is a 1-5 rating based on the hurricane’s intensity at a given time. This is used to give an estimate of the potential property damage and flooding expected along the coast from a hurricane landfall. Wind speed is the determining factor in the scale, as storm surge values are highly dependent on the slope of the continental shelf and the shape of the coastline in the landfall region. These speeds are one-minute averages and not maximum gusts!
Wind Speeds Storm Surge
(km/hr) (feet)
CATEGORY 1 74-95 119-153 4-5
CATEGORY 2 96-110 154-177 6-8
CATEGORY 3 111-129 178-208 9-12
CATEGORY 4 130-156 209-251 13-18
CATEGORY 5 >157 >252 >18 (mph) (kmph) (feet)
bolting down appliances and bookshelves and placing heavy objects on lower shelves.
The NOAA’s National Hurricane Centre has recently developed a storm surge scenario simulator. Residents of the Cayman Islands can use this instrument to determine whether their property is vulnerable to storm surges and flood threats. The tool features an interactive map with different storm scenarios, including wind speed, intensity and direction. Residents can then plan for potential evacuation and damage control during a natural disaster. You can find this Interactive Surge Viewer on the Hurricane Centre page of the NOAA website. Visit: www.nhc.noaa.gov/surge.
Insurance
Examine the insurance on your home and/or business to ensure that the full value of the building(s) and contents are protected. Document the contents and take photographs of furnishings and valuables in advance. Keep these on a digital memory stick or backup drive. If you sustain damage, these photographs will support your insurance claim. See the Settling In chapter for a list of insurance providers.
Medical Assistance
Every district has a shelter that is specifically designated as an Emergency Medical Centre (EMC). If you have an existing medical condition, this may be the best place to seek shelter because there are medical personnel on hand. During high winds or flooding, ambulances will not respond until it is safe, which could potentially be more than 24 hours later. Ensure your health insurance is current so you are covered in the event of a medical emergency.
Children & the Elderly
Children and the elderly are vulnerable to emotional distress during natural disasters. Consider offering your home as a haven to an elderly friend or relative but keep in mind that they may need daily medication. If they are in a nursing home, be sure to confirm their emergency plans.
Don’t Forget Your Pets
Without proper planning, you may be endangering your pet in the event of a natural disaster. Authorities may issue an evacuation, requiring you and your pet to leave your home at short notice. Pet-friendly shelters include John Gray High School and Clifton Hunter, for cats and dogs only, but space is limited and allocated on a firstcome, first-served basis (muzzles and crates are required). Alternatively, you can book them into a kennel or reserve a space with a pet sitter in advance. Also check to see if your workplace allows pets in emergencies.
Before a storm, prepare the following:
> Microchip your pet and give them an ID tag with your number on the back.
> Prepare photos of your pet, copies of their medical records, medication and food.
> A pet carrier or crate should be lined with newspapers and include blankets, cat litter, a water bowl or water drip, toy(s) and have proper identification attached on the outside.
> Stock up a month’s worth of food, water, pet supplies and medication.
A health certificate is needed from your veterinarian and can be issued in one day. The veterinarian will require, an address, documents detailing vaccination history, rabies vaccine certificates and copies of your pet’s rabies titre blood tests. However, your pet cannot travel on a veterinary health certificate alone. After obtaining the complete health certificate, deliver it to the Department of Agriculture (DOA) and an exit permit will be issued.
If your pet leaves the Island without their current rabies travel paperwork, they will be subjected to the Government’s import requirements when returning. Also, keep in mind that the Cayman Islands Humane Society suffers from extreme flooding, so it may be worth fostering an animal during a storm.
Leaving the Island
Ensure you have a plan, and enough funds
set aside, if you decide to evacuate the island before a natural disaster strikes. Keep an eye on extra flight availability, while airlines may increase the number of flights available, they often fill up quickly. Atlantic Aviation GCM (Tel: (345) 949 5252) can provide a list of charter companies offering evacuation services. If you require assistance with passports or travel documents, talk to your local Honorary Consul in advance.
Aftermath of a Disaster
Stay safe in the aftermath of a storm by following these simple steps:
> Always assume that powerlines are live and never touch low-hanging lines.
> Only turn on your main breaker once you are sure that every secondary breaker is switched off.
> Open windows and doors to ventilate your house and dry flooded or damp areas to mitigate damage from mould.
> Boil any water before consuming.
> Do not turn your water back on until you have been advised that water services have been restored in your area. Once you turn on the water, inspect your home for damaged pipes.
> Be especially careful of pests, like scorpions, which disperse during storms.
> Always check for gas leaks before striking a match.
> Don’t use the phone unless it is an emergency to save battery life.
> Avoid walking in settled water as there may be bacteria in it.
& Drink Food
Over the past year, Cayman’s culinary landscape has continued to grow, with new restaurants and bars popping up all over Grand Cayman. It’s remarkable that almost every cuisine is represented within our 76 square miles of paradise. In 2025, our islands continued to celebrate food, when new and existing festivals were held throughout the year. The Cayman Cookout was another raging success in January when local and international chefs and lovers of all things tasty flocked to Grand Cayman for a weekend of gastronomic excellence, and Live Seafood hosted Cayman’s top vendors and attendees sampled some sumptuous ocean-inspired plates. For cocktail connoisseurs, Cayman Cocktail Week was back with a bang in October, with fun and interactive events every day of this week-long event. All of these and more are set to return in 2026! What’s for sure is that the growth of our foodie landscape shows no signs of slowing down, and we can look forward to some brilliant additions, as well as old-time favourites continuing to produce an exceedingly high standard of food and drink across our three islands.
PLACES TO EAT
For a list of Cayman’s bars and restaurants, visit www. caymangoodtaste.com or download the award-winning Cayman Good Taste app (SEE AD PAGE 216) , available on both iOS and Android. Browse by cuisine type, area, price and more using the comprehensive search capability. You will also find promotions and foodie events on the app. Follow them on Facebook (www.facebook. com/caymangoodtaste) and Instagram (@caymangoodtaste) for regular updates and giveaways. Pick up Cayman Good Taste magazine from most hotels and grocery stores for your guide on the go.
Photos courtesy of Julie Corsetti, Bonny Moon, CI National Museum
Mango Festival & Sunshine Grill
New Openings
ONE | GT (SEE AD PAGE 22) introduced three signature dining destinations, each crafted to elevate George Town’s culinary scene. At the time of writing these are due to open in winter 2025/26. Perle delivers an elegant French-Mediterranean experience, highlighting fresh, island ingredients and refined dining in an intimate setting. Byū, the rooftop restaurant and lounge, blends Asian flavours with Caribbean flair, serving inventive dishes and handcrafted cocktails, perfect for an afternoon soirée or sunset gathering. Café Bellini offers a relaxed, all-day Italian bakery and gourmet market featuring house-made pastries, artisanal breads, speciality coffees, and curated take-home goods. Together, these venues bring worldclass cuisine, stylish design, and vibrant social spaces to the heart of Grand Cayman’s capital. Extend your stay and escape for the night at ONE | GT. Book using code 'RESIDENT26' for up to 15% off your 2026 stay.
Along Seven Mile Beach, a number of new spots opened, including the very popular Uncle Liu’s, a Chinese kitchen offering authentic and more modern dishes. The Marriott welcomed a new restaurant for fans of Asian cuisine; Ascia features sushi, freshly crafted ramen, and the bold, vibrant flavours of Nikkei cuisine, along with a variety of other delectable offerings. In Camana Bay, Cayman’s first dedicated whisky bar, Cask, opened up for lovers of the spirit. They also have a bar menu and feature a very popular selection of tasty pies. On George Town’s waterfront, Kojima Izakaya welcomed visitors to try their fresh Japanese cuisine, with a side of unparalleled panoramic sea views. The menu features sushi and seafood, as well as fire-grilled yakitori and steak. Also in George Town, by the airport, Scratch Bakehouse opened their store selling breakfast treats, delicious donuts and coffees—but don't dawdle as they're usually sold out before lunchtime!
Waterfront Dining
Cayman has an enviable number of places to eat while overlooking the water. In the South Sound area, there is Grand Old House, which offers classic and international dishes in an old-world setting and is a great space for hosting large events, and Sunset House, a laid-back tiki bar serving casual food and great cocktails. Divers can even check out Sunset House’s very own house reef before enjoying a meal on the veranda. On the George Town waterfront is Casanova Ristorante, a lively, family-friendly and authentic Italian restaurant that specialises in house-made pasta and pizza. George Town Yacht Club is located at the Barcadere Marina and has a great seafood and bar food menu. Kids will love the swimming pool. The Wharf is also a fantastic spot for panoramic views of the sea. Their scrumptious menu and daily tarpon feeding are what make this a popular spot in George Town.
uninterrupted views of the beach and the Caribbean Sea. Everything is made fresh daily in LUCA's kitchen, from breads and pastas to desserts. Freshness of product and simplicity of presentation sums up the dining experience at LUCA. Tillies has a great menu you can enjoy with your toes in the sand, and their sister restaurant, Paradise Pizza serves some of the best woodfired oven pizza in Cayman.
Camana Bay has a variety of waterfront restaurants, including KARoo which is a popular post-work spot where you can enjoy cocktails and tapas. There's also Union Grill & Bar, a chic steakhouse and seafood restaurant on the Crescent and Agua, a popular waterfront restaurant featuring the best Italian cuisine with a Peruvian twist.
Scan for all of Cayman’s newest restaurants on Cayman Good Taste
The Seven Mile Beach area has an array of great restaurants with waterfront views. The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman (SEE AD PAGE 211) features six premier bars and restaurants, including Blue by Eric Ripert, the Caribbean’s only Forbes Five-Star restaurant, Seven, an upscale steakhouse serving Niman Ranch cuts, Saint June, offering casual luxury in a serene setting overlooking Seven Mile Beach, Taikun, an authentic Japanese restaurant, Andiamo, where Italian cuisine meets a casual Caribbean ambiance, and Silver Palm Lounge, a refined rum bar and lounge. Coccoloba, located at the Kimpton Seafire Resort, serves a mash-up of culinary influences from our island and coastal Mexico (no reservations necessary). Bonny Moon (SEE AD OPPOSITE PAGE) is the island’s magnetic gathering place—a barefoot bar pulsing with music, movement and connection. With resident DJs setting the mood nearly every day, it’s where familiar faces and new energy collide. Post-brunch or post-sunset, the vibe is always openended. Come as you are. Stay as long as it feels good. Serving contemporary Italian food, LUCA (SEE AD PAGE 215) has
West Bay also has an excellent choice of upmarket restaurants. Morgan’s is located at the Cayman Islands Yacht Club. Sitting on the water's edge, Morgan's has a wonderful seafood menu accompanied by a lovely patio breeze. Also in the Yacht Club is Bàcaro, an authentic Italian ‘tapas-style’ restaurant and wine bar. Cracked Conch (SEE AD PAGE 213 ) and Macabuca (SEE AD PAGE 212 ) both offer stunning views and excellent alfresco dining. Visit Cracked Conch for a gourmet dining experience with meticulous service. Their signature conch dishes are legendary and they won their first Wine Spectator award in 2024. Macabuca offers a more laid-back bar with casual food and great cocktails. Calypso Grill, in Morgan’s Harbour, offers panoramic views of the North Sound. You'll want to try everything on the menu here! Right next door is Tukka West for a taste of Australian and Caribbean cuisine with a view. Ristorante Pappagallo is renowned for its menu’s variety and culinary flair. From the moment you step onto the wooden bridge leading to Pappagallo's entrance, you are transported into another world. NOVA sits on the waterfront in West Bay, and is a popular spot for families to have lunch and splash around in the on-site swimming pool, or watch the sunset and have dinner.
In Bodden Town, there is South Coast Bar & Grill, where diners can enjoy tasty local
They found an island on the moon...
Bonny Moon is open daily from 7am til late.
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Follow @bonnymoon.ky for our latest news and calendar of events
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Bonny Moon is a nostalgic community, where lifelong friends and complete strangers can meet and unite through a mutual love of good music, great food, and spirited drinks. It is the place where you show up as you are, expecting familiar faces, yet remaining open to new encounters. There is a gravity about Bonny Moon that attracts clientele of all ages and walks of life. Here, our destinies are linked.
Now open and welcoming locals and tourists alike, Bonny’s is located at the cherished site where Calico Jacks - one of Cayman’s favorite gathering places - once stood, Bonny Moon pays homage to its predecessor while forging its own unique story.
The essence of Bonny Moon is captured in its carefully selected name. “Bonny” is a tribute to Anne Bonny, a renowned female pirate celebrated for her fearless spirit and partnership with the infamous John Rackham, known as Calico Jack. “Moon” evokes the imagery of celestial navigation, a method used by sailors to navigate the seas, adding a touch of nostalgia and adventure. Together, “Bonny Moon” encapsulates Anne’s pirate legacy and the enchanting allure of exploration under the moonlit sky.
With a casual and inviting vibe, Bonny Moon Beach Club consists of a walk-up café that is open from morning until afternoon, serving barista coffee, fresh juices, herbal remedies, and light snacks. The beachfront bar and restaurant are open from 11AM to late. With an emphasis on slow cooking rituals, the curated lunch and dinner menus are intended to be shared and savored, featuring beach comfort food, fire-roasted dishes from a wood oven, and Cayman sourced produce such as honey and local seafood.
Bonny Moon will soon unveil a diverse calendar of events, including resident DJ sets, unique themed nights, and more. Through these playful gatherings, Bonny Moon aspires to cultivate a strong sense of community spirit, positioning itself as the vibrant heartbeat of the community.
Bonny Moon Beach Club, 53 Seabath Lane, Seven Mile Beach, GC
fare right on the beach, and Czech Inn Grill, offering a relaxed lunch or dinner during a road trip to East End. La Casita is an authentic Mexican restaurant serving some of the best tacos and margaritas on the island. Tukka East is another popular spot when taking a road trip out east. Try their lionfish tacos not only are they absolutely delicious, but you'll be doing your bit for Cayman's conservation efforts.
Upstairs at Kaibo overlooks the beach and serves upscale cuisine on their sea view veranda. Try the award-winning tasting menu or à la carte. A water taxi is available from Camana Bay. Head to the acclaimed Rum Point Club, home of the mudslide, beach BBQs, sumptuous seafood dishes and one of the island’s longest docks. It is a lovely place to spend an afternoon on the beach. Solis, the newly renovated restaurant at Rum Point Club, uses local ingredients to celebrate local dishes. They have limited opening hours, so be sure to check their Facebook page for the latest opening times.
Family-Friendly & More
Across Grand Cayman, there are so many restaurants that cater to families, whether that’s simply offering kids menus, or having on-site parks to play in whilst parents wine and dine. Along Seven Mile Beach, there are lots of options. Old-time favourites include Ragazzi (SEE AD PAGE 214) , a staple for many residents and visitors alike for years. Their traditional Italian menu has rarely changed throughout the years, owing to its brilliance. You can’t visit without trying their delicious woodfired oven pizzas. Tucked inside the newly renamed Sunshine Hotel and Suites, and recently renovated as part of the resort’s full transformation, The Sunshine Grill (www. sunshinegrillgc.com) has been upgraded and reimagined for 2026. Loved by locals and serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, this casual cayman-style eatery has featured popular, tropical-themed cuisine and daily happy hour specials for many years. New features include stylish, outdoor garden seating and landscaping. Close by are Casa 43 and Lloyds, the former an extremely
popular Mexican taqueria, and the latter a just as popular smokehouse and sports bar. People return time and time again for their casual bar and some of the tastiest food on the island. Another Mexican along Seven Mile Beach is Taco Cantina, sister restaurant to long-time favourite, Tukka. They have many specials throughout the week, including the classic Taco Tuesday and Thursday and all-you-can-eat tacos every Sunday. Ms. Piper’s is very popular with families due to their excellent menu, beautiful aesthetic and on-site pool. Parents can sit in the sun, eat and drink whilst children splash and play in their swimming pool. Andiamo at The RitzCarlton offers delicious Italian favourites for all the family, as well as house-made gelato. They also host movie nights which are perfect for little ones. Anchor & Den is the restaurant at the Grand Cayman Marriott Resort and offers international cuisine. They have many dedicated foodie nights which change each month. Kids will love their outdoor terrapin pond.
In Camana Bay, there’s Abacus and LOCO. LOCO brings Mexican food to Camana Bay, while Abacus is a Caribbean-inspired fish and steak restaurant. Parents can sit out on the patio for lunch or dinner and watch as their children play along The Paseo or in the water fountains. Every child will be happy at Pane & Pasta, where their chefs whip up traditional Italian favourites for the whole family even the pickiest eater will find something they love here.
Over in George Town, Agave offers farm-to-table ingredients in the form of delicious Mexican staples. Their Mexican Fried Chicken is outstanding, and with a breezy garden area, kids will feel relaxed and able to try some scrumptious dishes. A little further out, Allora is a great place to take all the family for breakfast, lunch or dinner, with their pizza menu, breakfast specials and unbeatable gelato. Sit outdoors on the patio or in their cool dining space.
Cafés, Bakeries & Bistros
The Island is home to several fantastic cafés where diners can seek out tasty breakfasts
and lunches, as well as freshly baked bread, cakes and pastries. In The Grove, Island Naturals has all your favourite vegan dishes, plus a number of healthy fish and meat options too. Their coffee is delicious! The Brasserie Market in Cricket Square serves sandwiches and salads, along with soups, hot lunches, pastries and coffee.
In George Town, you will find Water & the Elephant, a speciality coffee bar and café which sells some incredible donuts.
Café del Sol, in Seven Mile Beach, George Town and Savannah, has served coffee and an assortment of baked goods and sandwiches to Cayman for over 20 years.
Other established coffee houses include Paperman’s Coffeehouse, which has three locations, the Strand Shopping Centre, Windjammer Plaza and Midtown Plaza; and Jessie’s Juice Bar and Café in Camana Bay, and on George Town's waterfront. You can visit Cayman Coffee Exchange at The Westin Grand Cayman for freshly baked pastries, sandwiches, fresh salads, fresh juices and delicious coffees of all descriptions. Petit Paris, a popular French bakery in Camana Bay, offers an array of baked goods, lunch items like soups, salads and sandwiches on freshly baked baguettes, sweet treats and more. Their BLT and jerk chicken sandwiches are great. Gelato & Co. and Häagen-Dazs offer frozen treats for all ages to enjoy, whether it’s a gelato cake, scoop or baked sweet treat, or a HäagenDazs sundae, banana split or cone, there’s a flavour for everyone. And Scoops, located by the Locale Hotel, offers delicious Jamaican ice cream, sandwiches, wraps, patties and more.
Further east, Allora offers baked goods, juices and salads, as well as pizzas and various Italian pastries in Grand Harbour their coffee is divine. While over in Rum Point, Kaibo Beach Espresso is open 8am-2pm, and serves breakfast 8am-11am daily. Try their full breakfast menu, including eggs, avocado on sourdough, pancakes and waffles. Their warm, flaky croissants attract a crowd daily and go fast. They also offer hot breakfast paninis, fruit salad and gluten-free muffins and brownies.
Visit www.ritzcarlton.com/grandcayman to explore menus from all six restaurants located at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman. For more information and to reserve, please contact Restaurant Reservations at 345.815.6912 or email caymanrestaurants@ritzcarlton.com. ©2025 The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C.
Vegetarian & Vegan Food
There are several great options on the island for vegetarians and vegans; some dedicated to being totally meat and dairy free, and others that offer great dietary options. Island Naturals Café offers a fresh take on healthy living. Pop into both Island Naturals Cafe, just off West Bay Road along Earth Close, and Island Naturals The Grove to discover each location's unique offerings, including gluten-free, plant-based and lean protein options. VIVO in West Bay offers delicious, plant-based food with lots of gluten-free options (they also have fish dishes too).
Agua Restaurant has a ‘healthy lunch’ section on its lunch menu that includes vegan salads and gluten-free substitutes. Jessie’s Juice Bar and Café in Camana Bay and George Town is a popular juice bar offering raw, cold-pressed juices, as well as vegetarian health foods that are fresh, local, organic and natural South West Collective in George Town has a very similar menu with fresh options. Craft F&B Co. feature a vegan/plant-based menu every Tuesday for
the island's herbivores. The Brasserie Market, off Elgin Avenue, has a wide selection of home-grown produce and many vegan lunch options. You will also find that most menus on the island feature vegetarian and dairy-free options. San Si Wu, Yoshi Sushi, Thai Orchid, China Village, Thai House Restaurant and even fast-casual spots like Burger Shack and Al La Kebab have very inclusive menus for dietary substitutions.
Dining on a Budget
Dining out in Cayman doesn’t have to break the bank. The island’s impressive roster of restaurants includes many budgetfriendly options. Try Burger Shack, Chicken! Chicken!, China Village, Cimboco, Pico Taqueria, Gino's Pizzeria, Taco Cantina, The Sunshine Grill and Legendz, or any of the island’s fast-food restaurants.
Find great deals and special offers on food and drinks at local restaurants and bars at Cayman Good Taste (www. caymangoodtaste.com).
Food Delivery Service
Many local restaurants offer delivery services direct. The Let’s Eat and Bento apps both enable users to order from a selection of Cayman’s most popular restaurants and track their food delivery using their iOS and Android-friendly apps.
Food Trucks
Food trucks are very popular in Cayman and there seems to be new spots popping up all the time. Mainstays include: The Burger Shack food truck is parked in front of Country & Western Bar seven days a week. Al La Kebab has a food truck called The Purple Monster, operating from the entrance to Selkirk Drive in Red Bay. Murph’s Kitchen, located at the Good Guys Wash Shack in George Town, serves tasty tacos, sandwiches and Caribbean favourites. Carnivore Smash sits in the 19-81 Brewing Co. car park and offers very good burgers, wings and sides D's Pizza in the Regatta Business Park parking lot offers Detroitstyle pizza made from 24-hour fermented dough. Curry in a Hurry is new to the George Town waterfront and offers Indian street food with specials every day. Happy Days is a great option for coffee and smoothies along Seven Mile Beach. They also sell cool merchandise. Cafecito in Red Bay is also a great place to grab your morning coffee and breakfast waffle. Keep your eyes peeled for more food trucks across Cayman!
Kosher Food
The Cayman Islands has a small, vibrant Jewish community, and a variety of kosher food products can be sourced in Grand Cayman. Foster’s ( S EE AD PAGE 207 & 355 ) , Kirk Market (SEE AD PAGE 13 & 354 ) have good selections. For kosher wines, try Blackbeard’s liquor stores. The organisation Chabad Cayman hosts regular Shabbat dinners that are open to anyone. Visit www.chabadcaymanislands.com for more information.
Tipping
At the time of going to print, the minimum wage for workers earning gratuities is set to
Waterfront Dining •
Macabuca Tiki Bar •
Premier Shore Diving and Snorkeling •
increase to CI$8.75 an hour from January 2026, so tipping is an important part of a server’s income. Most restaurants include gratuities on the bill; however, it is good to check, as it is customary in the Cayman Islands to leave a tip of around 15%.
BARS IN CAYMAN
The Bar Scene Cayman’s nightlife is a mix of speakeasy sophistication, oceanside charm, and lively late-night energy. On Seven Mile Beach, Backroom channels the secret spirit of the Prohibition era, serving cocktails with a vintage twist. Just down the road, brunch crowds spill into Bevvy and the Lazy Lizard, where the big game is always on. For something a little louder, The Bird keeps the party going late into the night when the vibes are as irresistible as their chicken sandwiches.
Some bars seem to slow time itself.
Bonny Moon (SEE AD PAGE 209) is the island’s magnetic gathering place; a barefoot bar pulsing with music, movement and
connection. With resident DJs setting the mood nearly every day, it’s where familiar faces and new energy collide. Post-brunch or post-sunset, the vibe is always open-ended. Go as you are and stay as long as it feels good. Coccoloba keeps things breezy, blending street tacos with ice-cold margaritas right on the sand, while Craft F&B Co. draws beer lovers with its impressive line-up of taps. Cocktail aficionados gravitate to Door No.4 and Next Door by Hey Palu, where skilled bartenders serve everything from timeless classics to inventive new pours, often alongside delicious plates designed for sharing. Meanwhile, Le Petit Bar offers an intimate escape, pairing fine wine and cocktails with artisan charcuterie. Ophelia Bar at The Ritz-Carlton (SEE AD PAGE 211) adds an elegant touch with sunset views, decadent drinks, and its Ophelia Nights menu from 5.30 to 7.30pm.
Music spills out of Fidel Murphy’s on Friday’s karaoke nights, and The Hive keeps the energy going with live performances
and sports screenings. Sports fans also flock to Legendz, while Grand Tiki Bar and Sandbar (home to lively ‘Boogie Nights’ at month’s end) prove that happy hour can be a destination of its own.
If it’s a view you’re after, Pom Pom the island’s first rooftop bar—serves cocktails ten stories up, with a sweeping 180-degree views. Macabuca offers a more rugged setting where sunset watchers share the deck with divers jumping straight into the ocean. My Bar at Sunset House, a laid-back oceanfront spot, is perfect for watching planes glide in over George Town as the sun goes down.
Out east, Kaibo Beach Restaurant in Cayman Kai is famed for their fresh catch and mudslides by the sea—book ahead for daybeds and loungers. KARoo makes for an excellent after-work hangout with cocktails and tapas, while Union and Vines 2 Ocean (V₂O) offer refined drinking experiences right on the water.
Silver Palm Lounge at The Ritz-Carlton (SEE AD PAGE 211) pairs exquisite cocktails
Gourmet Restaurant
Tiki Bar
with live entertainment on weekends and even afternoon tea service. Tillies and the Coconut Club bring chic beachfront vibes, while Mango Tree’s outdoor bar is the place for Thursday night karaoke. And when salsa music calls, The Wharf in George Town answers every Tuesday night.
Note: Cayman observes a day of rest on Sunday, so bars and restaurants stop serving alcohol at midnight on Saturday. Dine-in beverages continue on Sunday morning across the island, and select retail locations now sell alcohol on Sundays for limited hours.
Cigar Bars
For the perfect casual cigar scene and a wonderful range of quality cigars, Backroom in Regency Court boasts an expansive cocktail list and Cuban cigar selection, and Stogies Cigar Bar, across from George Town waterfront, offers a selection of spirits and cigars.
Live Music Scene
Cayman has a dynamic and diverse music scene. Some great spots for live music include Kaibo, Ms. Piper’s, Union, The Hive, Tortuga Beach Bar (The Westin) and the Wyndham Reef Resort Download the What’sOn Cayman app for more details.
Catching ‘The Game’
Cayman is home to sports fans from across the world, and local bars and restaurants do their best to accommodate them. The Hive, KARoo, Fidel Murphy’s, Legendz and Lloyd's, are some of the best spots, and all boast plentiful big screens, tasty food, drink specials and good service.
GROCERIES
Cayman imports over 90% of its food— more than 80% from the US, meaning supermarkets are comparable to large North American grocery stores in terms of brand range. They carry most major US and Canadian brands, as well as USDAcertified meats, UK brands like Waitrose
and The Co-Operative, lots of fresh fish, meats and a variety of fresh vegetables and fruit. All the supermarkets carry organic products; however, fresh organic fruit and vegetables have to travel far to get here, unlike locally grown produce. The supermarkets sell very good meat, but the freshness of certain cuts of fish can vary between different stores. Ask when the fish came in and which is the freshest.
Supermarkets
Foster’s (Tel: (345) 945 3663) has five locations: Airport Centre (George Town), Camana Bay (Seven Mile Beach Corridor), Republix Plaza (West Bay), Countryside Shopping Village (Savannah) and a Foster’s Express, opposite Morritt’s Tortuga Club in East End. All locations are open Monday to Saturday, 6.30am-10pm, except Foster’s Express in East End, which is open Monday to Saturday, 7am-7pm. All locations are open from 9am-6pm on public holidays and closed on Sundays. Foster’s is well known for its fresh produce, meat and fish, locally produced goods and a wide variety of speciality, organic and dietary-specific products available at an inclusive range of price points. Foster’s is also the exclusive distributor of Waitrose products from the UK, and at Christmas time, they stock seasonal favourites, which get snapped up quickly! While all Foster’s stores maintain a similar format, Foster’s Camana Bay, their most prominent location, provides the widest variety of organic and speciality products and prepared meals for lunch and dinner. SEE AD PAGE 207 & 355
Foster's Bay Market Café (open 6.30am9pm Monday-Saturday) is a 'Whole Foodsstyle' café located inside Foster’s Camana Bay and Foster’s Republix, featuring a coffee and juice bar, breakfast and burgers, pasta and wok, pizza and sandwiches, bento and sushi, gourmet salads, soup, and hot and cold buffetstyle options from the Caribbean and around the world. Choose from their large, exquisite cheese selection and enjoy pastries, cakes and fresh bread daily. An on-site dining area is available to patrons. Customers can skip the line and order the food they love from Bay Market Café by visiting www.baymarket.ky.
Orders are available for pick up on the same day. Delivery is available for a small fee within Camana Bay only.
Hurley’s Supermarket (Tel: (345) 947 8488) at Grand Harbour Shoppes in Red Bay is open Monday to Saturday 7am-9pm and sells a large assortment of organic produce, well-known local and international brands, and a variety of freshly made cold options and hot meals from their Fresh Kitchen. Hurley’s offers catering services and speciality cake orders.
Kirk Market (Tel: (345) 949 7022) is between George Town and Seven Mile Beach on Eastern Avenue and is open Monday to Saturday, 6.30am-9.30pm. Kirk Market offers a wider selection of gourmet, natural, organic, glutenfree and other special dietary foods than any other grocery store on the island. In addition to these speciality categories, you will also find an extensive offering of well-known grocery brands. The produce department features a diverse range of quality fruit and vegetables from both local and international farms. The in-house bakery specialises in scratch-baked artisan breads, decadent pastries, and a variety of fresh-baked treats made daily. You will also find a full-service butcher counter, a gourmet deli featuring a chef-inspired Mediterranean bar, and a delicious hot bar and salad bar. Their team of florists can create beautiful arrangements for any occasion or event. Visit www.kirkmarket.ky. Kirk Market is also home to Kirk Pharmacy (Tel: (345) 949 7180).
SEE AD PAGE 13 & 354
Shopright (Tel: (345) 946 0000) has five locations: Walkers Road (George Town), Cannon Place (Industrial Park), The Grove (Seven Mile Beach), opposite Health City Hospital (East End), open Monday-Saturday 7am-10pm, and Sunday 7am-7pm and Windjammer Plaza (George Town), open Monday-Sunday 5am-11pm. They are one of few stores to be open on Sundays for grocery items.
Online Grocery Shopping
There are various supermarkets that offer an online grocery shopping service. Foster's (SEE AD PAGE 207 & 355 ) offers home delivery
across Grand Cayman from their Camana Bay location. Delivery costs vary, from CI$29.50 and increase depending where on the island you are. There is also a CI$10 picking fee on top of the delivery fee. You can order your groceries to be collected from the Camana Bay location. Visit www.shop.fosters.ky for more information or download the Freshop app from the Apple App Store and Google Play. Priced Right also has online ordering for your groceries. They deliver to every district in Grand Cayman, or you can opt for curbside pick up from their Airport Centre location. The delivery cost and picking fee are the same as Foster's. Shopright offers a range of groceries and spirits available online for in-store pick up or delivery. Cost.U.Less, the island's bulk buy store, also offers online ordering for store pick-up only. Hurley's Supermarket provides an online delivery and pick-up service for customers island-wide.
Farmers’ Markets
Camana Bay Farmers' Market & Monthly Artisans' Market
Discover all things grown in Cayman at the weekly Camana Bay Local Harvest Market on Wednesday from 10am-3pm. Local farmers from around the island gather to offer fresh produce and locally farmed goods. During high season, you will find a combined Farmers' and Artisans' Market lining the Paseo, providing hand-crafted speciality goods, gifts and produce. For up-to-date information, visit www.camanabay.com.
Cayman Farm & Garden
Patrick Panton sells a variety of fresh fruit, leafy greens, vegetables, fresh chicken, eggs and seafood from his farm in Bodden Town. He is at the Market at the Cricket Grounds on Saturday and the Camana Bay Farmers Market on Wednesday (both seasonal). He also has a thriving business doing home deliveries. Email: patrick.caymanfarmandgarden@gmail.com and ask to be put on his mailing list. Then, when you are ready to order, you can email him at
orders.caymanfarmandgarden@gmail.com.
You can call him on (345) 526 4231 for more information. Or, you can arrange a farm pickup out in the Bodden Town countryside.
Hamlin Stephenson Market at The Cricket Grounds
This vibrant and lively market is open Monday to Friday 7.30am-6pm. On Saturday, the market closes between 3pm-4pm. Located on Huldah Avenue, next to the cricket pitch in George Town, you can buy fresh local produce, freshly caught fish, meats and eggs, as well as sample traditional Caymanian cuisine. Purchase unique souvenirs and gifts, handmade crafts and artwork, traditional straw work, preserves, sauces, seasonings, natural beauty products and jewellery made with shells or the precious Caymanite stone.
Local Flavours
If you have not sampled an authentic Caymanian dish, such as conch stew or a fresh fish fry, stop by one of Cayman’s favourite local spots, including Welly's
Cool Spot (George Town), Grape Tree Café (Bodden Town), Heritage Kitchen (West Bay), The Caboose (North Side) and Vivine’s Kitchen (East End). Be sure to top off your meal with one of Cayman’s sweet heavy cakes made from cassava or corn.
Goods Produced Locally
Tortuga Rum Company (Tel: (345) 640 1209) manufactures delicious rum cakes that you can buy across the island. You can also take a tour of either the bakery (George Town) or the distillery (Seven Mile Beach or West Bay). Cayman Spirits Co. (Tel: (345) 943 4786) produces various locally distilled spirits, including Seven Fathoms Rum, matured at seven fathoms in Cayman waters! Call for a tour of the 5,000sq ft facility or email: walker@rum. ky. Cayman Cigar Co. (Tel: (345) 946 2447) handcrafts cigars using Caribbean tobacco that are hand-rolled by Cuban native master cigar rollers. They can be bought in various Blackbeard's and Jacques Scott liquor stores, and cigar bars across the
island. Cayman Sea Salt (Tel: (345) 943 7258) sells its locally produced sea salt in most supermarkets and gift shops. Cayman Islands Brewery (Tel: (345) 947 6699) produces 10 locally brewed beers that people can sample at their tap room in Prospect. Saucha makes kombucha that is available at major grocery stores and from food delivery app, Bento. They are also a producer of artisan sourdough and a variety of ferments. For over 30 years, Cayman Honey (Tel: (345) 947 1255) has been produced by bees owned by Sybil and Otto Watler. They operate out of their home in Savannah and are very welcoming to visitors who would like to sample and buy their honey. They also sell it in the local grocery stores. Carol Hay of Cayman Pepper Patch makes Gourmet Pepper Jelly that can be bought at supermarkets and select gift shops on Grand Cayman and in Cayman Brac. It makes a great gift!
Roberto Sommelier at Vino Veritas
Cayman's Wine Merchant
Foster’s - Camana Bay
The Foster’s location at Camana Bay (open Monday to Saturday, 6.30am-10pm) offers the widest selection of organic and speciality products on the island. In the ‘premium’ range, they sell a variety of jams, olives, sauces, spices, exotic fruit and vegetables (all organic), as well as an impressive assortment of cheese! They even sell fresh, organic dog food.
S EE AD PAGE 207 & 355
Kirk Market
In addition to well-known grocery items, Kirk Market carries an excellent selection of fine gourmet foods from around the world. They also feature fresh local produce and an impressive selection of natural, organic and gluten-free products. Tel: (345) 949 7022 or visit www.kirkmarket.ky. SEE AD PAGE 13 & 354
Buying In Bulk
The below stores carry a wide variety of canned and dry goods (great for stocking up on emergency supplies during hurricane season), frozen meats and seafood, a limited selection of fresh produce and a selection of children’s toys, televisions, other electronics and more.
Cost.U.Less is in Governors Square off West Bay Road and is open Monday-Thursday, 8am-9pm and Friday-Saturday, 8am-10pm. Tel: (345) 745 5377.
Priced Right offers quality products at great prices so you can shop happy. They have everything from bulk groceries, fresh produce, quality meats and small kitchen appliances to electronics, toys, garden supplies and more. Explore Priced Right’s two store locations: The Airport Centre, George Town and Republix Plaza, West Bay, or shop online. Both open Monday-Saturday 7am-9pm and are closed on Sunday. Tel: (345) 815 1070 or (345) 949 3214. SEE AD PAGE 289
BEER & WINE
Local & Speciality Beer
Cayman Islands Brewery Ltd. (Tel: (345) 947 6699) produces 10 beers year-round and
creates some seasonal beers. There is also a tap room on site. They are committed to sustainability and work hard to reduce their carbon footprint. Find out more at www.cib.ky. 19-81 Brewing Co. (Tel: (345) 945 0440) creates premium quality craft beers Their beers are available on tap at many local bars and restaurants, and can be bought in cans at various liquor stores. You can visit them on Dorcy Drive. Craft Food & Beverage Co. (Tel: (345) 640 0004) boasts a large selection of craft beers, with their menu featuring over 10 beers on tap, ranging between local and international selections, and many cans to choose from. Grand Tiki Bar & Grill (Tel: (345) 916 3066) on George Town’s waterfront offers a unique selection of canned craft beers from around the world.
Liquor Stores & Wine Merchants
Blackbeard’s is a premier retailer of fine wines, beers and spirits. Blackbeard’s carries a wide selection of the world’s leading brands with monthly beer, wine
and spirit promotions. Each location features craft beers suitable for all tastes, as well as eclectic and exclusive wines, spirits and alcoholic beverages from the top regions. It also has a full range of sodas, juices and mixers, as well as snack items. Blackbeard’s stores are always on your way home with six convenient locations across Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac. For locations and opening hours, visit www.blackbeards.ky/locations. You can also shop online with free delivery www.blackbeards.ky. Jacques Scott (SEE AD THIS PAGE) has eight stores across the Cayman Islands, including their newest store on Cayman Brac, with a huge array of quality wines, spirits and beer. They pride themselves on high levels of friendly and knowledgeable customer service and ease of shopping. Jacques Scott also offers free delivery to your home or office anywhere in Grand Cayman via their online store at www.jacquesscott.com. A gift basket service to meet a range of budgets is available at their Wine Cellar
FREE DELIVERY ISLANDWIDE
location and their duty-free store has the largest selection of wines and spirits available at Owen Roberts International Airport. Tel: (345) 949 0277. Tortuga Fine Wines and Spirits has been family owned and operated since 1984 with several liquor store locations, including a store in Owen Roberts Airport. They sell their world-famous rum cake and other Tortuga products. Tel: (345) 623 7701.
Vino Veritas (S EE AD PAGE 216) (Tel: (345) 526 8466) has no retail stores, instead choosing to deliver straight from their climate-controlled cellar. When ordering wine from them, call and chat with their wine expert, who will recommend a mix of wines to fit your taste and budget. They will then deliver to any address in Grand Cayman.
Wine Bars
Cayman is home to some fantastic wine bars and restaurants with dedicated wine rooms and cellars. Many have received the 'Award of Excellence' for their wine
list offerings. LUCA has received the Wine Spectator Award every year since 2008, and joining them in this award are Agua, Ragazzi, Cracked Conch, Le Petit Bar, The Wharf and Grand Old House
At Vines 2 Ocean, wine lovers can share a bottle along with a range of charcuterie. They also do the most incredible gourmet gift boxes at Christmas!
Duty on Alcohol
Liquor carries a heavy duty in Cayman, See the Preparing to Move chapter for information on the duty on alcohol.
CULINARY THINGS TO DO
Stay on top of the latest culinary happenings with the Events Calendar on www.caymangoodtaste.com or the Cayman Good Taste app.
Annual Culinary Events
Cayman Cocktail Week
Cayman Cocktail Week is a celebration of all things sip-worthy in the Cayman Islands.
Throughout October, enjoy fun and interactive events focused on the art of the cocktail or sample a feature drink in around 40 different bars and restaurants. For more information, visit www.caymancocktailweek.com. In 2026, Cocktail Week will, once again, be held in October. SEE AD THIS PAGE
Cayman Cookout
The Caribbean’s most-respected culinary event, hosted by Chef Eric Ripert, features a roster of world-famous chefs, sommeliers and mixologists at The Ritz-Carlton in Grand Cayman. Events include culinary demonstrations, tastings and dinners. The next iteration is scheduled for January 14th-19th, 2026. Visit www.caymancookout.com.
Cayman Restaurant Month
Every October, enjoy dining out at some of the island’s best restaurants for the best prices. Participating restaurants create delicious two-course and three-course lunch and dinner menus at great value prices. Visit www. restaurantmonth.ky.
Live Seafood Festival
At Live Seafood Festival you can indulge in unfamiliar bites, as well as familiar flavours. The festival is usually held in March. Visit their instagram page for more.
Scan for latest culinary events from Cayman Good Taste
Cooking Classes
Bon Vivant Kitchen Studio
Tel: (345) 623 COOK (2665)
Email: info@bonvivant.ky www.bonvivant.ky
Bon Vivant offers bespoke culinary experiences featuring a wide range of international cuisines and culinary techniques. Their classes are small and offer the opportunity to get hands-on and learn from some of Cayman’s best Chefs. Visit their website for an up-to-date calendar of events and to book your spot. Bon Vivant also offers private classes and corporate team-building events, which are completely customisable to your group’s interests and experience. Augment your special event with
sommelier-led wine pairings, cocktail mixology lessons or premium ingredient offerings such as truffle and caviar. SEE AD PAGE 250 & 296
Nourish at Vida Hotel
Tel: (345) 938 9114
Email: events@nourishatvida.com www.vidacayman.com
Culinary classes are approximately two hours long and include a three-course meal and wine. Regionally themed classes are announced every month.
Sunday Brunch in Cayman
On brunch Sundays, enjoy fresh seafood, breakfast favourites, delicious desserts and unlimited bubbles. Reservations are a must. Popular choices include LUCA, Anchor & Den and The Westin. For a more casual vibe with affordable prices, try Tukka East, Cimboco and La Casita
Wine Tasting & Dinners
Many restaurants have dedicated wine bars and host regular wine dinners. See
the Cayman Good Taste events calendar for upcoming events.
CATERING
Restaurants can provide catering, but the following caterer is equipped with years of experience and a varied portfolio:
Mise en Place
Tel: (345) 623 2433
Email: events@catering.ky www.catering.ky
A proudly Caymanian-owned, family catering company, offering premium, personalised services for weddings, private events and corporate functions. From elegant private chef experiences to convenient drop-off catering, every dish reflects expert craftsmanship and attention to detail. Their diverse menus cater to all tastes and budgets, while their chefs prioritise local, seasonal Caymanian ingredients. With over 20 years of experience, Mise En Place delivers unforgettable culinary experiences with heart, flavour and island pride. SEE AD THIS PAGE
Being Green
In April 2024, Cabinet approved an updated National Energy Policy (NEP) for 2024-2045, with a focus on expanding renewable energy, promoting energy efficiency and conservation, and enhancing energy security. The revised policy sets new targets for transitioning towards a sustainable energy sector, aiming to derive 70% of energy from renewables by 2037 and 100% by 2045. Currently, just 3% of Cayman’s electricity comes from renewable sources, but Cayman’s electricity provider, CUC, is committed to meeting the goals of the NEP. They highlight that the use of utilityscale solar would lessen the Cayman’s dependency on fossil fuels and decrease the approximately US$150-$160 million spent on importing diesel fuel each year for electricity generation.
The NEP also permits residents to generate and use up to 20 kilowatts of solar energy for personal use, including the use of battery storage, to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Another key target is the transition to electric vehicles (EVs), with a goal for 30% of new vehicle sales to be EVs by 2030 and for all new cars imported into the Cayman Islands to be electric by 2045. Strategies to support this transition include investing in
charging infrastructure (see page 182 for more information on EV charging stations in Grand Cayman). Additionally, the policy aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions, targeting a 30% reduction in electricity supply emissions by 2030, and achieving 100% reduction by 2045. The
Photos courtesy of Julie Corsetti, Plastic Free Cayman & Protect Our Future
35% by 2030 and 90% by 2045.
The Cayman Islands Government has begun moving towards a Plasticfree future for Cayman. In June 2024, they announced the preparation of new legislation to ban the importation of certain single-use plastics, including small grocery bags, straws, stir sticks, chopsticks, sky lanterns, polystyrene cups and clamshell containers. Environmental groups like Plastic Free Cayman support the ban but call for additional measures, such as a national clean-up initiative and educational campaigns. They also stress the importance of clear enforcement policies and note the omission of items like plastic cutlery from the ban. Despite these gaps, they acknowledge the progress made and emphasise the need for a comprehensive approach to tackling plastic pollution.
As the population of the Cayman Islands is projected to exceed 100,000 by 2031, there are growing concerns about overdevelopment and its impact on the Central Mangrove Wetlands. The Climate Change Policy 2024-2050, aims to increase resilience to climate change, support the nation’s transition to a low carbon economy, and ensure actions are fair, taking future generations into account. The policy is largely based on a climate change risk assessment report (2023), which identified 52 climate change risks to Cayman, 18 of which were identified as ‘severe’ threats. Half of these threats are to the environment, including threats to turtles, increase in coral bleaching and disease, decline in coral reefs, impacts on endemic animals and plants, decline in mangroves, degradation of seagrass beds, impacts on forests and shrublands, increase in sargassum, beach erosion as a result of overdevelopment, and threats to agriculture and food security. Given that a healthy and vibrant environment is pivotal to the tourism industry, which is the one of Cayman’s main sources of revenue, it is hoped that the implementation of an updated climate change policy will improve the country's environmental outlook. However, these changes depend on the
active participation of the Caymanian population, who are encouraged to adopt sustainable attitudes and lifestyle changes.
WASTE MANAGEMENT IN CAYMAN
One of the most pressing environmental issues for the community is the George Town landfill site, a government facility that manages the waste produced by visitors, residents and businesses on the Islands. This great mound of rubbish known to many residents as 'Mount Trashmore' is evidence of the waste legacy of many generations. Even with significant pressure on the government from environmental organisations to find a solution, the fastest and most efficient way waste can be reduced is simply by each household making a conscious effort to reduce their solid domestic waste.
The Landfill Site
In July 2024, after seven years of negotiations, the Cayman Islands government terminated a multi-milliondollar plan to replace the George Town landfill with a waste-to-energy plant. The project, originally proposed in 2017 to manage waste and generate energy, was developed by a Dart-led consortium. However, as negotiations between the consortium and successive governments continued, the scheme faced soaring costs and unresolved issues, including a power-purchase agreement. The outgoing administration of 2025 had been seeking alternative partners and methods to address the landfill issue effectively; but as of September 2025, there was no clear strategy to deal with this important issue.
Politicians are emphasising the urgent need for a financially and environmentally sound solution due to growing concerns about the condition of the existing landfill. The George Town landfill is rapidly approaching its capacity, with approximately 780,000 cubic yards remaining based on the current input rate of approximately 13,000 cubic yards per month, giving it an estimated four to five years of space left. Reports by Blue
Point Consultants also indicate that this mound of trash is visible from offshore, which could be off-putting to visitors. This has prompted urgent discussions about alternative landfill sites and waste disposal solutions.
In 2023, the Auditor General estimated that less than 3% of waste generated in Cayman is being recycled; indicating that the landfill is being used to dispose of recyclable materials. To encourage recycling, the Department of Environmental Health (DEH) offers public tours of the recycling depot (recently moved to Foster’s Republix in West Bay). The DEH hopes that by demonstrating their recycling process, the public will be more conscious of their contribution to the landfill. This also follows claims by residents that recycling processes aren’t being performed.
SUSTAINABLE EATING
A significant factor of sustainable living includes making the right choices when it comes to food. In the Cayman Islands, much of our food is imported, and a considerable amount of energy, fuel and water is used in the entire process of growing, distributing, storing and cooking our food. Although choosing local produce is a great way to offset this energy use, we do not always have that option. However, consciously eliminating food waste can reduce the size of the ever-growing landfill.
Choose Local
While it is unlikely that Cayman will ever stop relying on imported food, local agribusinesses are flourishing. Additionally, the economic fallout being felt in the Caribbean, due to the implementation of international trade tariffs by the US, means that local produce (though limited) has become a cheaper alternative. Refer to the Food and Drink chapter for more information on locally produced goods, farmers' markets and more. Remember to bring your own bags as you don't want to leave with more plastic!
Grow Your Own
You can grow a whole range of fruits and vegetables, including tomatoes, leafy greens, herbs, eggplants, melons, bananas, mangoes and many more. The ideal growing season is November–April, when it’s cooler and drier; however, you will need to water the plants regularly and look out for pests. It is worth investing in sustainable agriculture equipment, or employing vertical farming or aquaponic farming techniques. These relatively easy, make-ityourself structures provide both optimised plant growth and minimised water waste and land usage. You can pick up seeds or baby plants from any of the local nurseries, plus soil, organic pesticides and gardening tools. See the Shopping chapter for a list of garden centres.
SHOPPING GREEN
Despite being a major source of plastic waste in Cayman, plastic cutlery is currently omitted from the upcoming ban on six types of plastics. To address this, Eco
Eats offers edible alternatives to single-use plastic utensils and bowls. Their cutlery is vegan, non-GMO and made from ingredients like flour, sugar, maltodextrin, sorbitol, guar gum and ethyl vanillin. Similarly, the bowls are made from wheat flour, digestive bran, salt and rooibos. Single-use plastic water bottles also remain problematic. Companies like Flowers Bottled Water offer filtered, chlorine-free water in reusable large fivegallon bottles available at petrol stations or for delivery. To further reduce plastic waste, consider installing a Koola bottle-less water cooler, which connects to your home's water supply and filters out chlorine, lead, phosphates and bacteria, functioning as a mini purification plant.
Cleaning Products
Environmentally friendly cleaning products are becoming more common in Cayman’s stores. These green products clean just as well as their harsh chemicalladen counterparts but are made entirely
from natural ingredients which are nontoxic, free of phosphates, fillers, fragrance, chlorine, dyes and NPE. They are not tested on animals, nor do they contain animal additives. Another benefit of these green products is that they are far better for the septic tank systems that most homes in Cayman use.
The Refillery (email: info@staged.ky) offers an online, eco-friendly refilling service for all your household cleaning products. They also sell eco-friendly products, such as candles, soaps, scrub brushes, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant and reusable and eco-friendly beeswax food wraps. You can buy wide-mouth gallon jugs from them as well. Visit their website (www.staged.ky) to place an order. Foster’s Supermarket and Kirk Market lead the way for supermarkets in supplying safe cleaning products. EcoCay (www.ecocay.com), an online-only store, also sells sustainable, plastic-free and nontoxic cleaning products, as well as other everyday essentials and wonderful kitchen items made from wood.
Top Tips for Being Green
Small choices can make a big difference, so here are some ways you can reduce your impact on the environment:
> Take reusable bags with you to the grocery store
> Buy and reuse glass food containers
> Bring reusable containers when collecting takeaway
> Use reusable cups and bottles
> Avoid disposable cutlery
> Choose eco-friendly cleaning products
> Avoid toiletries that contain microbeads
> Swap to non-plastic alternatives, e.g. a bamboo toothbrush, a silicone menstrual cup or beeswax wraps
> Avoid products containing palm oil and, when unavoidable, buy those containing RSPO-certified palm oil
> Reduce your meat and dairy intake
> Opt for eating Lion Fish at restaurants as they are a highly invasive species
> Buy locally caught fish from marketplaces like the fish market right by the George Town harbour
> Be mindful of water usage and install a ‘low flow’ shower head to save water
> Use rechargeable batteries
> Repurpose newspapers and towels by taking them to the Humane Society and donate magazines to the hospital
> Take old copies of the Cayman Resident magazine to the National Museum to use in craft activities
> Repurpose old printers and laptops by donating them to schools or charities
> Return clothes hangers to dry cleaners
> Donate second-hand clothes.
AT WORK
Most work environments are left unoccupied at night, so leaving things on wastes energy and money. To make your workplace more environmentally friendly, be sure to turn off lights and air conditioning and shut down computers. Opt for energy saving mode on electronics (instead of screensavers) and turn off monitors. Additionally, unplug devices to reduce ‘phantom power’—the energy electronics consume when not in use.
E-Waste Cayman Islands Ltd. (Tel: (345) 916 6764 or www.e-waste.ky) collects and recycles most electronic equipment. All materials are shipped to a recycling facility that is R2v3 certified. Customers can schedule an appointment on their website to have electronic waste collected.
Kirk Office (SEE AD PAGE 71) (Tel: (345) 623 5475) sells an array of FSC-certified paper and recycled products in addition to a range of Energy Star-certified electronics. They also accept your used ink and toner cartridges, as well as old computers, printers and photocopiers, all of which are then recycled. Reusable delivery totes are also offered for corporate orders which saves over 4,000 boxes from going to the George Town landfill each year.
Cayman Islands Printer Cartridges (CIPC) (SEE AD OPPOSITE PAGE) has over 40 years’ experience in printer cartridges. They offer a quality affordable product (Cayman Bulldog brand) for your printer/ copier. For pricing and availability, email (andrew@ciprintercartridges.ky) or
WhatsApp ((345) 323 4313) Andrew Bodden with the make and model of your machine. Ink and toner come with a 100% replacement guarantee. CIPC also provides free same and next-day delivery, covering major brands. They recycle your used cartridges overseas when purchasing a replacement. For every cartridge sold, CI$1 is donated to One Dog At a Time (ODAAT) , a local animal rescue charity. Additional things you can do:
> collect office newspapers and take them to The Humane Society or One Dog at A Time
> stock your office break room or kitchen with reusable dishes and silverware. You should also buy coffee, sugar and other consumables in bulk to avoid extra packaging.
AT HOME
Whether you own or are renting a home, making environmentally friendly choices will help preserve our beautiful islands.
Reduce, Reuse & Refuse
The George Town landfill has an estimated four to five years of space left before it reaches its full capacity, which means it is essential that we all strive to reduce, reuse and refuse our waste. Refuse styrofoam as it cannot be recycled and is one of the biggest culprits of ocean pollution. Say no to singleuse plastics, such as plastic produce and shopping bags, plastic utensils, and even disposable coffee cups. Buy mesh produce bags for fruit and vegetable purchases, reusable coffee cups and glass or stainlesssteel straws. Reusable straws are available at Bon Vivant, Foster’s and Kirk Home Centre. Reducing the amount of waste we personally generate ultimately reduces the amount of waste we send to the landfill.
Recycling
Recycling reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills and conserves natural resources such as water, timber and minerals. There are various recycling depots across Grand Cayman, many of which are located at the island’s major
RECYCLING LOCATIONS:
ALUMINIUM CANS
PLASTIC (NOS. 1 AND 2)
MIXED PAPER & CARDBOARD
❑ Camana Bay Recycling Centre
❑ All Foster’s locations
❑ Kirk Market
❑ Government Administration Building
❑ Craddock Ebanks Civic Centre, North Side
❑ Captain George Dixon Public Park, East End
❑ BarCam Service Station, Prospect
BATTERIES
❑ Lead acid and car batteries: drop off at the DEH landfill, garages or retailers
❑ Small household batteries: place in the blue tubes at Foster’s, Cost.U.Less and some public businesses and condos
❑ Rechargeable batteries (computer, camera and cell phone batteries): drop off at Funky Tangs for shipment to the US for recycling
ELECTRONIC WASTE
❑ Deliver to the DEH landfill public drop-off, call Recycling Services (Tel: (345) 547 6654), JUNK Removal and Recycling (Tel: (345) 325 5865) or E-Waste Cayman Islands Ltd. (Tel: (345) 916 6764) for stripping and recycling in the US
BOOKS & OLD CLOTHING
❑ Drop off at the Humane Society, the Red Cross, the New To You Bargain Shop at the NCVO
VEGETABLE & YARD WASTE
❑ Drop off at the DEH landfill (they will mulch it) or start your own compost
VEHICLE TYRES & OIL
❑ Drop off at DEH landfill
❑ Residents can also deposit recyclable items at the 24-hour drop-off site located at the front of the George Town landfill. There is no fee for this service and assistance is provided during regular business hours.
supermarkets and the BarCam petrol station in Prospect. Residents can recycle the following items at these locations: 1) paper and cardboard; 2) clean metal food cans (steel and aluminium); 3) glass; and 4) PET/PETE and HDPE plastics (numbers 1 and 2). Be sure to check the bottom of containers for codes like PET, PETE and HDPE or the 1 and 2 symbols. Do not include the plastic bag that you brought the recyclables in! After the recyclables are placed in the multi-coloured bins at any of the depots across the island, they are taken to the DEH recycling centre at the George Town landfill. Once the recycling has been separated and baled, it is shipped to its final destination in Florida, where it is distributed to various waste processing facilities. Recyclables in Cayman Brac and Little Cayman are safely stored at their respective landfills until arrangements are made for shipping to Grand Cayman for further processing.
After being suspended in 2022, the glass recycling programme resumed in February 2025, giving residents the opportunity to drop off glass items at the designated recycling depots across the island. Made possible by the public-private partnership between the Department of Environmental Health (DEH) and the Flowers Group, this supports Cayman’s move toward greater sustainability. The collected glass is crushed and repurposed locally into building blocks, paving slabs and other construction material.
Local businesses have also joined the sustainable effort. Blackbeard’s collect locally made beer bottles—such as White Tip, 345 Stout, Mango Tango, and glass bottles from the Cayman Islands Brewery which also runs a collection programme. They also offer discounts in exchange for returning locally made bottles and cans. Green to Go reuses its product packaging and, like the Brewery, offers a small cash rebate or purchase discount.
Remember to wash/rinse out items before depositing them in recycling bins as contents can contaminate the entire recycling bin. It is also essential that
no non-recyclable items are placed in recycling bins as they also contaminate the recyclables and could cause the entire bin to be landfilled. Read the signs at each depot and follow the instructions carefully. Remember to separate your waste at source and don’t put plastic wrappers, plastic bags or cling wrap in with the numbers 1 and 2 plastics. Teach your children as well.
JUNK collects recyclables (aluminium, cardboard, glass and plastic types 1 and 2) every week from your home or office, which is then exported to their waste management partners, thus diverting them from the George Town landfill. The cost is CI$50 a month. Email: info@junk.ky or manager@junk.ky.
If you have old electronic equipment such as computers, keyboards or cables, E-Waste Cayman Islands Ltd. (Tel: (345) 916 6764 or email: info@e-waste.ky) will collect and recycle them. Fees for collecting electronic waste start at CI$10 per unit and increase depending on the nature and volume of the material. They also offer on-site data destruction which includes electronic reporting and disposal.
Island Recycling (Tel: (345) 516 3333), which is part of Island Waste Carriers, will collect your non-ferrous metals, including aluminium, copper, brass and some scrap car parts and, depending on the volume, may pay you for it.
The Department of Environmental Health (DEH) (Tel: (345) 949 6696) oversees all the Islands' recycling. Other services that the DEH provide include food safety, district sanitation and rodent control, solid and hazardous waste collection, recycling and disposal and public education and promotion programmes.
Energy Efficiency
Reducing the energy consumption of your home not only limits greenhouse gas emissions but can also save you money on your utility bills. As a result of The Cayman Islands National Energy Policy, several initiatives and campaigns have been launched to encourage sustainable energy practices for residents. Simple changes such
installing R-20 valued insulation, setting your air conditioning unit to 80 degrees, upgrading your AC to a high SEER-rated model (SEER rating 20 is ideal) and professionally servicing your AC quarterly can not only benefit the planet, but your pocket too. Free DIY energy audits and other helpful guidelines for residents and homebuilders are available to download from the government’s National Energy Policy website (www.gov.ky/energy).
Being a Green Family
For your kids to value the importance of recycling, you must lead by example. The more fired-up you are about recycling, the more interested they will likely be in participating. Kids should see recycling as an exciting way to help protect the Earth and all the incredible creatures that call Cayman home. If you plan to make recycling a regular chore for your kids, incentivise it by rewarding them with fun activities like trips to the beach or cinema. Take some time when you visit the beach to pick up some trash and help keep Cayman looking beautiful. Encourage your kids to join youth-led environmental organisations like Protect Our Future for the opportunity to meet like-minded friends, get involved in community cleaning efforts and expand their understanding of climate change and other related subjects.
Native Plant Species
The Cayman Islands is home to 415 species of native plants, providing a habitat for wildlife. These native plants also serve as a link to traditional Caymanian knowledge (how our ancestors survived and thrived). For example, Silver Thatch (national tree), a species only found here in the Cayman Islands (also known as an ‘endemic’ species) was a key natural resource that supported the old-time Caymanian economy. Native plants have played, and continue to play, a key role in shaping Caymanian history and culture. Native plants also help create a liveable environment, by providing essential services such as cleaning the air, buffering storms, and supporting the
insects and bats that pollinate crops. When landscaping your property, be sure to prioritise native species. When weeding for example, try to identify plants before pulling them up. A great benefit of using natives in landscaping is that they typically require less watering and pest control as they are well adapted to Cayman’s environmental conditions. Caribbean Blooms (Tel: (345) 927 4246) specialises in native varieties, and The Queen Elizabeth II Botanical Park (Tel: (345) 947 9462) hosts plant sales where the public can purchase native plants. To learn more about native plants, visit www.gov.ky/national-treeplanting. If you need help identifying a plant, please email: treeplanting@gov.ky or check out the Virtual Herbarium.
Composting
Composting, the natural biodegradation of organic materials, is a good way to recycle your leftover food and food scraps. Compost is primarily used as a fertiliser in soil and can be useful to
farmers, landscapers and nurseries. If you enjoy home gardening, making your own compost will certainly save you money on mulch and potting soil, and it is relatively easy to manage. Free coffee grounds can also be collected from Starbucks to enrich your garden and compost (best to collect towards the end of the day). Composting systems, typically described as ‘bins’, come in a variety of different sizes, but you can also make your own. A. L. Thompson’s (SEE AD PAGE 227, 234, 244, 247 & 294) usually sells composting bins.
Household Appliances
The most environmentally friendly fuel source available in the Cayman Islands is propane. Home Gas (Tel: (345) 949 7474) (all three islands) and Clean Gas (Tel: (345) 233 4427) (Grand Cayman only) are the two available providers. Home Gas offers installation, service and delivery, whether residential or commercial, and works with their customers throughout the whole process of designing, installing and
maintaining a propane system. They also offer propane and product guidance for all indoor and outdoor appliances. Payment can be made online via their website, in person or over the phone if using a debit/ credit card.
Dry Cleaning
When you need dry cleaning on Grand Cayman, Island Cleaners (Tel: (345) 949 5391) and Puritan Cleaners (Tel: (345) 949 7104) are both eco-friendly companies that use environmentally safe dry-cleaning products, recycle hangers and if items are dropped off by 10am, they offer a same day service and items can be collected before closing. Fluff ‘N’ Fold (Tel: (345) 943 5833) in Camana Bay also uses energyefficient equipment, non-toxic chemicals and recycling programmes to reduce their impact on the environment.
WHEN BUILDING
Focus is increasingly being placed on designing eco-friendly properties with
Recycling Depots
Type 1 & 2
features like geothermal cooling systems, low-flow plumbing, high-efficiency appliances, and LED lighting that lowers energy bills. Renewable energy equipment is duty-free for homeowners and CUC, the power provider for Grand Cayman, offers a programme whereby customers can connect their renewable energy systems (small scale solar systems or wind turbines) to CUC's distribution system. Some banks also offer loans to qualified borrowers for hybrid and electric vehicles, solar panels or batteries, energy smart shutters or other energy smart upgrades. Contact your bank to see if this is something they offer. If you are thinking about designing and building a green home, consider the following steps:
> Find a design-builder who has proven experience with green homes in Cayman
> Use key building products like Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF) such as Fox Blocks, which are manufactured locally, spray foam insulation, low VOCs materials and finishes, impact/insulated windows, Watersense-labelled plumbing and Energy Star-rated appliances
> Use recycled glass material in the pavements of your driveway
> Own your own energy. With the growing demand for alternative energy sources, utilise solar energy in your home (see the 'Powering Your Home' section later in this chapter for more information)
> Design your home to have as much foliage protecting from the outside to maximise cooling effects and minimise air conditioning usage
> Alternatively, try a geothermal cooling system that can cool your home much more efficiently than traditional air conditioning systems, saving you substantial energy and money.
www.flowersgroup.com
The Flowers Foam Products division of the Flowers Group supplies state-of-the-art, locally manufactured building products, including Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF), foam flat sheets, steel stud and tracks, architectural components and custom shapes and signs.
SEE AD PAGE 265
Importing Green Technology
To promote sustainable practices and encourage the insulation of homes to reduce electricity consumption, the following items are duty-free for import:
> Smart thermostats
> Home energy monitors
> Spray polyurethane foam insulation
> Polyurethane foam sheets
> Low e-film for windows
> Bicycles
> Electric vehicles under CI$29,999.
POWERING YOUR HOME
The cost of powering our homes with fossil fuels is expected to keep rising as global supplies decline. In the Cayman Islands, electricity is already expensive, and smaller Caribbean nations like ours, with less bargaining power, are especially vulnerable to price hikes as oil becomes scarcer. Cayman has set an ambitious goal of generating 70% of its energy from renewable sources by 2037, prompting important discussions on how this will be acquired. While solar power remains a popular and proven option, there’s also growing interest in alternative solutions like geothermal energy cooling systems.
Solar Power and Storage
See the Building a Home chapter for more information.
Flowers Group
184 Seymour Road, Industrial Park Tel: (345) 623 0000
Email: customerservice@flowersgroup.com
Significant improvements are being made in the solar energy industry every year, and Cayman is the perfect location to harness the power of the sun. Solar energy can be harvested in two ways, namely solar photovoltaic (PV), which converts sunlight into electricity and solar thermal, which heats water. The initial costs of purchasing these systems are significant and the government does not currently offer subsidies, but they
have made renewable energy equipment completely duty-free as an incentive. GreenTech Energy, Cayman's oldest and largest renewable energy provider, designs, installs and services solar panel and battery energy storage systems for commercial and residential use, creating packages that best suit your needs and feature the longest warranties in the industry. Their 'selfconsumption' solar and battery package for example, helps cut costs significantly and operates independent of CUC's electric grid. Call (Tel: (345) 949 8324) for more information on other renewable energy packages and offers.
For residents seeking to power their premises primarily through solar energy, you will need to consider an alternative source of power should there be insufficient sunlight (although the Cayman Islands enjoys over 300 days of sunshine a year). Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries for this use have become a well-established technology and a variety of brands now sell units that can be wall-mounted and installed outside your home or inside your garage.
These batteries can help ensure power in the event of a power outage, instead of having to use a generator, which makes them especially useful should we experience any hurricanes. They may also provide financial savings by charging and storing additional energy for use during the peak period under the DER Programme. See the Disaster Preparedness chapter for more information on how to prepare for hurricane season.
In July 2025, the Cayman Islands Government advanced its national energy strategy with the launch of a request for proposal (RFP) for a 22.5MW utility scale solar farm, plus storage facility to be built. Initiated by the Utility Regulation and Competition Office (OfReg), this project is expected to meet up to 16% of Grand Cayman’s peak summer electricity demand and will feature integrated battery storage to provide stable, dispatchable power, both day and night. Large-scale renewable energy projects like this are designed to produce
substantial electricity for national use while reducing the reliance on imported fossil fuels. This initiative supports the National Energy Policy to have 70% renewable energy generation by 2037 and 100% by 2045.
While the current share of energy remains low, it appears large infra-structure projects, along with individual residential systems are key to meeting this ambitious goal. Once construction is underway, households are encouraged to consider investing in personal energy storage systems. If financially feasible, adding a battery to your solar setup can improve energy efficiency by reducing reliance on the national grid.
Distributed Renewable Generation Systems
CUC has multiple energy programmes for customers to interconnect renewable energy systems to the grid. The total interconnection size of these programmes varies year-to-year and is dependent upon available hosting capacity on the grid.
The Consumer-Owned Renewable Energy (CORE) Programme has been in place since 2009 to purchase all electricity produced via renewable energy from approved customer applicants. The programme is a net-billing arrangement whereby 100% of the customer’s renewable energy production is sold to CUC and credited to the customer’s monthly bill.
The Distributed Energy Resource (DER) Programme has been available to customers since 2018. In this programme, participating customers self-consume energy they produce from their renewable energy systems, and in doing so avoid costs related to consumption and demand from the grid. Any excess renewable energy produced that is not consumed by the customer is exported and sold to the grid for credit to the customer’s CUC account. This programme uses a demand rate billing structure, with demand measured for billing purposes in an 'on-peak period'.
The electricity regulator, The Utility Regulation and Competition Office (URCO), is responsible for approving
any additional capacity, rates, and final terms and conditions for the CORE and DER Programmes in the Cayman Islands. Customers should periodically check the availability of capacity for the CORE and DER programmes with their local renewable energy installer or with CUC by visiting CUC’s website, www.cuc-cayman. com or emailing: service@cuc.ky.
Utility-Scale Solar Farms
The five-megawatt (MW) Utility-Scale Solar Farm is Grand Cayman’s commercial solar project, and is located on a 20-acre site in Bodden Town. This solar farm was also the first Independent Power Producer (IPP) in Grand Cayman, selling 100% of electricity produced to CUC through a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). The farm comprises 21,690 poly-crystalline photovoltaic (solar) modules, each with a DC-rated capacity of 305 watts. The facility is connected to CUC’s Bodden Town Substation and provides equivalent energy to power approximately 800 homes with clean, renewable solar energy.
CUC’s 2017 Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) calls for new, less carbon-intensive technologies to be introduced, including significant amounts of solar and wind power. Other technologies considered include the conversion of existing generating units to operate as dual fuel engines utilising cleaner-burning natural gas, the deployment of appropriate amounts of energy storage, and the integration of a municipal solid waste-toenergy plant to reduce the overall level of greenhouse gas emissions associated with electricity generation. The IRP aligns with Cayman’s National Energy Policy (NEP) and will give shape to the energy generation plans for Grand Cayman over the next 30 years. Both the IRP and NEP call for a significant increase in the number of utility-scale and customersited renewable energy projects in the Cayman Islands.
Geothermal Cooling Systems
Unlike traditional central air conditioning
systems which use heated gases and refrigerants to cool your home, geothermal cooling systems offer significantly lower operating costs and can last up to 15 years longer. These systems work by extracting heat from your property and transferring it to a network of underground waterpipes located beneath your property. The process creates a cooling effect; heat is absorbed into the ground via the water system and cool air is then circulated indoors. For energy-efficient and cost-effective geothermal solutions for both residential and commercial properties, contact GeoCayman (Tel: (345) 526 1832 or visit www.geocayman.ky).
Alternative Cooling Systems
If you are looking for a basic, less costly method of lowering air conditioning usage, consider landscaping for shade. This includes planting foliage and trees around your house, which organically absorbs solar heat, or adopting a lighter colour roof such as white or silver. Another simple method consists of keeping windows and doors open during the cooler times of day, significantly lowering interior temperatures.
As a pool owner, there are a few steps you can take to help keep your energy bills down:
> Think about the pump A pool pump is the second largest consumer of energy in a home after your A/C. If you install a variable speed pump, it will pay for itself very quickly with energy savings.
> Environmentally friendly products Consider using a chlorine generator, also known as a saltwater pool system. These systems turn ordinary salt into chlorine and are kinder to the environment and your skin. Use LED lights for lighting as they use far less energy than incandescent bulbs.
To find out more about swimming pools and how to maintain them, contact Oasis (Tel: (345) 945 7665 or visit www.oasis. ky) or Pools Cayman (Tel: (345) 324 6547
For more information related to clean-up days and other green events, make sure you download the What's On Cayman app.
Plastic Free Cayman
Fortunately, the plastic-free movement in the Cayman Islands continues to grow, largely thanks to the not-for-profit, nongovernmental organisation (NGO), Plastic Free Cayman. With the help of this organisation, the community’s attention has been drawn to the sheer amount of single-use plastics being used in Cayman. Plastic Free Cayman also organises regular beach clean-ups and other community engagement opportunities. For information about upcoming clean-ups, head to their Instagram page (@plastic_ free_cayman). To learn more about the movement, visit www.plasticfreecayman.ky or email: plasticfreecayman@gmail.com.
Nauti Nomads
Nauti Nomad is passionate about ocean conservation and sustainable travel. They protect our oceans from plastic pollution through reef clean ups and community education, both on a local and international scale. Their mission is to keep coastal communities clean, safeguard marine life and promote environmental consciousness. For information about upcoming clean ups, head to their Instagram page (@ nautinomadlife). To learn more about their mission, visit www.nautinomads.com or email: jon@nautinomads.com.
Earth Day Clean-up
The Cayman Islands Chamber of Commerce organises an annual Earth Day Clean Up each April in conjunction with Earth Week. This event draws hundreds of volunteers to collect litter and debris from Cayman’s roadsides, neighbourhoods and beaches. Visit www.caymanchamber.ky to find out when the 2026 event will take place.
The National Trust
The National Trust for the Cayman Islands, established in 1987, is a non-profit, community-benefit organisation dedicated to preserving natural environments and historic places for the Cayman Islands' present and future generations. They focus on environmental protection, Blue Iguana conservation, historic preservation, and educational programmes. With custodianship over 14 heritage sites and 17 environmental sites across all three islands, these locations are protected forever for the community. The Trust operates as a membership-based organisation, granting members priority tour bookings and discounts on events and in the retail store. Additionally, members can benefit from the reciprocal programme with participating members of the International National Trusts Organisation (INTO), which provides discounted or free admission to National Trust properties in various countries, including Australia, New Zealand, Barbados and the UK. Contact membership@nationaltrust.org.ky or visit www.nationaltrust.org.ky.
The National Trust has a free app which provides information on over 33 natural and historic sites across the Cayman Islands. It also features a 1.5-hour George Town audio walking tour (available for purchase), including narration, historic photos and key heritage landmarks.
Protect Our Future Cayman
Protect Our Future (PoF) is one of the largest youth-led environmental organisations in the Cayman Islands. Made up of passionate students advocating for a more sustainable future, the group is organised into several sub-committees, allowing members to contribute in ways that suit their interests. Options include public outreach, leading environmental education sessions for younger students, participating in legislative advocacy, or helping with monthly beach clean ups. PoF members have played a key role in national campaigns, such as the Vote-No on cruise berthing and reef-safe sunscreen
campaigns. Getting involved with PoF is a meaningful way for young people to make a positive difference in the community and for the environment. Visit www. protectourfuturecayman.org, email: protectourfuturecayman@gmail.com, and follow them on Instagram.
As the Cayman Islands' population continues to grow, so does the number of cars on our roads. During the morning and afternoon rush hour, the build-up of stagnant traffic is not only overwhelming for drivers all over Cayman but is also terrible for the air quality of our natural environment.
Alternative modes of transport, such as public buses or carpooling, can help in tackling this problem. If you are considering buying a car, hybrid and electric vehicles (EVs) are an excellent alternative to traditional petrol-fuelled cars, and there is little to no duty in place if imported for personal use. For a list of electric car charging stations, visit the 'Hybrid and Electric Cars' section of the Cayman Resident website (www. caymanresident.com). The 2024-2045 National Energy Policy declared that by 2045, 100% of new vehicles should be electric, so it is important to consider this target when deciding whether to invest in EVs. For those on a tighter budget, there is a booming market for used cars on the online EcayTrade platform and at used car dealers. If you are buying a used hybrid or EV that’s not from an official dealership, ensure you have it inspected/checked by a hybrid or EV specialist before purchase. See the Transportation chapter for more information on used car dealers, duty costs of importing an electric or hybrid car and other alternative modes of transport. If you are travelling to North Side for a staycation or just to spend the day at the beach, Cayman Ferries is a quicker and greener alternative to driving.
Home Improvements
Home improvement is a journey of transformation, where visions become reality and spaces evolve into personalised sanctuaries. In the Cayman Islands, with our unique blend of tropical beauty and cultural richness, embarking on such a project requires a nuanced understanding of the local environment and expertise in design and construction tailored to our specific needs. Working with the right team is crucial, as it ensures not only the success of the project but also the realisation of a home that harmonises with the Cayman Island’s distinct character.
THE IMPORTANCE OF HIRING PROFESSIONALS
The Right Team for the Job
Engaging a team of experienced architects, designers and builders means investing in a collective wealth of knowledge and skill. These professionals are adept at translating your vision into a feasible plan, navigating any challenges that may arise and ensuring compliance with local building codes and regulations. Moreover, a good team will have established relationships with local suppliers and subcontractors, streamlining the process and saving you time and money. Their ability to anticipate potential pitfalls and address them proactively can be the difference between a smooth project and one fraught with delays and cost overruns.
In the Cayman Islands, we are fortunate to have access to many skilled experts who understand the intricacies of building in our unique climate and bring invaluable insights and experience to the table. This local expertise is critical for ensuring the
Photos courtesy of Design Studio
EDIE’S LIVE LIFE BEAUTIFULLY
CONSIDERATIONS WHEN STARTING A PROJECT
Embarking on a home improvement project in the Cayman Islands involves careful planning and consideration. Here are the three most important aspects to consider:
> Understanding the Local Climate and Environment The tropical climate of the Cayman Islands presents unique challenges and opportunities for home improvement. The high humidity, salty air and hurricane risks necessitate the use of materials and construction techniques that can withstand these conditions. Consulting with professionals who understand these environmental factors is crucial for creating a home that is both beautiful and durable.
> Defining Your Vision and Goals Before diving into any project, it’s important to have a clear vision of what you want to achieve. Consider how you want your space to function and feel. Are you looking to increase your living area, improve energy efficiency or enhance your home’s aesthetic appeal? Setting clear goals will guide the design process and help you communicate your ideas effectively to your team.
> Establishing a Realistic Budget and Timeline A well-defined budget and timeline are essential for any home improvement project. Work with your team to create a comprehensive scope of work that outlines all expected costs, from materials to labour. Be realistic about your financial limits and consider setting aside a contingency fund for unexpected expenses. Similarly, establish a timeline that accounts for potential delays and allows for flexibility.
CREATING A SCOPE OF WORK & BUDGET
A detailed scope of work is a foundational document for any home improvement project. It outlines the project’s objectives, deliverables and the specific tasks required
to achieve them. Here’s how to create an effective scope of work and budget:
> Step 1: Define the Project Scope What specific improvements are you planning to make? Break down the project into manageable components and describe each one in detail. For example, if you’re renovating a kitchen, your scope might include cabinet installation, countertop replacement, plumbing updates and lighting changes.
> Step 2: Identify Key Milestones Establish critical milestones and deadlines for each phase of the project. This will help you track progress and ensure that the project stays on schedule. Milestones might include completing the design phase, obtaining necessary permits and finishing construction.
> Step 3: Estimate Costs Work with your team to evaluate the costs associated with each aspect of the project. This should include materials, labour, permits and any other expenses. Consider obtaining multiple quotes from suppliers and contractors to ensure you’re getting the best value. Be sure to factor in a contingency fund for unexpected costs, typically around 10-15% of the total budget.
> Step 4: Review and Adjust Once you have a draft scope of work and budget, review them with your team. Make adjustments as necessary to align with your vision and financial constraints. Ensure that all parties agree on the scope and budget before moving forward.
MATERIALS & ENVIRONMENTAL CHOICES
In the Cayman Islands, where the natural environment is a vital part of our way of life, making environmentally conscious choices in home improvement is essential. This not only benefits the environment but also enhances the longevity and efficiency of your home.
Choosing High-Quality Materials
Investing in high-quality materials is crucial for the durability and performance of your home. In our tropical climate, materials
must withstand humidity, heat and the corrosive effects of salt air. Opt for products that are specifically designed for tropical environments, such as moisture-resistant wood, stainless steel and UV-resistant finishes and fabrics.
Embracing Sustainable Practices
Sustainability is an important consideration in modern home improvement. Consider incorporating energy-efficient appliances, solar panels and rainwater harvesting systems into your design. These features not only reduce your environmental footprint but also contribute to long-term cost savings. Additionally, work with your team to source materials locally whenever possible. This reduces the environmental impact of transportation and supports the local economy. In the Cayman Islands, where many items must be imported, we must be particularly mindful of our environmental impact. The limited availability of resources for reuse and recycling on the Islands emphasises the importance of selecting sustainable materials and practices.
MAKING THOUGHTFUL CHOICES
Avoid 'Fast Fashion' Design
In home improvement, as in fashion, trends come and go. The concept of 'fast fashion' in design refers to the rapid production and consumption of inexpensive items that may not be built to last. To create a home that truly reflects your style and stands the test of time, focus on selecting high-quality, timeless pieces that you love.
Invest in Quality
Prioritise purchasing well-crafted furniture and décor that are designed to last. While these items may have a higher upfront cost, their durability and timeless appeal often provide better value in the long run.
Choose Timeless Designs
Select classic styles and colours that can adapt to changing trends. Neutral palettes and versatile designs create a foundation that allows you to refresh your space with
Personalise With Meaningful Items
Decorate with items that have personal significance, such as artwork, heirlooms or pieces collected during travels. These elements add character and authenticity to your home.
Focus on Functionality
Choose items that serve a dual purpose or enhance the functionality of your space. This approach not only adds value but also ensures your home is tailored to your lifestyle.
RESEARCHING DESIGN STYLES & TRENDS
Understanding current design trends and incorporating sustainable choices into your home improvement project can significantly enhance the end result. Here’s how to effectively research and select the best design styles and sustainable options:
Exploring Design Styles
> Online Resources: The internet is a treasure trove of design inspiration. Websites like Houzz, Pinterest and Architectural Digest offer countless images and articles on the latest trends in home design. Use these platforms to gather ideas and save them in digital mood boards.
> Social Media: Follow interior designers, architects and design magazines on social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook. These platforms provide real-time updates on trends and allow you to engage with professionals and enthusiasts.
> Local Magazines and Shows: Pay attention to local publications and home shows in the Cayman Islands. They provide insights into what is popular in the local market and may introduce you to designers and builders who understand the Cayman Islands' unique style preferences.
> Visit Local Shops: Visiting local shops
can give you a tangible sense of what different materials and designs look and feel like. This hands-on approach helps in making informed decisions about what might work best in your home.
Identifying Sustainable Choices
> Research Sustainable Materials: Look for materials that are eco-friendly and sustainably sourced. Additionally, seek out companies known for their environmentally friendly practices.
> Energy Efficiency: Prioritise energyefficient appliances and systems. Look for Energy Star-rated products and consider integrating smart home technology to optimise energy use.
> Water Conservation: Incorporate watersaving fixtures and systems, such as low-flow toilets and faucets or rainwater harvesting systems. These not only save resources but also reduce utility costs.
> Eco-Friendly Design: Consider designs that maximise natural light and ventilation, reducing the need for artificial lighting and air conditioning. Green roofs and walls, which provide insulation and reduce heat gain, are also worth exploring.
Engage with sustainability consultants or environmentally focused designers to explore innovative solutions that align with your goals. Their expertise can help you navigate the vast array of options and make choices that are both stylish and sustainable.
Turn to the Being Green chapter to find out more about sustainable choices at home.
Supporting Local Business & Industry
Incorporating locally sourced materials and working with local businesses not only supports the Cayman Islands economy but also enriches your home improvement project with authentic island character.
www.designstudio.ky info@designstudio.ky
Benefits of Supporting Local Businesses
> Economic Impact Buying locally helps stimulate the local economy by supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs. This keeps more money circulating within the community and contributes to job creation.
> Unique Products Local artisans and craftsmen offer unique products that reflect the culture and traditions of the Islands. These distinctive items can add a special touch to your home that mass-produced products cannot.
> Environmental Benefits Sourcing materials locally reduces the carbon footprint associated with transporting goods over long distances. This helps to minimise the environmental impact and supports sustainable practices.
> Faster Turnaround Working with local suppliers and contractors often results in faster turnaround times, as there are fewer delays associated with shipping and logistics.
How to Support Local Businesses
> Choose Local Suppliers: Whenever possible, source materials from local suppliers who are familiar with the environmental conditions of the Cayman Islands and can recommend the best options for your project.
> Engage Local Artisans: Incorporate handmade items created by local artisans into your design. Whether it's custom furniture, artwork or textiles, these items add a unique and personal touch to your home.
> Hire Local Contractors: Work with local tradespeople who understand the specific challenges of construction in the Cayman Islands. Their expertise and familiarity with local regulations can streamline the building process.
> Hire Local Designers: Employ the services of local interior designers who have an understanding of the Islands' style and environmental conditions. They can craft a home that is stylish and suitable for the local climate.
PASSIONATE ABOUT DESIGN
> Participate in Local Markets and
Events:
Visit local markets, shops and home shows to discover new products and connect with local businesses. These events are excellent opportunities to find unique items and support the local economy.
BUILDING A FUTURE-PROOF HOME
Home improvement in the Cayman Islands is an opportunity to create a living space that reflects your personal style while respecting the unique characteristics of our environment. By working with the right team and making informed choices, you can achieve a successful project that stands the test of time.
Remember that the key to a successful home improvement project lies in careful planning, clear communication and collaboration with skilled professionals. As you embark on this exciting journey, take the time to explore your options, set realistic expectations and prioritise quality and sustainability. In doing so, you’ll not only enhance your home but also contribute to the beauty and resilience of the Cayman Islands.
CONSTRUCTION & RENOVATIONS
If your renovation project requires any structural, framing, demolition or remodelling work, then you may want to consider employing a construction manager. An experienced construction manager will be able to offer advice on how to improve the layout of a room or home and make the most of a space. They will also be able to advise on the best materials for your project in terms of both sustainability and ongoing maintenance to ensure that the renovation lasts and retains its value.
For a complete list of construction management companies, see the Building in Cayman chapter.
Encompass Ltd
The Strand, West Bay Road
Tel: (345) 326 4562
Email: tkline@encompasscayman.com
www.encompasscayman.com
Renovation services include complete home makeovers, outdoor living improvements, residential additions, roof replacements, structural repairs and commercial space buildouts. SEE AD PAGE 249
Ironshore Contracting Ltd.
Tel: (345) 324 1100
Email: dale@ironshore.ky
www.ironshore.ky
With over two decades of experience, Ironshore Contracting Ltd is the go-to team for all your renovation needs. Unlike other general contractors, Ironshore Contracting Ltd specialises solely in renovations, making them the experts in transforming spaces into beautiful, functional areas. Whether you're wanting your entire home remodelled or just a kitchen or bathroom, Ironshore’s experienced team ensure each project is completed with precision and attention to detail, resulting in stunning transformations that meet client expectations. SEE AD PAGE 251
INTERIOR DESIGNERS
Hiring an interior designer doesn’t have to be an expensive luxury. More often than not, a good interior designer will save you money in the long run, especially if you are new to decorating and renovating.
While you may think you know your likes and dislikes, an educated, skilled designer knows what questions to ask and what to look for in a client’s life story to glean details about personal tastes that can be used to create your dream. Designers also have close working relationships with subcontractors in Cayman. They will know who is right for your project and who will offer the best value for your money. They can coordinate deliveries and budget accurately for shipping, duty and other miscellaneous costs so there are no surprises. Also, a designer will know which vendors are the most reliable.
A designer can help you choose correctly proportioned furniture for your space. This is particularly important when ordering
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Whether you ' re a homeowner upgrading your space, a contractor working on a deadline, or an interior designer with a vision, Paramount has what you need on time, on trend, and on budget
furniture from overseas that cannot be easily returned. Some architectural firms also have in-house interior designers, as do several construction companies.
Anna Hislop Home
4 Printer Way, George Town
Tel: (345) 949 5556
www.annahislophome.com
Offers an array of indoor and outdoor furniture, rugs, decorative lighting, artwork, kitchenware and gifts.
Chalmers Gibbs Architects
Residential: daniel.oregan@chalmersgibbs.ky
Tel: (345) 949 2727 ext. 1002
Commercial: stacey.dorush@chalmersgibbs.ky
Tel: (345) 949 2727 ext. 1006
www.chalmersgibbs.ky
As a part of a multidisciplinary architectural practice, their team of interior specialists provide services in corporate, hospitality, institutional, commercial and custom residential design, both in new build and
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DDL Studio Ltd.
2nd Floor, Buckingham Square, West Bay Road
Tel: (345) 945 3622
Email: info@ddlstudio.com
www.ddlstudio.com
DDL Studio Ltd. has a full complement of registered professional interior designers committed to redefining spaces with their comprehensive expertise. Specialising in various sectors like commercial, residential and hospitality, their goal is to infuse innovation and creativity into every project. SEE AD PAGE 259
Design Studio
Unit 18A, 48 Market Street, Camana Bay Tel: (345) 945 4977
Email: info@designstudio.ky
www.designstudio.ky
Design Studio is an award-winning interior design firm with locations in both Turks and Caicos and the Cayman Islands. Their scope of services include residential and commercial design, with retail showrooms offering furnishings and accessories, as well as resources for custom orders from a wide array
Interior Design Group (IDG)
Showroom: 7 Mile Shops, 215 West Bay Road
Furniture Warehouse: 119 Dorcy Drive, GT Tel: (345) 745 4315
Email: design@idgcayman.com www.idgcayman.com
Creating interiors with a sense of character that are not only beautiful but liveable for their clients has been IDG's motivation for the past two decades. As Cayman's Design Exemplar, their highly skilled creatives bring years of expertise and unparalleled value to their projects. Their showroom is open Mon-Fri 10am-5pm, and their Furniture Warehouse is open by appointment only.
SEE AD INSIDE FRONT COVER
Label C
108 Bismarckia Way, Camana Bay Tel: (345) 546 1880
Email: hello@labelcdesigns.com www.labelcdesigns.com
Label C is an interior design studio that
specialises in luxury residential projects and boutique-style commercial spaces. Services include interior design, custom kitchens and bathrooms, and décor
LIVING.KY
48 MacLendon Drive, George Town Tel: (345) 233 8700
Email: info@living.ky www.living.ky
LIVING.KY offers a complimentary interior design service as part of their custom furniture packages. Their team of on-site design experts will develop digital floor plans and product visualisations to help you create your ideal space. SEE AD PAGE 10, 125, 233 & 253
MJM Design Studio
62 Forum Lane, Camana Bay Tel: (345) 743 4656
Email: info@mjmdesignstudio.com www.mjmdesignstudio.com
INDOOR IMPROVEMENTS
Kitchens
Kitchens are an important feature of the home. A property with an old, dated kitchen is usually harder to sell and may even decrease the property’s overall value. Even if you do not plan on selling your home, modern kitchens are more functional than old-fashioned ones.
As the kitchen is often the heart of the home, the trend of a ‘social kitchen’, characterised by an open-plan floor and a large kitchen island, continues. If a complete remodel isn’t in your budget, consider improvements, such as a new countertop, tiling or backsplash, for an easier and less costly facelift.
A neutral colour palette continues to be the colour of choice for contemporary kitchens. They can brighten up the room, make it appear larger and will also suit most people’s tastes should you decide to sell. If you find neutrals a bit flat, then you can always add splashes of colour with accessories such as brightly coloured dishware or colourful light fixtures.
The options for counter surfaces include marble, concrete, quartz, stainless steel and
wood, which can all create a stunning effect. Using green products like reclaimed wood, recycled glass or handmade products is very popular and kinder to the environment when compared to some mass-produced products. See the Cabinets & Countertops section in this chapter for more information. Read on for a list of kitchen and bathroom renovations providers.
Bathrooms
Although functional in purpose, bathrooms also hold potential for creative design. Concrete sinks, rain showers, walk-in showers, wall-mounted toilets and faucets, and freestanding baths are all 'en vogue' and can be designed to reflect your home’s personal aesthetic as well as needs.
Bringing elements of the outdoors into the bathroom is a big trend, with wood and stone proving the most popular, along with using a colour palette of neutrals and earthy tones.
Accessories, such as mirrors, lighting, and even smaller ornamental changes like knobs and handles, can really transform a space and be a less costly alternative to a structural remodel.
Bathroom & Kitchen Improvements
The following companies can provide you with hardware and appliances for both your bathroom and your kitchen.
A. L. Thompson’s
189 North Sound Road, George Town Tel: (345) 949 8622
Email: info@althompson.com www.althompson.com
A. L. Thompson’s houses a large bath and kitchen gallery. They stock a wide selection of fixtures, fittings and appliances, with brands that include Kohler, Delta, Brizo, Decolav, Kallista, Rubinet, Dornbracht, Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Avanti, Sub-Zero and Wolf.
SEE AD PAGE 227, 234, 244, 247 & 294
Encompass Ltd.
The Strand, West Bay Road Tel: (345) 326 4562
Email: tkline@encompasscayman.com or
www.encompasscayman.com
Renovation services include complete home makeovers, outdoor living improvements, residential additions, roof replacements, structural repairs and commercial space buildouts. SEE AD PAGE 249
Label C
108 Bismarckia Way, Camana Bay
Tel: (345) 546 1880
Email: hello@labelcdesigns.com www.labelcdesigns.com
LIVING.KY
48 MacLendon Drive, George Town
Tel: (345) 233 8700
Email: info@living.ky
www.living.ky
Bring your bathroom and kitchen spaces to life with LIVING.KY’s full line of European cabinetry, wide range of lighting, mirrors, kitchenware, accents and more. Shop by brand or room. Services include home makeovers, specialised interior design services and more.
SEE AD PAGE 10, 125, 233 & 253
Eliminates Etching and Staining
Brings out the natural beauty in stone Easily cleaned and maintained
TuffSkin solves the marble etching and staining challenges that are inherent with the use of beautiful marble countertops.
TuffSkin does what traditional stone sealers have never been able to achieve:
• Prevents Etching
• Prevents Staining
• Prevents Stone from Scratching
• Heat Resistant
• Chemical and Odor Free
• Removable & Replaceable
TuffSkin works perfect in the following locations: Residential • Hospitality • Commercial • Restaurant and Bar
Match the finish of your surface with our TuffSkin Gloss, TuffSkin Satin, or our TuffSkin Matte for a cleaner, safer stone top.
Robert Wood Furniture & Interiors
25 Cayman Centre, Owen Roberts Drive, GT
Tel: (345) 949 7765
Email: info@robertwoodky.com www.robertwoodky.com
Cabinets
& Countertops
The Marble Guys Ltd.
Tel: (345) 936 8550
Email: themarbleguys@yahoo.com www.themarbleguys.ky
With over 40 years of experience in the stone industry, renowned for their polished expertise, Marble Guys undertake a wide range of projects—from residential homes to large corporate buildings, delivering consistent excellence and meticulous attention to detail on every assignment. They are committed to exceeding the expectations of both clients and contractors. Most recently, they have introduced Tuffskin to the island, an innovative surface protection solution designed for all countertop surfaces. SE E AD PAGE 239
Martlet Design Ltd.
59 Merrendale Drive, George Town
Tel: (345) 916 7583
Email: john@martletdesign.com www.martletdesign.com
Pooley Cabinets Design Studio
17 Marina Drive, Prospect
Tel: (345) 947 6780
Email: info@pooleycabinets.com www.pooleycabinets.com
Pooley Cabinets has provided quality cabinetry to clients in Cayman for over 35 years. Whether you are building your dream home or renovating your existing kitchen, Pooley Cabinets delivers the highest standard of design and installation. They offer innovative products, ranging from traditional to contemporary, professional design, expert installation and exceptional service. SEE AD PAGE 236
Doors & Windows
Opt for the best windows you can afford to help keep the cool air in and the hot sun out. You will also need to consider
hurricane shutters, particularly if you do not have hurricane-rated windows.
A. L. Thompson’s
189 North Sound Road, George Town
Tel: (345) 949 8622
Email: info@althompson.com www.althompson.com
A. L. Thompson’s specialises in PGT windows and doors. SEE AD PAGE 227, 234, 244, 247 & 294
Apex Group Cayman
Godfrey Nixon Way, George Town
Tel: (345) 945 6229
Email: info@apexgroup.ky www.apexgroup.ky
Apex supplies a wide selection of protective solutions for commercial and residential properties in the Cayman Islands. They offer an assembly of experts who understand that your doors and windows can be the best line of defence against harsh weather and crime for your home or business. SEE AD PAGE 260
Designer Windows and Doors Ltd.
Walk, Grand Cayman | www.hometailor.ky | info@hometailor.ky
Designer Windows and Doors' supply and installation team have years of experience installing hurricane-rated building products with several manufacturer options and finishes. Their products include Dade County hurricanerated, leak-free windows, doors and shutters, and they offer a superior level of service to
SEE AD PAGE 264
Tel: (345) 949 2521
Marksons Furniture
19 Compass Drive, George Town Tel: (345) 949 6233
Email: arwashburn@marksons.ky www.marksons.ky
Marksons offers a selection of window treatments that accommodate your needs with a touch of style.
Tomlinson Furniture Custom Blinds
9 Walkers Road, George Town
Tel: (345) 949 5383
Email: admin@tomlinsonfurniture.ky
www.tomlinsonfurniture.ky
Tomlinson Furniture offers affordable custom window treatments for residential and commercial needs, ranging from indoor plantation shutters to motorized roller-shades, blackouts, wood blinds and more. They do free at-home consultations to take measurements and ensure the perfect selection. They also do the installation. Each of their window treatment installations comes with a 10-year warranty.
SEE AD PAGE 297
Flooring, Tile s & Carpets
The right flooring sets the design tone of your entire home and can guarantee a higher return on your investment when the time comes to sell. Some flooring trends include:
> COVERLAM allows the residential and commercial property developer the opportunity to have unusually large panels of porcelain tiles, ranging from 3ft wide to 11ft tall and 5.6mm thick. It gives the interior and exterior a unique look and feel.
> Wood Look Porcelain is here to stay, and the industry manages to make tile look more like authentic wood year after year.
> Luxury Vinyl Plank is a popular option due to its durability and green credentials. These planks give the appearance of real wood without the bother of maintaining it. It’s a great option for children’s rooms as it is easy to clean, gentler underfoot than tile and some options are even waterproof.
> Paver-Style Flooring has become a top choice for outdoor living spaces. Large, sturdy slabs of porcelain can be laid directly on compacted sand or installed on concrete to create a wonderfully uniform look.
A well-established family operation, Edie’s offers an exceptional range of flooring products. Porcelain, granite and marble tiles, COVERLAM, mosaics, luxury vinyl and carpets are all available. SEE AD PAGE 231
ITC
Edie’s
64 Eastern Avenue, George Town
Tel: (345) 949 6348
Email: info@edies.ky
www.edies.ky
Kozaily Center, 30 Ashgo Street, George Town
Tel: (345) 945 3798
Email: joey@itctile.net
Ledger & Looms
25 Galleria Plaza, West Bay Road
Tel: (345) 943 7847
Email: guru@ledgerandlooms.com
www.ledgerandlooms.com
Cayman Island’s premium supplier of quality handmade rugs offers a huge range of traditional and contemporary designs. They also sell hand-crafted accessories and home furnishings sourced on their annual buying trips, including cushion covers, woven baskets, upholstered furniture, table lamps, pendant lighting, Turkish towels, throws and robes. They have something for everyone — even custom orders, to make sure you get that perfect rug or accessory for your home.
SEE AD THIS PAGE
Paramount Carpets
317 North Sound Road, George Town
Tel: (345) 949 5000
Email: info@paramountcarpets.ky
www.paramountcarpets.ky
As a full-service flooring contractor, Paramount specialises in superior tile, carpet and flooring installations backed by comprehensive project management from material specification through to final installation and ongoing maintenance. Their extensive product portfolio encompasses commercial-grade carpeting, resilient flooring systems, decorative tiles and professional installation tools. With a commitment to exceeding client expectations, they deliver turnkey flooring solutions that combine technical expertise, premium materials and meticulous craftsmanship for commercial, institutional and high-end residential applications. SEE AD PAGE 237
Furniture Stores
There are various dedicated furniture stores on-Island helping you to furnish your dream home. Uncle Bill’s ( SEE AD PAGE 238 ) carries a selection of goods to furnish every room in your home. From bookcases and storage units to accent chairs and beds, you will find all your furniture and home renovation needs, including bath and plumbing, paint supplies, power tools and more. Ashley Furniture, located at 360 Dorcy Drive, offers a wide selection of styles at low prices to make it easy to create a home you will love to live in. They have a large selection of living, dining, bedroom and outdoor furniture options, as well as home décor and accessories to personalise your space. They offer a large inventory of in stock furniture and accessories, free delivery and set up. In addition to IDG's ( SEE AD INSIDE FRONT COVER ) award-winning design services, the company operates a brick-and-mortar showroom and online boutique featuring a collection of hand selected, timeless, yet forward-looking
furnishings and products that are appealing to discerning customers. Their showroom is open Monday-Friday 10am-5pm, and their Furniture Warehouse is open by appointment only Design Studio (SEE AD PAGE 235) in Camana Bay features an inspiring variety of furniture and accessories for your bedroom, bathroom, home and at-home office. They also stock a range of outdoor items to enhance your garden space. LIVING.KY (SEE AD PAGE 10, 125, 233 & 253) stocks a wide variety of furniture for your home and office, including coffee tables, storage and shelving, entertainment units, chairs, sofas and more. They also stock outdoor furniture, including fun things like hanging benches and swivel chairs. Brands include Ethnicraft, EQ3, Four Hands, Adriana Hoyos and Surya to name a few. Marksons Furniture has a dedicated showroom featuring a variety of items, including sectionals, dining room sets, bedroom furniture, mattresses, accessories, area rugs and tables.
For bedroom essentials, as well as
THE DIFFERENCE THAT SUPERIOR SOUND, SEAMLESS TECHNOLOGY, AND THOUGHTFUL DESIGN CAN MAKE IN YOUR
Audiophile is Cayman's premier provider of advanced home automation, consumer electronics, custom cinemas, and professional audio solutions. With such prestigious brands as Lutron, McIntosh, Bowers & Wilkins, and Bang & Olufsen, we specialize in creating personalized experiences, meticulous installations, and exceptional service.
Serving residential and commercial clients, our showroom features immersive audio setups and is home to Cayman's only dedicated record store. Our comprehensive offerings also include acoustic treatments, lighting control solutions, motorized blinds, and fully integrated smart-home technology from industry leaders Control4 and Savant.
If you're ready to elevate your lifestyle, book your personalized consultation today.
interior furnishings, Tomlinson Furniture & The Mattress Gallery (SEE AD PAGE 297) on Walkers Road in George Town offers a huge variety of brands for you to choose from. The Welcome Baby section in Tomlinson Furniture also provides a wide selection of furniture and furnishings to add to your little ones' space. For children’s furniture, Bedside Manor offers newborn equipment, including cots, playmats and more. Refer to the Furniture section in the Shopping chapter for more of Cayman’s retailers that sell furniture and accessories.
Curtains, Draperies & Blinds
Although often taking a backseat to other design changes, choosing the right window dressing complements the overall style of a room. Design consistency aside, they also provide privacy and keep your home cool during Cayman’s hot summer months.
Edie’s
64 Eastern Avenue, George Town Tel: (345) 949 6348
Email: info@edies.ky www.edies.ky
Edie’s supplies custom-made blinds and shutters, as well as draperies and curtains which are made-to-order in their professional drapery workroom. They also offer upholstery services. Contact them to schedule a consultation. SEE AD PAGE 231
Home Tailor
Email: info@hometailor.ky www.hometailor.ky
Home Tailor specialises in window treatments, offering products such as drapery, sheer curtains, blinds, and wood or faux wood blinds. The company offers comprehensive measurement, design, and professional installation services to ensure a seamless client experience. They deliver a complete home experience with wallpaper, upholstery fabrics, and artwork. At their Harbour Walk location, explore tailored bed sheets, decorative pillows, and additional options to elevate your home, delivering a complete, personalised experience. Request a consultation at www.hometailor. ky/contact. SEE AD PAGE 240
Home Automation & Electronics
You can now turn your home into a smart home with the capability to link all your devices, control air conditioning, secure the house and adjust lighting via your smartphone or tablet. The following companies provide installation services:
345AV Ltd.
36 Ashgo Street, George Town Tel: (345) 927 7753 www.345av.net
Audiophile
38 Market Street, Camana Bay Tel: (345) 746 4434
Email: info@theaudiophilegroup.ky www. theaudiophilegroup.ky
Audiophile brings world-class innovation to Cayman's residences, specialising in advanced home automation, sophisticated consumer electronics, custom cinemas and premium audio solutions. Representing elite brands such as Savant, Lutron, Bang & Olufsen, and McIntosh, Audiophile provides thoughtfully designed, meticulously installed systems tailored precisely to each client's unique lifestyle. Discover personalised service and enduring quality at Audiophile. SEE AD OPPOSITE PAGE
Connect Ltd.
175 Governor's Way, West Bay Tel: (345) 749 9000
WhatsApp: (345) 939 1978
Email: info@connectcayman.com www.connectcayman.com
Enhance your lifestyle with Connect and request a free consultation on anything from a new TV, to bespoke solutions for your home or business. They offer smart home systems, WiFi enhancement, audio/visual, window treatments, automated lighting and much more. With brands such as Control4, Lutron, Savant, Sonos, Ring, Samsung and Hunter Douglas their residential and commercial solutions help transform your space for maximum ease and comfort. SEE AD THIS PAGE
Tel: (345) 946 8324
Email: info@creativetechltd.com www.creativetechltd.com
Home Security Systems & Monitoring
A home security system, which monitors the smoke detectors and whether any doors or windows have been opened, is helpful for peace of mind. See the Running Your Home chapter for more.
Island Electronics
90 Godfrey Nixon Way, George Town
Tel: (345) 949 8255
Email: info@ielgroup.com www.ielgroup.com
SEE AD PAGE 190
The Security Centre Ltd.
Cayman Technology Centre, 115 Printer Way, GT
Tel: (345) 949 0004
Email: info@security.ky www.security.ky
CONNECT
Creative Tech
Shop 6 Bay Town Plaza, West Bay Road,
Colours & Painting
Choosing the right paint colour for a room can really transform its look. You can use your wall colour to anchor trendy changeable pieces in your room. Pantone’s 2025 colour of the year, ‘Mocha Mousse’, is a warming, rich tone that suggests indulgence and pleasure.
Cayman Coating
96 Portland Road, Industrial Park, George Town Tel: (345) 949 2920
The Paint Studio at ACE
11 Ashgo Street, George Town Tel: (345) 949 4223
Email: info@acecayman.com www.acecayman.com/the-paint-studio
Accessories
A rug, the perfect lamp, throw cushions and wall décor are the finishing touches that pull a home together while injecting some personality into a space.
> Pops of Colour are a low-maintenance
way to liven up a room. If you’re not ready to commit to a coat of paint, consider introducing your colour of choice with easy-to-change finishes, such as drawer handles, rugs, cushions and curtains.
> Retro Accents add charm and character to modern spaces. Bespoke vintage décor can be sourced online, or for a more budget-friendly option, try browsing local consignment shops for unique second-hand pieces.
> Playing with Textures is a great way to elevate soft furnishings and introduce a few stand-out pieces in your home. Look for fabric textures, such as crisp and clean linen throw pillows, and then contrast that with more rugged rattan and macramé finishes.
Spray Foam Insulation
Spray foam insulation is well regarded for not sagging or slipping and creates a complete seal, keeping heat and moisture out of buildings. It has also been proven to help keep roofs
attached in the event of a hurricane.
Foam Pros
111A Cannon Place, 294 North Sound Road, Industrial Park, George Town Tel: (345) 746 7767
Email: info@foampros.ky www.thepros.ky
Foam Pros helps Cayman homeowners create cooler, quieter and more resilient spaces. They provide spray foam insulation, spray cork insulation, thermal cork paint and spray-applied waterproofing coatings—protecting your roof and walls from the inside or outside. These advanced solutions boost energy efficiency to help reduce electricity bills, improve yearround comfort, enhance indoor air quality, provide soundproofing and add an extra layer of hurricane protection by strengthening and sealing your home against the elements. Sister company to Cooling Pros and Appliance Pros.
SEE AD PAGE 17
Storage & Organising Solutions
Basic wire racking for shelves can be
bought from any home centre on Island.
The following businesses also provide storage solutions:
Custom Closets
209 Dorcy Drive, Industrial Park, George Town
Tel: (345) 623 5000 ext. 225
Email: closets@brandsourcecayman.com
Storage Solutions
Tel: (345) 525 2647
Upholstery Services
If you have a piece of furniture in your home that is a bit worn, consider having it reupholstered. It’s cheaper than buying a brand-new piece and it's better for the environment.
Edie’s
64 Eastern Avenue, George Town
Tel: (345) 949 6348
Email: info@edies.ky www.edies.ky
Complete upholstery services for sofas, chairs, headboards and more, in addition to decorative accessories like custom throw pillows and bedding. They also stock and special-order fabrics. SEE AD PAGE 231
Maintenance & Repairs
The following companies can help when you need maintenance or repairs on your household appliances or interiors. See the Running Your Home chapter for more information.
The Appliance Guru
68 Sleepy Hollow Drive, Industrial Drive, GT Tel: (345) 516 0090
Email: service@theguru.ky
The Appliance Guru can install, maintain and restore appliances in homes and commercial properties.
FEDA Maintenance Services
North Side, Grand Cayman
Tel: (345) 329 1334 or (345) 924 0819
Email: info@fedaservices.com www.fedaservices.com
FEDA stands for Fast, Efficient, Dependable
and Affordable service, which they pride themselves on providing to their customers. FEDA offers a wide range of contracting services, including air conditioning, electrical, plumbing, appliance repair, painting, general maintenance and more for residential and commercial properties. Since opening their doors in Grand Cayman, FEDA Maintenance Services has been fully dedicated to client satisfaction. SEE AD PAGE 194
OUTDOOR
Landscape Gardeners
An experienced landscape gardener will approach each garden on an individual basis and will create a detailed design based on your needs.
If you are new to landscaping, there’s a danger that you could purchase a lot of plants and accessories that don’t work together, let alone survive in the Cayman sun! A landscape gardener will understand
ST0N::S
Sticks & Stones Home Collection has been providing the Cayman Islands with unique & eclectic home furnishings and design for over two decades. We are the exclusive supplier of Rowe & Robin Bruce upholstered furniture. Our showroom located on The Grand Pavilion Courtyard showcases a wide selection of our offerings that may always be custom-tailored to your home.
www.sticksandstones.ky
sales@sticksandstones.ky 1345-947-8663 landline 1345-526-8663 whatsapp
which plants work best with your property’s terrain and conditions. They will also know what plants are the most durable, which shrubs or trees can provide good shade and increase your privacy, plus advise on long term garden maintenance.
See the Running Your Home chapter for more information on maintaining your garden, planting trees and plants, and landscaping.
CG Landscape Architecture
Tel: (345) 949 2727 ext. 1013
Email: kelsey.vitullo@chalmersgibbs.ky
Offers professional landscape architecture services. Their designer's holistic design solutions blend culture and ecology to create functional and beautiful environments.
SEE AD PAGE 256 & 258
Eighty One West
Shamrock Road, Prospect
Tel: (345) 928 8442
Email: info@81west.ky
A nursery and design shop. Their team can help plan your next landscape project.
Paradise Landscaping
Tel: (345) 547 1530
Email: info@paradise.ky
www.paradise.ky
Specialises in residential and commercial landscape design and maintenance services, including irrigation, lighting and hardscapes.
Power Flower
31 Orchard Lane, Off Crewe Road, George Town
Tel: (345) 949 2256 (office) or (345) 321 0308
Email: office@powerflower.ky
www.powerflower.ky
Specialising in the fine art of balance in landscape design, Power Flower considers your needs, style and budget when designing your ideal garden. SEE AD THIS PAGE
Vigoro Nursery & Landscaping
> 96 Agricola Drive, Lower Valley
> 324 Walkers Road, George Town
Tel: (345) 949 4270 or (345) 945 5236
Email: tom.balon@vigoro.ky or craig.stewart@vigoro.ky
www.vigoro.ky
Instagram: @vigoro_cayman
Facebook: @VigoroCayman
Vigoro has been providing landscaping services in Cayman for 50 years. Their services include all areas of gardening and landscaping, including design, maintenance, construction, irrigation, stone/hardscape, water features, misters, lighting and artificial lawns. Their team of nearly 100 staff have years of experience.
Outdoor Living Areas
Outdoor features and amenities, such as kitchens, decking, fire pits and outdoor fireplaces, garden art, and water features, can elevate your outdoor living experience and add significant value to your home. The following companies can help source what you are looking for:
Iberica Materials
The Grove, 1358 West Bay Road, SMB
Tel: (345) 938 0994
Email: info@ibericamaterials.com www.ibericamaterials.com
LIVING.KY
48 MacLendon Drive, George Town
Tel: (345) 233 8700
Email: info@living.ky
www.living.ky
LIVING.KY stocks a wide range of outdoor accessories and furniture. Browse through brands and items online or in-store and curate your ideal space with the help of one of their on-site design experts and complimentary interior design services.
SEE AD PAGE 10, 125, 233 & 253
Sticks & Stones
Grand Pavilion, 802 West Bay Road, SMB
Tel: (345) 947 8663
Email: sales@sticksandstones.ky
www.sticksandstones.ky
Offers a range of teak and rattan outdoor furniture and garden art. SEE AD PAGE 245
Stoneman Products Supply
Sleepy Hollow Drive, George Town Tel: (345) 926 0469
Email: info@stonemansupply.com
Produces and installs a range of products right here in Cayman. Visit their display area on Sleepy Hollow Drive.
The Outdoors
A. L. Thompson’s, 189 North Sound Road, GT Tel: (345) 949 8622
Email: info@althompson.com
www.althompson.com
A major department of A. L. Thompson’s, the 30,000sq ft ‘Outdoors’ carries one of the widest selections of outdoor goods in Cayman. They sell sheds, decking, pots, lawn ornaments, patio furniture, camping equipment, outdoor grills, smokers and a whole lot more.
SEE AD OPPOSITE PAGE, 227, 234, 244 & 294
Uncle Bill’s
343 Eastern Avenue, George Town Tel: (345) 949 7601
www.unclebills.ky
Uncle Bill’s Home Improvement Centre offers everything from landscaping, sheds and pest control to plant pots, patio furniture, grills and BBQs. Whether you are looking to add a little colour to your garden with tiki torches and
planters, or redesign your space by adding lounge furniture and garden storage, you’ll find what you need at Uncle Bill’s. SEE AD PAGE 238
SWIMMING POOLS
A pool will add significantly to your electricity bill and, potentially, your water bill. For tips on energy-efficient pools, refer to the Being Green chapter.
Swimming Pool Trends
> Zero Entries create a beach-style entry into the pool. The entryway slopes into the pool as if you’re walking into the sea. The shallow area is a great spot to let supervised children play.
> Plunge Pools are perfect for a smaller outdoor space and a swim jet can allow you to swim laps against a current.
> Infinity Edge Pools have a visual effect of the water extending to the horizon and are particularly impressive where the infinity edge appears to merge with the ocean or canal.
> Swim-up Bars with submerged seating are a common resort-style feature and offer a great way to entertain guests and also stay cool.
> Acrylic Wall Pools are rare due to cost, but can massively differentiate a property, and add a distinct luxury feel to your outdoor area.
> Perimeter Overflow Pools are an evolution of the infinity pool where the water constantly flows over the edge of the pool. The water runs into a hidden catch basin and is then re-circulated into the pool.
Pool Safety Tips
Every homeowner with a pool should follow these basic safety tips to keep themselves and their family safe:
> Always supervise children when they are in or near a pool and ensure that those in a supervisory role are good swimmers.
> Make sure everyone in your family learns to swim, including nannies and caregivers. See page 468 for a list of swimming courses for both adults and children.
> Secure your pool with barriers.
> Install and use a lockable safety cover.
> Install pool and gate alarms to alert you when children go near the water.
> Keep life vests and an emergency flotation device near the pool.
> Everyone in the family should learn how to perform CPR and do basic water rescue training. There are various organisations that offer certification programmes. See page 391 for more information.
> Keep your pool clean and maintain proper chemical levels to minimise the risk of ear infections and rashes.
The following companies can install and maintain your swimming pool:
Oasis
Harbour Walk Offices (OS16, 2nd floor), Harbour Walk, Grand Harbour
Tel: (345) 945 7665
Email: info@oasis.ky
www.oasis.ky
Oasis specialises in creating luxurious outdoor living spaces. From design to completion, they are dedicated to bringing your vision to life,
whether it's a custom pool, a sophisticated patio, a stylish cabana or an outdoor kitchen. Oasis also excels in renovating existing pools and patios, transforming them into stunning retreats. SEE AD PAGE 199
Pools Cayman
Tel: (345) 324 6547
Email: amar@poolscayman.ky
www.facebook.com/poolscayman
Pools Cayman has over 20 years' experience designing and constructing pools and stylish outdoor living spaces, with high quality servicing and maintenance. Services include stunning water features, tiling, lighting, stonework and renovations. SEE AD PAGE 198
Pool Patrol
North Sound Plaza, George Town
Tel: (345) 949 8543
Email: pools@poolpatrol.ky
www.poolpatrol.ky
Stocks pool pumps, outdoor showers and hot tubs. Services include weekly cleaning, water testing and repairs.
Cayman Building in
Construction
on the island continues apace, but with our everrising population, demand continues to outweigh supply, especially in the West Bay to Grand Harbour areas. This lack of supply—of both inventory and development land—is also steadily increasing value. Build costs also continue to increase, affecting the viability of new developments. In May 2024, BCQS reported a circa 8.5% annual increase in the cost of construction for Cayman, with developers pulling out of projects due to these rapidly increasing costs. Local banks are generally reporting an overall slowdown in construction finance, especially for larger projects over CI$1 million, since the end of 2023.
However, due to the relatively low number of purchasers requiring financing to buy property in Cayman, when compared to the global average, the effect of the economic downturn does not affect the real estate market as much as other markets. And despite the current high costs of development, we are still seeing the introduction of new, largescale projects. West Bay has seen a boom in construction in recent years due to high demand for areas close to town without the traffic of areas such as Prospect and Savannah. This boom in construction is, however, met with real concern about our growing population and the correlating rise in demand for new developments, and what impact these developments will have on traffic and the environment. The existing development plan has recently been judged as outdated and in serious need of revision, so a new plan is currently in progress. A careful approach to planning policy is required to ensure the islands can sustain their recent growth.
Photos courtesy of Julie Corsetti and John Doak Architecture
What You Need to Know
The Cayman Islands have long been a dream destination for people seeking sun, sea and a sophisticated lifestyle. But for many, the dream goes beyond vacationing. It’s about putting down roots or investing in something that lasts. Whether you’re planning to build your dream home, a luxury villa or a commercial venture, building in Cayman comes with new possibilities, but also new considerations.
The Importance of a Feasibility Study
Before you break ground or even begin designing, it’s critical to understand the financial landscape of your project. Conducting a feasibility study goes beyond basic estimates. It allows you to measure your ‘dream’ against the total investment, factoring in everything from land costs and mortgage interest to long-term value and potential financial returns on your outlay. With rising construction costs
Cayman Islands, this analysis is more essential than ever.
Therefore, working with reputable local professionals early on is invaluable. Quantity surveyors, architects, engineers and development managers can cut red tape, soil challenges, or design elements that might clash with building regulations or climate resilience standards. Consulting these experts early in the process can help you identify red flags, avoid delays and, ultimately, save money. It’s the foundation of a successful build.
Location
Yes, proximity to schools, shops and the beach matters but Cayman’s geography and development outlook require deeper due diligence. With a quick check of the zoning map on the Central Planning Authority website (www.planning.ky/cpa), you can find out whether your dream plot is in a residential, mixed-use or conservation zone. Although you should be able to obtain this
architect, a little due diligence may reveal a lot.
You’ll also want to explore whether new roads, commercial developments or environmental regulations are being planned nearby. And don’t underestimate the impact of afternoon sun or flood zones. These aren’t just design details—they can affect comfort, insurance costs and even long-term resale value.
Soil Testing
Many older plots built on reclaimed land have marl fill placed over original peat material to bring up the elevation. This peat layer may be a mixture of sand, rocks and organic solids unsuitable for supporting the weight of a building, which could result in major extra costs. A geotechnical engineer can run tests for a modest fee to allow some cost planning for foundations before you buy your lot. Often, the engineer’s local knowledge will be sufficient to predict general soil conditions. If poor soil
Proud to serve the Cayman Islands as a premier remodel contractor since 2000.
Cost Planning
All too often, rough area construction costs ($ per sq ft) are used for budgeting in place of realistic assessments of probable development costs. Fooling yourself that a building will cost $x/sq ft multiplied by an approximate area is usually a recipe for disappointment or frustration later in the process. A quantity surveyor can provide you with a detailed breakdown of actual costs to expect, including:
> Soft Costs Building permits (e.g. planning permission and infrastructure fees); stamp duty; licences; professional fees (e.g. architect, engineer and surveyor); and legal fees and utility connection deposits must be carefully factored into your overall costs. For commercial property promotion, marketing and financing costs must also be considered. For rental properties, initial period vacancy rates are estimated to predict the cost of holding unleased space.
> Hard Costs Land and construction costs, including normal contractor costs
(e.g. overhead, profit and supervision); landscaping; major appliances; and site furnishings.
> Green Premiums Solar arrays, battery storage, insulation, and sustainable materials. Sustainable materials and systems may cost more upfront but offer savings and value retention over time.
Work with a quantity surveyor to develop a cash flow forecast. This is especially important when approaching lenders or preparing for phased construction. They’ll also help you understand when and where to splurge or save.
Timeline: Plan for the Long Haul
From the first planning meeting to final inspections, building in Cayman takes time. A period of up to several years may be required for a large residence or for commercial projects. Permitting delays, contractor availability, hurricane season, and global shipping hiccups all play a part. When projects are geared towards
completion for a specific date, planning can become critical, e.g. a homeowner entertaining visitors from abroad, a store owner aiming for a holiday retail season or a company gearing their move-in date around an annual business cycle, all need to plan for the unexpected or even the unthinkable.
If you’re targeting a move-in by high season or a grand opening before the holidays, build in extra time (and patience!). The more proactive your planning, the less stressful the journey.
The Value of Professionals
While DIY planning might seem costeffective, a lack of expertise can cause expensive construction errors and delays. In 2026, building documentation and code compliance are more complex than ever. Working with architects, engineers and interior designers (typically 10–15% of the project cost) delivers long-term value, quality assurance and fewer surprises along the way. Well-prepared drawings also make it easier to obtain financing, permits and accurate contractor quotes.
Planning Permission & Process
Before you undertake any construction, do any major alterations, change the use of a property, perform an excavation or do any substantial site works, you must get planning permission.
In Grand Cayman, it is the Central Planning Authority (CPA) who decides on planning permission, and in Cayman Brac and Little Cayman it is the Development Control Board (DCB). Both entities act under the Development and Planning Act/Regulations (2021 Revision), the Development and Planning Regulations (2024 Revision), the current Development Plan (1997, with PlanCayman updates) and National Conservation Act, which takes into account any environmental aspects that need considering. Usually, an architect or draftsman will help you with this process. The process outlined below is specifically for building a private home or duplex. Regulations and
rules for a property over three storeys or a commercial project is different and more complex.
Step 1: Pre-Application Your agent/architect will confirm the zoning, density, setbacks, and site coverage limits of your piece of land and what the options are to build on it. You then need to anticipate any environmental or agency concerns (DoE/NCC, NRA, WAC, DEH). An Environmental Impact Assessment may need to be undertaken for a larger or sensitive project. For example, anyone wanting to build on the beach will have to have the site plans approved by the Department of Environment, and possible conditions may apply. For example, if it is a turtle nesting beach you will have to have turtle-friendly lighting.
Step 2: Submission All applications are filed via the Online Planning System (OPS). Your architect or agent would usually do this, but it is sensible for you to log in as well and see the progress of your project. In your planning submission, you must include all planning
application forms and the scaled drawings of your property, as well as any applicable technical reports. You do not at this stage need the full set of construction drawings or MEP plans.
Step 3: Validation & Referrals The Planning Officer will now check the drawings. Any referrals will be sent to other agencies (NRA, WAC, DEH, Fire, DoE/NCC, etc.).
Step 4: Neighbour/public notification If a notice of planning needs to be sent to any neighbours (often within 250ft) these will now be sent via registered mail. Note: if you are building a house or duplex on a piece of land, and there are no variances to the use of the land, then neighbours do not need to be notified. Publish newspaper/site notices if needed. Objections become part of the decision record.
Step 5: CPA/DCB meeting Applicants/agents (and objectors) may appear. A decision will be classified as: approve, approve with
conditions, defer, or refuse. Once planning is approved it is valid for 5 years and now you can work on the MEP, construction and structural plans. At this stage the Department of Planning will require their admin fee and half of the permit fee. Note: only once all the conditions outlined on the CPA letter are met can any site work begin. The land cannot be cleared until this stage as the Department of Environment needs to check first whether there are any indigenous plants on the land and whether they can be saved before the land is cleared. The land cannot even be cleared by hand until approval has been given. There are also safeguards to protect the environment when building, especially if near the water. For example, those planning to put EIFS (foam insulation) on the outside of the house must have a screen protecting the environment from the waste foam, and it must all be scooped /vacuumed up.
Building Control Unit (BCU) Process
Once planning permission has been granted and any pre-permit conditions are satisfied, the process shifts to the BCU. This is where technical compliance with the Cayman Islands Building Code and safety standards are verified. Note: At this stage you must read the entire document that the Department of Planning sends you, and you must submit anything they ask you to submit.
Step 6: Building Permit Application Submit through OPS under the Building Control section. Provide full construction drawings, structural details, MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) plans, fire safety plans, and energy efficiency details. Fees depend on project size/value.
Step 7: BCU Plans Examination BCU examiners check compliance with: 1) Structural standards (wind/seismic loads, hurricane resistance); 2) Life safety (fire separation, exits, alarms); 3) Electrical and plumbing codes; 4) Energy conservation If corrections are required, you’ll receive comments via OPS; revise and resubmit.
Founded by Darrel Ebanks in 2003, TAG has grown into one of the Cayman Islands’ premier architectural design firms. Renowned for shaping the skyline with landmark projects like Vela, San Sebastian, Eleven Parc, Landmark Square, and Arvia, TAG brings over 1 million square feet of cutting-edge design expertise. Today, TAG stands as a fully integrated hub for innovative and sophisticated real estate development.
MISSION
To redefine the future of living in the Cayman Islands by delivering sustainable, high-quality, and affordable housing—powered by advanced design and modern construction technology.
CHALMERS GIBBS
Step 8: Building Permit Issuance A permit is issued when plans pass all code checks and relevant outside agency approvals are in place (e.g., Fire Service, Water Authority). This is when the final half of the permit fee is due. You also now pay half of the infrastructure fee. The balance of this is due when the certificate of occupancy is issued once building is complete.
Step 9: Inspections During Construction The BCU carries out stage inspections: Foundation, Slab, Structural framing, MEP rough-ins, Roofing, and then Final inspection. It is very important that your construction team get these inspections done in the right order, or it will seriously delay the project. There is a seven working day window for inspections to be conducted. A good construction team will factor the inspections into their building timeline so that there are no delays. Having someone manage the GANTT chart is a good idea. A GANTT chart is a visual tool used in project management to display a project schedule. Some inspections require agency coordination (Fire Service, DEH, WAC). A third party inspector can be hired to speed up the process.
Step 10: Certificate of Completion/Occupancy When construction is finished and all inspections have passed, BCU issues a Certificate of Completion (for non-habitable works) or Certificate of Occupancy (CO) for habitable buildings. Final payment of the infrastructure fee is paid now. The CO confirms the building is safe, code-compliant, and all planning conditions have been met. At this point electricity can be turned on.
Other Things to Consider
> If building on the coastline, approvals often come with conditions from the Department of Environment.
> If notices need to be sent out to notify neighbours, the receivers only have 21 days to notify the Planning Department
> The CPA meet every two weeks and if your application does not get seen to at that meeting it will not always automatically be scheduled for the next meeting.
> All products, whether windows, doors, appliances, AC units, ductwork etc must meet American Standards according to the ICC (International Code Council). There are also other local regulations which take into account seismic activity and hurricanes, and you can check the Planning website for their ‘Codes’. This means that prefabricated homes from many countries, including China, will not pass code in Cayman and will not even clear Customs. The same rule applies to appliances. All appliances must be UL (Underwriter Laboratories) inspected, meaning they have been safety tested and are certified for sale in the North American market.
BUILD ING PROCESS
How you choose to build can shape your entire experience. Here are three primary methods:
Design/Build
A one-stop-shop model where the same company handles design and construction. Ideal for those seeking convenience and speed, who do not want hands-on involvement in the process beyond the initial design and material selection. You’ll benefit from fixed pricing, simplified communication and minimum risk for the owner. However, this option poses less flexibility once the work begins, the added cost of convenience and no independent control of quality.
Construction Management
A more collaborative approach. You, the owner, retain design control while a construction manager oversees day-today site activity. Advantages of this form of contract include flexibility during construction, market competition in sub-trade contracts and cost-control flexibility. Typically, this is a good strategy where a project needs to be fast tracked and there is insufficient time to prepare detailed,
coordinated documents for a bid. Another good reason might be if there are likely to be a lot of changes during the designconstruction process. Since the construction manager works for the owner on a fixed management fee, they are typically not profiting from changes in the work or work sequence. It is also great for larger or phased projects, or when you want more control without micromanaging contractors.
Design/Bid/Build
The most traditional method. Detailed plans are developed and contractors competitively bid. This approach has the primary advantage of cost competitiveness, and a detailed set of documents will be the best guarantee of maintaining cost control during the process. However, significant time is required for detailed document preparation, and document errors or revisions to the contract result in some loss of cost control since changes can be costly.
Each of these building methods has its
fans and critics, and it is ultimately up to the owner to decide which of these various options will be a good fit. Seeking professional help from someone with a detailed working knowledge of these procurement options and how they work in the Cayman Islands can help you make an informed choice. Do not simply copy what someone else has done. It is important that you choose an approach after weighing all the pros and cons. While each approach may have a very different risk profile to you (after all, some people like to base-jump, while others would rather take a nice stroll along the beach), it is very important that you own this decision fully.
Ultimately, which ever scenario you choose depends on your goals, risk tolerance and how hands-on you want to be. The right project model can make or break your building experience. Hybrid models are also becoming more popular in Cayman, especially on multi-use developments or eco-conscious builds.
Choosing a Team
The most important part of your build?
The people. Consider the following when choosing your design and build professionals:
> Integrity and reputation should always be the main ingredients when selecting people, so look at current, recent and past projects in Cayman, talk to past customers and check their payment and litigation history.
> Choose design professionals who are adaptable and have a team spirit.
> Ask about their workload. Can they really give your build the attention it deserves?
> Ask your contractor, construction manager and architect to provide a checklist and procedures for administering, inspecting and testing the various stages of your project.
Your core team should include an architect, civil/structural engineer, quantity surveyor, contractor or construction manager, interior designer, landscape architect (if
applicable) and a sustainability or green building expert.
It is strongly recommended that you meet everyone who will be a part of making your project a success. Make sure you establish good working relationships and feel comfortable with all the people who are involved.
It is important that you do your homework, take your time, and make sure that all the design professionals you intend to engage carry professional indemnity insurance. Only agree to terms after you are sure you have the ‘dream’ team that truly has your best interests at heart! While there are many components to consider carefully, some being significantly challenging and time-consuming, building your own home is an exciting project and, for many people, it is a dream come true; so you should endeavour to have some fun too!
BUILD ING OPTIONS
Security: Tech-Savvy and Secure Security should not be an afterthought.
Chalmers Gibbs is pleased to offer professional landscape architecture services.
Kelsey Vitullo (MArch, MLA) brings her unique approach to contemporary tropical landscapes to Cayman in planning both commercial and residential projects. Kelsey’s holistic design solutions blend culture and ecology to create functional and beautiful environments
CG Landscape Architecture
t: (345) 949-2727 ext.1013
e: kelsey.vitullo@chalmersgibbs.ky
ig: @chalmersgibbs_landscape
Today, security systems are about more than alarms. In 2025, smart homes in Cayman include integrated alarm systems, motion-activated lighting, gate access, and mobile-connected surveillance as standard features. The best time to integrate these features is during the planning stage. That way, your home’s wiring and infrastructure can support seamless connectivity from day one.
Building Green: More Than a Trend Green building is no longer a luxury; it’s an expectation. Cayman’s energy efficiency push means smart developers are investing in solar power, high-efficiency A/C units, insulated concrete forms (ICFs), recycled materials and rainwater harvesting systems.
The Governor’s Award for Sustainability and the Environment continues to recognise excellence in green building, and many residents are now aiming for LEED or EDGE certification. Ask your design team about these options to boost your building’s performance—and its long-term value.
For more information on building green, refer to the Being Green chapter.
Interior Design That Works
A good interior designer sees the big picture before the walls go up. They’ll ensure that every square foot is not only stylish but functional. From storage solutions to acoustics, light control and space planning, their input early in the process can reduce costly revisions later.
In 2025, kitchens remain the heart of the home, but now they’re smarter, more open and designed for multitasking. Work-from-home functionality, flexible guest spaces and indoor-outdoor living are all major trends. By pairing practicality with personality, you’ll get a space that truly feels like home.
Coastal Caution: Building Near the Water
Want to build beachfront? It comes with unique responsibilities. Coastal lots may require setbacks and erosion controls.
Recent storms have led to increased scrutiny around sea walls, dune protection and mangrove conservation, so approval from the Department of Environment should almost certainly be expected.
It’s crucial to remember that sustainable coastal design doesn’t just protect your home; it preserves Cayman’s natural beauty and biodiversity for generations to come.
Being Smart, Resilient and Responsible Building in Cayman is about more than bricks and beams. It’s about contributing to a future-forward island; one that values innovation, sustainability and community.
The best builds today are techintegrated, climate-resilient, energyefficient, beautifully designed and built with Cayman’s culture and character in mind. Whether you’re crafting a family haven, an eco-retreat or a high-end investment property, there’s never been a better time to build, and build smart.
building professionals who can help make your building dreams become a reality.
BUILD ING PROFESSIONALS
Architects
There are several architectural firms that provide superior design services, including sustainable architecture options, which is evidenced by the exceptional quality and aesthetic of the many flagship homes and commercial buildings found in Cayman.
BDCL Architects
Unit 220, Cannon Place, George Town
Tel: (345) 925 4909
Email: dmcgrath@bdcl.ky
www.bdcl.ky
Chalmers Gibbs Architects
Tel: (345) 949 2727 ext. 1001
Email: info@chalmersgibbs.ky
www.chalmersgibbs.ky
Established in 1966, Chalmers Gibbs Architects offers professional architecture, planning and interior design services. Building design
experience includes residential, commercial, retail, industrial, hotel resort and institutional projects. Other specialised services include 3D modelling, brochure graphics, feasibility studies and space planning. SEE AD PAGE 256 & 258
CG Landscape Architecture
Tel: (345) 949 2727 ext. 1013
Email: kelsey.vitullo@chalmersgibbs.ky
Instagram: @chalmersgibbs_landscape
Chalmers Gibbs offers professional landscape architecture services. Kelsey Vitullo, MArch MLA, brings her unique approach to contemporary tropical landscapes to Cayman in planning both commercial and residential projects. Kelsey’s holistic design solutions blend culture and ecology to create functional and beautiful environments. SEE AD
DDL Studio Ltd.
2nd Fl, Buckingham Square, West Bay Road
Tel: (345) 945 3622
Email: info@ddlstudio.com
www.ddlstudio.com
DDL Studio Ltd. has a team of RIBA-qualified
and registered chartered architects and technologists. They strive to produce highquality architecture by listening to their clients’ needs and leading a team of experienced design consultants. Their commitment to delivering a professional and personalised service shines through in every project, resulting in beautiful and functional buildings that reflect their skill and dedication. SEE AD PAGE 259
Design Cayman
Email: info@design-cayman.ky
Frederick + McRae Ltd.
Email: info@frederickmcrae.com
John Doak Architecture
342 Dorcy Drive, George Town
Tel: (345) 516 3625
Email: doak@johndoak.com www.johndoak.com
With over 45 years in the Cayman Islands and across the Caribbean, John Doak’s renowned design-build services for residential, resort and commercial projects have been
recognised by international awards and through international and local media and publications. His firm’s services include architecture, imagineering, engineering, interior design, master planning, landscape design, feasibility studies, construction administration and project management.
SEE AD PAGE 257
Johnson Design + Architecture
Tel: (345) 938 3828
Email: info@rjda.ky
www.rjda.ky
Founded by Robert Johnson in 2013, Johnson Design + Architecture’s primary focus is to define and create progressive architecture in the Caribbean. This Cayman-based office offers full architecture, design and construction administration services, producing high-value buildings and spaces that simultaneously look good and function well. RJDA specialises in, but doesn’t limit itself to, residential and commercial buildings, with a speciality in retail planning.
SEE AD PAGE 262
MJM Design Studio
62 Forum Lane, Camana Bay
Tel: (345) 743 4656
Email: info@mjmdesignstudio.com www.mjmdesignstudio.com
Robert Towell Architect Ltd.
206 North Church Street, George Town
Tel: (345) 916 8377
Email: rta@roberttowell.com www.roberttowell.com
Robert Towell has resided in the Cayman Islands since 1997. He has worked on a diverse range of developments, from large-scale commercial projects, hotels and condominiums to award-winning single-family luxury homes. Each client receives the benefit, not only of RTA’s creativity, but also their many years of expert local knowledge.
Tropical Architectural Group (TAG)
Tel: (345) 947 5849
Email: info@tag.ky or www.tag.ky
A full-service architectural design and project management group specialising in commercial
and residential projects of various scales. Providing pre-construction services, as well as construction supervision and management. Experienced with merging the velocity of cutting-edge design, innovative construction techniques and systems, with management skills that create real economic value and lasting success. SEE AD PAGE 255
I nstitute of Cayman Islands Architects (ICIA)
The role of the ICIA is to be an advocate for good architecture in the Cayman Islands, and its members are dedicated to high standards of professionalism. The institute ensures its members are highly competent in their professional arenas through local and international educational programmes.
The institute also helps to educate Caymanians about the many paths within the profession and to ensure its members maintain and advance their knowledge of the art and science of architecture.
Construction Management
The following companies all provide construction management services that ensure effective management of your project’s schedule, cost, safety and function.
BCQS International
North Church Street, George Town
Tel: (345) 949 8644
Email: info@bcqs.com
www.bcqs.com
BCQS offers expert construction management services tailored to the Cayman Islands. With over 55 years of experience and deep local knowledge, they guide projects from planning through to completion, helping clients manage timelines, costs, quality, and challenges with confidence.
Encompass Ltd.
The Strand, West Bay Road
Tel: (345) 326 4562
Email: tkline@encompasscayman.com
www.encompasscayman.com
Encompass Cayman provides project management services for a more hands-on
CONSTRUCTION
construction process and a more integrated role in the fiscal aspects of the project. SEE AD PAGE 249
KastleCay
Pasadora Place, George Town
Tel: (345) 925 6101
Email: info@kastlecay.ky www.kastlecay.ky
Provides project management, cost consultancy, quantity surveying, valuations, insurance appraisals, dispute resolution, and sustainable procurement.
SEL Inspections
Tel/WhatsApp: (345) 525 0209
Email: SELInspections@outlook.com
Independent building inspection consultant.
General Contractors
A general contractor is responsible for the oversight of a construction site, management of trades and communication between parties.
AMB Construction
148 David Foster Drive, Barcadere Warehouse
Park, George Town
Tel: (345) 525 4632
Email: info@ambltd.org
www.ambconstructioncayman.com
AMB Construction is service driven, specialising in residential and commercial builds, fit outs, renovations and repairs. With excellent relationships with building professionals, developers, architects, subcontractors and suppliers that help expedite key responsibilities. AMB ensures that the client’s quality project begins and finishes on schedule with an efficient transition to facility opening and operation.
SEE AD PAGE 254
Build Cayman
Tel: (345) 925 8517
Email: info@buildcayman.ky
www.buildcayman.ky
Your premier construction partner, helping to turn visions into success stories. Experts in design/build, construction management and contracting, they excel in residential and
commercial projects. Benefit from flawless execution, on-time delivery and cost-efficient material procurement. Their services are tailored to your unique needs, backed by sustainability initiatives and Cayman Group’s expertise. SEE AD THIS PAGE
Encompass Ltd.
The Strand, West Bay Road
Tel: (345) 326 4562
Email: tkline@encompasscayman.com
www.encompasscayman.com
Encompass Ltd. specialises in creating homes that are inspirational, providing comprehensive renovation and remodelling services, and custom design/build services. Their experienced team of professionals have in-depth knowledge and multi-faceted skillsets surrounding the construction of luxury homes and resorts, enabling them to execute extraordinary residential and commercial builds.
SEE AD PAGE 249
GPE Services
Tel: (345) 936 7263
Email: info@gpepro.com
www.gpepro.com
A trusted general contractor with 20 years’ experience, focused on quality craftmanship and customer satisfaction. This family-owned business provides residential and commercial kitchen, bathroom and complete home renovations, as well as repairs throughout the home. SEE AD PAGE 263
Ironshore Contracting Ltd.
Tel: (345) 324 1100
Email: dale@ironshore.ky
www.ironshore.ky
With over two decades of experience, Ironshore Contracting Ltd is the go-to team for all your renovation needs. Unlike other general contractors, Ironshore Contracting Ltd specialises solely in renovations, making them the experts in transforming spaces into beautiful, functional areas. Whether you’re wanting your entire home remodelled or just a kitchen or bathroom, Ironshore can. Their experienced team ensures each project is completed with precision and attention to detail, resulting in stunning transformations that meet client expectations. SEE AD PAGE 251
Robson Construction
Tel: (345) 526 3428
Email: robson@robson.construction
www.robson.construction
Specialising in new residential construction, marine construction, large development construction of condos and apartments and industrial, Robson Construction create reality by building your vision. SEE AD PAGE 261
Land Surveyors
Before purchasing land, hire a chartered land surveyor to evaluate your potential purchase. This is often a requirement from banks, and they have a list of approved surveyors.
Abernethy & Associates Ltd.
96 Mary Street, George Town
Tel: (345) 947 1582
Email: info@survey.ky or www.survey.ky
A land surveying company owned by Greg Abernethy, who brings over 25 years of
experience to his clients. Specialising in legal boundary re-establishments, subdivisions, combinations and strata incorporations, Abernethy & Associates use the latest GPS technology and are fully equipped to perform civil engineering and building set outs.
SEE AD PAGE 263
WestPoint Inspections
Tel: (345) 936 2454
Email: info@westpoint-inspections.com www.westpoint-inspections.com
SEE AD PAGE 146
Quantity Surveyors and Project Managers
Quantity Surveyors carefully estimate and control costs, calculate material needs and map out project timelines for successful construction projects. They also ensure buildings meet legal standards.
BCQS International
North Church Street, George Town
Tel: (345) 949 8644
Email: info@bcqs.com www.bcqs.com
From planning through delivery, BCQS draws on over 55 years of experience to offer cost and project management services that help clients optimise value, reduce risk, and maintain control at every stage of their development in the Cayman Islands.
Blue Point Consultants
Tel: (345) 525 0706
Email: info@bluepointproperty.com www.bluepointproperty.com
RICS registered valuer offering property valuations, development appraisals, feasibility studies, acquisitions and disposals, consulting on landlord and tenant issues, property searches, reinstatement cost for insurance purposes and loss adjusting. Specialising in hotels and resorts. SEE AD PAGE 144
DDL Studio Ltd.
2nd Fl, Buckingham Square, West Bay Road
Tel: (345) 945 3622
Email: info@ddlstudio.com
www.ddlstudio.com
DDL Studio specialises in providing comprehensive quantity surveying services, ensuring effective cost forecasting and control for your construction projects. Their expertise spans the entire project lifecycle, from inception to completion, final payment and beyond. They are committed to delivering value at every step, with a focus on informed cost evaluation and optimal value criteria. SEE AD PAGE 259
JEC Property Consultants Ltd.
96 Mary Street, George Town
Tel: (345) 945 5930
Email: contact@jec.ky
www.jec.ky
Services include cost estimates, feasibility studies, contractual and procurement advice, tender documentation, overseeing the tender process, contract documentation, construction and project management. SEE AD PAGE 145 & 252
KastleCay
Pasadora Place, George Town
Tel: (345) 925 6101
Designer Windows and Doors (DWD) o ers a full range of architectural windows and doors, and hurricane shutters, o ering full view or wall-to-wall window systems that add a 'wow' factor to any project. Our designer windows, doors and hurricane products are customised and created to suit all project performance and budget specifications. DWD's service includes delivery and installation with full manufacturer warranty.
DESIGNER Windows & Doors Ltd
Email: info@kastlecay.ky
Project.ky
48 Maclendon Drive, George Town
Tel: (345) 517 1075
Email: info@project.ky
www.project.ky
Project.ky is a multi-disciplinary development services company providing bespoke architectural, project management and development management services. Their comprehensive project management services ensure that your project is delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.
Building Inspectors
A building inspector ensures construction projects meet building regulations, safety standards and project plans by reviewing blueprints and conducting site inspections at key stages. The following company performs full mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) home inspections:
WestPoint Inspections
Tel: (345) 936 2454
Email: info@westpoint-inspections.com www.westpoint-inspections.com
Provides comprehensive home inspections, including full examinations of homes, which include structural integrity, exterior and site, all interior components, appliances and mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems.
SEE AD PAGE 146
Interior Design in the Building Process
A qualified designer can look at architectural plans and work out whether the space and dimensions will work or raise potential problems and limitations for functionality. They will look at the plans, and work out their function, including ease of access, amount of light, acoustics and storage. They will consider how the space will be used, whether for work or play, and their goal is to create a unified whole. For more on interior designers, see the Home Improvements chapter
For your kitchen, finding a designer who
specialises in creating functional, beautiful spaces is essential. Kitchens have become the focal point; they are usually freeflowing spaces that are well integrated into the rest of a home and the primary place for entertaining. If you want a kitchen that is well-designed and suited to your lifestyle, we recommend the following companies that have a proven track record: Bon Vivant (SEE AD PAGE 250 & 296) (Tel: (345) 623 2665) is a luxury kitchenware and design store in Camana Bay, and Pooley Cabinets (SEE AD PAGE 236) (Tel: (345) 947 6780) specialises in custom cabinetry design and installation. Their in-house designer can provide expert advice on kitchen design.
Carpentry & Masonry
The Marble Guys Ltd.
Tel: (345) 936 8550
Email: themarbleguys@yahoo.com www.themarbleguys.ky
With over 40 years of experience in the stone industry, renowned for their polished
• Flexibility of shapes
• Custom look
energy costs
• Sound t ransmission control qualities
• High production capacity
• Cost effective
• Can be used for Commercial, Residential or Industrial Projects
• Manufactured locally to specification
• Easy installation, cost effective
• Columns Pediment
• Arches
• Bases & Caps
Sound transmission qualities
Ideal for entryways
Manufactured locally to any specification
• Steel Studs and tracks in a variety of lengths and gouges to specifications Cay Deck • Foam Insulation Flooring Systems
• Insulation for floors decks and roofs
expertise, Marble Guys undertake a wide range of projects—from residential homes to large corporate buildings, delivering consistent excellence and meticulous attention to detail on every assignment. They are committed to exceeding the expectations of both clients and contractors. Most recently, they have introduced Tuffskin to the island, an innovative surface protection solution designed for all countertop surfaces. SE E AD PAGE 239
Stoneman Products Supply
Sleepy Hollow Drive, George Town Tel: (345) 926 0469
Email: info@stonemansupply.com
Concrete Blocks & Pavers
Flowers Group
184 Seymour Road, Industrial Park
Tel: (345) 623 0000
Email: customerservice@flowersgroup.com www.flowersgroup.com
Established by pioneer Clarence L. Flowers, the Flowers Block division of the Flowers Group specialises in the manufacturing and delivery
of concrete products, including building blocks, glass and keystone blocks, multi-colour rectangular pavers and cobblestone pavers.
SEE AD PAGE 265
Concrete
Forms
Flowers Group
184 Seymour Road, Industrial Park
Tel: (345) 623 0000
Email: customerservice@flowersgroup.com www.flowersgroup.com
The Flowers Foam Products division of the Flowers Group supplies state-of-the-art, locally manufactured building products, including Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF), flat foam sheets, steel studs and tracks, architectural components and custom shapes and signs. SEE AD PAGE 265
Driveway & Paving
Flowers Group
Tel: (345) 623 0000
www.flowersgroup.com
Flowers Block provides a wide selection of pavers, including cobblestones in numerous
Androgroup Elevator can supply equipment for any size project:
• Commercial Buildings
• Residential Home Lifts
• Stairlift
• Platform Lifts
• Dumbwaiters and more.
Visit our website to view our equipment catalogue and find the elevation solution to fit your needs.
Our Services:
• Modernisations
• Services and Maintenance
• Installations
w: www.androelevator.com e: info@androelevator.com t: 345-943-1133
colours and sizes. SEE AD PAGE 265
Island Paving
243 North Sound Road, George Town
Tel: (345) 949 8294
Email: info@islandpaving.net www.islandpaving.net
Elevators
For installation, service and maintenance on commercial elevators, contact the following company:
Androgroup Elevator Ltd.
Breezy Castle, 125 Owen Roberts Drive, George Town
Tel: (345) 943 1133
Email: info@androelevator.com www.androelevator.com
Serving the Cayman Islands since 2005, Androgroup Elevator Ltd. is the only local company with NAEC-certified technicians and NAESA elevator inspectors. Their dedicated mechanics service and maintain more than 200 commercial elevators monthly, and provide emergency repair services 24-hours a day. SEE AD THIS PAGE
Flooring
Flooring plays a significant role in both the structural integrity and aesthetic of a building. For more on flooring, see the Home Improvements chapter.
Edies
64 Eastern Avenue, George Town
Tel: (345) 949 6348
Email: info@edies.ky www.edies.ky SEE AD PAGE 231
Paramount Carpets
317 North Sound Road, George Town
Tel: (345) 949 5000
Email: info@paramountcarpets.ky www.paramountcarpets.ky
As a full-service flooring contractor, Paramount specialises in superior tile, carpet and flooring installations backed by comprehensive project management from material specification through to final installation and ongoing maintenance. Their extensive product portfolio
AndrogroupElevator
encompasses commercial-grade carpeting, resilient flooring systems, decorative tiles and professional installation tools. With a commitment to exceeding client expectations, they deliver turnkey flooring solutions that combine technical expertise, premium materials and meticulous craftsmanship for commercial, institutional and high-end residential applications. SEE AD PAGE 237
Roofing
Whether building from scratch or replacing the roof on your existing home, there are a few key factors to consider when it comes to your roof. Style matters, but equally important are product costs, material weight and installation requirements.
Hydes & Sons Ltd.
84 Printers Way, George Town
Tel: (345) 949 7062
Email: service@hydessons.ky
Spray Foam Insulation
Spray foam insulation is well regarded for not sagging or slipping and creates a complete seal, keeping heat and moisture out of buildings. It also has been proven to help keep roofs attached in the event of a hurricane. It also reduces your AC bills.
Cayman Islands Spray Foam
52 Lincoln Drive, George Town
Tel: (345) 326 6767
Foam Pros
add an extra layer of hurricane protection by strengthening and sealing your home against the elements. Sister company to Cooling Pros and Appliance Pros. SEE AD PAGE 17
Tool Suppliers
For tools, you can visit home centres such as A. L. Thompson’s (SEE AD PAGE 227, 234, 244, 247 & 294) and Uncle Bills (SEE AD PAGE 238) . There is also INGCO Tools (SEE AD THIS PAGE) which is a one-stop-shop for tools, safety gear and repairs.
INGCO Tools
494 Shedden Road, George Town
Tel: (345) 640 9534
Email: info@ingco.ky
www.ingco.ky
Professional tool supplier providing a wide selection of equipment for the construction industry, home maintenance contractors and DIY enthusiasts. They stock a wide range of safety equipment and provide expert repairs and more. SEE AD THIS PAGE
Tel: (345) 746 776
Email: info@foampros.ky www.thepros.ky
111A Cannon Place, 294 North Sound Road, Industrial Park, George Town
Foam Pros helps Cayman homeowners create cooler, quieter and more resilient spaces. They provide spray foam insulation, spray cork insulation, thermal cork paint, and spray-applied waterproofing coatings— protecting your roof and walls from the inside and out. These advanced solutions boost energy efficiency to help reduce electricity bills, improve year-round comfort, enhance indoor air quality, provide soundproofing and
Boating
Everything from where to boat, safety considerations, navigating the
boat
As Kenneth Grahame’s cheerful character Ratty declares to Mole in The Wind in the Willows, “There’s nothing— absolutely nothing—half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats!” And, a magazine about Cayman would not be complete without a chapter dedicated to the joy of being out on the water! Day boaters, fishermen, snorkellers, divers, boogie boarders, and all lovers of the deep blue beyond agree: the Cayman Islands is an idyllic location for water-based activities. The Islands are globally renowned for their beautiful, warm, blue and crystalclear water; and with such an inviting vista stretching beyond the horizon, there are many activities one can enjoy in and around the water. Read on for our guide on just some of them.
PROTECTING THE MARINE ENVIRONMENT
Acting responsibly on the water is essential for preserving the wellbeing and unspoiled beauty of Cayman’s seas. Cayman has many laws that help keep marine life, seafarers and the ocean’s environment safe, and there are many ways you can also help protect Cayman’s coast and open water. Coral reefs are essential to the health of Cayman’s marine ecosystems. These colonies of fragile marine creatures are easily damaged by boat anchors, hulls, human contact and even contemporary sunscreen. Recent studies suggest that most sunscreens contain damaging chemicals which, even in small doses, can stunt coral growth, cause coral bleaching and affect marine creatures like shrimp and clams. Instead, use
Photos courtesy of Heather Holt & Rebecca Davidson
rash guards and reef-friendly sunscreen when you are in the water and avoid spray sunscreens that contain excess chemicals. Take extra precautions when operating a vessel, snorkelling or diving.
Report any injured, dead or accidental hooking of turtles to the Department of Environment (DoE). To do so, call the 24hr Turtle Hotline number below. See page 272 for a list of important numbers to use in case of an emergency while on the water, and to report any other marine offences. See the DoE’s ‘marine manners’ guide on this page, to ensure you act in accordance with the rules when in Cayman’s marine environment.
Plastics that end up as ocean debris contribute to habitat destruction and kill tens of thousands of marine animals each year. To reduce the impact of plastics on Cayman’s marine ecosystem, we encourage you to reduce your plastic usage, recycle all the rubbish you can and pick up garbage you find on the shore or at sea. See the Being Green chapter for recycling locations for plastic and other waste. Get further details of the local marine rules and
regulations on page 280.
The Department of Environment (DoE)
Tel: (345) 949 8469
24-hr Turtle Hotline: (345) 938 NEST (6378)
Email: doe@gov.ky
www.doe.ky
The mission of the Department of Environment is to facilitate responsible management and sustainable use of the natural environment and the natural resources of the Cayman Islands, through environmental protection and conservation, wise use, scientific research and public education. The public may contact the DoE at any time to request advice on sustainability design and best practices or to report violations of the National Conservation Act, including marine park regulations and harm to protected species. Learn more about the work of the DoE and the National Conservation Council at doe.ky and conservation.ky.
WHERE TO BOAT IN CAYMAN
Seven Mile Beach (SMB)
Seven Mile Beach is on what is typically the calmest side of Grand Cayman, but it does occasionally get battered by nor’westers in
Marine Manners
Download the ‘CaymanDoE’ app to ensure you know the marine park and fishing rules wherever you are throughout the Islands.
While no-touch observation is always best, ensure stingrays and starfish are handled according to the safety guidelines and only within the Wildlife Interaction Zones (WIZ) at Stingray City and Starfish Point.
Apply reef-safe sunscreen (without oxybenzone and octinoxate) at least 30 minutes before entering the water to help protect our coral reefs and marine life, especially when visiting the stingrays and starfish.
Be extra careful when operating and anchoring a vessel, and when snorkelling or diving to ensure that children and visitors know not to touch or break off any coral.
Give turtles space on land or sea. Do not disturb mating or nesting sea turtles, turtle nests or hatchlings. Keep a distance of at least 50ft.
Report any marine conservation offences, including injured, dead, or accidentally hooked sharks or turtles, as well as suspicious activity or suspected poaching, to the Department of Environment (DoE) by calling (345) 949 8469 or emailing doe@ gov.ky. You can also contact the DoE’s Chief Conservation Officer directly at (345) 916 4271 or call 911.
the winter months and tropical storms in the summer months. Navigation is easy here because there are no barrier reefs in this area; however, the only boat ramps on SMB are at the Lobster Pot dock and at the beginning of North West Point Road in West Bay. Boaters will often anchor off beach bars and restaurants like those at The Westin, The Ritz-Carlton and Kimpton Seafire hotels. You can also take your boat around from the North Sound or South Sound to Seven Mile Beach, but you need to be familiar with the channels through the reef in the North Sound, have a suitable and well-maintained boat and be prepared for a slightly rougher trip outside of the reef until you get to the calmer waters off Seven Mile Beach.
Currently, there are no gas stations where members of the public can dock and refuel along the west side of the Island. If you are considering regularly keeping your boat in the water overnight, it is mandatory to seek authorisation from the Department of Environment (DoE) to install a mooring. Unfortunately, even with a mooring, your vessel and engine are vulnerable to theft. Nor’westers can occasionally make the sea very rough, and if you are not conscious of the weather conditions, your vessel could easily be damaged. Even though several commercial and personal vessels regularly anchor overnight off SMB and George Town, it is not advisable. A propeller from another vessel could accidentally cut the anchor line, and if the anchor drags, the wind will take the boat offshore.
Snorkellers and divers in this area should be flying the ‘divers down’ flag; however, when travelling close to shore, always be cautious. Do not exceed five knots within 600ft of the coast, and do not anchor in marked boat channels, coral, diving or swimming areas. Note: Designated swimming areas in front of beachfront properties and hotels must not be entered.
North Sound
Several launching ramps provide access in this area, and most boat owners keep their boats docked in the North Sound. The
Sound is enclosed by a barrier reef and has a network of canals that provide excellent protection from weather in all but the most extreme conditions, like a hurricane. Theft is uncommon and canals generally offer access to fresh water and fuel stations.
The North Sound also offers excellent shallow snorkelling areas, like the Coral Gardens and the world-renowned Stingray City. North Wall diving is also excellent, but sea conditions can be rough. Beachside bars and restaurants at Rum Point and Kaibo, along with boat hangouts at Starfish Point and the Mini Sandbar, are popular stops for the boating crowd.
Morgan’s Harbour is also popular, where Calypso Grill and Tukka West are located right on the water, and boating there for lunch or dinner is a really nice thing to do. However, the dock is owned by Tukka West and if you are not dining in their restaurant, you need to email and request to use the dock and pay a CI$50 fee. They also have Rubis fuel available for sale dockside. There are lots of spaces to moor but the onshore breeze can make doing so a challenge. Just to the north of Morgan’s Harbour is an area called Barkers that offers miles of undeveloped white sand beaches and some good light tackle fishing for bonefish. Navigate carefully; it is easy to strike a coral head and damage your propeller and the coral. Watch out for kite surfers too. At the Cayman Islands Yacht Club, boaters can enjoy two more fantastic restaurants, Morgan’s Seafood Restaurant and bàcaro. Both restaurants are popular with boaters, and there is ample docking space. You can also take your boat to George Town Yacht Club (GTYC) or Camana Bay. At GTYC, you can enjoy lunch or dinner while the children play in the pool. Camana Bay is suitable for both large and small boats and has a wellmarked entry and free sheltered docking with access to lots of restaurants and bars.
The North Sound is great for fishing and catching conch and lobster, but you must abide by the Marine Parks Act. Violations can result in serious fines, confiscation of your boat or even a prison term. Although
• Grand Cayman’s only true full service marina facility
• Located in George Town, right next to Owen Roberts International Airport
• Accommodating vessels up to 150' long and 8' max draft
• Metered power and water at every slip and free WiFi
• Luxury washrooms with showers and lockers
• Safe, secure and well lit, with nightly security and CCTV
• Exclusive dealers for Mercury Marine
• Featuring boats from Pursuit, Cobalt, Bayliner Trophy and Achilles
• Now featuring Hobie Stand Up Paddleboards, Kayaks and Sailboats
• Boat yard with 100 ton Marine Travel Lif
• Service center and chandlery
• favorite brands
Valvtect marine fuel specially
for marine engines • Land side and dock side fuelling
Dock side sewage pumpout
Water, ice, bait, snacks and refreshments • Cold beer, wine and liquor
partially enclosed by a barrier reef, the Sound can get choppy. If your boat is under 22ft long, you (and your guests) are very likely to get wet from sea spray on an average day.
The Central Mangrove Wetland is on the east side of the Sound and is a protected Environmental Zone. All in-water activity, fishing and anchoring are completely prohibited, but boats can access the area provided they do not exceed five knots. People enjoy kayaking around the canal systems and in English Bay, located east of Kaibo, as it is a great nature experience.
The Cayman Islands Sailing Club is on the south-western side of the North Sound, and you will often see dinghies sailing out from the club. Larger sailboats venture into the Sound, but access through the reef is fairly shallow, so boats with drafts greater than 10ft cannot enter. Watch out for areas that have shallow coral heads, like The Blowers, Fisherman’s Rock, Barkers, the Standards and FourWay Reef. These areas have claimed many propellers and some boats.
South, East & North Coasts
On the south, east and north coasts, there are areas where you can find undeveloped beaches, great fishing and pristine diving and snorkelling. On the first few times
Important Phone Numbers
Flying Dutchman (345) 329 7723
(Call if your boat has broken down/is sinking/has sunk)
Cayman Port Authority (345) 949 2055
Joint Marine Police Unit (345) 649 7710
Harbour Patrol (345) 925 5772
US Coast Guard (RCC Miami) (305) 415 6800
VHF Radio Channels (Police/DoE/Port Security) 16
To report offences, such as poaching, to the DoE: Grand Cayman/DoE (345) 916 4271
Cayman Brac/DoE (345) 936 5923
Cayman Brac Police (345) 948 0331
Little Cayman/DoE (345) 916 5849
Little Cayman Police (345) 948 0100
you venture out, you may want to be accompanied by a local guide, as it is easy for your propeller to hit a coral head if you don’t know where you are going. It is very likely that if you are out on the water, you will be approached by a vessel operated by Marine Parks or Marine Police officers. Have fun but be aware that penalties for breaking the rules on the water are very serious. Before boating, it is worth reading the Marine Parks Rules and Regulations and the Port Authority laws.
Public Boat Ramps
There are 14 official public boat ramps (and 2 more on private land) conveniently placed around Cayman’s coastline from where marine craft owned by the public can be launched. While there isn’t a stated maximum boat length permitted, and some ramps are bigger than others, the surrounding areas can limit the practical size of boats that can be launched. See the opposite page for a ramp locator map. In addition, there are several public docks across the island which the Government has been working to repair in 2025 after heavy storm damage in recent years.
SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS
Rules of Boating
Boating rules and conventions have evolved over the years and are now codified in the Regulations for the Prevention of Collisions at Sea. In all circumstances where a collision is possible, these rules determine which vessel has right of way and which must take avoiding action.
The basic rules are that all boats approaching each other must pass port to port (left to left), i.e. opposite to driving on the road in Cayman. Power boats must always give way to sailboats, and boats that are overtaking must keep clear of other boats. These are the basics, but make sure to read up on more complex situations.
Boat Safety Gear Checklist
Check Your Lifejackets: Lifejackets with kapok filling or cotton straps are unsafe and could fail when used. Make sure that
lifejackets are still the correct size, in good condition and suitable for the type of boating you do.
Be Prepared For An Emergency: Check and confirm where your safety equipment is stored. Can you access it easily in an emergency or after a capsize? Make sure you have the following items on board:
> Boat hook and throwing line
> Warm clothing or disposable/foil thermal blanket
> First aid kit
> Navigation equipment
> Bailing system
> Rope
> Waterproof torch
> Alternative power (a spare outboard, oars or paddles)
Put together a floating ‘grab bag’ that contains all the emergency gear you would need should you need to abandon your boat. The bag should contain: ways of calling for help, i.e. emergency distress beacon, flares or waterproof VHF radio and lifejackets. Finally, before you go out:
> Make sure that someone else knows how to operate the boat if the skipper is unable to, for some reason.
> Brief your crew or passengers on what to do if things go wrong and practise different scenarios – be mentally prepared for the unexpected.
> Check expiry dates on flares and fire extinguishers, and replace or service them if they’re out of date.
> Check batteries on portable equipment such as torches, radios and your GPS, and replace them if you need to.
> Make sure your distress beacon’s registration is up to date.
Boat Handling Courses & Training
Boat training is a form of vocational training that helps beginners learn the ropes and can help boost employability, give companies formal safety qualifications and even lower boat insurance.
See the Vocational Training section in the Education chapter page 387 for a list of companies that provide boat training to
North West Point (Public) – NW Point Road, West Bay
Morgan’s Harbour (Public) – Morgan’s Harbour, West Bay
Garvin Park (Public) – Garvin Road , West Bay
West Bay (Public) – West Bay Public Beach, NW Point Road
Yacht Club (Private) – CI Yacht Club & Marina, West Bay
Crystal Harbour (Private) – Kosta Boda Close, Crystal Harbour
Safehaven (Public) – Turnberry Drive, Safehaven Marina
Lobster Pot (Public) – North Church Street, George Town
aspiring mariners.
Pro Yacht
Tel: (345) 945 4676
Emergency Tel: (345) 516 4676
Email: info@proyacht.ky
www.proyacht.ky
Certified international yacht training facility with courses recognised by the British Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA). If you would like to become more comfortable operating your boat or would like to teach your kids or a family member boating safety the IYT Power Boat & RIB Master is the perfect course.
SEE AD PAGE 277
Navigation
A GPS or a chart plotter is highly recommended; however, basic navigational knowledge is helpful. Get to know landmarks on the horizon, like the airport, the landfill, The Ritz-Carlton, Kimpton Seafire, Harbour House Marina and more. Fixed or hand-held GPS units can be purchased from Harbour House Marina,
Barcadere (Public) – Barcadere Marina, George Town
South Sound (Public) – South Sound Road Boardwalk
North Sound (Public) – Leeward Drive, Newlands
Coe Wood Beach (Public) – Bodden Town Public Beach
Breakers (Public) – Bodden Town Road, Breakers
Gun Bay (Public) – Austin Connolly Drive, Gun Bay, East End
North Side (Public) – North Side Road, North Side
Cayman Kai (Public) – Water Cay Public Beach, North Side
Kirk Marine or Scotts Marine.
Whenever you are on your boat, insert any navigational aids as marks on your GPS. These can be channel markers for your canal, floating metal mooring buoys in the Sound or the main channel markers. This can help if you are in a situation with no visibility or out at night and discover a channel marker light is out.
The world uses two different systems for navigation markers. Cayman is in Region B. In Region B, when you are leaving a channel, the red markers will be on your left (port side). You can remember this by thinking of the opposite situation: when you are returning into a channel, red markers go on your right, “Red Right Returning”. This is the opposite of the system used in the UK and Europe. If a vessel is approaching from your port side, you will see a green light and have right of way. A vessel on your starboard side will show you its red light, so you must give way. The most
dangerous situation is if you see both a red and a green light, as this means you are looking at a head-on collision. Make a distinct course change to starboard so the other vessel knows you are taking avoiding action. Remember: “If two lights you see ahead, turn to starboard, show your red”. This information is crucial when boating at night.
Boating at Night
Darkness distorts perceptions. Therefore, at night, winds seem stronger, waves seem bigger, and it is difficult to tell if a light is 600ft or two miles away. Out on the North Sound, it is impossible to see the water depth or coral heads, especially on a moonless night. At night, safe boating involves more common sense. Ensure your navigation lights are working so other boats can see you and carry a powerful torch, at least a million-candle power, so you will be able to pick out channel markers from 300ft away. Use your GPS if you have one.
Although many channels have lights, be aware that markers can drift, and if one marker light is not working, it is easy to mistake a working middle marker for a defunct outer marker.
VHF Radio
If you are out of mobile phone range in an emergency, use a VHF radio to call Port Security on channel 16. Tell them your boat name, position and coordinates, and the nature of the problem, and they will help. Although channel 16 is the emergency channel, it can carry routine calls to establish communication. Once contact has been made, the conversation must be switched to another working channel. Mayday calls on channel 16 are for life-threatening emergencies only. Boat owners should acquaint themselves with VHF etiquette in the case of an emergency. In order to have a VHF on board, the boat must have a Maritime ICT Licence, and the operator must have the appropriate Maritime Radio Operators’ Certificate for the type of equipment on the vessel. In Cayman, the VHF legal framework is a nightmare, as few boats are licensed, and almost no operators are certified. Visit www.ofreg.ky/ict/shipradio for more information.
Boat Security
Although a relatively rare occurrence, there have been incidences of boats being stolen. Store expensive equipment indoors as the theft of valuable fishing, diving and boating equipment/gear has become more frequent, and you are advised to take extra precautions when securing your boat at night. More common is the theft of small engines, movable outboards and electronics. If you see any suspicious activity, please report it to the police immediately and provide a full description, including serial numbers, of anything that has been stolen.
There are devices on the marine market that can help protect your boat. Speak to a marine professional for more information on these items:
> Boat Locks: Installing a lock mounted directly to the steering wheel of your boat will help discourage theft of your boat.
> Marine Magellan: Includes wireless sensors that monitor intrusion, high water, shore power loss, low batteries and more. Should any of the wireless sensors be triggered, the device will call the designated parties and relay a personalised pre-recorded voice message of the event. The device also allows the owner to call the boat to receive a system status and remotely manage operations like switching on lights or battery charging circuits.
> Sat-Trak GPS Tracking: Suitable for boats, wave runners and jet skis, Sat-Trak devices allow you to monitor the location of your asset online, track activity and recover from theft. Devices include real-time tracking and reports, map and satellite views, and location notifications by text or email when the craft leaves the dock. Satellite tracking will aid the police in the recovery of your boat by tracking its last known location and direction.
> Spot Trace : Allows you to track your assets using satellite technology. Once motion is detected, you will instantly receive a text or email and it will allow you to follow them on the map from your phone or computer. This is popular for smaller boats.
Security products can be bought from the following companies:
Harbour House Marina
Tel: (345) 947 1307
www.harbourhousemarina.com
SEE AD PAGE 278
Pro Yacht
Tel: (345) 945 4676
Emergency Tel: (345) 516 4676
Email: info@proyacht.ky
www.proyacht.ky
Pro Yacht ensures your vessel’s safety onsite with secure storage and routine checks. If your boat is docked at home or at a marina, they offer a range of advanced marine security
devices such as locks, GPS trackers and remote monitoring software and hardware.
SEE AD PAGE 277
Scotts Marine
Tel: (345) 949 4186
www.scottsmarinecayman.com
Featuring SPOT GPS tracking and communication products. SEE AD PAGE 269
The Security Centre Limited
Tel: (345) 949 0004
Email: info@security.ky
The Security Centre carries state-of-the-art geo-tracking devices for installation on your vessel. They also have security personnel that you can hire.
Protecting Your Boat in a Hurricane
There are several precautions you can take to protect your boat during a hurricane. Store boats and trailers ashore, if possible, for a better chance of survival. If not, tie your boat together with other boats and do not put it parallel to the shore as waves can capsize it. Remove the bimini top or any items on deck that could become projectile objects in strong winds. Unstrapping masts on sailboats is also strongly advised. Remember to take everything, including all paperwork, insurance records and electronics, off the boat. Make an inventory, including serial numbers, with photographic or video evidence of items left on board. For more information on how to secure your boat before and during a storm, visit www.caymanresident.com.
Boat Insurance
Boat insurance is not compulsory in Cayman; however, obtaining it can offer peace of mind. If you have obtained a loan from your bank to purchase your boat, they will most likely require you to have insurance. Refer to the Settling In chapter for a list of insurance providers. The following companies also offer boat insurance:
Bogle Insurance Brokers Ltd.
34 and 35 Pasadora Place, Smith Road, GT
Tel: (345) 949 0579 or (345) 623 0579
Email: service@bogleins.com
CG BritCay
BritCay House, 236 Eastern Avenue, GT
Tel: (345) 949 8699
Email: info_ky@cgcoralisle.com www.cgcoralisle.com
CG BritCay’s marine insurance offers financial protection for your boat. Policies are available for motors, equipment and accessories against weather damage, fire, theft and more. They cover a wide range of watercrafts, including but not limited to sailboats, cabin cruisers, dinghy tenders, centre consoles, speedboats, landing craft, sightseeing vessels, and dive boats. SEE AD PAGE 160
Island Heritage Insurance
Island Heritage House,128 Lawrence Blvd Tel: (345) 949 7280
Email: customercare@islandheritage.com.ky www.islandheritageinsurance.com
Their marine insurance covers third-party liability and protection for boat owners from
risks like fire, theft, sinking, weather damage and collision. SEE AD PAGE 163
Pensum Services
Unit A7, Cayman Business Park, GT Tel: (345) 923 6655
Email: insurance@pensum.pro www.pensum.pro
Pensum’s marine insurance covers a wide range of yachts, runabouts and other pleasure crafts, as well as charter and work boats. Typical marine insurance covers hull, machinery, protection and indemnity. Pensum has over 15 years of experience in international maritime insurance and provides a professional service that is fast, friendly and efficient.
BUYING & MAINTAINING A BOAT
Once you have decided on the type of boat you’d like, the next thing to decide is whether you want a new or used vessel. Several brokers specialise in used boat sales and they can also help with the process of buying a new one, whether in
At Avalon Marine we take pride in our ability to listen carefully to and work closely with our customers in order to help you get the most out of your boating experience.
Maintenance
Avalon Marine offers a full complement of maintenance and management services for vessels of all sizes, including mechanical, electrical and cosmetic service and repair.
Brokerage
Avalon Marine maintains a wide range of used boat listings locally and can provide expert service to help you buy or sell locally or offshore.
Cayman or overseas.
Brokers can help determine what you need in a boat and scour the market with you as your ally. Plus, if you purchase a boat from a local dealer, you have the benefit of on-Island warranty service.
There are several new boat dealers in Cayman, so pricing is competitive. The sales staff are also very knowledgeable and know a lot about the nature of the market and our waters.
Scan to view the latest boats for sale
Boat Dealers & Outboard Engines
Avalon Marine
Tel: (345) 945 5103
Mobile: (345) 516 7708
Email: rafe@avalonmarine.ky www.avalonmarine.ky
Mobile and fixed location boat maintenance, repair and full management services for all vessels and watercraft. Offers mechanical, engine, plumbing, electrical, electronic,
cosmetic and captain services. Haul, launch and storage for boats and trailers. Brokerage for new and used boats, both local and international. Extensive experience working in the local and US market to find, survey, purchase and deliver boats to Cayman.
SEE AD PAGE 275
Cayman Marine Services
Tel: (345) 327 8948
Email: caymanmarineservices@gmail.com www.caymanmarine.ky
Specialising in diesel and gasoline inboard/ outboard maintenance and repairs; marine electronics installation, repairs and upgrades; shaft and thru-hull installation and repairs and trailer repair services. Offering reliable timely service from innovative certified technicians with integrity. SEE AD THIS PAGE
Harbour House Marina (HHM)
Marina Drive, Prospect
Tel: (345) 947 1307
Email: boatsales@harbourhousemarina.com
Whaler dealership. They also sell Sea Ray, Schaefer Yachts, Release Boats and Honda Marine. HHM is the only authorised applicator of Sea Hawk antifouling paints in the Cayman Islands. SEE AD PAGE 278
Kirk Marine
Boilers Road, George Town
Tel: (345) 946 3575
www.kirkmarine.ky
Kirk Marine is one of Grand Cayman’s most well-stocked fishing tackle, boating and marine stores and carries all the major brands. They have a full-service boatyard and are authorised distributors for Sea-Doo and YOLO Paddleboards. Their parts department has a large inventory of trailer parts, engine parts and boat repair and maintenance supplies.
SEE AD PAGE 281
MooreMarine Services
Tel: (345) 949 6672
Email: info@mooremarineservices.ky
Tel: (345) 945 4676
Emergency Tel: (345) 516 4676
Email: info@proyacht.ky
www.proyacht.ky
Dealers for Robalo, Jupiter Marine, Regal Boats, Viking Yachts, Valhalla Boatworks and Cummins/Cummins Power Generation. With 7,000 square feet of workshop, office and retail space, Pro Yacht offers services including detailing, fiberglass/gel-coat work, engine servicing, electrical repairs, electronics installation, captaining, sales, storage and more. SEE AD OPPOSITE PAGE
Scotts Marine
The Barcadere Marina, George Town
Tel: (345) 949 4186
Email: info@scottsmarinecayman.com www.scottsmarinecayman.com
Scotts Marine is a full-service marine centre and boat yard with a 100-tonne Marine Travel Lift and a 15,000sq ft showroom, chandlery and service centre. They are Cayman’s only factoryauthorised Mercury Marine dealer, providing manufacturer-backed sales, warranty and a factory-trained and Mercury certified service
team, and are the exclusive local dealership for Scout, Pursuit, Cobalt and Bayliner boats, and Hobie sailboats, kayaks and SUPs. They are also dealers for Fischer Panda marine generators, Optima marine batteries, and offer a full line of parts, accessories, electronics, safety equipment, fishing supplies, apparel and more.
SEE AD PAGE 269
Maintaining a Boat
If you buy a boat, bear in mind that a combination of salt and sun is the perfect cocktail for rust and ageing! Always take a few minutes to hose down the boat with fresh water after a trip out on the sea. This will reduce the chance of corrosion in your engines, bimini tops, snaps and other metal parts. It is recommended that you also do the following:
> Flush your outboard motors, preferably using products like Salt Terminator, each and every time you take out the boat.
> Give your boat a soapy wash using a premium marine non-phosphate and non-toxic boat wash. This will ensure that you get rid of any contaminants from the sea while retaining all your waxes and keeping the environment safe. Never use a household detergent on your boat!
> Wax your boat using a premium marine wax once every six to 12 months. This will revive the look of the boat considerably and protect the boat from salt and sun. The wax can be applied by hand, but it’s easier with a good dual-action polisher to get the job done quickly.
> Use a non-slip floor cleaner for your boat floors, marine aluminium cleaner for the aluminium top and premium marine vinyl cleaner and protector for all vinyl surfaces.
Washing, polishing and compounding can be applied on all painted or gel-coated, fibreglass or urethane surfaces, including the engines and engine covers, interior floors and gunnels to keep them all shining like new. Invest in good covers for your boat and engine to prolong their lives. Blocking out the sun is by far the best solution to keeping everything pristine.
Use only marine products, including brushes, for scrubbing and ensure that all products used don’t endanger aquatic life or degrade our waters. Marine cleaning products can be purchased at Harbour House Marina, Kirk Marine and Scotts Marine. These companies also offer boat cleaning services.
If you keep your boat in the water fulltime/permanently, you will need the hull to be coated in anti-fouling paint. This process will need to be repeated annually to protect your boat from barnacles and algae. If left uncoated, marine growth will cause a drastic reduction in the performance of your vessel, as well as risk long-term damage to the hull itself and engine(s). It is recommended that antifouling is carried out by a professional boat handler who can haul your boat out of the water, and trained staff will apply it. Antifouling is extremely caustic and is carcinogenic, so it should be applied using the appropriate cover-ups, including a full respirator mask and gloves.
An engine service should be undertaken regularly and in conjunction with the warranty. This would normally be carried out at the same time as antifouling. Fluid levels should also be checked regularly, along with the batteries.
Repairing Boat Upholstery
All Marine & Outdoors
Tel: (345) 321 2424
Email: admin@allmarineupholstery.com
Specialises in remaking, refitting, repairing and restoring marine upholstery.
Harbour House Marina (HHM)
Tel: (345) 947 1307
Email: info@harbourhousemarina.com
Suppliers of custom-made boat covers, boat seats, cushions and bolsters, boat enclosures, bimini tops and marine carpets. SEE AD PAGE 278
Pro Yacht
Tel: (345) 945 4676
Emergency Tel: (345) 516 4676
Email: info@proyacht.ky
www.proyacht.ky
Pro Yacht can take care of all your marine upholstery needs for covers, tops, cushions and more.
Boat Storage
Pro Yacht
Tel: (345) 945 4676
Email: info@proyacht.ky
Emergency Tel: (345) 516 4676
www.proyacht.ky
Pro Yacht offers secure storage for your boat, waverunner and trailer. Their facility is centrally located at the Cayman Islands Yacht Club with direct access to fuel, slips, convenience store and launch ramp.
Harbour House Marina and Scotts Marine also offer secure boat storage.
Boat Licensing Fees
The Government imposes an annual licensing fee on vessels in Cayman, which is collected by the Port Authority. It is the responsibility of a boat owner to complete
a licensing form and let the Port Authority know of any changes. Commercial boats also need to be licensed, but the process is a little more complicated than for recreational vessels. Note: There is no licensing fee so long as a valid business licence is submitted with the application. To download a form, visit www. caymanport.com/forms. You can register your boat and its name; however, this is not required for private local vessels. For large international vessels, Cayman offers various registration options. Visit www. cishipping.com for more information.
MARINAS & MARINE FUELLING STATIONS
Marinas
The Cayman Islands is a British Overseas Territory and, as such, is a highly regulated jurisdiction with entry to the Islands controlled exclusively by CI Customs and Border Control (CBC). The official port of entry for Grand Cayman is the main port on the west coast of George Town. Without exception, once arriving within
12 miles of the Islands, all vessels wishing to clear into Cayman waters must notify CI Port Security via VHF channel 16 for instructions on how to proceed. Port Security is available around the clock, though CBC is open Monday-Friday 8.30am-4pm, and Saturday 8.30am12.30pm. An extra fee is applied when you enter outside of these times. It is entirely up to Port Security to direct you to your clearing-in point as determined by CBC, and failure to notify the authorities of your arrival in Cayman waters or to comply with Port Security instructions can result in fines and penalties for the vessel. You must have a passport valid beyond the date of stay to enter. However, with advance notice, and timely receipt of relevant documentation, it is also possible to request CBC clearance for visiting vessels at the Barcadere Marina in George Town.
The Barcadere Marina
The Barcadere is a world-class, award-winning marina located in George Town, right next
to the Owen Roberts International Airport. It features direct access to the North Sound and other local attractions like the worldfamous Stingray City and diving on the North Wall. The marina offers berthing for boats and yachts up to a maximum of 8ft draft, with individually metered water and power. There are washrooms, free wireless internet and nightly security, all in a safe and secure environment. Their dockside fuel station, Scotts Landing, features premium ValvTect marine fuel and offers a sewage pump-out service. Also located on-site is Scotts Marine, the Island’s exclusive Mercury Marine dealer, which features a full-service boatyard with a 110-tonne marine travel lift and a 15,000sq ft sales and service centre representing all of the top marine brands. The Barcadere Marina is also home to George Town Yacht Club, a casual waterfront bar and restaurant with your choice of inside, poolside or dockside dining. The food is delicious and well-priced, and it is a recipient of TripAdvisor’s Certificate of Excellence. Visit www.gtyachtclub.com. Tel: (345) 949 3743 or visit www.barcadere.com. SEE AD PAGE 271
The Cayman Islands Yacht Club and Marina
The Cayman Islands Yacht Club and Marina can be found in Governor’s Creek on the West side of Grand Cayman. It can cater for up to 166 boats of varying sizes (30ft to 150ft long with a draft of 6.6ft) and it welcomes both large commercial operations and small privately-owned boats.The facility offers 24hour manned security, full CCTV coverage and private dock access via secure key cards, which provides peace of mind for your vessel. There is a fuel depot for both boats and vehicles, wet slips and individual pump-out systems, as well as power and water on each slip and a whip panel, which allows onboard refilling of dive tanks—a great convenience to commercial dive operators. The Cayman Islands Yacht Club and Marina also has a convenience and liquor store as well as two fantastic waterfront restaurants: bàcaro and Morgan’s. To contact them for more information or to rent a dock, Tel: (345) 326 4985 or visit www.ciyachtclub.ky.
Harbour House Marina (HHM)
Full dockside maintenance services are
HARBOUR HOUSE MARINA
offered, as well as boat storage with 24-hour security. Tel: (345) 947 1307 or email: service@ harbourhousemarina.com
SEE AD OPPOSITE PAGE
Kaibo Marina
Open to boaters using Kaibo Beach Restaurant, Kaibo Beach Espresso and Upstairs at Kaibo, the marina is a 26-berth Poralu Marina floating dock. Offering electricity and water hook-up and a locked-gate walkway, the 26 boat slips are available for short-term, overnight and long-term rental. Tel: (345) 947 9975 to make a dock booking.
Marine Fuelling Stations
On the North Sound there are four marine fuelling stations—Scotts Landing at the Barcadere Marina, the Cayman Islands Yacht Club on Governor’s Creek, Harbour House Marina on the south side of the Sound, and at Tukka West dock in Morgan’s Harbour. All four locations sell petrol and diesel. No ethanol petrol is sold at marinas in Cayman. Note: Cayman Islands Law states that all fuel stations must display their fuel prices in CI dollars per imperial gallon, except at marinas where prices must still be displayed in CI dollars per imperial gallon but may be dispensed and charged in CI dollars per US gallon, which is approximately 20% less per volume than an imperial gallon.
The diesel being sold in Cayman today is ultra-low sulphur. However, it is worth checking which marine fuel stations add a lubricity booster to their fuel to help prevent deposits from accumulating in fuel injector pumps. Scotts Landing, located at the Barcadere Marina, is the Island’s exclusive dealer for Valvtect Marine fuel, which is specially formulated to ensure the best performance from your boat or watercraft but is also ideal for use in generators and will improve the performance of vehicles and other equipment. They are open 7am-7pm, seven days a week, and feature dockside and landside fuel dispensers for your convenience. They guarantee to provide only ultra-low sulphur diesel and premium 93 octane, ethanol free petrol.
The Valvtect additive causes fuel to burn more cleanly, reducing harmful exhaust emissions while cleaning your motor’s fuel system and combustion chambers and it is proven to increase performance and fuel economy by up to 7% in independent testing. It also increases the stability of the fuel and contains extra water dispersants and corrosion guard technology. The diesel additive boosts cetane levels and lubricity, making it more suitable for EU diesel engines using the lower cetane US-spec diesel available on-Island. Scotts Landing also offers a full-service dockside sewage tank pump-out service for boats.
GETTING OUT ON THE WATER
Boat Rentals
Whether you want to visit the Sandbar and its resident stingrays, take a sunset cruise or explore the North Sound, the following options are great for those looking to get out on the water. If you want to rent a sailing dinghy, Laser or Pico, then a great option is to call the Cayman Islands Sailing Club (SEE AD PAGE 430) , Tel: (345) 947 7913 or email: booking@sailing.ky.
Cayman Boat Rentals is a boutique service offering the exclusivity of renting your own boat, jet skis or a variety of non-motorised watersports toys and add-ons Tel: (345) 949 6672 or visit www.caymanboating. com.
Tours & Private Boat Charters
Numerous companies offer North Sound boat and snorkelling trips. Half-day trips usually include stops at the Sandbar and the Coral Gardens to snorkel. Full-day trips include all the stops mentioned above but also include conch hunting (when in season) and a delicious local seafood lunch either cooked and served on board the boat or on the beach at Cayman Kai. For the latest information on tours and private boat charters, visit www.explorecayman. com or pick up a copy of Explore Cayman magazine.
Cayman Kind Watersports (Tel: (345) 325 8448) offers private charters around Grand Cayman. Guests can swim with stingrays,
snorkel at reef sites, fish in local waters, and enjoy a range of relaxing activities at their own pace. Ocean Frontiers (Tel: (345) 640 7500 or email: info@oceanfrontiers. com) offers multiple Stingray City and snorkelling tour options at various times of the day. Their dawn stingray excursion is one of the most unique ways to interact with these marine animals in their natural habitat, unfettered by other tourists. Paradise Pontoons (Tel: (345) 321 0000) takes guests on 3-4 hour snorkelling trips and sunset cruises, with collection and drop-off direct from the Seven Mile Beach area. They also do custom itineraries for birthdays and special occasions. Red Sail Sports (Tel: (345) 623 5965) boasts a fleet of five luxury 65ft sailing catamarans. They offer snorkelling trips along Seven Mile Beach and various scuba diving experiences. Ask about their resident discounts. Finally, in addition to the familiar Stingray City tours, White Sand Watersports (Tel: (345) 926 7263) has a slip n’ slide snorkel boat and rents stand-up paddleboards and single occupant kayaks.
Evening Sailing & Sunset Tours
Evening sailing trips in Cayman are a special experience and luckily there are several options available. Cayman Islands Sailing Charters (Tel: (345) 525 1222) run personable, private sailing charters tailored to your specific needs aboard their 37’ catamaran. Ray Dayz (Tel: (345) 936 1560) will take you and your guests on a slowpaced cruise in the North Sound or along Seven Mile Beach as the sun sets. Red Sail Sports (Tel: (345) 623 5965) has several evening sailing options on one of their 65ft catamarans. Cruise the coastline on their popular Sunset Sail or dine onboard their Dinner Sail with food served fresh off the BBQ.
For a unique experience you could book a cruise to the bioluminescent bay under a beautiful night sky on Cayman Kayaks (Tel: (345) 926 4467) new and improved electric boat. Visit www.caymankayaks. com/electricboat for more information.
Sailing & Yacht Clubs
If you are a keen sailor, you may want to join the Cayman Islands Sailing Club (Tel: (345) 947 7913). Sailing lessons for adults and children are available throughout the year. Training rotations for child and adult lessons are offered on their Hartley fleet and other dinghy fleets, as well as J22 lessons for the more advanced sailors who are interested in racing. Dinghy racing usually takes place on the first Sunday of the month, with J22 racing on the third and Cruisers racing the fourth Sunday of the month. The club also organises the very popular Wednesday Night Hartley sailing; boats are rigged and ready for 4pm. There are also opportunities for those with their own larger sailboats as the cruiser fleet arranges periodic races, rallies to the Sister Islands and Cuba, full moon sails and gettogether ‘sailaways’. The Sailing Club has a scenic clubhouse overlooking the North Sound and often hosts parties and socials. Various types of sailing boats can be rented by the hour, half or full day, and members
get a discount. Email: rharvey@sailing.ky or call (345) 926 7915 for information about their learn-to-sail camps, school lessons, sponsorship and sailing schedule. Visit www.sailing.ky for more information and rates. SEE AD PAGE 430
Another option is the George Town Yacht Club (GTYC), based at the Barcadere Marina at the end of North Sound Road in George Town. The GTYC includes a clubhouse with a restaurant and bar, changing rooms with showers and lockers and a recreational pool for families and kids. Anyone can dock their boat right up to the restaurant and bar, which offers a casual ‘back porch’ dining experience. This family-friendly facility provides a full roster of events and activities, regularly attracting the larger public on weekends. The venue also has conference facilities on the 2nd floor of the main building. For more information, Tel: (345) 949 3743 or email: info@barcadere. com.
MARINE RULES & REGULATIONS
Marine Parks App
The Department of Environment (DoE) (SEE AD THIS PAGE) ‘CaymanDoE’ app provides residents and visitors with up-to-date information and maps on Cayman’s marine parks and National Conservation laws. On the app map, the most recent Marine Park zones are clearly marked out, and you can click on any zone to find out what the rules are for each one. You can turn on location services to see where you are on the map and identify the zone that you are in. The ‘Laws’ page shows all closed seasons and catch limits for various marine species, as well as protections in place for others. The app is available to download from the Apple Store and Google Play and once downloaded it does not use internet data. Boating and navigational laws can be found on the Port Authority’s website: www.caymanport.com.
Marine Park Regulations & Anchoring Cayman’s marine parks were established in 1986, in addition to environmental laws enacted to protect the Islands’ coastal waters. Due to environmental stressors, like declining fish populations, reef degradation, climate change and rapid population growth and development, marine parks are extremely important for Cayman’s fish population to remain sustainable. The marine parks in the Cayman Islands cover around half of all coastal waters across the three islands.
Removing marine life (alive or dead) within a Marine Reserve is strictly prohibited (though you can catch-and-release fish for bonefish, tarpon and permit). Line fishing is permitted in the Line Fishing Zones and outside of the marine parks. Fish traps, spear guns, pole spears and seine nets are prohibited. No anchoring is permitted; only the use of the public fixed moorings is allowed. The exception is that boats of 60ft or less may anchor in sand, so long as no grappling hook is used, and neither the anchor nor the rope or chain will impact coral. Damaging coral in any manner is a
serious offense. Anchoring is also permitted in designated port anchorage areas. Contact Port Security on VHF channel 16. In Bloody Bay Little Cayman, restrictions have been placed on the use of the marine park, and no commercial operations may use it without a licence. Visit www.doe.ky/ marine-parks for details.
Environmental Zone Regulations
Restrictions in the Environmental Zone are strictly enforced. The rules are no marine life, whether alive or dead, can be taken, no in-water activities are permitted, the public may only access at speeds of five knots or less and no boat can drop anchor. Line fishing, fish traps, nets and spear guns are strictly prohibited. Read the DoE ‘Marine Parks App’ section on the previous page of this chapter to identify which zones are protected by environmental regulations.
FISHING
The Marine Park Regulations, enforced through the Department of Environment
(DoE) conservation team (SEE AD PAGE
OPPOSITE PAGE) include fishing catch and size limits, open and closed seasons and restrictions in the Marine Protected Areas. Learn more at www.doe.ky/marine-parks. Breaches of the law are treated as serious offences and anyone committing an offence against the National Conservation Act and its regulations is liable to a fine, imprisonment or both. Report offenses to doe@gov.ky or call (345) 949-8469 during business hours. To report offenses in action outside of business hours please call or WhatsApp the Chief Conservation Officer on (345) 916 4271.
Fishing Regulations
Currently, there is no fishing licence requirement in the Cayman Islands but strict Marine Park Regulations including species, catch and size limits remain in force to protect the fragile fish stocks. Generally, catch and release fishing is best. It’s also important to make sure you are not shore fishing from privately owned land.
Catch Limits
Jewfish (goliath grouper), tilefish (whities), filefish (pipers) and angelfish, including Grey, French and Queen angels (old monks), and all sharks and rays, are protected from harm and not allowed to be taken from Cayman waters at any time. There is an eight-inch minimum size on all other species except goggle eyes, sprats (herrings), silversides, anchovies and fries, including loggerhead and fine fry.
Nassau grouper however, have different rules to support ongoing conservation of this keystone species. There is a 16-inch minimum and 24-inch maximum catch size throughout all of the Cayman Islands, year-round, and Nassau grouper can never be caught using a speargun. Nassau grouper cannot be taken from the 1st December to the 30th April. Outside of this, there is a catch limit of five per person or five per boat, per day, whichever is less. During the closed season (1st December to 30th April), no one may fish for Nassau Grouper anywhere in Cayman waters. In accordance
with the Conservation Regulations, the designated Nassau Grouper Spawning Aggregation zones of Coxswain Bank and South West Point in Grand Cayman, the east and west end of Cayman Brac and Little Cayman, and Twelve Mile Bank remain off limits for all fishing during the closed season 1st December to 30th April. You are discouraged from catching or eating grouper as they have been over-fished and the population has been severely depleted. If you see any suspicious fishing taking place, please contact (345) 916 4271 by phone or WhatsApp or call 911.
Licences for Fish Pots & Spearguns
Fish pots and spearguns must be licensed by the National Conservation Council, and only Caymanians over the age of 18 may be granted a licence. Spear guns are a controlled item and may not be imported into the Cayman Islands. When entering the country, you must declare all spearguns to customs agents.
Lionfish
Lionfish are an invasive species and a significant threat to our marine ecosystem. Lionfish consume large numbers of small fish on a reef within a relatively short amount of time and have no natural predators in the Caribbean Sea. Divers, snorkellers and fishermen can obtain training and a licence from the DoE to cull them. Remember, lionfish are venomous. Do not attempt to catch or handle one without proper training. However, they are delicious and the most environmentally friendly seafood you can choose in a restaurant. Contact the DoE. Tel: (345) 949 8469, email: doe@gov. ky or visit www.doe.ky/lionfish. See the Diving chapter for more details.
Lobster, Conch & Other Catch Limits
There are strict catch and size limits in force to protect fragile fish stocks for these species. Lobster season is closed from the 1st of March to the 30th of November. Catch limits per day in open season are
three per person or six per boat (two or more people), whichever is less. Lobster tails must be a minimum of six inches long, and only spiny lobster (P. argus) can be taken.
Conch season is closed from the 1st of May to the 31st of October. Catch limits per day are five per person or 10 per boat (two or more people), whichever is less. Lobster and conch may never be taken from a marine protected area even during open season.
Whelk season is closed from the 1st of May to the 31st of October and the catch limit is two-and-a-half gallons in the shell or two-and-a-half pounds of processed whelks per person, per day.
Echinoderms (starfish, sea eggs, urchins, sea cucumbers, sand dollars, etc.) and elasmobranchs (sharks, stingrays and other rays) may not be taken from Cayman waters at any time.
No one may disturb, harass or harm sea turtles, nests or eggs. No one may use food to attract or feed any sharks in Cayman waters. Taking any marine life (dead or alive) while scuba diving is prohibited. Do not wear gloves while diving or snorkelling. Damaging coral in any manner is illegal. For a list of protected species visit www. doe.ky/marine-parks.
Light Tackle Game Fishing
Bonefish, tarpon, and pompano, amongst other species, can be caught around all three islands, but Little Cayman is renowned for inshore gamefish, and there are some spectacular fishing opportunities for those who enjoy the sport. Refer to page 475 in our Travel chapter for more information about fishing in Little Cayman. In Grand Cayman, Captain Ronald Ebanks from FlyFish Grand Cayman offers a local-guided fishing experience on either a 17’ Stratos Flats Boat or the Bluewater 2350. They tailor your trip to suit your needs, and offer light tackle, reef bottom, night, deep sea and night fishing, as well as Stingray City, snorkelling and eco tours. Tel: (345) 916 5753, email: flyfish@candw.ky or visit www.flyfishgrandcayman.com.
Fishing Trips & Tournaments
Numerous companies offer deep sea fishing trips and guests will have the opportunity to catch blue marlin, white marlin, sailfish, wahoo, mahi-mahi and tuna. Just bring your sunblock and snacks for a perfect day on the water. Ray Dayz (Tel: (345) 936 1560) can get your line in the water for a 4-hour (half day) game fishing charter. Visit www.explorecayman.com or pick up a copy of Explore Cayman magazine for more about fishing charters on-island.
Cayman’s annual fishing tournaments, like the Burger King ‘Big Fish’, are hugely popular. The Cayman Islands Angling Club puts on numerous tournaments during the year, including the annual Cayman Islands International Fishing Tournament, held every year in April or May. Visit www. fishcayman.com for more information.
Non-Caymanian Fishing Ban
In July 2025, a legal framework for a partial banning of non-Caymanians from fishing in Cayman’s waters was being proposed by the new Government. The ban would, in essence, prohibit non-Caymanians from harvesting any local marine life such as conch, fish, and lobster. At the moment, whilst there are restrictions and catch limits on certain fish, shellfish, and mollusks, they are seasonal or conservational and apply to everyone. Under the proposal, there would be limitations placed on foreigners, with a requirement to be licensed to fish from shore and on open water, and only on a catch-and-release basis. The Ministry for the Environment is now preparing a consultation period with stakeholders, potential enforcement bodies and the general public, in order that the new law prioritises Caymanians and most importantly, addresses the overfishing of local marine ecosystems, which according to the Government, is the main reason why any restrictions on non-Caymanians’ fishing rights should be implemented in the first place.
Grand Cayman is a very popular shopping destination catering to all tastes and budgets. The island's wide range of furniture, accessories, gifts, artwork and fashion stores draw tourists from across the Caribbean and beyond. Smaller shopping plaza developments are dotted across the districts and include Jacques Scott Marketplace and 61 West Apartments, located in West Bay, The Grove Too on Seven Mile Beach, and City Plaza on Crewe Road – all of which feature a variety of retail stores, restaurants and cafés. High-end shops line the sidewalks of Camana Bay and The Grove, both located on West Bay Road, and Harbour Walk at Grand Harbour. Whether you are in Grand Cayman for a week or staying for the foreseeable future, you are guaranteed to be met with a plethora of shops of every kind. The major hotels house luxury boutique stores selling high-end fashion, accessories and lifestyle products. In the central George Town area, many of the stores are aimed at tourists, specifically those coming off cruise ships. Shopping centres in this area, like Bayshore Mall and Island Plaza, sell jewellery,
and beauty products. Along the Seven Mile Beach strip, you will mainly find clothing stores, especially those selling swim and resort
and a few stores selling books and stationery. Most furniture stores are within or near the Industrial Park, but there
ON-ISLAND SHOPPING
Photos courtesy of Bon Vivant, Camana Bay Farmers Market & Chuck Gloman
Penha The Grove
Experience the Luxury
Discover the essence of luxury at Penha The Grove. Our store exclusively offers a curated selection of premium fragrances, skincare, and cosmetic products, perfect for those who appreciate the finer things in life. With an array of top-tier brands and high-quality items, you're sure to find the perfect addition to your beauty regimen. Our highly trained staff are dedicated to providing exceptional service, ensuring that your shopping experience is both enjoyable and memorable.
We eagerly await your visit.
1358 West Bay Road, The Grove, Building C, Unit C21
Open from Monday to Saturday from 10:00 am -7:00 pm
Shop Online in the comfort of your home at www.penhadutyfree.com
Explore
Top Brands at Penha Stores
The Penha Duty Free Group currently operates five stores on the island of Grand Cayman. The following stores are part of the Penha Duty Free Group: Penha Duty Free MAC Cosmetics, Victoria's Secret & Bath & Body Works
Please view the listings below for specific store addresses, contact information and opening hours.
Where to find us
Penha Duty Free Royal Plaza
#40 Royal Plaza, Unit A Cardinal Ave
Monday to Saturday from 9:00 am -6:00 pm
Victoria's Secret
#40 Royal Plaza, Unit C Cardinal Ave
Monday to Saturday from 9:00 am -6:00 pm
For more information call: 345-949-6513
Bath & Body Works
#40 Royal Plaza, Unit D Edward Street
Monday to Saturday from 9:00 am -6:00 pm
MAC
#40 Royal Plaza, Unit B Cardinal Ave
Monday to Saturday from 9:00 am -6:00 pm
in Camana Bay and along West Bay Road. The major homeware stores are in the vicinity of Eastern Avenue. Camana Bay is full of shops, from clothing and books to kitchen supplies. In Savannah, the Countryside Shopping Centre houses a Foster’s supermarket, an A. L. Thompson’s hardware store and other shops. With new shops constantly popping up, great bargain shopping options as well as seasonal sales are bound to appear – so keep an eye out!
ART, ART SUPPLIES & COLLECTABLES
Antiques & Collectables
Artifacts Ltd. is a treasure trove of antique maps, prints, silver, coins, jewellery, shipwreck treasures and china, as well as unique, modern handmade glass and ceramics. Cayside Galleries, Seafarers Way, George Town. Tel: (345) 949 2442, email: artifax@candw.ky or visit www. artifacts.com.ky.
Art Galleries & Locally Made
Items
Art galleries in Cayman showcase highquality works from local and international artists and craftspeople. Featured work includes original paintings, Caymanite jewellery, hand-woven thatch products, Cayman sea salt, soap products, artisanal jams, hot sauces and sculptures.
3 Girls & A Kiln is an art collective with islandinspired ceramics and upcycled art. Located at 47 South Church Street, George Town. Tel: (345) 640 9990.
Carlos V. García Fine Art Gallery offers works from up-and-coming artists in the Caribbean and beyond. Visit their vibrant art gallery at Unit 15, The Grove on West Bay Road. Open Monday-Saturday 9am-8pm and on Sunday by appointment only. Private tours available daily. Tel: (345) 917 2896 or email: carlosvgarciart@ gmail.com.
Cayman Craft Market is located on North Church Street, next to the Waterfront Centre in George Town. The market brings together visitors and local artisans who create unique Caymanian art, jewellery, crafts and recycled
treasures made from unique materials, as well as locally made sauces, jams and jellies. You can find items made from leather, thatch, wood, shells, Caymanite and black coral. It is only open on cruise ship days.
Cayman Islands National Museum is in the heart of George Town and celebrates the unique natural and cultural heritage of Cayman. The museum shop offers a wide selection of locally made products and souvenirs and is the official distributor of the Cayman Islands flag. Open Monday-Friday 9am-5pm and Saturday 10am5pm. Tel: (345) 949 8368. SEE AD PAGE 427
The Gallery, by local artist Jason Kennedy, displays various art pieces known for capturing the people of the Caribbean in painted portraits. Located in Camana Bay. Open MondaySaturday 10am-6pm. Tel: (345) 328 3565 or email: jasonkennedyart@gmail.com.
Goodness offers a selection of handmade and sustainable gifts and essentials from both exclusive local and international small business creatives. Open Monday-Saturday 10am-5pm at 31 Shedden Road. Tel: (345) 917 4444.
Gordon Solomon Gallery and Studio located in Cayman Brac showcases the unique talent of this acclaimed Caymanian artist. Gordon Solomon draws on graphic design, Pointillism and Abstraction to create his unique and muchloved signature style. 271 West End, Cayman Brac. Email: g.solomon@candw.ky or visit www.gordonsolomon.com
Guy Harvey Gallery and Shoppe sells original artwork, as well as a wide range of reproduction art, including paper, canvas and aluminium art by Guy Harvey. 20 Seafarers Way, George Town. Tel: (345) 943 4891 or visit www.guyharvey. com.
materials for both printing and framing. West Shore Centre, 508 West Bay Road. Tel: (345) 949 8077, email: info@kennedygallerycayman. com or visit www.kennedygallerycayman. com. SEE AD OPPOSITE
National Gallery of the Cayman Islands (NGCI)
The NGCI Gift Shop, situated on the Esterley Tibbetts Highway, offers a wide range of locally crafted gift items, prints of artworks from the national collection, and educational gifts for children. Both the National Gallery and the NGCI Gift Shop welcome visitors free of charge. Open Monday-Saturday 10am-5pm. Tel: (345) 945 8111.
The National Trust for the Cayman Islands nature store provides eco-friendly and locally made products that help to preserve the Islands’ environment and support local farmers and artisans. Available in the store are National Trust for the Cayman Islands branded items, family-friendly ‘Explorer Passports’ for all three Islands, and locally made honey, snacks and artisanal products such as candles and soap. Located at Dart Park, open MondayFriday 9am-5pm. Tel: (345) 749 1121 or visit www.nationaltrust.org.ky.
Pure Art features Cayman’s best-known and beloved painters, sculptors, artisans and craftspeople, with original paintings, art prints and handcrafted gifts in their Caymanian-style cottage off South Church Street. Open MondaySaturday 9am-5pm. Tel: (345) 949 9133 or visit www.pureart.ky. Facebook: @Pure Art Gallery & Gifts and Instagram: @PureArtCayman.
Kennedy Gallery is Cayman’s best known destination for all your local and Cuban fine art, large format digital printing, scanning and quality custom framing needs. Supporting the most popular Caymanian and Cuban artists, they carry and display the largest selection in Cayman and have the finest options of
The Ritz-Carlton Art Gallery focuses solely on the work of local artists who work in a range of mediums. Their exhibitions change three to four times a year and you can view them on the bridge between the two sides of the property. Tel: (345) 923 1888 or (345) 926 0119 for more information. SEE AD PAGE 211
Art Supplies
Book Nook
Home to an array of toys, books and arts and crafts materials, particularly suitable for children. Galleria Plaza, West Bay Road. Tel:
(345) 945 4686, email: booknookcayman@ gmail.com or visit their website at www. booknookcayman.com.
Kirk Office
Carries an extensive selection of acrylic, watercolour and oil paints, as well as washable children’s paints. Their range of art supplies includes a variety of brushes, canvases, drawing pencils, felt swatches, glue and glitter. 67 North Sound Road, George Town. Tel: (345) 623 5475 or visit www.kirkoffice.ky.
SEE AD PAGE 71
Office Supply Ltd.
Offers a selection of arts and crafts supplies, and creative materials such as canvases, paints, brushes, pencils, stencils, calligraphy sets, mosaic tiles, clay kits and much more. They also stock a range of school and office supplies. Marquee Plaza, 36 Lawrence Blvd. Tel: (345) 946 1200, email: info@officesupply.ky or visit www.officesupply.ky. SEE AD PAGE 5
BEAUTY, COSMETICS & PERSONAL CARE
Bath and Body Works
This popular US brand sells fragrance, bath and shower products and skin care as well as candles and diffusers. Royal Plaza, 40 Edward Street, GT. Tel: (345) 949 6513.
Bella’s Beauty Supply Store
Sells a full range of hair and beauty products, and accessories. Located in Centennial Towers, 2471 West Church Street, West Bay. Tel: (345) 928 9073. Instagram: @bellasbeautysupplyky.
Beyond Basics Medical: Laser & Skincare
Sells Obagi and ELASTIderm. Tel: (345) 916 7546 or visit www.beyondbasics.ky.
Body Works
Sells Eminence Organics, Kneipp, yoga and fitness products and Gehwol foot products, SOi and Andalusia candles and more. Queen’s Court Plaza, West Bay Road. Tel: (345) 945 6485.
Cayman Perfume Lab
Cayman Perfume Lab stocks fragrances and custom-made colognes. Cardinal Plaza, 30 Cardinal Avenue, GT. Tel: (345) 623 3330.
CEL Beauty Centre & Supply
A beauty supply store with many options for hair, nail, skincare and makeup products. They carry brands like Kerastase, L’Oreal, Maybelline and Revlon. Located at 74 Portland Road, George Town. Tel: (345) 745 0817.
Eclipze Hair Design & Day Spa
Sells a range of hair and skincare from brands including Goldwell-Kerasilk, TIGI-Bed Head, Peter Thomas Roth, Gehwol, OPI, Olivia Garden and more. Located in Camana Bay. Tel: (345) 945 1188 or WhatsApp (345) 916 7274.
Focus Hair & Beauty
Sells Kerastase, Redken and L’Oréal. Marquee Plaza, Lawrence Blvd. Tel: (345) 943 6287.
Hibiscus Spa at The Westin Resort & Spa
Offers Hibiscus Spa wellness gifts, Kerstin Florian, Intraceuticals HydraFacial and Pure Fiji products. Tel: (345) 914 2009 or email: wstngc. hibiscusspa@westin-cayman.com.
La Parfumerie
Sells over 450 different products from the world's top brands, including Bare Minerals, Benefit, Chanel, Christian Dior, Clarins, Guerlain, Lancome, L'Oreal Paris, La Prairie, Sisley Paris, Shiseido, Black Up and L'Occitane. Locations in George Town and Seven Mile Beach. Tel: (345) 949 7477 or visit www.kirkfreeport.com.
Le Visage
Sells a range of makeup, skincare, fragrance and hair products, as well as tools and accessories. Brands include Elemis, Dermalogica, Smashbox, Stila, Patchology and more. Two locations: The Paseo, Camana Bay and Harbour Walk, Grand Harbour. Tel: (345) 946 2332 or visit www. levisageboutique.com.
MAC Cosmetics
Sells MAC cosmetics beauty products. 40 Royal Plaza, Cardinall Avenue, George Town. Tel: (345) 946 6512 ext. 5200. SEE AD PAGE 284
Penha Perfume & Cosmetics
Penha is one of the oldest and most renowned beauty product retailers in the Caribbean. In
their two duty-free stores, they sell major cosmetics and skincare like Estée Lauder, Clinique, MAC, Lancôme, The Ordinary, Sol de Janeiro, Rituals, L’Occitane, Victoria's Secret, Bath and Body Works, Kilian, Versace, Tom Ford, Chanel, Dior, Hermès and all other major fragrances. Visit them in two locations: 40 Royal Plaza, Cardinall Avenue, George Town and The Grove, 1358 West Bay Road, Building C, Unit C21. Tel: (345) 949 6513 or visit www. penhadutyfree.com/cay. SEE AD PAGE 284
The
Ritz-Carlton
Spa, Grand Cayman
An exclusive luxury spa that sells ESPA Skincare and 111Skin, both natural luxury products. Located on West Bay Road, Seven Mile Beach. Tel: (345) 815 6900 or visit www. ritzcarlton.com/grandcayman. SEE AD PAGE 211
Rock Gorgeous Hair Salon
Sells GHD, Oribe, Unite, Olaplex, Wella, GK Hair, Halocuture and more. Tel: (345) 925 4231.
Spa Esprit Hair Design & Day Spa
Sells Olaplex, KMS, Goldwell, OPI and more. The
KENNEDY GALLERY
Strand Shopping Centre, West Bay Road. Tel: (345) 945 4334.
Styles Hair Salon & Spa
Sells Matrix, Biosilk, TEC Italy, Paul Mitchell, Redken, Sebastian, OPI, China Glaze, Global Keratin, Remy Laure, TIGI - Bed Head and more. Located in West Shore Centre (pink plaza), West Bay Road. Tel: (345) 949 8809 or visit www.stylesbeautysalonandspa.com.
SEE AD PAGE 304
Ted Green
Sells premium perfumes and home fragrances. Inspired by the exotic flora of the Caribbean, Ted Green blends local influences with expert craftsmanship. Products are available at Kirk Freeport stores, TABS and Silhouette in Camana Bay, Pure Art and online. Visit www. tedgreen.com.
Tips 'N' Toes
Sells Dermalogica and several Korean skincare brands including Anua and Biodance. Bayshore Mall, George Town. Tel: (345) 943 8637.
Uniko Eco Salon
Uniko Eco Salon by Davines is the only ecofriendly salon in Cayman. They sell a variety of environmentally friendly elements and products and offer hair Botox services. They also have a programme allowing clients to save money and reduce waste by refilling their old containers. Located at 3 Bay Harbour Centre, West Bay Road. Tel: (345) 769 5400 or visit www.unikosalon.com.
Vanity Salon
Sells a full range of Aveda products. Midtown Plaza, George Town. Tel: (345) 949 7929.
BOOKS, STATIONERY & TOYS
Atlantic Kids (AK)
AK offers a unique selection of books for children, as well as other educational items to help children learn to read, count and improve their analytical skills. They carry a great selection of fun, award-winning toys for boys and girls of all ages at affordable prices. Expect to find toys you would see in toy stores in the US and the UK. It’s also a great place to shop
for birthdays, and gift registries are available. AK also carries an assortment of back-toschool items, including Jansport backpacks. Paddington Place, Godfrey Nixon Way, GT. Open Monday-Saturday 9.30am-6.30pm. Tel: (345) 949 2296 or visit www.atlanticcayman.
com. SEE AD PAGE 291
The Book Loft
The Cayman Islands Humane Society’s charity book shop, The Book Loft, is run by volunteers and sells used and new adult and kids’ books. They also sell stationery, greetings cards, adult and kids’ games and puzzles. All money raised is for the animals. Open TuesdaySaturday 10am-4pm. Tel: (345) 946 8053 or email: info@caymanhumane.org.
Book Nook
Sells a selection of adult, teen and children’s books, travel guides, cookbooks, candles and more. They also have toys and board games. Galleria Plaza, West Bay Road. Open MondaySaturday 9am-6pm. Tel: (345) 945 4686.
Creations Unlimited
Sells branded promotional products such as stationery, caps, cups, clothing and bags. Tel: (345) 326 1906 or email: steve@creations.ky.
Next Chapter
Sells a selection of bestselling fiction and non-fiction books, toys, games, souvenirs and homewares. Tel: (345) 640 2665 or visit www. nextchapter.ky.
BUYING IN BULK & HURRICANE SUPPLIES
Buying in Bulk
If you are looking to buy bulk items like nappies, cleaning supplies, non-perishable food and soft drinks, Cayman has a good selection of wholesale stores.
Cost.U.Less
Governors Square, 51 Lime Tree Bay Avenue. Open Monday-Thursday 8am-9pm and Friday and Saturday 8am-10pm. Tel: (345) 745 5377.
Priced Right
Offers quality products, such as bulk groceries, fresh produce, quality meats, small kitchen
appliances, electronics, toys, garden supplies and more, at great prices. Two locations: The Airport Centre in George Town and Republix Plaza in West Bay. Both open Monday-Saturday 7am9pm. Online shopping is also available. Tel: (345) 815 1070 or (345) 949 3214.
SEE AD OPPOSITE PAGE
Hurricane Supplies
It's advisable to begin your preparation well before the hurricane season begins in June. Visit bulk suppliers like Priced Right and Cost.U.Less for deals on items like drinking water, batteries and canned goods (see the Buying in Bulk section in this chapter and the Disaster Preparedness chapter for a list of supplies). Other items, such as fans, torches, tarpaulins and generators, can be sourced at home centres like A. L. Thompson’s (SEE AD PAGE 227, 234, 244, 247 & 294) , Kirk Home Centre or Uncle Bill’s (SEE AD PAGE 238) . For hurricane shutters, Hydes & Sons (Tel: (345) 949 7062) has a factory in Cayman that makes hurricane shutters. See our Disaster Preparedness chapter for more information on protecting your property during a natural disaster.
CLOTHES, SHOES & ACCESSORIES
Clothing & Accessories for Adults
Allee Designer Fashion Boutique
A women’s fashion and shoe boutique. Allee provides quality clothing for all occasions at affordable prices. Galleria Plaza, West Bay Road off Seven Mile Beach. Tel: (345) 946 6464 or visit www.facebook.com/alleedesignerboutique.
Amé
Offers summer inspired styles from Love Shack Fancy, Farm Rio, Celia B, Kivari and more. As well as activewear and sports-luxe from Varley, Splits59 and Z Supply, they sell shoes, fine accessories and Molton Brown fragrances. The Paseo, Camana Bay. Tel: (345) 946 2929.
Atlantic
Atlantic has been a community staple for over 50 years and is known for offering a variety of well-known department store brands at affordable prices across six departments. Men
will find designers such as Calvin Klein, DKNY, Cubavera and Madden shoes. The women and junior departments carry AGB, Ruby Rd, Democracy, A.BYER, YMI Jeans. For women’s shoes, you will find Madden Girl, Esprit, XOXO and Kensie in a range of styles and popular brands for casual, fun and work. They also carry an extensive collection of lingerie, including Maidenform and Bali. Shoppers can also find an excellent and ever-changing selection of accessories and unique gifts. Paddington Place, Godfrey Nixon Way, GT. Tel: (345) 949 2296 or visit www.atlanticcayman.com.
SEE AD OPPOSITE PAGE
Bliss Yoga Cayman
Sells yoga mats and athletic wear for men and women, including Lululemon. The Strand, Canal Point Drive, Seven Mile Beach. Tel: (345) 949 9642.
Blue Wave - Waterman Cayman
A lifestyle wear and surf shop that carries Billabong, Roxy, Vuori and more. Also stocks paddleboarding and surfing equipment and can special order kitesurfing equipment. Two locations: Galleria Plaza, West Bay Road. Tel: (345) 769 7873. West Shore Centre, West Bay Road. Tel: (345) 949 8166.
Carey’s Karma Closet
A recently expanded women’s designer consignment store that sells designer clothing and accessories at 40%-70% off the retail price. Expect to find luxury brands like Louis Vuitton, BCBG and DVF as well as high street brands. Buckingham Square, West Bay Road. Open Tuesday-Saturday 11am-5pm. Tel: (345) 947 4945 or email: info@careyskarmacloset.com.
De Sunglass Man
Home to an array of sunglass brands, including Maui Jim, Ray-Ban, OAKLEY, Cartier, Tom Ford, Costa, GUCCI, Prada, Dior, Fendi and Michael Kors. You’ll also find a collection of fashion jewellery and watches by Calvin Klein, GUESS, CASIO, G-SHOCK, Baby-G, Anne Klein and many others, all duty-free. Camana Bay and Island Plaza. Tel: (345) 640 5339 or (345) 946 2507. Visit www.desunglassmancayman.com.
Fifth on Seven
Designer resortwear, swim and beachwear for both men and women. Located at Caribbean Plaza, West Bay Road. Tel: (345) 746 8175.
Forever Summer
A lifestyle boutique with affordable summer inspired fashion for ladies and teens. They have a selection of accessories, gifts, Hydroflasks and Instax instant cameras. The Paseo, Camana Bay. Tel: (345) 949 4142 or visit their Instagram (@foreversummercayman).
Funky Monkey
A hip apparel and fun wear boutique for sport, casual, beach and party-inspired needs. They provide trendy fashion selections and accessories for the whole family. Featuring brands like Ocean Drive, Elan, River + Sky, Saxx, 7 Diamonds, Banana Moon and more. Governors Square, West Bay Road. Tel: (345) 943 8659.
Guy Harvey Gallery & Shoppe
Sells a wide range of Guy Harvey merchandise, including men’s, women’s and kids’ apparel, accessories, home décor and unique gift items. 20 Seafarers Way, George Town. Tel: (345) 943 4891 or visit www.guyharvey.com.
J. Michael
A large collection of clothing, shoes, accessories and cosmetics for women, men and kids. Also good for children’s gifts. The Strand Shopping Centre, West Bay Road. Tel: (345) 946 5310.
Kassette Cayman
Located at Indigo Hotel, this boutique sells women's clothing and beachwear, as well as lifestyle items from independent brands. Indigo Hotel, 32 Seafire Way, West Bay. Visit their Instagram @kassettecayman.
NKY Flagship & NKY Collections
Offering men’s and women’s fashion and accessories. Personal shopping service is also available. The Paseo, Camana Bay. Tel: (345) 746 8171.
blown glass elements. Tel: (345) 916 7754 or email: lauramarieanderton7@gmail.com.
Off The Peg
Women’s boutique offering stylish and affordable clothing (sizes 2-16), unique jewellery and handbags. 7 Mile Shops, George Town. Tel: (345) 946 5050. Instagram/Facebook: @offthepegcayman.
POLO by NKY
Sells men's and women's clothing from brands including Ralph Lauren, Hugo Boss and Psycho Bunny. Located on The Paseo, Camana Bay. Tel: (345) 746 8173.
Red’s Emporium
Sells affordable fashion and unique gifts and accessories for men and women. The Crescent, Camana Bay. Tel: (345) 640 9849.
Sand Angels
Sells a great selection of world-class swimwear, resortwear and accessories, including bikini separates, full-figure and bra-sized swimwear. The Paseo, Camana Bay. Tel: (345) 945 7263.
TABS Cayman
Sells local gifts and island apparel. Discover handcrafted jewellery, artwork and apparel by Caymanian artists and designers. Market Street, Camana Bay (opposite Next Chapter). Tel: (345) 525 8227, email: hello@tabscayman. com or visit www.tabscayman.com.
VITAL Spinbar & Yogaden
Sells eco-friendly yoga wear from brands, including Manduka and Woven, as well as essential oils, diffusers and candles. VITAL also stocks a luxury spa line with shampoos and body oils. Located in Grand Harbour Shops, Red Bay. Tel: (345) 333 4825.
Vertu
A boutique store selling upmarket yet affordable clothing and shoes for women. Caribbean Plaza on West Bay Road. Facebook: @vertugrandcayman.
Laura Anderton Millinery
Sells bespoke hats, fascinators and bridal pieces, and unique jewellery featuring hand-
Clothing & Accessories for Children
The beauty of buying kids' clothes
locally is that the stock suits the climate! You will be pleased with the selection, variety and prices available in Cayman. Some adult stores like Funky Monkey also stock a good selection of kids' clothing. The boutique at The Ritz-Carlton as well as Divers Supply and Divers World, carry good options for kids.
Atlantic Kids (AK)
For over 50 years, AK has specialised in children’s clothing, accessories and toys for infants to teens. They are Cayman’s authorised retailer for Carter’s and OshKosh B’Gosh and offer many other top children’s brands like Guess, XRay Jeans, Amy Byer and Stride Rite. AK also sells backpacks, lunch kits and water bottles for all ages, including a wide selection from Jansport. Paddington Place, Godfrey Nixon Way, George Town. Tel: (345) 949 2296 or visit www.atlanticcayman.com.
SEE AD THIS PAGE
Little Angels
Sells UV sun protection swimwear, trendy casual clothing and accessories for boys and girls up to age 14. Market Street, Camana Bay. Tel: (345) 946 2645.
Little Coconuts
Sells clothes and games for infants and children. The Crescent, Camana Bay. Find them on Instagram @_littlecoconuts.
Rock Paper Scissors
Get a flexible membership to sell and shop preloved kids’ clothes, school uniforms, sports gear, and costumes. All you have to do is choose a plan, upload your child’s outgrown clothes and find new fits for less! Do your bit to keep every outfit loved, reused, and out of the landfill. Email: info@rockpaperscissors.ky, visit www.rockpaperscissors.ky or Tel: (345) 327 3322. SEE AD PAGE 292
Jewellery, Watches & Repairs
Most jewellery stores carry a selection of high-end watches, including Cartier, Rolex and Tag Heuer. Duty is charged at zero or at very low rates for watches, precious metals and stones, translating
into significant savings on jewellery and watches purchased here compared to the USA or Europe. For jewellery and watch repairs, Kirk Freeport and Island Companies offer in-house repair services.
Balaclava Jewellers
Offers stunning and unique jewellery pieces that are rarely found elsewhere. Choose from a selection of contemporary and classic jewellery or work with Balaclava to design a piece unique to you. Governors Square, West Bay Road. Tel: (345) 945 5788. SEE AD PAGE 3
Cartier Boutique
The boutique carries a stunning range of signature jewellery collections, including Love, Panthère de Cartier, Juste un Clou, Santos and Trinity de Cartier, as well as iconic Cartier timepieces, including Santos de Cartier, Tank and Panthère, and a variety of accessories, leather goods, fragrances and other creative collections. Bayshore Mall, South Church Street, George Town. Tel: (345) 815 7471.
Island Jewellers
Serving the Cayman Islands since 1978, Island Jewellers specialises in an array of fine jewellery, diamonds and watches. With multiple locations on Grand Cayman, Island Jewellers is home to many famous brands including Hearts on Fire, FOPE, John Hardy, Pandora, IWC Schaffhausen, Hublot, Ulysse Nardin, Bell & Ross, Tissot, Hamilton, Movado and many more. Exclusive sellers of the Cayman LINK and ‘Cayman Memories’ collection. Located in Camana Bay, Island Plaza, The Ritz-Carlton, Kimpton Seafire Resort and the Airport. Tel: (345) 640 5337 or (345) 640 5880 or visit ww.islandjewellers.com.
Kay’s Fine Jewelry
Kay’s Fine Jewelry is a 35+ year family business owned and operated in the Caribbean. They have a large selection of diamonds, gems and fancy gold and are well known for the iconic Flexible Diamond Bangle. Located at 6 Fort Street, George Town (adjacent to the cruise port, in front of Heroes Square). Tel: (345) 746 4500 or email: gcm@kaysfinejewelry.com.
ATLANTIC kids
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Kirk Freeport
The official Rolex Jeweller of the Cayman Islands, and home to a vast variety of the world’s leading luxury brands, including Cartier, Breitling, TAG Heuer, Patek Philippe, Omega, David Yurman, Roberto Coin, Bulgari, Marco Bicego, Mikimoto, Messika and many more. For a full list of locations in George Town and Seven Mile Beach, Tel: (345) 949 7477 or visit kirkfreeport.com. SEE AD OUTSIDE BACK COVER
PANDORA
There are two PANDORA boutiques in Grand Cayman, specialising in charm bracelets and jewellery in sterling silver, rose-gold plated, 14k gold and lab-grown diamonds. Exclusive Cayman and Caribbean charms. Located in the Island Plaza and Camana Bay. Tel: (345) 946 2507 or (345) 640 5337. Visit www. islandjewellers.com/pandora.
Rocky’s Diamond Gallery
Sells a range of jewellery, from GIA-certified diamonds to tanzanite, as well as rubies and emeralds. Sells an array of rings, pendants,
earrings and bracelets and can custom design jewellery. Located at 28 North Church Street, George Town. Tel: (345) 946 7851 or 1 800 400 0018, email: sales@rockysdiamonds.com or visit www.rockysdiamonds.com.
The Jewellery Palace
A family-owned company dedicated to offering quality jewellery. The Jewellery Palace endeavours to provide a memorable shopping experience and all their jewellery comes with a worldwide guarantee. Visit them at Cayside Galleries on George Town’s waterfront to view their exotic jewellery collection. Tel: (345) 749 8804, email: sales@thejewellerypalace.com or visit www.thejewellerypalace.com.
Maternity Clothing
Bedside Manor stocks comfortable women’s pyjamas. Silhouette and The Baby Shoppe both sell a good selection of maternity bras. Bliss Living Yoga sells Lululemon Athletica, which is very comfortable and durable. Funky Monkey also has a good selection of comfortable clothing.
School Uniforms
Most uniforms for private primary and high schools may be bought directly from the schools; however, uniforms for Cayman International School, CF School and some items for Cayman Prep School must be purchased from Lands’ End (www. landsend.com). Government primary and high school uniforms can either be purchased directly from the schools, Uniforms Cayman or Becky’s Closet. Contact the school directly to find out where to purchase uniforms.
Becky’s Closet/Uniforms and More
Sells uniforms for most Government primary schools, as well as CIS, Grace Christian Academy, Triple C, Village Montessori and Wesleyan Christian Academy. Also sells navy and khaki pants, skirts, shorts and skorts. 90 Godfrey Nixon Way (opposite Doctors Express), GT. Tel: (345) 938 1111 or email: beckyscloset345@gmail.com.
Uniforms Cayman
Sells uniforms for most Government schools, like Joanna Clarke Primary School (Savannah) and John Gray High School. 62 Hospital Road Plaza, George Town. Tel: (345) 949 5784.
Shoes
As well as the shoe stores listed below, Blue Wave sells OluKai sandals and shoes, and Sand Angels in Camana Bay sells Melissa sandals. Many of the clothing stores listed in this chapter also sell a range of footwear.
Atlantic Kids (AK)
AK offers boy’s navy and khaki uniform bottoms, coloured polo and white shirts by K12 Gear. They also carry quality children’s shoes by Stride Rite, French Toast and Rachel shoes. Underwear, belts and socks are also available. Located at Paddington Place, Godfrey Nixon Way, George Town. Tel: (345) 949 2296 or visit www.atlanticcayman.com. SEE AD PAGE 291
Crocs
Sells a wide range of Crocs shoes for adults and children including the classic clog, boots, platforms and the popular Jibbitz charms. Located in Caribbean Plaza, West Bay Road. Tel: (345) 746 8175.
No. 1 Shoe Shop
Carries many different brands of children’s, men’s and women’s shoes, as well as sports shoes in their ‘Sport’N’Zone’ section. In-store shoe and luggage repair available. Hospital Road Plaza, 62 Hospital Road, George Town. Tel: (345) 949 5595.
SOLES Shoe Salon
Sells men’s and women’s designer footwear, as well as popular brands and all the latest styles. SOLES also sells designer handbags, wallets and travel cases. Located on The Paseo, Camana Bay. Tel: (345) 746 8173.
Sunglasses
Sunglasses boutiques include Optique (Tel: (345) 949 3937) in Queens Court Plaza. De Sunglass Man (Tel: (345) 640 5339) in Camana Bay stocks a wide range of brands including Maui Jim, Oakley and Ray-Ban.
Optical Outlook (Tel: (345) 746 2020), located in Anderson Square, Jaques Scott Plaza and Tibbets Square (Cayman Brac) sells designer brands that can be converted to prescription glasses. Caribbean Optical (Tel: (345) 943 1515) in Seven Mile Shops also sells designer sunglasses. Mid-range sunglasses are available at dive shops and cheaper sunglasses can be found in Foster’s, Kirk Market, Cost.U.Less and pharmacies.
Underwear
Atlantic
For women, Bali and Maidenform are the staple lines available. Bra fitting is available from trained associates. Atlantic Kids carries a full line of underwear and socks for boys and girls, including first bras for tweens. They also carry sleepwear for all ages at affordable prices. Located in Paddington Place, Godfrey Nixon Way (just off the Butterfield roundabout), George Town. Tel: (345) 949 2296 or visit www.atlanticcayman.com.
SEE AD PAGE 291
Silhouette
Sells lingerie, underwear, pyjamas and more The Paseo, Camana Bay. Tel: (345) 943 5223.
Victoria’s Secret Beauty & Accessories
Sells Victoria’s Secret bras, panties, sportswear, sleepwear and fragrances. 40 Royal Plaza, Cardinal Avenue, George Town. Tel: (345) 949 6513 ext. 5300. 284 SEE AD PAGE 284
Vy’s Closet
Sells bras, lingerie, nightwear and shapewear. Also offers a bra fitting service. Located in Bayshore Mall, GT. Tel: (345) 943 2727.
ELECTRONICS
Computers, Printers & IT Services
Expect to pay more for computers in Cayman. If you import a computer, you will have to pay 22% duty on the shipping, insurance and cost of the equipment.
Cayman MAC Store
Cayman’s Apple-authorised reseller and service provider has a full range of MacBooks, iPads, iPhones, Apple TV, Beats products,
headphones, accessories and more. One Nexus Way, Camana Bay. Tel: (345) 943 4763.
Cayman Islands Printer Cartridges
With over 40 years’ experience in office supplies, CIPC offers a quality affordable product (Cayman Bulldog brand) for your Printer/Copier. They also recycle your used cartridges off island when you purchase a replacement. For pricing and availability, email (andrew@ciprintercartridges.ky) or WhatsApp (345) 323 4313) and include your machine’s make and model. All Ink and toner come with a 100% replacement guarantee. SEE AD PAGE 222
Kirk Office
As an authorised retailer of HP and Lenovo, Kirk Office has an excellent selection of laptops, tablets, printers, monitors and accessories in their interactive showroom. They also offer networking, storage and PC components, plus a variety of cables, adapters and accessories. 67 North Sound Road, George Town. Tel: (345) 623 5475 or visit www.kirkoffice.ky.
SEE AD PAGE 71
Office Supply Ltd.
Sells HP, Dell, Asus, Acer, Lenovo and Dynabook computers and laptops and stocks a very large selection of HP printers. Marquee Plaza, 36 Lawrence Boulevard. Tel: (345) 946 1200, email: info@officesupply.ky or visit www. officesupply.ky. SEE AD PAGE 5
PBS Cayman Business Machines Ltd.
PBS Cayman provides IT solutions for business and home use, and repairs. Tel: (345) 949 8642 or visit www.grouppbs.com.
Electronics & Home Automation
345AV Ltd.
An AV and automation company offering whole home audio/video, lighting control, motorised window treatments, whole home WiFi, and HiFi systems. By appointment only. 37B Ashgo Street, George Town. Tel: (345) 927 7753 or (345) 916 7753. Visit www.345av.net.
Audiophile
From single-room enhancements to comprehensive multi-zone property
integrations, Audiophile's audio-visual and smart-home installations lead the local industry with unmatched quality, sophisticated design and intuitive functionality. Audiophile exclusively represents several prestigious global brands, ensuring that every installation is equipped with cutting-edge technology and luxurious, user-friendly controls tailored specifically to enhance Cayman living. 38 Market Street, Camana Bay. Tel: (345) 746 4434, email: info@theaudiophilegroup.ky or visit www. theaudiophilegroup.ky. SEE AD PAGE 242
Cell Cayman
Cell Cayman is a one-stop-shop for quality electronics and reliable service in the Cayman Islands. They offer a wide selection of smartphones, including the latest models from Apple and Samsung, along with essential accessories like cases, screen protectors, and chargers. Their inventory also includes popular brands of earphones, laptops, smartwatches and tablets. For gamers, Cell Cayman stocks the newest tech, including VR headsets and consoles. They're also well known for their expert repair services. Whether it’s a cracked screen, battery issue, or software glitch, their skilled technicians are ready to help. Clock Tower Plaza, 6 Eclipse Drive, Eastern Avenue, George Town (beside Popeyes). Tel/WhatsApp: (345) 328 3456, Email: info.cellcayman@gmail. com or visit www.cellcayman.com.
SEE AD PAGE 154
Connect Ltd.
Enhance your lifestyle with Connect and request a free consultation on anything from a new TV, to bespoke solutions for your home or business. They offer smart home systems, WiFi enhancement, audio/visual, window treatments, automated lighting and much more. With brands such as Control4, Lutron, Savant, Sonos, Ring, Samsung and Hunter Douglas their residential and commercial solutions help transform your space for maximum ease and comfort. 175 Governor's Way, West Bay. Tel: (345) 749 9000, WhatsApp: (345) 939 1978 or visit www.connectcayman.com.
SEE AD PAGE 243
Creative Tech
Creative Tech offers a wide range of home theatre systems, TVs, headphones, speakers and AV furniture. Tel: (345) 946 8324.
Funky Tangs
Sells TVs, audio and video accessories, and a full line of instruments and car stereos. Two locations: 220 Shedden Road, George Town and 42 Hirst Road, Savannah. Tel: (345) 949 0998.
Tech West
Sells a full range of electronic equipment for your home or office, including laptops, desktops, monitors, home automation systems and printers, as well as gaming accessories, peripherals, adapters and much more. They also sell Samsung smart boards and digital signage products. Located in Galleria Plaza, 638 West Bay Road. Email: techwest@officesupply. ky. SEE AD PAGE 5
Office Supplies
See the Running a Business chapter.
FIREWORKS
During December, there are many places selling fireworks; however, throughout the year, you can get them from Fireworks Ltd. by Massive, which is Grand Cayman’s largest fireworks retailer. Keep in mind that it is now forbidden to import sky lanterns, due to the single-use plastic ban.
Fireworks Ltd. by Massive
Open all year round, they offer a wide range of fireworks like rockets, roman candles, sparklers, cakes, fountains and large ‘show in a box’ displays. They offer online shopping for pick up. 134 Industrial Way, GT. Tel: (345) 949 7990 or visit www.fireworkslimited.com.
HOME & GARDEN
Building Supplies
There are a handful of well-stocked building supply companies in the Cayman Islands. The major building suppliers are A. L. Thompson’s and Kirk Home Centre. For indepth information, please see the Building
in Cayman chapter on page 248.
Curtains, Draperies & Blinds
See the Home Improvements chapter.
Flooring, Tiles & Carpets
See the Home Improvements chapter.
Furniture Stores
There are several furniture stores on-Island which cater to all budgets. In addition to IDG’s award-winning design services, the company operates a brick-and-mortar showroom and online boutique featuring a collection of hand selected, timeless, yet forward-looking furnishings and products that are appealing to discerning customers. Visit their showroom at 7 Mile Shops, West Bay Road. Tel: (345) 745 4315 or visit shoppe.idgcayman.com. (SEE AD INSIDE FRONT COVER)
LIVING.KY (SEE AD PAGE 10, 125, 233 & 253) is another furniture and interior design company dedicated to helping you live stylishly and comfortably, with a range of
indoor and outdoor furniture to choose from. They also offer complimentary interior design services as part of their custom furniture packages.
Other dedicated furniture stores like Ashley Furniture, Marksons Furniture, Sticks & Stones (SEE AD PAGE 245), Tomlinson Furniture (SEE AD PAGE 297) and Design Studio (SEE AD PAGE 235) all sell a very good selection. Home centres like A. L. Thompson’s (SEE AD PAGE 228, 234, 244, 247 & 294) and Uncle Bill’s (SEE AD PAGE 238) sells a selection of relatively inexpensive indoor and outdoor furniture. Children and baby furniture can be bought from Tomlinson Furniture (SEE AD PAGE 297) on Walkers Road, and Baby Express at 68 Mary Street in George Town. Pre-loved, second-hand baby and children’s furniture can be bought through the EcayTrade website or on Facebook Marketplace. Cayman also has skilled furniture designers who can build almost anything from scratch, like wine cellars, bookshelves, entertainment centres, staircases, closets and beds, etc. Custom cabinets for your kitchen and bathroom can be purchased from Pooley Cabinets (Tel: (345) 947 6780) (SEE AD PAGE 236) . John Bird of Martlet Design also builds custom design furniture (Tel: (345) 916 7583).
If you’re moving to Cayman, the best course of action is to first decide whether you will be renting or buying. Most rentals come fully furnished, as do previously owned houses and condos. Newly built houses and condos generally come unfurnished, although some of the more high-end developments offer a turn-key service of home furniture packages. Many people buy new furniture locally or take advantage of the booming second-hand market on the EcayTrade website and other local Facebook pages.
If you decide to buy your own home, you can choose to import your personal items (furniture, paintings, accessories, etc). If you have been here longer than the six-month duty-free window, then you can write to the head of Cayman Customs explaining that you have now bought a property and would like to import your
used personal items from back home, and request that the items be brought in dutyfree (see the Preparing to Move chapter for more information). If the request to import your belongings is genuine, it is unlikely you will be denied. This would be subject to any condition that the collector may see fit to impose. Provide all the receipts so you can prove the items are over six months old, but please note, the items must be used. If any items are new and have never been used, then you will likely be charged duty.
Ashley Furniture HomeStore
A large selection of styles and low prices that make it easy to create a home you'll love to live in. They stock living, dining, bedroom and outdoor furniture options, as well as home décor and accessories to personalise your space. Visit their showroom at 360 Dorcy Drive, George Town. Tel: (345) 943 2323, WhatsApp (345) 916 2323, email: ashleyfurniturehomestorecayman@gmail.com or visit www.ashley.ky.
Shop mattresses, linens, pillows, headboards, bed frames & more all in one place.
Visit us today at:
www mattressexperts ky Tel: (345) 947 1708
BrandSource Home Gallery
Offers a selection of mattresses, furniture and appliances. 209 Dorcy Drive, Industrial Park, George Town. Tel: (345) 623 5000.
Design Studio
An interior design firm and furniture retail shop. Their showroom features a wide variety of furniture and accessories for the home. Market Street, Camana Bay. Tel: (345) 945 4977, email: info@designstudio.ky, or visit their website and online shop at www.designstudio.ky.
SEE AD PAGE 235
HÜIS Cayman
A variety of furniture items for your living room, kitchen, dining room and more. 350 Shedden Road, George Town. Tel: (345) 949 3749.
Interior Design Group (IDG)
In addition to IDG’s award-winning design services, the company operates a brickand-mortar showroom and online boutique featuring a collection of hand selected, timeless, yet forward-looking furnishings and products that are appealing to discerning customers. Visit their showroom at 7 Mile Shops, West Bay Road. Tel: (345) 745 4315 or visit shoppe.idgcayman.com.
SEE AD INSIDE FRONT COVER
Label C
Carries a selection of indoor and outdoor furniture and home décor accessories, such as
LIVING.KY
Provides Cayman with a curated collection of classic to contemporary furniture—at competitive prices—for every room in your home. Explore their selection of living, dining, bedroom, outdoor, office furniture, together with a broad range of rugs, lighting, pillows, wall décor, accents, tableware and small appliances for every budget. Located at 48 MacLendon Drive, George Town. Tel: (345) 233 8700 or visit www.living.ky.
SEE AD PAGE 10, 125, 233 & 253
Marksons Furniture
Indoor and outdoor furniture as well as window treatments. 19 Compass Drive, George Town. Tel: (345) 949 6233.
Staged
Home décor with contemporary furniture and furnishings. Visit www.staged.ky.
Sticks & Stones
An eclectic collection of fine indoor and outdoor furniture and accessories. Open Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm. Tel: (345) 947 8663, email: sales@sticksandstones.ky or visit www.sticksandstones.ky.
SEE AD PAGE 245
Tomlinson Furniture & The Mattress Gallery
Stocks all the major, trusted brand mattresses like Serta, Simmons, Sealy, Tempurpedic, iComfort and Beautyrest.
Moes, Ashley Furniture, Serta Upholstery, Palliser and more. They also sell nursery and children’s furniture, including cribs, crib mattresses, toddler beds and more. Home décor accessories from brands such as Uttermost, Sagebrook and Streamline Art. Free Island-wide delivery is offered on any purchase. Tomlinson Building, 9 Walkers Road, George Town. Tel: (345) 949 5383, email: info@tomlinsonfurniture.ky or visit www.tomlinsonfurniture.ky.
SEE AD OPPOSITE PAGE
Second-Hand Furniture
The second-hand furniture and accessories market is flourishing, and you will be pleasantly surprised by the quality of the goods found for such reasonable prices. People leaving island or upgrading their homewares sell their second-hand goods through EcayTrade (www.ecaytrade.com), on Facebook Marketplace and sometimes at yard sales (or garage sales) Second-hand household items, books, clothing and more can be found at the One Dog at a Time Thrift Store, Red Cross Thrift Shop and the Cayman Islands Humane Society Thrift Shop. See the Thrift Shop section on page 300.
Hardware
There are a number of hardware stores across Grand Cayman, including A. L. Thompson’s, Cox Lumber, Kirk Home Centre and Uncle Bill’s, that carry a large selection of essential items for your home or hurricane supplies. See the Building in Cayman chapter for more information.
Homewares, Accessories, Lighting, Linens & Bed Sizes
Whether you’re renting or purchasing a house, most tend to come fitted with a washer, dryer, fridge, microwave, dishwasher and stove. If you are renting, properties are usually equipped with some kitchen utensils, like plates, cutlery and pots. Linens and towels are less frequently provided, however a great selection of towels can be found at A. L. Thompson's on North Sound Road, Cost.U.Less in Governors Square, Priced Right on Airport Road and Kirk Home Centre on
Eastern Avenue.
All the home centres and many furniture stores carry an interesting range of soft furnishings and accessories, such as pillows, lamps, throws, linens and ornaments. Lamps with 110/115 volts and a two-pin electrical plug work here. Refer to the Utilities section in the Settling In chapter for more information on electrical plugs and outlets. Bed sizes in Cayman are all US sizes. A twin or single bed is 38” x 74”, a full bed is 54” x 80”, a queen is 60” x 80” and a king is 84” x 80”. Most mattresses sold locally have pillow tops, so deep-fitted sheets are a must.
A. L. Thompson’s
Sells home fashions, indoor and outdoor lighting fixtures and ceiling fans, countertop appliances, cookware, bakeware, tableware, gadgets and window treatments. Major home appliance brands include Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Miele, Sub-Zero and Wolf. 189 North Sound Road, George Town. Tel: (345) 949 8622 or visit www.althompson.com.
SEE AD PAGE 227, 234, 244, 247 & 294
Anna Hislop Home
Indoor and outdoor furniture, rugs, lighting, fans, bedding, artwork, kitchenware and gifts as well as an interior design service. Tel: (345) 949 5556 or visit www.annahislophome.com.
Ashley Furniture HomeStore
At Ashley Furniture HomeStore, their wide selection of styles and low prices make it easy to create a home you'll love to live in. They stock a large selection of living, dining, bedroom and outdoor furniture options, as well as home décor and accessories to personalise your space. 360 Dorcy Drive, George Town. Tel: (345) 943 2323, WhatsApp (345) 916 2323, email: ashleyfurniturehomestorecayman@gmail.com or visit www.ashley.ky.
Bedside Manor
Carries luxury linens, down pillows, duvets, weighted blankets, baby products, home accessories like throws and cushions, gifts, jewellery and accessories. Market Street, Camana Bay. Tel: (345) 947 2711 or visit www.bedsidemanor.ky.
Bon Vivant Kitchen Studio
In addition to kitchen design services, luxury appliances, cabinetry and plumbing fixtures, service and repairs, Bon Vivant is the destination for top-tier kitchen solutions in the Cayman Islands. Located in Camana Bay, their retail space is an oasis stocked with premium countertop appliances and electrics, cookware, tabletop items and a full range of culinary accessories. Brands include industry leaders like Breville, Smeg, Le Creuset, Aarke, Ooni and Big Green Egg. Market Street, Camana Bay. Tel: (345) 623 2665, email: info@bonvivant.ky or visit www.bonvivant.ky.
SEE AD OPPOSITE PAGE & 250
BrandSource Home Gallery
Offers a full range of homewares and accessories including lamps, rugs, mirrors and bed accessories. 209 Dorcy Drive, Industrial Park, George Town. Tel: (345) 623 5000.
Cariloha
Everything in-store is made from bamboo,
which is soft, breathable, environmentally friendly and hypoallergenic. Products range from bed linens and plush throw blankets to fitness attire, sleepwear and bath towels. Cardinal Avenue, George Town. Tel: (345) 949 7477 or visit www.kirkfreeport.com/stores/ cariloha.
Christina Noel
A boutique interior design firm with an atelier and boutique store that offers furniture, accessories, fabrics, wallpaper and more. The Grove, West Bay Road. Tel: (345) 916 4952 or email: cn@christinanoel.com.
Design Studio
A full-service interior design firm and showroom featuring furnishings and home décor. Market Street, Camana Bay. Tel: (345) 945 4977, email: info@designstudio.ky or visit their website and online shop at www. designstudio.ky. SEE AD PAGE 235
Kirk Home Centre
Sells an extensive variety of homeware
products, from linens and home décor to paint, lighting and much more. 257 Eastern Avenue, George Town. Tel: (345) 949 2521.
Label C
Carries a selection of indoor and outdoor furniture and home essentials. 108 Bismarckia Way, Camana Bay. Tel: (345) 546 1880.
Ledger & Looms
Stocks a tasteful and eclectic collection of authentic hand-knotted rugs sourced directly from the major weaving countries. They have a large selection of quality handmade carpets in varying sizes, colours and styles. They also sell gorgeous accessories, including cushion covers, woven baskets, furniture upholstered in vintage textiles, table lamps, pendant lighting, jewellery, Turkish towels, robes and throws. Located in Galleria Plaza, West Bay Road, Seven Mile Beach. Tel: (345) 943 7847, email: guru@ledgerandlooms.com or visit www. ledgerandlooms.com. SEE AD PAGE 241
LIVING.KY
Contemporary furniture and design store selling a variety of homeware products and accessories, including throw pillows, mirrors, art pieces, light fixtures, rugs, office décor, tableware, small appliances and more. Located at 48 Maclendon Drive, George Town. Tel: (345) 233 8700 or visit www.living.ky.
SEE AD PAGE 10, 125, 233 & 253
Marksons Furniture
Indoor and outdoor furniture, custom window treatments and homeware. Tel: (345) 949 6233.
The Mattress Experts
Cayman’s largest mattress and bedding superstore, featuring luxuriously comfortable designs as well as the latest advancements in ergonomic sleep technology. Selling mattresses, linens, pillows, headboards, bed frames and more. Located at 494 Shedden Road, George Town. Tel: (345) 947 1708.
SEE AD PAGE 295
Uncle Bill’s
Carries a selection of home accessories and housewares to furnish every room in your
home for both indoor and outdoor living. From bookcases and storage units to accent chairs and beds, you will find all your furniture and home renovation needs, including bath and plumbing, paint supplies, power tools and more. 343 Eastern Avenue, George Town. Tel: (345) 949 7601. SEE AD PAGE 238
Plants, Flowers & Garden Centres
Florists and grocery stores have a variety of pre-cut flowers and pre-made arrangements, although these may be more expensive than you are used to at home. Plants, trees and potting soil can be found at the Island’s plant nurseries, the Botanic Park and the Department of Agriculture in Lower Valley.
Cayman Growers
A plant nursery, sod/grass, tree and ornamental shrubbery farm located in East End. They sell a variety of trees, including palm, mango and avocado. Tel: (345) 323 0722.
Every Bloomin’ Thing (EBT)
A full-service floral shop, landscaping company, garden centre, gift shop and tearoom. 384 Crewe Road, George Town. Tel: (345) 945 1701.
Growing Beauty
They have knowledge about Cayman’s native plants and can provide advice when planning your garden. 12D Lawrence Boulevard, off West Bay Road (next to the Harquail Theatre). Tel: (345) 927 2487 or (345) 923 0221 or email: growingbeauty_nursery@aol.com.
Power Flower
Power Flower’s huge variety of ceramic pots and healthy, locally grown plants add the finishing touches to any property or event space. Visit their nursery, where a passionate team of specialists can help you make the most of your home space and, at the same time, create a welcoming and tranquil ambience. 31 Orchard Lane, off Crewe Road, George Town. Tel: (345) 949 2256 (office) or (345) 321 0308 (nursery), email: office@powerflower.ky or visit www.powerflower.ky. SEE AD PAGE 246
Vigoro Nursery & Landscaping
Vigoro is a full-service landscape and design
company with two conveniently located garden centres. Both stores sell a large variety of indoor and outdoor plants, shrubs, trees, soil, fertilisers, large and small ceramic pots, water features and home and garden furniture and accessories. Two locations: 324 Walkers Road, George Town. Tel: (345) 949 4270 and 96 Agricola Drive, Lower Valley, Savannah. Tel: (345) 945 5236. Agricola Drive is open Monday-Friday 8am-6pm, Saturday 7.30am-6pm and Sunday 11am-5pm. Email: tom.balon@vigoro.ky or craig.stewart@ vigoro.ky, visit www.vigoro.ky or find them on Instagram (@vigoro_cayman) or Facebook (@ VigoroCayman).
Paint
Dedicated paint supply stores are listed below. However, many of the home centres also carry paint and painting supplies.
ACE
Carries a selection of top brands and provides colour matching technology. Also offers paint supplies. 11 Ashgo Street, George Town. Tel: (345) 949 4223.
Cayman Coating Industries
Specialises in Benjamin Moore and their own branded paint. 96 Portland Road, Industrial Park, George Town. Tel: (345) 949 2920.
MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS
Musical Instruments
No duty is charged when you import musical instruments from overseas. Guitars are readily available on-Island and come in all sizes but there is a limited variety of other instruments for sale. For music lessons, refer to our Activities for Kids & Teens chapter.
Funky Tangs
Carries guitars, keyboards and drums. Two locations: 220 Shedden Road, George Town and 42 Hirst Road, Savannah. Tel: (345) 949 0998 or (345) 943 0998.
The Music Box
Sells musical instruments, accessories, music books and recording equipment. Also repairs
and rents musical equipment. Market Street, Camana Bay. Tel: (345) 929 2999.
Musical Instrument/Piano Tuning
Typically, acoustic pianos require a service every 6-12 months. If your acoustic piano needs tuning, regulation or repair, contact the company below:
Pianotech.ky
Tuning, regulation and repair specialising in high quality grand pianos. Installation of dehumidifier systems in acoustic pianos. A member of the Master Piano Technicians of America. Tel: (345) 925 4535, email: pianotunacayman@gmail. com or visit www.pianotech.ky.
PARTY SUPPLIES & RENTALS
(Tel: (345) 947 2789 or (345) 916 2789) in Paddington Place on Godfrey Nixon Way and PartyVille (Tel: (345) 943 8455 or WhatsApp: (345) 939 1956) in Plaza Venezia all sell party supplies, fancy dress costumes, and offer bouncy castle rentals. For larger party supplies like tents, tables, chairs and more, try AI Rentals (Tel: (345) 946 4935), Celebrations Ltd. (Tel: (345) 623 2044) and Massive Equipment Rental (Tel: (345) 949 7990). Partybooth Cayman (Tel: (345) 926 4100 or email: partyboothcayman@yahoo.com) offers photo booth rentals.
Bicycles
There are a wealth of bicycles and bicycle
selection of Huffy bicycles for children and adults. Both can be found on Eastern Avenue in George Town. Priced Right (Tel: (345) 815 1070) stocks bicycles and scooters around Christmas. Cayman Mobile Bike Repairs and Sales (Tel: (345) 936 8385) is an authorised dealer for Bianchi. In The Grove, Paddle Wheel (Tel: (345) 640 2453) is a bicycle, e-bicycle and kayak shop offering tours, rentals, sales and bicycle servicing for all makes and models. Tommy’s Bike Shop (Tel: (345) 938 0311) offers bike maintenance and repairs for all bikes.
Dive Equipment
Sports Supply Divers Supply
Offers a full range of scuba diving and snorkelling equipment, beach towels,
Divers World
Seven Mile Shops, West Bay Road
Tel: (345) 949 8128
Sports Clothing & Equipment
For yoga clothes and mats, shop at Bliss Yoga Cayman, One Heart Yoga & Apothecary or VITAL North Sound Golf Club has great options for male and female golf wear and equipment. Below is a list of places where you can also buy sports clothing and other equipment you may need.
The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club
Located across from Andiamo restaurant on the land side of the Ritz-Calton, the golf shop sells Ritz-Carlton branded clothing for men, women and children, as well as golf balls, gloves, hats and clubs. Tel: (345) 815 6500.
The Ritz-Carlton Tennis Club
Located conveniently next to The Courts, The Ritz-Carlton Tennis Pro Shop offers a wide range of tennis and pickleball gear and equipment. They stock tennis rackets,
pickleball paddles and balls, as well as men’s and women’s sportswear and tennis shoes. Tel: (345) 323 0049 or email: grandcaymantennis@ ritzcarlton.com.
Sportista Co.
Sells sports apparel footwear and accessories from top sports brands such as Nike, HOKA, Asics, Garmin and New Balance. Also sells sports technology, including watches and headphones. 1 Nexus Way, Camana Bay. Tel: (345) 926 1122 or email: hello@sportista.co.
Sports Supply Divers Supply
Offers clothing for football, yoga, tennis and general fitness. Brands include Adidas, Asics, Everlast, New Balance, Nike, Oakley, Speedo, Under Armour. They also sell paddleboards and carry a range of watersports equipment from skim boards to wakeboards to inflatable floats, life vests, swim accessories and fishing kits. West Shore Center, Seven Mile Beach. Tel: (345) 949 7884. SEE AD PAGE 5
Waterman Cayman/Blue Wave
Sells equipment and clothing for paddleboarding and surfing and can special order kite surfing equipment. Two locations on West Bay Road: Galleria Plaza and West Shore Centre. Tel: (345) 769 7873.
THRIFT STORES
Thrift stores are a popular outlet since many fashion stores can be significantly more expensive than overseas. There are many to choose from and the majority of thrift stores donate their proceeds to charities and not-for-profit organisations.
Pre-loved items can also be bought at yard sales (also called garage sales) or car boot sales (also known as trunk sales). These events typically occur on Saturdays and are advertised on EcayTrade or Facebook.
Venezia, North Sound Road, George Town.
Thrift shopping days are Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday 9am to 4pm and 9am2pm on Fridays. Tel: (345) 945 5596 or email: shop@caymanhumane.org.
“New To You” by NCVO
Open Monday-Friday 9am-6pm and Saturday 9am-2pm. Donations are welcomed yearround and the drop box is in the parking lot. All funds raised help aid the NCVO programmes. 90 Anthony Drive, George Town. Email: ncvo@ ncvo.org.ky or visit their Facebook page for weekly updates (@NewToYouByNCVO).
The Cayman Islands Red Cross Thrift Shop
Offers gently used clothing, shoes, household items, books and more at affordable prices. The shop generates crucial funds to support humanitarian initiatives across the Islands and helps those vulnerable in the community. Donations also appreciated. 34 Huldah Avenue, George Town. Open Tuesday and Thursday 9am-3pm and Saturday 9am-4pm. Tel: (345) 949 7467 or email: shop@redcross.org.ky.
One Dog at a Time Thrift Store
Sells clothes and shoes for men and women, as well as toys and household items. Accepts cash only. Open Monday 11am-3pm, Wednesday 12pm-5pm, Friday 11am-3pm, Saturday 9am5pm and Sunday 9am-12pm. Donations also appreciated. Located on Arthur’s Way, George Town. Tel: (345) 917 8284.
ONLINE SHOPPING & PURCHASING OVERSEAS
The CI Humane Society Thrift Shop
Offers affordable, gently used clothes, shoes and accessories for women, men and children, as well as toys, electronics, art and household items. Funds go directly to ongoing animal rescue efforts at the shelter. Located in Plaza
While the prices of many goods are higher than in the US, there is often a valid reason for this. Every item sold locally has to be imported; then, customs charge duty on (most) items at 20% (to retailers) or 22% (to the public). This duty is calculated based on the value of the goods, shipping costs, and the insurance charged. Residents must declare anything new they are bringing in if they exceed the CI$500 goods allowance or the alcohol and tobacco quotas. Visitors are expected to declare anything new they are bringing in, including gifts to family, and will be expected to pay 22% on the
items. Travelling with receipts will make this process easier!
Some online retailers offer shipping services to Cayman, but most do not and shipping directly can be expensive. Most banks allow you to add an extra billing address to your card, letting you shop at online retailers that do not accept Cayman addresses. Consider using a freight forwarder who will provide you with an address in the US and will then forward the package to Cayman. The companies listed below can provide you with a US address to forward the package to Cayman.
FRIEGHT FORWARDERS & SHIPPING COMPANIES
MyCart Express
Ship your items with convenience with MyCart Express. They have introduced thousands of people in Cayman to exploring the world of shopping overseas and online. Track, manage and keep updated with important timelines by using their mobile app or online portal. Visit the website for full details on their international shipping rates to Cayman. GKF Park, Building 6 Unit 1, Godfrey Nixon Way, George Town. https://mycartexpresscayman.com.
SEE AD OPPOSITE PAGE
Cayman Islands Customs Agency (CICA)
CICA is a customs broker with over 30 years of experience that receives twice weekly consolidated shipments, expedited air services and offers great small package rates, with options to deliver to your home or office. Order from one or multiple vendors, from any freight forwarder in any country in the world. Whether you’re buying gadgets, furniture, kitchenware, a new TV, or even a car, CICA can assist you with bringing them to Cayman. Contact CICA to set up an account and start shopping. Tel: (345) 949 2350, email: support@cicustomsagency. ky, web: www.cicustomsagency.ky.
SEE AD THIS PAGE & 112
CICA Office/Deluxe Freight (Cayman)
Cayman: 39 Ashgo Street (off Godfrey Nixon Way), George Town. Tel: (345) 949 2350. Deluxe address: 11401 NW 107th Street, Miami, Fl 33178. Tel: 1 (305) 513 0156 or email: cayman@deluxefreight.com.
EZShip Cayman Ltd.
A reliable and efficient package forwarding service for shopping online. Also provides a customs clearance and brokerage service. 90B Godfrey Nixon Way, George Town. Tel: (345) 640 0900, email: info@ezshipcayman.ky or visit www.ezshipcayman.ky. SEE AD PAGE 309
NCI Freight & Logistics
NCI's air and ocean freight forwarding and consolidation service is a fast and efficient shipping solution for getting all your online shopping sent to Cayman quickly and easily. Their standard air freight forwarding and consolidation service offers weekly shipments to Grand Cayman and the Sister Islands from the NCI owned and operated Miami facility. 7
Eucalyptus Bldg, 4 Printer Way, George Town. Tel: (345) 943 4624, email: info@nci.ky or visit www.ncifreight.com. SEE AD PAGE 115 & 299
StaMar Enterprises Ltd.
StaMar ships to Cayman so that you can shop the brands you love. Services include daily and weekly air freight and real-time tracking
of your goods, all at low shipping rates. From the arrival of your package at their Miami warehouse to pick up in Grand Cayman, you can track progress door to door through the customer portal. The team will also email you updates along the journey to let you know it has arrived in Miami, is on its way, is clearing customs and is ready for collection. The Conch Shell House, 492 North Sound Road, George Town. Tel: (345) 949 2399, email: info@stamar. ky or visit www.stamar.ky.
SEE AD THIS PAGE & 116
Keep in mind that some items cannot be imported into the Cayman Islands due to certain laws. For example, items that depict the cannabis plant are prohibited from entering, as are obscene writings and drawings, gambling instruments, pellet guns and catapults, certain vehicles and more.
See the Preparing to Move chapter for further information on companies that offer freight forwarding and for a list of items that can be imported duty free.
Living
in Cayman
Living in the Cayman Islands offers an appealing lifestyle thanks to the vibrant services industry staffed by highly skilled professionals from around the world. From internationally trained beauticians and hairdressers to talented photographers, florists and event planners, this guide covers essential information for all your self-care and family needs. Additionally, it includes details about everyday amenities such as locksmiths, postal services, courier facilities and local media.
Babysitters & Nannies
A reputable babysitting company should be licensed, insured and have staff trained in CPR and first aid. Below we have listed some reputable companies. For information on hiring a full-time domestic helper or nanny, see the Running Your Home chapter and our sister publication, Cayman Parent magazine.
AAA Caregivers
Tel: (345) 916 5925
Email: info@aaacaregivers.ky or www.aaacaregivers.ky
A home care service agency whose staff are trained in first aid and CPR, housekeeping, childcare and safety. They also provide healthcare services for the elderly. All staff are trained in first aid and CPR. The agency matches staff to families based on individual needs. Service costs vary depending on the type and frequency of care required (part-time or full-time). For families seeking to directly employ a fulltime domestic helper or caregiver, the agency provides a sourcing, interviewing, and training service for a one-time fee. This allows families to hire the individual under their own employment terms. SEE AD PAGE 85
Best Home Care Agency
Tel: (345) 947 2297 or (345) 926 2297
Offers childcare, babysitting and housekeeping services.
Photos courtesy of Arina Habich & Syda Productions
KES Nanny Services
Tel: (345) 328 9994
Email: kesnannyservices@gmail.com www.kesnannyand janitorial.com
Experienced nannies provide a safe, stimulating environment where your child will thrive. KES blends love and reliability to give your child a safe and joyful environment. Services include babysitting, school pickups, preparing nutritious meals, organising playdates, engaging in educational activities, helping with homework, tutoring and light housework.
SEE AD PAGE 86
Personal Concierge Services
Minerva Cayman
13 Genesis Close, Genesis Building, GT
Tel: (345) 746 0990
Email: contact@minerva.ky
www.minerva.ky
Minerva offers comprehensive personal support for residents and those relocating to Cayman, assisting with everything from finding schools, homes and cars to opening bank accounts, obtaining work permits, and
finding domestic staff. Their team also provides ongoing lifestyle support—settling personal invoices, managing homes, arranging travel, and overseeing private parties with butler services. Minerva operates the Minerva Academy, the only Butler training school in Cayman accredited by the Ministry of Education and endorsed by the British Butler Institute. SEE AD THIS PAGE
Mosaic Cayman
Tel: (345) 928 7940
Email: relocation@mosaiccayman.com
www.mosaicsolutionscayman.com
Provides customised, full-service relocation packages for individuals and families.
SEE AD PAGE 109
My Personal Concierge Services
Berthaze Court, 95 Godfrey Nixon Way, GT
Tel: (345) 928 7723 or (345) 947 8565
www.mpcs.ky
Offers a range of personal and corporate concierge services to save you and your business time.
NCI Freight & Logistics
7 Eucalyptus Bldg, 4 Printer Way, George Town
Tel: (345) 943 4624
Email: info@nci.ky or www.ncifreight.ky
NCI offers a white glove residential and office moving and set-up service with meticulous care of your property, furniture, antiques and fragile items. They then remove the boxes, clean up and set up your home or office ready for your arrival.
SEE AD PAGE 115 & 299
Private Staff Services
Minerva Cayman
13 Genesis Close, Genesis Building, GT
Tel: (345) 746 0990
Email: contact@minerva.ky
www.minerva.ky
A team of highly skilled lifestyle management experts and Personal Assistants, dedicated to supporting high-performing individuals and their families. From sourcing unique gifts and managing personal finances to overseeing bespoke travel plans, Minerva ensures every detail of your life is handled. They offer absence care for your home and management of short-
let rental guests. They also offer comprehensive staff management solutions—recruiting, training, and consulting on all aspects of private staff management, including HR and remedial strategies. The Minerva Academy is accredited by the Cayman Islands Government and offers certified courses endorsed by the British Butler Institute. SEE AD PAGE 303
PERSONAL CARE
Cayman has a great selection of service providers offering a range of hair and beauty treatments. Note: It is customary to leave a tip of 15% or more.
Hair Salons
Bella’s Beauty and Barber Studio
2471 West Church Street, West Bay
Tel: (345) 928 9073
Email: salon@bellasbeautyky.com
Services include men’s, women’s and children’s hair cutting, colouring and treatments, hair braiding, wig installations, acrylic nails, manicures and pedicures.
Madison One Hair Salon
Park Place, 25 Earth Close (off West Bay Road)
Tel: (345) 525 0813
Their talented colourists offer a range of colouring services including balayage and foils as well as extensions, haircuts and blowdrys.
Rock Gorgeous Hair
1 Tropic Plaza, West Bay Road
Tel: (345) 925 4231
Specialising in colour, event hair, bridal services and hair extensions.
Spa Esprit Hair Design & Day Spa
The Strand Shopping Plaza, West Bay Road
Tel: (345) 945 4334
Studio 54 West
Galleria Plaza, West Bay Road, SMB
Tel: (345) 943 3722
A chic modern salon and a barbershop for men and women. Beauty products also available.
Styles Hair Salon & Spa
West Shore Centre, West Bay Road
Tel: (345) 949 8809
www.stylesbeautysalonandspa.com
Services include unisex hair cutting, colouring and treatments, highlights, balayage, lowlights, tinting, waxing, full body treatments, massages, spray tanning, acrylic nails, manicures and pedicures. SEE AD THIS PAGE
Uniko Eco Salon
3 Carrington Place (next to Grand Pavillion), West Bay Road, SMB
Tel: (345) 769 5400
www.unikosalon.com
Massimo Crigna’s sustainable hair salon is Cayman’s only eco-friendly salon offering services for men and women. It features environmentally friendly elements and products from Davines. Services include cuts, hair Botox, colour and styling.
Utopia Hair Boutique
Caribbean Plaza, West Bay Road
Tel: (345) 749 8876
www.utopiahairboutiques.com
A friendly hair salon offering women and men’s
hair cuts, colouring services and a range of treatments including Brazilian blowouts and Keratin smoothing treatments.
Day
Spas & Beauty Providers
Beyond Basics Medical: Laser & Skincare
3rd Floor, Tomlinson Building, George Town
Tel: (345) 916 7546
Instagram/Facebook: @beyondbasicslaser
Offers laser treatment, peels, microneedling and facials and sells a range of skincare products.
Body Works
Queens Court Plaza, West Bay Road
Tel: (345) 945 6485
Email: info@bodyworkscayman.com
Offers massages, facials, waxing, nails, body scrubs and more.
Get Nailed & More
Caribbean Plaza, 2nd Floor, West Bay Road
Tel: (345) 943 3836
www.getnailedandmore.ky
A very popular nail salon that also offers semi permanent make up, eyelash extensions, eyebrow and eyelash tinting, waxing and threading and a range of other beauty and hair treatments.
Hibiscus Spa at the Westin Resort & Spa
Seven Mile Beach, West Bay Road
Tel: (345) 945 3800
Offers facials and massage therapies.
Maquilla Makeup Studios
Holiday Inn Resort, 278 Crighton Drive
Email: info@maquillamakeup.com
Tel: (345) 924 1107
Offers hair styling, spray tanning, makeup services, tattoo or marks cover-up, and customised makeup for various occasions like carnivals, Halloween, FX makeup and more.
No 11 Spa
Cayman Technology Centre, 115 Printers Way, George Town
Tel: (345) 526 6611
www.no11spa.com
A luxury spa offering massages, facial therapies, waxing, lashes, tinting and more.
Royal
Thai Beauty & Spa
Carrington Place, 5 West Bay Road
Tel: (345) 769 8970
Email: royalthaicayman@gmail.com
Offers a wide range of body and facial treatments, as well as beauty spa packages.
The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Grand Cayman
West Bay Road, Seven Mile Beach
Tel: (345) 815 6900
An exclusive luxury spa providing a full range of services that include signature facials, massages and body treatments. Arrive early to relax in the serene lounge or unwind in the whirlpool, sauna and steam room. Treatments range from 35-minute manicures to a full day of services.
The Spa at Seafire (Kimpton)
60 Tanager Way, off West Bay Road, SMB
Tel: (345) 746 4040
An 8,500sq ft spa with seven treatment rooms, including a grand soaking tub, traditional Turkish Hammam, steam rooms and relaxation space. Services include massage therapy, body treatments, facials, manicures, pedicures and a full service hair salon. The Spa at Seafire also caters for groups and bridal parties.
Zen Garden Spa
Unit 1 Carrington Place, West Bay Road
Tel: (345) 746 6789 or (345) 939 1789
Email: zenspa.ky@gmail.com
HOME & GARDEN
Cleaning Services
Hew’s Cleaning Services
Tel: (345) 949 0734
Email: chris.hew@hews-janitorial.com www.hews-janitorial.com
A family-owned company that provides trustworthy, professional and efficient commercial and residential cleaning services. Contact them for general and deep cleaning, as well as oven, carpet, cupboard and window cleaning. They offer sanitising, marble polishing, upholstery cleaning and much more. The company also offers a residential team cleaning service and they come prepared with supplies. A great, hassle-free service. SEE AD PAGE 197
My KandA Cleaners
Tel: (345) 326 3379
www.kandaservices.ky
My KandA Cleaners provides residential and commercial cleaning, window cleaning, post-construction, post-renovation, end-oftenancy, outdoor cleaning, school cleaning, strata area cleaning, short-term rental and Airbnb cleaning. Their team uses a checklist to provide incredible attention to detail for thoroughly cleaning your home and office. They stand out because they ensure clients receive the best service possible. SEE AD PAGE 197
Dry Cleaning, Laundry & Tailors
There are several laundry and dry cleaners that are fully equipped to deal with shirts, trousers, bedspreads, rugs and more. Some dry cleaners also offer alteration and repair services.
Becky’s Closet/Uniforms and More
90 Godfrey Nixon Way, George Town Tel: (345) 938 1111
Email: beckyscloset345@gmail.com
Provides various alterations such as hemming, resizing, taking in or letting out seams, adjusting waistbands, shortening or lengthening sleeves, replacing zippers and making repairs. They also offer more specialised alterations such as tapering, re-styling, and customising garments to your preferences.
Fluff ‘N’ Fold
65 Market Street, Camana Bay Tel: (345) 943 5833
Uses energy-efficient equipment and non-toxic chemicals. Free pick-up and delivery available in the George Town and Seven Mile Beach areas.
Island Cleaners
43 Vibert Bodden Drive, George Town Tel: (345) 949 5391
www.islandcleaners.ky
Offers a full laundry and dry cleaning service as well as an alteration service.
Puritan Cleaners
Two locations: 337 Eastern Avenue, GT and Countryside Shopping Village, Savannah Tel: (345) 949 7104 or (345) 946 1884
www. puritan.ky
Family-owned and operated since 1958. Puritan is the longest running dry cleaner and launderer in Grand Cayman, offering a wide range of services, including dry cleaning, shirt finishing, leather cleaning, wash-dry-fold, alterations, wedding gown preservation, and professional cleaning of accessories. They also specialise in large items such as bed linen, spreads and drapes. Puritan is committed to eco-friendly practices and ensuring customer satisfaction with every service. Free pick-up and drop-off is available. SEE AD THIS PAGE
Super Stitch
Suite 39, Pasadora Place, Smith Road, GT
Tel: (345) 949 2833
Offers fabrics, arts, crafts and sewing supplies, as well as tailoring and dressmaking services.
Self-Service Laundromats
Laundromats are a convenient solution if you do not have a washer and dryer or if you need to wash bulky items. They are cheaper than laundry service providers
and some are open seven days a week.
C.A.R.T.S. Laundry
Walkers Road, George Town
Tel: (345) 949 0361
Eastern Avenue Coin Laundry
Eastern Avenue, George Town
Tel: (345) 922 1276
Super Suds Laundromat
553 Odessa Plaza, Bodden Town
Tel: (345) 916 4719
Florists
Fresh cut flowers and bouquets can be purchased from select supermarkets including Kirk Market, Foster’s Camana Bay and Hurley’s Supermarket.
Celebrations Ltd.
Building C, 64 Kingbird Warehouse Park, GT
Tel: (345) 623 2044
Flower arrangements of freshly cut flowers for every occasion.
Every Bloomin’ Thing (EBT)
384 Crewe Road, George Town
Tel: (345) 945 1701
www.ebt.com.ky
A full-service floral shop, landscaping company, garden centre, gift shop and tearoom.
Trisha’s Roses
266 North Church Street, George Town
Tel: (345) 949 2423 or (345) 949 7315
Creates arrangements for all occasions.
The Security Centre Limited
Cayman Technology Centre, 115 Printer Way, GT
Tel: (345) 949 0004
Storage Units & Warehouse Space
The companies listed below have multiple fully managed warehouses.
Heritage Holdings Ltd.
Centennial Towers, Suite 305 (3rd Floor)
2454 West Bay Road, West Bay Tel: (345) 936 3227
Email: sales@heritageholdings.ky www.heritageholdings.ky
Warehouse storage solutions for lease. In addition to retail, office and healthcare spaces, all designed to fit your unique requirements.
Mini Warehouse 2 Ltd.
246A Industrial Park, George Town Unit 92/93 Dorcy Drive Tel: (345) 949 7750
Email: info@miniwarehouse2.ky www.miniwarehouse2.ky
Mini Warehouse 2 Ltd. has over 30 years of experience serving people and businesses of the Cayman Islands and helping keep their belongings safe. The four locations (one in Industrial Park and three opposite the Strand Shopping Centre on West Bay Road) offer short-term and long-term storage options with climate and non-climate-controlled units (in sizes from 5’ x 5’ to 10’ x 20’). Their climate-controlled units are also very secure, with state-of-the-art security. Prices start at CI$70 a month. SEE AD OPPOSITE PAGE
Tailoring
Linen
Home-related Service Providers
For home-related service providers including air conditioning technicians and plumbers, see the Running Your Home chapter.
Key Cutting/Locksmiths
Most home centres offer a key cutting service; however, the following two companies have dedicated locksmiths:
Choice Professional Locksmiths
95 Godfrey Nixon Way, George Town
Tel: (345) 928 6659
UNITS Storage Solutions
20 Genesis Close, George Town Tel: (345) 929 UNIT (8648)
Email: allan.blake@units.ky www.units.ky
UNITS Cayman Islands brings secure, affordable storage right to your doorstep. Choose from weather-resistant 12ft or 16ft containers—ideal for moving, renovations, events, or simply creating extra space and their UNITS Blue boxes are perfect for storing smaller items. Pack and unpack on your schedule with flexible rental options. Store your container at your location or at
their secure outdoor facility. A 35,000 sq ft humidity-controlled warehouse is coming soon for even greater peace of mind.
EVENT PLANNING & PHOTOGRAPHY
Event Planners & Party Rentals
Many hotels and restaurants, like Caribbean Club (Tel: (345) 623 4500) and Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa (Tel: (345) 746 0000),
planners, see the Getting Married chapter on page 398. For catering, see the Food and Drink chapter. For party stores, see the Shopping chapter. For event planning services and equipment rental, contact the following:
AI Rentals
17 Lancaster Crescent, Industrial Park, GT
Tel: (345) 946 4935 or www.ai-rentals.com
Every Last Detail
Tel: (345) 321 8227
Email: everylastdetail345@gmail.com
Offers event planning services for all events.
Massive Equipment Rental & Sales
Tel: (345) 949 7990
www.massivegroup.com
Offers a huge selection of inventory, including audio/visual/lighting, tables, chairs, tableware, games, glassware, staging, tents and more. Delivery and collection from any location.
Photographers
BabyLove Newborn Photography
Creations Unlimited
Tel: (345) 326 1557
Email: lucy@creations.ky or info@creations.ky
Lucy is a talented photographer with many years of experience capturing stunning images, including family shoots, school photos and corporate headshots. Creations Unlimited also produce canvas prints, stationery, brochures, flyers, posters, flags, banners and corporate
Daria Keenan
Email: daria@pinkpalmstudio.com www.dariakeenan.com
An award-winning family and newborn photographer, photographing families in Grand Cayman since 2014. With every shoot, she aims to capture genuine expressions and joyful moments, all during the beautiful sunset hour. She is most known for her high energy and ability
Email: info@babylove.ky
Specialises in fresh 48-hour and newborn photography.
Capture Cayman Ltd.
Tel: (345) 546 8010
Email: lisa@capturecayman.com www.capturecayman.com
Lisa Collins offers expert, professional, fun and affordable beach photoshoots, land and underwater photography classes, photo editing classes, nature photo tours, events, weddings, dive trips, Stingray City/Starfish Point and other excursions, and professional photo editing services.
Heather Holt Photography at Picture This Studios
Tel: (345) 916 5263
Email: heather@heatherholt.com www.heatherholt.com
Heather Holt brings over three decades of experience, a degree in Visual Communications/ Photojournalism, and an artist’s eye for light and storytelling. Her award-winning work is known for capturing the soul of the moment—whether it’s a windswept beach portrait, an elegant destination wedding, or a bold underwater scene. Heather and her creative team offer a full range of services, including portraits, weddings, property, lifestyle, fashion, corporate, underwater, and custom commissions.
SEE AD PAGE 401
Julie Corsetti Photography
Tel: (345) 916 0016
Email: juliecorsetti@gmail.com www.juliecorsetti.com www.flyingdresscayman.com
Julie is the owner of Deep Blue Images and is most famous for her stunning over-under water photos which grace the walls of many homes here in Cayman and abroad. She also specialises in wedding, family, children and event photography. Julie has been the Acorn Media ‘resident’ photographer for many years and her incredible photography has graced the cover of Explore Cayman from 2014-2026.
Rebecca Davidson Photography
Tel: (345) 916 1654
Email: rebecca@rebeccadavidson.com www.rebeccadavidson.com
A talented photographer with over 25 years of experience in capturing stunning images. Rebecca Davidson has the expertise and enthusiasm to capture memories that you will treasure forever. Specialising in weddings, Rebecca’s fun style puts everyone at ease, allowing her to capture love and laughter in the most natural way. We recommend booking Rebecca as early as possible as she is very popular, especially for weddings, and you may well need to book her a year in advance.
SEE AD PAGE 403
Photo Processing Studios
There is nowhere in Cayman that develops camera film. If you have a disposable camera or one that uses a camera roll, you’ll need to get your negatives developed overseas. However, Rainbow Photo in Elizabethan Square, Shedden Road (Tel: (345) 945 2046) can scan your old negatives onto a USB or send them digitally by email.
Creations Unlimited
Tel: (345) 326 1557
Email: lucy@creations.ky or info@creations.ky
Creations Unlimited prints photographs as well as produces canvas prints, stationery, brochures, flyers, posters, flags, banners and corporate merchandise.
Island Photo
Fosters Airport Centre, George Town
Tel: (345) 945 4779
Email: orders@islandphoto.ky
Photo Plus
PhotoPharm Centre, Walkers Road
Tel: (345) 949 2420
REPAIRS
Bicycle Repairs
Cayman Mobile Bike Repairs
Tel: (345) 936 8385
A mobile bike repair company that also sells bicycles, Shimano and Garmin bicycle computers, shoes, jerseys, shorts and helmets.
Uncle Bill’s Home Improvement Centre
343 Eastern Avenue, George Town
Tel: (345) 949 7601
www.unclebills.ky
Uncle Bill’s is the leading bicycle shop in Cayman offering both retail and bicycle servicing. Visit the website for a list of bicycle services and prices. SEE AD PAGE 238
Phone Repair
Cell Cayman
Clock Tower Plaza, Eastern Avenue, GT Tel/WhatsApp: (345) 328 3456
Email: info.cellcayman@gmail.com www.cellcayman.com
Cell Cayman has a team of qualified technicians
who provide reliable repairs, including screen, back glass, and charging port replacements. They also fix battery issues, signal problems, software glitches, motherboard faults, and offer services like unlocking and virus removal.
SEE AD PAGE 154
Cellular World
Bay Town Plaza, West Bay Road
Tel: (345) 943 2355
Email: info@cellularworld.ky
Repairs mobile phones, regardless of how complicated the problem is and specialises in broken or old phone data recovery.
SEE AD PAGE 155
Shoe Repair
No. 1 Shoe Shop
62 Hospital Road, George Town
Tel: (345) 949 5595
CAR CARE
Good Guys (Tel: (345) 916 9274) on Huldah Avenue offers detailing as well as touch free, soft touch and self-service car wash services. The Auto Spa (Tel: (345) 943 1946) on Godfrey Nixon Way also offers a wide range of cleaning packages. See the Transportation chapter to learn more.
POSTAL SERVICES, MAILBOXES, COURIER & SHIPPING SERVICES
Postal services in Cayman are fast and efficient, with a turnaround time for local mail of 48 hours. There is no postal mail delivery, so alternatively, PO Boxes are used. There are 15 post offices and numerous blue mailboxes located throughout the Islands. The largest post office branches are the Airport (APO), General Post Office (GPO) and Seven Mile Beach (SMB), but there are also post offices in Savannah, Bodden Town, North Side, East End, Hell and West Bay.
The GPO is open Monday-Friday from 8.15am to 5pm. Opening times for all other post offices vary, but most operate Monday-Friday from 8.30am to 5pm, except for the APO, which is open Monday-Friday from 8am to 6pm. For more information, email:
cipscustomercare@gov.ky. Some offices are open on Saturday from 9am to 12.30pm (including the APO, West Bay, Seven Mile Beach and Savannah). The post offices in Hell, Bodden Town, North Side, East End and the GPO are closed on Saturday. All are closed on Sundays.
Postage Costs
Airmail is zoned according to its destination and charged by weight. Rates per half ounce:
> US, Canada, Central America: CI$0.75
> UK, South America: CI$0.80
> Asia, South Africa, Australia: CI$1
Local mail posted before 3pm on weekdays is delivered within two working days. However, postage times for the Sister Islands may be influenced by factors affecting air travel. Local mail costs CI$0.25 per ounce. An Express Mail Service (EMS) is available to over 140 countries, Tel: (345) 949 6777 or email cipscustomercare@gov.ky for more information. Incoming parcels are subject to duty. CIPS delivers trackable items to street addresses for an additional fee.
It is a requirement that a PO Box number and a postal code are always used on a letter mailed to the Cayman Islands unless coming by courier. Do not write George Town on the envelope, as there are many ‘George Towns’ and ‘Georgetowns’ around the world. Address as follows:
Mr or Ms Cayman Resident PO Box 31403
Grand Cayman KY1-1206
CAYMAN ISLANDS
For more details on the postal service, call (345) 949 2474 or email cipscustomercare@gov.ky. overseas purchases, see page 300.
Private Mailbox Services
Mail Boxes Etc.
MBE offers virtual mailboxes through an app or secure physical boxes with key access. Both provide a real Cayman street address. You can shop online using MBE’s US address services (E-box and Ocean Shipping). They also offer printing, shredding, packing, passport photos, and FedEx/DHL international shipping. Open in Camana Bay from Monday-Friday 9am6pm and Saturday from 9am-5pm. Open in Harbour Walk from Monday-Friday 10am6pm and Saturday from 9am-3pm.
Courier & Shipping Services
DHL International (Cayman) Ltd.
131 Warehouse Centre, Maclendon Drive, GT Tel: (345) 949 8575
Provides two and three-day delivery service by air. Online booking and tracking available.
Express Mail Service (EMS)
Tel: (345) 949 6777
Email: cipoexpressmail@gov.ky
A cost-effective way to ship parcels through the local post office.
EZShip Cayman Ltd.
90B Godfrey Nixon Way, George Town Tel: (345) 640 0900
Email: info@ezshipcayman.ky www.ezshipcayman.ky
FedEx
321 Dorcy Dr Industrial Park, George Town Tel: (345) 769 1615
Mail Boxes Etc.
Two Locations: Market Street, Camana Bay and Edgewater Way, Harbour Walk
Tel: (345) 745 1400
Email: info@mbe.ky
www.mbe.ky
Mail Boxes Etc. is an authorised DHL and FedEx shipping centre, offering fast, trackable international and local delivery. Their expert team securely packs documents, parcels, and commercial shipments for safe, compliant shipping worldwide. Plus, they provide a full range of postal services.
PRINTING & COPYING SERVICES
Classic Printers
Brits Building, 52 North Sound Road, GT
Tel: (345) 949 9067
Email: cbf@candw.ky or classicp@candw.ky
Specialises in promotional materials from posters to booklets, it is the only local print shop that does foil and embossing.
Creations Unlimited
Tel: (345) 326 1557
Email: info@creations.ky
Two Locations: Market Street, Camana Bay and Edgewater Way, Harbour Walk Tel: (345) 745 1400
Email: info@mbe.ky or www.mbe.ky
Design and printing of stationery, brochures, flyers, posters and banners as well as professional photography and photo
Two Locations: Market Street, Camana Bay and Edgewater Way, Harbour Walk
Tel: (345) 745 1400
Email: info@mbe.ky or www.mbe.ky
A one-stop shop for printing services, including high quality colour and black and white printing, laminating and more. They print business cards, brochures and passport photos.
PRINT IT by PBS Group Cayman
Cayman Centre, Dorcy Drive, George Town Tel: (345) 949 8642
Wide format, brochures, business cards, tickets and more. They offer digital printing services with a quick turnaround time.
Quick Images
DotCom Centre, Dorcy Drive, George Town Tel: (345) 623 8889
Email: info@quickimages.com
Offers a copying service for documents and presentations in sizes up to 11” x 17”.
LOCAL MEDIA
Radio Stations
There are many local radio stations to choose from in Grand Cayman and the Sister Islands. All the following stations are available in Grand Cayman, and
some in the Sister Islands, and can be found on FM radio.
Big Fish 95.5 FM
Positive and encouraging faith-based music with teaching segments.
Bobo 103.1
The home of the BBC World Service, the world’s most trusted news source and the place to find Cayman’s biggest talk shows including The Cold Hard Truth from CMR and Straight Talk with Austin and Ellio. SEE AD OPPOSITE PAGE
Breeze 105.3 FM
Plays a mix of soca, reggae, religious and country. Available in Cayman Brac on 91.9 FM.
93.5 CayCountry
Plays today’s country hits along with your all-time favourites. From Blake Shelton and Brooks & Dunn to the latest from Jimmie Allen, this is the place for non-stop country!
SEE AD OPPOSITE PAGE
CAYROCK 96.5
Plays rock music from all over the globe, including hits of today and classics of
yesterday. Featuring artists like U2, Led Zeppelin, Green Day, Guns N’ Roses. Red Hot Chili Peppers, Rolling Stones and The Who. SEE AD OPPOSITE PAGE
GOLD 94.9 FM
Playing four decades of hits, from the 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s.
HOT 104.1
Playing a mix of reggae, dancehall, reggaeton, soca and gospel. Featuring artists such as Bob Marley, Machel Montano, Beanie Man, Pitbull and Popcaan. Your destination for the perfect Caribbean Vibe! SEE AD OPPOSITE PAGE
ICCI 101.1 FM
A college radio station whose mandate is to train future broadcasting professionals. Showcases jazz, classical and easy listening.
Island 98.9 FM
A mix of reggae, soca and calypso with some Caribbean-influenced urban hits.
KISS 106.1 FM
The place to find Cayman’s best variety from the 80s all the way through to today. Hear
tracks from Ace of Base followed by the new one from Taylor Swift, a station with mass appeal. SEE AD PAGE 311
Magic 91.5
Plays smooth R&B featuring music from the Motown era, 70s funk, 80s soul pop, 90s throwback hip-hop, Caribbean soul and contemporary soul. SEE AD PAGE 311
Praise 87.9 FM
Christian radio station. Owned by the Conference of Seventh-Day Adventists.
Radio Cayman 89.9 FM
A Government-owned station featuring local and international news bulletins from the BBC, talk shows and music. Available in the Sister Islands on 93.9 FM.
Rooster 101.9 FM
Plays the best, new and old, country hits. Also available in the Sister Islands.
Star 92.7 FM
Plays hip hop, soca, dancehall and also features talk and news.
Weather 107.9 FM
Broadcasts the weather from the National Weather Service. Also available in the Sister Islands.
X107.1
Plays the international Top 40 hits. Features artists like Benson Boone, Doja Cat, The Weeknd and more. Plus it’s the home of the world’s biggest DJ’s at the weekend including Deadmau5, Roger Sanchez & HedKandi.
SEE AD PAGE 311
Z99.9 FM
Plays the latest pop hits and is home to a popular breakfast show.
News - Online & Print
The Cayman Compass is published weekly on Friday and includes news, issues, business, living, travel, health, community, weather, sport and employment listings. Copies are available for free from outlets around
the islands, including gas stations and supermarkets. The news is also available daily at www.caymancompass.com.
The Caymanian Times is a free weekly newspaper available on Wednesday and Friday at outlets around the island as well as on their website, visit www. caymaniantimes.ky.
For the past seventeen years, Cayman News Service (CNS) (SEE AD PAGE 35) has been providing free online news, continuously updating their website with all the latest on local politics, crime and court trials, business and tourism, with a particular focus on the environment as the Cayman Islands struggle to prepare for climate change, even as development continues apace. CNS is a locally owned and operated media house with no affiliations to corporations or sponsorship by wealthy backers, relying on advertising and the support of loyal readers to maintain its independence. The website has the most vibrant comment section on the islands, moderated so that readers can comment anonymously, which is vital in this very small community. Visit www.caymannewsservice.com for more information and breaking stories.
Cayman Marl Road, at www. caymanmarlroad.com, covers local news and stories, and has a very active social media presence (@caymanmarlroad). In July 2025 they launched CMR TV which currently broadcasts online but is expected to be available to watch on Flow and Logic in the months ahead. CMR TV features a host of local content creators including Sandra Hill and former MP Sabrina Turner.
Television Stations
In March 2025, Compass TV launched, marking the return of broadcast television to the Cayman Islands. Compass TV can be found on Digicel+ channel 122, Logic channel 22, C3 channel 22 and Flow channel 102 and broadcasts breaking news, local programming, entertainment, sports, weather and lifestyle segments, and a popular morning show called ‘Daybreak’. Other television stations include the Cayman Islands Government Television,
CIGTV (Logic channel 23, Flow channel 106 and C3 channel 3), Cayman Life TV (Logic channel 33 and online at www.caymanlife. ky) and This is Cayman HD (Logic channel 36), which provides information for visitors and locals on local interest stories, activities and more. Cayman Christian TV (channel 21 over-the-air) and the Seventh Day Adventist Network (channel 30 overthe-air) are both free to view.
NOTARY PUBLIC
For the purpose of a work permit, bank account application or any other instance where you must verify your identity, you will need a Cayman Islands Notary Public to certify that the document is an authentic and correct copy of the original. The standard charge is CI$25 per stamp.
HALO Legal Solutions
Tel: (345) 939 0079
Email: halo@haloindustriesllc.com www.hlscayman.com
HALO Legal Solutions is the only full-service mobile business of its kind providing business, corporate and legal, office administrative management services as well as mobile Notary Public services. Services are provided digitally, remotely or directly on site, or, to the location of individuals, businesses, companies and their corporate offices and to law firms and legal offices in the Cayman Islands. SEE AD PAGE 67
You can also find a list of all licensed notaries on the judicial website, www. judicial.ky/general-public/notaries-public. Alternatively, contact Baysyde Biz on (345) 917 5756 or email: baysydebiz@gmail. com. Whilst a document authorised by a Notary Public is needed for overseas use, if you need a certified copy of a document for local use only, a Justice of the Peace (JP) can authorise your document for free. Call Joy Basdeo MBE, JP (Tel: (345) 525 6551) or visit www.judicial.ky/professional-listings/ justices-of-the-peace/ for a full list of local JPs.
Tell them you saw it in the PJ
Cayman’s healthcare sector is expanding steadily, with public, private, and non-profit providers increasing their presence.
The growth is reflected not only in new medical facilities, but also in the adoption of advanced technology and the recruitment of highly trained professionals. The upshot is that as a whole, the community benefits, but in many instances, the cost of such advancement in the level of service is indirectly passed on to health insurance customers. For those on low incomes in Cayman, the reality is that they can barely manage to take advantage of the excellent levels of care now available in the healthcare marketplace. That being said, armed with a basic SHIC plan (see page 316), you can be insured for high-quality care for most emergency medical situations, though preventative and outpatient care will only be minimally covered. Therefore, it is essential that you research what level of plan you can afford, particularly as you get older, and more importantly, what your employer, or prospective employer, will be mandated to pay by law, and what they will be willing to pay over and above that. If you are visiting, you will also need to make sure you have a policy in place, even if it is one generated by your
otherwise in cases of an emergency, you could find yourself seriously out of pocket.
Cayman
Photos courtesy of Cayman Hearing Centre, Cayman Dental, Anthony S. Eden Hospital & Doctors Hospital
According to the latest figures from the Economics and Statistics Office, we are fortunate to have over 2,000 registered healthcare professionals in public and private employment across the Islands, working in facilities that include hospitals, pharmacies, laboratories, physician practices and therapy clinics.
In 2025, the Health Services Authority (HSA) worked to transform healthcare in the Cayman Islands, shaping not only how care is delivered, but also how it is experienced. A historic moment came with the renaming of the George Town Hospital to the Anthony S. Eden Hospital, honouring the extraordinary contributions of the Honourable Anthony Samuel Eden, OBE, JP (Ret), which have profoundly transformed the healthcare landscape of the Cayman Islands.
As the nation’s largest healthcare provider, HSA has made accessibility a defining priority. A major enhancement came through the upgraded patient call centre, which now offers more efficient engagement, shorter wait times, and improved service delivery. These changes, along with higher patient experience standards, contributed to a 90.2% satisfaction rate. Recognition followed, as HSA remains the most awarded entity in the Best of Cayman Islands competition, earning 13 gold and silver wins.
Meeting the needs of a growing population means extending access to care. The HSA urgent care clinic expanded to offer a seven-day service, while physician availability increased at Eastern District clinics, providing residents with more opportunities to seek care at a time that fits their schedule. On the Sister Islands, expanded physician rotations in areas such as oncology and additional specialist services, including paediatrics, brought advanced healthcare closer to home.
The Cayman Islands Pathology Laboratory, located in both Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac, once again achieved Joint Commission International (JCI) reaccreditation, demonstrating a continued commitment to the highest diagnostic
standards.
HSA’s flagship events, including the Women’s Healthcare Conference, World Cancer Day Symposium, and Continuing Medical Education seminars, brought together healthcare professionals and the public to share knowledge and promote wellness. Career fairs and educational initiatives encouraged aspiring healthcare workers, while raising public awareness of important health topics.
In the Eastern Districts, timely emergency care received a boost with the establishment of a temporary EMS base in Bodden Town, reducing response times. Critical care capacity also grew with the recruitment of key specialists, including a second consultant internist for Faith Hospital in Cayman Brac and a full-time neonatologist, improving patient care and reducing wait times in essential departments.
In the private sector, Health City Cayman Islands, which established a 110-bed hospital in East End in 2014, has opened a new US$100+ million super-specialty hospital in Camana Bay. The new facility features a dedicated cancer care centre, maternity and neonatal intensive care unit, emergency pavilion, critical care unit and emergency, multi-specialty programme, including an expansion on robotic-assisted surgery, which was introduced to the island by Health City for the first time in 2022. In March 2023, the hospital’s Radiation Oncology Centre opened, and gave life-saving treatment to its first patients on May 17th 2023. The new 70,000sq ft hospital and level 1 trauma centre was inaugurated in July of 2024. These new facilities cement Grand Cayman as a medical tourism destination in the Caribbean, being the first in the region to offer bone marrow transplantation, CAR-T cell therapy and a one-of-a-kind neonatal intensive care unit. In 2025, Health City at Camana Bay unveiled a new obstetrics centre created to deliver outstanding care for mothers and babies, supported by skilled paediatric experts, obstetricians, midwives, and nurses. The hospital offers three modern labour and delivery suites and triage beds, ensuring a comfortable birthing experience.
The Level 3 Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) features four specialised beds for critically ill newborns and one familyintegrated care room to facilitate family involvement.
Dart recently announced that a Centre for Health and Wellness is planned for Camana Bay. The new, modern facility is scheduled for completion in 2027 and will feature a diverse range of healthcare services, complemented by amenities such as a café and physical wellness offerings.
GIVING BLOOD
Giving blood is not only rewarding but also a vital act of community service, especially in Cayman, where just 3.2% of eligible residents donated in 2024. Adequate blood stores are essential for trauma, maternity, cancer, and surgical care, and with the Islands’ growing population, demand rises each year. To reduce reliance on imports, Cayman must expand its donor base and ensure a constant local supply. In July 2025, the Health Services Authority (HSA), with major support from Rotary Central Cayman Islands, launched a state-of-the-art Mobile Blood Collection Unit (MBCU) to make donation more accessible. This custom-designed bus brings ongoing blood drives directly to communities across all districts. Fully equipped, it can collect up to six units per hour, accommodate three donors at a time, and features modern chairs, refrigeration, and sanitation systems to maximise safety, comfort and ease, all whilst helping to reduce anxiety about donating blood and boost the local supply.
HEALTH SECTOR UPDATES
Healthcare costs are rising globally, and the Cayman Islands are no exception. Between 2018 and 2023, the government provided CI$246 million in funds to the Health Services Authority (HSA)—a 74% increase over budget—to cover care for civil servants, pensioners, veterans, seamen, and those on needs assessment. The CI Government also faces a longterm liability of CI$2.8 billion for retirees’
healthcare. By 2033, 29% of Caymanians will be over 65. Departing Auditor General Sue Winspear’s March 2025 report entitled ‘Long-Term Financial Sustainability’ noted that spending on overseas tertiary care is consistently underestimated. For instance, the 2024 budget rose from CI$18.6m to CI$39.8m but is expected to top CI$50m. The new National Coalition for Caymanians government has inherited these financial pressures. Interestingly, in 2023 Cayman residents paid US$353m in health insurance premiums while insurers only paid out US$288m in claims.
March 2025 marked the first births at Health City Camana Bay’s new world-class obstetrics facility in Health City’s specially designed maternity and NICU unit, featuring private, fully equipped birthing suites.
In late 2024, the long-delayed Poinciana Rehabilitation Centre opened in East End to provide residential adult mental health services. In 2025, it was placed under a cabinet-appointed advisory council, with a mandate to ensure clinical excellence, accountability, and alignment with community mental health needs. The HSA added a completely separate child mental health wing at the Anthony S. Eden Hospital after an incident compromised a young patient’s safety. The new three-bed facility is located next to, but structurally separate from, the adult unit with its own entrance and amenities. Adult care is now moving primarily to the Poinciana Centre in the interim.
In July 2025, Doctor’s Hospital became one of the Caribbean’s first providers of Donanemab, a breakthrough drug for early dementia and Alzheimer’s. With the latest estimates that around 55 million people currently suffer from dementia worldwide, DHI is delivering this advanced treatment to patients in the hope that the tide of this progressive neuro-degenerative disorder can be turned.
Dialysis patients in West Bay can now receive treatment closer to home with the opening of a new clinical unit at the Health Services Authority’s West Bay Health
Centre. The new unit started its operations in August 2025 and is equipped with two advanced B Braun dialysis machines, known for their precision and efficiency, and two comfortable dialysis chairs.
Dental patients in Cayman Brac are benefitting from an advanced diagnostics tool with the installation of a new cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scanner at Faith Hospital. The CBCT provides 3D high-resolution scans allowing for accurate and efficient treatment programmes and is the first on the island.
HEALTH INSURANCE
Health insurance helps cover medical and surgical expenses. In Cayman, all residents are legally required to have at least a basic health insurance policy. Employers must provide workers with at least the Standard Health Insurance Contract (SHIC) from the start of employment, regardless of work permit type or length. This requirement also applies to unemployed dependants, the self-employed, partners, and permanent residents without the right to work. Employers must pay at least 50% of the single premium for the lowestcost plan; employees may pay the other half plus costs for dependants or upgraded coverage through payroll deductions. Because premiums change annually, employees should research and negotiate contributions, especially for dependants or enhanced plans. Insurance may be purchased individually, for families, or through employer group coverage. Larger groups (20+ employees) often have more plan options. Coverage can be arranged directly with insurers or via brokers, whose services are free to clients since insurers pay them. Some brokers only work with certain insurers, so make sure to ask which companies they represent. For SHIC, insurers require 12 months of medical history and details of current conditions or medications. Upgraded policies may ask for more extensive records. Bringing copies of medical records helps both insurers and Cayman doctors. Pre-existing conditions,
pregnancy, or immediate surgery may be limited to SHIC benefits if you are not transferring from another Cayman plan. Those moving from overseas with medical needs should ask employers to seek preapproval of coverage before accepting an offer. Once you have been with a Cayman insurer for 12 months with no more than a three-month break in coverage, and even if you have developed problems in the meantime, the next insurer may risk-rate, but cannot add new restrictions to a similar level of coverage. The only exceptions are cases of non-disclosure on the application form or if you are seeking a large upgrade in your coverage. Since pre-existing conditions may be restricted, be sure to check before cancelling your insurance at home, as you could potentially get global coverage on your existing health insurance to cover you in Cayman. However, you are still required by law to have a minimum SHIC plan from a local insurer and then you will coordinate benefits between the two health plans.
Plans vary from the basic SHIC to very comprehensive, major medical, world-class plans. The Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (CIMA) and the Health Insurance Commission (HIC) license and regulate the health insurance companies. The SHIC plan is the primary, Government-regulated contract and covers about a quarter of Cayman’s residents. However, most employers offer higher than mandated coverage. All other health insurance plans are based around the Health Insurance Laws and Regulations, including an outline of the basic SHIC benefits. These cover, at a minimum, up to CI$100,000 major medical per annum, with a CI$1,000,000 lifetime maximum for each person. Major medical coverage includes hospital stays, surgery, chemotherapy and radiation services, along with emergency care, including air ambulance. All SHIC plans have very limited local outpatient benefits and any overseas care is usually restricted to major care unavailable in Cayman. The more comprehensive plans offer wider access to
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overseas services, larger per annum and lifetime allowances (e.g. CI$500,000, CI$1,000,000 and CI$2,000,000 or higher could be available within a calendar year), fuller prescription coverage, more outpatient services and options for dental, optical and life insurance benefits.
The cost of insurance plans will vary with age, gender, benefits, employer size and claims history. For example, a basic SHIC plan without dental and vision currently costs in the vicinity of CI$160+ per month, per employee (possibly higher for older ages and/or pre-existing conditions), whereas a medical plan with enhanced outpatient benefits typically runs 20% to over 200% higher than SHIC. More comprehensive benefit add-ons, including doctor and specialist visits, extra preventative care, dental, vision and prescription coverage, ensure monthly premiums cost anywhere from CI$550-$2,000+ per month, per individual. Insurers may use a three-tier, four-tier or five-tier rate structure, based on the number of dependants being enrolled.
As a general rule, adding one dependant is about twice the single monthly cost and adding two or more dependants is usually in the range of three times the employee-only monthly premiums, with adding spouses often being more expensive than adding children. If a Caymanian resident cannot afford health insurance for themselves or their dependants, they should apply to the Department of Financial Assistance at https://my.egov.ky/web/dfa (formerly the Needs Assessment Unit) for help with coverage or benefit shortfalls. This should be done as soon as their need is known (i.e. do not wait for a medical emergency as coverage is not typically backdated).
The high cost of our health insurance has been known to discourage people from retiring here. Keep in mind that under some group plans, the amount available per annum may reduce upon retirement and most employers in Cayman do not extend health insurance benefits to retirees. See the Retiring in Cayman chapter for other
health insurance suggestions for retirees. Most medical, and some dental, practitioners accept local insurance ‘on assignment’ provided the insurance company guarantees payment and after any deductible, if applicable, has been met. This means that the doctor or dentist will claim directly from the insurance company on your behalf. Anything not paid by your insurance company is your responsibility. Be aware that the Health Insurance Commission cannot regulate the medical fees charged. All medical payments by insurers are based on the Standard Health Insurance Fee (SHIF) schedule, which can be found at www.dhrs.gov.ky – look for the ‘Standard Health Insurance Fees’ on the Health Insurance Commission page: Resources section. Medical providers are not required to charge within the SHIF, and balances above the SHIF are the patient’s responsibility, so for budgeting purposes, you may wish to ask when booking appointments if the provider charges within the SHIF schedule or not. For substantial medical services, it is not unreasonable to ask for a written quote and request that it include a ‘pre-determination of benefits and proposed costs’ in addition to the ‘preapproval of medical necessity’. If a visitor to Cayman requires medical assistance whilst on the island, they will usually pay upfront for services, keep all receipts and submit a claim once they return to their home country. Note: It is not mandatory for medical facilities to accept overseas insurance. The receipts will usually need to be fully itemised, including the currency used, as well as international disease and procedure codes and descriptions. Visitors may request that a claim form be completed using Cayman’s standard claim form for filing. For more information on health insurance for kids, pick up a copy of our sister publication, Cayman Parent magazine.
Health Insurance Governance
Approximately 93% of Cayman’s population is covered by health insurance, which is mandatory for all residents and must be obtained through an approved
insurance provider. This includes the Government-owned CINICO and several other insurers that accept both individual and group applications for healthcare coverage.
The Health Insurance Act (2013), Health Insurance Regulations (2017), and Insurance Act (2021) provide the framework for the Cayman Islands’ health insurance industry. The HIC, within the Department of Health Regulatory Services (DHRS), monitors and regulates the health insurance and healthcare industry in the Cayman Islands. They also provide assistance to the public in resolving disputes regarding the provision of health insurance and healthcare services. Tel: (345) 946 2084, email: HIC@gov.ky or visit www. gov.ky/dhrs.
Health Insurance Providers
Aetna International
2nd Floor, North Building, Caribbean Plaza, SMB Tel: (345) 623 8621
BAF Insurance Company (Cayman) Ltd.
Dot Com Centre, Dorcy Drive, Industrial Park, GT Tel: (345) 949 5089
caymancustomerservice@mybafsolutions.com
BAF specialises in providing high quality health insurance options for individuals and groups of all sizes. They excel in the comprehensive management of employee benefit packages. Their flexible group health insurance solutions provide world-class health coverage for employees at affordable rates. Working with their global network of partners, BAF has designed the best group health insurance
schedules to manage costs without ever compromising on service and quality.
Cayman First Insurance Company
> Cayman First Centre, 17 Vibert Bodden Drive, off Shedden Road, George Town
> Countryside Shopping Village, Savannah Tel: (345) 949 7028
Email: askus@caymanfirst.com www.caymanfirst.com
Cayman First Insurance Company is a trusted leader in property, casualty and health insurance, proudly serving individuals, families and businesses with high-quality coverage tailored to evolving needs. Backed by an excellent financial strength rating and stable outlook from AM Best, Cayman First offers a comprehensive suite of insurance solutions, including health, designed to deliver confidence, protection and peace of mind. SEE AD PAGE 166
Cayman Islands National Insurance Company (CINICO)
3rd Floor, Maiden Place, 227 Elgin Avenue, George Town Tel: (345) 949 8101 www.cinico.ky
Government-owned insurance company offering the Standard Health Insurance Contract plan as an individual, couple or family.
SEE AD PAGE 162
CG BritCay
BritCay House, 236 Eastern Avenue, GT Tel: (345) 949 8699
Email: medical_ky@cgcoralisle.com www.cgcoralisle.com
CG BritCay is a member of Coralisle Group Ltd.
and is one of the largest providers of group major medical health insurance coverage in the Cayman Islands. SEE AD PAGE 160
Health Insurance Brokers
The advantage of working through an insurance broker is that they understand the health insurance market and can often compare costs, terms and coverage options. This is a great way to find a plan that is perfectly suited to your needs.
Aon Risk Solutions (Cayman) Ltd.
18 Forum Lane, 2nd Floor, Camana Bay
Tel: (345) 945 1266
Email: aoncayman@aon.com www.aoncayman.com
Cayman Insurance Centre (Insurance Brokers)
Cayman Business Park, Unit A3, 10 Huldah Ave, GT
Tel: (345) 949 4657
Email: info@cic.com.ky or health@cic.com.ky www.cic.com.ky
Corporate and individual health insurance coverage. SEE AD PAGE 161
Gallagher Insurance Brokers (Cayman) Ltd.
Alissta Towers, 85 North Sound Road, GT Tel: (345) 945 0030
Email: gc_generalinfo@ajg.com www.ajg.com/caymanislands
Gallagher Insurance Brokers is the largest insurance brokerage in the Caribbean. Secure your team’s wellbeing with their affordable, comprehensive, group health insurance plans. Offering extensive coverage, their policies ensure that your employees receive the best medical care when they need it most. Invest in their health and productivity today and experience the peace of mind that comes with knowing your team is protected.
SEE AD THIS PAGE & 66
Marsh Management Services Cayman Ltd.
Governors Square, 23 Lime Tree Bay Avenue, SMB
Tel: (345) 949 7988
Email: caymanoffice@marsh.com www.marsh.com
Marsh provides clients with a single source for risk management services. Their experienced team of professionals can assist by developing a
~The Wellness Centre
D ed i ca ted to p rovi din g psychological, mental health and developmental support across the lifespan, for over 20 years!
The Wellness Centre is a licensed health facility, with a team of clinical specialists who provide a wide range of comprehensive psychological, mental health, behavioural interventions and corporate wellness services to individuals, families and organizations.
PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES
• Clinical & Educational Assessments
• Specialized Diagnostic Services
• Reflective Supervision | Clinical Supervision
• Marriage & Family Therapy
• Individual Therapy (child & adult)
• Child & Parenting Services
• Maternal Wellness & Infant Mental Health
• CBT | DBT | ACT | EMDR
• SPACE
• Play Therapy | Filial Therapy | TheraPlay
• Perinatal Mental Health
• Corporate Wellness Services
Smith Road Medical Centre
Smith Road, George Town
Box 10462, Grand Cayman, KY1-1004 (345) 949 9355
info@wellnesscentre.ky www.wellnesscentre.ky
DEVELOPMENTAL SUPPORT SERVICES
• Autism & ADHD Community Experts
• Developmental Screening & Assessment
• Early Start Denver Model (ESDM)
• Practical Functional Assessments
• Skills Based Treatment (ABA)
• Play2Grow: an enrichment early childhood programme
• The Growing BrainTM Training
• Parent / Caregiver Training & Support
• Social Skills: PEERSTM
• Vocational & Independent Living Skills
• Disability Employment Support
• Disability Policy Consultation
• Dementia Capable Care Specialist Services & Training
MENTAL HEALTH NEEDS WE SUPPORT
• Anxiety Disorders
• Depression | Mood Disorders
• Behavioural Disorders
• Grief & Loss
• Trauma
• Suicide & Self-Harm
• Infant Mental Health (PostNatal & Attachment)
• Eating Disorders
• Personality Disorders
• ADHD
comprehensive employee benefits programme, including group medical and ancillary plans.
SEE AD PAGE 318
Vanguard Risk Solutions
2nd Floor, Maiden Place, 227 Elgin Avenue, GT Tel: (345) 949 5836
Email: info@vrscayman.com
www.vrscayman.com
A leading insurance broker in the Cayman Islands for over 40 years, providing independent and trusted advice from experienced and qualified professionals. Vanguard offers health insurance brokerage solutions and a wide selection of comprehensive health plans for both individuals and companies.
LOCAL HOSPITALS
Grand Cayman has three fully equipped hospitals: the HSA’s Anthony S. Eden Hospital (formerly George Town Hospital) Doctors Hospital and Health City Cayman Islands. Health City Cayman Islands also has a new specialty hospital in Camana Bay that was completed in the summer of 2024. Cayman Brac is home to Faith Hospital.
According to the Medical Dental Council’s (MDC) list of licensed practitioners, there are 506 medical doctors (both general and specialist), in the Cayman Islands as of January 31st 2025. Taking
into account the current population, estimated to be around 90,000, there is about 5.62 doctors per 1,000 people. Only a handful of countries across the globe achieve this ratio. Whilst other factors such as healthcare affordability, accessibility and infrastructure are used to measure the level of coverage, Cayman is considered to offer world-class medical facilities and services.
Cayman Islands HSA – Anthony S. Eden Hospital
95 Hospital Road, George Town
Tel: (345) 949 8600
Email: info@hsa.ky
www.hsa.ky
The Cayman Islands Health Services Authority (HSA) is a Joint Commission International (JCI) accredited organisation and the premier healthcare provider in the Cayman Islands. The Anthony S. Eden Hospital location is a 127bed facility and offers 24-hour accident and emergency services, ambulance services, an urgent care clinic, a paediatric clinic and ward, a women’s health clinic, full maternity services and NICU, radiology, behavioural health services, including Alex’s Place (an adolescent mental health hub), a full-service pharmacy, laboratory services, including a forensic unit, and a number of diagnostic and specialist services. SEE AD PAGE 325
Signs of Fever
When to Go to the Hospital
Deciding when to go to the hospital can be challenging, but the below symptoms are a sign that urgent medical help may be required.
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Chest or upper abdominal pain or pressure
• Fainting, sudden dizziness or weakness
• Changes in vision or difficulty speaking
• Confusion or change in mental status
• Sudden or severe pain
• Uncontrolled bleeding
• Severe or persistent vomiting or diarrhea
• Coughing or vomiting blood
Cayman Islands HSA – Faith Hospital (Brac)
215 Dennis Foster Road, Cayman Brac
Tel: (345) 948 2243/Fax: (345) 948 2460
Email: info@hsa.ky
www.hsa.ky
Part of the HSA, Faith Hospital in Cayman Brac is an 18-bed community hospital serving the residents of the Sister Islands with primary, secondary and emergency care. Faith Hospital offers 24-hour accident and emergency services, ambulance services, women’s health services, paediatric and maternity services, a full-service pharmacy, behavioural health services, laboratory services and physiotherapy. Physicians from the Anthony S. Eden Hospital visit regularly to deliver additional diagnostic and specialist care. SEE AD PAGE 325
Doctors Hospital
16 Middle Road (off Walkers Road), GT
Tel: (345) 325 9000
Pharmacy: (345) 946 2407
Fax: (345) 945 1695
www.doctorshospital.ky
Doctors Hospital is a private hospital that has been providing exceptional medical care to Cayman’s diverse communities for over 20 years. They are transforming healthcare by building a team of internationally recognised specialists and investing in cutting-edge technology and state-of-the-art facilities. But, most significantly, they empower patients on their journey to wellness.
SEE AD PAGE 319, 407 & 462
Health City Cayman Islands
> 1283 Sea View Road, East End > 9 Forum Lane, Camana Bay
> 25 Cerasee Way, off Esterly Tibbetts Highway Tel: (345) 640 4040 or (345) 945 4040
Emergency: (345) 526 2108
Email: info@healthcity.ky
www.healthcitycaymanislands.com
Health City Cayman Islands is a state-ofthe-art tertiary care hospital with locations in East End and Camana Bay, Grand Cayman.
Founded by renowned heart surgeon, Dr Devi Shetty, Health City is committed to delivering world-class healthcare that is accessible and affordable for all, offering a tranquil tropical environment conducive
to healing and recovery. The innovative business model ensures costs are kept low by implementing cost-efficient processes and sustainable buildings, along with a bundled pricing model that provides patients with an upfront flat-rate fee for every procedure and associated services. Health City Cayman Islands services adult and child patients, both local and from overseas, providing highly skilled physicians and surgeons who have more hours of medical experience than most of their US and Caribbean colleagues. As part of the Narayana Health Group, Health City has also received the prestigious Joint Commission International Enterprise award, which is awarded to hospital groups operating at the highest standards. Services include adult and paediatric cardiology; cardiac electrophysiology; adult and paediatric cardiothoracic and vascular surgery; orthopaedic surgery (knee/hip/ shoulder replacements); neurosurgery and spinal surgery; sports medicine (arthroscopies); neurology; pulmonology and sleep medicine; medical, surgical and radiation oncology; chemotherapy; bariatric surgery (weight loss management); medical and surgical gastroenterology; hepatic, pancreatic and biliary surgery; colorectal surgery; urology; gynaecology: obstetrics and maternity; paediatrics; anaesthesiology; paediatric endocrinology; laboratory services; imaging and radiology; ear, nose and throat (ENT) procedures; medicine for older adults; physiotherapy and rehabilitation; executive health check-ups; and nutrition counselling. Health City at Camana Bay Hospital features an advanced intensive care unit (ICU), a post-anaesthesia care unit (PACU) with 12 beds, spacious inpatient facilities with private rooms, and a VIP suite. Additionally, it includes a 10-bed emergency room (ER) for urgent medical situations, a Level 3 Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) with specialised beds for critically ill newborns, and comprehensive labour and delivery suites. Services include dedicated kidney dialysis care; advanced diagnostic imaging services with 3T MRI, PET CT, and mammogram machines; and a robust robotic surgery programme. The Radiation Oncology
Centre provides extensive oncology services, including and CAR-T cell therapy.
SEE AD PAGE 9
Search for Cayman’s medical clinics
by specialty
DISTRICT HEALTH CENTRES & CLINICS
Cayman’s district health centres play a pivotal role within the healthcare system of the Cayman Islands, functioning under the stewardship of the Health Services Authority (HSA). Located across key regions of the three islands, these centres serve as vital conduits for delivering convenient and comprehensive general healthcare services, catering to the needs of both residents and visitors. You can find further information and contact details for each of these health centres below.
Bodden Town Health Centre
The Bodden Town Health Centre, located at 445A Bodden Town Road, is fully staffed by registered nurses who are available Monday and Thursday 8.30am-8pm, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 8.30am-4pm and Saturday 8.30am-12pm. Physicians are available by appointment on Monday and Thursday 5pm8pm, Wednesday 9am-12pm and Friday 9am3.30pm. Children’s vaccines are provided by appointment only. Dental clinics are available by appointment for adults Monday and Tuesday 8.30am-4pm and for children Thursday and Friday 9.30am-4pm. The dental hygienist is also available on Wednesday 9am-3pm. A pharmacist is available Monday and Thursday 2pm-8pm and Wednesday and Friday 8.30am4pm. Tel: (345) 947 2299.
East End Health Centre
The East End Health Centre, located at 2367 Sea View Road, is fully staffed by registered nurses who are available Monday to Friday 8.30am4pm and Saturday 8.30am-12pm. Physicians are available by appointment Monday 1pm4pm and Wednesday and Thursday 9am-4pm. A pharmacist is available Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 8.30am-4pm. Children’s vaccines are provided by appointment only. Tel: (345) 947 7440 or (345) 926 2812.
North Side Health Centre
North Side Health Centre, located at 1148 North Side Road, is a convenient option if you have a medical concern while at Rum Point or Kaibo with your family. The centre is fully staffed by registered nurses who are available Monday-Friday 8.30am-4pm and Saturday 8.30am-12pm. Physicians are available by appointment on Tuesday 9am-4pm, Thursday 9am-1pm and Friday 9am-4pm. Children’s vaccines are provided by appointment only. A pharmacist is available Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 8.30am-4pm. An ambulance service is stationed at the clinic 24/7 for emergencies and at-home patients. Tel: (345) 947 9525 or (345) 916 2824.
Smith Road Medical Centre
Smith Road Medical Centre, located at 150 Smith Road, offers a wide range of outpatient services, including general practice, cardiology, specialists (internal medicine, urology, ENT, dermatology, chiropractor, anaesthesiology), orthopaedics, sports and exercise medicine, behavioural (mental) health, public health, phlebotomy and a pharmacy. Tel: (345) 949 8600.
Emergency Numbers in the Cayman Islands
Emergency - Police, Hospital, Fire, Recompression: 911
Red Cross: (345) 949 6785
Executive Air Ambulances: (345) 949 7775
Cayman Brac: Police: 911, Fire: 911 or (345) 948 1245
Little Cayman: Police: 911, Fire: 911 or (345) 948 0011
Urgent Care Clinic
The Urgent Care Clinic located in the atrium of the Anthony S. Eden Hospital, offers walk-in medical services Monday to Friday 8am-8pm and Saturday 11am-8pm. Services are aimed at patients with urgent illnesses like persistent cough, earache and flu-like symptoms and minor injuries, including mild sprains and cuts.
West Bay Health Centre
The West Bay Health Centre, located on Reverend Blackman Road, is fully staffed by registered nurses who are available Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 8.30am–4pm, Wednesday 8.30am–8pm and Saturday 8.30am–12pm. Physicians are available by appointment on Monday, Tuesday and Friday 8.30am-4pm, Wednesday 2pm–8pm and Thursday 9am–12pm. Children’s vaccines are provided by appointment only. A dentist is available on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 8.30am-4pm. The dental hygienist is also available on Monday and Tuesday 8.30am4pm. A pharmacist is available Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 8.30am-4pm
and Wednesday 1.30pm-8pm. Tel: (345) 949 3439.
Little Cayman Health Centre
Little Cayman Clinic, located on Spot Bay Road, provides primary and emergency care to residents and visitors of Little Cayman, with a resident registered nurse and weekly visiting physicians from Faith Hospital in Cayman Brac. Patients requiring secondary care are transferred to Faith Hospital or the Anthony S. Eden Hospital. The centre is open Monday-Friday 9am-5pm and has a dedicated ambulance available for emergencies 24 hours a day. A physician from Faith Hospital visits on Wednesday and is available during the hours of 9am-2.30pm. Dental services are also available with a dentist and dental hygienist from Faith Hospital visiting Little Cayman once per month. For more information, Tel: (345) 948 0072 or (345) 916 5395 (outside office hours).
Health City Clinics in the Sister Islands
Health City operates a clinic to serve the population of the Sister Islands. It is located
at the Kirkconnell Office Centre in Stake Bay, Cayman Brac, Tel: (345) 948 8040. Whilst there, patients can access compassionate care from a dedicated team of professionals in a modern, welcoming environment.
OVERSEAS TREATMENT FACILITIES
Patients may be referred to overseas hospitals for treatments that are unavailable or not performed in Cayman. Premature babies, those visiting specialists or having complicated surgery, as well as those injured in a bad accident, are often airlifted to Florida for treatment. Check with your insurance company about in-network services abroad or for pre-approval of treatment, otherwise, you may be required to pay the full amount upfront. For more information on overseas medical assistance, you can contact one of the companies below.
Baptist Health Baptist Hospital
8900 North Kendall Drive, Miami, FL 33176
Tel: 1 (786) 596 2373
www.baptisthealth.net
Baptist Hospital, part of Baptist Health South Florida, is home to internationally recognised centres of excellence, including the Miami Cancer Institute, Cardiac & Vascular Institute, Neuroscience Institute, and Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Institute. It welcomes patients worldwide seeking advanced, compassionate care in a trusted, world-class setting.
SEE AD PAGE 317
Holy Cross Health
4725 N. Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale, USA
Tel: 1 (954) 771 8000
Email: globalservices@holy-cross.com
LABORATORIES
Medical laboratories provide testing on clinical specimens to obtain information about the health of a patient to diagnose, treat and prevent disease. Cayman has the latest equipment and fully qualified doctors, as well as technicians who perform blood analysis (glucose, cholesterol, HIV, DNA testing and others), urinalysis, CT
scans, MRIs, x-rays, bone density, digital mammography, echocardiograms, stress tests and thallium scans.
All three hospitals in Grand Cayman house medical laboratories. The Health Services Authority (HSA) runs the Cayman Islands Molecular Biology Laboratory (CIMBL) to help provide further research and treatment options. In addition to the hospital-based laboratories, there are stand-alone and clinic-based private medical laboratories in Cayman:
Cayman Islands Forensic Science Laboratory
Anthony S. Eden Hospital
95 Hospital Road, George Town
Tel: (345) 949 8600
Email: info@hsa.ky www.hsa.ky/medical-services/forensics
An established multifunctional, state-of-theart laboratory operated by the HSA in Grand Cayman. It offers expertise in several areas, including forensic biology and DNA testing, DNA databasing services, DNA paternity testing, forensic toxicology testing, forensic drug analysis, pathology, and forensic criminalistics testing in selected areas. SEE AD PAGE 325
Cayman Islands Molecular Biology Laboratory (CIMBL)
Anthony S. Eden Hospital
95 Hospital Road, George Town
Tel: (345) 949 8600
Email: info@hsa.ky www.hsa.ky
A pioneering, state of the art centre at the HSA, CIMBL specialises in molecular diagnostics to support both clinical care and public health surveillance. It offers real time PCR testing, whole genome sequencing, pathogen genomics and antimicrobial resistance profiling for infectious diseases of public health importance including dengue, influenza, SARS CoV 2 and bacterial pathogens.
Cayman Islands HSA – Anthony S. Eden
Hospital Pathology Laboratory
Dr Shravana Jyoti, MBBS MD (Pathology)
Dr Kimone Fraser, MBBS DM (Pathology)
Dr Camille Blake, MBBS DM (Microbiology)
Dr Glendee Reynolds, MBBS DM (Med Micro)
MPH (Microbiology)
95 Hospital Road, George Town
Tel: (345) 949 8600
www.hsa.ky/medical-services/laboratory
World-class Joint Commission International (JCI) accredited pathology laboratories in Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac. They are operated by a highly qualified and committed team of specialists and support staff. They conduct a wide variety of tests, including microbiology (bacteriology, parasitology and virology), histology, cytology, haematology, clinical
chemistry and immunohaematology.
SEE AD PAGE 325
Doctors Hospital Laboratory
16 Middle Road (off Walkers Road), GT
Tel: (345) 325 9000
www.doctorshospital.ky
SEE AD PAGE 319, 407 & 462
Cayman Wellness & Medical Center
Unit 5-101 Governors Square, 23 Lime Tree Bay Ave, West Bay
The most awarded organisation in the Cayman Islands
Every day, we strive to provide the highest standard of care with compassion, integrity, and dedication. Your support reminds us why we do what we do, to serve this community with kindness and excellence.
Behavioral/Mental Health
• Dietician/Nutritionist
Dermatology
Chiropractic Services
Home Care
Occupational Therapy
Pediatric Dentistry
Pediatrics
Speech Therapy
FAMILY MEDICINE
Dr. Virginia Hobday MBE MBBS MRCGP
Dr. Denise Osterloh MB ChB
Dr. Fiona Robertson MBBS MRCGP
Dr. Heidi Fahy MBBS DRCOG MRCGP
Dr. Nadia Balleram BMSc MBBS PGDipFM
Dr. med. Sophia D. Rado DM
Dr. Sarah Cave MRCGP MBBCh
SPORTS MEDICINE
Dr. Melissa Mascaro MD CAQSM
ULTRASOUND
Nina Baxa RDMS
-
-
Tel: (345) 943 4500
Email: lab@caymanwellnessdr.com www.caymanwellnessdr.com
A modern, test-on-site laboratory with advanced technology. Services include diabetes and cholesterol screening, biochemistry, haematology, hormone and allergy testing, vitamins and micronutrients, microbiology, genetic and STI testing, urine drug tests, and various medical panels. Tests are processed in-house or through trusted labs, with same-day routine results often available. Lab orders accepted from any registered Cayman Islands medical doctor. Open Monday–Friday, 8am–4.30 pm.
Phoenix Health Services
21 Eclipse Drive, Rankin’s Plaza, Eastern Ave, GT Tel: (345) 943 8150/Fax: (345) 943 8151
Email: phoenixhealthservicesltd@gmail.com www.phoenixhealthservices.weebly.com
Services include urine drug screening, microbiology and a full range of laboratory diagnostic tests from cytology to paternity testing, done both in-house, as well as sendouts, working in conjunction with many overseas facilities. Overseas referrals are accepted. Lateral flow antigen tests are also done daily. Open Monday-Friday 8.30am-5pm and Saturday 9am-2pm. SEE AD PAGE 324
Total Health
Irshad Cuddapah, BLT MLT - Lab Technician Grand Pavilion, 802 West Bay Road, SMB Tel: (345) 333 2222
Email: lab@totalhealth.ky www.totalhealth.ky. SEE AD PAGE 327 & 332
DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING
Diagnostic imaging refers to a variety of non-invasive methods of generating detailed images of the internal, anatomic structures and organs of the body, and to assess their level of function. The technology used in the Cayman Islands includes ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging, computerised tomography scans, and traditional x-rays or other tests. Services found in Cayman are not limited to the larger scale providers, so it can pay to shop around.
Baptist Health International (BHI)
(Part of Baptist Health South Florida)
Cayman Islands Office, Smith Road Medical Centre, Suite 5, 150 Smith Road, George Town Tel: (345) 749 3304
www.baptisthealth.ky
Baptist Health International Cayman provides advanced PET and diagnostic CT imaging services. SEE AD PAGE 317
3T MRI
Anthony S. Eden Hospital
95 Hospital Road, George Town
Tel: (345) 949 3888
Email: mri@3tcayman.com
www.3tcayman.com
Radiology
Radiology is concerned with radiation for the diagnosis and treatment of disease. This involves ionising radiation (x-rays) and non-ionising radiation, such as ultrasounds. Radiology can be divided into two different areas, diagnostic radiology and interventional radiology.
Cayman Islands HSA – Anthony S. Eden Hospital
Dr Stephen Blake, BSc MD DM (Rad) PgC
Dr Jaamal Brown, MBBS PgCert DM FRCR
Dr Sharath Murthy
Dr Barry Taylor, MBBS DM Radiology
Dr Sitaram Barath, MBBS MD PDF (Interventional Radiology)
95 Hospital Road, George Town
Tel: (345) 949 8600
www.hsa.ky/medical-services/radiology
HSA’s Radiology Department offers advanced digital imaging and interventional procedures across a wide range of specialties, including CT, MRI, ultrasound, mammography, and angiography. With a skilled team of radiologists, the department delivers fast, accurate results to support timely diagnoses and patient care.
SEE AD PAGE 325
Dr Yaron Rado, MRMD Med Cert. Hon –Chief Radiologist, Chair, Board of Directors
Dr Kunal Goyal, MD MRCP FRCR FRCPC –Interventional Radiologist Doctors Hospital
16 Middle Road (off Walkers Road), GT
Tel: (345) 325 9000
SEE AD PAGE 319, 407 & 462
Doctors Hospital Radiology and Ultrasound
16 Middle Road (off Walkers Road), GT
Tel: (345) 325 9000 or (345) 914 6439 www.doctorshospital.ky.
SEE AD PAGE 319, 407 & 462
OceanMed
Bayshore Mall, Level 2, South Church Street, GT
Tel: (345) 946 2326
Email: info@oceanmed.ky www.oceanmed.ky
OceanMed specialises in women’s health and imaging services. Located in George Town, their state-of-the-art clinic and worldclass health care team deliver leading-edge obstetrics, gynaecology, and medical imaging, all in a clinic designed specifically to enhance the patient’s wellbeing.
Total Health
Saumajeet Roy, DMRT BRIT MRT – Radiographer Grand Pavilion, 802 West Bay Road, SMB
Tel: (345) 333 2222
Email: appointments@totalhealth.ky www.totalhealth.ky. SEE AD PAGES 327 & 332
CARE (GENERAL & FAMILY)
Cayman is unique in that there is no need to formally select and register with a particular doctor upon arrival. When you need to see a doctor, you can arrange a visit directly and usually be seen relatively quickly. Some medical practitioners now offer 24/7 urgent care and walk-in appointments.
Dr Virginia Hobday, MBE MBBS MRCGP M PHIL
Dr Denise Osterloh, MB ChB
Dr Fiona Robertson, MBBS DRCOG MRCGP
Dr Heidi Fahy, MBBS DRCOG MRCGP
Dr Melissa Mascaro, MD CAQSM
Dr Nadia Balleram, BMSc MBBS PGDip FM
Dr Sophia Rado, DM
Dr Sarah Cave MRCGP MBBCh
Nina Baxa, RDMS
Cayman Clinic Medical Centre
439 Crewe Road, George Town
Tel: (345) 949 7400 or (345) 623 7400
Email: info@caymanclinic.ky www.caymanclinic.ky
Other languages: French, Tagalog, Farsi and Afrikaans. Services: Family medicine including women and child’s health, IUDs and contraceptive implants, school, executive and insurance medicals, work permits, certified aviation examiner for Canada and Cayman, dive medicals and dive-related injuries, urgent care and minor surgeries, PRP and trigger point injections, viscosupplementation, lab services,
in-house ultrasounds and sports medicine specialist. Walk-ins welcome.
SEE AD OPPOSITE PAGE
Cayman Islands HSA – Smith Road Medical Centre General Practice Clinic
Dr Gerard Christian, MBBS - (West Bay Health Centre)
Dr Eryka Simmons, BSc Med Sc MBBS MSc CD Cert. Hon. NP MBBS MScCD
Dr Imilla Barredo-Sedano, MD MRCGP
Dr Karlo Barredo Sedano, MD PhD - General
Practice
Dr Ricardo Clarke, MD
Dr Orrett Thane, MBBS
Dr Adiaris Williams-Rodriguez, MBBS
Dr Moses Gallow, MBBS
Dr Lorna Jackson, MD
Dr Anna Matthews, BSc MBBS MPH
Dr Fiona Robertson, MBBS MRCGP
Dr Joy Wallace-Grant, MBBS
Dr Grace Onah-Ezema, MBBS MPH
Dr Davina McCoy BSc BMedSci MBBS PGDip (Family Medicine)
Dr Carmen Martinez, MD MSc (Haematology) DGM
Dr Amithash Soman, MB BS MRCS(Edin)
DRCOG MRCGP(UK) Dip PDM Dip MSK
Smith Road Medical Centre (2nd Floor)
150 Smith Road, George Town
Tel: (345) 244 7520 or (345) 244 7683
Email: info@hsa.ky
www.hsa.ky/medical-services/general-practice
The HSA’s General Practice Clinic provides a range of general family health services and offers a variety of up-to-date diagnostic and treatment services in a modern, friendly environment. Services are by appointment only and include family medicine, diagnosis, investigation and treatment of non-life-threatening illnesses, a dressing clinic, management of chronic medical conditions, including diabetes, hypertension, asthma and muscle and joint problems, along with routine check-ups, including medicals and well-woman exams. SEE AD PAGE 325
Cayman Islands HSA – Urgent Care Walk-in Clinic
Dr Dominic Caudeiron, MBBS
Dr Kurdell Espinosa Campbell, MD
Dr Obinna Eleweanya, MSc PEM Dip IBLM MBBS
Dr Courtney Maylor, MD ACC
Dr Hortense Mitchell-Smith
Dr Wilmoth Shillingford, MBBS MRCP MRCGP MBA
Dr Chris Wedderburn, MBBS
Dr Paul Anthony Williams, MD DM Fam Med ACC
Dr Alina Sturza, MD MRCGP MRCEM
Dr Roger Harris
Dr Samantha Drakes
95 Hospital Road, George Town
Tel: (345) 949 8600
www.hsa.ky/medical-services/urgent-care
The HSA Urgent Care Walk-in Clinic provides patients with immediate and cost-effective access to medical care for common and nonemergent illnesses and injuries. The clinic is located in the Anthony S. Eden (formerly George Town Hospital) atrium entrance. The HSA Urgent Care Walk-in Clinic is open seven (7) days a week. Monday-Friday from 8am to 8pm and Saturday, Sunday, and Public Holidays from 11am to 8pm. SEE AD PAGE 325
Dr Rina Bernard, MD – General Practitioner
Dr Alison Beadsworth, LLB (Hons) MBBS –Emergency Medicine Physician & Urgent Care
Dr Grant Rogers, MBChB DO. MDC/PL/ MED/563 – Family Physician & Urgent Care
Dr Winston A. Isles, BSc (Hons) MBBS MSc –General Practitioner & Urgent Care
Dr David Kwinter, MD CCFP(EM) – Family Medicine and Urgent Care
Dr Sarah Tyler, MBBS PGDip Clin Ed FRCEM –Emergency Medicine Physician
Doctors Hospital
16 Middle Road (off Walkers Road), GT
Tel: (345) 325 9000
SEE AD PAGE 319, 407 & 462
Cayman Wellness & Medical Center
THEFAMILYPRACTICE
DR. SAMANTHA DIGBY
BMBS, DCH, DRCOG, MRCGP General Practitioner
Email: reception@familypractice.ky www.familypractice.ky/dr-samantha-digby Open Monday – Friday: 8.30am – 4.30pm
The Family Practice, 60 Smith Road Plaza, Smith Road, George Town Tel: (345) 945 6077
Unit 5-101 Governors Square, 23 Lime Tree Bay Ave, West Bay Tel: (345) 943 4500
Email: info@caymanwellnessdr.com www.caymanwellnessdr.com
Dr Joan Harriott is dual American boardcertified in internal and obesity medicine. She offers personalised adult care, including preventative health, weight management, and treatment for diabetes, hypertension, cholesterol, acute illnesses, and other chronic conditions, supported by lifestyle guidance.
Cayman Wellness provides on-site lab services and a SECA 554 Body Composition Analyzer for precise diagnostics and modern care.
Health City at Camana Bay Hospital
25 Cerasee Way, off Esterly Tibbetts Highway
Tel: (345) 640 4040
Email: info@healthcity.ky
www.healthcity.ky
Health City at Camana Bay is a modern 70,000sq ft facility that specialises in oncology, cardiology, neonatal intensive care, paediatrics, obstetrics, maternity, and robotic surgery. The facility offers emergency and diagnostic services. Health City also has a clinic in Stake Bay, Cayman Brac and one in the centre of Camana Bay on Forum Lane. .
SEE AD PAGE 9
Dr Tarun Sheshagiri, MBBS DNB FNB –Consultant Critical Care Medicine and Internist
Dr Sandeep Mahendra, MBBS MD FICM –Consultant Internal Medicine Specialist
Dr Ramu Ramaswamy, MD – Consultant Internal Medicine
Dr Adithi Nagaraju, MBBS MD – Consultant Internal Medicine
Health City at Camana Bay Hospital
25 Cerasee Way, off Esterly Tibbetts Highway
Tel: (345) 640 4040
Email: info@healthcity.ky
www.healthcity.ky SEE AD PAGE 9
Dr Francisco Martinez, MD Family & Community Medicine – General Practitioner
Dr Tanushree Bhakta-Perry, MBChB MRCGP Family Physician – General Practitioner
Dr Pedro Toscano, MD Family and Community Medicine Specialist – General Practitioner
Integra Healthcare Ltd.
> Grand Pavilion, West Bay Road, SMB
Tel: (345) 745 7450
> 52A Edgewater Way, Harbour Walk
Tel: (345) 623 7999
Email: team@integra.ky www.integra.ky
Integra Healthcare, with locations in both Grand Pavilion and Harbour Walk, runs a comprehensive family medicine service. The team has extensive experience in general family health, wellness, preventive medicine and urgent/emergency care. SEE AD PAGE 407
Dr John Addleson, MB ChB Dip Mid COG
Dr Michael Robinson, MBChB DIP OCG MED
International Medical Group
Suite 30, Pasadora Place, Smith Road, GT
Tel: (345) 945 2881/Fax: (345) 949 4341
Email: info@intmedicalgroup.com www.intmedicalgroup.com
Other languages: Afrikaans Services at International Medical Group include general and family practice, annual physicals, minor surgery, immigration medicals, hormone testing and treatment, allergy testing, Botox, dermal fillers and more. SEE AD PAGE 331
Dr Sarah Cuff, MB ChB MRCGP DFSRH
Dr Beatriz Esteban Benavides MD
Dr Thomas Quin, MB ChB DFSRH MRCGP
Dr Adam Steed, MD CCFP
Dr Helen Wilson BMBS DRCOG MRCGP
Dr Rosalind Ashton MD MSc CCFP
Seven Mile Medical Clinic
Queens Court, West Bay Road
Tel: (345) 949 5600/Fax: (345) 949 5601
Email: admin@sevenmileclinic.ky www.sevenmileclinic.ky
Private clinic offering a full range of medical services, including general and preventative medicine, dietary services, medicals, dermatology and women’s health. SMMC are committed to professional, personalised, compassionate and holistic care. SEE AD PAGE 330
Dr Charles H. Reid, MA (Oxford) BM BCh
The Brac Clinic, Tibbetts Square, West End, Cayman Brac
Tel/Fax: (345) 948 1777
Email: clinic@bracmed.com
Dr Gordon Smith, MB ChB MRCP (UK)
MRCGP DRCOG
The Children’s Clinic & Family Practice
93 Smith Road, George Town
Tel: (345) 949 2970
Other languages: French
Dr Samantha Digby, BMBS DCH DRCOG MRCGP
The Family Practice
Smith Road Plaza, Smith Road, George Town Tel: (345) 945 6077/Fax: (345) 949 0531
www.familypractice.ky
Dr Digby has over 25 years of experience and practises primary care for all ages, specialising in women’s health, screenings, chronic disease management, insurance and work permit physicals. SEE AD OPPOSITE PAGE
Dr Louis A. Cona, MD
The Strand Medical Centre
The Strand Shopping Centre (off West Bay Road)
Tel: (345) 945 7077
Email: thestrandmedicalcentre@candw.ky www.caymandoctor.ky
Other languages: Italian, French, German and Spanish
Cayman’s trusted primary care doctors, providing services including urgent care, general practice, minor surgery, children’s health, men’s and women’s health, musculoskeletal injuries, allergy tests, skin conditions, a medically supervised weight reduction programme, insurance and work permit physicals, sports medicine and dive injuries. SEE AD THIS PAGE
General & Family Practice
Urgent Care
Minor Surgery
Sports Injuries
Children’s Health
Dive Medicine
Men & Women’s Health
Allergy Tests
Musculo-Skeletal Injuries
Work Permit Physicals
Insurance Physicals
School Physicals
Skin Disorders
Total Health
Grand Pavilion, 802 West Bay Road, SMB
Tel: (345) 333 2222
Pharmacy: (345) 333 4444
Email: info@totalhealth.ky www.totalhealth.ky
Conveniently located along the Seven Mile Beach corridor, Total Health is a comprehensive healthcare facility designed to deliver healthcare in a personalised and accessible environment to residents and tourists. Total Health offers a suite of outpatient services encompassing consultation and treatment, diabetology, ophthalmology, dental, physiotherapy, gynaecology, orthopaedics, paediatrics, ENT (ear, nose, throat), bio-identical hormone replacement treatment, IV infusions, nutrition, on-site laboratory, imaging (ultrasound and x-ray), health checks, vaccinations, Work Permit medicals and pharmacy services, creating a seamlessly interlinked one-stop destination for addressing preventative health issues.
SEE AD PAGE 327 & 332
General Practitioners
Dr. Sarah Cuff
Dr. Beatriz Esteban
Dr. Thomas Quin
Dr. Adam Steed
Dr. Helen Wilson
Dr. Rosalind Ashton
Search for Cayman’s best doctors by specialty
MEDICAL SPECIALTIES
Accident & Emergency Medicine
Cayman Islands HSA – Anthony S. Eden Hospital
Dr Elizabeth McLaughlin, MBBS MSc DM –
Clinical Head of Accident and Emergency
Dr Rajesh Prathigudupu
Dr Cherita Angus
Dr Brandon Bernard, DM MD MBA BS
Dr Nigel Boothe, MBBS DM
Dr Nickecia Campbell
Dr Howard Richards
Dr Donna Shaw-Wisdom, MBBS DM
Dr Peter Soltau
Dr Sean Teeling, MBBCh Bsc MRCS
Dr Regina Turner
Dr Verley Campbell
Dr Yo-Leigh Gardner, MBBS DM
Dr Nicole Knight
Dr Samantha McHayle
Dr Vinton Douglas
Dr Margaret Wong-Bynoe
95 Hospital Road, George Town
Tel: (345) 949 8600
www.hsa.ky/medical-services/emergency
HSA is the main provider of emergency medical services in the Cayman Islands with a 24-hour accident and emergency department. The A&E unit provides coverage for people who need urgent medical care. It is always staffed with specially trained physicians and registered nurses. Other specialists, such as surgeons, gynaecologists, paediatricians and radiologists, are available ‘on call’ after normal working hours if needed. SEE AD PAGE 325
Dr Alison Beadsworth, MBBS FRCEM –Emergency Medicine Physician
Dr Sarah Tyler, MBBS PGDip Clin Ed FRCEM –Emergency Medicine Physician
Doctors Hospital
16 Middle Road (off Walkers Road), GT
Tel: (345) 325 9000
SEE AD PAGE 319, 407 & 462
Dr Pinkey Bala, MD – Emergency Medicine
Dr Naveen Isaac Gunaseelan, MD – Emergency Medicine
Dr Arnab Prasad Saikia, MD – Emergency Medicine
Dr Prerit Sharma, MD – Emergency Medicine
Dr Tuhinanshu Sharma, MD – Emergency Medicine
Dr Hosmane Swaroop Chandra Rao – Consultant
Emergency Medicine
Health City Cayman Islands 1283 Sea View Road, East End Tel: (345) 640 4040 or (345) 526 2108
Email: info@healthcity.ky www.healthcitycaymanislands.com
SEE AD PAGE 9
Anaesthesiology & Pain Management
Cayman Islands HSA – Anthony S. Eden
Hospital/Smith Road Medical Centre
Dr Karyna Davis-Irons, MBBS DM
Dr Anthony Williams
Registered Dietician & Diabetes Educator
Kristen Lomas
+1 345-949-5600 admin@sevenmileclinic.ky www.sevenmileclinic.ky
Dr Rachel Gooden
Dr Takeyce Palmer
Dr Delano Barrett
Dr Carl Andrew Brown, MBBS DM
Dr Gerald Smith
Dr Delroy Jefferson, MCI BSc(Hon) MBBS DA
MScPPM(Lon) DM DBA GDL(Dist) LLM(Hon)
Dr Ayanna Ennis
Dr Tacson Fernandez
> 95 Hospital Road, George Town
> 150 Smith Road, George Town
Tel: (345) 949 8600
The HSA team of highly skilled anaesthesiologists is dedicated to ensuring safety, comfort and wellbeing throughout surgical procedures. SEE AD PAGE 325
Cayman Islands HSA – Faith Hospital (Brac)
Dr Lorrise Williamson, MBBS DM
Dr Jeannelle Alphonse
215 Dennis Foster Road, Cayman Brac
Tel: (345) 948 2243
Email: info@hsa.ky. SEE AD PAGE 325
Cayman Islands Health Services Authority –Specialist Clinic
Smith Road Medical Centre (3rd Floor)
150 Smith Road, George Town
Tel: (345) 949 8600
www.hsa.ky/locations/specialist-clinic
The Health Services Authority provides a wide range of specialist outpatient consultation services in a modern and friendly environment with highly qualified physicians ably supported by proficient and courteous nursing and reception staff. These clinics complement the hospital service and provide care in anaesthesiology, cardiology, dermatology, chiropractic, neurology and neurosurgery and internal medicine. SEE AD PAGE 325
Dr Johannes Wejbora, MD CCST (UK) –Anaesthesiologist
Dr Stephen Gay, MBBS DA (UWI) FFARCS (I) –
Anaesthesiologist
Doctors Hospital
16 Middle Road (off Walkers Road), GT Tel: (345) 325 9000
SEE AD PAGE 319, 407 & 462
Dr Dhruva Kumar Krishnan, MBBS DNB FCA –Medical Director, Senior Consultant in Cardiac Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care
Dr Susan Paul, MBBS DA DNB –Anaesthesiologist
Dr Sanjay Saha, MBBS MD – Senior Consultant, Anaesthesiologist & Intensivist Consultant Anaesthesiologists
> Dr Nikhil Manmatha Gowda
> Dr Vijaya Kumar Santhanakrishnan
Health City Cayman Islands
1283 Sea View Road, East End Tel: (345) 640 4040
Email: info@healthcity.ky www.healthcitycaymanislands.com
SEE AD PAGE 9
New Horizon Cayman
Dr. Cleon Davis MB,BS, DM (Anaesthesia) Anaesthetist
Email: reception@familypractice.ky www.familypractice.ky
Monday - Friday, 8.30am - 4.30pm
Tel: (345) 943 5800
Email: care@newhorizoncayman.com www.newhorizoncayman.com
Dr Cleon Davis
The Family Practice
Smith Road Plaza, Smith Road, George Town Tel: (345) 945 6077/Fax: (345) 949 0531
Dr Cleon Davis provides anaesthesia services for a wide variety of surgical disciplines. His area of expertise includes sedation, regional anaesthesia, spinal, epidural and general anaesthesia. He also provides epidural analgesia for patients in labour. SEE AD THIS PAGE
Cardiology
Cayman Islands Health Services Authority –
Cardiology Clinic
Dr Joanna Kregiel, MD
Dr Brian Noronha MD MRCP MRCPI CCDS (UK)
Smith Road Medical Centre (2nd Floor)
150 Smith Road, George Town
Tel: (345) 949 8600
www.hsa.ky/locations/cardiology-clinic
The HSA’s Cardiology Clinic provides inpatient
services for cardiac emergencies and conditions requiring hospitalisation for people of all ages. HSA offers a multi-disciplinary approach to cardiac care, incorporating other specialties into treatment plans, including dietary consultations, cardiac rehab, respiratory therapy and more
SEE AD PAGE 325
Dr Krzysztof Kukula, MD PhD – Cardiologist Doctors Hospital
16 Middle Road (off Walkers Road), GT
Tel: (345) 325 9000
Book online: mydoctors.ky/appointments
SEE AD PAGE 319, 407 & 462
Dr Binoy Chattuparambil, MBBS MS MCh (CVTS) –Clinical Director & Senior Cardiothoracic Surgeon
Dr Sridhar Devaraju – Cardiac Surgeon
Dr Ravi K. Ganga Amancharla, MD FACC
– Chief Interventional Cardiologist and Electrophysiologist
1283 Sea View Road, East End
Tel: (345) 640 4040 or (345) 526 2108
Email:info@healthcity.ky www.healthcitycaymanislands.com
SEE AD PAGE 9
Cosmetic Medicine & Surgery
Dr Pankaj Kumar Gupta – Consultant Paediatric
Health City Cayman Islands
BREAKOUTS OR BOTOX?
In addition to traditional cosmetic surgery, non-invasive, routine treatments including Botox, chemical peels, dermal fillers and Plasma Rich Therapy also fall under this category. Some dental clinics also offer basic facial aesthetics treatments, as do medical spas. Take a look at some options for treatments in Cayman below:
Aventis
Dental and Facial Aesthetics
Caribbean Plaza, Second Floor 878 West Bay Road, Seven Mile Beach
Tel/WhatsApp: (345) 916 8170
Email: aesthetics@aventis.ky www.aventis.ky
Dr Imogen blends science and artistry for effective anti-ageing outcomes, excelling in Botox, dermal fillers, Profhilo and thread lifts. Aventis utilises the renowned Sciton laser to address hyper-pigmentation and carry out anti-ageing medical grade resurfacing.
Beyond Basics Medical: Laser & Skincare
3rd Floor, Tomlinson Building, corner of Walkers Road and Hospital Road, George Town
Tel: (345) 916 7546
Email: info@beyondbasics.ky www.beyondbasics.ky
IG/FB: @beyondbasicslaser
Moles
Dr Javier Mendoza – Consultant Plastic Surgeon
Health City at Camana Bay
25 Cerasee Way, off Esterly Tibbetts Highway
Tel: (345) 640 4040
Emergency: (345) 526 2108
Email: info@healthcity.ky www.healthcitycaymanislands.com
SEE AD PAGE 9
Dr Leeza Mohanty – Consultant Plastic Surgeon
Health City Cayman Islands
1283 Sea View Road, East End
Tel: (345) 640 4040
Emergency: (345) 526 2108
Email: info@healthcity.ky www.healthcitycaymanislands.com
SEE AD PAGE 9
Dr Louis A. Cona, MD
DVC Esthetics
Governors Square, 23 Lime Tree Bay Avenue
West Bay Road, Seven Mile Beach
Tel: (345) 945 7077
Email: thestrandmedicalcentre@candw.ky www.dvcesthetics.com. SEE AD THIS PAGE
Dermatology
Cayman Islands HSA – Specialist Clinic
Dr Andrea Clare
Smith Road Medical Centre (3rd Floor)
150 Smith Road, George Town
Tel: (345) 949 8600
Email: info@hsa.ky
www.hsa.ky/medical-services/dermatology
The HSA’s dermatology unit facilitates the diagnosis and treatment of skin, hair and nail disorders. SEE AD PAGE 325
Dr Rebeca De Miguel, MD PhD – Specialist
Dermatologist
derma Ltd.
The Grove, West Bay Road, SMB
Tel: (345) 233 1152
www.derma.ky
Other languages: Spanish
Dr Rebeca De Miguel has a PhD in Psoriasis (2010) and a dual Masters in Oncological Dermatology (2014) and Trichology-hair conditions (2018). Her clinic is recognised for combining state-of-the-art dermatological care with a patient-centred approach, offering a comprehensive range of services from general dermatology to advanced aesthetic treatments. Derma Ltd. is equipped with the latest generation of medical-grade lasers, allowing for cutting-edge treatments. Derma Ltd. is the only facility in Cayman to offer Mohs surgery, the gold standard for treating certain types of skin cancer with the highest cure rates and tissue preservation. SEE AD PAGE 334
Dr Alison Duncan, MBBS FRCP MScSpecialist Dermatologist
Dr Davide Altamura, MD Masters – Specialist
Dermatologist & Dermato-Surgeon
Dr Nevianna Bordet, MB ChB FRCP PG Cert
Med Ed - Consultant Dermatologist
Integra Healthcare Ltd.
Grand Pavilion, West Bay Road, SMB
Tel: (345) 745 7450
Email:d.altamura@integra.ky www.integra.ky
Integra Healthcare’s team of experienced dermatologists provides a comprehensive paediatric and adult dermatology service. With 11 years as a UK consultant dermatologist, Davide has a particular interest in skin cancer screening, detection and management, with extensive publications. SEE AD PAGE 407
Dr Kashish Tyagi, Consultant Dermatologist
Total Health
Grand Pavilion, 802 West Bay Road, SMB
Tel: (345) 333 2222
www.totalhealth.ky
Dr Tyagi specialises in diagnosing and managing a wide range of skin, hair, and nail disorders, integrating both medical and
cosmetic dermatology. He provides facial skin rejuvenation, anti-ageing treatments such as Botox, dermal fillers, and non-surgical thread lifts, minimally invasive and noninvasive procedures as well as dermatologic surgeries including cyst excisions, mole and skin tag removal, electrocauterization and radiofrequency ablation. SEE AD PAGE 327 & 332
Endocrinology & Diabetes
Endocrinologists are most often considered specialists of internal medicine
or paediatrics. They focus on the endocrine system (a messenger process of glands and feedback loops of hormones) and its related disease. Through hormonal analysis, they identify, diagnose and treat such diseases using inhibition/suppression testing. In some cases, treatment may include surgery. The most common types of endocrine diseases include diabetes, hypothyroidism, polycystic ovary syndrome, osteoporosis and metabolic syndrome.
Cayman Wellness & Medical Center
Unit 5-101 Governors Square, 23 Lime Tree Bay Ave, West Bay Tel: (345) 943 4500
Email: lab@caymanwellnessdr.com www.caymanwellnessdr.com
Dr Joan Harriott is dual American boardcertified in internal and obesity medicine. She offers personalised adult care, including preventative health, weight management, and treatment for diabetes, hypertension, cholesterol, acute illnesses, and other chronic conditions, supported by lifestyle guidance. Cayman Wellness & Medical Center provides on-site lab services and a SECA 554 Body Composition Analyzer for precise diagnostics and modern care.
Cayman Islands HSA - Specialist Clinic
Winsome Jefferson, BPharm, MSC, CCDE
Smith Road Medical Centre (2nd Floor)
150 Smith Road, George Town
Tel: (345) 949 8600 option 1 or 244 7529 or 244 7530
www.hsa.ky/medical-services/diabetes-clinic
Ltd aims to combine a state-of-the-art facility with patient centered values. We offer a wide range of dermatological services from medical to cosmetic treatments.
The first and only Mohs surgery facility in the Cayman Islands - redefining skin cancer care.
Bringing skin care to the next level for the whole family
At HSA’s Diabetes Education Clinic, people are empowered to manage diabetes through lifestyle modification, medication adherence, prevention of complications, and blood glucose monitoring. The clinic is available in half-hour sessions at the Smith Road Medical Centre on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2pm-6pm. District diabetes education sessions are held monthly at all district clinics during the fourth week from 10am-12pm as follows: West Bay Health Centre on the fourth Monday of each month; Bodden Town Health Centre on the fourth Wednesday of each month; East End Health Centre on the fourth Thursday of each month and North Side Health Centre on the fourth Friday of each month. SEE AD PAGE 325
Dr Seshadri Pramodh, MBBS MRCP (UK) CCT (Endocrinology) - Consultant Endocrinologist
Integra Healthcare Ltd.
Grand Pavilion, West Bay Road, SMB
Tel: (345) 745 7450
Email: s.pramodh@integra.ky. SEE AD PAGE 407
Dr Rajnish Kumar, MD PG Cert. Diabetology PGD Anaesthesiology MBBS
derma
Derma
Total Health
Grand Pavilion, West Bay Road, SMB
Tel: (345) 333 2222
Email: appointments@totalhealth.ky
www.totalhealth.ky
Dr Kumar is an expert in managing complicated diabetes cases and holds more than 17 years of clinician experience. He strongly believes that prevention is better than the cure and is trained in the fields of internal medicine, diabetology and critical care. SEE AD PAGE 327 & 332
Fertility Treatment
If you are having trouble conceiving, there are plenty of options in Grand Cayman. Most OB/GYNs will be able to undertake initial testing and subsequent treatment that may be required, such as ovarian stimulation and IUI. At the time of publication, the only licensed and certified practice offering IVF treatment is the Cayman Fertility Centre.
Dr Lisa Hinzmann, MD Cayman Fertility Centre
Heron Place, 1283 Seaview Road, East End Tel: (345) 233 0770
www.caymanivf.com
Dr Rommel El-Madany - Consultant Obstetrician/ Gynaecologist MB BCh (Cairo) FRCS (GYN) (Edinburgh) HDGO (Dublin) DM MD RCSI/ IPA (Dublin) Diploma of Advanced Obstetrics Ultrasound/Foetal Medicine: RCOG/RCR (London)
Helena Medical Group, 9 Smith Road Plaza, Smith Road, George Town Tel: (345) 946 2496
Urgent care/After hours: (345) 926 2911
Email: islandobgyn@icloud.com
SEE AD PAGE 337
Dr David Stone, MD FACOG – Consultant Obstetrician/Gynaecologist
Dr Layla Jaffree MD FACOG – Consultant Obstetrician/Gynaecologist
Dr Peter Sipos MD MRCOG – Consultant Obstetrician/Gynaecologist OceanMed
Bayshore Mall, Level 2, South Church Street
Tel: (345) 946 2326
Email: info@oceanmed.ky
Providing thorough fertility evaluations and expert guidance for individuals and couples experiencing infertility. Their team treats a wide range of conditions including, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, uterine scarring and abnormalities, and ovulatory dysfunction. In addition to in-house care, OceanMed collaborates closely with leading fertility specialists to ensure seamless, high-level support. Services include monitored cycles and lab testing with same-day results, helping you move forward swiftly with confidence and clarity.
Gastroenterology
Gastroenterologists are focused on investigating, diagnosing, treating and preventing all gastrointestinal and hepatological (liver, gallbladder, biliary tree and pancreas) diseases. There are several gastroenterologists in the Cayman Islands, some of which you can find below:
Dr Manoj Kumar Rangapa – Consultant Surgical Gastroenterologist
Dr Cyril Alex – Consultant Gastroenterologist
Health City at Camana Bay
25 Cerasee Way, off Esterly Tibbetts Highway Tel: (345) 640 4040
Email: info@healthcity.ky www.healthcitycaymanislands.com
SEE AD PAGE 9
Hospice
& Palliative Care
Jasmine
31 Jasmine Blossom Way, West Bay Road, SMB Tel: (345) 945 7447
Email: info@jasmine.ky www.jasmine.ky
Jasmine provides free palliative care, hospice care and bereavement support for people living with a life-limiting or end-of-life illness. Care is provided by professional nurses in the home or at the Jasmine Villa, depending on the needs and wishes of patients and their families. Jasmine’s services are aimed at improving quality of life for patients and their families through pain and symptom management, emotional support, education and other holistic therapies. Anyone can refer a patient to Jasmine and support can be provided alongside treatment.
In-Home Nursing Care
With an ageing population and an increasing number of people choosing to retire in the Cayman Islands, the demand for in-home nurses continues to grow. Such nurses provide home-based care for patients, typically in the form of follow-up treatments post-discharge from a hospital or long-term nursing care at home for adults with a chronic illness, injury or disability.
AAA Caregivers Agency
Tel: (345) 916 5925 or (345) 916 1601
Email: info@aaacaregivers.ky www.aaacaregivers.ky
AAA Caregivers provides healthcare services and has qualified nurses, and nursing assistants, all with a tertiary education and 5-10 years of experience caring for and nursing the elderly. Available for visitors and residents. SEE AD PAGE 85
Caring Hands Cayman
171 Elgin Avenue, Cricket Square, GT Tel: (345) 943 1177
Email: support@caringhandscayman.com www.caringhandscayman.com
With an in-house local physician serving as a medical advisor and a clinical team of registered nurses, individual care plans are prepared to deliver quality healthcare for the best outcome for adults and paediatric clients. The home healthcare nursing services include, but are not limited to, medication management, care for the elderly, respite care, dementia, infusion therapy, wound care, companionship care, and a medical escort service. Caring Hands Cayman is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life, dignity and independence of the elderly or those needing quality nursing care within the privacy of their own home.
SEE AD PAGE 86
Internal Medicine & Infectious Disease
Cayman Islands HSA – Anthony S. Eden Hospital/Specialist Clinic
Dr Courtney Cummings, MD DM Int Med FACP
Dr Karen Galloway-Blake, MBBS DM FACP
Dr Candise Price, MBBS DM (Internal Medicine) FACP
Dr Schade Stanton, MBBS DM
Dr Irka Ebanks, MBBS
Dr Elisabetha Compot, MD MRCP
Dr Tsahay Moore, MD
Dr Raymonde Rohan-Moving, MBBS DM
Dr Mark Khan, BSc MBBS MD
Dr Shawn Gutierrez, MBBS PGDip (Fam. Med.)
Dr Sunku Guptha, MBBS FRCP (UK)
95 Hospital Road, George Town
Tel: (345) 949 8600
www.hsa.ky/medical-services/internal-medicine
Internal medicine physicians at the HSA are trained to manage a wide range of health conditions, from common illnesses to complex diseases. SEE AD PAGE 325
Cayman Islands HSA – Faith Hospital (Brac)
Dr Nikke Thompson-Girish, BSc MBBS DM
215 Dennis Foster Road, Stake Bay
Tel: (345) 948 2243
www.hsa.ky. SEE AD PAGE 325
Dr Christian Hinzmann, MD – Internal Medicine Consultant
Doctors Hospital
16 Middle Road (off Walkers Road), GT
Tel: (345) 325 9000
Book online: mydoctors.ky/appointments
SEE AD PAGE 319, 407 & 462
Nephrology
Nephrology, the study of kidneys, delves into the intricate mechanisms of filtration and regulation within these vital organs. From managing kidney diseases to renal replacement therapies, nephrologists play a pivotal role in maintaining renal health.
Cayman Islands HSA – Anthony S. Eden Hospital
Dr Paul Laboi
Dr Ikechi Okpechi
95 Hospital Road, George Town
Tel: (345) 949 8600
Email: info@hsa.ky
www.hsa.ky/medical-services/nephrology
SEE AD PAGE 325
Dr Amit Kumar Mahapatra – Consultant
Nephrology & Kidney Transplant Medicine
> Health City at Camana Bay
25 Cerasee Way, off Esterly Tibbetts Highway
> Health City Cayman Islands
1283 Sea View Road, East End
Tel: (345) 640 4040
Email: info@healthcity.ky
www.healthcitycaymanislands.com
SEE AD PAGE 9
Neurology, Neurosurgery & Pain Management
Cayman has several neurologists and neurosurgeons specialising in disorders of the nervous system. Such disorders include strokes, epilepsy, blocked arteries, chronic back pain and neuromuscular disorders.
Cayman Islands HSA – Specialist Clinic
Dr Dwaine Cooke, MBBS, MDM (Neurosurgery), FACS – Neurosurgeon
Dr Judith Nicholls, MD – Pain Management
Dr Tamas Cseh, MD – Neurologist
Smith Road Medical Centre (3rd floor)
150 Smith Road, George Town
Tel: (345) 244 7750 or (345) 244 7751
SEE AD PAGE 325
Dr Ryan Punambolam, MD MSc FRCPC –Neurologist
Doctors Hospital
16 Middle Road (off Walkers Road), GT
Tel: (345) 325 9000
Book online: mydoctors.ky/appointments
SEE AD PAGE 319, 407 & 462
Dr James Akinwunmi, MBBS FRCS (SN)
Cayman Neurosurgeon Ltd.
Fidelity Financial Centre, 2nd Floor, West Bay Road, Seven Mile Beach
Tel: (345) 769 8370
Email: infocaymanneurosurgeon@gmail.com
Dr Akinwunmi is a neurosurgical specialist who previously ran an NHS and Harley Street (London) practice. He was trained in Cambridge, Birmingham and the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery in the UK. He manages and treats patients with conditions of the brain and spine, performs spinal surgery and peripheral nerve surgery (carpal tunnel surgery). His practice offers minimally invasive neurosurgery and pain management.
Dr Romnesh de Souza, MBBS MD DNB –
Consultant Neurologist and Interventional Neurologist
Dr Susant Bhuyan, DM MD – Consultant Neurologist
Dr Rose Giammarco – Consultant Neurologist & Headache Specialist
Dr Manjunatha Kandala, MBBS DNB –Consultant Neurosurgeon & Spine Surgeon
> Health City at Camana Bay
25 Cerasee Way, off Esterly Tibbetts Highway
> Health City Cayman Islands
1283 Sea View Road, East End
Tel: (345) 640 4040
Email: info@healthcity.ky www.healthcitycaymanislands.com
SEE AD PAGE 9
Obstetrics & Gynaecology
Once pregnant, one of the first and most important decisions one has to make is selecting an OB/GYN. In Cayman, you may choose either a private specialist doctor or register at the Women’s Health Centre at the Anthony S. Eden Hospital (formerly the George Town Hospital) for antenatal care. The Anthony S. Eden Hospital (HSA), Doctors Hospital (DH) and Health City at Camana Bay have maternity facilities where babies can be delivered.
For more information on healthcare for babies and children, see the OB/GYN listings or the Having A Baby chapter. The following are some experts currently available in the Cayman Islands:
Cayman Islands HSA – Anthony S. Eden Hospital
Dr Leroy Campbell, MBBS DM FACOG
Dr Elaine Ebanks, MD MBBS FACOG RCOG
Dr Iuliana Irimia, MD MsC MRCOG MRCPI
Dr Christina McLean, BMedSci MBBS
Dr Karina Palmer-Ford, MD
Dr Samantha Mascarenhas
Dr Nkiruka Okagbue BSc(Hons) MBChB
MRCOG DTM&H
95 Hospital Road, George Town
Tel: (345) 949 8600
Email: info@hsa.ky
www.hsa.ky/medical-services/womens-
health/obstetrics-gynaecology
SEE AD PAGE 325
Cayman Islands HSA – Faith Hospital (Brac)
Dr Venkamma Bonigi, MBBS DGO
Dr Karen Campbell-Simpson
215 Dennis Foster Road, Cayman Brac
Tel: (345) 948 2243
SEE AD PAGE 325
Dr Zbigniew “Dr Ziggy” Zwierzchowski, MD –Obstetrics Gynaecologist
Dr Lisa Hinzmann, MD – Obstetrics & Gynaecologist Consultant
Dr Sarath De Alwis, FRCS FRCOG MRCP, FFSRH (UK) FACOG MRCS LRCP (England) LRCS (Edinburgh) LRCP (Edinburgh) LRCP&S (Glasgow) – Consultant Specialist OB/GYN Doctors Hospital
16 Middle Road (off Walkers Road), GT Tel: (345) 325 9000
Book online: mydoctors.ky/appointments
SEE AD PAGE 319, 407 & 462
Dr Mamatha Gowda – Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Dr Mohini Sachdeva – Consultant Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Dr Troy Gatcliffe – Gynaecologic Oncologist
Health City at Camana Bay
25 Cerasee Way, off Esterly Tibbetts Highway Tel: (345) 640 4040
Email: info@healthcity.ky www.healthcitycaymanislands.com
SEE AD PAGE 9
Dr Rommel El-Madany – Consultant Obstetrician/Gynaecologist MB BCh (Cairo) HDGO (Dublin) FRCS (Edinburgh) DM MD RCSI/ IPA (Dublin) Diploma of Advanced Obstetrics
Ultrasound/Foetal Medicine: RCOG/RCR (London)
Helena Medical Group
9 Smith Road Plaza, Smith Road, George Town
Tel: (345) 94-OBGYN (62496)
Urgent care/After hours: (345) 926 2911
Email: islandobgyn@icloud.com
Consultant/Specialist OB/GYN: gynaecologic wellness, high-risk pregnancy, infertility, traditional and advanced laparoscopic/ endoscopic surgery, including advanced
laparoscopic surgery and minimally invasive surgery for heavy periods, fibroids, endometriosis, urinary incontinence, sterilisation, prolapse, etc. Advanced equipment, including 4D, 3D and coloured ultrasound, digital colposcope and LEEP procedures. One-stop cancer screen, foetal anomaly scan, nuchal translucency and amniocentesis tests, NIPT etc. Dr El-Madany delivers babies and operates at both HSA and Health City Camana Bay. SEE AD THIS PAGE
Dr Laura Hole, MBBS BSc MRCOG – Specialist Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
Dr Madhavi Manoharan, MBBS MD MRCOG DFFP – Specialist Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
Integra Healthcare Ltd. Grand Pavilion, West Bay Road, SMB
Tel: (345) 745 7450
Email: l.hole@integra.ky; m.manoharan@integra.ky www.integra.ky
Integra Healthcare has a renowned OB/GYN team covering obstetrics, gynaecology, child and adolescent gynaecology and fertility. Dr Laura has a special interest in surgical gynaecology, colposcopy and is an advanced laparoscopic surgeon. Dr Madhavi brings a decade of tertiary consultant-level experience and specific interests in early pregnancy scanning, high-risk pregnancies and foetal medicine. SEE AD PAGE 407
Dr David Stone, MD FACOG – Consultant
Obstetrician/Gynaecologist
OceanMed
Bayshore Mall, Level 2
Tel: (345) 946 2326
Email: info@oceanmed.ky
www.oceanmed.ky
Dr David Stone holds a Board Certification in Obstetrics and Gynaecology (ABOG), is a Fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (FACOG), and is the Medical Director and Director of Urogynaecology at OceanMed. As well as caring for many women throughout their pregnancy, Dr Stone specialises in issues including urogynaecology, minimally invasive surgery and advanced robotic-assisted laparoscopy, treating abnormal uterine bleeding, chronic pelvic pain, uterine fibroids, endometriosis, vaginal prolapse and infertility.
Dr Layla Jaffree MD, FACOG – Consultant
Obstetrician/Gynaecologist
OceanMed
Bayshore Mall, Level 2
Tel: (345) 946 2326
Email: info@oceanmed.ky
www.oceanmed.ky
Dr Layla Jaffree is a board certified OB/GYN through the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (ABOG) and a Fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (FACOG). She enjoys caring for women in all phases of life and practises full spectrum obstetrics and gynaecology. She has a particular interest in high-risk pregnancies, minimally invasive surgery, including advanced robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery, and cosmetic gynaecology. Conditions treated include abnormal pap smears, vulvar and vaginal conditions, irregular bleeding, pelvic pain, uterine fibroids, endometriosis, infertility, menopausal conditions, and vaginal rejuvenation and biologic procedures, including PRP.
Dr Peter Sipos, MD MRCOG – Consultant
Obstetrician/Gynaecologist
OceanMed
Bayshore Mall, Level 2
Tel: (345) 946 2326
Email: info@oceanmed.ky
www.oceanmed.ky
Dr Peter Sipos is a member of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists in London, and holds a PhD in feto-maternal Medicine from the University of Manchester. Dr Sipos has served the Cayman community since 2019, previously as the clinical lead OBGYN at the Anthony S. Eden Hospital (formerly the
Dr. Rommel El-Madany
George Town Hospital) and specialises in highrisk pregnancies, early pregnancy care, and minimally invasive gynaecological surgery. He provides support for complex menstrual issues, fertility challenges, menopausal symptoms, and pelvic floor conditions.
Oncology
Cayman Islands Cancer Society (CICS)
114 Maple Road, George Town
Tel: (345) 949 7618
Email: info@cics.ky or www.cics.ky
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CICSCayman
Instagram: @c.i.c.s
The Cayman Islands Cancer Society (CICS) helps cancer patients in a variety of ways, including counselling, therapy programmes, home medical equipment and financial support for those who qualify. They provide the eligible public with access to their voucher programme, which offers PAP tests, PSA tests, colorectal cancer, and oral cancer screenings. They host health fairs and seminars to spread awareness of the effects and risks of cancer throughout the community. Call or email to find out more
CAYMAN ISLANDS CANCER SOCIETY
about how they can help you. SEE AD THIS PAGE
Cayman Islands HSA – Anthony S. Eden Hospital – Chemotherapy Unit
Dr Lundie Richards
Dr Danielle Smellie
42 Pines Drive, George Town
Tel: (345) 244 2872 or (345) 244 2706
Email: oncology@hsa.ky
www.hsa.ky/medical-services/oncology
SEE AD PAGE 325
Dr Sanjay Awasthi, MD – Medical Oncologist
Dr Natalie Sharpe, MBBS DM – Medical Oncologist
Doctors Hospital
16 Middle Road (off Walkers Road), GT
Tel: (345) 325 9000
Book online: mydoctors.ky/appointments
SEE AD PAGE 319, 407 & 462
Dr Amitkumar Bagdia – Consultant Surgical Oncologist
Dr Vineetha Binoy, MBBS MD DM – Senior Consultant Medical Oncologist
Dr Troy Gatcliffe – Gynaecologic Oncologist
Dr Vikas Roshan, MBBS IGRT/IMRT – Senior Consultant Radiation Oncologist
Health City at Camana Bay
25 Cerasee Way, off Esterly Tibbetts Highway
Tel: (345) 640 4040
Email: info@healthcity.ky www.healthcitycaymanislands.com
SEE AD PAGE 9
Ophthalmology
Ophthalmologists provide medical and surgical treatment of eye diseases, give diabetic eyecare and perform cataract surgery. Cayman is lucky to have several eyecare experts to assist with both simple and complex needs.
Cayman Islands HSA – Lions Eye Clinic
Dr Brenda Mulenga, BSc(Hons)Dist MBcHB FRCOphth CCT-GMC-UK MBA
Dr Zahra Bile, MBBS MRCSEd MRCOphth FEBO
Dr Aditya Sethi, MBBS DO (SN) FMRF (Pediatric Ophthalmology, Strabismus) FWCRS (Refractive Surgery) USA , FICO (ii) UK
Dr Sahebaan S. Sethi, MBBS MS (Gold Medalist) DNB FICO (UK)
95 Hospital Road, George Town Tel: (345) 949 8600
What We Do What You Can Do
Financial Assistance for Treatment
Education Classes & Seminars
Therapeutic Group Activities
Home Medical Equipment
Free Cancer Screenings
Join us! Become a member or a volunteer
Advocate
Book
The eyecare team offers a comprehensive range of medical and surgical ophthalmic services from the eye clinic at the Anthony S. Eden Hospital and Pasadora Place.
SEE AD PAGE 325
Dr Eugene Foley, FRCS MB BCh BAO NUI
107 Claude Hill Road, off Smith Road, GT
Tel: (345) 946 4944 or (345) 916 6264
Email: info@drfoleyeyeclinic.com
Dr Eugene Foley provides several optical services, including general ophthalmology, eye surgery, full diabetic eyecare, lasers, glaucoma, kids’ assessments and all eye emergencies. Most insurance policies accepted on assignment. SEE AD OPPOSITE PAGE & 351
Dr Priyanka, MBBS MS (Ophthalmology) FRCS (Part 2) (Glasgow)
Total Health
Grand Pavilion, 802 West Bay Road, SMB
Tel: (345) 333 2222
Email: appointments@totalhealth.ky www.totalhealth.ky
Dr Priyanka is a qualified eye surgeon at Total Health with over 13 years of experience in the field of ophthalmology. She has worked continuously alongside retina specialists and is well-versed in diagnosing and providing treatment for retinal disorders, as well as performing eye surgeries. She also specialises in anterior segments surgeries.
SEE AD PAGE 327 & 332
Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine
Dr Melissa Mascaro, MD CAQSM Cayman Clinic
439 Crewe Road, George Town
Tel: (345) 949 7400/Fax: (345) 949 9045
Email: info@caymanclinic.ky www.caymanclinic.ky
Dr Mascaro provides preventative measures and management of injuries to both elite and recreational athletes. SEE AD PAGE 326
Cayman Hand Centre
Dr Hesham Sida, FRCS MSc Orth BMSc MBBCh Grand Pavilion (main entrance), West Bay Road, Seven Mile Beach
Tel: (345) 946 2500/Emergency: (345) 939 2500
Email: office@caymanhandcentre.com www.caymanhandsurgeon.com
Dr Hesham Sida has over 35 years of orthopaedic experience and specialises in hand and wrist surgery ranging from carpal tunnel release, fractures and dislocations to tendon repairs, arthrodesis, arthroplasty, nerve repairs, vascularised bone grafts, trapeziectomies, microvascular and
reimplantation surgery. He also specialises in sports medicine and wrist, elbow, knee and ankle arthroscopic surgery and can be engaged for medicolegal reports. SEE AD THIS PAGE
Cayman Islands HSA – Smith Road Medical Centre Orthopaedic Sports & Exercise Medicine
Dr Kadiyala Sekhar, MBBS MS
Dr Allan Larsen, MD PhD
Dr Andrew Bogle, MBBS MRCS FRCSOrthopaedic & Spine Surgeon
Dr Pratham Surya, MBBS MRCS FRCS Orth
FEBOT SICOT DIP MCH Orth Pg Cert
150 Smith Road (2nd Floor), George Town
Tel: (345) 949 8600
Email: info@hsa.ky
www.hsa.ky/medical-services/orthopaedics
Expertly qualified teams at the orthopaedic sports and exercise (SEM) medicine clinic, utilise modern techniques and the latest technological advancements to expedite the recovery of patients who have suffered injuries due to accidents, sports or daily activities.
SEE AD PAGE 325
Dr Matthias F. Herzig, MD PhD – Consultant Orthopaedic, Trauma & Reconstructive Surgery
Windward Centre, 93 Smith Road, GT
Tel: (345) 949 2970
Email: drm.herzig@gmail.com
Other languages: French and German
Dr Matthias F Herzig is board-certified in orthopaedics, trauma and reconstructive surgery and sports medicine with UK specialist registration and over 25 years of experience. He treats all joint problems, including fractures
and arthritis, musculoskeletal and sports injuries and has a special interest in keyhole surgery for shoulder, knee and ankle joints. This includes ACL, PCL, meniscus and cartilage repair and all other ligament reconstruction surgery. He is also very experienced in total hip and knee replacements, foot and ankle surgery, including simple and complex bunion/hallux valgus surgery. Other services include hand surgery, including carpal tunnel, finger and wrist fractures. A further focus of his work is conservative management of neck and back pain, including treatment by nerve root blocks and facet joint infiltration. Available for medico-legal reports.
Dr Pekko Kuusela, MD – Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon
Doctors Hospital
16 Middle Road (off Walkers Road), GT
Tel: (345) 325 9000
Book online: mydoctors.ky/appointments
SEE AD PAGE 319, 407 & 462
Dr Nabil Khan, MBChB MMed Orth FCS Orth (SA) – Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon
Doctors Hospital Specialty Clinic
The Strand Shopping Centre, Seven Mile Beach Tel: (345) 325 9000
Book online: mydoctors.ky/appointments
SEE AD PAGE 319, 407 & 462
Dr Olivia Antos, MBChB (Pret) FC Orth (SA) MMed (Orthopaedic Surgery) – Orthopaedic Surgeon
Doctors Hospital Specialty Clinic 16 Middle Road (off Walkers Road), GT Tel: (345) 325 9000
Book online: mydoctors.ky/appointments
916 6264
O PH T HALMO LO G Y
Dr Devendra Jadhav – Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon
Dr Jasneet Chawla – Junior Consultant Orthopaedics
Dr Niranjan Nagaraja, MBBS DNB D.Ortho –
Senior Orthopaedic Surgeon
Dr Prathap Anthony Vincent – Junior Consultant Orthopaedics
Health City Cayman Islands
1283 Sea View Road, East End
Tel: (345) 640 4040 or (345) 526 2108
Email: info@healthcity.ky. SEE AD PAGE 9
New Horizon Cayman
West Shore Center, 508 West Bay Road, SMB
Tel: (345) 943 5800
Email: care@newhorizoncayman.com www.newhorizoncayman.com
NovoClinic
BritCay House, 236 Eastern Avenue, GT
Tel: (345) 746 6082
Email: frontdesk@novocayman.com www.novoclinic.ky
Newborn & Neonatal Care
Screening
Total Health
Grand Pavilion, 802 West Bay Road, SMB
Tel: (345) 333 2222
Email: appointments@totalhealth.ky www.totalhealth.ky
With an emphasis on providing effective and compassionate patient care, orthopaedic treatments at Total Health are run by a dedicated and diligent team of medical experts.
SEE AD PAGE 327 & 332
Will
Of Wellness
13 Belmont Close, Crewe Road, George Town
Tel: (345) 926 2428
Email: wowcayman3@gmail.com
Otorhinolaryngology
(ENT)
ENT specialists diagnose, treat, and manage conditions of the ears, nose, throat, sinuses, voice box, mouth, and neck, including balance disorders. Many are trained in surgery, reducing the need for overseas referrals.
Cayman Islands HSA – Specialist Clinic
Dr Gyanendra Jha, MBBS MSc ENT
Dr Raul Kwesi Davis, ENT Smith Road Medical Centre (3rd Floor)
150 Smith Road, George Town
Tel: (345) 949 8600
www.hsa.ky/medical-services/ear-nose-throat
SEE AD PAGE 325
Dr Nadine Yammine, MD MSc FRCSC –Specialist in Otolaryngology (ENT) Head & Neck Surgery, Laryngology & Cosmetic Surgery
Doctors Hospital Specialty Clinic, Strand Shopping Centre, West Bay Road, SMB
Tel: (345) 325 9000
Email: ENT@doctorshospital.ky
Other Languages: French
SEE AD PAGE 319,407 & 462
ENT in Cayman
Dr Ulrich Ecke, MD ENT
Dr Fionnuala Keane, MBChB DCH DRCOG PGDiPENT
Pasadora Place, 94 Smith Road, George Town
Tel: (345) 745 3253
Email: info@entincayman.com
www.entincayman.com
Dr Ravneet Ravinder Verma – Consultant ENT
Specialist
Health City Cayman Islands
1283 Sea View Road, East End
Tel: (345) 640 4040 or (345) 526 2108
Email: info@healthcity.ky. SEE AD PAGE 9
Dr Gyanendra Jha, MBBS MSc ENT
Total Health
Grand Pavilion, 802 West Bay Road, SMB
Tel: (345) 333 2222
Email: appointments@totalhealth.ky www.totalhealth.ky
Dr Gyanendra Jha is a senior specialist with excellent medical knowledge, sharp clinical skills and vast experience in treating patients with ear, nose and throat conditions. Dr Jha has earned numerous awards and recognitions from his medical peers, as well as the Cayman Islands community. SEE AD PAGE 327 & 332
Paediatrics
Paediatricians focus on the physical, mental, and social health of children from birth to 18 years, providing care from prevention to treatment of acute and chronic conditions, and addressing environmental, social, and developmental factors.
Cayman Islands HSA – Anthony S. Eden Hospital
Dr Robert Bomont, MBChB MA BSc FRCPCHNeonatologist
Dr Chela Lamsee-Ebanks, MBBS DM (Paediatrics) MHA
Dr Marilyn McIntyre, MBChB DRCOG FRCM
Dr Earl Robinson, MD FAAP
Dr Linden Swan, MBBS DM (Paediatrics)
Dr Segomotso Madisa, MBBS MD (Pediatrics)
Dr Tonita Rankin, MD - Registrar Pediatrics
Dr Krystina Chin, MD – Registrar Pediatrics
95 Hospital Road, George Town
Tel: (345) 949 8600
Email: info@hsa.ky
www.hsa.ky/medical-services/paediatrics
The HSA offers paediatric services within inpatient and outpatient care delivered by a team of experienced doctors, nurses and support staff. SEE AD PAGE 325
Dr Ramon Lacanilao, MD – Paediatrician
Doctors Hospital
16 Middle Road (off Walkers Road), GT
Tel: (345) 325 9000
Book online: mydoctors.ky/appointments
SEE AD PAGE 319, 407 & 462
Dr Daniel Langer, BSc(hons) FRCPCH Pg Dip
Paediatric Infectious Diseases (Oxford) SPIN
PID (RCPCH) - Consultant Paediatrician
Integra Healthcare Ltd.
Grand Pavilion, West Bay Road, SMB
Tel: (345) 745 7450
Email: d.langer@integra.ky
www.integra.ky
Dr Langer is an experienced London-trained consultant paediatrician and fellow of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, UK (RCPCH). His training includes working at world renowned centres of Great Ormond street, Imperial College (St Mary’s Hospital) and UCLH in London and Westmead Children’s Hospital in Sydney, Australia, in paediatrics, neonatology and community paediatrics. SEE AD PAGE 407
Dr Sarah Newton, MBChB FRACP (paeds) DCH
– Specialist General Paediatrician & Newborn Care
Integra Healthcare Ltd.
Grand Pavilion, West Bay Road, SMB
Tel: (345) 745 7450
Email: s.newton@integra.ky www.integra.ky
Integra Healthcare provides a team of tertiarytrained paediatric and newborn specialists providing a comprehensive service. Besides her general paediatrics and newborn care, Dr Sarah has a particular interest in growth and development, as well as complex diagnostics and care. SEE AD PAGE 407
Dr Siobhan Jaques, MBBS BSc DRCOG FRCPCH
– Specialist Paediatrician and Neonatologist
Integra Healthcare Ltd.
Grand Pavilion, West Bay Road, SMB
Tel: (345) 745 7450
Email: s.jaques@integra.ky www.integra.ky
Integra Healthcare provides a team of tertiary-trained paediatric and newborn specialists providing a comprehensive service.
Dr Siobhan is an experienced consultant in neonatal care, with an additional interest in the mental wellbeing of children and excellence in paediatrics. SEE AD PAGE 407
Dr Tamara Bugembe, MbChb MRCPCH –Consultant Paediatrician
Integra Healthcare Ltd.
Grand Pavilion, West Bay Road, SMB
Tel: (345) 745 7450
Email: t.bugembe@integra.ky www.integra.ky
Dr Tamara Bugembe trained in the UK as a paediatrician with a special interest in neurology and neurodevelopmental paediatrics. She supports children and adolescents with neurodevelopmental problems, including ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, developmental delay and neurobehavioural difficulties. SEE AD PAGE 407
Dr Zanele Balang, MBBS DM Paediatrics –Consultant Paediatrician
Integra Healthcare Ltd.
Grand Pavilion, West Bay Road, SMB
Tel: (345) 745 7450
Email: z.balang@integra.ky www.integra.ky
During her medical career, Dr Balang has worked in different fields of paediatrics and brings with her vast experience in primary care, paediatric ER services and neonatal intensive care. Dr Balang is trained to identify and differentiate among paediatric behavioural health problems, such as childhood depression, ADHD, anxiety states, and oppositional and conduct disorders. SEE AD PAGE 407
Dr Sara Watkin, MB ChB MRCP (paeds)
FRCPCH MD – Consultant Paediatrician & Neonatologist
Optimal Healthcare Ltd.
Units 811-815, Building B, Cayman Centre, GT Tel: (345) 745 7070 or (345) 326 7827
Email: sara@optimal.ky www.optimal.ky
Dr Watkin has over 30 years’ consultantlevel experience in paediatrics, newborn and neonatal care, including 8 years’ experience here in Cayman. She provides everyday paediatric care, as well as neurodiversity
and behaviour care, complex paediatric care, hospital and urgent care. She is one of the only tertiary-qualified and accredited neonatologists in the Cayman Islands.
SEE AD OPPOSITE PAGE & 409
Dr Gordon Smith, MB ChB MRCP (UK)
MRCGP DRCOG
The Children’s Clinic and Family Practice
Windward Centre, 93 Smith Road, GT
Tel: (345) 949 2970
Email: drgoffice@candw.ky
www.thechildrensclinic.ky
Other languages: French
Paediatric ENT
Dr Ulrich Ecke, MD ENT
Dr Fionnuala Keane, MBChB DCH DRCOG
PGDipENT
Niamh Kilcoyne, Audiologist MSc
Alison Mulder, BA (Hons) Speech Therapist ENT in Cayman
Pasadora Place, 94 Smith Road, George Town Tel: (345) 745 3253
Email: info@entincayman.com www.entincayman.com
Pathology
Cayman Islands HSA – Anthony S. Eden Hospital
Dr Camille Blake, MBBS DM (Microbiology) Dr Glendee Reynolds, MBBS DM (Med Micro) MPH (Microbiology)
95 Hospital Road, George Town Tel: (345) 949 8600
Medical testing in microbiology (bacteriology, parasitology and virology), histology, cytology, haematology, clinical chemistry and immunohaematology. SEE AD PAGE 325
Dr Ishani Bhuyan – Consultant Pathologist
Health City Cayman Islands
1283 Sea View Road, East End Tel: (345) 640 4040
Email: info@healthcity.ky. SEE AD PAGE 9
Podiatry
& Orthotics
Podiatrists diagnose and treat conditions of the foot, ankle and structures of the leg.
Mr Ray Anthony, FCPodS DPodM
Helix Healthcare, 4 Middle Road, George Town
Tel: (345) 749 4444
Psychology, Psychotherapy, Psychiatry & Counselling
Psychiatry and psychology are overlapping professions, where practitioners of both are mental health professionals. Their area of expertise is the mind and the way it affects behaviour and wellbeing. They often work together to prevent, diagnose and treat mental illness. However, it is important to understand the difference. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specialises in preventing, diagnosing and treating mental illness, whereas a psychologist has a doctoral degree in psychology, which is the study of the mind and behaviours.
Behavioral Health Associates Cayman
Dr Marc Lockhart, MD
Dr Susanne Neita, MB BS DM (Psychiatry)
Dr Christopher Mahfood, MB BS DM – Clinical
Behavioral Health Associates Cayman
Dr. Marc Lockhart, MD Consultant Psychiatrist
Dr. Susanne Neita, M.B., B.S., D.M. Consultant Psychiatrist
Dr. Christopher Mahfood, M.B., B.S., D.M. Clinical Psychiatrist
Xenia Sotiriou, B.A, M. Ed, Adv. Dip, Phd Therapist
Heather Lockhart, PCC-ICF Certified Life Coach
Charmaine Elias, NCPT Registered Psychiatric Technician
• Psychiatry • Life Coaching
• Forensic & Legal Evaluations
• Counselling/Psychotherapy
• Serving Children, Adolescents, Adults and Seniors
Hospital Road Plaza, George Town
Tel: (345)746-0066 • Fax: (345)746-0071 Email: info@bhac.ky
Psychiatrist
Xenia Sotiriou, BA MEd Adv. Dip PhD
Unit B, Hospital Road Plaza, George Town
Tel: (345) 746 0066/Fax: (345) 746 0071
Email: info@bhac.ky
www.bhac.ky
Other languages: Spanish Consultant psychiatrists specialising in the treatment of children, adolescents, adults and seniors. Additional associates specialising in psychiatry, forensic and legal evaluation.
SEE AD THIS PAGE
Cayman ABA
Unit 15, Pasadora Place, Smith Road, GT
Tel: (345) 947 5477
Email: info@caymanaba.com
www.caymanaba.com
Caribbean Haven Residential Centre (CHRC)
2409 Bodden Town, Breakers
Tel: (345) 947 9992
Email: caribbean.haven@gov.ky or counselling.services@gov.ky
www.dcs.gov.ky/chrc
Cayman Islands Crisis Centre (CICC)
Estella’s Place and TAYA Lounge, Crown Square, Eastern Avenue, George Town
Tel: (345) 949 0366
24-hour Crisis Line: (345) 943 CICC (2422)
Email: info@cicc.ky
www.cicc.ky
The CICC provides a range of services and programmes to educate the community on domestic and sexual abuse. They aim to assist victims of abuse by providing temporary shelter (women and children only), a 24-hour confidential crisis line, TAYA Lounge, teens and young adults programme for at-risk youth, Estella’s Place (walk-in clinic) which offers a continuum of support and planning advice. Programmes and services are available across the three islands at no cost to the community.
Cayman Islands HSA – Anthony S. Eden Hospital
– Alex’s Place (Adolescent Behavioural Health Centre)
95 Hospital Road, George Town
Tel: (345) 949 8600 or (345) 244 7856
Email: info@hsa.ky
www.hsa.ky/medical-services/behavioural-health
Evidence-based mental health care, specifically for adolescents and young adults (ages 10-20), delivered by a diverse team of professional psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, social workers and therapists. Hours are MondayFriday 10am-6pm. SEE AD PAGE 325
Cayman Islands HSA – Behavioural Health Clinic
Dr Omotayo Bernard, DM MBBS BSc
Dr Arline McGill, MBBS DM Psychiatry
Dr Toni-Ann Heron, MB BS DM MSc
Dr Tonya Holder, MBBS DM (Psych)
Dr Marc Lockhart, MD
Sophia Chandler-Alleyne, BSc MSc - Child Psychologist
Antonia Hawkins, BSc MSc Ph.D - Child Psychologist
Cavelle Chai-Hong Delfosse, Ph.D - Clinical Psychologist
Paulette Gayle, Ph.D - Child Psychologist
Dominic Basson, Ph.D - Clinical Psychologist
Dr Lucille Williams-Fernandez, MBBS
Dr Chelsea Walton, Psy.D
Dr Richard Hessing
Samantha Sharpe – Applied Behavioural Analyst
Jasmine Powell – Psychiatric Social Worker
Smith Road Medical Centre (3rd Floor)
150 Smith Road, George Town
Tel: (345) 244 2650
Email: info@hsa.ky. SEE AD PAGE 325
Cayman Islands HSA - Faith Hospital (Brac)
Dr Liezel Anguelova
215 Dennis Foster Road, Cayman Brac
Tel: (345) 948 2243
Email: info@hsa.ky
Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
Tel: (345) 949 9559
Email: eap@eapcayman.com www.eapcayman.com
Hope Academy (Clinical Services)
Pauline VanderGrinten, MA LPC NCC BC-TMH
– Clinical Director/Supervisor
Dr Julie Goodman, MSc PGCE AFBPsS – Clinical Psychologist
Todd Grunert, Ed.S. NCSP– Psychologist, MA
Wendy Mupaku MCSW – Clinical Social Worker
Dr Jill Kelderman Walsh
– Paediatric
Neuropsychologist
Dr Kai Morgan-Campbell – Clinical Psychologist
Dr Charles Motsinger – Psychiatrist
Grand Harbour, 1053 Crewe Road, Red Bay
Tel: (345) 769 4673
Email: pauline@mentalhealthci.com or office@hopecayman.com www.hopecliniccayman.com
Instagram: @HopeClinicCayman
Hope Academy (Clinical Services) offers a wide range of services, from consultation and assessment to education and treatment. Their clinicians are committed to providing a comprehensive treatment team approach within a supportive, nurturing and healing environment. They provide high-quality, exceptional services by utilising effective, well-researched, evidence-based treatment. Services include: mental health therapy for individuals, couples and families of all ages, speech-language therapy (SLT), in-home family and parenting assistance, group therapy, school observations and interventions, schoolbased ABA, psycho-educational testing, neuropsychological assessments, psychiatric services/medication management and free consultations. SEE AD THIS PAGE
Infinite Mindcare
Tel: (345) 926 0882
www.infinitemindcare.com
Integra Healthcare Ltd.
Dr Stenette Davis, BmedSci(hons) MBBS DM
Psychiatry Master Hypnotherapist - Consultant Psychiatrist
> Grand Pavilion, West Bay Road, SMB Tel: (345) 745 7450
> 52A Edgewater Way, Harbour Walk Tel: (345) 623 7999
Email: team@integra.ky www.integra.ky. SEE AD PAGE 407
KidsAbility
Dr Laurence Van Hanswijck de Jonge, PhD
Lara Juric, Psychologist
8 Midtown Plaza, George Town Tel: (345) 943 5437
Email: info@kidsability.ky
www.kidsability.ky
KidsAbility is a paediatric therapy clinic offering developmental neuropsychology services, counselling services, occupational therapy, speech-language therapy, a feeding clinic, social skills groups, parent, teacher and allied health workshops and telehealth services.
Life Options Counselling Services
Tel: (345) 940 5433
Email: info@lifeoptions.ky
www.lifeoptions.ky
Life Options is a private mental health wellness practice run by Dr Shari Smith, who provides life coaching services and psychotherapy.
OnCourse Cayman
Dr Alexandra Bodden, PsyD MA MS ClinPharm
Heather Mitchell, SLP
Tel: (345) 745 6463
Email: info@oncourse.ky
The Counselling Centre
Department of Counselling Services
75 Fort Street, Adonis House, George Town
Tel: (345) 949 8789
Email: counselling.services@gov.ky
www.dcs.gov.ky/tcc
The Counselling Centre (TCC) offers individual and group therapeutic services to anyone in the Cayman Islands experiencing mental health or emotional wellbeing difficulties. Their therapists and counsellors can provide support in areas such as anxiety, depression, addiction, trauma, grief and couples counselling. They also facilitate groups to address anxiety (adults and young people), relationship enhancement, recovery from alcohol and substance misuse, and traumainformed yoga peer groups. Contact TCC to meet with an intake assessment officer who will be able to discuss in detail the options for treatment to best meet your needs.
The Family Resource Centre (FRC)
Department of Counselling Services
75 Fort Street, Adonis House, George Town
Tel: (345) 949 0006
Email: frc@gov.ky
www.dcs.gov.ky/frc
The Family Resource Centre provides services and programmes aimed at developing
healthy family relationships, including parenting programmes to support families and strengthen parenting capacity, young parent services, parent coaching to help address individualised parenting concerns and accomplish family goals, and various parenting workshops/information sessions. FRC also delivers internationally recognised, evidencebased parenting programmes such as the Triple P and Stop Now and Plan programme to support families experiencing mild to chronic dysfunction. FRC leads several international public awareness campaigns that include Honouring Women Month, Anti Bullying-Stood Up and International Men’s Day. The ‘Legal Befrienders’ clinic also offers free legal advice as a walk-in service on Tuesdays from 5pm7.30pm.
The Wellness Centre
Smith Road Medical Centre, 3rd Floor
150 Smith Road, George Town
Tel: (345) 949 9355
WhatsApp: (345) 925 8246
Email: info@wellnesscentre.ky
Hope Acade my
Clinical Ser vices
Individual / Family / Couples Counseling
Parenting As sistanc e & Suppor t
In -home Inter ventions
School O bser vations & Inter ventions
Psyc hiatric Ser vic es
Speec h & L anguage Therapy
Psyc hoeducational As ses sments
Neuropsyc hologic al As ses sments
We are able to work with most insurance companies.
For a FREE, confidential consultation contact Pauline VanderGrinten at pauline@mentalhealthci.com
1(345) 769 4673
Grand Harbour Shops, Units 1-8 ww w.hop e cayman.com office@hopecayman.com
www.wellnesscentre.ky
The Wellness Centre is a licensed healthcare facility offering a comprehensive menu of psychological, mental health and developmental support services for children, teens and adults. They specialise in clinical, educational and neurodevelopmental assessments, and have a team of doctoral and masters level psychologists. Clinical staff are fully qualified, licensed mental health professionals, utilising evidence-based, culturally attuned therapeutic interventions to treat a wide range of mental health problems. SEE AD PAGE 321
Pulmonology
Pulmonologists specialise in diseases related to the respiratory tract; a practice also known as ‘respirology’.
Cayman Islands HSA - Anthony S. Eden Hospital
Dr Deepak Muthreja, MD DNB EDARM EDPRM FCCP
95 Hospital Road, George Town Tel: (345) 949 8600
Dr Archita Joshi Bhatt, MBBS MD IDCCM –Consultant in Critical Care, Pulmonology & Sleep Medicine
Dr Harsha Venkataramanaswamy, MBBS MD –Consultant Pulmonologist
> Health City Cayman Islands
1283 Sea View Road, East End
> Health City at Camana Bay
25 Cerasee Way, off Esterly Tibbetts Highway Tel: (345) 640 4040
Emergencies: (345) 526 2108
Email: info@healthcity.ky. SEE AD PAGE 9
Stem Cell Treatments
Stem cell medicine is a p ioneering field concerned with regrowing, repairing and replacing damaged cells, organs and tissues.
Pensum Regenerative Medicine Ltd.
13 Belmont Close, Crewe Road, George Town Tel: (345) 949 8676 or (345) 939 4505
Email: health@pensum.pro www.pensummed.pro
Pensum Regenerative Medicine specialises in the use of Regenerative Cell and PRP therapy for orthopaedic, cosmetic and
overall health conditions. They can also offer orthopaedic, urology and vascular services in clinic and surgical in the hospital. There are also otolaryngology and cosmetic services departments focusing on the ears, nose, throat, head and neck. They also operate a lipo-sculpturing clinic and a comprehensive IV therapy treatment programme.
Other
Surgery & Rheumatology
Rheumatologists are internists with special skills and training in the complex diagnosis and treatment of arthritis and rheumatic illnesses. They treat patients with pain and disorders of the joints, muscles, tendons, bones and other connective tissues.
Cayman Islands HSA – Anthony S. Eden
Hospital/Specialist Clinic
Dr Ernest Jehangir, MBBS FRCS Dip Clin Ed
Dr Joel Assrope, MD
Dr Collin Graham
Dr Ajit Mathew
Dr Rafal Krupiniewicz, MD FEBU
Dr Myrton Smith
Dr Aisha Cox, MD
Dr Pierre Hermans
Dr Santiago De Solo – Rheumatologist
Dr Dwaine Cooke, MBBS, MDM (Neurosurgery)
FACS – Neurosurgeon,
> 150 Smith Road, George Town
> 95 Hospital Road, George Town
Tel: (345) 949 8600
SEE AD PAGE 325
Cayman Islands HSA – Faith Hospital (Brac)
Dr Srirangan Velusamy, MBBS MS FRCS
Dr Gopala Varma
215 Dennis Foster Road, Cayman Brac
Tel: (345) 948 2243
www.hsa.ky. SEE AD PAGE 325
Dr Sharon Chambers, MB BS (U.W.I.) MD (Res) MRCP (UK) CCT (Rheumatology) – Consultant
Rheumatologist
Dr Darley Solomon, MD MBA – General Surgeon
Dr Omar Felix, MBBS DM FACS – General Surgeon
Dr Alfred Choy, MA MB MChir FRCS – General Surgeon
Dr Christopher Bromley – General Surgeon
Doctors Hospital
16 Middle Road (off Walkers Road), GT
Tel: (345) 325 9000
Book online: mydoctors.ky/appointments
SEE AD PAGE 319, 407 & 462
Dr Amitkumar Bagdia – Consultant Surgical Oncologist
Dr Binoy Chattuparambil, MBBS MS MCh (CVTS) – Senior Consultant in Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgery
Dr Jasneet Chawla – Junior Consultant Orthopaedics & Joint Replacement
Dr Troy Gatcliffe – Gynaecologic Oncologist
Dr Devendra Jadhav – Consultant Orthopaedics & Joint Replacement
Dr Manjunatha Kandala, MBBS DNB –Neurosurgeon and Spine Surgeon
Dr Javier Mendoza – Consultant Plastic Surgeon
Dr Leeza Mohanty – Consultant Plastic Surgeon
Dr Niranjan Nagaraja, MBBS DNB D.Ortho –Senior Orthopaedic Surgeon
Dr Manoj Kumar Rangapa – Consultant Surgical Gastroenterologist
> Health City at Camana Bay 25 Cerasee Way (off Esterly Tibbetts Highway)
> Health City Cayman Islands
1283 Sea View Road, East End
Tel: (345) 640 4040
Emergencies: (345) 526 2108
Email: info@healthcity.ky. SEE AD PAGE 9
Urology
Dr Rafal Krupiniewicz, MD FEBU
Smith Road Medical Centre (3rd Floor)
150 Smith Road, George Town
Tel: (345) 244 2650
www.hsa.ky/medical-services/urology
SEE AD PAGE 325
Dr Lona Vyas, MD – Consultant Urologist
Doctors Hospital
16 Middle Road (off Walkers Road), GT
Tel: (345) 325 9000
Book online: mydoctors.ky/appointments
SEE AD PAGE 319, 407 & 462
DENTAL & ORTHODONTIC HEALTH
Dental Care
Dental costs vary between government and private dentists, with hospital care often involving wait times. Walk-in clinics
handle some procedures like extractions and dentures, but insurance coverage for dentistry varies, and orthodontics is often excluded or capped. According to the Department of Health Regulatory Services, there are 91 dentists licensed to practice in the Cayman Islands, with 328 support staff consisting of dental technicians, therapists and hygienists.
7 Dental
Marquee Place, West Bay Road, SMB
Tel: (345) 943 7400
Email: hello@7dental.ky
www.7dental.ky
IG: @7dental_
Skilled dental professionals providing the highest quality of care. Boasting a well-rounded team of experts covering every aspect of dentistry, including cosmetic, paediatric, periodontics, facial aesthetics, oral surgery, orthodontics and endodontics. Experience a patient-centred approach in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.
Aventis Dental and Facial Aesthetics
Caribbean Plaza, Second Floor, 878 West Bay Road, Seven Mile Beach
Tel: (345) 746 8555
Email: dental@aventis.ky www.aventis.ky
Aventis is a revolutionary dental experience, combining cutting-edge technology and skill in a luxurious setting. Dr Jonathan excels in general and cosmetic dentistry and the hygienists provide meticulous and gentle dental cleanings with their state of the art air polishers. Dr Childers is the only board certified paediatric specialist on the island. Dr Janish is their resident periodontal specialist, who provides dental implant treatments with the highest quality implants available on the market.
Dr Michael H Morgan, DDS MS
Dr Jose Barros, DDS
18 Forum Lane, Camana Bay Tel: (345) 945 4447
Email: caymandentalservices@gmail.com www.caymandental.com
Cayman Dental offers comprehensive oral healthcare for all ages, utilising state-ofthe-art equipment and techniques. Their services include high-quality dental care, prosthodontics, and facial aesthetics.
SEE AD PAGE 347
Cayman Islands HSA – Anthony S. Eden Hospital
Dr Shogan Govender, BChD PDD MChD
Dr Lyle Bridgeman, DDS
Dr Andrea Maitland–Campbell DDS AEGD
Dr Megan Griffith, BDS PGDip Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopaedics
Dr Thammy Powery, DMD
Dr Michael Leon, DMD (Cert. Endodontics)
Dr Pratish Munasur, BChD MSc
Dr Cheri De Vos, BChD
Dr Lavanya Pernapati, BDS AEGD GPR
Dr Chrijandri Peenz, BChD PGDip Dent Endo PGDip Dent Implant
95 Hospital Road, George Town Tel: (345) 949 2741 or (345) 244 2742
www.hsa.ky/medical-services/dentistry
SEE AD PAGE 325
Cayman Islands HSA – Faith Hospital (Brac)
Dr Ximena Hernandez
215 Dennis Foster Road, Cayman Brac Tel: (345) 948 2243
SEE AD PAGE 325
The Dental Centre
Dr Keelin Fox, BA B.Den.Sc MFDS (RCSI) (MClinDent) Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopaedics
Dr Jennifer Mountjoy, BDS NUI MSc Imp Dent.
Dr Alexandra Cutus DMD BSc MSc
Cayman Dental
Dr Howard Ironstone, BSc Phm DDS FAGD FICD
Dr Thomas Lerikos, BSc DDS
Dr Charlecia Moore, BSc DDS
Dr Kurt Friedman, BSc DDS OMFS
Dr Suki Murbay, BDS MSc
Dr Jessica Thomas, BSc DDS
2nd Floor, Fidelity Financial Centre, SMB Tel: (345) 943 7000
Email: thedentalcentre1@gmail.com www.thedentalcentrecayman.com
Providing routine checkups, cosmetic dentistry and specialised treatments. The Dental Centre will meet your dental needs with personalised
Dental and Facial Aesthetics Practitioners
Dr Keelin Fox
Dr Jennifer Mountjoy
Dr Alexandra Cutus
Dentistry
Examination / Cleanings
White Fillings / Crowns / Bridges
Veneers / Root Canal / Extractions
Dental Implants / Orthodontics
Fixed Braces / Invisalign
TMD & Bruxism Treatment
Teeth Whitening Composite Bonding
Facial Aesthetics
Anti-Wrinkle Injections
Skin Rejuvenation with Profhilo Lip Fillers
Cheek, Chin, and Jawline
Augmentation
Neck Rejuvenation
Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty
Tear Trough Rejuvenation
Nose to Mouth Lines
Hyperhydrosis Treatment
care and attention to detail. Your smile is their priority and they look forward to welcoming you. SEE AD PAGE 345
My Island Dentist
Dr Talia Davidson, DDS
Dr Rosy McCrodan, DMD
Dr Maha Mezher, BChD
Erin Currie, RDH
Peeta Sandhu, RDH
Yvonne Tambong, RDH
Amy Sacrey, RDH
Governors Square, West Bay Road
Tel: (345) 749 9500
WhatsApp: (345) 324 9500
Email: info@myislanddentist.com www.myislanddentist.com
Comprehensive dental clinic dedicated to providing top-notch preventative, restorative and cosmetic dentistry services to individuals and families. The patient-centered approach focuses on personalised care. Services encompass cutting edge techniques such as EMS Airflow technology for dental cleanings, thorough dental exams, digital x-rays,
DENTAL CLINIC
root canals, custom sports guard fittings, extractions, TMJ/grinding treatments, cosmetic bonding, crowns, veneers, teeth whitening, tooth-coloured fillings, bridges, therapeutic and cosmetic Botox, filler treatments, and Invisalign with digital scanning.
SEE AD THIS PAGE
Dr George Batgidis, DDS FIADFE FAAID –Dental Surgery
Dr Kris Togias DMD PC – Orthodontist Specialist
Dr Mauritz Crouse BChD PGDip Dent –Paediatrics and General Dentistry
Dr David Chernin DMD MLS FICD FACD FAAHD
– Practice of Endodontics
Dr Aikaterini Fysikoudi DDS HSPD (HonM) –Children’s Dentistry – Invisalign Provider
Dr Levaan Indermun BChD PGDip – General Dentistry
Pasadora Family Dental Centre
94 Smith Road, Pasadora Place, George Town
Tel: (345) 943 2222
WhatsApp: (345) 936 3222
Email: info@pfdc.ky
Strand Dental delivers advanced dental, cosmetic, and aesthetic treatments in a professional, patient-centred environment. Cayman-born Dr Hannah Griffin, with a background in oral and facial surgery in the UK, is joined by Dr Daniel Scott, whose expertise further strengthens the team’s ability to manage complex cases. Together, they provide personalised care with a focus on precision, safety, and supporting anxious patients.
• General dentistry
• Hygiene services
• Root canal therapy
• Crown and bridge work
• Aesthetic dentistry
www.pasadorafamilydental.ky
Other languages: Spanish, German, French, Greek, Afrikaans, Tagalog
Pasadora Family Dental Centre offers general dentistry for children and adults. They have resident specialists in dental oral surgery procedures, along with root canal and gum (perio) treatments, cosmetic restorations, pediatrics, orthodontics for all ages, Invisalign treatments, mouth guards, teeth whitening at the clinic (laser and home kits available), oral hygiene services, NewTom Giano HR 3D advanced digital imaging, iTero 5, intraoral cameras and TVs in each room, and more. Safe sedation options are also available.
SEE AD PAGE 348
The Strand Dental Clinic
The Strand Shopping Centre (off West Bay Road)
Tel: (345) 949 3367
Whatsapp: (345) 322 4247
Email: thestranddentalclinic@gmail.com
Providing advanced dental, cosmetic and aesthetic treatments in a professional, patient-centred environment, Strand
• Gum disease management • Whitening • TMJD assessment, management and treatment • Oral cancer screenings
• Oral surgery: wisdom tooth assessment and complex extractions
Monday-Friday 9am-5pm | Book an appointment by WhatsApp: (345) 322 4247
Dental is committed to excellence, offering comprehensive and individualised care.
Cayman-born Dr Hannah Griffin brings extensive expertise from her oral & facial surgery background in the UK, complemented by her colleague Dr Daniel Scott and the wider team. Together, they specialise in managing complex cases and supporting anxious patients, ensuring the highest standards of precision, safety and personalised outcomes.
SEE AD OPPOSITE PAGE
Dr Sudeep Iyer, BDS MDS
Total Health
Grand Pavilion, 802 West Bay Road, SMB
Tel: (345) 333 2222
Email: appointments@totalhealth.ky
www.totalhealth.ky
Dr Sudeep Iyer is a distinguished dental practitioner with an impressive journey in the field. With over 18 years of experience, he’s become a well-regarded figure in oral health.
SEE AD PAGE 337 & 332
Orthodontic Specialists
Cayman Orthodontics
18 Forum Lane, Camana Bay
Tel: (345) 949 5090
Email: smile@caymanorthodontics.com
www.caymanorthodontics.com
Cayman Orthodontics boasts a team of boardcertified experts specialising in Damon braces and Invisalign for children and adults.
Dr Wolfe’s Dental Centre
Dr Wilbert Veit, DMD FAGD FAES FICOI
Dr Adam Stang, DDS
Dr Youssef Ghobara, BDS (Hons)
135 Andrew Drive, Snug Harbour
Tel: (345) 945 4388
Email: info@wolfedental.ky
www.wolfesdental.ky
For over 40 years, Dr Wolfe’s dental clinic has been a trusted provider of high-quality dental care to the Cayman Islands community, including the Sister Islands. From the beginning, their mission has been to offer compassionate, comprehensive, and state-of-the-art dental services to their patients. They continue to
uphold that commitment, ensuring that every individual who walks through the door receives the best possible care. SEE AD PAGE 348
Children’s Dentistry
Dr Andrea Maitland-Campbell, DDS, AEGD
Dr Megan Griffith
95 Hospital Road, George Town
Tel: (345) 949 2741 or (345) 244 2742
www.hsa.ky/medical-services/dentistry #paediatric-dentistry
Dr Kris Togias, DMD PC Board Certified Orthodontist (USA)
Dr Aikaterini Fysikoudi, DDS HSPD (HonM)
Dr Mauritz Crouse, BChD (WCU)
Pasadora Family Dental Centre
94 Smith Road, Pasadora Place, George Town
Tel: (345) 943 2222
WhatsApp: (345) 936 3222
Email: info@pfdc.ky
www.pasadorafamilydental.ky
Other languages: German, Greek, Afrikaans, Tagalog
Pasadora Family Dental Centre offers general
dentistry for all ages, as well as paediatric dentistry and orthodontics. They have resident specialists in dental oral surgery procedures and dental implants, along with root canal and gum (perio) treatments, cosmetic restorations, paediatrics, orthodontics for all ages, Invisalign treatments, mouth guards, teeth whitening at the clinic (laser and home kits available), oral hygiene services, NewTom Giano HR 3D advanced digital imaging, Soredex digital x-rays in every room, iTero 5, intraoral cameras and tvs in each room, and more. Safe
sedation options are also available to make your child’s visit a pleasant experience.
SEE AD THIS PAGE
Dr Wolfe’s Dental Care
135 Andrew Drive, Snug Harbour, SMB
Tel: (345) 945 4388
Email: info@wolfedental.ky www.wolfedental.ky
Dedicated to preserving and restoring the health and beauty of their patients’ smiles, Dr Wolfe’s offers trusted and gentle medical
Pasadora Family Dental Centre
Private Consulting and Treatment Rooms • Oral Surgery & Perio Treatments
• Calming Relaxed Atmosphere
• Advanced Digital Imaging (NewTom GianoHR 3D CBCT)
• Intraoral Cameras and TVs in each room
• iTero 5 Scan • Laser Treatments
care to infants, children and adolescents, whatever their oral health needs might be. Expertly and respectfully serving your dental care needs is their focused mission.
SEE AD THIS PAGE
Dental Implants, Cosmetics & Dental Oral Surgery
Dr Chrijandri Peenz
Dr Cheri De Vos, BChD
Dr Lavanya Pernapati, BDS AEDG GPR
Dr Thammy Powery
Dr Lyle Bridgeman, DDS
Dr Shogan Govender, BChD PDD MChD (Oral medicine & Periodontology)
Dr Pratish Munasur BChD MSc
Dr Michael Leon, DMD (Cert. Endodontics)
95 Hospital Road, George Town
Tel: (345) 949 2741 or (345) 244 2742
www.hsa.ky/medical-services/dentistry
SEE AD PAGE 325
Implantology
Special Care & Oral Hygiene Services • Sedation
TMD Therapy • Executive Hours Available
All Major Insurance Accepted
General restorative cosmetic dentistry • Pediatric Dental care / O.R Privileges • Dental implants and bridge work • Botox treatment • Invisalign Treatment
Oral Surgery Wisdom tooth removal/ Nitrous Sedation • Evaluation and treatment gum diseases and root canals • Teeth whitening
Emergencies
Dr Georgios Batgidis, DDS FIADFE (USA) FAAID Dental Surgery
Pasadora Family Dental Centre
94 Smith Road, Pasadora Place, GT
Tel: (345) 943 2222
WhatsApp: (345) 936 3222
Email: info@pfdc.ky www.pasadorafamilydental.ky
Other languages: Spanish, German, French, Greek, Afrikaans, Tagalog
Pasadora Family Dental Centre offers general dentistry for all ages. They have resident specialists in dental oral surgery procedures and dental implants, along with root canal and gum (perio) treatments, cosmetic restorations, paediatrics, orthodontics for all ages, Invisalign treatments, mouth guards, teeth whitening at the clinic (laser and home kits available), oral hygiene services, NewTom Giano HR 3D advanced digital imaging, Soredex digital x-rays in every room, iTero 5, intraoral cameras and TVs in each room, and more. Safe sedation options are also available.
SEE AD THIS PAGE
Acupuncture & Alternative Medicine
Cayman Physiotherapy
Two
> Suite 25 & 26 Pasadora Place, Smith Road, GT
> West Shore Center, West Bay Road, SMB
Tel: (345) 949 8828
WhatsApp: (345) 928 8828
Email: physio@candw.ky
www.caymanphysiotherapy.com
SEE AD PAGE 352
Doctors Hospital
16 Middle Road (off Walkers Road), GT
Tel: (345) 949 6066
SEE AD PAGE 319, 407 & 462
Audiology
Cayman Hearing Center
Dr Annette Stephenson AuD ABAC F–AAA 3rd Floor, Alissta Towers, George Town
85 North Sound Road
Tel: (345) 946 9174
Email: info@caymanhearingcenter.com www.caymanhearingcenter.com
Cayman Hearing Center is the only fullservice audiology practice in the Cayman Islands dedicating themselves to delivering exceptional care in a comfortable environment. Established in 2007, the Cayman Hearing Center facility is an extraordinary contribution to hearing solutions on the island.
SEE AD THIS PAGE
ENT in Cayman
Dr Ulrich Ecke, MD ENT
Alison Mulder, BA (Hons) – Speech Therapist
Dr Fionnuala Keane, MBChB DCH DRCOG PGDiPENT
Hearing and Balance Disorders Centre, Unit 37 Pasadora Place, Smith Road, George Town
Tel: (345) 745 3253
Email: info@entincayman.com www.entincayman.com
Chiropractic
Align Wellness Studio
45 Market Street, Unit 3A, Camana Bay
Tel: (345) 640 5050
Email: info@align.ky
Cayman Islands Health Services Authority –Specialist Clinic
Dr Robert Bouliane, BSC DC
Dr Caolan Teasdale, DC
The only full service audiology practice in the Cayman Islands
Products & Services
Diagnostic hearing evaluations for all ages
Hearing aid assessments, fittings, and programming
Tinnitus evaluations, management, and counseling
Balance and dizziness assessments and rehabilitation
Industrial Hearing Screening Program
Custom ear protection and musician’s earplugs
Newborn Hearing Screenings
Cerumen Management
Aural Rehabilitation
Smith Road Medical Centre (3rd Floor)
150 Smith Road, George Town
Tel: (345) 949 8600
www.hsa.ky/medical-services/chiropractor
SEE AD PAGE 325
Dr Gregory Lippitt, BSc DC CAFCI Unit 209, West Shore Center, SMB
Tel: (345) 943 4357
Synergy Chiropractic & Physiotherapy Ltd.
Christine Cleaver, RMT – Massage Therapist
The Marquee Plaza, 36 Lawrence Blvd, SMB
Tel: (345) 943 8200
Email: info@synergychirophysio.com www.synergychirophysio.com
Homoeopathy
Zenitha Varghese, BHMS HD (Canada) Cotton Tree Bay, Cayman Brac Tel: (345) 927 2654
Email: drzenitha@gmail.com
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Cayman Islands HSA – Anthony S. Eden Hospital
95 Hospital Road, George Town Tel: (345) 949 2989
Email: diveraid@candw.ky
The Cayman Hyperbaric Services team of 30 qualified and dedicated part-time operators and attendants operate Cayman’s only recompression chamber. Located at the Anthony S. Eden Hospital, the unit is readily available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year on an on-call basis to treat diving emergencies and other elective medical problems.
SEE AD PAGE 325
Will of Wellness (WOW)
13 Belmont Close, George Town
Tel: (345) 926 2428
Email: wowcayman3@gmail.com
Massage Therapy
Align
45 Market Street, Unit 3A, Camana Bay Tel: (345) 640 5050 www.align.ky
Cayman Physiotherapy
Two locations:
> Suite 25 & 26 Pasadora Place, Smith Road, GT
> Westshore Center, West Bay Road, SMB
Tel: (345) 949 8828
WhatsApp: (345) 928 8828
Email: physio@candw.ky
www.caymanphysiotherapy.com
SEE AD PAGE 352
The Well
2nd Floor, Bayshore Mall, George Town
Tel: (345) 743 9355 www.thewellcayman.com
Medical Cannabis
Cayman Islands HSA – Anthony S. Eden Hospital
Dr Delroy Jefferson, MCI BSc(Hon) MBBS DA
MScPPM(Lon) DM DBA GDL(Dist) LLM(Hon)
Dr Judith Nicholls, MD
Dr Irka Ebanks, MBBS
95 Hospital Road, George Town
Tel: (345) 949 8600
SEE AD PAGE 325
Doctors Hospital
16 Middle Road (off Walkers Road), GT
Tel: (345) 949 6066
SEE AD PAGE 319, 407 & 462
Nutritionists & Dietitians
Andrea Hill, BCHN MS BASc
Tel: (345) 938 4246
Email: andreahill.nutrition@gmail.com www.andreahillnutrition.com
Brandi Propas, MHSC RD CCDE International Medical Group
Suite 30, Pasadora Place, Smith Road, GT
Tel: (345) 945 2881
Email: info@intmedicalgroup.com www.intmedicalgroup.net. SEE AD PAGE 331
Cayman Islands HSA – Anthony S. Eden Hospital
Simone Sheehan (Hospital Dietician)
Mia Zurita (Outpatient Dietician)
Tamara Whorms-Riley, ENS PGPN MS RDN (Community Dietitian)
95 Hospital Road, George Town
Tel: (345) 949 8600
SEE AD PAGE 325
Cayman Nutrition
Chad Collins, RD
Jessica Watterworth, RD – Paediatrics Speciality
Tel: (345) 525 2019 or (345) 547 1528
Email: caymannutrition@gmail.com
Cayman Wellness & Medical Center
Unit 5-101 Governors Square, 23 Lime Tree
Bay Ave, West Bay
Tel: (345) 943 4500
Email: info@caymanwellnessmedical.ky www.caymanwellnessmedical.ky
Led by Dr Joan Harriott (dual American boardcertified in internal and obesity medicine), CWMC provides personalised weight loss care with advanced tools like the SECA 554 Body Composition Analyzer, Breezing Pro Metabolic Calorimeter, and an on-site lab. Programmes combine nutrition, lifestyle support, and when appropriate, medications for safe, lasting results.
Taryn Stein, RD OceanMed
Bayshore Mall, Level 2
Tel: (345) 946 2326
Email: info@oceanmed.ky www.oceanmed.ky
Taryn Stein is a trained dietitian and wellness coach specialising in perimenopause and menopause nutrition management. Taryn combines her solid foundation in nutritional science and psychology with deep compassion to support women in midlife and help them navigate their health during menopause.
Kristen Lomas, RD MBA
Seven Mile Medical Clinic
Queens Court Plaza, West Bay Road, SMB
Tel: (345) 949 5600
Email: admin@sevenmileclinic.ky
SEE AD PAGE 330
Total Health – Weight Loss Management
Grand Pavilion, 802 West Bay Road, SMB
Tel: (345) 333 2222
Email: appointments@totalhealth.ky
www.totalhealth.ky
Dr Rajnish Kumar is a registered physician
specialising in diabetes care who also provides a successful weight loss programme that empowers individuals to take control of their own health. It gives patients the necessary tools and knowledge to allow them to make better lifestyle choices. SEE AD PAGE 327 & 332
Occupational Therapy (OT)
Occupational therapy helps individuals of all ages engage in daily activities and improve quality of life. Therapists address physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges, often using sensory strategies to help patients manage their environment. Benefits include increased independence, improved motor and cognitive skills, emotional wellbeing, better management of chronic conditions, and support in developing adaptive techniques that enhance participation in meaningful activities.
Katherine Walmsley, BSc OT
Melissa Chavez, MSc OT
Andrenne Gordon, BSc OT
Sarah Caswell, MOT
Alliana Bagtas, MSc OT
Bay Town House, 36 West Bay Road, GT
Tel: (345) 244 2730 or (345) 244 7675
www.hsa.ky/medical-services/therapyservices/occupational-therapy
SEE AD PAGE 325
Cayman Theraplay Ltd.
12 Plaza Venezia, North Sound Road, GT
Tel: (345) 749 7529
www.caymantheraplay.com
Email: info@caymantheraplay.com
KidsAbility
Mareli Joubert, OT
Eline Cloete, OT
Lisé du Plessis, OT
Grainne Houlihan, OT
8 Midtown Plaza, George Town
Tel: (345) 943 5437
Email: info@kidsability.ky
www.kidsability.ky
KidsAbility is a paediatric therapy clinic offering neuropsychology services, counselling services, occupational therapy, speech-
language therapy, a feeding clinic, social skills groups, parent, teacher and allied health workshops and telehealth services.
Optometry
Optometry focuses on vision care, prescribing glasses, contact lenses, and managing eye health. It should not be confused with ophthalmology, which is the medical field concerned with the diagnosis and surgical treatment of eye diseases and dysfunction.
Caribbean Optical
Tel: (345) 943 1515
Email: info@cariboptical.com
Dr Foley’s Eye Clinic
Dr Eugene Foley, FRCS MB BCh BAO NUI
107 Claude Hill Road (off Smith Road), GT Tel: (345) 946 4169 or (345) 946 4944
Email: info@drfoleyeyeclinic.com
Dr Eugene Foley provides several optical services, including general ophthalmology, eye surgery, full diabetic eyecare, lasers,
glaucoma, kids’ assessments and all eye emergencies. Most insurance policies accepted on assignment. SEE AD THIS PAGE & 339
Optical Outlook
Dr Mellisa Hudell, B.A. O.D.
Louise Cagney, BSc (Hons) MCOptom Dip Tp (IP)
Antony Martin, BSc (Hons) MCOptom Dip Tp (IP)
Three locations:
> Anderson Square, George Town
> Jacques Scott Plaza, West Bay
> Tibbets Square, Cayman Brac
Tel: (345) 746 2020
Email: team@outlook.ky
Serving the Cayman Islands community since 1989, Optical Outlook offers comprehensive eye exams and high-quality eyewear and is Cayman’s trusted provider for all eyecare needs.
Tropical Optical
Natalie DaSilva, BSc OD
Herman Grobler, BSc (Hons) MCOptom DipTP(IP)
14 Galleria Plaza, West Bay Road, SMB
Tel: (345) 945 7588 or (345) 929 2444
Email: info@tropicaloptical.ky
www.tropicaloptical.ky
Tropical Optical offers quality eyecare, contact lens fittings and a large selection of eyewear for women, men and children. There is also an optical lab on-site. Open Monday-Friday 9am5pm, Saturday 9am-3.30pm. SEE AD PAGE 351
VisionWear Cayman
Tel: (345) 943 5151
Email: info@visionwearcayman.com
Physiotherapy
Align Wellness Studio
45 Market Street, Unit 3A, Camana Bay Tel: (345) 640 5050
Cayman Islands HSA – Bay Town House
Virginia Barnes, DPT CLT-ALM CEAS
Chickandarvin Chellaswamy Santha, DPT RAC CEAS RPT
Kareen Hadome, BSc PT
Rejuan Henry, BSc (Sports) MSc PT
Georgia Kirby, BSc PT
Christy Mariya Thressa, DPT RAC CLT-ALM
Sports
Back & Neck Disorders
Orthopaedic & Surgical Rehabilitation
Manual Therapy
Massage Therapy
Ergonomic Assessments in the Workplace
Neurological Disorders
Acupuncture & Dry Needling
Chiropractic Services
Laser Therapy for Soft Tissue Injuries
Lower Limb Rehab Classes
Women's Health
Core Strengthening, Individual & Group Classes
Pilates Classes
Home Visits Available
Water Therapy
Camille Marshall–Morris, MSc
Mariah McIntyre, BSc (Hons) PT
Stephanie Ming Yorke, PT CNS
Taylor Reid, RPT MSc BSc
Janine Rose, MSc MEd CLT CEAS
Karen Ryan, PT
Chelsea Tennant, MSc PT
Shelley Webster, BSc PT Dip FT
Sinead Kemp, MSc PT
Daniella Gourzong, BSc PT
Chavenese Powell, DPT
Ferhn Henry, DPT
Yutivia Crouse, PT
Roxanne Smikle-Swaby, PT
Bay Town House, 36 West Bay Road, GT Tel: (345) 244 2730 or (345) 244 7675 www.hsa.ky/medical-services/therapyservices/physiotherapy. SEE AD PAGE 325
Cayman Physiotherapy (AT)
Lindsay Bridgeman, BSc MCSP RPT
Sara Windsor, BSc PT RPT
Angela Deeney, BSc MCSP RPT
Bethany Cook, BSc MCSP RPT
Dwain McGuinness, BSc MISCP RPT
Guy Waller, BSc MCSP RPT
Nicola McCabe, BSc MCSP RPT
Janelle Henry, BSc MCPS RPT/Pilates
Instructor
Andy Hall, MSc MCSP RPT
Kasia Iglinski, CPAM RMT – Massage Therapist
Dr Emilia Kruska DC Chiropractor and Pilates Instructor
Lizzie Knight, BSc (Hons) (Occupational Therapy)
Lisa Li, BSc Lic Ac MD Acupuncture
> Suite 25-26 Pasadora Place, Smith Road, GT
> West Shore Center, West Bay Road, SMB
Tel: (345) 949 8828
WhatsApp: (345) 928 8828
Email: physio@candw.ky
www.caymanphysiotherapy.com
Sports injury rehab, joint mobilisation for back and neck injuries, acupuncture, massage therapy, advanced knee rehab, individual and group classes for core strengthening, chiropractic services, aquatic therapy, Pilates, home and office visits, women’s health, ergonomic assessments, sports and therapeutic massage and occupational therapy.
SEE AD THIS PAGE
Elevation Health & Physiotherapy
Elzke Hoehler, PT OMT – Certified Pelvic Health Therapist
Melissa Cola PT - Certified TMJ Therapist, Pilates and Hydrotherapy
Jack Sharples PT - Sports and Orthopaedic Therapist
Fidelity Financial Centre, 2nd Floor, 1 Gecko
Link, Seven Mile Beach
Tel: (345) 623 6663
Email: info@elevation.ky
www.elevation.ky
Elevation Health & Physiotherapy provides high-level, comprehensive physiotherapy care. Their team of specialised physiotherapists offers a variety of expertise to help patients overcome their injuries and enhance their performance.
RVC Rehab Services
Jacqui Tomlinson–Smith, PT LCCE CD (DONA) LC
Tomlinson Building, 3rd Floor, 9 Walkers Road, GT
Tel: (345) 925 6024
Email: info@rvcrehab.ky www.rvcrehab.ky
A complete rehabilitation and fitness clinic.
Samantha Sparg, BSc – Specialist Paediatric Physiotherapist
Integra Healthcare Ltd.
Grand Pavilion, West Bay Road, SMB
Tel: (345) 745 7450
Email: s.sparg@integra.ky www.integra.ky. SEE AD PAGE 407
Will of Wellness (WOW)
13 Belmont Close, George Town
Tel: (345) 926 2428
Email: wowcayman3@gmail.com
Preventative Healthcare
Preventative healthcare is an emerging field aimed at extending both lifespan and healthspan by reducing disease risk and optimising long-term wellness. A medical longevity clinic is a specialised healthcare center that integrates preventative medicine, advanced biomarker diagnostics, regenerative therapies such as stem cells, personalised nutrition, and precision lifestyle interventions to decelerate
biological aging, prevent chronic disease, and promote sustained vitality.
Aurora Life
Grand Pavilion, 802 West Bay Road, SMB
Tel: (345) 233 1111
Email: concierge@auroralife.ky
www.auroralife.ky
Aurora Life is Cayman’s only longevity clinic offering unique concierge-level medical care tailored to each member. They combine cuttingedge diagnostics with precision, physicianguided interventions and regenerative therapies—each one mapped to a member’s unique biology. No generic protocols, no onesize-fits-all templates; every step is personally engineered to extend health-span, cognitive clarity, and performance to ultimately reverse biological aging. By appointment only.
SEE AD PAGE 315
Spas (Medical)
Medical spas combine a spa-like experience with physician-supervised treatments, including facials, dermal fillers, anti-aging procedures, and regenerative therapies like PRP and stem cell therapy for lasting skin rejuvenation and hair restoration.
Aventis Dental and Facial Aesthetics
Caribbean Plaza, Second Floor 878 West Bay Road, Seven Mile Beach Tel/WhatsApp: (345) 916 8170
Email: aesthetics@aventis.ky www.aventis.ky
Dr Imogen blends science and artistry for effective anti-ageing outcomes, excelling in Botox, dermal fillers, Profhilo and thread lifts. Aventis utilises the renowned Sciton laser to address hyper-pigmentation and carry out anti-ageing medical grade resurfacing.
Beyond Basics Laser & Skincare
3rd Floor, Tomlinson Building, 9 Walkers Road, GT
Tel: (345) 916 7546
Email: info@beyondbasics.ky www.beyondbasics.ky IG/FB: @beyondbasicslaser
derma Ltd.
The Grove, West Bay Road, SMB
Tel: (345) 233 1152
www.derma.ky
Other languages: Spanish Combining state-of-the-art dermatological care with a patient-centred approach, offering a comprehensive range of services from general dermatology to advanced aesthetic treatments. Derma Ltd is equipped with the latest generation of medical-grade lasers, allowing for cutting-edge treatments.
SEE AD PAGE 334
Speech & Language Therapy (SLT)
Speech and language therapy helps children and adults with communication, speech, language, voice, fluency, eating, drinking, and swallowing difficulties.
Delivered by speech-language pathologists (SLPs), it involves assessment, treatment, and collaboration with families, teachers, and other professionals to ensure consistent support for the patient. Therapy aims to build confidence, independence, and effective communication. For children, it can be a key tool in preparing for school. For adults, it is used to regain or strengthen skills after illness or injury. Beneficiaries include individuals with developmental delays, autism spectrum disorder, hearing loss, and other inhibitive conditions.
Cayman Islands HSA – Bay Town House
Faith Gealey-Rochez, MS CCC–SLP – SLP Therapist
Mariah Freeman, MA CCC–SLP – SLP Therapist
Janelle Syms, MSc SLT CertMRCSLT – SLP Therapist
Laura Kelly, SLP Therapist
Emily Clarke, SLP Therapist
Bay Town House, 36 West Bay Road, GT Tel: (345) 244 2730 or (345) 244 7675
www.hsa.ky/medical-services/therapyservices/speech-language-therapy
SEE AD PAGE 325
Cayman Theraplay Ltd.
12 Plaza Venezia, North Sound Road, GT Tel: (345) 749 7529
Cayman Theraplay provides speech-language therapy and occupational therapy for infants, toddlers, children and teens; as well as parent
and play programmes to support caregivers in bolstering their babies’ development.
Alexa Goldblum, BA Speech & Hearing Therapy CHATTERBOX
Casuarina Point, 218 South Church Street, GT Tel: (345) 949 7065
Email: alexa@chatterboxcayman.com
Roz Griffiths, BSc CertMRCSLT CHATTERBOX
Casuarina Point, 218 South Church Street, GT Tel: (345) 949 7065 or (345) 926 1693
Email: chatterbox@candw.ky www.chatterboxcayman.com
Harmony Scott, MSc CertMRCSLT/Dip. CHATTERBOX
Casuarina Point, 218 South Church Street, GT Tel: (345) 949 7065 or (345) 926 1693
Email: harmony@chatterboxcayman.com www.chatterboxcayman.com
Claire Leadbeater, MSc Cert MRCSLT
Hope Academy
Grand Harbour Shoppes, Red Bay Tel: (345) 769 4673 or (345) 929 5122
SEE AD PAGE 343 (CLINIC) & 376 (SCHOOL)
KidsAbility
Cynthia Rowe, SLP
Jessica Hazell, SLP
Samantha Martin, SLP 8 Midtown Plaza, George Town Tel: (345) 943 5437
Email: info@kidsability.ky www.kidsability.ky
Paediatric therapy clinic offering developmental neuropsychology services, counselling services, occupational therapy, speechlanguage therapy, a feeding clinic, literacy clinic, social skills groups, parent, teacher and allied health workshops and telehealth services.
The Speech Studio
Unit 229 Cannon Place, North Sound Road, GT Tel: (345) 917 7434
Email: hello@speechstudio.ky
www.speechstudio.ky
Offering early intervention speech and language services with an individualised family-
MEDICAL SUPPLIES & EQUIPMENT
BlueWater Medical Supplies
125 Owen Roberts Road, George Town Tel: (345) 233 2583
Email: contact@bluewater.ky or rx@bluewater.ky
JDW Medical Solutions
19 Walkers Road, George Town Tel: (345) 947 8000
Email: info@jdwmedicalsolutions.com
RVC Rehab Services
Tomlinson Building, 9 Walkers Road, GT Tel: (345) 925 6024 www.rvcrehab.ky
Valu-Med Pharmacy
Two locations:
> Photo Pharm Centre, Walkers Road, GT Tel: (345) 949 0442/Fax: (345) 949 0443
WhatsApp: (345) 926 1662
Email: sales-wr@valrx.com
> Evron Plaza, Bodden Town
Tel: (345) 946 5511/Fax: (345) 945 5709
Email: sales-bt@valrx.com or rx-bt@valrx.com
In addition to prescription drugs and baby essentials, Valu-Med has a selection of convalescence aids, including hospital beds, wheelchairs and more.
PHARMACIES
Pharmacies offer convenient hours and knowledgeable pharmacists who dispense medications, review prescriptions, and provide advice. Many have multiple branches. Register your insurance to potentially pay only the co-pay. For repeat prescriptions, call ahead to speed up processing. Check generic prices, as brandname drugs are usually costlier. Some pharmacists on-island offer blood pressure and other medical screening. They can also advise on over-the-counter medications.
Best Health Pharmacy
71 Crown Square Plaza, George Town Tel: (345) 949 1301
Open: Monday to Friday 9am-7pm, Saturday
9am-5pm. Closed on Sunday.
Be Well Pharmacy
West Shore Center, 508 West Bay Road, SMB Tel: (345) 949 2323
After hours: (345) 927 0489
Email: rx@bewellpharmacycayman.com
Open: Monday to Friday 8.30am-6.30pm, Saturday 9am-3pm and Sunday 10am-2pm. Refill your prescriptions, get over-the-counter medicines, supplements and vitamins. They also offer free delivery.
Care
Pharmacy
Queens Court Plaza, West Bay Road, SMB Tel: (345) 943 2273
Email: carepharmacy1@gmail.com
Open: Monday to Friday 9am-7pm, Saturday 9am-3pm, closed Sunday and Public Holidays.
Cayman Pharmacy Group (CPG)
Cayman Pharmacy Group provides you with more than just prescriptions – they strive to make your health their concern. They recognise the complexities of pharmaceuticals and the
need to personalise your care. That is why CPG offers personalised one-on-one counselling. Their pharmacists are available to assist with questions that you may have about your health and the medications you have been prescribed. The group has three locations:
> Doctors Hospital
16 Middle Road (off Walkers Road), GT
Tel: (345) 946 2407
Email: pharmacy@doctorshospital.ky
Committed to serving your health and pharmaceutical product needs.
Open: Monday to Friday 8am-9pm, Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays 9am-6pm.
> Savannah Pharmacy and Gifts
Countryside Shopping Village, Savannah Tel: (345) 929 5045
Email: info@savannahpharmacy.ky
Open: Monday to Friday 8am-9pm, Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays 9am-6pm.
> West Bay Pharmacy and Gifts
106 Centennial Towers, West Bay
Tel: (345) 945 0777
WhatsApp: (345) 516 0777
Email: westbay@caymanpharmacy.com
Open: Monday to Saturday 9am-8pm, Sunday and Public Holidays 11am-6pm.
Foster’s Pharmacy
Foster’s Pharmacy offers professional and friendly service and is conveniently situated inside their Airport and Camana Bay supermarket locations. Pick up your prescription while you shop. Accepted insurers: Aetna, BAF, CG BritCay, Cayman First, Vanguard Risk Solutions and CayMed. Customers can also order refills via WhatsApp. Foster’s Pharmacy offers prescription shipping to Little Cayman and Cayman Brac.
> Foster’s Pharmacy at the Airport Centre
63 Dorcy Drive, George Town
Tel: (345) 815 4051
WhatsApp: (345) 926 7485
Open: Monday to Saturday 7am-9pm, and Public Holidays 9am-6pm. Closed Sunday, Good Friday, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
> Foster’s Pharmacy at Camana Bay Solaris Avenue, Camana Bay Tel: (345) 815 4061
Holidays 9am-4pm. Closed Sunday, Good Friday, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. SEE AD THIS PAGE & 207
Healthcare Pharmacy – Grand Harbour
The Shoppes at Grand Harbour, 1053 Crewe Rd, Red Bay
Tel: (345) 947 8900/Fax: (345) 947 8901
Email: healthcaregh@healthcarepharmacy.ky www.healthcarepharmacy.ky
Open: Monday to Saturday 8am-10pm, Sunday and Public Holidays 10am-6pm. At Healthcare Pharmacy, enjoy the ease of refilling and transferring your prescriptions online. You can also browse Cayman’s largest selection of greeting cards, Hallmark gifts and gift wrap, along with major beauty brands and extensive skincare solutions. SEE AD PAGE 356
HealthCare Pharmacy - Governors Square
Governors Square, Seven Mile Beach
Tel: (345) 949 8900
Fax: (345) 949 8903
www.healthcarepharmacy.ky
Open: Monday to Saturday 9am-6pm. Closed on Sunday and Public Holidays.
SEE AD PAGE 356
Health Services Authority Pharmacies:
The Health Services Authority’s main pharmacy is conveniently located at the Smith Road Medical Centre. As the largest pharmaceutical provider in Cayman, the HSA’s pharmacies offer a wide selection of medications for hospital and outpatient clinic patients, government employees and prescriptions from your private physician. With seven pharmacy locations across Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac, they can provide services close to home for all residents of Cayman. SEE AD PAGE 325
> Smith Road Pharmacy (Primary Pharmacy)
Smith Road Medical Centre
150 Smith Road, George Town
Tel: (345) 244 2715 or (345) 244 7542
WhatsApp: (345) 925 6534 (Grand Cayman) or (345) 916 9555 (Sister Islands)
Open: Monday to Friday 8am-9pm, Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays 9am-5pm.
> Anthony S. Eden Hospital Pharmacy
95 Hospital Road, George Town
Tel: (345) 244 2715 or (345) 244 2716
Open: Monday to Friday 8am–9pm, Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays 9am–5pm.
> Faith Hospital in Cayman Brac
215 Dennis Foster Road, Cayman Brac Tel: (345) 948 2243
Open: Monday to Friday 8.30am-8pm, Saturday 10am-1pm, Sunday and Public Holidays 3pm4pm.
> West Bay Health Centre Pharmacy
Reverend Blackman Road, West Bay Tel: (345) 949 3439
Open: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 8.30am–5pm, Wednesday 1.30pm–8pm. Closed Saturday and Sunday.
> Bodden Town Health Centre Pharmacy
445A Bodden Town Road, Bodden Town Tel: (345) 947 2299
Open: Monday and Thursday 1.30pm–8pm, Wednesday and Friday 8.30am-4pm. No pharmacist on Tuesday. Closed Saturday and Sunday.
> East End Health Centre Pharmacy
2367 Sea View Road, East End
Tel: (345) 947 7440
Open: Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 8.30am–4pm. Closed at all other times.
> North Side Health Centre Pharmacy
1148 North Side Road, North Side Tel: (345) 947 9525
Open: Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 8.30am4pm. Closed at all other times.
Kirk Pharmacy
Kirk Market, Eastern Avenue, GT Tel: (345) 949 7022 (ext. 164)
Email: pharmacy@ksl.ky or kirkpharmacy@ kirkmarket.ky (online refills) www.pharmacy.ky
Open: Monday to Saturday 8am-9pm, Public Holidays 10am-6pm. Closed on Sunday. Kirk Pharmacy offers convenience and friendly expert pharmacists whose priority is the health and wellbeing of every individual customer. Their services are very convenient, with the ability to order prescription refills online. Customers can also ask the pharmacists questions about their medication via email. SEE AD PAGE 13 & 354
Quality Pharmacy
Serendipity Building, 78 Hospital Road, GT
Tel: (345) 946 6266
Open: Monday to Saturday 8.30am-7pm. Sunday and Public Holidays 10am-5pm.
Total Health – Pharmacy
Grand Pavilion, 802 West Bay Road, SMB
Tel: (345) 333 4444
WhatsApp: (345) 324 0274
Email: pharmacy@totalhealth.ky www.totalhealth.ky
Open: Monday to Saturday 8am-8pm.
SEE AD PAGE 327 & 332
Valu–Med Pharmacy Bodden Town
Evron Plaza, Bodden Town
Tel: (345) 946 5511/Fax: (345) 945 5709
Email: sales-bt@valrx.com
Prescriptions: rx-bt@valrx.com
Open: Monday to Saturday 8.30am-9pm, Sunday and Public Holidays 10am-6pm.
Valu–Med Pharmacy Walkers Road
Photo Pharm Centre, Walkers Road, GT
Tel: (345) 949 0442/Fax: (345) 949 0443
Email: sales-wr@valrx.com
Prescriptions: rx-wr@valrx.com
Open: Monday to Saturday 8am-10pm, Sunday and Public Holidays 10am-6pm.
Windward Pharmacy
Unit 1, Windward Centre,93 Smith Road, GT
Tel: (345) 949 4081
Email: windward@candw.ky
Open: Monday to Friday 8.30am-5.30pm and Saturday 8.30am-1pm. Closed on Sunday and Public Holidays.
HEALTH SUPPLEMENTS
GNC
> Queens Court, West Bay Road, SMB
Tel: (345) 945 7690
> Country Corner, Savannah
Tel: (345) 946 7235
Email: gold@gnccayman.com www.gnc.com
Island Naturals – Retail
Island Naturals Wellness Store
Earth Close (Off West Bay Road)
Tel: (345) 946 3321
WhatsApp: (345) 917 4480
Email: info@islandnaturals.ky www.islandnaturals.ky/retail
Vitamin Shoppe
Unit 107, Cannon Place, 294 North Sound Road, George Town
Tel: (345) 746 5015
Email: vitaminshoppe.ky www.vitaminshoppe.ky
Discover an extensive range of vitamins,
supplements, superfoods, and natural beauty remedies, all under one roof at The Vitamin Shoppe. Shop trusted brands like BodyTech and BodyTech Elite to boost endurance and strength, premium supplements from Vthirve with clinically tested ingredients, or explore earth-friendly herbal supplements from Pint for a more organic approach to wellness. There is a rewards programme to make ongoing savings, and you can take advantage of sameday delivery for added convenience.
THE VITAMIN SHOPPE.
Vitamins, supplements, superfoods & natural beauty essentials — all in one store. Shop trusted brands, join our rewards program, and enjoy same-day delivery .
www.vitaminshoppe.ky (345) 746 5015
Education
Furthering your own or your child’s
information about
government and private preschools, primary schools and high schools, overseas boarding schools, colleges and universities, learning support and tutoring, vocational training and adult recreational classes.
The Cayman Islands has excellent schools all the way from preschool through to high school and university, and although a few new schools have opened over the past few years, there is still a shortage of available spaces in preschools and primary schools. Parents hoping to send their children to private schools are advised to put their child's name down at their chosen preschool and primary school prior to, or within days of, the child's birth, and don't forget subsequent children! If the school is heavily oversubscribed for the year that your child is due to start, then they will usually advise you to put your child's name down at a second school as well. The last two years of high
Photos
school are also at maximum capacity for children wanting to do A Levels, as many students from government high schools also compete for these places. Space is also at a premium in government primary and high schools. See further on in this chapter about how to register your child for a place at a government school.
Improvements in Education - Public In 2025, a new, cloud-based school management system called Arbor was rolled out across all government schools in the Cayman Islands. It is designed to modernise and simplify how Cayman’s schools manage student data, and track their academic performance. It replaces their previous cloud system called Everest.
The Ministry’s Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Unit has extended the very successful Smart Start Early Stimulation Programme, which is designed for families with children who are three to four years old in Bodden Town, North Side and East End. There is also a new programme, in conjunction with non-profit LIFE Cayman, the Family Resource Centre and the Department of Children and Family Services, called the Roving Parent Mentorship Programme. In this programme, trained volunteers have been working directly with parents and caregivers in their homes, offering personalised guidance to help support their child’s literacy and socialemotional growth before their children start at primary school. It is too early to know what the new National Coalition For Caymanians party will change in regards to education, but the theme of education featured heavily on the Caymanian Community Party and Cayman Islands National Party’s election manifestos. Their combined theme was that the government education system needed to offer each Caymanian a fair chance of succeeding in life and that it should provide an education that improves employment prospects for all Caymanians.
Improvements in Education - Private
In the private sector, CF School opened
their new purpose-built high school in Buttonwood Park, George Town in September 2025. With all subject specialist teachers, an English curriculum leading to Cambridge IGCSEs at the end of Year 11, small class sizes of 15 students, and a full afternoon until 5.30pm which includes homework club and their popular afterschool enrichment programme, this is a very welcome addition to Cayman's school offerings. In the preschool sphere, the Garden Playschool Group, who are the dynamic team behind Sprogs, have just opened a new, purpose-built preschool in West Bay called Kiddiewinks. It caters to children from the age of 12 months to five years, and includes a Reception/ Kindergarten class. They also have a Spanish Immersion programme. At the other end of the education cycle, the Ministry of Education's Scholarship Secretariat has authorised two additional centres where Caymanians can study for a TVET course, and the Ministry will grant scholarship funding for those who qualify. The Brainchild Learning & Development Centre and the Financial Services Institute join Cayman Career Academy and Inspire Cayman Training in offering Caymanians TVET courses.
School Statistics
According to the 2024 Education Data Report, there are 2,056 children enrolled in 43 preschools, and a total of 9,054 children enrolled in 27 private and government schools spread across the three Islands, with 875 teachers teaching these students. In primary and secondary education there are 3,958 students in private schools, 2,289 in government primary schools, 2,693 in government secondary schools and 116 students enrolled in the Lighthouse School, the country’s school for students with the most significant special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Most children with SEND are enrolled in mainstream schools with varying levels of support. Approximately 118 children are homeschooled. In primary school, 46.7% of children were in private schools, and in high school, 40.9% were in
private schools.
Caymanian Children
Caymanian students have the option to go to a government school (it is decided by catchment area) or a private school. If a Caymanian chooses to send their child to a government primary or high school, then the Government has an obligation to educate that child from the age of five to 17. All three government high schools end at Year 11 (age 16), but because the Government mandates that education is compulsory to Year 12 (or the age of 17), all children who go through the government school system will officially be enrolled in the Cayman Islands Further Education Centre (CIFEC) for Year 12 where they can take CXCs or a BTEC work experience programme.
However, if your child wants to go to UCCI or a private school (overseas or in Cayman) so that they can get sufficient external exams (SATs, A Levels, APs, BTECs or an Associate's Degree) to get into an overseas university, then their move must be approved by the Director of Education Services and they will be given what is called 'Dual Entry'. Without this designation, their previous time at a government high school will not apply to their graduation criteria.
Expatriate Children
It is the Cayman Islands Government’s stance that expatriates employed in the private sector who qualify to have their dependants on-Island with them (i.e. earn over CI$4,000 per month and have two dependants on their permit), should educate their children in private schools. If the Government employs an expatriate, then the employee has the option of sending their children to a government school, if there is space. However, most government schools are at capacity and the Lighthouse School is completely full. Expatriates are advised to work out carefully what their budget, plus buffer, will be and whether they can realistically afford to school their children in Cayman. Sending your child to a private school and then asking the Department of Education if your child can move to a government school because you
cannot afford the school fees is not an option. If you find you cannot afford to educate your child at your chosen private school, then the only options are to choose a less expensive private school, ask the school for financial assistance, homeschool your child or have your child leave the island. If they are between the ages of five and 17, they cannot live in Cayman and not be in full-time education. If an expatriate cannot find a suitable place for their child in a private school and homeschooling is not a viable option, then ask the Department of Education if there is space in a government school for your child. They will try and find a space for your child if possible. However, no expatriate child can join a government primary school in the Reception/Kindergarten year (when they are four years old). The earliest they can start is Year 1 when they are five.
Reserving a Place at a School
If you would like to send your child to a government school, you will need to fill the 'Student Registration Form' available online from the Department of Education Services (DES) website (https://schools.edu. ky). See further on in this chapter for more information. If you would like to send your child to a private school, visit the school's website as early as possible after the birth of your child and apply online. The usual process is to fill in the application form and pay the deposit. The admissions officer will then contact you asking for a copy of your child's birth certificate. Then, closer to the entry date, they will ask for a photo and your child's immunisation record. It is worth noting that although school waiting lists are notoriously long, Cayman has a transient population and parents often put their child's name down on two different schools, so places do often become available with patience and time. Schools will place your child on their waiting list on a first come, first served basis, starting in September and finishing in the summer. Therefore, those born from September to February have an advantage of gaining a place at their first-choice school. Please note that siblings, children of alumni, and
members of the affiliated church (if it is a faith‐based school) are usually given priority at private schools, so even if your child is on a waiting list, enrolment is not guaranteed. Do not overlook enrolling your subsequent children.
Enrolment Age & Requirements
In the Cayman Islands, it is compulsory for all children aged five to 17 years to attend school or be homeschooled. However, the reality is that most children enter primary school at the age of four and do not leave until they are 18. For preschool, your child can usually start at age two, or sometimes as young as 18 months. A handful of schools will take infants at six weeks if they have a dedicated nursery room. For primary school, the starting age is almost universally four across the Cayman Islands, other than for expatriate children who are entering the government school system who are not allowed to start until they are five and ready to enter Year 1. If children are going into the British school system (Cayman Prep, Footsteps, Island Primary and St. Ignatius), they will enter kindergarten at age four. If they are starting at a school following the American system (Cayman International School, First Baptist Christian School, Grace Christian Academy and Triple C), then your child will start in Pre–K3 at the age of four. If they are Caymanian and they are going to a government primary school, they will start in Reception at the age of four. Please be aware that a few of the private schools now have Pre–K2 years (St. Ignatius Catholic School, Cayman International School and Grace Christian Academy), which means their students can start at two or three years old and will automatically move up to Kindergarten/ Pre–K3, leaving less space for incoming students. If you intend to send your child to one of the major private primary schools, make sure to register them early and then accept the offered place in Kindergarten/ Pre–K3 when your child is four. Deferring the place to Year 1 is never advised as it reduces the chance of getting your child into the school down to almost zero.
Most private schools in Cayman will only test your child for placement if they are entering after Kindergarten/Pre–K3. If your child is transferring from another school, they will likely need official school records from the previous school(s). If transferring at high school level, an upto-date medical record that includes vaccination details is also required.
Health Screenings
All students entering government or private schools for the first time are required by law to have a health screening. The Education Department mandates that these screenings must be completed before the new school year begins in September. The screening includes a growth and development assessment, screening for vision and hearing, a dental assessment, the administration of necessary immunisations and obtaining a student’s personal medical history. The Public Health Department staff conduct these screenings, which are free to all students. Appointments can be made at the school the child will be attending. Parents and guardians need to accompany their children and they should also bring the child’s immunisation record. Vaccines will be offered to children whose immunisations are not up-to-date. Parents may also have their child’s health screenings done by a private doctor, as long as that doctor completes the forms provided by the Public Health Department. The completed forms should be handed in at the John Gray High School Medical Centre (Nurse’s Office) from 3rd July to 15th August, between 8.30am to 4.30pm. Once the record has been received, the child will be issued with a health screening certificate, which they must then take with them to school in September. For those attending schools in Cayman Brac or Little Cayman, appointments can be arranged through the Public Health Nurse, Kedine Hyde, at Faith Hospital (Tel: (345) 244 7643, (345) 926 2436 or (345) 948 2243).
School Fees
Caymanian students do not pay school fees to attend government schools. In the
instance that a non-Caymanian student is given a place at a public school, then the school fees are CI$750 per year for primary school (Years 1-6), CI$900 per year for middle school (Years 7-9) and CI$1,200 per year for high school (Years 10-12). The fees for private schools vary widely from school to school. See the listings further on in this chapter.
Free School Meals
All students enrolled in government compulsory education programmes (in government schools and private schools) have access to free breakfast, lunch and snacks every school day. This CI$9.5 million meal programme has been universally welcomed by teachers who have seen a significant improvement in students' behaviour and academic performance since its full introduction in March 2022. Money previously spent by PTAs and non-profit groups to feed students has now been spent on expanding literacy and after-school programmes. In many instances, it is the only nutritious food a student will have all day, and some still struggle for food security in the holidays when school is out.
Switching Schools
Many Caymanian students leave the public school system and go to a private school at the beginning of high school (Year 7), at the beginning of Year 9 (a year before GCSEs start) or at the beginning of Year 12 (for the start of A Levels). Many parents in Cayman also send their children to boarding school, either a year before GCSEs or for the start of A Levels. When these pupils leave, places in private schools in Cayman are freed up.
The approximately 150 places in Year 12 at Cayman's two private high schools that do A Levels (Cayman Prep and High School (CPHS) and St. Ignatius) are highly sought after. Every student, regardless of whether they are existing students at the school or new students, must apply for a place on the A Level programme and must pass the prerequisites for entry. This is usually
a minimum number of IGCSE/GCSE/ CXC, all with A*-C (9-4 in the new GCSE grading system) or grades I-III for CXC, and students are usually expected to get an A or B grade in the GCSE subjects they have chosen to do at A Level. However, it should be noted that two CXC subjects offered at government high schools, Early Childhood Studies and Electronic Document Preparation and Management (EDPM), are not considered 'access courses' and do not count toward your five subject pass requirement. Also, students and their parents need to be aware that a pass (grade A–C) in English and Maths is non-negotiable. If your child is struggling in these two subjects, do everything you can to get them through these courses, including organising tutoring. If you want to enter a child into either of these private schools, you must apply by January of the year of entry and definitely no later than March. This then gives the family time to apply to the Scholarship Secretariat for a scholarship for your Caymanian child. You can only apply to the Scholarship Secretariat for a local scholarship between March 1st and April 30th. Quite a few students also switch between the private schools, but before a switch can take place, and in addition to the normal paperwork (assessments), there is a transfer form, designed and managed by the Private Schools Association (PSA), that must be completed by the current school and forwarded to the new school. As well as a standard report on the child’s performance and behaviour, this form clearly states whether financial commitments have been met. It is an essential component of the acceptance process for students transferring within the private school system.
Local School Consultants
Dorm & Day
Based in Grand Cayman, Dorm & Day offers a school placement advisory service for education in the Cayman Islands and overseas. Tel: (345) 936 3676 or email: admin@dormandday.ky. For more information, see page 380.
Scholarships for Secondary School
The Department of Education, through the Scholarship Secretariat, provide financial assistance to Caymanian students when they are in Years 12 and 13.
A Level Students
If a Caymanian student is accepted at either St. Ignatius or Cayman Prep and High School to take A Levels, regardless of whether they went to a public or private high school before that, they can apply to the Scholarship Secretariat for a scholarship to cover their child's school fees. Parents need to be prepared to pay for PTA fees and uniforms, but they no longer have to pay for AS and A Level exam fees and the Government also pays for their lunch while in school. To qualify for financial assistance to cover the fees, students need to have achieved a minimum of five IGCSE/ GCSE/CXC passes at grade C or higher and have passed English and Maths. To qualify for funding in the second year of the course, students must achieve a minimum of C, C, C in their AS-level exams at the end of the first year of their A Level course. Any money received from the Scholarship Secretariat is paid directly to the school and cannot be used for uniforms or any other incidentals. An additional contribution is also made towards books. Check the scholarship information page on www. moescholarships.gov.ky for further details. The application period for local scholarship funding is 1st March to 30th April. Late applications will not be considered.
Associate’s Degree Students
If a Caymanian government high school student chooses to finish their secondary education by doing an Associate’s Degree at UCCI or ICCI then they can apply for a local scholarship. However, all students who have not achieved either an A or B grade in English and Maths are mandated to take remedial Maths and English at college level, as well as college skill classes and career classes. The Associate's Degree takes about 2.5 years at UCCI (with 68 credits), 18 months at ICCI (which is a
quarter-term institution) and you will graduate with an Associate’s Degree worth 90 college credits.
BTEC Diploma Students
The government high schools and CIFEC offer BTEC Level 1 and 2 courses, which are the equivalent to GCSEs. CIFEC also offers the first year (only) of the BTEC Level 3 which, if two years are completed is the equivalent of one A Level. Students can go to a state boarding school in the UK to complete the course. To qualify for an overseas scholarship, students taking the BTEC Level 3 will need to finish the two-year course with a minimum grade of merit (M). CIFEC currently offers two BTEC Level 3 courses, one in Creative Media Film and TV, and the other in Business. However, these are only offered to Certificate level (equivalent to AS Levels), since you can only attend CIFEC for one year, and to reach Diploma level, you would have had to complete a two-year course.
AP, CAPE and IB Students
Caymanian students doing Advanced Placements (AP), the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) or the International Baccalaureate (IB) are offered scholarship funding towards the cost of both years of their studies. Visit the Scholarships section of the Cayman Resident website, the website of our sister publication, Cayman Parent or the Ministry of Education's Scholarship Secretariat website (www.moescholarships.gov.ky) for more information.
Office of Education Standards (OES)
Individual school reports published on the Office of Education Standards’ website (www.oes.gov.ky) provide detailed, impartial and transparent assessments of the performance of schools, teachers and students in the Cayman Islands. These reports are available for all to read and are a useful tool for parents to find out how their children’s schools perform compared to others or aid them in deciding which
school is best for their child. All schools are now inspected once every two years, unless they are graded 'Excellent', in which case they are inspected less often. If they are graded 'Weak' they are given a list of improvements and are then inspected again six months later. If they continue to get a 'Weak' rating then they will be closed down. Note: You will find more information about local and international education options in the Cayman Parent magazine and website. Visit www.caymanparent.com.
Literacy Programmes & Support
The independent, not-for-profit organisation, Literacy Is For Everyone (LIFE), works alongside local preschools, government primary schools and educators to advocate for quality education for all, and to provide LIFE-changing resources and volunteer power to positively impact and significantly improve literacy levels. LIFE is the largest donor of books into the public school system, with 100,000 books donated so far. Their programmes include: 1) paired reading, where specially trained volunteers read with struggling readers for 30 minutes each week; 2) Partners in Print, which offers parents and caregivers tips and tricks to support literacy within the home; and 3) Thrive By Five, LIFE’s early childhood literacy programme, targeting the development of foundational literacy skills in the birth to five years age group. To donate or volunteer, email: volunteer@ life.org.ky. For further information on any of LIFE’s transformative programmes, Tel: (345) 328 3120, visit www.life.org.ky or find them on Facebook and Instagram.
School Bus Rental
School buses can be rented from Lemay's Transport. He has four buses that can carry up to 96 students in each, plus he can subcontract others if needed. Tel: (345) 547 9182 or email: lemaytransport@ outlook.com.
GOVERNMENT EDUCATION
Students enrolling in government primary and high schools must register with the
Department of Education Services (located at 130 Thomas Russell Way, George Town, Grand Cayman) or the Cayman Brac Teacher’s Centre between 1st March and 30th June. Parents will need to complete an application form and upload a copy of the child’s birth certificate, immunisation card and documentation showing the child’s residency category. Parents must also supply two forms of proof of their street address by presenting a utility bill and lease or a notarised letter from a landlord if renting. Catchment areas determine which school your child will attend.
Priority for entry into a government school goes first to Caymanians and Status holders, then to dependants of Caymanians, thirdly to dependants of Cayman Islands Government employees, then to permanent residents and lastly to all others where space is available. Class sizes are capped at 24 students per class for Reception and Year 1, and at 28 students in other years. There are now assistant teachers in all classrooms from reception to Year 9.
Note: not all primary schools have enough spaces in the Reception class (e.g. West Bay Primary has 3 Reception classes but 4 classes in Year 1), and although the Ministry of Education is trying to resolve this problem, a considerable percentage of children will not be able to start primary school until they are five. The Government are very strict on keeping children in their age groups, so if your child does not get into primary school when they are four, they will go straight into Year 1 at the age of five. This has caused significant problems if the child is not socially, emotionally and academically ready for the rigorous pace of Year 1. If this is your child, be very mindful of the importance of preparing your child for the fact they will have missed that foundational Reception year (when they learn the look and sound of their letters and numbers and start reading and writing). Parents can help by ensuring that their children start primary school in the year that they are four (turning 5 that year) and that they go into Reception, and not Year 1.
GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOLS
All eight of Grand Cayman's government primary schools, and both primary schools in Cayman Brac, have a Kindergarten/ Reception year. Parents with Caymanian children who are four by 31st August are encouraged to have their children start in Reception/Kindergarten, rather than waiting until their child turns five (when they will go into Year 1). They will then stay in the primary school system until the end of Year 6 (aged 10, turning 11).
East End Primary has a Pre-K class that can accept 20 children who are aged three. Expatriate children who have been given permission to attend a government school cannot start in Reception at the age of four; they have to wait until they are five years old and can then start in Year 1. At the end of Year 6, students take Key Stage 2 exams, which assess them for secondary school. The high school then uses the first term to assess each child for academic streaming. For more information on the schools listed here, visit https://schools.edu.ky.
Creek Infant & Spot Bay Primary School (Brac)
Creek Infant School: 28 Student Drive
Spot Bay Primary School: 170 Spot Bay Road
Tel: (345) 948 0226/0225
Catchment Area: All areas east of Faith Hospital to the eastern end of Cayman Brac.
Inspection Grade: Satisfactory, OES 2023
Creek Infant, located on Student Drive, covers Nursery-Year 2. Spot Bay Primary School, located on 170 Spot Bay Road, covers Years 3-6. The school is located on two different sites but is managed and run by the same team.
East
End Primary School
17 Sea View Road, East End
Tel: (345) 947 7428
Catchment Area: East of the Frank Sound junction and all of East End to the Queen’s Highway Monument that borders North Side and East End.
Inspection Grade: Satisfactory, OES 2024
Edna M. Moyle Primary School
907 North Side Road, North Side
Tel: (345) 947 9516
Catchment Area: All of Frank Sound up to Old Man Bay (west) and to Cayman Kai.
Inspection Grade: Good, OES 2024
Joanna Clarke Primary School
1659 Shamrock Road, Savannah
Tel: (345) 947 1344
Catchment Area: East side of Spotts-Newlands Road to Beach Bay Road, and including the greater Pedro area.
Curriculum: IB system Kindergarten-Year 6
Inspection Grade: Satisfactory, OES 2024
Marie Martin Primary School (formerly George Town Primary School)
168 School Road, George Town
Tel: (345) 949 2689
Catchment Area: South of Safehaven Drive to the junction of Turnberry Drive. South of the Villas of the Galleon to Memorial Avenue, north on Walkers Road to Maple Road, east on Smith Road to Crewe Road leading to Shedden Road and Dorcy Drive. North on Airport Road, including all areas north and east past the airport to the North Sound.
Inspection Grade: Satisfactory, OES 2024
Prospect Primary School
169 Poindexter Road, Prospect
Tel: (345) 947 8889
Catchment Area: From Prospect Drive eastward, to the west side of Spotts-Newlands Road and the west side of Chime Street on the bypass/East-West Arterial (including all of Prospect Park, Patrick’s Island, Ocean Club, Mariners Cove, and Cascades Drive).
Curriculum: IB system Kindergarten-Year 6
Inspection Grade: Satisfactory, OES 2023
Red Bay Primary School
271 Shamrock Road, Red Bay
Tel: (345) 947 6333
Catchment Area: All of Victory Avenue and Summit Crescent heading west along Shamrock Road towards Crewe Road and South Sound (including Admiral’s Avenue, Bimini Drive, Selkirk Drive, Abbey Way and the Grand Harbour area).
Inspection Grade: Satisfactory, OES 2024
Sir John A. Cumber Primary School
44 Fountain Road, West Bay
Tel: (345) 949 3314
Catchment Area: North of Safehaven Drive (including the junction of Turnberry Drive and north of The Ritz-Carlton) and north to West Bay, including all of West Bay.
Curriculum: IB system Kindergarten-Year 6
Inspection Grade: Good, OES 2025
Theoline L. McCoy Primary School
6 Condor Road, Bodden Town
Tel: (345) 947 2288
Catchment Area: East side of Beach Bay Road, continuing up through Breakers (including Northward) to the Frank Sound junction.
Inspection Grade: Satisfactory, OES 2025
West End Primary School (Brac)
10 East West End Road, Cayman Brac
Tel: (345) 948 1425
Catchment Area: West end of Cayman Brac to Faith Hospital on the north side of the island, and correspondingly across the island to the south coast.
Inspection Grade: Satisfactory, OES 2023
See the Cayman Resident website (www. caymanresident.com) for a map of the catchment areas for government schools. Visit the Department of Education Services (https://schools.edu.ky) for more information.
GOVERNMENT HIGH SCHOOLS
High School Options
There are three government high schools in the Cayman Islands: two in Grand Cayman (Clifton Hunter High School in Frank Sound and John Gray High School on Academy Way in George Town), and one in Cayman Brac (Layman E. Scott Senior High School). Clifton Hunter and John Gray serve Years 7–11 for students aged 11–16, while Layman E. Scott Snr. serves Years 7–12 for students aged 11–17. In addition, Clifton Hunter and John Gray students complete a mandatory Year 12 offsite usually at CIFEC, UCCI or they go to a private school to do A Levels.
Curriculum
Students follow the Cayman Islands National Curriculum up to Year 9. In Year 10, students begin their preparation for internationally accredited external examinations by following the relevant syllabi. All students complete a two-year programme of classes (Years 10 and 11) in the core subjects of English, Maths, Science, Physical Education and Life Skills, and have the option of taking three additional subjects of their choice. Students then take exams set either by a UK exam board (GCSE), the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC), the Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Exam (CAPE) or they can take the USA Advanced Placement (AP) level exams at the end of Year 11. All students are then automatically enrolled in the compulsory Year 12 (one academic year) programme at the Cayman Islands Further Education Centre (CIFEC), where they can take an array of business and technology courses (BTEC), get involved in work experience and internships, or retake CXC and GCSE exams to improve their grade standing.
There is also the option for students to enrol in a Dual Entry programme such as
A Levels at St. Ignatius or Cayman Prep and High School, an approved accredited school overseas (this option at the student’s expense), or attend UCCI and work on an Associate's Degree. After completing their Year 12 programme, students graduate from their respective secondary schools at the compulsory school leaving age of 17. For those then going to UCCI to take an Associate's Degree, the university now requires all students to take compulsory courses to establish a proper basis in English (ENG 99) and Mathematics (Math 99), and they provide tools for survival throughout a student's college experience (COL 100).
Graduation Rules & Exams
To graduate with a high school diploma, all students leaving a government high school must attain one of four academic levels (Level 2 with High Honours, Level 2 with Honours, Level 2 Diploma, Level 1 Diploma – the highest being Level 2 with High Honours). In addition, during their last three years (Years 10-12), they must have at least a 90% or more attendance record, have fewer than 14 days of suspension and have completed 10 hours of community service. For exams, a minimum of five passes at CXC or GCSE, including Maths and English, are considered necessary for entry to the A Level programme at either St. Ignatius or Cayman Prep. However, neither of these schools count Early Childhood Studies and Electronic Document Preparation and Management (EDPM) as access courses. Further requirements, including a minimum grade pass at A*-C or 1-3, are essential when applying for a government scholarship. For those in the US system, a 2.75 GPA is considered necessary for entry to a university course, but a 3.0 GPA is necessary to qualify for a Cayman Islands Government university scholarship. For those who go on to Level 3 (International Baccalaureate or Advanced Placements, A Levels or an Associate's degree at UCCI) after leaving high school, the passing of this level indicates suitability for pursuing tertiary education.
Government High Schools
All three government high schools follow the Cayman Islands National Curriculum from Years 7–9 and do CXCs or GCSE from Years 10–11. Even though they do not have a Year 12, that year must be spent in full-time education.
Clifton Hunter High School
311 Frank Sound Road, Frank Sound Tel: (345) 947 7353
Catchment Area: All areas on the east side of Spotts-Newlands Road and the east side of Chime Street, the Bypass or the East/West Arterial.
Inspection Grade: Satisfactory, OES 2023
John Gray High School
135 Olympic Way, George Town Tel: (345) 949 9444
Catchment Area: The west side of SpottsNewlands Road, and the west side of Chime Street,the Bypass or the East/West Arterial.
Inspection Grade: Good, OES 2023
Layman E. Scott Senior High School (Brac)
941A Dennis Foster Road, Cayman Brac Tel: (345) 948 2226
Catchment Area: All areas of Cayman Brac and Little Cayman.
Inspection Grade: Good, OES 2023
FURTHER EDUCATION
CI Further Education Centre (CIFEC)
73 Academy Way, George Town Tel: (345) 949 3285
Email: admin@cifec.edu.ky
Director: Mr Mark Seerattan
Ages: 16-18
Curriculum: CIFEC offers BTEC and City and Guilds vocational courses at levels 1–3, which are the equivalent of GCSE (level 2) and AS Levels (level 3), offering an effective bridge to university or the world of work. Each TVET programme includes an internship with an employer. Over one hundred employers work with CIFEC and many students find that their employment is extended after the internship has finished. CIFEC also runs a Water Sports apprenticeship and a Health Care Aide programme, the latter in collaboration with
the Health Services Authority (HSA). Students are given the opportunity to resit CSEC courses (level 2 Mathematics, English, Science and Electronic Document Preparation and Management) if they did not earn a level 2 pass in high school. TVET courses on offer include IT, Beauty Therapy, Hospitality, Health and Social Care, Art, Creative Media, Work Skills, Business, Construction, Sport, Family and Resource Management, Technical Drawing, Marketing, and IMI Motor Vehicle course. Check www. schools.edu.ky/CIFEC for more information.
Inspection Grade: Satisfactory, OES 2022
PRIVATE EDUCATION
PRESCHOOLS & PRE-PRIMARY
Improving Standards in Preschools
Scientists agree that when it comes to a child's development, the first five years are the most important. It is when they learn appropriate behaviour, boundaries,
there are a lot of options in Cayman and some are doing a better job than others.
The Ministry of Education’s Early Childhood Care and Education Unit conducts regular support visits to all Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) centres (preschools). One reason for the visits is to ensure that ECCE centres are creating a culture of child learning and development and not just one of 'babysitting'. By doing this, they are ensuring that children are better prepared – socially and academically – for their entry into primary school at the age of four.
Standards that early childhood centres must adhere to include not only health and safety regulations, but also how the staff interact with the children and ensure that the children are being properly stimulated and exposed to age-appropriate activities. Practitioners are also supported to identify
ST IGNATIUS CATHOLIC SCHOOL EARLY YEARS FOUNDATION STAGE
Catering exclusively to 3 to 5 years olds
Dedicated Teacher and Teacher’s Assistant per class. Cayman Islands Office of Education Standards ‘Excellent’- Nov 2024
life beyond. All preschools are regularly inspected by the Office of Education Standards and their reports are very revealing as to what these schools are doing to raise their standards.
Early Childhood Assistance Programme (ECAP) Funding
Island Montessori
Dedicated to nurturing children aged 16 months to 6 years, our classrooms are carefully prepared and guided by experienced, qualified teachers, offering Toddler and Casa programs. Our school features an expansive 1.5-acre garden with shade trees, nature trails to explore and areas for play, learning and sports.
are strongly advised to take it. Keeping your child back in preschool so that they miss this first year at primary school has significant consequences: a) firstly, your child will be assessed by the primary school before they are offered a place in Year 1 to see if they are up to par with the school's expectations for a five year old (many fail this test and are not accepted); b) children at primary school start learning to read in earnest in Kindergarten and those who have not started in their preschool may fall behind in Year 1; c) your child's new classmates may have already made firm friends among the students; d) adjusting to 'big school' and its lack of freedom (to play and choose what you want to work on) can be challenging for some children, and they will have missed the transition with other children in the same boat and e) on average, only five places become available in Year 1 at the top private primary schools, which means that the chances of your child being offered a place are slim at best.
Dedicated to nurturing children aged 6 months to 5 years, our classrooms and programmes are carefully prepared and guided by experienced, qualified Montessori teachers. Our school includes approximately 4,000 sq ft of indoor space and an expansive 1.5 acres of natural gardens, outdoor learning environments and several play areas.
To ensure that all eligible Caymanian children who turn three before 1st September have the opportunity to benefit from pre-primary learning opportunities, the Ministry of Education and Training offers funding to assist in the cost of access to ECCE for qualifying Caymanian children. To apply for funding, visit https://moeapplications.gov.ky/. Required documentation includes the child's birth certificate, an official letter from WORC acknowledging the child's right to be Caymanian, a copy of the parent's Government-issued ID and proof of income. Applications for the Early Childhood Assistance Programme (ECAP) are means-tested. Depending on your overall household income and the number of dependants you are supporting, you can expect to receive the maximum of CI$812 per month per child or the basic funding amount of CI$541 per month per child. Tel: (345) 244 3155 or email: ecap@gov.ky for more information.
Search Cayman’s schools by type, year and area
Nurseries & Preschools
Contact us for more information
Rated ‘Excellent ’ by the Office of Education Standards (OES), 2024
+1 (345) 945-5814
islandmontessori.org
Contact us for more information +1 (345) 945-5814
islandmontessori.org
Dedicated to nurturing children aged 6 months to 5 years, our classrooms and programmes are carefully prepared and guided by experienced, qualified Monstessori teachers. Our school includes approximately 4,000 sq ft of indoor space and an expansive 1.5 acres of natural gardens, outdoor learning environments and several play areas. Contact us for more information +1 (345) 945-5814
islandmontessori.org
Most schools featured in this section accept children from 18 months to four years of age and offer full-day programmes and half-day options. Children will traditionally begin Reception/Kindergarten (CI Government/ UK system) or Pre–K3 (US system) at their chosen primary school once they are four years old, and they will turn five during the course of that academic year. If your child is already five, then they will go into Year 1. If you intend to send your child to one of Cayman's private primary schools and you are offered a place in their Kindergarten or Pre–K3 class (i.e. the reception year), you
If your child's preschool covers such things as the correct pencil grip, the phonetic sounds of the alphabet and how to write numbers from one to ten, this is a bonus and will help your child transition to reading and writing. The top preschools do teach these things, while placing great emphasis on learning through play, exceptional manners and appropriate social interaction. In this section, we list all of Cayman's preschools. For more information, you can also visit the Education page of our website or pick up a copy of Cayman Parent magazine.
Achievement Centre (The)
295 Shamrock Road, Red Bay
Tel: (345) 947 5050
Email: achieve4u@achievementcenter.net
Ages: 2–4 years
Monthly Fees: CI$725
Inspection Grade: Good, OES 2025
Bloom Learning Centre
Seven Mile Shops, West Bay Road
Tel: (345) 746 4444
Email: info@bloom.ky
Web: www.bloom.ky
Ages: 6 weeks–5 years
Monthly Fees: Infant and Toddler CI$1,199, Early
Preschool and Preschool CI$1,149 (full time)
Inspection Grade: Satisfactory, OES 2023
Cayman Academy
Accepts children from 3-16 years. See page 372 for more information.
Cayman International School – Early Childhood
95 Minerva Drive, Camana Bay Tel: (345) 945 4664
Email: cis@cis.ky
Web: www.cis.ky
Annual Fees:
> Pre-K2 (5 days/week, half day) CI$15,240
> Pre-K2-Pre-K4 (5 days/week, full day)
CI$18,000
Inspection Grade: Excellent, OES 2022
Overview: CIS's state-of-the-art Early Childhood Division consists of Pre-K2, Pre–K3 and Pre–K4 classrooms, a library, teaching kitchen, perceptual motor space and a dedicated music and movement room. Each classroom faces onto a teaching terrace that leads into
a beautiful outdoor playground designed to encourage student inquiry and exploration. See page 372 for more information.
SEE AD PAGE 363 & 371
Discovery Kids Preschool
Sigma Building, 93 Hospital Road, George Town
Tel: (345) 946 5437
Email: dkids.ky@gmail.com
Web: www.discoverykidscayman.com
Ages: 6 months–5 years
Monthly Fees: CI$1,150-CI$1,450
Inspection Grade: Satisfactory, OES 2024
First
Baptist Christian School
Accepts children from 2-4 years and 11 months.
See page 374 for more information.
SEE AD PAGE 373
Grace Christian Academy
Accepts children from 3-5 years. See page 375 for more information. SEE AD PAGE 375
Island Montessori
491 Crewe Road, George Town
Tel: (345) 945 5814
Email: info@islandmontessori.org
Web: www.islandmontessori.org
Ages: 16 months–6 years (Toddler and Casa)
Hours: 7.30am–3pm (Daily aftercare available until 5pm)
Monthly Fees: CI$1,250-CI$1,485 (depending on age and hours)
Inspection Grade: Excellent, OES 2024
Overview: Island Montessori provides a nurturing and supportive environment in a beautiful, spacious garden created to establish a love of active learning. The programmes are open to children aged 16 months–6 years and use the very best Montessori practices and materials aligned with the Cayman Islands Early Years Framework. All classes are underpinned by a belief that children should be active and outdoor learning is blended into each day. At the heart of the school is a team of highly qualified, passionate teachers who create an age and developmentally appropriate environment. The school’s bright and spacious classrooms are complemented by an expansive 1.5 acre garden featuring a nature trail, sports
Opening in 1988 as the very first Montessori School on-Island, Montessori School of Cayman remains a beautifully inclusive school, with a goal to deliver a whole-hearted, holistic Montessori approach. They offer a happy, safe and stimulating environment where children are able to explore and thrive, therefore developing a love of learning.
court and areas for unstructured play and exploration. Island Montessori's little learners draw as much inspiration from nature and being in the tropical outdoors as they do from the guided activities inside their classrooms. They combine their passion for early childhood education with an inclusive culture of curiosity, respect and flexibility that helps your child and family thrive. SEE AD PAGE 366
Kiddie Cove
Conch Point Road, West Bay
Tel: (345) 947 9555
Email: info@kiddiecovecayman.com
Web: www.kiddiecovecayman.com
Ages: 6 weeks-5 years
Monthly Fees: Infants CI$720-CI$1,145, Toddler & Preschool CI$670-CI$945
Inspection Grade: Not yet available (new school)
Overview: Kiddie Cove provides a warm and encouraging atmosphere that enhances selfconcept, instils basic moral values, encourages social interaction, and enriches awareness of the natural and cultural world. The centre is a warm and loving community of preschoolers, teachers and parents who inspire imagination, creativity and play for every learner. An environment rooted in respect and compassion, Kiddie Cove strives to nourish each child's spirit and provide a protective space for them to grow, through play, learning and discovering.
SEE AD PAGE 369
Kiddiewinks
61 Birch Tree Hill, West Bay
Tel: (345) 929 4690
Email: info@kiddiewinks.com
Web: www.kiddiewinks.ky
Ages: 1–7 years
Hours: 7.30am–5.30pm
Monthly Fees: CI$1,250 (half day), CI$1,475 (school day), CI$1,700 (full day)
Inspection Grade: Not yet available (new school)
Monthly Fees: Half day CI$1,375 (7.30am–12.30pm), full day CI$1,665 (7.30am-5.30pm)
Inspection Grade: Excellent, OES 2021
Overview: In a quiet corner of George Town, open the gate and enter a magical place where the joy of childhood abounds. Once you cross the bridge, the schoolhouse awaits. Filled with play, laughter, imagination and endless opportunities for social interactions, the primary focus of Little Trotters is on traditional values, kindness and responsibility. The children feed the animals, water the plants, bake, paint, perform in plays, sing, dance and truly become their best selves. Little Trotters offers valuable experiences in all pre-academic skills. Maths and Literacy are an integral part of the curriculum, with more focus being introduced in the oldest class. The staffing body are handpicked for their passion for Early Childhood, which is evident in all aspects of the children’s day. SEE AD PAGE 367
Miss Nadine's Preschool and Jack & Jill Nursery
90A Anthony Drive, George Town
Tel: (345) 945 1078
Email: ncvopreschool@ncvo.org.ky
Web: www.ncvo.org.ky
Ages: 3 months–4 years
Monthly Fees: CI$600
Inspection Grade: Satisfactory, OES 2025
Montessori By The Sea
Accepts children from 2-12 years.
See page 377 for more information. SEE AD PAGE 377
Montessori del Sol
11 Hinds Way, off Walkers Road, George Town
Tel: (345) 949 3222
Email: office@montessoridelsol.com
Ages: 15 months–6 years
Hours: Morning 7.45am–12pm, Full day 7.45am–3pm (extended hours available)
Application Fee: CI$250
(345) 949 0202 info@caymanmontessori.com www.caymanmontessori.com
519 South Church St, George Town
Little Trotters Farm & Nursery School
39 Columbus Close, off Walkers Road, GT
Tel: (345) 949 4080
Email: littletrotters@candw.ky
Web: www.littletrotters.ky
Ages: 18 months–4 years
Hours: 7.30am–5.30pm
Monthly Fees: From CI$1,395
Inspection Grade: Good, OES 2025
Overview: Celebrating over 25 years of early childhood education in the Cayman Islands, Montessori del Sol offers an authentic Montessori programme with a holistic approach to learning. The small and wholesome school
environment is a place where children thrive and are actively engaged in a happy, purposeful community. A unique outdoor environment boasts an abundance of shade trees where children freely explore and play. The light, airy and well-prepared classrooms are equipped with a full complement of Montessori materials according to the standards set out by Association Montessori Internationale (AMI). The dedicated, highly qualified and experienced team ensures that every child’s potential is nurtured while cultivating kindness, independence and creativity. Rich and varied Montessori subjects include literacy, maths, social-emotional learning, mindfulness, art, science, geography, music and movement, sensory learning, food preparation and other practical life activities, thoughtfully aligned to the Cayman Islands Early Years Curriculum Framework and with Spanish bilingual opportunities for all age groups.
Montessori School of Cayman
519 South Church Street, George Town Tel: (345) 949 0202
Email: info@caymanmontessori.com
Ages: 18 months–6 years
Hours: 7.45am–12.30pm (half day) or 7.45am –3.15pm (full day), aftercare available until 5.15pm daily
Enrolment Opportunities: 5-day options available for Toddler programme (ages 18 months-3 years) and Casa programme (ages 3-6 years), option of selecting 5 half days or 5 full days
Monthly Fees: Toddler CI$1,360–CI$1,480 and Casa CI$1,275–CI$1,400
Inspection Grade: Good, OES 2025
Overview: Founded in 1988, Montessori School of Cayman offers an authentic Montessori programme for children aged 18 months to 6 years. Rooted in the Montessori philosophy and curriculum, the school is dedicated to nurturing each child’s natural curiosity and love of learning. The team embraces a wholehearted, holistic approach—providing a warm, safe and stimulating environment where children are encouraged to explore, grow and thrive. Their mission is to support the unique development of every child while fostering their social, emotional, and academic journey with care and
Montessori West
Capt. Reginald Parsons Drive, West Bay
Tel: (345) 746 3000
Email: admin@montessoriwest.ky
Web: www.montessoriwest.ky
Ages: 18 months–6 years (includes Grade 1)
Monthly Fees: CI$1,250-CI$1,450
Inspection Grade: Not yet available (new school)
Precious Gems Preschool
369 Walkers Road, George Town
Tel: (345) 233 4367 or (345) 929 9319 (Whatsapp)
Email: preciousgems369@yahoo.com
Ages: 1–4 years
Monthly Fees: CI$875
Inspection Grade: Good, OES 2025
Quality Child Care Preschool
247 Powell Smith Road, West Bay
Tel: (345) 949 2415
Ages: 1–4 years
Monthly Fees: CI$800
Inspection Grade: Satisfactory, OES 2025
Rite Start Daycare & Preschool
1548 Shamrock Road, Savannah
Tel: (345) 945 3432
Email: ritestartcayman@hotmail.com
Ages: 3 months–5 years
Monthly Fees: 3-22 months CI$1,050, 22 months-5 years CI$950
Inspection Grade: Satisfactory, OES 2025
Shining Stars Childhood Care & Education Centre
20 Pasadora Place, Pines Road, off Smith Road (near the George Town Hospital)
Tel: (345) 943 7077
Email: shiningstarscayman@gmail.com
Web: www.shiningstarscayman.com
Ages: 1–5 years
Hours: Monday–Friday 7.30am–5.30pm
Annual Registration/Facility Fee: CI$250
Monthly Fees: 1 year CI$1,345, 2 years CI$1,245, 3-4 years CI$1,195
Inspection Grade: Weak, OES 2025
Meals: Meals and snacks are included in the
create a warm and supportive environment that promotes self-esteem, moral values and social interaction. Our loving community of preschoolers, teachers, and parents fosters imagination, creativity, and play for every learner.
Childcare: Ages 1-5 years
Hours:
-Fri:
tuition. Meals are chef-prepared daily and include fresh fruit, whole foods and organic vegetables.
Overview: A bright, open and spacious school with thematically decorated classrooms located near downtown George Town and safely tucked away from a busy street. Children enjoy playing in the large, fenced play area with shade trees, a sandbox and age-appropriate play equipment. Staff are loving, well qualified, professional and nurturing. The school values the children’s academic progress and teaches both phonics and numeracy to age-appropriate levels. Children leave the school well-equipped for primary school with the ability to read and decode words and are often at the top of their class. This is accomplished through play-based learning. The Centre features the Islands' only closed-circuit camera system that allows parents to monitor their child's progress throughout the day. SEE AD PAGE 369
Sister Janice's Early Learning Centre
41 Desmond Drive, George Town
Tel: (345) 949 2524
Email: sisterjanicepreschool@yahoo.com
Ages: 1–4 years
Student Population: 50
Hours: 7am–5pm (although a grace period can be given, pick-up must be by 5.30pm)
Monthly Fees: CI$700, includes breakfast and lunch, parents are asked to provide snacks and fruit daily
Inspection Grade: Weak, OES 2025
Overview: Sister Janice's promotes the whole growth of the child through hands-on learning and experiences. Each child is cherished and encouraged to develop their social, physical and emotional skills. The school promotes the wellbeing of the child within a Christiancentred atmosphere.
Sprogs Garden Playschool
832 Walkers Road, George Town
Tel: (345) 746 7529
Email: info@sprogs.ky
Web: www.sprogs.ky
Ages: 1–5 years
Monthly Fees: CI$1,250 (half day), CI$1,475 (school day), CI$1,700 (full day)
Inspection Grade: Good, OES 2023
St George’s Preschool 64 Courts Road, off Eastern Avenue, GT
Tel: (345) 945 0441
Email: stgeorgespreschool123@gmail.com
Ages: 2–5 years
Monthly Fees: CI$700
Inspection Grade: Satisfactory, OES 2024
St Ignatius Catholic School Early Years Centre 599 Walkers Road, George Town
Tel: (345) 949 9250
Email: general@st–ignatius.com
Web: www.st–ignatius.com
Established: 1971
Principal: Mr Peter Embleton
Early Years Lead: Mrs Aimee Chipchase
Office Hours: 8am–4pm
Academic Calendar: September–June
Ages: 3–5 years
Application Fee: CI$300
Monthly Fees: Nursery–Year 6 CI$1,425
Inspection Grade: Excellent, OES 2024
Student Population: 725
Curriculum: British National Curriculum 16 (for 3 year olds) and 22 (for 4 year olds) with one teacher and one teacher's assistant per class. There are four
Dedicated Early Years building and playground on the St. Ignatius campus, a canteen, music room, computer room, library and multi-
Extracurricular Activities: There are afterschool clubs and an after-school care programme until 5.30pm. SEE AD PAGE 365 & 376
82 Boltins Avenue, West Bay tiffanyspreschool@candw.ky
Satisfactory, OES 2024
109 Hinds Way, off Walkers Road, GT info@tinytotscayman.com www.tinytotscayman.com
Ages: 1–5 years
Monthly Fees: CI$775-CI$1,025 depending on age and full/half days
Inspection Grade: Satisfactory, OES 2024
Truth For Youth School
Accepts children from 4-11 years. See page 378 for more information.
Village Montessori
94 Solaris Avenue, Camana Bay
Tel: (345) 640 7827
Email: info@villagemontessori.ky
Web: www.villagemontessori.ky
Ages: 18 months–12 years
Hours: 7.45am–5pm
Application Fee: CI$250
Annual Capital Fee: CI$500
Toddler Monthly Fees (18 months-3 years):
> Mornings (7.45am–11.45am) CI$1,410
> Lunch Bunch (7.45am–1pm) CI$1,460
> Full Day (7.45am–3pm) CI$1,560
Casa Monthly Fees (3 years–6 years):
> Mornings (7.45am-12.15pm) CI$1,350
> Lunch Bunch (7.45am–1.15pm) CI$1,400
> Full Day (7.45am–2.45pm) CI$1,450
Elementary Monthly Fees (6 years–12 years):
> Full Day (7.45am–3pm) CI$1,500
Monthly After-School Fee: Age 4 and under CI$150 (3pm-4pm), Age 5 and over CI$300 (3pm-5pm)
Sibling Discounts: 5% for each sibling Curriculum: Montessori method aligned with the Cayman Islands National Curriculum Inspection Grade: Good, OES 2025
Overview: Located in Camana Bay, along the Seven Mile Beach corridor, Village Montessori strives to foster an inclusive, strong sense of community and respect for self, others and the environment. Aiming to provide children with an opportunity to develop independence in a creative, educational environment and foster a lifelong love of learning. Utilising the Montessori method, the dedicated and experienced team at Village Montessori work to give each child the chance to grow as a lifetime learner, incorporating practical life skills, reading, language, mathematics, science, geography and culture, as well as a focus on social and emotional learning, while providing classrooms
with all the necessary materials to foster these skills. SEE AD PAGE 375
PRIMARY & HIGH SCHOOLS
Cayman has a good selection of excellent private primary and high schools, most following either the British or American curriculum and two following the Montessori system. The main student intake is for Reception/Kindergarten (UK) and Pre–K3 (US) when the children are four, turning five during the school year. Students remain in their chosen school until Year 13 (UK) or Grade 12 (US). Some primary schools end at age 11, so your child would then move to a senior school. Schools following the UK system take GCSEs and A Levels, while the US system offers either the IB programme or prepares students to take the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) and attain a US High School Diploma.
Calvary Baptist Christian Academy 191 Walkers Road, George Town Tel: (345) 946 5834
CAYMAN LEARNING CENTRE & SCHOOL
Cayman Learning Centre & School delivers specialist, bespoke programmes and individualised evidence-based interventions which help students to become effective, confident and self-directed learners.
A new boutique school for students in Years 1 through 9 (American Grades KG-8)
Students make progress and gain knowledge in an environment focused on nurture, engagement, structure and challenge.
A full British curriculum with a student-centred project-based learning approach.
Evidence-based literacy and math interventions to ensure a solid foundation.
World-renowned Arrowsmith Programme: Strengthening underlying cognitive functions to make the learning process easier.
Learning Centre &School
Email: info@cbca.edu.ky
Ages: 5–17 years
Annual Fees: K-Grade 2
CI$8,400, Grades 3-6
CI$9,120, Grades 7-12 CI$9,120
Inspection Grade: Satisfactory, OES 2024
Curriculum: Abeka, American
Cayman Academy
211 Walkers Road, George Town Tel: (345) 640 2630
Email: office.secretary@caymanacademy.ky Ages: 3–16 years
Web: www.caymanacademy.ky
Annual Fees: Pre–K–Year 6
middle, and high school divisions. Students represent more than 40 nationalities. CIS has a strong sense of community where children learn, play, and support each other in a modern, safe, and student-centred environment. The Middle States Association accredits CIS and is an IB World School offering the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme.
CI$7,595.90, Year 7 CI$9,633, Year 8
CI$10,065.90, Year 9
CI$11,424.40, and Years 10 and 11 CI$11,794.90
Inspection Grade: Satisfactory, OES 2024
Curriculum: CI Curriculum leading to CXCs
Cayman International School (CIS)
95 Minerva Drive, Camana Bay Tel: (345) 945 4664
Email: cis@cis.ky
Web: www.cis.ky
Director: Mr Jim Urquhart
Ages: 2–18 years
Student Population: 950
Application Fee: CI$350
Annual Fees:
> Pre-K2 (5 days/week, half day) CI$15,240
> Pre-K2-Pre-K4 (5 days/week, full day)
CI$18,000
> Kindergarten–Grade 2 CI$21,580
> Grades 3–5 CI$24,900
> Grades 6–8 CI$27,930
> Grades 9–12 CI$29,710
Discount: 2% discount applied for oneinstalment payment plan. There is a 10% discount for the second child and 15% for the third and subsequent children.
Inspection Grade: Excellent, OES 2022
Meals: School lunch provided by Market Street Ltd. (The Lunch Box)
Average Class Size: 17
Curriculum: American, IB Diploma, IB Certificates and USA High School Diploma
Overview: CIS is a private, college preparatory, non-sectarian, co-educational school that provides strong academic and extensive extracurricular programmes. The 15-acre campus includes early childhood, elementary,
Facilities: State-of-the-art Early Childhood Centre and High School building with a double gymnasium, library, common area and performing arts spaces. The purpose-built campus features a 139,000 sq ft facility. The entire campus consists of multiple libraries, STEAM Labs, computer/video production labs, science labs, music rooms, art rooms, numerous student support centres, classrooms, an amphitheatre, and an administration building. In addition, the school has a full-sized, artificial turf soccer pitch with a FIFA 2-Star rating, a swimming pool, two tennis courts, and two basketball courts.
Extracurricular Activities: Athletes participate in the Private Schools Association (PSA) and compete in football, volleyball, basketball, netball, cricket, flag rugby, track and field, and swimming. They partake in musical, choral, and theatrical productions, including an annual performance in steel pan band, jazz band, and rock band. There's also Week Without Walls, Duke of Edinburgh, Model United Nations, National Honour Society, High School Student Council, Debate Team, Mock Trials, Robotics, 3D modelling and printing, and numerous other after-school clubs. Students are involved in local community service, such as Plastic Free Cayman and Protect Our Future.
SEE AD PAGE 363 & 371
Cayman Learning Centre & School (CLC&S)
7 Pasadora Place, Smith Road, George Town
Tel: (345) 943 7323
Email: info@caymanlearning.com
Web: www.caymanlearning.com
Ages: 5–14 years
Application Fee: CI$300
Monthly Fees: Seat fee + CI$2,205
Overview: CLC&S is a boutique school currently supporting small class sizes, allowing for optimum individual attention. Students learn a comprehensive National Curriculum with a local
Ca~man
focus through hands-on 'real life' inquiry. This project-based learning approach allows students to gain in-depth knowledge and consolidate skills by investigating and responding to authentic and engaging challenges. CLC&S also offers bespoke programming for students struggling with the learning process. Based on the application of neuroscience, the world-renowned Arrowsmith Programme helps students strengthen weak, underlying cognitive functions responsible for a range of learning difficulties, ultimately making the learning process easier. Learning support includes individualised, evidence-based literacy and math interventions, ensuring a solid foundation. SEE AD OPPOSITE PAGE
Cayman Prep & High School (CPHS)
Primary School Site: 242 Smith Road, GT
High School Site: 559 Walkers Road, GT
Established: 1949
School Director: Ms Debra McLaughlin
School Business Manager: Mrs Jayne Scott
Primary School Principal: Ms Sacha Strand Tel: (345) 949 5932
Email: psoffice@cayprep.edu.ky
High School Principal: Mr Karl Murphy
Tel: (345) 949 9115
Email: hsoffice@cayprep.edu.ky
Web: www.cayprep.edu.ky
Academic Calendar: September–June Ages: 4–18 years
Application Fee: CI$300
Annual Fees:
> Kindergarten–Year 6: CI$15,130
> Years 7–9: CI$16,415
> Years 10–11: CI$17,385
> Years 12–13: CI$19,200
Note: Fees can be paid annually, per term (3x per year) or monthly (10x per year). Details available on the CPHS website
Annual Resource Fee: Kindergarten-Year 6
CI$150 per year, Years 7-9 CI$300 per year, Years 10-11 CI$50-CI$55 per subject, Years 1213 CI$485 per year
Examination Fee: Years 10-13 CI$95-CI$105 per subject
Annual PTA Fee: CI$75
Inspection Grade: Good, OES 2023
Student Population Primary School: 517
Student Population High School: 507
Meals: Daily hot and cold lunches CI$7–CI$7.50 per day (Mise en Place is CI$7 per day, Food For Thought is CI$7.50 per day)
After-School Care: Provided daily for primary school students to 5.30pm. Check the CPHS website for fees and more information
Maximum Class Size: 25 (24 in KG), with all infant classes (KG-Year 2) staffed by a qualified teacher and a learning assistant. All Junior year classes (Years 3-6) are also staffed by a qualified teacher with learning assistant per year group (3 class entry in all year groups).
Specialist Teachers: The Primary School has specialist teachers for PE, ICT, Music, Spanish, French and support for learning in Literacy and Mathematics.
Curriculum: British National Curriculum leading to IGCSE, GCSE, AS and A Levels (Cambridge International and Welsh examination boards).
Facilities: Multi-purpose halls, specialist IT and science labs, art and music rooms, drama studio, sports field, research libraries, basketball/ netball courts and sixth form facilities, plus mature trees and shady play areas.
Extracurricular Activities: Duke of Edinburgh
First Baptist Christian School provides a studentcentred, American Educational Programme in a Christian environment. We offer programmes for Preschool, Elementary & Middle School Education up to Grade 8. FBCS is a culturally diverse school with students from about 14 different countries around the world, with approximately 63% of our students being Caymanian.
Our school seeks to help students become independent, resilient learners who set goals, monitor their progress, and persist in challenging tasks to become successful learners. FBCS uses an American curriculum and follows the Virginia State Standards. One of our strengths is our strong relationships and caring, nurturing environment.
activities
Award, Mini Duke Awards, chess, Battle of the Books, Model United Nations, annual music production, music bands and choirs, debating, robotics, coding, a wide range of after-school clubs and activities. Sports include rugby, cricket, football (girls and boys), netball, table tennis, field hockey, volleyball, badminton, swimming, fitness and sailing. SEE AD PAGE 370
CF School
Buttonwood Park, George Town
Tel: (345) 516 4623
Email: admissions@cfschoolcayman.com
Ages: 11–16 years
Curriculum: English National Curriculum leading to Cambridge IGCSEs
Class Size: 15
Annual Fees: CI$19,740 (inclusive of the afterschool enrichment programme)
Inspection Grade: Good, OES 2023
Curriculum: English curriculum leading to Cambridge IGCSEs at the end of Year 11. CF School is the only school in Cayman to offer Latin to all students.
Overview: CF School firmly believe that
when children are happy and healthy, they succeed. For this reason, personal wellbeing and happiness are as important to CF School as academic success. Their small, nurturing environment enables each child to receive individual attention. Staff know their students very well and care about them deeply as individuals. Academics are important, but of equal importance is ensuring each child is responsible, resilient and kind.
Extracurricular: The CF School package is inclusive of the After School Enrichment Programme. A daily choice of homework support, subject clinics, sports and clubs is offered. Children can join clubs such as Model United Nations, Duke of Edinburgh, robotics, chess, music clubs and a wide range of sporting activities.
First
Baptist Christian School (FBCS)
920 Crewe Road, Red Bay
Tel: (345) 945 7906
Email: fbcs@fbcs.edu.ky
Principal: Mrs Janet Durksen
Academic Calendar: September–June
Office Hours: 7.30am–3.30pm
Ages: 2–14 years (KG–Grade 8)
Application Fee: CI$150
Annual Fees: Preschool CI$10,325, Kindergarten–Grade 5 CI$11,788, Grade 6-8 CI$12,845 (sibling discount available)
Inspection Grade: Good, OES 2023
School Hours: 8am–2.45pm (children can be dropped off from 7.30am)
Meals: Hot lunches CI$7 daily through the Jump Start Cafe & Catering programme
Student Population: 240 (including preschool)
Average Class Size: KG-Grade 8 15–22, Preschool 10–12
Curriculum: Early Years Framework for Preschool (CIEYF), holistic child development, STEM education, American curriculum using State Standards and evaluated using IOWA
Standardised tests and MAP Tests, specialised instruction in Spanish, music, technology, coding and robotics, physical education and life skills.
Footsteps is a vibrant, future-focused school for children aged 4–13, delivering the UK National Curriculum in a unique setting that celebrates Caymanian culture, heritage, and the natural environment. Here, success is not only measured by knowledge, but by how students learn, think, adapt and connect with others.
Highlights:
UK National Curriculum with nature-learning focus
Exceptional teachers and bespoke, future-focused curriculum
Extensive extra-curricular programme: music, sport, STEM & more
Exciting school expansion with a new market-leading facility in progress
Graded ‘good’ overall by OES last inspection, with ‘excellent’ gradings for curriculum, behaviour and links with the community
Gym, computer lab, 1:1 iPads (K-2), 1:1
Inspection quotes (OES October 2022):
“The curriculum experiences offered to students were excellent.”
“Students’ behaviour and their attitudes to their work and to learning were excellent.” www.footsteps.ky
laptops (3-6), library, music room, large sports field.
Extracurricular Activities: Sports clubs, cooking, drama, reading, soccer, spelling, track, basketball, STEM learning. SEE AD PAGE 373
Footsteps School
210 Eastern Avenue, George Town
Tel: (345) 325 1864
Email: office@footsteps.ky or admissions@ footsteps.ky
Web: www.footsteps.ky
School Directors: Emma Kendall and Bryony Platt
Ages: 4–13 years (Reception to Year 8)
Class Size: 15
Annual Fees: CI$15,000 (termly or monthly payments accepted)
Inspection Grade: Good, OES 2024
School Hours: 8.15am–3.15pm
Curriculum: Footsteps School is the Cayman Islands’ first and only accredited beach school. A non-denominational private school, Footsteps delivers the UK National Curriculum. The school uniquely integrates outdoor learning into its curriculum, making the most of Cayman’s natural beauty to foster exploration, investigation, and independence.
Overview: Led by a team of highly qualified and enthusiastic educators and support staff, Footsteps is known for its professional and progressive approach to education. This dynamic team drives academic excellence while nurturing a culture where every child can thrive. The school is celebrated for its visionary ethos, outstanding curriculum and impressive results.
Additional Details: A wide range of extracurricular clubs and activities provide extensive academic, music and sporting opportunities, aiming to develop and nurture the skills and talents of all students.
SEE AD PAGE 374
Grace Christian Academy
21 Crescent Close, off Boltins Ave, West Bay
Tel: (345) 945 0899
Email: officeadmin@gca.ky
Web: www.gracechristianacademycayman.ky
Principal: Mrs Bernice Scott
Academic Calendar: August–June
Application Fee: CI$250
Grace Christian Academy
AN ISLAND SCHOOL WHERE FAMILY MATTERS
BECOME
PART OF THE FAMILY
Grace Christian Academy offers a program from Pre-K to Grade 12.
g Small Class Sizes
g US Curriculum
g AP/Honors Courses gswimming Pool
g School Bus Service
G racech ristia nacademycayma n.ky ~admissions@gca.ky ~345-945-0899
Toddler, Casaand Lower/Upper Elementary.
Licensed Montessori School for Ages 18 Months through to 12 Years
Ages: 3–18 years
Annual Fees:
> Pre-K-Kindergarten: CI$11,220
> Grades 1–5: CI$12,373
> Grades 6–8: CI$13,814
> Grades 9–12: CI$13,962
> Grade 12 AP Programming: Enquire Inspection Grade: Satisfactory, OES 2024
Curriculum: American. Advanced Placement (AP) classes are also offered.
Overview: Grace Christian Academy is nestled in a serene residential area in West Bay surrounded by lush greenery. The campus includes a swimming pool, offering students a comprehensive swimming programme. They follow an American curriculum from Pre-K to Grade 12, with specialised classes in French, Spanish, steel pans, art, PE, careers and life skills, and offer five AP programmes in most disciplines. Classrooms are equipped with state-of-the-art smartboards, and small class sizes are maintained to ensure personalised attention and top-quality education. The school also features a well-manicured campus with flowering and fruit trees to aid in the enrichment
of students' learning. They offer an islandwide school bus programme and a morning and after care programme that includes homework help. Grace Christian Academy are dedicated to fostering a nurturing and inclusive environment that encourages students to excel academically, socially and emotionally.
SEE AD PAGE 375
Hope Academy
Units 1–8 Grand Harbour Shoppes, Red Bay
Tel: (345) 769 4673
Email: office@hopecayman.com
Web: www.hopecayman.com
Director: Dr Samantha Tibbetts
Academic Calendar: August–June
Ages: 5–18 years
Application Fee: CI$150
Annual Fees: Kindergarten–Grade 12 CI$16,380
Note: Fees for additional programmes vary and sibling discount is available
Annual Book Fee: CI$500 per student
Tutoring Fee: CI$50/hour session
Inspection Grade: Good, OES 2022
Meals: Hot lunches
Student Population: 120–130
Maximum Class Size: 12–15
Curriculum: Hope Academy offers an American curriculum that fosters learning through creativity, discovery and imagination within a small learning environment. A full, online homeschooling programme is available for middle and high school students. The inclusive classrooms and flexible methodology cater to each student's individual needs. Everything is geared towards helping each child reach their full potential. This starts in early Elementary and encourages a love of learning while building early literacy skills. It continues through High School, where it encourages independence and responsibility while preparing for college.
Note: An academic screening is usually required upon enrolment. Hope Academy is not affiliated with any religious organisation or church.
• KG- Grade 12 with American Curriculum
• Small class sizes
• Online programs available
• Sports & other extracurricular options offered
• Additional learning programs for students needing extra support.
ST IGNATIUS CATHOLIC SCHOOL
St Ignatius Catholic School is committed
Web: www.islandprimary.org
Ages: 4-11 years
Student Population: 325
Application Fee: CI$300
Annual Fees: CI$16,250
Inspection Grade: Not yet available (new school)
Curriculum: Based on the British National Curriculum, Island Primary is focused on evidence-based teaching with flexibility to adapt topics relevant to Cayman. Set on more than four acres of landscaped and natural gardens, the school takes learning outside for all year groups to incorporate nature into daily lessons.
Overview: Island Primary is a communityminded school offering class spaces for children aged 4-11, from Reception to Year 6. The spacious new campus, conveniently located at Buttonwood Park off Linford Pierson Highway, is designed to create a friendly, welcoming environment and foster learning both indoors and out. With a highly experienced and strong leadership team, Island Primary is committed to nurturing talent in both teachers and students, offering a rounded education that gives children the skills they need to fulfil their potential in and out of school. Flexible classroom designs and a strong technology platform support academic goals across all subjects, with specialist subject teachers and a comprehensive learning support provision. Island Primary strives to create a true island school, whose abundant play and sports areas are enhanced by Buttonwood Park’s facilities, including nature trails, community fields and wellness parks.
Montessori By The Sea (MBTS)
277 Prospect Point Road, Prospect Tel: (345) 947 0684
Email: mbts@mbts.ky
Web: www.mbts.ky
Academic Calendar: August–June
Ages: 2–12 years (Toddler, Casa and Elementary)
Hours: 8am–3.15pm (depends on age)
Student Population: 134
Application Fee: CI$300
Annual Fees: CI$15,072-CI$16,447
Sibling Discount: 5% for the second child and 10% for the third and subsequent children.
Mixed Ages: There are mixed ages in each of
the programmes.
Payment Options: Tuition payments may be made annually (which reflects a 2% discount), semi-annually (which reflects a 1% discount) or monthly.
Inspection Grade: Excellent, OES 2023
Tours: School tours available monthly from October-May. Call for an appointment.
Teacher–Student Ratio: Toddler: 1:5, Casa: 1:10, Elementary: 1:15
Curriculum: Follows the Montessori philosophy, while aligning with English and Cayman Islands standards.
Extracurricular Activities: After-school clubs which vary on a term-by-term basis.
Additional Details: Daily after-school care available for Toddler (3pm-4pm), Casa (3pm5pm) and Elementary (3.15pm–5pm) CI$12.50 first 30 mins, CI$25 daily, CI$300 monthly. SEE AD THIS PAGE
St Ignatius Catholic School (SICS)
599 Walkers Road, George Town Tel: (345) 949 9250
Email: general@st–ignatius.com
Web: www.st–ignatius.com
Established: 1971
Principal: Mr Peter Embleton
Office Hours: 8am–4pm
Academic Calendar: September–June
Ages: 3–18 years
Application Fee: CI$300
Annual Fees:
> Nursery–Year 6: CI$12,975
> Years 7–11: CI$15,010
> Years 12–13: CI$18,740
Fees can be paid monthly, per term or annually
Sibling Discount: Third and subsequent child receives a 20% discount on fees
Inspection Grade: Excellent, OES 2024
Student Population: 725
Average Class Size: 24
Meals: Hot and cold lunches CI$7–CI$9 daily
Curriculum: British Curriculum, IGCSE, AS and A Levels, Cambridge International Examinations (CIE), Welsh Joint Education Committee (WJEC)
Facilities: SICS have completed a major expansion project, adding a new state-of-theart multipurpose block which includes a Sixth Form common room, Sixth Form classrooms,
Montessori By The Sea implements an enriched Montessori curriculum
performing arts space and a cutting-edge sports hall. The current purpose-built campus features, four science rooms, a music wing (including sound-proof practice rooms), learning support, a laptop programme for Year 7-13, canteen with full kitchen, newly renovated art rooms and library, modern classrooms, sports fields, basketball and netball courts.
Extracurricular Activities: Students at St Ignatius Catholic School enjoy a wide range of extracurricular opportunities, fostering both personal growth and community engagement. They can compete in various sports, including football, basketball, netball, pickleball, gymnastics, track and field, badminton, tennis, cricket, diving, rugby, hockey, and swimming. Beyond sports, students showcase their talents in musical and theatrical productions, with opportunities to perform in the jazz band, string ensemble, band and choir. They can also take part in Model United Nations, faith training, debate, robotics, art and crafts, cooking, Brownies, Club Scouts, drama, and many other enriching after-school clubs. After-school care is available until 5.30pm daily. Students also embrace leadership and community service, participating in initiatives such as the Duke of Edinburgh Award and engaging in local movements both within and beyond the school community. SEE AD PAGE 365 & 376
Triple C School (CCC)
74 Fairbanks Road, George Town
Tel: (345) 949 6022
Email: triplec@triplecschool.org
Web: www.triplecschool.org
Annual Fees: Pre-K CI$9,449, KG-Grade 3
CI$10,782, Grade 4-5 CI$11,212, Grade 6-8
CI$11,887, Grade 9-10 CI$13,995, Grade 11
CI$14,220, Grade 12 CI$14,435
Inspection Grade: Satisfactory, OES 2023
Truth For Youth School
84 Walkers Road, George Town
Tel: (345) 949 2620 or (345) 949 7041
Email: truthfys@candw.ky
Ages: 4-11 years
Monthly Fees: KG-Grade 5 CI$650
Curriculum: American
Inspection Grade: Weak, OES 2025
Village Montessori
94 Solaris Avenue, Camana Bay
Tel: (345) 640 7827
Email: info@villagemontessori.ky
Web: www.villagemontessori.ky
Ages: 18 months–12 years
See page 371 for more information.
SEE AD PAGE 375
Wesleyan Christian Academy
150 North West Point Road, West Bay
Tel: (345) 949 1121
Email: principal@wcacayman.com
Ages: 4–18 years
Monthly Fees: Pre K–Grade 12 CI$700 (inclusive of book fee. Lunch and other fees not included)
Inspection Grade: Satisfactory, OES 2024
OVERSEAS EDUCATION
Although Cayman has excellent schools, many parents will look to broaden their child's or children’s horizons by sending them to an overseas boarding school. Over the years, the image of boarding schools has changed immeasurably; the transformation from the hardship and coldness of Dickens’ Dotheboys Hall to the spellbinding excitement of Hogwarts has been both evolutionary and revolutionary. However, the changes in perception and the reality are not works of fiction. Boarding schools in the UK and North America are flourishing and should be a real consideration for families thinking about the future schooling of their children.
Why Choose Boarding School?
There are many reasons for choosing the boarding school path. The following are factors to consider when deciding if boarding school is right for you and your child.
1. First Rate Education
The reputation of leading schools in the UK, USA and Canada is not just a label of prestige from the past; the academic, sporting and social success of these schools is evident. Academic excellence, their successes in international exams and their students winning places at Ivy League
and Russell Group universities speak for themselves. The structured independence, which comes with boundaries, also helps teenagers to thrive. Small class sizes and round-the-clock access to teachers definitely makes a difference.
2. All-Round Education
Boarding schools are concerned with much more than just academic prowess. Pupils achieving their potential in the classroom is paramount, but the ability to be involved in whichever sporting, creative or intellectual pursuit that stimulates a child is of huge importance.
3. Support
Success is achieved through sound teaching, individual care and attention. Staff at boarding schools are there for their students 24 hours a day and they ensure that every child is happy and always performing well by addressing problems swiftly. Boarding schools are well-equipped and qualified to support most learning requirements and a wide range of schools offer specialist additional support for learning and emotional needs.
4. Facilities
Boarding schools have some outstanding facilities and offer beautiful spaces in which students can grow and develop. Academic, arts and sporting facilities can be state-ofthe-art and boarding houses are designed to offer the comforts of home.
5. Friends
Whilst boarding school pupils can no longer rely on the ‘old school tie’ to garner success in later life, a boarding education exposes youngsters to a huge array of people, some of whom will become lifelong friends. They will probably know these people better than they know anyone else in their lives. The ability to live and work with such a huge number of people is what gives boarding school students the confidence and maturity to excel in their future endeavours. Exposure to the wider world and internationalism also helps
6. Finances
Boarding school fees can seem eye-wateringly expensive and can be as high as £60,000 and US$70,000 a year. However, boarding schools are working increasingly hard to ensure that they are not ‘elitist’ and seek to attract the students who will most benefit from all the school has to offer. It is always worth asking about bursary and scholarship assistance. However, if you are sending your children to boarding school in England, be aware that the new Labour Government have removed the VAT exemption on independent school fees. This means that, while many schools have tried to keep the increase as low as possible, they are required by law to add an additional 20% onto the fees paid by parents. Whilst this can be a huge additional cost (on already expensive fees), this has led to a great variation in fees among UK schools; this could be viewed as a ‘buyer’s market’ and you might be able to ‘shop around’ for deals much more than might have been possible in the past.
How to Choose the Right School
Cayman has no boarding schools, so choosing an international boarding school is difficult, as visiting overseas schools is a huge task. Make a list of your child’s needs and wants, and then choose to visit schools that tick those boxes. For example, if your child is massively into one sport but not keen on another, find a school that plays the favoured sport. In the UK, for example, a boarding school is usually a football school or a rugby school. They are invariably not both unless it is a prep school. If you live full time in Cayman, you probably want to choose a full boarding school rather than a weekly boarding school. Many schools are moving towards weekly boarding, so be sure to check this out. Also, does your child need any educational support? If so, check out schools that can help with that. Finally, any school very near London will probably have a lot of London-based students who may return home on weekends, meaning the school will empty. If you would prefer
to avoid this, then choose a school which is more than an hour away from London.
Time & Preparation
Boarding schools can be very competitive and many schools fill their places several years in advance of entry. Therefore, give yourself plenty of time to choose the right school. In addition to allowing time to visit schools (a typical tour starts at 10am and takes 3-4 hours), you should allow time for your child to be prepared for the entrance exams and for the transition to boarding school. Parents often underestimate how much time should be given to these steps, but at least one to two years in advance is the best time to begin the process. The most important thing to remember is to involve your child in the process from the very beginning, as this will allow them to become comfortable with the prospect of going away to a boarding school.
General Age of Entry to Boarding Schools
American schools are typically set up to
accept boarders from Grade 8 (aged 13–14 or Year 9 in the British system), but some will accept boarders from Grade 6. In Canada, most schools accept students for boarding in Grade 9 (one year later than the US system). In the UK, your child can board from the age of 8 (Year 4), but the majority of students from Cayman usually either start boarding at the end of primary school (i.e. they finish Year 6 in Cayman and then leave) or they wait and go straight to a senior school in the UK when they are aged 13 (for the start of Year 9).
Timeline & Tests for Entry
For a full breakdown on how early to start your research and what tests UK, Canadian and US schools require children to take for entry, see our Cayman Resident website or the Cayman Parent magazine.
Understanding Your Child’s Needs It is vital to find the school where your child will thrive and be happy. Friends and acquaintances may offer school suggestions
based on their own children’s success (or otherwise!) but, just because this school was right for their children, it may not be right for yours. Choose a school based on your child’s specific talents, interests and needs, even if this is wildly different to that chosen by others. Unless your child is happy and comfortable at their new school, they won’t perform well in the classroom. Make sure the school offers the qualifications (IB, GCSE, A Level, SATs or vocational courses) best suited to your child and their intended higher education and career path.
Get Help - Educational Consultants
There are people who can advise you about UK or North American private schools, and it is worth seeking guidance – this is, after all, one of the most important decisions you will make for your child. However, it is important to choose a consultant who really knows the full range of British or North American independent schools and the complicated admission procedures involved. Remember to ask them about things that you cannot find out from reading a school’s prospectus, such as whether the school is warm and welcoming and the students are known for being kind; what the pastoral care is like; does it run a house system, and if so what are the benefits; does it empty at weekends; does it have a reputation for having a drug problem; does it cater well to students who require learning support; and will your child flourish academically there or drift to the bottom third of the academic group. The details of two school consultants who specifically work with Cayman families can be found below.
Dorm & Day
Based in Grand Cayman, Dorm & Day offer advisory services for education on island and overseas, with a diverse portfolio of boarding schools in the USA, Canada, Europe and the UK, including for children with learning differences. Owned and run by Amanda Roberts, Dorm & Day tours a wide range of independent schools and uses that first-hand knowledge to find the
right fit for your child, ensuring you make an informed choice. During in-person and virtual meetings you will be guided and advised throughout the admissions process. Services include reviewing transcripts, preparing a shortlist of wellmatched schools, helping with applications and financial aid forms, seeking out scholarships for talented athletes and high academic achievers, invigilating tests, preparing students for interviews, arranging boarding school visits and communicating with schools from application to arrival. They also assist families to navigate the college application process. Tel: (345) 936 3676 or (345) 925 4610. Email: admin@ dormandday.ky or visit www.dormandday. ky. SEE AD PAGE 379
Beach Education
A bespoke educational consultancy led by an experienced team that offers personalised guidance tailored to your child's unique needs and aspirations. They help you navigate the selection, application, and enrollment processes with tailored advice that aligns with your child’s academic and personal growth goals. They also offer university support, insights and assistance to secure placements at esteemed universities, and they organise school and university events which connect families directly with leading educational institutions. Beach Education also hold an annual school fair in Grand Cayman where you can meet many of the schools. For more information, or to organise a free 30 minute initial consultation, email: fiona@ beacheducation.com, Tel: +44 (0) 7715 286144 or www.beacheducation.com.
School Fairs
There are at least three boarding school fairs each year in Cayman, offering parents the opportunity to meet representatives from various overseas boarding schools.
Beach Education Boarding School Fair
The Beach school fair usually features a dozen or more top UK boarding schools and is held in mid-November each year.
For more information please visit www. beacheducation.com.
North American School Fair by Bedi Walker
Bedi Walker's Caribbean Boarding School Fair will be held at the Marriott from 7pm-9pm on Tuesday 18th November 2025. Usually the top 40 US and Canadian boarding schools attend. For more information, email: info@bediwalker.com.
Winter Boarding School Fair
Dorm & Day's Winter Boarding School Fair will be held in February 2026 featuring boarding schools from across the UK and Ireland. Check www.dormandday.ky nearer the time or email Amanda Roberts at admin@dormandday.ky or call (345) 936 3676 for more information.
Boarding School Options
Numerous boarding schools visit Grand Cayman during the school fairs, so it is worth attending them. It's a great way to get a feel for what the school has to offer. Schools are more than happy to answer your questions and show you photos. They also conduct school entrance interviews while they are in Cayman. Here we list a few overseas boarding schools that are very popular with Cayman families:
Admiral Farragut Academy
Park Street North, St Petersburg, Florida, US
Tel: +1 (727) 384 5500
Email: admissions@farragut.org
Web: www.farragut.org
Ages: K-Grade 12 (boarding offered Grade 8-12)
Annual Boarding Fee: US$67,500
Campbell College
Belmont Road, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
Tel: +44 (0) 2890 763076
Email: hmoffice@campbellcollege.co.uk
Web: www.campbellcollege.co.uk
Ages: 11-18 years
Termly Boarding Fee: £11,172
Charterhouse
Godalming, Surrey, UK
Tel: +44 (0) 1483 291500
Email: reception@charterhouse.org.uk
Web: www.charterhouse.org.uk
Ages: 13-18 years
Termly Boarding Fee: £20,016 (incl. VAT)
Clongowes Wood College
Clane, Co Kildare, Ireland
Tel: +353(0)45 838 258
Email: admissions@clongowes.net
Web: www.clongowes.net
Headmaster: Mr Chris Lumb
Academic Calendar: Late August–May
Ages: 12–18 years old
Annual Fee: €25,405-€29,216 (sibling discount available)
Curriculum: The teaching and learning programme is broad and balanced, spanning 6 years, with state exams at Junior Certificate (3rd year) and Leaving Certificate (6th year), with a transition year (4th year).
Overview: Established in 1814, Clongowes is Ireland’s leading 7-day boarding school for boys aged from 12 years old. A Catholic school in the Jesuit tradition, they aim to develop young men of conscience, compassion and competence. They are home to 450 boys from Ireland and further afield. Clongowes offers a broad academic programme, as well as a diverse co-curricular programme of sports, drama, debating and music. That which sets them apart is their approach to ‘the care of the individual’ – nourishing each boy’s talents and supporting them on a pastoral level. Clongowes is a very special place, set in 550 acres just 40 minutes from Dublin airport.
Facilities: An abundance of rugby and soccer pitches, a golf course and golf simulator, athletics track, cricket pitch, tennis courts, basketball courts (indoor and outdoor), very large sports hall, weights gym, 25m indoor swimming pool, music practice rooms, modern science and computer labs, the James Joyce Library, co-operative learning spaces and more.
Extracurricular Activities: A wide variety of activities are offered, including orchestra, three choirs, traditional Irish music group, debating, drama and art. Sports include rugby, soccer, GAA, golf, athletics, swimming, cricket, basketball, tennis and more. A full competitive fixture list for all sports is available on their website.
Cranleigh
Horseshoe Lane, Cranleigh, Surrey, UK
Tel: +44 (0) 1483 273666
Email: reception@cranleigh.org
Web: www.cranleigh.org
Ages: 13-18 years
Annual Boarding Fee: £52,699 (includes VAT)
Gordonstoun
Gordonstoun, Elgin, Moray, Scotland, UK
Tel: + 44 (0)1343 837829
Email: admissions@gordonstoun.org.uk
Web: www.gordonstoun.org.uk
Ages: 8-18 years
Termly Boarding Fee: From £13,085 (includes VAT)
Queen Ethelburga's Collegiate
Thorpe Underwood Hall, York, UK
Tel: +44 (0) 1423 333333
Email: admissions@qe.org
Web: www.qe.com
Ages: 7-18 years
Termly Boarding Fee: £23,330 (incl. VAT)
Sherborne Boys
Sherborne, Dorset, UK
Tel: +44 (0) 1935 812249
Email: enquiries@sherborne.org
Web: www.sherborne.org
Ages: 13-18 years
Termly Boarding Fee: £19,200 (incl. VAT)
Sherborne Girls
Sherborne, Dorset, UK
Tel: +44 (0) 1935 812245
Email: admissions@sherborne.com
Web: www.sherborne.com
Ages: 11-18 years
Termly Boarding Fee: £15,300-£18,685 (incl. VAT)
St Michaels University School
Richmond Road, Victoria, BC, Canada
Tel: +1 (250) 592 2411
Email: info@smus.ca
Web: www.smus.ca
Ages: 5-18 years (boarding offered Grade 9-12)
Annual Fee: CA$96,930 (international boarding)
The Stony Brook School
1 Chapman Parkway, Stony Brook, New York
Tel: +1 (631) 751 1800
Email: admissions@sbs.org
Web: www.sbs.org
Ages: Grade 7-12
Annual Boarding Fee: US$73,700
THERAPY SERVICES, LEARNING SUPPORT & RESOURCES
For children requiring more intensive tuition, there are a number of schooling options along with home-grown support groups and private tutoring.
Cayman ABA provides evidence-based Applied Behaviour Analytic (ABA) interventions for children and adolescents. Tel: (345) 947 5477 for more information.
CHATTERBOX provides speech and language therapy, occupational therapy and support for children and adults with autism. They work with children and adults who have language or learning disorders, intellectual disabilities, motor disorders, anxiety disorders and ADHD. Tel: (345) 949 7065 or email: chatterbox@ candw.ky.
In addition to a regular education curriculum, Hope Academy (SEE AD PAGE 376 (SCHOOL) & 343 (CLINIC)) offers other programmes and services to facilitate an inclusive learning environment. They are also a registered healthcare facility and offer speech and language therapy, behaviour therapy, school-based ABA therapy and neuropsychological and psycho-educational evaluations. These services are also available for those not attending Hope Academy. Tel: (345) 769 4673, email: office@hopecayman.com or see www.hopecayman.com.
KidsAbility is a multidisciplinary therapy clinic that offers psycho-educational and neuropsychological assessments, clinical psychology services, speech-language therapy, occupational therapy, feeding therapy, and workshops for parents, educators and allied health professionals. Tel: (345) 943 5437, email: info@ kidsability.ky or see www.kidsability.ky. Cayman Theraplay Ltd. in Plaza Venezia
provides speech-language therapy and occupational therapy for infants, toddlers, children and teens, as well as parent and play programmes to support caregivers in bolstering their babies' development. Tel: (345) 749 7529 or email: info@ caymantheraplay.com.
The Health Services Authority offers occupational therapy, physiotherapy and speech-language therapy for a wide range of developmental, genetic and acquired disorders including, but not limited to, autism spectrum disorders, fine/gross motor concerns, speech and language concerns and feeding difficulties. Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA) therapy is also available for both adults and children, including customised treatment programmes, performance skills assessments and guidance for family members and caregivers. Tel: (345) 9498600, or visit www.hsa.ky.
Speech Studio provides individualised family-integrated speech and language services, including free consultations, comprehensive speech and language assessments and intervention for infants, early years and school years. Their team is dedicated to partnering with families and caregivers to offer services that help empower families to be involved in their child’s speech and language. Their speech and language pathways are evidence-based, innovative and offer creative solutions that help increase your child’s communication health. Tel: (345) 917 7434 or visit www. speechstudio.ky.
The Wellness Centre (SEE AD PAGE 321) is a licensed healthcare facility offering a comprehensive menu of psychological, learning, mental health and developmental support services for children, teens and families. Their team of clinicians have specialist training in neurodevelopmental disabilities, educational assessments, academic and behaviour interventions in the classroom, mental health treatment, and family services and parenting interventions to support the whole family. Tel: (345) 949 9355 or email: info@ wellnesscentre.ky).
Inclusion Cayman is a non-profit organisation that supports individuals and families with intellectual and developmental disabilities to lead inclusive lives. They advocate for access to community life, education and employment, working to ensure everyone in the Cayman Islands can fully participate and belong in society. Bay Town House, 68 West Bay Road, 2nd Floor Suite 202. Tel: (345) 623 2957, email: info@inclusioncayman.ky or visit www. inclusioncayman.ky.
The Lighthouse School offers specialised education and therapy for children aged 5-17 with moderate to severe special education needs, including those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), moderate learning difficulties (MLD), severe learning difficulties (SLD), and profound or multiple disabilities (PMLD). With an enrolment of approximately 118 students, the school is currently at full capacity, meaning prospective students will be placed on a wait list. For parents interested in enrolling their child, you must register online with the Department of Education Services (DES), requesting the Lighthouse School specifically. Applications must include all necessary specialist assessments and documentation. If the DES has any questions or requires more information, they will be in touch. Approval from both the DES registration team and Specialist Provision Panel is required for entry. Placement depends on available space, even if the child meets the criteria for admission. Contact the DES by calling (345) 945 1199 or emailing edu.registration@gov.ky.
The Government also operates the Early Intervention Programme (EIP) for both Caymanian and expatriate children from birth to age five who might experience various developmental delays. They offer occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, programmes for the visually impaired and hearing impaired, counselling, educational psychology, and E.I.P. Teacher Services. More information can be obtained by contacting the early
intervention coordinator by email: eip@ cayman.edu.ky or Tel: (345) 926 1413.
For adults with disabilities, there is the Sunrise Adult Training Centre. The primary function of the facility is to provide programmes to develop independence and encourage community inclusion for adults with additional learning needs. The centre works to enable their empowerment and maximise their independence, potential and quality of life, and they help to promote full inclusion within the larger community. These goals are achieved through life-skills training, functional academics, occupational therapy, supported workshops in crafts and agriculture, recreational and fitness programmes, plus in-centre vocational training, coupled with community-based internships and supported employment opportunities. Tel: (345) 949 3330 or email: infoSATC@gov. ky.
Special Olympics Cayman Islands (SOCI) is a registered non-profit sports organisation that offers year-round sports training and competition for individuals aged eight and older with intellectual disabilities. Through sports, they create a community where everyone is included and valued, regardless of ability. If you are interested in volunteer opportunities, coaching, partnerships, or if you have a child or adult who would like to participate, please contact SOCI for more information. Tel: (345) 946 7624 or visit www.specialolympics.ky.
TUTORING
Cayman has plenty of options when it comes to tutoring, although the teaching standards do vary. Parents seeking specialised services, such as reading intervention for a child with dyslexia, should be receiving support from a qualified individual. If your child is dyslexic, then finding a tutor who is trained in either the Wilson Programme or the Orton-Gillingham dyslexia instructional approach is essential. It's a good idea to ask a potential tutor if they have a certificate of qualifications proving they can teach these programmes.
If you are looking to have your child
tutored for their GCSE or A Level exams, find a teacher who has experience teaching the current curriculum your child is learning for that subject. Make sure they have specific experience getting children through those exams and have not just taught the subject up to an earlier grade. If you are looking for a maths tutor, consider that children in the US system learn maths in a very different way to those in the UK system. In the US system, students learn maths in themed branches (algebra, geometry, advanced algebra, trigonometry and then calculus), while in the UK system, students learn a broad cross-section of the whole subject of maths and then build on it each year. Enquire as to what experience the tutor has with the curriculum, and if they don’t seem to have enough knowledge, find one that does. Expect, on average, to pay CI$65-$85 an hour for one-on-one tutoring. Prices can exceed CI$150 an hour for exclusive services with academic specialists. Below is a list of the tutoring companies that are registered and licensed by the Education Council.
100% Math offers one-on-one, small group or online tutoring and they specialise in IB Mathematics HL and SL, plus IB Physics HL & SL, IB Chemistry HL & SL and IB Biology HL & SL. They also teach CXC, iGCSE, A Levels and up to university level. Palm Grove, 265 Smith Road, George Town. Tel: (345) 327 1872 or visit www.100percentmath.com.
Alpha Academy in Paddington Place, off Godfrey Nixon Way, George Town offers tutoring in physics, chemistry, biology, technology, engineering and maths, as well as English and Spanish. They are one of the few that teach to college level. Tel: (345) 327 1695, email: alphaacademy345@ gmail.com or visit www.alphaacademy.ky.
Ascend Tech Academy is located in Windjammer Plaza, 461 Walkers Road, George Town. They specialise in tutoring STEM subjects, particularly maths and computer science, either in-person or online. They have experience teaching the British, American and Caribbean curricula. Tel: (345) 326 2882, email:
info@ascendtechacademy.com or visit: ascendtechacademy.com.
Baobab provides a range of support services for academic and social-emotional needs for ages two years to adulthood. Services include reading intervention or enrichment, dyslexia support, maths intervention, early literacy, social thinking, second language development, academic tutoring and play-based nature play workshops. Tel: (345) 924 9103, email: admin@baobab.ky and or visit www.baobab.ky.
Cayman Learning Centre & School in Pasadora Place, Smith Road (SEE AD PAGE 372) , offers evidence-based tutoring programmes and the world-renowned Arrowsmith programme aimed to get to the root of learning difficulties, ultimately making the learning process easier. Interventions focus on literacy and numeracy skills, including reading, writing, spelling and comprehension. For students with reading and spelling difficulties due to dyslexia, their highly trained and experienced teachers offer evidence-based reading intervention. In maths, there is a focus on students obtaining proficient calculation abilities and the ability to conceptually understand maths over memorisation. For students diagnosed with disabilities, they offer programming based in neuroscience to get to the root cause of the intellectual disability and strengthen the student’s learning ability. Finally, they also offer a full-time school programme. For more information or to request an assessment, Tel: (345) 943 7323 or email: info@
caymanlearning.com. See page 372 for more information.
Ceibo Tutoring offers personalised academic and language tutoring, both online and in person, including reading fluency, reading comprehension, writing, maths, Spanish, Italian, EFL and test preparation. Also provides homeschool support, art history workshops and programmes to strengthen concentration and study habits. Tutoring for all ages and levels, including exam prep (SAT, IGCSE, IB and A Level). Email: info@ ceibotutoring.com or www.ceibotutoring. com.
French Tuition Cayman offers French classes in your own home for children aged 5+ and adults, from beginner to advanced levels, including GCSE, A Level and IB exam support. Tel: (345) 928 7526, email: frenchtuitionky@yahoo.com or visit www. frenchtuitioncayman.com.
High Achievement Academy (HAA) (SEE AD THIS PAGE) offers educational and professional tutoring, for all ages and abilities (aged 5+), by tutors who are highly qualified and experienced teachers from countries such as the UK, US and Canada. They provide individual and small group sessions tailored toward specific objectives. Programmes range from exam preparation (CXC, GCSE, A Levels and SATs), homework help, study skills, English as a Foreign Language and workplace training. Daytime, evening and weekend sessions are available six days a week and on holidays. HAA also welcomes the travelling student who
requires provisional study while visiting Grand Cayman. Located at Windjammer Building, Walkers Road. Tel: (345) 746 5555 or email: info@haacayman.com.
Finally, I Read For Life offers a programme which helps struggling readers gain selfconfidence, improve comprehension and read faster. They offer traditional tutoring, as well as online tutoring. Tel: (345) 947 1497 or email: admin@ireadforlife.ky for more information.
HOMESCHOOLING GENERAL GUIDELINES
Children of compulsory school age (5-17 years old) in the Cayman Islands can be homeschooled with prior approval from the Department of Education Services (DES). In the 2024/25 school year, 136 children were homeschooled. Like any educational programme, there is an application process and certain requirements to be met, both of which are discussed below. For a more detailed article on homeschooling in Cayman, see the Cayman Parent website.
Homeschooling may be a suitable option in cases where:
> A child is waitlisted but has not yet been offered a place in a private school, or is unable to be placed in the Government school system
> A child has learning difficulties that schools may not have the resources to accommodate
> The cost of private schooling is prohibitive for low-income families and/or those with multiple children
> Families travel frequently and wish to be able to take their children with them
> A child has been a victim of bullying at school.
The DES assesses individual requests for homeschooling on a case-by-case basis as they know there are some exceptional circumstances. They also expect all applications for homeschooling to be made online. See their Registration for Home Schooling page (https://schools.edu.ky/ registration-forms), where you will find the forms and can submit your supporting
documentation. If you need to visit the registration team at the DES, the address is 130 Thomas Russell Avenue, which is just off the Cayman National Bank roundabout in George Town. You can also email them at homeschool@gov.ky.
Amongst other things, you will be required to create an Individualised Home School Plan (IHSP) which must include:
> The child’s name, age and grade level
> Location and address of the home school
> A list of the syllabi, curriculum materials, textbooks or plan of instruction to be used in the core subjects
> A timetable which shows the subjects covered on which days and at what time, including any outside activities or online classes
> The date for submission of an annual report
> Names and qualifications of individuals providing instruction
> A statement confirming the child will be meeting compulsory educational requirements of the Education Act (2024 Revision).
The above must be submitted using the online registration form with other requirements as detailed by the DES on their website. Registration officially opens 1st July and closes 31st July, however applications can be received throughout the year as needed.
For parents wishing to apply after the start of the school year (end of August), written notice must be provided within 14 days of arrival to the island. Once a family or child is a resident, the child must be registered with a school.
The Director of the Department of Education Services (DES) will inform parents if their application has been approved in a timely manner. If approved, a homeschooling certificate is issued, valid until the end of the school year (30th June). A homeschool cannot serve more than five students. There is now a very useful website for the Cayman Homeschoolers Group where you can find additional information and organise meet-ups with other homeschooled students. See www. homeschoolcayman.ky.
Qualifications for Homeschoolers
Although this is not officially mandated, the parent or tutor providing instruction should hold the following qualifications:
> Primary – the parent(s)/tutor must have at least a high school diploma
> Secondary – the parent/tutor should have a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
The Department of Education strongly recommends that an accredited programme for homeschooling be used. If you go to the www. homeschoolcayman.ky website, you will find lots of suggestions. You will also find parental guidance on the Government website (www.gov.ky/publication-detail/ parental-guidance---homeschooling). Alternatively, look into the UK-based homeschooling group Wolsey Hall, Oxford, or you could try Abeka or K12 – the latter is an accredited programme with online teachers who can help.
Teaching Requirements
The DES requires that the school day be at least five hours long, excluding recess and lunch, and that there be at least 185 days of instruction (or 925 hours) in the school year. The curriculum must include the areas of reading, writing, maths, sciences, arts, physical education, social studies and the history and culture of the Cayman Islands, and although it does not have to be an accredited programme, it is encouraged. Parents/tutors must maintain a record of attendance and submit an annual report on the student’s progress to the Department of Education Services in the tenth month of the school year (June). If there are any changes to the programme, the DES must be advised in writing.
The DES will conduct one home visit as part of the registration process, and if deemed necessary, they will make an unscheduled second visit. Where necessary, they will liaise with the Office of Education Standards for assessment and reporting.
COLLEGES & TERTIARY EDUCATION
Tertiary education in Cayman began with the establishment of the International College of the Cayman Islands (ICCI) in 1970, followed by the Community College in 1976 and the Truman Bodden Law School in 1982. In 2004, the Community College’s status changed to that of a University College (now UCCI).
UCCI offers international accreditation for a variety of different courses, ranging from hospitality studies to technological and computer training. They also have international partnerships with other universities, so students can enjoy various options to study abroad and locals can select internship opportunities. The educational programmes now on offer have opened up opportunities in a wide variety of industries, including finance, tourism, education, nursing, medical, veterinary, legal services, engineering and computer sciences. Many institutions, such as those previously mentioned, as well as St. Matthews School of Medicine, the School of Veterinary Medicine, the University of the West Indies (open campus) and Inspire Cayman Training, now run internationally accredited courses or degrees that are not only training our local population, but also those from the entire Caribbean region. Most of them offer courses that are far more affordable than going overseas to study and scholarships are available through the Government and private companies who both help qualifying Caymanian students who need assistance with fees.
Scholarships for Tertiary Education
In an effort to ensure that Caymanians have the opportunity to fulfil their educational and career goals, the Ministry of Education, through the Education Council and administered by the Scholarship Secretariat, offers scholarships and grants to all Caymanian students who qualify to pursue either a local or an overseas tertiary education.
Students can apply for an overseas scholarship between 1st November and 31st January annually, and a local scholarship between 1st March and 30th April. No late applications are accepted. Students need to apply to a university prior to their scholarship application, but they do not have to have received an acceptance letter prior to applying. The qualifying criteria for a scholarship varies depending on whether you are aiming to take a technical and vocational course, a Bachelor’s degree, a Master’s degree or a PhD. The minimum age at which you can qualify for an overseas scholarship is 17, but the expectation is that you will turn 18 during that academic year. There is no upper age limit on applying for a scholarship.
The qualifying criteria for a local or overseas scholarship can be quite complicated. One important thing to consider is that a student who is awarded a scholarship must sign a legal document committing them to successfully completing their proposed studies and then working in the Cayman Islands for a specific period of time after their studies finish. If the student fails to meet either of these two requirements, they will have to repay all the scholarship funds that they have received.
Students pursuing a degree in education or classroom teaching are also eligible for the Education Teaching Scholarship, where they can receive up to CI$35,000 in annual funds.
Government High Schools Scholar Award: The Cayman Islands Ministry of Education (MoE) provides tuition support of up to CI$100,000 annually to the most outstanding Caymanian government high school graduates to study at QS Top 100 universities.
TVET Scholarship Funding: The Ministry of Education through the Scholarship Secretariat offers TVET grants for attendance at locally registered TVET institutions. The application for this is open year round and approved every quarter. Funding is for up to CI$15,000
and there is no limit to the number of times an applicant can apply for a scholarship to cover another course, they just have to complete the previous course.
Undergraduate Degree Scholarships: To be considered for an overseas scholarship to study a Bachelor’s degree programme, you must have passed your AP, IB, A Levels, BTEC, SATs or obtained an Associate’s Degree to a certain criteria set out in the Scholarship Secretariat’s application form. For example, if you took the IB, you would have to have taken and passed the full IB diploma and achieved a high school GPA of 3.25. A Level and CAPE students need to have passed three A Levels, each with a minimum grade C or CAPE Unit 2. If you took an Associate’s Degree or Associate level studies, you must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. BTEC Level 3 students must have an Extended Diploma with a minimum MMM grade average. If you took APs, please refer to the scholarship section of the Ministry of Education website, as the point system and requirements have recently changed. Finally, the Education Council may award an overseas scholarship to students who do not have advanced standing (IB, A Levels, CAPE, AP) if they meet one of the following two criteria: 1) Seven GCSE/CXC passes at grades A-B/8-6/I-II (including mathematics and English or 2) A combined cumulative High School GPA of 3.25 or higher or an SAT score of 1500 on the old SAT, 1100 on the new SAT or an ACT score of 22.
Undergraduate Funding & Subsequent Years: To maintain your scholarship, you must achieve a 2.75 GPA or a 2:2 in the first year of study, and a 3.00 GPA or a 2:1 in your subsequent years. The Education Council has a requirement that you do at least 12 credits per semester/term in your first year and then 15 credits per term in the subsequent years. Overall, a Bachelor's degree should take 120 credits to complete. Each year you should be doing a minimum of 30 credits for a four-year course, and 40 credits for a three-year course.
The Secretariat’s annual audit of your
scholarship will measure this and your funding may be suspended if you are taking less than the credit requirements. Funding comes in twice a year and is based on your declared expenses. Qualifying students can get funding of up to CI$30,000 per year for a maximum of four years. If they are reading Medicine, that can be extended to six years. Also, based on budgetary considerations, mandatory summer funding can be made available to students once per degree. This is capped at CI$4,000 and is dependent on specific guidelines being met.
Tracking Undergraduate Scholarship Expenses: Each semester, students must go through a detailed submission process for their scholarship funds to be continued. This process includes submitting a detailed grade and transcript record, along with major receipts such as tuition, books, accommodation, and airline tickets. The paperwork will then be reviewed in detail. The Scholarship Secretariat reviews the student’s expenditures to ensure that they were applied towards agreed fees/expenses, and then they review the student’s performance and grades. Only after this review has been done is it determined that the next disbursement of funding can be released. In addition to the Ministry of Education’s scholarships, students can also apply for a private sector scholarship as long as both scholarships do not exceed the students' total costs.
Although the process of getting a scholarship may seem overwhelming, the Secretariat must have a way of measuring that a student’s performance is within the requirements set by the Education Council. They also require students to go through a costing procedure. Each student must fill in a spreadsheet online which automatically tables their expenses and identifies the different costs that they should be thinking about (tuition, room and board, food, dorm supplies, school supplies, groceries, books, utilities, transportation at university, flights home,
etc.). Each student is given an online folder in which to upload their expenses and details.
For more information on the application process, see https://moescholarships. gov.ky/ or pick up a copy of our sister publication, Cayman Parent
UNIVERSITIES & COLLEGES
International College of the Cayman Islands
595 Hirst Road, Newlands
Tel: (345) 947 1100
Email: info@icci.edu.ky
Web: www.icci.edu.ky
Overview: ICCI is the birthplace of higher education in the Cayman Islands. The college awards certificates, Associate's, Bachelor’s and Master's degrees. It has been recognised by the CI Ministry of Education since 2002 and is accredited by the Accreditation Service for International Schools, Colleges and Universities (ASIC) in the UK. Its business programs are also accredited by the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE) in the USA. ICCI focuses on career readiness, enhancement and personal development of the student.
Courses Offered: Associate's and Bachelor's degrees in Business, Finance, Accounting, Information Systems Management including Artificial Intelligence, Community Health, Sustainable Tourism and Hospitality Management, and Liberal Studies. Online, face-to-face and hybrid formats are offered. Courses start at the end of September, January, April and July. Master's degrees include the MBA, Human Resources Management and Management Consulting.
Public Works Department Construction Trades Training Centre (CTTC)
370 North Sound Road, George Town Tel: (345) 949 2547
Email: pwd.apprentice@gov.ky
A division of PWD where Caymanians can take City & Guild construction trade training courses. Only open to those 16-29 years old.
St. Matthew’s University School of Medicine
Regatta Office Park, Leeward 3, West Bay Road
Tel: 1 (978) 862 9442 Ext. 2
Email: admissions@stmatthews.edu
Web: www.stmatthews.edu
Fees: Basic Sciences US$17,702 (Term 1-5) and Clinical Medicine US$23,406 (Term 6-10). Various fees apply per semester. Note: Medical students complete five semesters (three semesters per year) of basic science and pre–clinical studies in Grand Cayman and are then transferred to do clinical rotations at teaching hospitals in the US, Canada or UK to complete their medical degree programme.
School of Veterinary Medicine
Regatta Office Park, Leeward 4, West Bay Road
Tel: (345) 814 3177
Email: admissions@stmatthews.edu
Web: www.stmatthews.edu
Fees: Basic Sciences US$14,993 (Semester 1-7) and Clinical Sciences US$24,757 (Semester 8-10) and various miscellaneous fees apply. Note: Veterinary students complete seven semesters (three semesters per year) of basic science instruction in Grand Cayman and a year of clinical instruction at an affiliated US or Canadian veterinary school.
The Truman Bodden Law School (TBLS)
Artemis House, George Town
Tel: (345) 945 0077
Email: mitchell.davies@gov.ky
Web: www.caymanlawschool.ky
Annual Fees for Caymanians/Legal Residents of 10+ years:
> PPC (all students) CI$9,900, plus annual registration fee of CI$1,000
> LLB Honours Degree (full time)
CI$6,000, plus annual University of Liverpool registration fee of £2,500 (approximately)
> LLB Honours Degree (part time) CI$1,500 per subject, plus annual University of Liverpool registration fee of £1,250 (approximately) (60 credits per year).
Annual Fees for Non-Caymanian Students:
> LLB Honours Degree (full time)
CI$14,000, plus annual University of Liverpool registration fee of £2,500 (approximately)
> LLB (part time) CI$3,500 per subject, plus pro-rated annual University of
Liverpool registration fee of £1,250 (approximately) (60 credits per year).
Note: All fees are subject to change. Bachelor and Professional Programmes: Now in its 43rd year, TBLS is an affiliated institution of the University of Liverpool (UK) and currently offers the following programmes: i) Bachelor of Laws (Honours) Degree (LLB) of the University of Liverpool, which is offered over three years (full time) or five/six years (part time); and ii) Professional Practice Course (PPC) (full time), to eligible students, under the oversight of the Cayman Islands Legal Advisory Council and Oxford Brookes University. Successful completion of the PPC’s Qualifying Examination leads to the award of the Diploma in Legal Practice, which is awarded by Oxford Brookes University. Thereafter, students must complete 18 months’ of articles of clerkship. After completion of articles, the qualification of Attorney-at-Law of the Cayman Islands is earned. The TBLS LLB degree is the award of the University of Liverpool, England. The LLB degree is recognised in the UK, which ensures that TBLS LLB students are eligible to pursue postgraduate professional qualifications in that jurisdiction. The LLB degree is also recognised by the Legal Advisory Council of the Cayman Islands as a Cayman Qualifying Law Degree and by the National Committee on Accreditation, Canada. All TBLS classes are taught in small groups, enhancing the teaching and learning experience. Applications: Must be completed through the TBLS online admissions portal. The deadline for the receipt of applications for the 2026/27 academic year is 1st July 2026.
SEE AD THIS PAGE
University College of the Cayman Islands (UCCI)
Grand Cayman Campus: 168 Olympic Way, off Walkers Road, George Town
Tel: (345) 623 8224
Brac Campus: Avistar Building, West End, CB
Email: admissions@ucci.edu.ky
Web: www.ucci.edu.ky
Programmes: Associate's, Bachelor's and Master’s degrees; certificates and diplomas; programmes; professional development programmes; continuing education, TVET and IT courses; and digital skills. The university
also offers the pre-college and Year 12 dual entry programmes. Contact UCCI directly for costs, application deadlines, start dates and educational requirements.
University of the West Indies (Open Campus) Cayman (UWI)
168 Olympic Way, George Town
Tel: (345) 925 8042
Email: cayman@open.uwi.edu
Web: www.open.uwi.edu
VOCATIONAL TRAINING
Traditional tertiary education is not suited to every student. Thankfully, there are a wide range of vocational and trade training options in Cayman.
Auto Repairs & Maintenance
UCCI offers a one-year part-time auto repair Level 2 and Level 3 programme with certificates issued by the Institute of Motor Industry providing everything you need to know to become a qualified motor vehicle mechanic. There is also the Superior Auto Training Program (SATP) which is a not-forprofit programme that teaches Caymanian students the fundamentals of auto repair. Tel: (345) 949 9570 or email: sa@candw. ky for more information.
Beauty & Massage Therapy Courses
Cayman Career Academy (CCA) is the first locally CIDESCO-accredited, and more recently EduQual-accredited, beauty school in the Caribbean to offer world-renowned CIDESCO diplomas in Beauty Therapy and Beauty and Spa Management and
certificate courses in Aesthetics, Body Therapy and Manual Facial. Through EduQual they offer diplomas in Massage Therapy, as well as shorter award courses in waxing, manicures and pedicures. CCA is open to anyone 16 and over. Through CIDESCO qualifications, students receive theoretical and practical training (blended learning) and obtain professional expertise, which will ensure they stand out to employers, not only locally but internationally. Scholarships are now available through the Ministry of Education for Caymanians, and payment plans are also available. Tel: (345) 936 2228 to book an interview or, for more information, see www.caymancareeracademy.ky.
Boat Training
Aside from helping beginners learn the ropes, boat training can help boost employability, give companies formal safety qualifications and even lower boat insurance. For private/non-commercial boat owners, training courses can often significantly lower your insurance costs – make sure to ask your insurer about discounted rates.
Mark Tarsh/Spindrift Charters offers the IYT Small Power Boat Rib Master Course over two days after the e-learning has been completed. He also offers the IYT VHF Radio Couse and the MCA ICC 10m Power & PWC Coastal course. For anyone who wants to do the International Bareboat Skipper Sail or the MCA International Certificate of Competence 24m Sail/10m power courses then he will put you on a
Truman Bodden Law School of the Cayman Islands
waiting list and do it when he has enough students. For more information, contact Mark Tarsh on (345) 328 0432, email: info@spindriftcharters.com or visit www. spindriftcharters.com/iytboatingcourses.
Pro Yacht offers the Small Powerboat and RIB Master course to anyone over the age of 16. This two-day certified course covers the basics of boat handling, operations and safety, which is perfect for families and children wanting to safely handle a boat. Contact Tristan Skinner on (345) 945 4676 or email: tskinner@proyacht.ky.
Coding & Computer Technology
In partnership with Cayman Enterprise City, Enterprise Cayman offers a wide range of tech training programmes designed for beginners, intermediate learners, and advanced professionals. Participants can choose from knowledge-sharing focused workshops to self-paced, and in-person training courses covering high-demand fields such as coding, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, Web3 and more.
To ensure quality and global recognition, Enterprise Cayman has partnered with leading institutions including Cisco Networking Academy, Cypfer, and the University College of the Cayman Islands (UCCI) to provide access to reputable curricula and industry-recognised programmes and certifications. For more information, visit www.enterprisecayman. ky/tech-training or email: innovate@ enterprisecayman.ky.
CompTIA Courses
UCCI offers a full-time Computer Technician Certificate that introduces students to the fundamentals of computer hardware and software, mobile devices, security and networking concepts, and the responsibility of an IT professional. The latest curriculum includes mobile devices and Linux, as well as expanded information about Microsoft Windows operating systems, security, networking and troubleshooting.
Inspire Cayman Training also offers nine CompTIA courses, including IT
Fundamentals, the A+ and Network+ certifications, Security certification, Cloud Essentials and the Cybersecurity CASP+ and Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+) certifications.
Construction & Trades
Inspire Cayman Training (ICT) offers NCCER courses in craft professions (carpentry, plumbing, HVAC, electrical and craft skills). ICT provides portable credentials to all trainees and these credentials are tracked through NCCER's registry system, which allows all organisations to track the qualifications of their craft professionals and check the qualifications of possible new hires. Trainees must achieve a passing score of 70% or greater on the module test and performance profile to earn a certification. For more information, see www.inspirecaymantraining.com. UCCI offers multiple technical and vocational courses that include working in the field with employers who offer the practical side of the training. The courses include: 1) Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Level 1 and 2; 2) Plumbing Level 1 and 2; 3) Electrical Installation Level 1 and 2; 4) ElectroTechnology Level 2 diploma.
Craft Skills
The NCCER Core Curriculum Introductory to Craft Skills encompasses 160 hours of material handling, rigging, power tools, hand tools, construction maths and construction site safety. The course costs CI$3,500 and can be done through Inspire Cayman Training See www. inspirecaymantraining.com for more information. Once completed, other courses can be taken.
Divemaster Training
If you are looking to make scuba diving your career, then you will have to become a PADI Divemaster before you can take the PADI Instructor Development Course (IDC). Divetech and Red Sail Sports offer many PADI dive certification courses from the Open Water up to Divemaster. Once you are a certified Divemaster, you
are ready to do the IDC overseas. Call Divetech on (345) 946 5658 or visit www. divetech.com.
Fire Service
To join the Cayman Islands Fire Service, you must be over 18 years of age, be able to regularly lift 20-30lbs, and occasionally lift up to 165lbs. You must also be physically fit, be able to swim, have a clean police record, have no fear of heights and show no signs of claustrophobia. Applications are welcome from both men and women. All officers must complete a Trainee Firefighter course, which is a comprehensive course that covers all areas that the Service is responsible for. This includes the Domestic Division (which deals with structure and motor vehicle fires) and the Aerodrome Division (which deals with aeronautical/aircraft rescue and firefighting, etc.) Completion of this comprehensive course will give you an internationally recognised certification in Aeronautical Firefighting. The Fire Service also offers internships, which can be a great way to get involved with the Service early on. For more information, visit www. cifs.gov.ky or call (345) 949 2276.
Hospitality & Culinary
UCCI offers various certification courses, delivered over 7-14 weeks to people of all ages and abilities. The Hospitality and Tourism programme (three semesters, full time) is designed to prepare students for a successful and rewarding career in the hospitality industry. Students develop the fundamental knowledge of hospitality industry operations and the required management skills necessary to be successfully employed in entry or supervisory positions. Learn more by visiting www.ucci.edu.ky.
National Training Programmes
Passport2Success is an employment preparedness course offered by the Ministry of Education and Training and supported by leading employers in the Cayman Islands. Designed for young Caymanians,
the programme enhances workplace readiness and employability through training seminars, workshops, community service and practical work experience. To apply, contact the National Training and Development Unit on (345) 649 8087 or email nationaltraining@gov.ky.
Ready2Work KY is a government-led initiative for Caymanian job seekers who are unemployed or seeking a career change, as well as high school or recent university graduates. Ready2Work partners with private sector employers seeking to connect with local talent. While the employer focuses on training in technical and subject matter skills and expertise, Ready2Work delivers structured training, individual and group support and other services to address various barriers to accessing and maintaining employment. Private sector businesses can access a salary subsidy, which provides funding to assist with the costs of participating in the programme. For more information, contact the National Training and Development Unit on (345) 649 4051 or email Ready2Work@gov.ky.
Occupational Safety & Health
Risk Consultancy Cayman Ltd. (RCC) offers a 30-hour Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) training programme in rigging and lifting procedures for crane operations, fall protection training, scaffold building, forklift operator training, hazardous material handling, fire warden training and pre-hospital trauma life support (PHTLS) training. They also offer a full risk management consultancy service for the construction industry. Contact Julius Jacky on (345) 326 1007 or email: julius. jacky@rcs.ky for more information.
Inspire Cayman Training, through BIS Safety Software, offers courses for the Environment, Health and Safety (EHS) professional. They have around 2,000 health and safety courses which can be done through online training.
Personal Trainer Certification Courses Fitness Connection (SEE AD PAGE 463) , located in South Sound, runs ongoing ISCA programmes in personal training and Mat Pilates, AEA (Aquatic Fitness Instructor Certification), as well as SAI swimming instructor and Starguard Elite Lifeguarding training courses. The instructor/owner, Laura Ribbins, has been an international training specialist for over 30 years. Tel: (345) 949 8485 or email: fitness@fitness. ky for more information.
Police Service
Applicants for the position of Recruit Constable in the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service (RCIPS) should be Caymanian (as defined under the Cayman Islands Immigration Act) or Permanent Resident (with the right to work without restrictions), be between the ages of 18 and 40 years old, hold a minimum of a High School Diploma or a General Education Degree (GED) from an accredited institution with a minimum of five CXC passes or equivalent, two of which should be in English and maths. Successful applicants must be computer literate, have a clean driving licence and criminal record, and be in good health and physical condition. Shortlisted applicants will undergo a comprehensive recruitment and selection process. This includes a complete background check and vetting, an entrance exam focusing on competence in maths and English, a physical fitness test (specifically the 5.4 bleep test), a structured formal interview, a medical examination, and if successful in all the preceding stages, then a formal offer to join The Service is made. Prospects who accept the offer to join RCIPS will undergo 17-22 consecutive weeks of initial training. Upon completion of this training, they will graduate before being officially deployed under the guidance of a tutor. Following graduation, Recruit Constables go through a two-year probationary period. Throughout this duration, they will engage in continuous training and development, gaining
exposure to various units including community policing, traffic, drugs and serious crime, criminal investigations, financial crimes, firearms response, air operations, Security Intelligence Unit, and the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub. This period also provides opportunities for Recruit Constables to interact with senior officers and explore areas where they exhibit a natural inclination. Upon successful completion of the probationary period, Recruit Constables will then receive their formal designation as Police Constables. For more information, visit www.rcips.ky or you can email the RCIPS Human Resources Unit: RCIPSRecruitment@ rcips.ky. To apply, visit the Cayman Islands Government website at www. career.gov.ky (recruitment season varies from year to year).
Prison Service
To join H. M. Cayman Islands Prison Service (HMCIPS), the requirements are as follows: you must be aged 18 years or over, have three high school pass grades (including maths and English), and a clear criminal record. The recruitment process involves three stages. First, a written exam, then a fitness assessment and finally, an in-person interview. If successful, you will begin a 9-11 week training course comprised of classroom work and field-based training that will lead to a six-month probationary contract followed by an open contract (for Caymanians) and a two-year contract (for non-Caymanians). Tel: (345) 640 3000 or email: prisoncareers@gov.ky.
Professional Training
Cayman Finance offers LEAD, a different kind of summer work experience. The programme was built to introduce the financial services industry to high school students. Held annually from May to August, LEAD offers eight weeks of financial services-focused workshops and one-on-one mentoring with a mentor from a Cayman Finance member organisation. The programme culminates with a four-
week paid work placement at a Cayman Finance member firm, either in July or August, followed by a celebration event in September. The programme is open to high-performing Caymanian students completing Grade 11 (American system) or Year 12 (British system – completing the first year of A Levels or Dual Enrolment at UCCI). The application deadline is in March each year. For more information on LEAD, visit www.caymanfinance.ky/lead or email lead@caymanfinance.ky.
Teaching
For those who would like to go into teaching, UCCI offers the Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). This intensive 15-month programme for bachelor’s degree holders, focuses on teaching and learning methodologies designed to enhance teaching skills at the primary level. Courses in literacy, maths, science and social studies include practical experience affording candidates the opportunity to connect theory and practice in the classroom. They also offer the Early Childhood Education Diploma.
FURTHER ADULT EDUCATION
Accounting (CPD Courses)
The Cayman Islands Institute of Professional Accountants (CIIPA) serves as the regulatory body for the accounting profession in the Cayman Islands. Through off-site monitoring, guidance and educational initiatives, CIIPA supports the integrity and quality of financial services in the Cayman Islands. All regular CIIPA members must comply with the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements of their overseas professional accounting institute or the International Education Standards. The CIIPA Training Committee has an annual training calendar of courses to support members’ development. Contact CIIPA at admin@ciipa.ky or visit www.ciipa.ky.
Business
The Chamber of Commerce Training Centre offers a range of courses on topics in Legal
Assist; Ken Blanchard Leadership Series; Workplace Essentials; Made For You; and Small Biz Boot Camp. The centre also offers select courses virtually. Go online or call to find out more. Governors Square, West Bay Road. Tel: (345) 949 8090 or visit www.caymanchamber.ky.
Careers Advice/Development
Connect by Nova is a not-for-profit initiative committed to supporting the community to achieve career success through free and guided access to career advice, education and training. Their services are tailored to support individuals looking for work, returning to work, pursuing further education and recent graduates preparing to enter the workforce. Tel: (345) 623 1044, email: connect@nova.ky or visit www.connect.nova.ky.
Human Resources
The Cayman Islands Society of Human Resources Professionals (CISHRP) offers a Certificate in HR Management course, which includes modules on Cayman's immigration, pension and labour laws, health insurance rules and the essentials of HR management. See www.cishrp. ky or email: info@cishrp.ky for more information.
Marketing
Cayman Islands Marketing Professionals Association (CIMPA) is a dynamic non-profit organisation dedicated to shaping the future of marketing in the Cayman Islands. CIMPA offers professional development resources and training sessions on trending industry topics, and they also host a popular annual conference. Both members and non-members are welcome.
Refer to the Food and Drink chapter for cooking classes; and Activities for Adults, Sports and Fitness and Activities for Kids chapters for other extracurricular courses.
Art Classes
The National Gallery intermittently runs
workshops based on their temporary exhibition series. Workshops cover a wide variety of art-related topics, including ceramics, photography, painting and more. To explore the current schedule of events and workshops, visit www. nationalgallery.org.ky.
3 Girls & A Kiln offers a selection of adult evening art classes. Classes include dropin glazing, paint and sip nights and more. They also host kids camps during school holidays. You can see their monthly schedule on www.3girlsandakiln.com.
Art Nest offers a variety of weekly classes for both adults and children. Their adult classes are sociable and fun and include pottery, painting, photography or embroidery. They also offer camps in the school holidays. Call (345) 927 2258 for a full schedule of monthly events.
The Visual Arts Society (VAS) is an active non-profit promoting 'Art for Everyone', including artists and those who appreciate and support art. VAS runs workshops throughout the year based on community interest. They cover a wide variety of art-related topics, from figure drawing, abstract art, photography, jewellery making and ceramics. VAS has a strong expertise in pottery and ceramics (the studio is equipped with potter's wheels, a kiln, tools, glazes and clay can be purchased). Kids art and crafts camps are offered during school breaks and weekends, as well as workshops and an open studio for adults. On occasion, they offer workshops to artists on how to market themselves, use social media and how to prepare for an exhibit. VAS has a prominent presence at the Wednesday Farmers and Artisans Market located in Camana Bay. Email: vascayman@ gmail.com or see www.facebook.com/ visualartcayman.
Child Safety Training
Cayman Islands Red Cross, in partnership with international agencies, offers child safety courses, and they are often free to the community. In collaboration with Darkness To Light, a non-profit
organisation, the CI Red Cross offers courses including Stewards of Children, offered both virtually and in person and Recognising and Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect, offered virtually only. They also conduct child emotional abuse prevention awareness sessions for adults, aimed at promoting early recognition and response to emotional harm. Preregistration is required. Visit www.d2l.org or www.redcross.org.ky for information. To sign up, email: childprotection@ redcross.org.ky.
Computer Classes
Computer and software courses in Microsoft Word, Excel, QuickBooks, Photoshop, InDesign, FrontPage and web design are all available. See earlier in this chapter for information on ICCI and UCCI Inspire Cayman Training, through its partnership with Ed2Go, has hundreds of online courses to choose from.
The Public Library Service offers a free introduction to computers course at all six libraries, though these are infrequent. Check social media for upcoming classes. For more information, email: libraryprogrammes@gov. ky or call (345) 949 5159.
Diving Courses
Diving certification courses are widely available in Cayman. Once you are an open water-certified diver, other courses available include advanced diver, nitrox and even trimix courses. You can talk to Sunset Divers (SEE AD PAGE 481) (Tel: (345) 946 6789), In Depth Watersports (Tel: (345) 949 6606), Divetech (Tel: (345) 946 5658) or Wall to Wall Diving (Tel: (345) 916 6408). See the Diving chapter for more information.
First Aid, Basic Life Support & Water Rescue Courses
There are various training providers for first aid, CPR/AED and aquatic emergencies. Certifications are usually valid for two years, after which one must do a refresher. Some will teach kids as young as nine, others prefer them to be at least 15. Cayman Islands Red Cross offers the
American Red Cross (ARC) syllabus and certification in the following courses: Infant/ Child/Adult First Aid, CPR and AED; Lifeguarding and Basic Water Rescue. All certifications are valid for two years. Contact the first aid training manager on (345) 925 0715, email: firstaid@redcross.org.ky or visit www.redcross.org.ky for training opportunities, course prices and dates.
Fitness Connection (SEE AD PAGE 463) also teaches (ASHI) CPR/AED courses, the SAI Safety Training Aquatic Rescue Course and offers Starguard Lifeguard training. Tel: (345) 949 8485, email: fitness@fitness.ky or visit www.fitness.ky.
CPR Respiratory Cayman/Melissa Shaw is a certified instructor for the American Safety & Health Institute. She offers the following courses: ASHI Advanced Cardiac Life Support, ASHI Basic Life Support, ASHI Paediatric Advanced Life Support, ASHI Basic and Advanced First Aid, ASHI Child/Babysitting Safety and Paediatrics. For more information or to schedule one of these CPR courses, email: melissashawky@ gmail.com or call (345) 926 0219.
Thrive Fit offers private and group courses in first aid, CPR and basic water rescue, as well as Nanny Water Safety courses and lifeguard services for birthday parties. Tel: (345) 938 1113, email: info@thrivefitcayman.com or see www. thrivefitcayman.com.
Mike Nelson/Nicola Sowerby offer the full Emergency First Responder (EFR) certification course either at schools, offices, churches or at home. The certification is valid for two years. The course covers practical and theoretical adult, child and infant CPR, AED and first aid, including administering EPI pens. Lifeguarding and Water Safety courses are also offered. These are WASH (World Academy of Safety and Health) certified. Tel: (345) 516 4623 or email: nicolajsowerby@gmail.com.
HIV, AIDS, Gender & Sexuality Training
In addition to providing HIV testing, the Cayman Islands Red Cross offers a basic information course on STIs such as HIV
and AIDS, as well as courses on gender and sexuality, healthy sexuality and sexualisation, and stigma and discrimination. Courses are offered virtually and in person (depending on demand) and are open to adults and teenagers. Email childprotection@redcross. org.ky for more information.
Leadership Development
The YMCA offers the Teen Lead On Programme, which utilises adventure-based elements across the Island to provide teens with speciality leadership training. Teens who complete the programme will receive an official YMCA Leadership certificate that will assist with school and job applications in the future. The teens can also volunteer in YMCA programmes, with an expectation that they serve a minimum of 30 hours within three months of programme completion. The programme is offered free of charge to teens, aged 13-17 and requires an application and an interview process for successful participants. For more information, visit https://ymcacayman.ky/teens.
Music Lessons
Twice a year, examiners from Trinity College London fly to Cayman to offer exams to students who have been preparing according to the Trinity music syllabus. See the Activities for Adults chapter for details. Refer to the Shopping chapter to purchase instruments, and for piano tuning, contact Pianotech.ky on (345) 925 4535 or email: pianotunacayman@gmail.com.
Wine Courses
Academy of Wine and Spirits offers wine, spirit and cocktail courses and provides CPDcertified qualifications that are globally recognised. Courses vary in duration and attract students from restaurants and hotels, as well as the general public. Visit www. academyofwineandspirits.org to find out about upcoming course dates.
Cayman Wine School also offers premium learning courses with professional educators. Visit www.caymanwineschool.com. PJ
Family
Matters
Everything
The Cayman Islands are a wonderful place to live, get married and raise a family. This chapter is intended to help you navigate the legal rules and regulations that may affect your family life, both when you are starting life together as a married couple and in the event your marriage breaks down. Travers Thorp Alberga have provided Cayman Resident with valuable information and insights on nuptial agreements, and divorce and child arrangements for those who are separating. If you are looking for legal advice, you will find a list of reputable law firms with family offices at the end of this chapter.
FAMILY BREAKDOWN IN THE CAYMAN ISLANDS
Speaking at the opening of the Grand Court on 10 January 2025, Chief Justice Margaret Ramsay-Hale stated that in contrast to the gloomy statistics from the year before, notably that more than 40% of marriages in the Cayman Islands end in divorce and the Cayman Islands had the fifth highest divorce rate in the world, with the US sixth, the number of marriages for the last year far outstripped the number of divorces. There were 233 divorce decrees issued, which was a significant downward drift from last year’s high of 286, and that 660 marriages were recorded by the registrar in 2024.
PRE & POST-NUPTIAL AGREEMENTS
When planning a wedding and future together, divorce can be the
last thing on a couple’s mind. When in a marriage and everything is going well nobody wants to think of the marriage ending. Just like people take out car insurance to protect the vehicle and themselves, a nuptial agreement serves as insurance for your future and assets. It can ensure financial security in marriage and beyond.
What is a Nuptial Agreement?
A nuptial agreement is a legal contract entered into either pre or post marriage. It outlines how assets, debts and other financial matters will be handled in the event of divorce. It will sometimes also include how the couple wishes to deal with their assets during the marriage.
In the Cayman Islands the court has ultimate control and oversight of how assets are divided between the parties, even if there is a nuptial agreement in place. This means that even if you have signed a nuptial agreement (be it a pre- or post- nuptial agreement) there is no guarantee that you will be held to the terms of it and you cannot contract out of meeting the “financial needs” of each other or any children of the marriage. The court will look at the financial circumstances and needs of each of the parties, the assets that each has and apply sections 19 and 21 of the Matrimonial Causes Act (2005 Revision) when determining what level of financial provision should be made.
However, if the agreement is properly drafted and contains
Photos courtesy of Yuri Arcurs & Lightfield Studios
appropriate safeguards for the parties, it is more likely that the agreement will be upheld by the courts in the Cayman Islands. The most important thing is to ensure that both parties take independent, specialist legal advice at an early stage when considering a nuptial agreement.
The Process of Divorce
How to Begin Divorce Proceedings
In the Caymans Islands, a ‘no-fault’ divorce is not available. Under the current Matrimonial Causes Act (2005 Revision), a person is entitled to get a divorce in the Cayman Islands if either of the parties is domiciled in the Islands. A ‘female’ (as the law states) may also apply for a divorce if she has been ordinarily resident here for at least two years prior to filing for a divorce.
For non-Caymanians who separate, domicile and residence are legal concepts which may need to be defined. Your legal status to remain in Cayman may be impacted and issues such as where family
members will then live may arise. Wellstructured legal advice will include counsel from a qualified immigration specialist before proceedings start.
Grounds for Divorce
In the Cayman Islands the Petitioner (the party who has decided to commence divorce proceedings) must prove one of the following grounds for divorce:
> Adultery has been committed, and the Petitioner finds it intolerable to remain married.
> Unreasonable behaviour
> Desertion for a continuous period of two years before proceedings are issued
> Two years separation before proceedings are issued, and the Petitioner’s spouse consents to the divorce.
> The Petitioner and their spouse have continuously lived apart for five years before the issuing of the proceedings.
However, if adultery has occurred, you cannot apply for a divorce until two
years have passed since the marriage date, unless it can be shown that there has been exceptional hardship, including domestic abuse. In addition, the name of the third person involved in the alleged adultery will also be named on the court documents.
What Happens Next
There are three documents required to start a divorce. These are:
> A petition that sets out the facts of the marriage and the grounds for the divorce.
> A sworn affidavit whereby the Petitioner states that the petition is true and accurate
> The marriage certificate or a certified copy.
The petition is then filed with the Grand Court and served on the Petitioner’s spouse (or any co-respondent if necessary). If the Petitioner’s spouse resides outside of the Cayman Islands, permission from the Grand Court will be required for service outside the jurisdiction. The Petitioner’s spouse has 14 days to respond (or 28 days if they are overseas) and indicate whether
they intend to contest the grounds for divorce. If the Petitioner’s spouse does not defend the divorce, the Court will consider the petition. Otherwise, the case will be listed before a Judge, who will decide whether there are proper grounds for divorce and what the next steps need to be. Family matters are held in private in the Judge’s chambers.
Parties must then attend a Court ordered Mediation Information Assessment Meeting (MIAM) following the first hearing unless there are grounds not to do so, such as domestic violence. An application will need to be made if the parties are claiming an exemption. Mediation can cover both finances and the children. If the case is suitable for mediation, a Court ordered mediation process can begin. The parties will be asked to provide financial disclosure to the mediator by way of a form called a ‘MIAM 3’. Mediation is a free service provided by the Court. However, if the parties bring an attorney with them, this will incur costs.
If the parties cannot agree on an outcome with the assistance of a mediator, the matter will return to Court. The Judge can then give direction to get the matter ready for a final hearing, where evidence will be heard and a decision made.
If the parties cannot agree on where the children will live, how frequently a parent should see them or how the family finances should be divided, the Judge will decide for them. Judges will always encourage agreement, where possible, as enforced settlements can leave both parties feeling like they lacked control over the outcome and their future.
Only once financial matters and any issues regarding children are resolved will a decree of dissolution of the marriage be granted. This final step in the process is dealt with through the Civil Registry and no further appearance in Court is necessary.
Court Orders
This is not an exhaustive list, but the Judge doesn’t just dissolve the marriage. They can also make decisions about:
> The residence, care and control of the children of a marriage. This can include where the children should live and how they should spend time with either parent
> The use of a matrimonial home.
> Periodic payments to be made by one party to the other pending suit.
> An injunction for the protection of settled property and other property in which either spouse claims an interest.
> The protection of one spouse from interference by the other.
> The disposition of matrimonial property, including the matrimonial home.
> Varying any settlement of the property of the spouses made in consideration of the marriage, whether such settlement was made before or upon the treaty of said marriage.
> Varying any other settlement of matrimonial property.
> Making financial provision from the property of either spouse for the children of the marriage and for the other spouse.
> Providing for periodic payments to be made by either spouse for the benefit of the children of the marriage and for the other spouse.
> Who pays what legal costs.
International Divorces
A person can get a divorce if they have been domiciled in the Cayman Islands. However, extra care is needed where the case has an international element to it, as a divorce could possibly be started in more than one country, but the financial outcomes might be significantly different in other places. Getting legal, tax and immigration advice early on would be prudent. See page 397 for family law firms in Cayman.
Child Care Arrangements
Each case is different, but the welfare of any child(ren) is the Court’s paramount consideration. Sometimes, due to the living situation and the ages of the child(ren), they may spend more time with one parent, or time may be split equally. To find out more about the types of application that can be made concerning children, visit
www.judicial.ky/general-public/makingan-application-under-the-children-law.
Division of Assets
In the context of how assets are to be divided, outcomes can include what happens to the matrimonial home, pensions, savings, other assets and debts. Spousal support and child maintenance can include school fees, health insurance premiums and the cost of extracurricular activities.
It may also include general costs of living and a wide range of other things. The Court has a starting point of ‘equality’, rather than a strict 50:50 split, and such a division is not always appropriate.
Ensuring proper financial disclosure has taken place, and proper attempts to value assets correctly, should be undertaken before deciding how to split the finances. When considering how finances should be divided, the Court is guided by several factors starting with the welfare and best interests of any children of the marriage, and thereafter to other responsibilities, needs, and to the actual and potential earning power of each party.
Child or Spousal Maintenance
There is no specific formula to maintenance applied in the Cayman Islands, such as that adopted by the UK, who use a universal child maintenance calculator. Instead, it is open to the parties to agree on an appropriate sum between themselves. A mediator, attorney and/or the Court can help the parties reach an agreement for child or spousal maintenance if they cannot reach an agreement between themselves on what is a reasonable sum to be paid.
If the parties are unmarried, and the other parent of the child(ren) is not paying maintenance, an application under the Affiliation Act for an order that they should pay maintenance to support the child(ren) can be made. The application should be made either within 12 months of the birth of the child(ren) or when the other parent stops paying maintenance. If the parties are married and a parent is not supporting the other parent and/
or the child(ren), an application for an order under the Maintenance Act that they should pay maintenance for the other parent and the child(ren) can be made. It is also possible to apply for maintenance for children residing with the applicant at the time of the marriage. In case of divorce or where a divorce application is pending, the application for maintenance must be made within the divorce proceedings in the Grand Court
When considering both child and spousal maintenance, the Court considers needs and will look at both the income needs of the spouse in whose favour the order is made and the income of the spouse who will be required to make the payments. When making these orders, the Court will consider the ability of the individuals to pay maintenance.
An order for maintenance ceases when that child becomes 14 years of age, and an affiliation order ceases when the child becomes 15 years of age. However, an application to the court can be made to
extend the order. The parties should discuss this with the affiliation and maintenance officer. If the Order is made in divorce proceedings in the Grand Court, the Order expires when the child turns 16 or, if in full time education, 23 years of age.
Any time after the spousal maintenance order has been made, the amount payable under the order can be varied by agreement or by application to the Court. This will be especially relevant if the income of the person making payments, or the needs of the person receiving payments, changes. Other circumstances, such as cohabitation with a new partner, may reduce any maintenance that a person is entitled to.
It is possible to apply to the Grand Court for the enforcement within the Cayman Islands against a parent resident here, of orders made by certain foreign Courts. It will, however, be necessary to get the assistance of a lawyer to do so. Orders made by the Cayman Courts are also enforceable under the laws of several foreign countries against parents residing in those countries.
Domestic & Child Abuse
You should seek help immediately if you are in a difficult or dangerous situation. If the situation is dangerous, contact the police, who will help you at any time. If you do not feel it is appropriate to call the police, the Cayman Islands Crisis Centre (www.cicc.ky) provides a 24/7 helpline (Tel: (345) 943 2422) and a walk-in service for crisis intervention and holistic support for victims of domestic abuse. They will ensure that appropriate referrals are made to the various community resource options, and that emotional support and guidance are given to victims at various stages. The Court can make an order on application to protect you, your child(ren) and other connected people and, in serious situations, your spouse does not necessarily need notice of your application until the Court order giving you the protection you seek is in place.
Legal Costs
Legal costs are difficult to estimate and can
and Company Family Law and Divorce Specialists
depend on the level of agreement between the parties. A completely amicable (noncontentious) divorce may cost between CI$2,000-CI$5,000. The cost of a nonamicable divorce varies and will be higher. Court-mandated mediation is free, but typically parties engage lawyers to assist. Legal aid is generally not available for civil proceedings. However, it may sometimes be available for proceedings under the Children Law started by the Department of Children and Family Services. In divorce cases, the Honourable Chief Justice has directed that legal aid will only be granted where there are allegations of recent domestic violence or children are at risk. More information can be found here: www.judicial.ky/ general-public/applying-for-civil-legal-aid.
There are additional free resources, such as the Cayman Islands Legal Assistance Clinic which represents a cooperative initiative between the Department of Legal Aid, the Cayman Islands Legal Practitioners Association and the Truman Bodden Law School under the direction of Chief Justice
Margaret Ramsey-Hale. The mandate of the clinic is to provide greater access to justice for eligible members of the community through the provision of free legal advice and assistance as a complement to the provision of legal services by the local bar and the formal legal aid system. Visit www. cilac.ky.
Travelling with Children
Following a divorce or separation, permission is required from the parent with responsibility for the child(ren), or from the Court, before taking the child(ren) abroad either for holiday or if permanently or temporarily relocating. It is also prudent to specify in any Court order or divorce agreement what is intended for future travel abroad. Even if permission is given in a final court order, a letter that demonstrates permission to take the child(ren) abroad should be obtained, or alternatively permission to share that order with immigration officials and/or government departments. It also helps to travel with the
Relocating to the Cayman Islands?
child(ren)’s birth or adoption certificate(s), especially if traveling as a single parent and where the parent’s family name is different from the child(ren)’s name.
WILLS
Once a family is established, it is especially important to have an up-to-date Will. If the event of death, particularly if both parents pass away, it is essential to ensure the child(ren) is/are looked after by guardians specifically chosen for that role. The following information should be considered for inclusion:
> Who will care for the child(ren) in the event of the death of one or both parents?
> Who will look after the child(ren)’s finances?
> Who will be responsible for any property the child(ren) inherit?
> How will property/finances be divided between multiple children? This will need to include things like jewellery, clothing, art and other personal possessions.
> A named ‘executor’ or the person (often a spouse, adult child or other close family member) who will disburse funds or administer the Will in the event of death
Drafting a Will
Take advice from an attorney to make sure your will is unambiguous, clearly sets out your wishes and meets legal requirements. Attorneys can also provide additional services, such as the retention of your will. Remember that the beauty of a will is that it can be rewritten or amended at any time, assuming you meet the legal requirements to do so. Review your will periodically to make sure it still reflects your wishes.
Letters of Wishes
A letter of wishes sets out additional, nonbinding requests and generally lists the items that we take for granted, but which are only known to us. Simple instructions include where your life insurance policies, annuities and pension plans are held. Setting this out in a letter of wishes will save your representative hours of digging through papers and making telephone
calls trying to determine where your assets are held. Giving precise details can save your estate from potential losses due to unidentified assets. Your attorney will ask you to fill out an instruction sheet with the following information:
Family Information
> Full name, date of birth and home address
> Full name of your spouse and children, including dates of birth and addresses
> Previous marriage(s) or children from previous marriage(s)
Key Roles in Your Will
> Names and addresses of your proposed executors and your relationship with them.
> Names and addresses of guardians to your children, if your children are young.
Gifts
> Pecuniary bequests – These are legacies of cash that you may want to leave to someone. Include their names, addresses and the specific amount.
> Legacies of property – Identify the specific item/property that you want to leave someone, as well as their full name and address.
> Beneficiaries of the rest of your estate –This is whatever is remaining in your estate and can be given to one person, or it can be divided equally or unequally between several people. This is called the ‘residue’ of your estate.
> Substitute beneficiaries of your estate –Name a substitute to inherit your estate should the named beneficiaries die before the estate can be given to them.
> Age of inheritance – Specify an age when your beneficiaries inherit the residue of your estate. This is only usually relevant if your beneficiaries are very young and/or still minors at the time of you writing your will.
> ‘Worst case scenario’ gift – Name a charity, family member or friend who will inherit your estate if everyone you have named in your will dies and cannot inherit it. If you have named someone in your will and they die before you, you need to specify if you
would like the gift to pass to their children.
The final portion of the will requires you to list your assets, liabilities (mortgages and outstanding debts), any life insurance policies you may have, as well as the details of your pension plan. You will need to estimate the value of each of these and indicate whether they are owned by you alone or shared with a spouse, civil partner or other person.
LAW FIRMS WITH FAMILY PRACTICES
Bedell Cristin
18 Forum Lane, Suite 5305, 3rd Fl, Camana Bay Tel: (345) 949 0488
Email: caymanenquiries@bedellcristin.com www.bedellcristin.com/locations/caymanislands
Bedell Cristin has considerable expertise in family law and offers a broad practice covering contentious and non-contentious divorce, pre and post-nuptial agreements, separation, financial and ancillary relief, and all Children Law matters, including residence, contact, custody, relocation and removal from the jurisdiction.
SEE AD OPPOSITE PAGE
Cayman Family Law (CFL)
Zephyr House, Ground Fl, 122 Mary Street, GT Tel: (345) 746 5290
Email: info@caymanfamilylaw.com www.caymanfamilylaw.com
CFL is a boutique law firm specialising exclusively in family law. Their talented team of lawyers offers expert advice and representation in all areas of divorce, children and family law, including matrimonial finance, separation agreements, pre and post-nuptial agreements, child custody arrangements, child relocation, child and spousal maintenance, mediation, wills, guardianship and more.
FrancisGrey
Suite 2206, Cassia Court,72 Market St, CB Tel: (345) 815 2800
Email: familylaw@francisgreylaw.com www.francisgreylaw.com
FrancisGrey offers specialist advice on family law matters, including civil partnerships, pre and post-nuptial agreements, contentious
and non-contentious divorce and separation, division of assets, provision for residence and support, custody and guardianship.
SEE AD PAGE 61 & 68
Hampson and Company
Apollo House East, 4th Fl, 87 Mary Street, GT Tel: (345) 623 7788
Email: info@hampsonandco.com www.hampsonandco.com
Hampson and Company offers experienced and comprehensive advice on family and matrimonial law, including pre and post-nuptial agreements, mediation, division of assets, and children issues (residence, support and relocation) through mediation and at trial and appellate levels as necessary. SEE AD PAGE 395
Travers Thorp Alberga
2nd Fl, Harbour Place, 103 South Church St, GT Tel: (345) 949 0699
Email: info@traversthorpalberga.com www.traversthorpalberga.com
Travers Thorp Alberga has an experienced matrimonial department dealing with family law, including divorce, financial provision, child arrangements and cross-border asset tracing. They also specialise in private client work for high-net-worth clients, including succession planning, generational wealth transfer through trusts or foundations, Wills, re-sealing foreign probate, domestic probate, charitable giving and immigration (WORC and Permanent Residence), providing a full suite of legal services for your family. Travers Thorp Alberga are the author of the Family Matters chapter.
SEE AD PAGE 393
Other Resources
Legal Befrienders
75 Fort Street, Adonis House, George Town Tel: (345) 949 8789 or www.dcs.gov.ky/frc
Offers free legal confidential legal guidance from certified lawyers on issues such as domestic violence, divorce, immigration and more. They do not provide legal representation. Their walk-in clinic and phone line operate every Tuesday 4pm-7.30pm.
Getting
Married
The legal process for getting married in Cayman, as well as required documents, fees, wedding locations, photographers, what to do once you are married and more.
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Cayman offers a superb location for your wedding, with picturesque views, pristine beaches, wonderful weather and a wide range of venues to suit every style. Whether you are planning an intimate elopement, barefoot beach ceremony or an extravagant gathering, you will find plenty of experienced professionals ready to help you organise the perfect day. Getting married in Cayman is a simple and stress-free process, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in your magical celebration. However, you must book well in advance, especially if you want to get married during the high season (December to April).
There are two very different processes for getting married in the Cayman Islands, depending on whether you are a resident or a visitor to the island. Residents must have their Notice of Marriage published by a Civil Registrar or marriage officer, also known as a wedding celebrant, for seven full days before the marriage can take place (these are also known as the Banns of Marriage). This is to give anyone who might object to the marriage the opportunity to make their objection known, in writing, to the wedding celebrant. There are just under 100 marriage officers in the Cayman Islands, most of which are Ministers of Religion. They can be contacted through their churches or by visiting the ‘marriage officers’ tab on www.gov.ky/living/gettingmarried.
Visitors must be married under the authority of the Governor’s Special Marriage Licence, which can be arranged as soon as you arrive in Cayman and costs CI$200. Most people choose a wedding celebrant (a Civil Registrar/Marriage Officer) before they arrive so the wedding celebrant can assess all documents and ensure that they are in order. Doing this in advance will save you disappointment and ensure you have the correct documents to obtain your Special Marriage Licence. For more information on visitors marrying in Cayman, see the ‘Getting Married’ section of the Cayman Resident website (www.caymanresident.com).
If one party to the marriage is a resident and the other party is a visitor, the couple must be married by Notice. The resident party can apply for the Banns to be published before the visiting party arrives. Notices of Marriage are valid for three months from the date of publication.
MARRYING IN CAYMAN
Photos courtesy of Rebecca Davidson & Heather Holt
Note: The minimum age to get married in the Cayman Islands is 16; however, anyone under 18 must have written consent from their parent or guardian. Weddings must take place between the hours of 6am and 8pm. You can find out more about getting married in the Cayman Islands on the Cayman Islands Government website at www.gov.ky.
Civil Partnerships
Civil partnerships have been legal in the Cayman Islands since September, 2020. This applies to new civil unions between same-sex couples, heterosexual couples and pre-existing unions.
The process of arranging a civil union is similar to that for a marriage but with a few additional steps. The main issue that could cause delay is that it is possible for someone to object to the union taking place (a caveat), and any objections must be adjudicated by the Grand Court. It is advised that couples start the application 4-6 weeks in advance of the ceremony date.
There are three ways that a couple can apply for a civil partnership to be formalised: (1) they can apply to the Registrar at the Government Administration Building; (2) they can enlist the help of a Civil Registrar such as Simply Weddings Cayman (SEE AD PAGE 400); and (3) they can employ a civil partnership officer. The names and addresses for civil partnership officers can be obtained from the General Registry or from www.gov.ky.
Once you have decided your preferred route to apply for civil partnership, you will be asked to provide a copy of your passport and immigration status and then sign a statutory declaration attesting to the fact that your application meets the requirements of the Civil Partnership Act (2020). When your officiant has completed the due diligence on the application, including publishing the Notice of Intention to have a civil union, either the Registrar or the Civil Registrar, depending on who is dealing with your request, will issue a certificate indicating that all due diligence has been done, no caveats have
been received, or if received, they have been resolved and the union may proceed on the date and time specified. If you are using a civil partnership officer, then that individual must obtain the certificate through either the Registrar or a Civil Registrar.
For visitors wishing to form a civil partnership in the Cayman Islands, visit www.caymanresident.com/live/gettingmarried for information on additional steps that must be undertaken. Same-sex couples who are already married or in a recognised civil partnership outside the Cayman Islands can apply to have their relationship registered here. They must provide the Registrar, or a Civil Registrar, with a certified copy of the relevant document, a statutory declaration, proof of identity and the required fee. Once the marriage or civil partnership has been registered, the couple will receive a certificate to that effect. Contact the General Registry or Civil Registrar for further guidance.
Planning Your Wedding
Most residents get married on a Saturday, which means you should book early to secure the date with your wedding celebrant and to lock in where you want to get married and where you want the reception to be held. You will have to have a preliminary interview with your wedding celebrant and complete a form called a ‘Notice of Marriage/Banns’, which is valid for three months. When you attend the interview, you will need to take your passports and proof of your immigration status (e.g. work permit, residency certificate, etc.), if applicable.
If you have been married previously, you will also need your original divorce decree or spouse’s death certificate. If the decree or certificate is in a language other than English, you will need an English translation certified by a Notary Public.
If a visitor is marrying a Caymanian, your wedding celebrant is required to ask you certain questions to make sure you are not entering into a marriage of
Required Documents & Fees for Marriage
Residents:
> Proof of Identity – a Cayman Islands voter’s registration card or passport
> Proof of marital status (legal divorce decree or death certificate, if applicable)
Fees:
> CI$15 - marriage certificate (RMC)
> CI$200 - Special Marriage Licence
Note: Fees to wedding celebrants for a Notice of Banns, objection and witnessing or solemnising a marriage may vary.
convenience. A marriage of convenience is where two parties enter into a marriage for the sole purpose of obtaining immigration rights as a spouse of a Caymanian. This is illegal in the Cayman Islands and, if caught, you will be fined up to CI$10,000, be charged with a criminal offence, possibly sent to jail for one year and then be deported and never allowed back into the Cayman Islands.
Most marriage celebrants will charge a fee for the documentation, booking, preliminary interview, publishing of the Banns, conducting the ceremony and filing your marriage with the appropriate Government office. The average cost of this is CI$300. Ministers of Religion may charge a fee if you are a member of their congregation and they may have other requirements according to the rules of the church. All documents, including the Notice of Marriage, must be received and be in order before the wedding can take place. The Department of Counselling Services (Tel: (345) 949 8789) offers pre-marital counselling for couples. All services are provided free of charge by qualified professionals.
Wedding Dresses
Unfortunately, there is not a wide variety of traditional wedding dresses available
for sale in the Cayman Islands. Therefore, your options are to purchase a dress while overseas and bring it in yourself or buy it online and have it imported. When bringing it in yourself, if your dress exceeds the CI$500 allowance given to each returning resident when re-entering the island, you will need to pay 22% duty on the balance of the dress. If importing it through a freight forwarder, you will be required to pay customs duty (22%) on the entire value of the dress. However, if you are a visitor coming to the Cayman Islands to get married and you are a non-resident, and you are bringing in a wedding dress for your wedding, then the duty will not apply.
Wedding Bands, Rings & Bridal Gifts
When shopping for engagement rings, you will find every gemstone and style for sale, including alternatives such as Cayman’s local Caymanite. Shopping for bridal gifts is also easy as there is a huge array of fine jewellery available.
For the groomsmen, Cayman has a good selection of stores selling Cuban cigars, cufflinks and watches, as well as fine wines and spirits. Balaclava Jewellers (Tel: (345) 945 5788) has an exclusive, timeless collection of engagement rings, elegant wedding bands, gemstones, pearls, bespoke diamonds and much more (SEE AD PAGE 3) . With five locations across the island, Island Jewellers (Tel: (345) 640 5880) has a large selection of diamond engagement rings, wedding bands, and unique wedding party gifts, all at great duty-free prices. Kirk Freeport (SEE OUTSIDE BACK COVER) has been a retailer of duty-free jewellery, watches, fragrances, leather, crystal, china and accessories in the Cayman Islands since 1972. For weddings, birthdays and many other special moments in life, their network of stores across Grand Cayman makes it easy to shop for unique and beautiful gifts. For a full list of locations in George Town and Seven Mile Beach, visit www. kirkfreeport.com or call (345) 949 7477.
Duty on Wedding Gifts
If the bride and groom are resident in the Cayman Islands, then wedding guests coming to Cayman with gifts for the happy couple are legally required to declare the gifts and pay the relevant duty costs. The duty applies to most gifts, except for books, cameras, crystal glassware, tableware and kitchenware (made of porcelain or china). Antiques that are over 100 years old are also duty free but you must show a letter or invoice stating this to get the items imported duty free.
Wedding Cakes & Catering
The Cake Studio specialises in custom cake designs for weddings. Visit www. thecakestudiocayman.com to be inspired by what the options are. The bakery at Kirk Market also makes excellent cakes for a reasonable price. Most hotel resorts offer special in-house catering for wedding events at their resort locations. Mise en Place (Tel: (345) 623 2433 or www.catering.ky) provides an extensive range of gourmet
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catering options to simplify your wedding menu planning. Backed by talented chefs, a fully licensed mobile bar and a dedicated team of professional service staff, they ensure a seamless and elevated dining experience (SEE AD PAGE 219) For tables, chairs, glasses, cutlery, table clothes and other things needed for the reception you can contact Massive.
Wedding Celebrants & Planners
Coordinating your dream wedding in Cayman from a distance or in Cayman can be a breeze with the assistance of one of Cayman’s local wedding planners. Simply Weddings (SEE AD OPPOSITE PAGE) can orchestrate every detail for visitors or cruise ship weddings. They also plan romantic wedding vow renewals. Elopements are welcome, and no lead time is necessary once the documents are in order. Tel: (345) 949 9933, email: info@simplyweddings.ky or visit www.simplyweddings.ky. Celebrations Ltd. (Tel: (345) 623 2044) has over 30 years of experience and can organise anything from a simple beach wedding to an elaborate wedding weekend. Visit www. celebrationsltd.com for more information. Alternatively, you could try Aleksandra and her team at Direction Events (www. directionevents.com) who offer a bespoke wedding event planning service for people with an exceptional eye for design and style. She only takes a handful of clients per year.
Wedding Locations
Many brides-to-be dream of marrying on the world-famous Seven Mile Beach, and if this is your dream then the options include the Caribbean Club, The Wharf Restaurant, The Westin Grand Cayman, The Ritz-Carlton, the Kimpton Seafire Resort and Palm Heights.
Located in the heart of Seven Mile Beach, Caribbean Club (SEE AD PAGE 37) is the perfect backdrop for a gorgeous wedding celebration, whether it be a barefoot beach ceremony or a large traditional wedding. Offering luxurious accommodation and with LUCA restaurant for the reception,
the private setting of Caribbean Club makes this one of the best locations in the Caribbean. Visit www.caribclub.com for more information. The Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman (SEE AD PAGE 211) specialises in high-end wedding celebrations. You can exchange your vows in the serene surroundings of their Great Lawn or on the beach. You then have the choice of five different venues on-site for the reception, with the ballroom being able to host up to 500 guests. For more information, visit www.ritzcarlton.com/grandcayman.
The Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa (www. seafireresortandspa.com) offers beachfront destination weddings, lush tropical garden receptions and a ballroom for indoor events. Kaibo (www.kaibo.ky/wedding) is a very popular location for a wedding in Grand Cayman. It has a private white sand beach with a palm tree aisle and wedding canopy, and it is easily accessible by boat. Choose to host your wedding on the beach or in the plantation-style house upstairs. Both offer award-winning menus, a boutique wine
cellar and a Rare Rum Bar, plus access to some of the finest chefs and bartenders in the Cayman Islands. Other options, away from the beach, include the lush, tropical gardens of Pedro St. James (SEE AD PAGE 402 & 423) which is an 18th-century historic site set on seven acres of landscaped gardens. With breathtaking ocean views, and a three-story Great House, known as ‘Pedro Castle’. This 18th Century plantationstyle home provides an ideal backdrop for wedding photographs. Pedro St. James can accommodate a variety of wedding celebrations, from intimate gatherings to large events of 800 or more guests. For more information call (345) 947 3329, email: events@pedrostjames.ky or visit www.pedrostjames.ky. Boasting 65 acres of tropical gardens and nature reserve, the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park (SEE AD PAGE 453) is a magical setting for a wedding celebration. Manicured lawns can host as many as 50 people, or a more intimate affair can be held in one of the park’s lush alcoves. Facilities at the Botanic Park
"Celebrating Cayman's love,laughter, and life'smost beautiful moments."
Heather Holt Photography at Picture This Studios
include full access to the air-conditioned conference room at the Visitor’s Centre and golf carts to transport guests and the bridal party around the park. Park opening hours are 9am-5.30pm daily (last admission at 4.30pm), but evening weddings can be booked from 5pm until midnight. For more information, Tel: (345) 947 9462, email: info@botanicpark. ky or visit www.botanic-park.ky/events/ weddings.
The National Gallery of the Cayman Islands (www.nationalgallery.org.ky) is a beautiful and unique wedding venue, offering a variety of places to get married, including the sculpture garden. This contemporary cultural institution has a lot to offer; stunning architecture, gorgeous sculpture gardens and galleries highlighting work by Cayman’s most-recognisable artists. The Mastic Chapel Cottages, located in North Side, provides a lovely setting for a Cayman wedding. The three cottages are surrounded by 11 acres of nature, making it an ideal place for a private
wedding. For more information, visit www.caymanvacation.com/vacationrentals/mastic-cottages-grand-caymanvacation-rentals. Camana Bay features its own private island, perfect for an intimate wedding celebration, complete with a wooden promenade deck over the water for a full nuptial aisle. For more information, email: events@camanabay. com. The Cayman Turtle Centre (SEE AD PAGE 424 & 449) offers a unique setting for a marriage proposal, an engagement party or a place to say, ‘I do’. Whether you’re looking for an intimate or an elaborate affair, the centre offers a perfectly distinctive location in a beautiful natural setting with unique photo opportunities. The centre also offers full-service catering, a full bar and plenty of support to make your special day seamless. Tel: (345) 949 3894 or email: events@turtle.ky.
Wedding Accommodation
Cayman Villas offers luxury accommodation for bridal parties and wedding guests
visiting the Cayman Islands. Guests can choose from a variety of villas, from intimate cottages to expansive beachfront estates. The villas feature modern amenities and private pools. Their experienced staff are on hand to help curate a seamless experience for wedding guests and help create unforgettable memories. For more information contact the Cayman Villas team at reservations@caymanvillas.com, tel: (345) 945 4144 or 1 (800) 235 5888.
Photographers & Videographers
Engaging the right photographer is as important as finding the perfect wedding dress. Here is a list of the top wedding photographers and videographers in Cayman. Rebecca from Rebecca Davidson Photography ( SEE AD OPPOSITE PAGE) is an expert in capturing wedding images. The Cayman Islands has been her home for most of her life and photographing families, children, commercial images and weddings, as she has done for the last 20+ years, is her passion. She is professional and knowledgeable and will capture you perfectly, producing stunning images. Her work is featured in over 10 internationally sold publications and she offers a range of photography packages to suit all. Follow her on Instagram (@ rebeccadavidsonphotography) to see her latest wonderful images. Tel: (345) 916 1654, email: wedding@rebeccadavidson. com or visit www.rebeccadavidson.com. You can also add cinematic video fusion with a documentary approach to any of her wedding packages. Deep Blue Images/ Julie Corsetti (www.deepblueimages.com) captures the romance, emotion and beauty of every occasion. Her team offers a creative and passionate style, making sure the photographs will be treasured for years. For over 30 years, Heather Holt has turned love stories into unforgettable visual legacies. Known for her warm approach and editorial eye, Heather uses the stunning Cayman Islands as a natural backdrop to craft wedding images filled with joy, light, and emotion. Whether you’re planning an intimate beach ceremony or a multi-day
Ocean Views Historic Setting Versatile Spaces
destination celebration, Heather and her trusted team are dedicated to capturing every magical moment. Email: heather@ heatherholt.com, visit www.heatherholt. com or call (345) 916 5263.
Wedding Flowers
When planning your event, it is best to remember that most flowers will have to be flown in for the event, which can become costly. Using native flowers can help to keep costs down. Good choices include Celebrations Ltd. (Tel: (345) 623 2044), Kirk Market (Tel: (345) 949 7022) and Trisha’s Roses (Tel: (345) 949 2423).
Wedding Hair & Makeup
Every bride wants to look their best on their wedding day. If you are looking for an experienced makeup artist or hair stylist contact any of the salons on page 287-288.
Wedding Music & Entertainment
Whether you are looking for a live band to keep everyone on their feet all night or something more refined, there are options for all tastes and budgets. Popular choices include the Cayman Music School (www.caymanmusicschool.com), Cayman Violin (www.caymanviolin.com) who can provide wedding music to suit your celebration, with every genre from contemporary and rock to Celtic, country or reggae, or Isadora (www.isadora.ky) – a talented musician and vocalist based in Grand Cayman. There is also DC Music (www.dcmusic.ky) which supplies DJs or live music for weddings and events. Pop Events (www.popevents.ky) supplies DJ services, sound systems and up-lighting for weddings and parties
Wedding Dance Classes & Bachelor/ Bachelorette Parties
If you’re worried about the first dance, take some private lessons at Centre Pointe Limited (www.centrepointelimited.com) or at Quinntessential Movement (www. qmovement.dance) to increase your confidence on the dance floor. Good options for bachelor or bachelorette
parties include boat parties (see the Boating chapter for more information), spa days or dinner at one of the island’s luxury hotels, such as the Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman and the Kimpton Seafire To rent a house or condo for a staycation on the beach, contact Cayman Villas (Tel: (345) 945 4144). Private rum tours are available at Cayman Spirits Company, or a special creative class at the 3 Girls & A Kiln pottery shop in George Town can be set up for a fun and creative afternoon.
Wedding Stationery & Invitations
When the time arrives to send out invitations, Studio Two Sixteen (hello@ studiotwosixteen.com) can create custom designs, as well as thank you cards and party favours.
Wedding Transportation
There are plenty of options for getting your guests to and from your wedding. Cayman Airways (Tel: (345) 949 2311) offers travel packages for wedding parties, including group fares for guests. Email: weddings@caymanairways.net. Atlantic Aviation (Tel: (345) 949 5252) offers a complete service for private and chartered aircraft. Webster’s Tours Ltd. (Tel: (345) 945 1433) offers airport transfers.
ONCE YOU ARE MARRIED
Immediately after you are pronounced husband and wife, you and your spouse, along with your Civil Registrar/marriage officer and two witnesses (aged 18 or older), must sign three certified copies of the Marriage Register. One copy, called the Certified Copy of Marriage Register, is yours to keep for your records. Your Civil Registrar/marriage officer is required by law to keep one copy in their marriage book. The third copy must be filed by your Civil Registrar/marriage officer with the Registrar of Marriages at the General Registry, located on the first floor of the Government Administration Building. It is your responsibility to obtain the Registered Marriage Certificate (RMC) of your marriage from the General Registry,
unless you have arranged with your wedding celebrant to obtain this and forward it to you. This document is your legal Marriage Certificate and should be secured with your other important documents. The cost of the RMC is CI$15. Ensure everything is correct; if there are errors then it costs CI$40 to make the changes.
A few more details are required: the bride and groom’s birth date/place and parents’ names (father’s name may be listed as ‘not stated’). EU citizens (except Ireland) may need their RMC apostilled or authenticated; this does not apply to UK, US, Canada, or Commonwealth citizens. Citizens of Asia, South, and Central America should confirm with their Embassy if an apostille is needed. Your RMC will be required to update your passport if you change your surname. In addition, if you were to divorce in the future, your RMC would also require updating.
Tell them you saw it in the
CAYMANRESIDENT
Having a
Baby
The General Environment
Cayman is a great place to be pregnant and have a baby thanks to the first-rate pre-natal medical care available and our relaxing environment. Maternity care is administered by three state-ofthe-art hospitals, and the care they provide is second to none. Cayman’s obstetricians, gynaecologists (OB/GYNs) and midwives are all highly qualified and experienced, giving couples peace of mind when it comes to the welfare of expectant mums.
After the child is born, new parents can also feel safe in the knowledge that their child will receive excellent medical care from world-class paediatricians. Cayman upholds the same rigorous well-child checks and vaccine schedule for children as in the UK, US, Canada and other developed countries.
There is also an active community of new mothers who meet regularly, providing a good support structure and source of advice for new mums. For more comprehensive information on having a baby in the Cayman Islands, check out the Pregnancy chapter of our sister publication, Cayman Parent magazine.
Obstetricians/Gynaecologists (OB/GYNs)
When you become pregnant, the first thing to do is choose either a private specialist doctor (OB/GYN) or register at the Women’s Health Centre at the Anthony S. Eden Hospital (formerly George Town Hospital) for antenatal care. The list on the following page provides details of reputable OB/GYNs. Most will be willing to offer an initial meeting free of charge to help you find the doctor that is best suited to your needs.
PREPARING TO HAVE A BABY
Photos courtesy of Daria Keenan, Rebecca Davidson & Irene Corti
Cayman Islands HSA - Anthony S. Eden Hospital
Dr Leroy Campbell, MBBS DM FACOG
Dr Elaine Ebanks, MD MBBS FACOG RCOG
Dr Iuliana Irimia, MD MsC MRCOG MRCPI
Dr Christina McLean, BMedSci MBBS
Dr Karina Palmer-Ford, MD
Dr Nkiruka Okagbue, Bsc(Hons) MBChB
MRCO DTM&H
Dr Samantha Mascarenhas, Registrar Women’s Health
95 Hospital Road, George Town
Tel: (345) 244 2842 or (345) 244 2841
Email: info@hsa.ky or www.hsa.ky/medicalservices/womens-health/obstetricsgynaecology. SEE AD PAGE 325
Dr Rommel El-Madany, MB BCh (Cairo) HDGO (Dublin) DM MD RCSI/ IPA (Dublin) FRCS (GYN) (Edinburgh) Diploma of Advanced Obstetrics
Ultrasound/Foetal Medicine RCOG/RCR (UK)
Consultant Obstetrician/Gynaecologist
Helena Medical Group, 9 Smith Road Plaza, Smith Road, George Town
Tel: (345) 946 2496
Urgent care/after hours: (345) 926 2911
Email: islandobgyn@icloud.com
Open: Monday-Friday 9am-4pm (halfday on Wednesday). Only emergencies on weekends and Public Holidays. No online consultations. Consultant/Specialist
OB/GYN: gynaecologic wellness, highrisk pregnancy, infertility, traditional and advanced laparoscopic/endoscopic surgery, including advanced laparoscopic surgery and minimally invasive surgery for heavy periods, fibroids, endometriosis, urinary incontinence, sterilisation, prolapse, etc. Advanced equipment, including 4D, 3D and coloured ultrasound, digital colposcope and LEEP procedures. One-stop cancer screen, foetal anomaly scan, nuchal translucency and amniocentesis tests, NIPT etc. Dr. El-Madany delivers babies and operates at both HSA and Health City Camana Bay. Packages for pregnancy care and delivery. SEE AD THIS PAGE
Faith Hospital
Dr Venkamma Bonigi, MBBS DGO
215 Dennis Foster Road, Cayman Brac
Tel: (345) 948 2243
Dr Layla Jaffree MD, FACOG
Consultant Obstetrician/Gynaecologist
OceanMed, Bayshore Mall, Level 2, South Church Street, George Town
Tel: (345) 946 2326
Email: info@oceanmed.ky
www.oceanmed.ky
Dr Layla Jaffree is a board certified OB/GYN through the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (ABOG) and a Fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (FACOG). She enjoys caring for women in all phases of life and practises full spectrum obstetrics and gynaecology. She has a particular interest in high-risk pregnancies, minimally invasive surgery, including advanced robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery, and cosmetic gynaecology. Conditions treated include abnormal pap smears, vulvar and vaginal conditions, irregular bleeding, pelvic pain, uterine fibroids, endometriosis, infertility, menopausal conditions, and vaginal rejuvenation, biologic procedures and PRP.
Dr Madhavi Manoharan, MBBS MD
MRCOG DFFP
Dr Laura Hole, MBBS BSc MRCOG Specialist Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
Integra Healthcare Ltd., Grand Pavilion, Seven Mile Beach
Tel: (345) 745 7450 or Email: team@integra.ky www.integra.ky
Integra Healthcare has a renowned OB/GYN team, covering obstetrics, gynaecology, child and adolescent gynaecology, and fertility. Dr Madhavi brings a decade of tertiary consultantlevel experience with specific interests in early pregnancy scanning, high-risk pregnancies and foetal medicine. Dr Laura has a special interest in surgical gynaecology, colposcopy and is an advanced laparoscopic surgeon.
SEE AD PAGE 319 & 407
Dr David Stone, MD FACOG Consultant
Obstetrician/Gynaecologist
OceanMed, Bayshore Mall, Level 2, GT
Tel: (345) 946 2326
Email: info@oceanmed.ky
www.oceanmed.ky
Dr David Stone holds a Board Certification in Obstetrics and Gynaecology (ABOG), is a
Fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (FACOG), and is the Medical Director and Director of Urogynaecology at OceanMed. As well as caring for many women throughout their pregnancy, Dr Stone specialises in issues including urogynaecology, minimally invasive surgery and advanced robotic-assisted laparoscopy, treating abnormal uterine bleeding, chronic pelvic pain, uterine fibroids, endometriosis, vaginal prolapse and infertility.
Doctors Hospital
Dr Zbigniew “Dr Ziggy” Zwierzchowski, MD
Dr Lisa Hinzmann, MD Obstetrics & Gynaecologist Consultant
Dr Sarath De Alwis, FRCS FRCOG MRCP FFSRH (UK) FACOG MRCS LRCP (Eng) LRCS (Edin) LRCP (Edin) LRCP&S (Glas) –Consultant Specialist OB/GYN 16 Middle Road, George Town Tel: (345) 325 9000 Book online: https://mydoctors.ky/ appointments. SEE AD PAGE 319 & 407
Hospitals
In the Cayman Islands, all babies are born in a hospital. Home and water births are not currently offered. There are three maternity wards in Grand Cayman and one in Cayman Brac. If you have a private OB/GYN, then you should discuss which hospitals they practise at. It’s also recommended that you tour your chosen hospital beforehand to familiarise yourself with the space, staff and amenities.
The Anthony S. Eden Hospital (formerly George Town Hospital) offers five double
Obstetrician/Gynecologist
Dr. Rommel El-Madany
and three single rooms, providing a total of 13 beds, plus three labour/delivery and recovery rooms and a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). The standard of care is excellent. Babies are delivered by midwives, as well as HSA and private physicians. Doctors Hospital offers two private delivery suites. In some cases, the decision may be taken to transfer the mum-to-be or the newborn baby overseas, whether by air ambulance or by commercial flight. Previously, high-risk pregnancies were only handled by the Anthony S. Eden Hospital, however in 2024, Health City Cayman Islands opened their new maternity ward and Level 3 NICU at their Camana Bay location where they work closely with other specialists to limit the need to travel overseas for treatment.
Parents should still have all of their documents in order, including passports and ESTAs (or visas), in the event that overseas travel is needed. Note: A newborn will need an emergency passport to travel and organising these in a rush can be complicated. See the Passports and Immigration section at the end of this chapter for more details on how to obtain a child’s passport as well as registering the birth.
Cayman Islands HSA - Anthony S. Eden Hospital
95 Hospital Road, George Town Maternity Unit Tel: (345) 244 2842/2841 www.hsa.ky
The maternity unit offers facilities for both low-risk and high-risk mothers and babies. These services are comprised of antepartum care (before birth), labour and delivery, postpartum (after birth) and neonatal care, including vaginal births, twin births, breech, vacuum, forceps and caesarean section deliveries. The maternity unit offers 13 beds for mothers and their newborn babies, one isolation room for a mother and baby, and three labour, delivery and recovery rooms. All rooms have ensuite bathroom facilities. The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is well equipped to care for up to six newborns who may be premature or may need special observation or intensive care. SEE AD PAGE 325
Doctors Hospital (DH)
16 Middle Road, George Town
Tel: (345) 325 9000
www.doctorshospital.ky
Doctors Hospital offers two private delivery suites which are the only private maternity suites in the Cayman Islands with OB/GYN physicians, nursing staff and midwives providing a comprehensive approach to maternity care in a safe environment. After birth, the room is converted into a quiet, cosy and nurturing space for families to recover. Support partners are always welcome to stay the night with mum and baby at Doctors Hospital. SEE AD OPPOSITE PAGE & 319
Health City Maternity & NICU Unit
25 Cerasee Way, off Esterly Tibbetts Highway, Camana Bay
Tel: (345) 640 4040
www.healthcitycaymanislands.com
Health City at Camana Bay’s brand-new obstetrics facility is designed to provide exceptional care, for both mother and baby, by a team of experienced paediatric specialists, obstetricians, midwives and nurses. The hospital offers labour and delivery suites with three modern labour and delivery beds and three triage beds, ensuring a comfortable birthing experience. The Level 3 Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) features four specialised beds for critically ill newborns and one family-integrated care room to facilitate family involvement. Special enhancements include gourmet meal services provided by the award-winning Blue Cilantro restaurant; antenatal classes to help parents prepare for childbirth and early parenthood; wellness programmes with local partners to help with postpartum recovery; and a thoughtfully curated gift to mark the special occasion.
SEE AD PAGE 9
Costs of Having a Baby in Cayman
Having a baby in Cayman is expensive and there is no free healthcare. There are two options for having a baby on the island: 1) Have your baby delivered by a midwife at the Anthony S. Eden Hospital with the hospital’s obstetrician on-call, or 2) Have a private obstetrician who will follow you
through your pregnancy and be with you through your labour and the delivery of your baby at your chosen hospital. Once you have decided which route you would prefer, be sure to call your insurance provider and discuss the fees in relation to your insurance coverage. You will want to ask about your prenatal care, the cost of the delivery and the immediate care of your newborn baby. The amount of coverage will depend on your insurance plan and can be anything from 100% to nothing at all. If you are pregnant upon arriving in Cayman, your pregnancy may be considered a ‘pre-existing condition’ and may not be covered by your new insurance policy. Some insurance plans require a 10-month waiting period before they will cover your pregnancy and some have a limit on pre-natal care, e.g. CI$500 at 100%. Your baby is covered for the first 28 days under the mother’s health insurance plan but you need to add your baby to your health insurance policy soon after birth.
Private OB/GYNs & Midwife Births
Private OB/GYNs: Obstetricians are often very highly qualified and come from all over the world, including the US, Canada, the UK and beyond. They all have ultrasound equipment in their clinics and provide a high level of care, comparable to any developed country. If you have decided to receive private care, then as soon as you think you may be pregnant (or even better, when you decide you are going to start trying), you should book an appointment with an OB/GYN. If you are pregnant, you will probably have your first scan at around six to eight weeks. If your medical history is such that it may affect your pregnancy, have a consultation before conceiving. The doctor you choose will guide you through your entire pregnancy and deliver your baby with the help of a team of highly trained midwives.
Midwife Births: It is also possible to opt for a midwife delivery through the Women’s Health Clinic at the Anthony S. Eden Hospital. With this route, the expectant mother receives expert care through a team
of midwives who will manage the prenatal care and deliver the baby. The midwives are highly qualified and trained to deliver babies. Parents-to-be from the UK will be familiar with this system of care through the NHS. The department OB/GYNs are also on call 24-hours a day should there be an emergency.
The hospital’s radiology department performs ultrasounds and there are also portable ultrasound machines in the women’s health department and in the maternity ward. Choosing midwife care is a more cost-effective option for having a baby in Cayman, but both mum and baby can still expect to receive fantastic care.
Fertility Treatment
If you are having trouble conceiving, there are plenty of options to help you. The timings for when to see a fertility specialist depend largely on your age and how long you’ve been trying to conceive. It is generally recommended that you see someone right away if you’re under 35 and have been trying to conceive for 12 months or more; you’re between 35 and 40 and have been trying to conceive for six months or more; you’re 40 or over, or you already know you have fertility issues. If you fall into any of these categories, then contact OB/GYNs, Dr Stone, Dr Alwis or Dr El-Madany. Or try Dr Hinzmann who is based at the Cayman Fertility Centre. They will all be able to undertake initial testing and offer advice on subsequent treatment that may be required. At this time, only the Cayman Fertility Centre offers IVF treatment in Cayman. For more information on fertility options, pick up a copy of Cayman Parent magazine
Dr Hinzmann
Cayman Fertility Centre, Heron Place, 1283 Seaview Road, East End Tel: (345) 233 0770
Email: contact@caymanivf.com www.caymanivf.com
Offers a variety of treatments, including but not limited to IVF, ICSI, IUI, egg freezing, ovulation induction, immunology, pre-cycle test and treatment risks.
Childbirth Preparation Classes & Doula Services
The Health Services Authority (HSA) offers a free eight-week educational series called ‘ParentCraft’. Classes are held on Monday evenings 5.30pm-7pm at the Hibiscus Conference Room located at the Anthony S. Eden Hospital. There is no charge or need to register in advance. Led by experts in the relevant fields, topics include, among others: nutrition for pregnancy, labour and delivery, knowing your baby, breastfeeding, infant CPR, alternative methods of delivery and immediate post-natal care both in the hospital and at home, safety, immunisations, family planning, relaxation in pregnancy and motor development in the first 12 months. If you miss any classes, you may make them up during a subsequent eightweek course cycle. Tel: (345) 244 2649 or (345) 244 7627 for more information. You can also visit www.hsa.ky/events-classes/ parentcraft.
Doctors Hospital offers free antenatal classes that are an hour long and run for
three consecutive weeks. Topics include what to expect when you’re pregnant, pregnancy complications, health and nutrition, the four stages of labour and recovery, breastfeeding, mental health and newborn care. You will also be offered a tour of the maternity ward. Tel: (345) 325 9000. RVC Rehab Services/Nurturing Birth Experience offers group and private courses in the Lamaze method of childbirth which approaches childbirth as a natural and healthy process and neither supports nor discourages the use of medical interventions delivery. Instead, they educate mums-to-be about their options so that they can make informed decisions. The course consists of four two-and-a-half-hour sessions with a maximum of 12 couples. They are also a great way to meet other parents-to-be. Refresher childbirth classes, lactation consultation, and doula services are also available. Tel: (345) 949 6024 or (345) 916 8970.
Island Doula Ltd. offers birth and postpartum doula services for mums to be
and their families by providing emotional, practical/physical and informational support. As a certified birth and postpartum Doula, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing, Monique Hayles can assist with everything from creating a birth plan, birth preparation classes, labour/ birth support, postpartum preparation classes and postpartum care. Island Doula Ltd. also offers several packages ranging from four to twelve weeks of support. Custom packages can also be curated based on a family’s specific needs. For more information, call (345) 928 8876 or email: info@islanddoula.ky.
Ariel Grace is a pre and postnatal Pilates instructor, birth doula and founder of The Mom Method. She teaches a “Prep to Push” workshop, offers private 1:1 and group prenatal and postnatal Pilates classes and offers doula support. Visit www. arielgracewellness.com.
Safety At Home
Before bringing your baby home, it’s a
good idea to do a safety appraisal. Toilet and cupboard locks, stair gates, bath grip mats, corner protectors and electrical socket plugs are all easy ways to make your home safer. You will find a good selection of babyproofing equipment at A. L. Thompson’s, Kirk Home Centre, Baby Express and The Baby Shoppe. You should also consider fencing (and perhaps an alarm system) if you have a pool. Contact Oasis (Tel: (345) 945 7665).
Fitness Connection (Tel: 345) 949 8485) offers pool safety and swimming lessons for little ones from three months of age. They also teach nannies how to swim and offer CPR, first aid, AED, Lifeguard and SAI STAR certifications to put safety first in your home. SEE AD PAGE 463
Check your garden for noxious plants that might pose a threat if ingested by young children. If you find your baby with part of a plant, or if you suspect a household product may have been ingested, even if your baby is awake and alert, take them to the emergency unit of the Anthony S. Eden Hospital in George Town.
Pre and Postnatal Exercise Classes
Pre and postnatal personal training sessions are available privately with Carla, a mobile personal trainer at 345 Personal (Tel: (345) 926 2117 or email: 345personaltraining@gmail.com). Cayman offers pre and postnatal Pilates and support and pelvic floor rehabilitation
KES Nanny Services
The Pilates Studio (www. pilates.ky) offers private pre-natal Pilates offers postpartum rehabilitation to aid recovery after birth.
Maternity Clothes & Bras
The Baby Shoppe sell a good selection of maternity bras. Funky Monkey offers a wide range of comfortable clothing.
Maternity & Paternity Leave
The Labour Relations Act (2015) provides for a minimum maternity leave allowance of 12 calendar weeks in any 12-month period, where the mother concerned has already completed a full year of employment with
her employer. Where an employee has not completed 12 months, maternity leave should be pro-rated.
In March 2024, increased parental leave benefit came into effect for civil servants. Maternity leave increased from 90 to 110 working days and the paid portion of maternity leave increased from 30 to 60 working days on normal pay. Paternity leave also increased to 20 working days, with 10 days on normal pay and the remainder without pay.
Those employed by a private company should enquire with their employer about their maternity leave policy as some employers are considerably more generous than others. Currently, a private employer is legally required to offer 20 working days leave on full pay and 20 working days leave on half pay. For practical purposes, this is treated by many businesses as the equivalent of six weeks at full pay and the remainder at no pay. Maternity leave may generally be taken in whatever proportions before and after the birth requested by the employee. There is no provision in law for paternity leave; however, some companies will allow a new father anything from a few days to several weeks off. The law also provides for adoption leave. A female employee who adopts a child under the age of three is entitled to leave of nine calendar weeks, of which 15 working days are on full pay.
Domestic Help, Nannies, Childcare, Babysitters & Staff Training
Close to the end of your pregnancy, you may need help with the workload at home. Before hiring anyone, make sure you obtain recent employment references. For more detailed information and guidance on hiring a nanny or caregiver, see our sister publication, Cayman Parent magazine.
AAA Caregivers Agency
Tel: (345) 916 5925
Email: info@aaacaregivers.ky www.aaacaregivers.ky
AAA Caregivers is a housekeeping, childcare and elderly care agency whose staff are experienced nurses, housekeepers and
nannies trained in first aid/CPR, basic childcare and elderly care, fire safety and food handling. They also have qualified nurses with over 10 years of experience. Staff are assigned to families based on suitability and family needs. They can also assist in finding a suitable nanny for a finder’s fee. They will perform all the necessary background checks and provide training. Alternatively, the agency can hold the work permit for a set monthly fee. SEE AD PAGE 85
KES
Nanny Services
Tel: (345) 328 9994
Email: kesnannyservices@gmail.com www.kesnannyandjanitorial.com
Experienced nannies provide a safe, stimulating environment where your child will thrive. KES blends love and reliability to give your child a safe and joyful environment. Services include babysitting, school pickups, preparing nutritious meals, organising playdates, engaging in educational activities and light housework. SEE AD OPPOSITE PAGE
Minerva Cayman
Tel: (345) 746 0990
Email: contact@minerva.ky
https://minerva.ky/
The Minerva Academy is the only butler training school in the Cayman Islands accredited by the Ministry of Education. Their internationally certified instructors deliver courses endorsed by the British Butler Institute, designed to develop or refresh the skills of staff working in high-standard environments or households. Minerva Cayman, is also a trusted recruitment agency, known for sourcing vetted, experienced domestic professionals both locally and internationally. They specialise in perfectly matching key household staff to your family and personal lifestyle. SEE AD PAGE 303
AF TER HAVING A BABY
Paediatricians
Dr Siobhan Jaques, MBBS BSc DRCOG
FRCPCH, Specialist Paediatrician and Neonatologist
Integra Healthcare Ltd., Grand Pavilion, SMB
Tel: (345) 745 7450
Email: team@integra.ky or www.integra.ky
Integra Healthcare provides a team of tertiarytrained, paediatric and newborn specialists providing a comprehensive range of services.
SEE AD PAGE 319 & 407
Dr Christine Chen
The Surgery
Unit 2, Smith Road Plaza, Smith Road, GT
Tel: (345) 946 5938
Dr Daniel Langer, BSc (Hons) FRCPCH Pg Dip
Paediatric Infectious Diseases (Oxford) SPIN
PID (RCPCH) Consultant Paediatrician
Integra Healthcare Ltd.
Grand Pavilion, West Bay Road, SMB
Tel: (345) 745 7450
Email: d.langer@integra.ky
www.integra.ky
Dr Langer is an experienced London-trained consultant paediatrician and fellow of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, UK (RCPCH). His training includes working at the world renowned centres of Great Ormond Street, Imperial College (St Mary’s Hospital) and UCLH in London and Westmead Children’s Hospital in Sydney, Australia. He specialises in the field of paediatrics, neonatology and community paediatrics. SEE AD PAGE 319 & 407
Dr Ramon Lacanilao, MD
Doctors Hospital
16 Middle Road (off Walkers Road), GT Tel: (345) 325 9000
Book online: https://mydoctors.ky/ appointments. SEE AD PAGE 319 & 407
Cayman Islands HSA - Anthony S. Eden Hospital
Dr Chela Lamsee-Ebanks, MBBS DM
Dr Earl Robinson, MD FAAP
Dr Linden Swan, MBBS DM
Dr Marilyn McIntyre, MBChB DRCOG FRCM
Dr Tonita Rankin, BSc MBBS Registrar
Dr Krystyna Chin, Registrar Paediatrics
Dr Pradip Thakker, MBBS DCH MRCPCH
Dr Segomotso Madisa MBBS DM Pediatrics
Dr Krystyna Chin, Registrar Paediatrics
Dr Pradip Thakker MBBS DCH MRCPCH
Dr Segomotso Madisa, MBBS DM Pediatrics
95 Hospital Road, George Town
Tel: (345) 949 8600 SEE AD PAGE 325
Dr Shalini Gowda Umesh, Consultant Paediatric
Cardiologist
Dr Rachna Sharma, Consultant Pediatrics & Neonatology
Dr Anil Kallesh, Consultant Paediatrician
Dr Pankaj Kumar Gupta, Consultant
Paediatrican
Dr Anand Saoji Yelne, Consultant Paediatrician
Health City Cayman Islands
1283 Sea View Road, East End
Tel: (345) 640 4040
Emergencies: (345) 526 2108
Email: info@healthcity.ky
www.healthcitycaymanislands.com
SEE AD PAGE 9
Dr Sarah Newton, MBChB FRACP (Paeds) DCH
Specialist General Paediatrician and Newborn
Care. Integra Healthcare Ltd., Grand Pavilion
Tel: (345) 745 7450
Email: s.newton@integra.ky
www.integra.ky
Integra Healthcare provides a team of tertiarytrained paediatric and newborn specialists providing a comprehensive service. Besides
Paediatrics
Expert Care led by Dr Sara Watkin Consultant Paediatrician & Neonatologist
Newborn & Neonatal Care
General Paediatrics (0-18)
Development & Well Child Checks
Neurodiversity & Behaviour
Complex Medical & Urgent Care
Call us on: 745-7070
www.optimal.ky | team@optimal.ky
her general paediatrics and newborn care, Dr Sarah has a particular interest in growth and development, as well as complex diagnostics and care. SEE AD PAGE 319 & 407
Dr Gordon Smith, MB ChB MRCP (UK) MRCGP
DRCOG
The Children’s Clinic and Family Practice
Windward Centre, 93 Smith Road, George Town Tel: (345) 949 2970
Email: drgoffice@candw.ky
Provides neonatal newborn services, well-baby check-ups, immunisations and sick child visits.
Dr Tamara Bugembe, MbChb MRCPCH Consultant Paediatrician
Integra Healthcare Ltd., Grand Pavilion, SMB
Tel: (345) 745 7450
Email: t.bugembe@integra.ky www.integra.ky
Dr Tamara Bugembe trained in the UK as a paediatrician with a special interest in neurology and neurodevelopmental paediatrics. She supports children and adolescents with neurodevelopmental problems, including ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, developmental delay and neurobehavioural difficulties.
SEE AD PAGE 319 & 407
Dr Sara Watkin, MB Ch, MRCP (Paeds) FRCPCH MD Consultant Paediatrician and Neonatologist
Optimal Healthcare Ltd.
Units 811 to 815, Building B, Cayman Centre, GT
Tel: (345) 745 7070 (Clinic)
Tel: (345) 326 7827 (Mobile)
Email: team@optimal.ky or www.optimal.ky
Dr Watkin has over 30 years’ consultantlevel experience in paediatrics, newborn and neonatal care. She offers a comprehensive range of newborn and neonatal services, including attending deliveries, preterm delivery and care, baby checks, screening and immunisations, resuscitations, and intensive care. She is one of the only tertiary-qualified and accredited neonatologists in Cayman.
SEE AD PAGE 340 & 409
Email: z.balang@integra.ky
www.integra.ky
During her medical career, Dr Balang has worked in different fields of paediatrics and brings with her vast experience in primary care, paediatric ER services and neonatal intensive care. Dr Balang is trained to identify and differentiate among paediatric behavioural health problems, such as childhood depression, ADHD, anxiety states, and oppositional and conduct disorders.
SEE AD PAGE 319 & 407
Postnatal Care
It’s important to look after yourself in the period immediately after giving birth. The following clinics offer specialised women’s health and postpartum care.
Cayman Physiotherapy
Two locations: Suite 25 & 26 Pasadora Place, Smith Road and West Shore Center, West Bay Road, SMB
Tel: (345) 949 8828
www.caymanphysiotherapy.com
Offers a specialist women’s health programme, pre and post-natal Pilates, 1:1 women’s health specialist physio, specialist postnatal checkups, acupuncture and more. SEE AD PAGE 352
Elzke Hoehler, PT OMT Pelvic Health Therapist
Elevation Health & Physiotherapy
Fidelity Financial Centre, 2nd Floor, SMB
Tel: (345) 623 6663
www.elevation.ky
Providing specialist care to new mothers, including for pelvic floor rehabilitation, pre and postnatal physiotherapy and incontinence.
Lactation Consultants
Dr Zanele Balang MBBS DM Paediatrics
Consultant Paediatrician
Integra Healthcare Ltd., Grand Pavilion, SMB
Tel: (345) 745 7450
Qualified, postnatal experts are on hand to provide advice on newborn care and to support you with breastfeeding. RVC Rehab Services (Tel: (345) 949 6024 or (345) 916 8970) offers lactation services to help mothers get off on the right foot with breastfeeding, as do Integra Healthcare (Tel: (345) 745 7450). The Cayman Islands Breastfeeding Support Group is a volunteer group that offers free support and education in breastfeeding to expecting and new mothers. The group
consists of experienced mothers who have breastfed, lactation consultants, nurses and midwives. They visit new mothers to offer free breastfeeding advice and support and offer telephone support. They will rent hospital-grade Medela pumps in emergency situations and provide reasonably priced breast pumps for mothers returning to work. Visit www. facebook.com/CIBreastfeeding or email: cibreastfeeding@gmail.com.
The midwives at the Women’s Health Centre (Tel: (345) 244 2649/2710/2732) offer free postnatal care and home visits for HSA patients. They can provide general and breastfeeding support after the birth of your child. These services are also offered at the following health centres: Bodden Town Health Centre (Tel: (345) 947 2299), available Monday and Thursday 8.30am8pm; Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 8.30am-4pm, East End Health Centre (Tel: (345) 947 7440), available Monday-Friday 8.30am-4pm, West Bay Health Centre (Tel: (345) 949 3439), available on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 8.30am4pm; Wednesday 8.30am-8pm, North Side Health Centre (Tel: (345) 947 9525), available Monday-Friday 8.30am-4pm.
Breast Pumps
The Cayman Islands Breastfeeding Support Group (www.facebook.com/ cibreastfeeding) sells the Medela Double Pumping Breast Pump and the Medela Manual Breast Pump. Baby Express (Tel: (345) 640 2397) also stocks a range of breast pumps.
Baby Formula & Food
Refer to the Cayman Parent website (www. caymanparent.com) for more information on where to buy baby formula and food.
Immunisations
Immunisations are conducted by the General Practice clinics, the Public Health Clinic, the District Health Centres or private paediatricians. If you choose to use the Public Health Clinic (Tel: (345) 244 2648), you should make your appointment
in advance. The Health Services Authority recommends that children are routinely immunised against the following: hepatitis B, rotavirus, tuberculosis (BCG), diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (DTaP), haemophilus influenzae type B, polio, pneumococcal (for serious infections including pneumonia and meningitis), measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), chickenpox (varicella) and the HPV vaccines which predisposes to cervical cancer and genital warts. The recommended ages for immunisation are six weeks, two months, four months, six months, nine months, 12 months, 15 months, 3-6 years, 11-12 years and 1416 years old. Childhood immunisations are free at the Public Health Clinic and district health centres, however, prices vary between private facilities. Annual influenza shots are also recommended. Schools will request to see your child’s immunisation record and require a health screening report filled out by a Public Health/school health nurse or paediatrician before enrolment in school. For more information on the Cayman immunisations schedule, please see Cayman Parent magazine.
Dental Care
Introduce your baby to your family dentist as early as possible and certainly by one year of age. See the Health and Wellness chapter for more information.
Dr Mauritz Crouse, BChD (WCU)
Dr Kris Togias, DMD PC Board Certified Orthodontist (USA)
Dr Aikaterini Fysikoudi, DDS HSPD (HonM)
Pasadora Family Dental Centre
94 Smith Road, Pasadora Place, George Town Tel: (345) 943 2222
WhatsApp: (345) 936 3222
Email: info@pfdc.ky www.pasadorafamilydental.ky
Languages: Spanish, German, French, Greek, Afrikaans, Tagalog
Pasadora Family Dental Centre offers general dentistry for children and adults. They have resident specialists in dental oral surgery procedures, along with root canal and gum (perio) treatments, cosmetic restorations,
paediatrics, orthodontics for all ages, Invisalign treatments, mouth guards, teeth whitening at the clinic (laser and home kits available), oral hygiene services, NewTom Giano HR 3D advanced digital imaging, iTero 5, intraoral cameras and tvs in each room, and more. Safe sedation options are also available.
SEE AD PAGE 348
7 Mile Dental
Marquee Place, West Bay Road
Tel: (345) 943 7400
Email: appointments@smbdentalclinic.ky
Dr Wolfe’s Dental Care
135 Andrew Drive, Snug Harbour, SMB
Tel: (345) 945 4388
Email: info@wolfedental.ky
www.wolfedental.ky
For over 40 years, Dr Wolfe’s dental clinic has been a trusted provider of high-quality dental care to the Cayman Islands community, including the Sister Islands. From the beginning, its mission has been to offer compassionate, comprehensive, and state-of-the-art dental services to patients. The team continue to uphold that commitment, ensuring that every individual who walks through the doors receives the best possible care. SEE AD PAGE 348
Family Photographs
There are a number of photographers who can take beautiful maternity and newborn shots, at home, in a studio or on location. Daria Keenan is an award-winning family and newborn photographer, photographing families since 2014. She is known for her high energy and ability to put children and parents at ease in front of her camera. Daria is extremely popular so we recommend booking as far in advance as possible. Tel: (345) 925 6695 or visit www.dariakeenan.com. Deep Blue Images/Julie Corsetti takes pride in capturing precious family memories, including maternity shots, newborns and family portraits. Tel: (345) 916 0016 or visit www.juliecorsetti.com. With over 25 years of experience, Rebecca Davidson (SEE AD PAGE 403) is an expert in capturing stunning maternity, newborn and family
photography. As a mum of four, she can persuade even the most spirited child to cooperate! Rebecca offers a mobile service, bringing her ‘sleepy newborn’ session to the comfort of your home. She supplies beautiful handmade outfits, wraps and props, making the whole process very easy. Visit www.rebeccadavidson.com. With over 30 years behind the lens, Heather Holt is renowned for her vibrant, joy-filled family portraits that come alive with natural light and real connection. Specialising in dynamic beach sessions that capture both the energy and tenderness of family life, she also creates timeless images of newborns and milestone events—from christenings to graduations. These are photographs you’ll treasure for a lifetime. Email: heather@heatherholt.com, visit www.heatherholt.com or call (345) 916 5263. SEE AD PAGE 401
Baby & Toddler Activities & Groups
There are a wide selection of playgroups for mothers and babies and it is a great way for new mums/dads to meet other parents. Miss Em from JukeBox runs the highly popular Baby Boppers and Mini Movers fun and engaging multi-sensory music classes for babies and toddlers aged 0-3. Visit www.jukebox.ky for more information. Sarah from Yoga Sprouts offers a very popular Peace Baby Yoga and sensory classes for new crawlers, and Yoga Sprouts Tots Movement and development classes for children who are two and confident crawlers. They are a great way to meet other mums, and you will usually find that the same mums do the same circuit of classes each week. Visit www. yogasproutscayman.com. Motions Unlimited offers a Toddler Play Day on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10.30am–12pm and Saturdays from 8.30am–10am for children aged five and under. This is a non-structured play session where parents or helpers accompany their little ones in the gym for a fun and active time exploring the equipment, climbing, and playing in a safe, supervised environment. You must purchase a package of 10 visits in advance.
You must be a registered member in the Motions Jackrabbit parent portal and all payments must be made in advance online through Butterfield. Email: reception@ motionsunlimited.com for more details or visit www.motionsunlimited.com. Apex Gymnastics also offer a Tiny Tots open gym playtime for children aged 0-5 that is very popular. See www.apexgymnastics.ky for more information. My First Gym is a fitness centre for kids from 7 months of age and up. They offer a range of baby classes plus sports and fitness programmes for older kids, including parkour, gymnastics, yoga and more. Visit www.myfirstgymcayman. com for more information. Kula Kids Cayman offers Mummy and Baby Yoga for newborns to 24 months and Mummy and Toddler Yoga from 18 to 36 months, as well as other classes for older children. Visit www.kulakidsyogacayman.com for the class schedule. Quinntessential Movement offers a ‘Me & My Shadow’ dance class with music, song and creative movement for children aged 18 months to 3 years. Kids dance incorporating creative movement and ballet classes are also offered.
Baby & Toddler Clothes
You will find a good selection of baby, toddler and children’s clothes in Cayman. You can also find good quality secondhand children’s clothes at local thrift shops, see page 300 for a list.
Atlantic Kids
Paddington Place, Godfrey Nixon Way, GT Tel: (345) 943 2296 or www.atlanticak.com
Atlantic Kids carries an incredible selection of baby, toddler, children and tween clothing and shoes, including brands such as OshKosh, Carter’s and Stride Rite. The store has a great variety of educational, eco-friendly and fun toys, as well as school-level reading and subject books. Prices are comparable to the US. Gift registries are available. Open MondaySaturday 9.30am-6.30pm. SEE AD PAGE 291
Bedside Manor
Market Street, Camana Bay
Tel: (345) 947 2711
www.bedsidemanor.ky
Sells newborn and baby clothes up to 24 months.
Little Angels Market Street, Camana Bay
Tel: (345) 946 2645
Sells swimwear and UV50+ sun protection apparel and casual clothing for boys and girls.
Little Coconuts
The Crescent, Camana Bay
www.littlecoconuts.ky
A lovely store offering newborn rompers, pyjamas, shorts, dresses and more.
Baby & Toddler Equipment
You can get most things for your nursery in local baby stores. There is also an active second-hand market. Keep an eye on EcayTrade.com and Facebook pages.
Baby Express
68 Mary Street, George Town
Tel: (345) 640 2397
Sells children’s clothes, toys, strollers, breast pumps, cots, car seats and accessories.
The Baby Shoppe
101-105 Alissta Towers, North Sound Road, GT Tel: (345) 949 2229
www.babyshoppe.ky
Offers newborn and toddler equipment, including everything you need for feeding and nursing, nursery furniture, swaddles and sleep sacks, strollers, car seats and a large selection of clothes and toys.
Welcome Baby – Tomlinson Furniture Ltd.
9 Walkers Road, Tomlinson Building, GT Tel: (345) 949 5383
www.tomlinsonfurniture.ky
A great selection of baby and child items for the home, including nursery and bedroom furniture such as cribs, toddler beds and mattresses, gliders, dressers and play tables. Visit their showroom to browse all their products and follow them on Facebook and Instagram for the latest arrivals. SEE AD PAGE 297
Passports & Immigration
Registering the Birth of Your
Child
When your baby is born, the hospital will issue a Live Birth Notification Form. The parents will be given a copy of this and the original is sent by the hospital to the Registrar of Births. The next step requires one of the parents, if married, or both parents, if you are not married, to go to the Registrar of Births at the Government Administration Building (Tel: (345) 946 7922) with the Live Birth Notification Form, your marriage certificate (if married) and your passports. Residents of Cayman Brac and Little Cayman can register their children at the District Commissioner’s Office on Cayman Brac or in Grand Cayman. By law, you must do this within three months of birth. There is no charge to register your child; however, a copy of your child’s birth certificate from the Registrar of Births will cost CI$10. Get a few copies as you will need them for everything from registering your child at a school, to proving to WORC that you need a domestic helper! For extra copies, see www.ciregistry.gov.ky.
Getting a Passport & Visas for Your Child
Once you have a birth certificate, you can complete an application for a passport. Parents should apply straight away for a passport and any necessary visas as the process can be lengthy. Refer to the Immigration chapter for more information.
Registering a Dependant
Children born in Cayman are not automatically entitled to citizenship, unless one or both of their parents are Caymanian. If you are on a work permit, your baby must be added as a dependant. You can find the AMD2 ‘Amendment to Dependants’ form at https://my.egov. ky/web/worc/immigration-forms, and it outlines the things you need to gather and submit. Once approved, you will get a dependant stamp in your child’s passport from WORC. Remember to get each new passport re-stamped, as airlines need to see an up-to-date stamp. For more information call WORC on (345) 945 9672. 11
This chapter outlines the process required to import pets, useful pet advice for owners, including the rules for responsible pet ownership, on-Island veterinary clinics, pet sitters and groomers.
IMPORTING PETS INTO CAYMAN
Regulations
The process for importing animals into Cayman is lengthy, and we advise starting it as soon as possible. All pets entering the Cayman Islands must have an import permit issued by the Cayman Islands Department of Agriculture (DOA). Application forms are available from the DOA (Tel: (345) 947 3090, email: agriculture@gov.ky or visit www.doa.gov.ky) at 181 Lottery Road, Lower Valley in Grand Cayman or from their website. The Cayman Islands is rabies-free, and to keep this deadly disease out, no import exceptions will be made by the Government.
An application can be submitted up to six months in advance of travel and a copy of the requirements should be provided to the veterinarian who will be assisting with the importation process. At the time of publication, requirements to obtain an Import Permit include, but are not limited to:
> Completing an application form (up to six months prior to travel)
> Including a
> Having your pet fitted with an
Pets
An overview of all things pets, including the importing process, helpful advice for pet owners and guidelines for responsible pet ownership.
body)
Photos courtesy of Heather Holt, Ben Wilson & Rebecca Davidson
ECO-FRIENDLY ENRICHMENT
FOR CAYMAN'S PETS
NATURE WALKS
BEACH PLAY
BRAIN GAMES PET TRANSPORT
> Having a rabies titre (blood) test performed
> Having tick and tapeworm treatments performed
> Gaining an Official Veterinary Health Certificate within 14 days of travel
> Submitting payment of CI$50 (US$61) to process your application.
Once complete documentation is received and the application fee is paid, the application will be processed and a reply given to you within three working days. For animals being imported from countries where rabies is present, there is at least a two-month wait between when they are rabies titre tested (and gain a successful result) and when they can travel. For countries that are rabies-free, the requirements are less stringent and much quicker. We advise that you follow the DOA’s directions exactly as requested, and that you keep in touch with them throughout the process. Alternatively, the services of a local broker can be used. The DOA can provide a list of pet travel brokers. There is no leeway in dates or exceptions made if you have forgotten to do something.
All animals and paperwork will be inspected upon arrival and the original health certificate document must be present. As there are no quarantine or detention facilities in the Cayman Islands, an inability to meet all requirements can lead to the animal being put down (at the discretion of the Director of Agriculture) or returned to the country of origin, all at the expense of the owner. Please note that failure to comply with the above import conditions is an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine of five hundred dollars (CI$500) and up to six months of imprisonment.
Pets Entering from the UK & US
Pets leaving the UK and USA to enter the Cayman Islands must meet all the DOA requirements. Make sure to check the DOA’s ‘Conditions Governing the Importation of Dogs and Cats into the Cayman Islands’ form. Airline carriers have their own regulations and routes for
pet travel, so please check with your airline or contact a local pet travel broker. UK residents will need to apply to the Department of Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) for an official health certificate. Visit www.gov.uk/ taking-your-pet-abroad. A registered UK shipper such as Animal Couriers (www. animalcouriers.com) or Airpets (www. airpets.com) must be used to deliver your pet to the aircraft and can answer any questions and assist with all the logistics, including DEFRA, airline booking and travel crates. For liaising with DOA also contact a Cayman Islands pet travel broker such as Must Love Dogs, Pack Pet N Go or Pawsome Ventures. See page 416 for more information.
Pets Entering from Jamaica
Pets entering Cayman from Jamaica must have received a combination vaccine against Distemper, Hepatitis, Adenovirus, Parvovirus and Leptospirosis at a minimum of 12 weeks of age after the microchip was inserted. Cats must have received a combination vaccine against Feline Enteritis and calicivirus at a minimum of 12 weeks of age. Your pet must then be tested for rabies and receive a tick and tapeworm treatment. Following this, your pet must be examined and issued with an Official Veterinary Health Certificate. Once issued with the certificate, you must submit it to the DOA along with a completed application form for an Import Permit and an application fee.
Endangered Species
The Ministry of Sustainability & Climate Resiliency has introduced a new digital application form for Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) permits to regulate the trade of endangered species. Individuals must obtain a permit or certificate to import, export or re-export any plant or animal, living or dead, that is mentioned on the CITES list. For more information and a list of species, visit www. gov.ky/sustainability/cites. CITES permits,
GREENPAW
if successfully approved by the CITES Management Authority, usually take oneto two weeks to be issued, after which it is valid for 6 months.
Importing Captive Birds
All captive cage birds (e.g. parrots, budgerigars, lovebirds, finches and toucans) must also be accompanied by an Import Permit issued by the DOA. Note: Most birds also require quarantine and CITES permits. Please also see their website on how to import rabbits, rodents (hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs and chinchillas) and farm animals (sheep and goats).
Restrictions
In accordance with the Animals Act (2015 Revision), no animal of any description may be directly imported into the Cayman Islands from any country in Asia, Africa or Central and South America. Also, certain breeds of dogs, or crosses of such breeds, are prohibited from entering the Cayman Islands. These breeds include but are not limited to: Pit Bull Terrier, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brazileiro, Japanese Tosa, and any breed of dog or crossbreed of dog whose breeding lineage was for the primary purpose of dog fighting. Contact the DOA for a full list of banned breeds and prohibited species
EXPORTING PETS FROM CAYMAN
All pets leaving the Island must be accompanied by an export permit endorsed by the DOA. Additional documents may be required by the country of import. Pet examinations by a licenced veterinarian are required for the issuance of health certificates (valid for 14 days only). After completing the health certificate examination, you must make an appointment with the DOA to have the documentation endorsed.
Appointments can be made by calling (345) 947 3090 or emailing: ci.agriculturevs@gov.ky. The fee for exportation is CI$20 per animal and can be paid online (see their website) or in person. However, the certificate must be physically collected from the DOA office in Lower
Valley, 181 Lottery Road.
As of August 1st 2024, dogs entering the US must be aged six months or older with a completed CDC dog import form to enter the country. They must also be vaccinated against rabies and microchipped. The process for dogs entering from high-risk rabies countries may be more technical and time-consuming. When checking in at the airport, passengers must present the receipt (printed or electronically) to the agent. It will be valid for six months from
the date of issuance, including for multiple entries into the US. Note: This regulation is subject to change.
TRAVEL INSTRUCTIONS & ADVICE
All animals, no matter what size, must travel in a leak-proof, International Air Transport Association-specification carrier that allows the animal to move around unhindered. All requisite entry documentation should be affixed to the carrier, and it is advised that you print extra copies of all your
RELOCATION
paperwork and carry it on your flight with you. Be prepared, as airport security agents will most likely request to look at your pet (outside of its carrier) and search its carrier and bedding. Sedating your pet is not advised, as this can stop them from being able to regulate their body temperature. No food should be put in their carrier, only a water container, which the airline will check prior to departure and at any transit point. It is also best to use an absorbable type of lining for the carrier. You should familiarise your animal with the carrier before travelling so they associate it with a positive and comfortable experience.
Certain airlines allow small dogs and cats in the aircraft cabin, but most airlines transport them as special cargo or checked baggage in a temperature-controlled and ventilated hold. If your pet is allowed in the cabin, it is best to check in as late as possible. If it is going in the hold, check in early so that it can go to the baggage area and be put somewhere quiet to relax. To prepare your pet, the USDA recommends that your pet be offered food and water four hours before you check in. It’s advisable to take your dog for a walk before leaving for the airport and again before check in.
Visit www.iata.org and enter ‘Pets’ into the search box for information on international pet travel. On arrival in Cayman, you will need to go to the ‘Goods to Declare’ counter and submit your paperwork for the animal. They will ask you to take the animal out of its carrier to inspect and check its microchip. All dogs staying in Cayman for longer than 30 days must be licensed with the DOA.
Animals on Airlines
Some airlines do not allow your animals in the passenger cabin, and over the summer months many airlines will not take pets due to the high heat in the hold. You are required to take the most direct route possible and preferably an evening or morning flight. You should avoid travelling through countries that are not deemed rabies-free to help make the whole process easier. Cayman Airways (Tel: (345) 949 8200)
accepts domestic birds, cats, dogs, rabbits and rodents (hamsters, guinea pigs). The maximum weight allowed, including the container, is 99lbs. They charge US$125 each way to all international destinations for a small pet travelling in the cabin. For larger pets (over 99lbs), they will need to check in as cargo under unaccompanied pets, the quote will be determined by their weight and size. Note: A maximum of four pets is allowed in the cargo compartment and five in the passenger compartment per flight. On British Airways (BA), the cost varies depending on the size of the animal. BA no longer takes pet bookings directly from the public and insist all bookings are made by specialist pet relocation agents. They recommend IAG Cargo, which has decades of experience. Visit the travel assistance page on the BA website for more information. Alternatively, you can contact Cayman Dispatch Services Ltd. who is a broker in Cayman for IAG Cargo and British Airways. For more information, call (345) 943 8900, email: cargo@cdsltd.ky or visit www.cdsltd.ky/services/cargo-services.
PET RELOCATION SERVICES
For help with importing or exporting contact the following businesses. Note: Vets can issue the Export Health Certificate needed for export permits and offer advice.
Must Love Dogs
Tel: (345) 746 7222
Email: mustlovedogsky@gmail.com
As the only IPATA-certified pet travel agent in Cayman, Must Love Dogs know what you need—because they travel with their pets too. From family vacations to relocations, they handle every detail so your journey is stressfree and fully compliant. With their Pet Travel Club, your pet is always hurricane-ready: documents, crates, and permits kept up-todate so you can move quickly in an emergency. SEE AD PAGE
Pack Pet N’ Go
Tel: (345)
Email:
With over 15 years of pet relocation experience,
Pack Pet N’ Go provides a range of services for pet travel and relocation from the USA, UK, EU and worldwide. Services include acquiring necessary documents for your pet, such as an International Health Certificate, Import and Export Permits and the collection and endorsement of these documents. They also offer hands-on services such as cargo booking and handling, and veterinary visits.
PET PASSPORTS
Pets arriving in Cayman must have an endorsed Animal Passport from the Department of Agriculture (DOA). To qualify, your pet must travel more than three times and be resident in the Cayman Islands at the time of application. The passport is valid for one year, and the fee is CI$150 per animal. With this permit, there is no need to apply for an import permit with each entry. For more details, contact the DOA on (345) 947 3090 or email: ci.agriculturevs@gov.ky.
VETERINARIANS
Cayman Animal Hospital
394 Crewe Road, George Town
Tel: (345) 946 8387
Client 24 Hour Emergency Care: (345) 916 7387
Email: info@caymananimalhospital.ky www.caymananimalhospital.ky
This fully equipped veterinary hospital is dedicated to providing exceptional care and disease prevention for the pets of the Cayman Islands. Founded in 2000 by Dr Lana Watler, a top graduate of the prestigious Ontario Veterinary College of Canada, the team offers compassionate medical care with a personalised touch. Cayman Animal Hospital provides patients with 24/7 emergency care, wellness and preventive medicine, vaccinations, routine and advanced dental care, a comprehensive pharmacy, hospitalisation and full-service critical care, a full surgical suite, travel health certificates, and pet travel services. Extensive laboratory services, digital and dental radiography, ultrasonography and ECG diagnostics in-house allow them to provide services in a timely manner. For convenience they offer early admissions, 30-45 minute appointments, drop-offs for patients, minimal wait times, and mobile house calls.
Island Veterinary Services (IVS)
95 Printer Way (off CNB roundabout), GT
Tel: (345) 949 0787 Emergency: (345) 916 2459
Email: islandvetservices@hotmail.com
Kman Vets
Unit 2, Midtown Plaza, George Town
Tel: (345) 640 5838
After Hours Tel: (345) 525 5838
Email: info@kmanvets.com
www.kmanvets.com
Under the care of Royal College certified surgeon, Dr Colin Manson, this fully equipped hospital has the latest in veterinary technology. Kman Vets offers outstanding professionalism, knowledge and expertise, aiming to provide a lifetime of support. Services range from annual and bi-annual wellness examinations, vaccinations, acupuncture, laser treatments, endoscopy and pet travel advice to managing more challenging and complex surgical and medical concerns. These qualified and experienced veterinary professionals are committed to providing their clients with a carefully assessed and accurate diagnosis, a thorough understanding of the best treatment
options available, and empathy and guidance to make the best choices for your pet’s healthcare. Both mobile and hospital-based services are offered, allowing flexibility of care and management of our four-legged friends.
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My Home Vet
Tel: (345) 928 0707
Email: hello@myhomevet.ky
www.myhomevet.ky
They deliver at-home appointments, medicine refills and provide end of life care for pets.
Seven Mile Animal Centre
36 Lawrence Blvd, Marquee Plaza, SMB
Tel: (345) 326 3450 Email: hello@345vets.com
The Mobile Vet Company
Tel: (345) 327 3313
Email: info@mobilevets.ky
www.mobilevets.ky
Enjoy the convenience of having your pet treated in the comfort of your own home with The Mobile Vet Company’s house call service. They offer a comprehensive range of services,
including wellness exams, treatment for minor illnesses and injuries, vaccinations, nutrition consultations, blood work, dermatology, microchipping, ultrasounds and rabies titre tests. The Mobile Vet Company also provides pet travel assistance, travel health certificates, palliative care, senior health care, at-home euthanasia and a mobile pharmacy service. Serving all of Grand Cayman, from West Bay to Rum Point. Schedule your appointment on their website today. SEE AD PAGE 417
ADVICE FOR PET OWNERS
Adopting a Pet
The first place to look for a pet in Cayman is the Cayman Islands Humane Society (Tel: (345) 949 1461, email: info@caymanhumane.org or visit www. caymanhumane.org) located on North Sound Road. They have a large variety of dogs, cats, puppies and kittens that need loving homes. They are also happy for you to foster a dog or cat, whether for a sleepover or a long weekend, and they will lend you a pet carrier, blankets, food and toys. The shelter is always in desperate need of foster parents, either to care for sick or injured animals, dogs that are suffering from kennel stress or cats/kittens that need some extra care. They also provide support for individuals looking to provide a pet on Island with a forever home overseas. The shelter is always open to volunteers who can either walk the dogs in the vicinity of the shelter or take them to the beach for a fun outing. They also appreciate donations such as dog or cat food, toys, sheets, towels,
and of course, monetary donations. Visit their website or shelter (during adoption hours) to start the adoption process. Once you’ve found a match and completed the adoption form, your information will be reviewed by the adoption team, who will contact you to schedule a home visit. Requirements for the adoption process at the Humane Society include, but are not limited to:
> Being at least 18 years of age.
> Being granted landlord/strata approval for pet ownership
> Proof existing animals (if any) have been spayed/neutered unless advised otherwise by a professional.
> Their adoption fees for dogs start at CI$100 and CI$70 for cats. These fees include but are not limited to:
> Spay/neuter surgery
> Routine veterinary examinations
> Deworming and parasite preventatives until the animal is adopted
> Microchipping costs
One Dog at a Time (ODAAT) organises the rescue and rehoming of animals locally, as well as transporting dogs to rescue partners in Miami, Tampa and Toronto. They are always looking for donors, fosters, adopters and people to accompany dogs on flights. To adopt from ODAAT you must contact them via email: info@odaat.ky or call (345) 917 8284 to schedule a meet and greet with the dog that you are interested in. If the meet and greet is successful, a home check will be carried out, followed by a sleep over trial (all equipment provided). If all goes
well, you can sign the adoption papers and welcome a new pet into your home! Smaller animals, like hamsters, rabbits, birds and fish, can be found at Animal House (Tel: (345) 943 7387 or (345) 945 7387). Keep in mind that your property should be fully fenced-in.
Spaying & Neutering
Spaying (female) and neutering (male) pets is strongly advised to not only reduce the number of stray, unwanted and homeless animals in Cayman, but also to improve your pet’s health, increase life expectancy, and behaviour. If you adopt a pet from the Humane Society, C.A.R.E. or One Dog at a Time, the cost of spaying or neutering and all inoculations is included in the adoption fee. If you acquire a pet from elsewhere but need financial assistance for spaying or neutering, the Humane Society or C.A.R.E. may be able to assist, otherwise it can be done privately at any veterinary practice.
Feline Friends operates a ‘Trap Neuter Return’ programme for free-roaming cats. The organisation will humanely trap cats and take them to a veterinarian, where they will be spayed or neutered, de-wormed and ear-notched (indicating that they have been sterilised). The cats will then be released back at the same location where they were trapped. This is a proven method of controlling the population of free-roaming cats whilst ensuring they receive a better quality of life. If you are aware of a colony of free-roaming cats in need, please email: felinefriendscayman@gmail.com and they will come out to assist. Donations to help their cause are always welcome.
Looking After Your Pet
Heartworm is a deadly and endemic disease in Cayman caused by a blood parasite transmitted by mosquito bites. As it affects both cats and dogs, they should be on a monthly heartworm preventative treatment. Ticks and fleas can be a major problem in Cayman. This is particularly important since they easily transfer to dogs who bring them back into the home where
A well trained canine is a pleasure to be around
these pests can take over. Both pests can be controlled with a product called NexGuard, which can be bought at veterinarian clinics. It is a beef-flavoured chewable tablet containing an ectoparasiticide which kills fleas and ticks when they bite your pet.
Products like Vetality Firstect Plus, Advantix and Frontline/Frontline Plus which targets adult ticks, fleas, flea eggs and larvae, as well as pet shampoos can be purchased from Animal House. However, regular tick inspections are still essential to ensure your pets remain tick free.
Feline Leukaemia (FeLV) and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) are viral conditions that spread from cat to cat. FeLV can be vaccinated against, however FIV cannot. Reduce the risk of FIV by spaying/neutering them, or better yet, keeping them indoors. Dogs should be vaccinated against Distemper, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza, Hepatitis and Leptospirosis. Dogs attending a daycare must also be vaccinated against kennel cough.
Salt water can be toxic if your dog drinks a large quantity of it and can result in hypernatremia (an elevated sodium level). Prevent this by carrying a bottle of fresh water during beach walks. If you see signs of salt poisoning, including vomiting, diarrhoea, incoordination, severe depression and/or seizures, take your dog to a veterinarian. After swimming, rinse salt water and chlorine off your dog. If you take your dog on a boat, put a flotation device on them. Avoid letting dogs swim in swampy or canal water as they risk contracting Pythiosis – a rare and often deadly tropical disease.
Heatstroke can occur fast if you leave your pet in a car. Avoid long walks during the middle of the day, take breaks during walks and always have fresh water on hand. Asphalt gets extremely hot and sensitive paw pads can burn. Symptoms of heatstroke include heavy panting, vomiting and breathing difficulties. If you suspect your dog has heatstroke, take the animal to a vet immediately, as it could be fatal. Curious dogs can be stung by scorpions, bees and other insects.
Rules for Responsible Pet Ownership
Failure to keep a dog on a lead in a public place is an offence and liable, on summary conviction, to a fine of CI$500 and three months in prison. A dog should only be off their lead if they are confined to the owner’s property. If a dog is dangerously out of control in a public place or is responsible for injuring any person or domestic animal, you will be liable for the cost of the damages or injuries, a fine of CI$4,000 and six months imprisonment.
People in charge of a dog in a public place are also responsible for cleaning up after their animal. Failure to remove the faeces is an offence and you will be liable to a CI$2,000 fine.
Registering a Dog
By law, a person cannot keep a dog over the age of four months unless they hold a dog licence specific to that dog. You can apply for this online on the Department of Agriculture’s website (doa.gov.ky ) under ‘Animal Welfare and Control Services’. You can then go and collect the tag from their office at 181 Lottery Road, Lower Valley. The DOA will need to know your name, physical address, PO Box, contact details and where the dog lives, plus your pet’s name, their breed, colour, sex and their microchip number if you know it.
Dog Trainers
Cayman Canine Training Services (CCTS) 94 Tuscany Drive, Savannah Tel: (345) 916 2075
Email: dogtrainer@candw.ky www.dogtrainer.ky
The owner, Kenneth Morgan, has been training dogs for over 40 years and is a highly recommended dog trainer. CCTS offers oneon-one or group behavioural and obedience training (group sessions for six weeks, one lessons per week on a Sunday, for CI$360; or private one-hour sessions for CI$75 at your home or for CI$75 Kenneth will pick up your dog and bring it to CCTS for specialised training and social play). Kenneth offers both beginner and advanced training, as well as dog walking and sitting services while you’re at work or on
vacation. He also assists with vet visits, beach training, grooming, and provides practical advice on how to care for your dog. In addition, Kenneth helps owners understand their dog’s body language, vocalisations, and behaviour, and is especially skilled at resolving challenging issues. SEE AD PAGE 418
Hurricanes & Pets
It is important to make preparations for your pet before hurricane season. Remember, if it is not safe for you, it is not safe for your pet. Never leave pets outside. John Gray High School and Clifton Hunter High School are the only two pet-friendly shelters in Cayman. Space is allocated on a first-come, first-serve basis (muzzles and crates are required). See the Disaster Preparedness chapter on for more information.
Pet-Friendly Staycations
See the Travel chapter for hotels that accommodate pets.
Pet Stores
The pet stores in Cayman offer a wide variety of animal supplies and pet accessories. Products offered include food, beds, treats, toys, collars, leashes, cages, aquariums and more. Some pet stores also offer pet tags and services such as grooming. Dog food can also be purchased from supermarkets and wholesale stores.
Animal House
Two locations: 243 North Sound Road, GT and Countryside Shopping Village, Savannah Tel: (345) 943 7387 or (345) 945 7387
The Pet Palace
www.thepetpalace.ky
Kennels & Pet Sitting
Cayman Pet Paradise
46 Ranch Road, Savannah
Tel: (345) 947 1334 or (345) 926 2264
Email: info@caymanpetparadise.com www.caymanpetparadise.com
Cayman Pet Paradise houses a full-service kennel facility with 40+ open air kennels, nine of
which are oversized to accommodate multiple dogs from the same family and eight double kennels. There is a cattery with 13 large kennels. Expect to pay CI$38 per pet, per night. Daycare services for dogs are offered for CI$15, where dogs are exercised and allowed supervised socialising with other dogs. All vaccinations must be up to date, including kennel cough. They also have the Island’s only pet crematorium. All dogs should be given Heartgard medication monthly and all cats and dogs should be treated for ticks and fleas with a monthly top spot type treatment. Cayman Pet Paradise stocks Fiproguard Plus, a generic version of Frontline Plus that is just as effective and much less expensive SEE AD OPPOSITE
Elizabeth ‘Liz’ Walker
89 Phelan Close, off South Church Street, GT Tel: (345) 925 6719
Email: ewalker@candw.ky
Takes small dogs (max 25lbs) for overnight boarding and daycare. Dogs must be on a flea and tick programme, and they must be fully vaccinated. Liz charges CI$45 for overnight boarding or CI$20 for daycare. The dogs are walked on the beach daily and have the run of her house and garden. During school holidays it is advisable to book in advance.
Love Your Dog
Tel: (345) 925 5869
Email: info@loveyourdog.ky www.loveyourdog.ky
Love Your Dog offers premium dog care with a focus on safety, structure and enrichment. Their comprehensive daycare service offers temperament-based grouping and includes door-to-door transportation. Located on a beautiful ocean front property, the facility features a variety of play areas with shade sails, sprinklers, and doggie pools, plus indoor cooling areas for comfort all year round. Overnight boarding offers cosy air-conditioned and televised comfort which features 24-hour staff. They also offer expert obedience training and behaviour modification. Additional services include house-sitting and other bespoke care options tailored to your needs. Call to book a visit, they’d love to meet you and your pup.
SEE AD PAGE 419
Kenneth
Morgan/Cayman
Canine Training
CCTS offers daycare, overnight boarding, and overnight boarding with training. His house and van are airconditioned and he offers a pick-up and drop-off service. The cost is CI$50 per day for daycare, CI$60 for overnight boarding and CI$75 for overnight boarding with training and a pick-up. He also offers grooming. Tel: (345) 916 2075 or email: dogtrainer@candw.ky.
Other options include Petopia Resort & Spa (Tel: (345) 926 1990 or email: petopiaky@ gmail.com) and Cay 9 Resort (Tel: (345) 769 3647 or email: info@cay9resort.com).
Dog Walking Services
Green Paw
Tel: (345) 325 7593
Email: greenpawfriends@gmail.com www. greenpaw.ky
Green Paw is Cayman’s eco-friendly pet company created for pet parents who want more than just basic care for their dogs. Whether you’re a local, a visitor, or a busy professional, they offer meaningful enrichment experiences that support your pet’s physical, emotional, and mental well-being at home, at the beach, or on the trail. Each session is thoughtfully tailored to your dog’s needs. Adventure Paw includes guided nature walks and scent exploration. Mindful Play combines brain games, light exercise and focused attention. Aqua-Paw is ideal for water-loving pups and Yappy Hour offers a fun and social Friday outing. Additionally, Comfort Paw provides calm companionship, attention and gentle play. They also offer reliable, stress-free pet transportation with drop-off and pick-up for daycare, vet visits, grooming appointments, playdates, and more. SEE AD PAGE 414
Pet Grooming & Pampering
You can drop your dog or cat off with the following companies: Must Love Dogs (SEE AD PAGE 415) , Cayman Pet Paradise (SEE AD OPPOSITE PAGE) (Tel: (345) 947 1334) provides a full grooming service, including trimming, bathing, blow drying and more; Cay 9 Resort and Spa (Tel: (345) 769 3647) also offers grooming services; Petopia Resort & Spa (Tel: (345) 926 1990) provides bathing and
grooming for dogs and cats. You can also contact Melanie Hulse (Tel: (345) 916 7268 or email: melhulse@gmail.com), who works out of Island Veterinary Services on Saturdays from 8am to 4pm.
Must Love Dogs
Market Street, Camana Bay Tel: (345) 746 7222
Email: mustlovedogsky@gmail.com
Offers an excellent array of services to keep your family pets looking and feeling their best. They provide full grooming services for both cats and dogs, including dental and gland hygiene, Drop in ‘pawdicures’, and bath and blow-dry treatments and maintenance packages with a convenient pick-up and drop-off service available. In their boutique, you’ll find a wide range of essentials and luxuries for both dogs and cats, from beds and treats to durable gear and high-quality grooming products. Additional services include professional dog walking, a pet food delivery service, and comprehensive assistance with pet travel and relocation. The only internationally certified IPATA agent on the island, Must Love Dogs offers expert import and export services.
LOST & INJURED PETS & WILDLIFE
Lost pets are usually picked up by the Humane Society, C.A.R.E., One Dog at a Time or the DOA, so they should be your first point of contact. If you find an injured stray animal, you can take it to Island Veterinary Services (Tel: (345) 949 0787), who will nurse it back to health for the same price as a regular pet. Charities and vets will email members and post messages on their social media to help find lost pets. Cayman Marl Road also posts lost and injured pets on their social media channels (@caymanmarlroad).
Cayman Islands Humane Society
153 North Sound Road, George Town Tel: (345) 949 1461
Emergency: (345) 326 1461
Email: info@caymanhumane.org www.caymanhumane.org
Rescues, rehabilitates and rehomes homeless dogs and cats while promoting and educating the public on responsible pet ownership. They also offer spay/neuter services and as the
Island’s only animal shelter, they heavily rely on donations and volunteers for support. Opening hours are Monday-Friday 11am-5pm, Saturday 8am-4pm and Sunday 8am-12pm.
C.A.R.E. - Cayman Animal Rescue Enthusiasts Tel: (345) 938 2273 www.caymancare.ky
Their mission is to prevent cruelty and suffering to all domestic animals and to eliminate overpopulation by offering free spay/neuter services.
One Dog at a Time (ODAAT)
Email: onedogatatimeky@gmail.com
Rescues unwanted dogs from the streets and the DOA pound when at risk of euthanasia.
Department of Agriculture (DOA)
181 Lottery Road, Lower Valley, Bodden Town Tel: (345) 947 3090
If an animal is lost, it’s best to go to the DOA to try to locate them. Visiting hours: Monday-Friday 12pm-1pm and 3.30pm-4.30pm. If animals are not claimed within seven days, they will either be put up for adoption or, sadly, put to sleep.
Animal Abuse
In Cayman, abuse of animals is a crime, and serious penalties apply if prosecuted. The Government employs Animal Welfare Officers (Tel: (345) 916 3051) who will investigate animal cruelty, apprehend an individual and prosecute.
If you are aware that animal abuse has occurred, report it to the DOA (Tel: (345) 947 3090), the police or email: reportanimalcruelty@gov.ky. If you wish to remain anonymous, call the Cayman Islands Humane Society (Tel: (345) 949 1461) or email: info@caymanhumane.org. Alternatively, you can file an anonymous report via DOA’s website. In any event, please be prepared to provide as much information as possible.
Burying Your Pet
Losing a pet is heart-breaking, but creating a special tribute can help honour the role they played in your life. While some bury their pet on their own land (if they own
a garden), others choose cremation. The following companies can ease the process.
Cayman Pet Paradise
46 Ranch Road, Savannah
Tel: (345) 947 1334 or (345) 926 2264
Email: info@caymanpetparadise.com www.caymanpetparadise.com
They offer cremation services for your pet. Depending on the size of your pet, prices may vary for the service, so make sure to call ahead. They offer a pick-up service from your home for between CI$50-CI$80 (depending on location).
Ash boxes are also available for purchase at the following prices: CI$25 for a small box, CI$30 for a medium box and CI$35 for a large box. The price of cremation starts at $160 for animals up to 40lbs anything over 40lbs is $4 per pound.
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ITC Tile
Kozaily Center, Ashgo Street, George Town
Tel: (345) 949 0410 or (345) 945 3798
Sells customised engraved slate tile and marble headstones to place at the grave of your pet.
iroi:tJ Boarding kennels for dogs, cats CJ and family pets " t, Doggie Daycare Doggie Grooming ~t, Daycare packages including pick up and drop offs also availa6/e
OPEN: 7am-5:30 Mon -Fri • 7am-12pm Sat Closed Sunday & Holidays
cavitparadise
for Adults Activities
Adults can choose from a wide range of activities, including many different sports, cultural attractions and events, excursions, and water-based activities. For information on adult sports see the Sports & Fitness chapter on page 460. For more details on tour prices, times and promotions, pick up a copy of Explore Cayman, the definitive guide to exploring Cayman, visit www.explorecayman.com or download the free app. Also, for Cayman’s most up-to-date events guide, featuring lots of activities for adults, download the What’s On Cayman app. Visit www. whatsoncayman.ky for more information.
EXPLORING CAYMAN’S ATTRACTIONS
Pedro St. James (Pedro Castle)
Pedro St. James, known as ‘Pedro Castle’, is the oldest stone structure in the Cayman Islands, built in 1780 by mariner and plantation owner William Eden using slave labour. This historic site, covering seven acres, features the three-storey Great House, palm-lined walkways, manicured lawns and stunning sea views. The 3D multi-sensory theatre provides a unique historical perspective, highlighting Pedro St. James as the “birthplace of democracy in the Cayman Islands.” It was here that the first elected Parliament was formed in 1831, and the proclamation ending slavery in the British Empire was read in 1835. Visitors can explore a playground, an old stamp collection room and a gift shop. The on-site restaurant offers drink specials during its happy hour every Friday from 5pm. Located in Savannah, Pedro St. James is just a
Photos courtesy of Batabano, Heather Holt, Cayman Turtle Centre & Cayman National Cultural Foundation
20-minute drive from George Town and is open daily from 8.30am to 5pm (last movie showing at 4pm), except on Good Friday and Christmas Day. Guided tour rates are CI$15.38 for residents and CI$20.50 for visitors. Seniors 65+ and children three and under receive free admission. There is no charge to visit the Sea Sessions happy hour at the on-site restaurant. A valid ID is required for resident rates. For more information, email: events@pedrostjames. ky, Tel: (345) 947 3329 or visit www. pedrostjames.ky. SEE AD THIS PAGE & 402
Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park
This 65-acre site is made up of seven themed gardens, woodland trails, a lake and wetlands, a plant nursery and a visitor’s centre. It is home to the endangered Blue Iguana Conservation facility, the rare Ghost Orchid, the Banana Orchid (Cayman’s national flower), the Cayman Parrot (Cayman’s national bird), and much more. You can explore the Heritage Garden and its Cayman cottage and separate cookhouse, and you can learn how Caymanians lived in days of old; take a stroll through the Flowers/Colour Garden, Woodland Trail, the Xerophytic Garden, Orchid Boardwalk or the Children’s Garden which contains a splash fountain and a tower for getting a birds-eye view of the park. Alternatively, just relax and picnic by the lake—a favourite place for birdwatching. Located on Frank Sound Road in North Side, the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park is approximately a 40-minute drive from George Town. They also offer a golf cart for the elderly and disabled as well as for those on guided tours. Note: Golf carts must be prearranged by emailing: manager@botanic-park.ky and guided tours by golf cart cost an additional CI$5. The park is open daily 9am-4.30pm. Visitor rates are CI$20 for adults and CI$10 for children, and residents get a 50% discount. A valid ID is required for resident rates. Entry is free for local seniors above 65 and children two and under. Tel: (345) 947 9462, email: info@botanic-park.ky or visit www.botanic-park.ky. SEE AD PAGE 453
Hell Geological Site
Located in West Bay, Hell comprises a unique geological wonder; created by salt and limestone over 23 million years. This small patch of black limestone formation, which sits on two acres, can be seen poking out from its lush surroundings. Erosion has left an eerie and desolate-looking landscape, earning its name. After marvelling at the field of black peaks, make sure to send your friends a postcard from Hell, with the Hell postmark as proof that you’ve been to Hell and back! Entry is free. The geological site is open all day, however the gift shop and restrooms are available during the opening hours of 8am-4pm.
Cayman Crystal Caves
Situated in a lush tropical forest in North Side, the Cayman Crystal Caves offer an underground adventure into a fascinating world. During your visit, you will be escorted by a knowledgeable tour guide and join them on an adventure of “Cayman down under”. You will venture
into amazing caves where you will see stalactite and stalagmite crystal structures and otherworldly formations formed by single drops of water and the slow passage of time. Tour through the unique tropical forest under which the caves formed. Amongst the forest and caves are captivating tropical plants and animal life, including strangler balsam trees, air plants, parrots and bats. Tours are approximately one-and-a-half hours and take you through the surrounding tropical forest area and three spectacular caves. Guests must be able to walk up the stairs unaided for this tour. Comfortable attire and walking shoes are recommended. Open seven days a week, with tours running from 9am-4pm. You can also have a meal at their Treehouse Restaurant & Bar which is open seven days a week and is also open to guests who are not on the tour. Pre-booking is required for all tours. Book online at www. caymancrystalcaves.com. Tel: (345) 949 2283 or email: info@caymancrystalcaves. com. SEE AD PAGE 425
Embark on a captivating journey to the heart of Cayman heritage and experience Pedro St. James like never before.
Cayman Craft Market
Located on North Church Street, next to Waterfront Centre in George Town, the Cayman Craft Market brings together visitors and local artisans who create and display Caymanian art, jewellery, crafts and recycled treasures made from unique materials, as well as locally made sauces, jams and jellies. Find items made from leather, thatch, wood, shells, Caymanite stone and black coral. Open MondayFriday 8.30am-3pm, when cruise ships
where you can walk in waist-deep water with the stingrays, you may want to choose
The Sandbar. The rays are completely safe, nearly four feet in diameter and will brush against you with their soft underbellies looking for squid, their favourite food, which you can feed them by hand. Do not lift them from the water, step on them or torment them. Note: Wearing flippers/fins is not allowed, as you may disturb or hurt the rays. The sandbar can get very busy, especially on days when cruise ships are in, but if you are going with a boat operator, they will find a good spot to anchor, and a staff member will help you hold a stingray.
Just to the left, past Rum Point Club and Mini Sandbar.
This is a popular stop for a shallow swim. You can access it by boat or wade out if exploring by car. Refer to the Boating
released close to 37,000 captive-bred and raised sea turtles back into the sea to help replenish Cayman’s wild population. The Centre, which is dedicated to the conservation and education of the green sea turtle, is home to turtles of all ages, from six-ounce hatchlings to 500lb adult breeding turtles. During your visit to the Centre, you can learn about the turtles in the exhibits, the breeding and rearing process, snorkel with the turtles and reef fish, swim in the freshwater pool and visit hatchlings during the nesting season. You will also be exposed to local and regional wildlife, like flora along the nature trail, the Cayman Parrots in the Caribbean Aviary, and sharks in the Predator Reef.
SEE AD THIS PAGE & 449
Beaches
ANNUAL PASSES
to Cayman Turtle Centre
There are many wonderful beaches on Grand Cayman. The most popular is Seven , which runs the length of the western side of the island just north of George Town. Two popular spots along Governor’s Beach, adjacent to the Governor’s House (next door to the Seven Mile Public Beach, which has cabanas providing shade, public restrooms and shower facilities, a children’s play area, volleyball nets and a 5,575sq ft calisthenics park. Further in toward West , which offers plenty of shade and has great snorkelling spots only a five-minute swim offshore. , just beyond Kaibo in North Side, is a nice, quiet spot for a picnic or paddle. It is shaded by casuarina trees, has a wide shallow area close to the shore and large starfish can often be found just a few feet off the shore. Do not hold the starfish above the water, as they need to remain in the water to survive.
Rum Point, located to the left of Starfish Point, has been a popular spot with tourists and locals for many years. There is an on-site restaurant and bar offering casual dining. The shallow waters offshore are still a popular boat hangout, especially on Sundays.
Spotts Public Beach, located off Shamrock
Road, is a good place to spot turtles in the early morning and late afternoon when they come in to feed on turtle grass which grows abundantly in the area. Plus, to the far right of the beach, there are wonderful rock pools. Note: There is a very strong current at this beach and swimming out to the reef is very dangerous. Do not swim out to the cut in the reef.
Just beyond the Grand Old House restaurant is Smith’s Barcadere (also known as Smith’s Cove). This is a small public beach with lots of shade, picnic benches, great snorkelling and a lovely place to watch the sunset. It also has freshwater showers and restroom facilities.
Many districts also have public beaches, including West Bay, Bodden Town, East End and North Side. There are no private beaches in Cayman; all beaches are public (up to the high-water mark). If you want to put your towel on a beach in front of a hotel or condominium complex, you are more than welcome to do so, as long as you stay near the high-water mark and do not use their sun loungers. Some establishments are open to the public. Examples include Bonny Moon on Seven Mile Beach and Kaibo in North Side, both of which have beach bars and tables on the beach where you can sit and watch the children play in the sea just a few feet away. They are also available for private functions.
For a complete list of public, pedestrian pathways to Cayman’s shorelines, as well as public beach areas, visit www.gov.ky/ publiclands. Note: There are no nudist beaches in the Cayman Islands and topless sunbathing is illegal.
Blue Iguana Conservation
Grand Cayman’s famed ‘Blue Dragons’ are found at the Blue Iguana Conservation (BIC) facility located at the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park. Once numbering in the tens of thousands, by 2001, there were thought to be fewer than 25 Blue Iguanas left in the wild. The endangered Blue Iguana is only found here in Grand Cayman, and now, thanks to the Blue Iguana Conservation Programme, over 1,200 have been released
into the wild. At the Botanical Gardens you can walk through the Blue Iguana Conservation facility and you can see the Blues up close in their semi-wild habitats and take a photo at the Blue Iguana mural. You can book a private guided tour of the facility and learn from their expert wardens about how the programme has brought these endangered species back from the brink of extinction. Guided tours must be booked in advance through the National Trust. Included in the price for the guided tour of the Conservation facility is entry to the QEII Botanic Park. Proceeds from Blue Iguana tours directly benefit the Blue Iguana Conservation programme. After your tour, you can visit the National Trust retail store located at Dart Park to browse their selection of National Trust and Blue Iguana Conservation merchandise. For more information or to book a school, corporate or private customised guided tour, Tel: (345) 749 1121 or email: tours@ nationaltrust.org.ky.
Collier’s Nature Reserve & Trail
The Collier’s Nature Reserve and Trail boasts 190 acres of protected Blue Iguana territory. The easy walking trail allows visitors to have the chance to spot the iguanas and other animals in their natural habitat, as well as many different species of Cayman’s fauna, fungi and lichens. It is located a mile inland from the coastal East End road, Austin Conolly Drive. For more information, call the National Trust on Tel: (345) 749 1121.
Guided Bicycle Rides
ECO Rides Cayman offers guided bicycle tours and sightseeing throughout the culturally rich district of East End. Participants are also educated on Caymanian history and heritage. Additionally, road and hybrid bicycle rentals are also provided. Tel: (345) 922 0754 or email: eco-ridescayman@ gmail.com or visit www.ecoridescayman.ky
Paddle Wheel is another company that offers guided tours. They use electric bikes, which give you the power to decide how
Situated in a lush tropical forest in North Side, the Cayman Crystal Caves offer an underground adventure into a fascinating world. Venture into amazing caves where you will see stalactite and stalagmite crystal structures and other worldly formations. Tour through the tropical forest under which the caves formed and spot tropical plant and animal life, including strangler balsam trees, air plants, parrots, and bats. Tours lasts 1 ½ hours. Guests must be able to walk up the stairs unaided for this tour. Pre booking is required. Open seven days a week, with tours running from 9am-4pm.
Book online at www.caymancrystalcaves.com
Tel: (345) 949 2283 Email: info@caymancrystalcaves.com
www.caymancrystalcaves.com
much you want to pedal and how much you want to relax. Cycle the West Bay loop and enjoy Cayman’s coastline and mangrove forests. The tour is around three hours in length, but they also offer a six-hour ‘Adventure Tour’, which includes lunch, biking and kayaking stops. Tel: (345) 640 2453 or email: hello@paddlewheel.ky.
Helicopter Rides
A fantastic way to explore the island is a 15-minute (US$205pp) or 40-minute (US$450pp) tour with Cayman Islands Helicopters. Their sunset dinner flight is perfect for special occasions; land for dinner at The Ritz-Carlton or Camana Bay (US$1,450 for up to six people, dinner not included in the price). Water enthusiasts will enjoy their ‘One Day Three Islands’ dive package. Helicopter to Cayman Brac to dive the USSR Keith Tibbetts, then on to Little Cayman to dive Bloody Bay Wall, followed by lunch at the Southern Cross Club. Helicopter back to Grand Cayman to dive the USS Kittiwake before finally watching the sunset at the Lobster Pot with wine and cheese. Tel: (345) 943 4354 or visit www.caymanislandshelicopters.com.
Motorcycle Tours
Call Cayman Custom Cycles on (345) 945 7433 or email: info@caymancustomcycles. com for a guided tour around the island (including lunch) or for an afternoon getaway. You must have a Group 1A motorcycle licence. If you do not have a licence, you can still join as a member of staff can take you on the back of their bike.
Mastic Reserve & Trail
The Mastic Reserve protects 834 acres of lowland semi-deciduous forest, wetlands and core habitat for many of the island’s unique animals, birds and plants. The area is traversed by the historic Mastic Trail, which is a wilderness path meandering through a variety of natural habitats. Some of Cayman’s rarest trees can be seen here, including mahogany, ironwood and West Indian cedar, as well as wild orchids and medicinal plants. Geological features such
as sinkholes, jagged limestone bedrock and splits can also be seen along the trail. The National Trust offers a private guided tour of the Mastic Trail. Be sure to wear sturdy shoes, a hat and sunscreen, and bring water and mosquito repellent. Booking and prepayment are required for a minimum of six participants. The trail is open 365 days per year and self-guided tours can be accessed free of charge. For self-guided tours, we suggest purchasing their ‘Mastic Trail Adventure Guide’ for CI$4, available at the National Trust office at Dart Park. A downloadable audio tour will soon be available on the National Trust app. For more information or to book a school, corporate or private customised guided tour, Tel: (345) 749 1121 or email: tours@ nationaltrust.org.ky.
Discover the new Explore Cayman app and things to do in Cayman
CULTURAL ACTIVITIES
MUSEUMS
Cayman Islands National Museum
The Cayman Islands National Museum is located in Cayman’s oldest public building, the Old Courts building in George Town. Permanent exhibits showcase Cayman’s art, traditions and cultural and natural history, including boats, furniture, textiles, paintings and ceramics. Many of the museum’s exhibits are interactive and include a simulated submarine showing marine species and habitats, a 3D bathymetric map of the ocean floor and Cayman’s location in the Caribbean, two life-like talking animatronic figures and an audio-visual presentation on Cayman’s history, environment and people. There are regularly rotating exhibitions that often feature information on a variety of cultural, historical and local art-related topics. Open Monday-Friday 9am-5pm, Saturday 10am-5pm and select public holidays. For museum admission prices, please visit www.museum.ky/visit. Residents visit for free every Saturday. Tel: (345) 949 8368 or visit www.museum.ky. SEE AD OPPOSITE PAGE
The Mission House
This historic site is known to have been used in the 1700s by early settlers due to its abundant waterfowl and supply of fresh water. Located at 63 Gun Square in Bodden Town, it rose to prominence in the 1800s when it became known as the Mission House to early missionaries, teachers and families who contributed to establishing the Presbyterian ministry and school in Bodden Town. The tour takes you through all the rooms in the house, where you will see many genuine artefacts of glass, ceramic and more Tours cost CI$10 for adults and CI$4 for children. Opening hours are Friday and Saturday 10am-2pm. Tel: (345) 749 1123 or email: tours@nationaltrust.org.ky.
CULTURAL & EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMES & EXHIBITIONS
Cayman Drama Society
The Cayman Drama Society regular productions provide many opportunities for people to get involved, with a new production underway every few months, from comedy and high drama to musicals. Dedicated members devote their time, talent and energy to ensure every production delivers first class entertainment. There are occasional classes on directing, stage management, light and sound, set design and construction. There are many opportunities to participate throughout the year, including in areas such as costume, make-up, sound, lighting, youth liaisons, theatre chaperones, bar and front-of-house. Visit www.cds.ky to become a member or join a class.
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Cayman National Cultural Foundation (CNCF)
CNCF is a non-profit organisation dedicated to facilitating and preserving Caymanian cultural arts through artistic development, youth arts programming and specialised projects. The Foundation has an active programme of presentations and workshops throughout the year to stimulate community interest and
involvement in arts and culture. Among the many events CNCF organises throughout the year is the annual festival, Cayfest. The festival showcases Cayman’s cultural diversity and artistic talent and features the National Arts and Culture Awards, and the Red Sky at Night Festival. Another festival under the CNCF umbrella is the International Storytelling Festival of the Cayman Islands (Gimistory). CNCF also offers tours of the Mind’s Eye Centre, the South Sound home of the late Miss Lassie Bush, Cayman’s acclaimed visionary intuitive artist. Theatrical productions are also staged throughout the year. Tel: (345) 949 5477 or visit www. artscayman.org.
The National Gallery of the Cayman Islands (NGCI)
Located along the Esterley Tibbetts Highway, the National Gallery and Education Centre’s 9,000sq ft home is a dynamic non-profit arts organisation. NGCI facilitates a wide variety of local and international exhibitions throughout the year and is home to the national art collection. The gallery hosts a range of engaging events and art happenings throughout the year, including lectures, workshops and special events for members. Annual events include the Big Art Auction (October), the Fundraising Costume Gala (November) and a festive Members’ Christmas Party and Artisans Fair (December). The NGCI also runs an active volunteer programme and welcomes new members. Admission is free to the public; however, donations are always welcome. Visit www. nationalgallery.org.ky for more information.
The National Trust
The National Trust for the Cayman Islands is a non-profit organisation offering tours of the historic Mission House, the Mastic Trail heritage footpath through ancient forest, the Blue Iguana Conservation Centre and a Paradise Tour highlighting Cayman’s fascinating natural and historic heritage. The National Trust has a new app that showcases their sites across all three islands which includes a guided audio tour of historic George Town, and soon, the iconic Mastic Trail. The National Trust app is available for download on both the Apple Store and Google Play. Throughout the year, the National Trust hosts traditional cooking classes, educational and community events and fundraisers. For more information, stop by their Visitor’s Centre in the South Sound Dart Family Park. Opening hours are Monday-Friday 9am-5pm. Tel: (345) 749 1121, visit www.nationaltrust.org.ky or email: tours@nationaltrust.org.ky.
Cinema
Camana Bay Cinema is a state-of-the-art movie theatre located in the heart of Camana Bay and boasts seven screens, three of which are VIP auditoriums complete with 4K picture resolution, Dolby Atmos Immersive Audio and luxury recliners. Select auditoriums also include extravagant day beds and laser projection for the ultimate viewing experience. They host a range of events, including Kids Club, Classics @ the Cinema and Culture @ the Cinema.
Grab a snack, delicious chicken wings or a freshly made pizza from the fully stocked concession stand. For current movie listings and times, visit www.bigscreen.ky.
Music
The quality and quantity of music, and musical events, held throughout the year in Grand Cayman is extraordinarily rich and varied. We have the Cayman National Choir and Orchestra which puts on multiple concerts a year, as well as the Cayman
Arts Festival which hosts the Music at the Library series and also their annual their two-week festival of music in February which is when they invite worldrenowned musicians to play at multiple different concerts. For more information visit www.caymanartsfestival.com. There are also musical theatre shows, and school and church performances worth going to. For those wanting to take musical instrument lessons, there are lots of options. You can contact the Cayman
Music School (Tel: (345) 938 3838) in Camana Bay. The Music School provides private lessons in a variety of string and woodwind instruments, including guitar, piano, flute, drums, violin, saxophone, ukulele and bass, and tuition in singing, music theory, drama and recording. They also boast a music shop and a recording studio. Visit www.caymanmusicschool. com. Established in 2001, Musicians Ltd. is a leading provider of music and performing arts in the Cayman Islands. Instrumental lessons are offered on piano, guitar, violin, cello, flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, drums and composition. Lessons are available at their dedicated studio, as well as several schools. Performing arts group classes are also available, with several major performing opportunities throughout the year, including a fullscale annual production. To register, email: office@musicians.ky. For more information, visit www.musicians.ky or Tel: (345) 525 6787. For adults, Spark! School of Performing Arts offers private lessons in a full range of instruments, as well as music technology and vocal lessons. For more information and to register, visit www.sparkcayman.com or call (345) 929 2190. Earl La Pierre is experienced in all levels of steel pan; he teaches adult classes at UCCI on Monday evenings from 6pm-8pm (subject to demand) and teaches at local high schools. He also has a performing band known as Pandemix, where newcomers are welcomed. Practice sessions are on Tuesday and Thursday 6pm-8pm at UCCI. Upon request, Earl also performs at private events and weddings. Tel: (345) 526 5059 or (345) 916 5676 to learn more. For private lessons in singing, piano and music tutoring, contact Nicole Bodden (Tel: (345) 917 3753) at her studio in the Barnett Building, off the CNB roundabout. JukeBox offers a convenient mobile service providing private instrumental lessons in the comfort of your own home. For more information Tel/ WhatsApp: (345) 321 5731, email: info@ jukebox.ky or visit www.jukebox.ky.
Throughout the week, various restaurants and bars host live music by local talent. Check out the ‘Nightlife’ section on the Explore Cayman website (www. explorecayman.com) or download the What’s On Cayman app for lists of different restaurants that offer live music on each night of the week.
Cayman National Choir & Orchestra
Choir practice is held on Monday from 7.30pm-9pm and orchestra practice is held on Wednesday from 7.30pm-9pm. Email Charity Putman at caymanchoirandorchestra@gmail.com for location information.
Creative Classes
The Visual Arts Society (VAS) has expertise in pottery and ceramics. The studio is equipped with three potter’s wheels, a kiln, slab roller, tools and other supplies, plus various types of clay and glazes. However, the space can be used for any type of art. People can work independently, take classes or participate in ongoing workshops. The space can also be rented for private functions or personal use. Email: info@visualartcayman.com or visit them on social media (www.facebook. com/visualartcayman). 3 Girls & A Kiln offer a wide selection of monthly art classes for all ages, including glazing, string art, sign making on wood planks, fluid art and more. For more information, visit www.3girlsandakiln.com, Tel: (345) 640 9990 or visit their waterfront location in George Town.
Art Nest (Tel: (345) 927 2258) offers monthly art education events like paint and sip classes, pottery wheel workshops, fluid art pouring workshops, candlemaking, culinary workshops, creative socials, team-building events, paintyour-own-pottery and more. Located at Elizabethan Square, 80 Shedden Road. Kara Julian Art hosts art classes for birthdays and special occasions for adults at your chosen venue. Tel: (345) 925 6840 or visit www.karajulianart.com. The National Gallery of the Cayman Islands
runs exhibition-supportive workshops during evenings and on weekends. They also provide lectures for all ages and skill levels. They host several ‘open call’ exhibition opportunities during the year, as well as artisan fairs. You can also take part in their Art and Wellness initiative, a free programme of wellness classes and workshops, including meditation, yoga, nutrition and mindfulness, subject to availability. Visit www. nationalgallery.org.ky/whats-on or email: communications@nationalgallery.org.ky
Talks
Infinite Mindcare’s Talk Series occurs once a month at Next Chapter on Sundays at 3pm. Each session explores a different topic, such as the importance of sleep, maintaining friendships, and cultivating a healthy mindset on social media. The talks are led by professional psychotherapists from Infinite Mindcare, and a different book is recommended each month. Additionally, they host a monthly After Dark Talk series at Art Nest on Tuesdays at 7pm. The series is usually paused during summer holidays and typically resumes in September. For more information, call (345) 926 0882 or email: www.infinitemindcare.com
The National Gallery also offers lectures on a range of topics at lunchtime on Wednesday. They also host Artist and Curator Q&A sessions. To view their latest events, visit www.nationalgallery.org.ky.
CULTURAL EVENTS
Pirates Week Festival
The Pirates Week Festival is one of the biggest cultural events in the Cayman Islands and has become the country’s largest celebration, drawing some 35,000 patrons. The highlight of the festival is the waterfront Landing Pageant and Float Parade in George Town. During this event, thousands of people line the streets to watch a mock take-over of the island by a band of fighting pirates, who come ashore by pirate ship. A parade, street dance and fireworks display also take place. It’s a fantastic experience for families and many
children enjoy dressing up. Other features of the festival include an abundance of music, culture and delicious local food. The festival kicks off in Grand Cayman, at the start of November and wraps up in the Sister Islands toward the end of the month. For more information, visit www. piratesfestcayman.com.
Batabano Cayman Carnival
The name ‘Batabano’ is synonymous with the Cayman Islands and the Caymanian way of life. A salute to Cayman’s turtling heritage, batabano is the native name for the tracks left in the sand when sea turtles go ashore to nest, which has always been a cause for celebration in the Cayman Islands. Cayman Carnival Batabano is therefore ceremoniously held the first weekend in May as part of the celebration and awareness of the start of turtle nesting season. Established in 1983 by the Rotary Club of Grand Cayman, Cayman Carnival Batabano is a non-profit organisation and multi-day carnival that includes a food festival, fêtes, a street dance and a costume street parade. As the National Carnival of the Cayman Islands, Batabano is a major highlight on Grand Cayman’s cultural and entertainment calendar for residents and visitors who flock to the streets by the thousands! SEE AD PAGE 437
CayMAS Carnival
CayMAS is Cayman’s biggest summer Carnival, held in late June to early July (the weekend leading up to Constitution Day) and features a week full of high energy events like Soca on the Beach, AfterMAS, Mukky J’ouvert and of course, the iconic road parade. Bands such as Renegade Mas, Play Mas, Kalabbra, Zuri Mas and Animalz Mas bring the streets to life with vibrant costumes, music and dancing, offering an unforgettable experience for locals and visitors, particularly those coming back from university. CayMAS celebrates culture, creativity and community through the spirit of carnival. To stay updated, register with a band or get tickets, visit
www.caymas.com and follow CayMAS on Instagram (@caymas.ky) for updates and information for CayMAS 2026.
Gimistory
Gimistory is a long-running storytelling festival that features guest storytellers from the Cayman Islands and the wider Caribbean. Over a weeklong programme in November, the festival travels to different public venues and local schools in all districts on all three islands. Visit www. artscayman.org/gimistory.
Red Sky at Night
Red Sky at Night is a multidisciplinary arts fair that typically kicks off their Cayman National Festival of the Arts, celebrating all things arts and culture. The event features a diverse array of entertainment, including live dance, music, drama performances, and poetry readings, alongside displays of visual arts, crafts and films. From steel pan, fiddles and drums to DJs, dance troupe performances,
storytelling and theatre, there is no shortage of entertainment. Explore dozens of artisan booths showcasing locally made art, crafts, jewellery, clothes and accessories. Savour delicious cuisine from food vendors offering traditional Caymanian dishes and international delicacies. For more information or to volunteer, contact CNCF on (345) 949 5477. The next festival is scheduled for 21st March 2026 but visit their website to confirm.
WATERSPORTS & EXCURSIONS
Boating, diving and fishing are all very popular in the Cayman Islands. For more information on these activities, see the Boating and Diving chapters.
Bioluminescence Tours
Only a handful of places worldwide are home to a bioluminescent bay, and Grand Cayman is one of them. Cayman Kayaks (Tel: (345) 926 4467) offers sustainable bioluminescent tours by kayak and on
• Immediate access to incredible sailing!
• Clubhouse with full facilities
• Sailing lessons for all abilities
• Regular dinghy and keel boat racing
• Social events cater to all ages
• Boat storage and rentals
• Clubhouse available for events
• Corporate / Teambuilding sailing activities
Cayman’s only electric catamaran. Tours are about two hours long and are fully guided by a knowledgeable naturalist who shares the science, history, and magic behind this glowing natural phenomenon. They also offer daytime tours through the mangroves. Email: reservations@caymankayaks.com or visit www.caymankayaks.com.
Kayaking
Kayaking is a serene and exciting way to connect with nature up close. Cayman Kayaks (Tel: (345) 926 4467) offer unforgettable guided tours through the island’s lush mangrove wetlands, as well as educational and memorable experiences in the rare bioluminescent bay. With 20 years of experience sharing these unique adventures, Cayman Kayaks is known for personable, eco-friendly tours that cater to all skill levels. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced paddler, you’ll discover the magic of Grand Cayman’s natural beauty in an entirely new light. White Sand Water Sports (Tel: (345) 926 7263) has kayaks available for rent and they can deliver them island-wide. For more information, email: whitesandwatersports@gmail.com. Kayaks, paddleboards and beach toys can also be rented from Red Sail Sports. Tel: (345) 623 5965 for details.
Kiteboarding
Kitesurf Cayman offers two-hour private and semi-private lessons on Barker’s Beach in West Bay. For more information, visit www.kitesurfcayman.com or email: info@ kitesurfcayman.com.
Paddleboarding
A beginner friendly and fun activity, paddleboarding is the perfect activity for adults to get outdoors and enjoy the ocean and sunshine. Paddleboards can be rented from Cayman Stand Up Paddle Co. Ltd. (Tel: (345) 938 4787), Happy Days Cayman (Tel: (345) 326 4714), Paradise Paddle (Tel: (345) 526 1111), or White Sand Water Sports (Tel: (345) 926 7263).
Sailing
There is quite a large and sociable sailing community in Cayman. If you are a keen sailor, you will want to join the Cayman Islands Sailing Club (CISC) The CISC offers a range of sailing lessons for adults with little or no sailing experience and those looking to further develop their skills. Training courses usually comprise eight hours of coaching, scheduled over two weekends (two four-hour sessions on consecutive Saturdays or Sundays). Private lessons are also available. The club has several formal social events throughout the year, including the Commodore’s Cocktail Party, the Annual Ball and Founders’ Night. There are also a range of more casual events, including BBQs, happy hours, quizzes, pool and karaoke evenings. The social committee aims to arrange an event at least once a month and the clubhouse is generally open on Friday evenings, all day Saturday and Sunday for post-sailing or any other excuse for socialising! For more information, visit www.sailing.ky or call (345) 926 7915. SEE AD OPPOSITE PAGE
Snorkelling
Snorkelling is a great way to discover the underwater world, and the Cayman Islands has some incredible spots to explore, plus beautifully clear water to see it all. White Sand Water Sports (Tel: (345) 926 7263) offers a ‘Slip and Slide Snorkel Tour’ that is perfect for families. The tour takes place on a custom-built 30ft pontoon boat that has plenty of shade. On the top deck, you’ll find a pair of waterslides that are perfect for sliding into Cayman’s beautiful blue waters. Kids and adults will love this fun addition. For more information or to book a trip, email: whitesandwatersports@gmail. com. If you are looking for something spacious and relaxing, Captain Bryan’s offers catamaran tours to Stingray City and Starfish Point. Visit www.captainbryans. com or email: captainbryans@candw.ky for more information. Frank’s Watersports (Tel: (345) 945 5491) also offers snorkelling tours to Stingray City. Visit www. explorecayman.com for more information
on their services. If you’d like to plan your own day or experience some of the wildlife just offshore, you can rent snorkel equipment from Red Sail Sports. Tel: (345) 623 5965 for more details.
Surfing
Good swells are generated off Seven Mile Beach from December to March when nor’westers blow through. From June to November, the best surfing is usually found at the South Sound Community Centre and Mariners Cove in Spotts. However, beginners would be well advised to avoid these locations as the ironshore, coral and sea urchins can prove hazardous. Areas with a safe sandy bottom and easy access to and from the sea are ideal. Damian ‘Damo’ Davis (Tel: (345) 938 4787) and Mica Koll (Tel: (345) 927 8690) both offer surfing lessons for beginners. Cayman Stand Up Paddle Co. (Tel: (345) 938 4787) also offers great, personalised surf lessons and wing hydro-foiling for those up for a challenge.
Waverunn er Trips/Jet Ski Safari
Fat Fish Adventures offers a range of waterbased activities, including exciting jet ski Stingray City or Stingray Sandbar tours that can include a stop at a less travelled and very beautiful snorkelling location, a visit to Starfish Point and a tour through the mangroves on the way back to the dock. Visit www.fatfishadventures.com or call (345) 327 4973 for more information.
Red Sail Sports (Tel: (345) 623 5965) rent out jet skis, SUPs and a variety of water sports equipment.
Golf
Cayman Golf Lab is Cayman’s largest fully equipped indoor golf facility. They offer three HD golf simulators and 600sq ft of putting green, as well as golf lessons for adults and children. Tel: (345) 938 5484 or visit www.caymangolflab.com. See the Sports and Fitness chapter for more information on outdoor golfing.
Laser Tag
Strike Zone House of Fun in Cannon Place, George Town, is Cayman’s first laser tag arena and is great for hosting corporate events, staff parties and more. You can have a maximum of 15 players per game. Visit www.strikezonelasertag.com for more information on requirements and booking an event. Alternatively, you can book by phone (Tel: (345) 623 4040) or email ( reservations@strikezonecayman.com ). Party Masters offers backyard laser tag, delivering realistic battlefield action to your own home or alternative location. Each game can accommodate up to 10 players. Tel: (345) 525 5151 or fill out the ‘contact us’ form on their website by visiting www. partymasterscayman.com.
Land & Nature Tours
Reagan’s Honey (www.reaganshoney.com) offers beekeeping tours of the apiary and surrounding woodland. Tours cost US$65 per person. They include beehive inspection and a sample jar of honey (one jar per group) straight from the hive to take home. Beacon Farms offers tours of their farm. Learn about the work they do to support those recovering from drug or alcohol addiction and what they are doing to advance agricultural literacy in Cayman. Learn about the crops they grow in the fields and orchards, as well as their traditional farming techniques. Visit www. beaconfarmscayman.org.
The National Trust offers private guided tours of the Mastic Trail. Booking and prepayment are required for a minimum of six participants. For more information, call (345) 749 1121. For something a bit different, contact ATV Cayman for Cayman’s only off-road tour of Barker’s Beach. The cost per ATV for adults is CI$80. Children aged 3-15 years ride as passengers for CI$40. Email: vincent@atvcayman.com or WhatsApp: (345) 922 0366 to book a ride.
Tell them you saw it in the
Community Life
Immerse yourself in a world of ‘Cayman Kind.’ Explore information on the carnivals, social organisations and religious services offered and find out how you can get involved!
food stalls and much more. For all inquiries related to volunteering, costumes or sponsorship, visit www.caymancarnival.com.
SEE AD PAGE 437
Life in the Cayman Islands can be busy with a very active social scene that encompasses sports and social clubs, community groups and voluntary organisations, as well as many annual events, which means there are a range of ways to get involved in island life. All of the organisations listed here are looking for volunteers and many are non-profit (NPO). Don't forget, getting involved in our community is a great way to meet new people! Note however, that before you are eligible to volunteer, you may well be required to submit a clean police record, and you may also have to take the Darkness to Light training and be CPR/First Aid trained, particularly if you will be working with children.
CARNIVALS & FESTIVALS
Batabano Cayman Carnival www.caymancarnival.com
Established in 1983, Batabano carnival is a major highlight of Grand Cayman’s cultural and entertainment calendar and it attracts residents and visitors alike. The event is held in May each year and encompasses a colourful costume parade, street dances (for adults and juniors),
CayMAS Carnival www.caymas.ky
CayMAS carnival is held at the end of June/first week of July and it attracts many returning university students. It also includes a colourful street parade along West Bay Road, ending at Public Beach, with lots of music and dancing.
Pirates Week Festival www.piratesweek.com
Originally launched in 1977, the Pirates Week festival has become the country’s largest celebration. Created for the purpose of expanding tourism in Cayman, Pirates Week takes place in November during the off-peak season and it plays a vital role in stimulating the local economy. The festival attracts a large number of tourists, giving them an opportunity to immerse themselves in Cayman culture and interact with locals. Pirates Week has become ingrained in Cayman's cultural identity, reflecting our resilience, creativity and strong community spirit. For more information, visit piratesweek.com.
Download the What’s On Cayman app for the latest events
Photos courtesy of Breast Cancer Foundation, Cayman International Assembly of God, Cayman National Cultural Foundation & Cayman Connection
Social Clubs
Whether you are new to the island or simply looking to explore new interests, this guide highlights social groups and clubs that make finding genuine connections and forming new memories possible.
Art Nest Creative Studio
Elizabethan Square, George Town
Email: events@artnestcayman.com
A community studio that offers various art education classes, art supplies and a paintyour-own-pottery studio. Creatives and people of all ages and skill levels are welcome. Visit www.artnestcayman.com to explore their changing list of monthly art classes.
Astronomical Society (CIAS)
Email: cayman.astronomy@yahoo.com www.cias.space
CIAS hosts free star-gazing events once a month at various sites around Cayman as part of its goal to promote astronomy to the public. The CIAS frequently posts updates about the skies over Cayman on the group's Facebook page (@caymanastronomy) and they send out a monthly newsletter. The club coordinates with local schools and other organisations for special events and their website shares great information for children as well.
Cayman Connection
Email: hello@caymanconnection.org www.caymanconnection.org
An organisation that supports and connects Caymanians and those affiliated with the Cayman Islands who are working, studying or living overseas. Cayman Connection is an NPO that offers several virtual support calls, social clubs, networking opportunities, events with special guest speakers and advice and guidance about living overseas. They produce the annual Making Waves Awards and are active across social media platforms.
Cayman Creative Gardening Club
Facebook: @Caymancreativegardeningclub
An opportunity for gardeners to come together and exchange tips and ideas about their passion.
The club hosts buy-and-sell events, as well as flower shows and garden tutorials. Visit their Facebook page for up-to-date information.
Cayman Drama Society (CDS)
Prospect Playhouse, Shamrock Rd, Red Bay Theatre Manager: theatremanager@cds.ky Chairman: chairman@cds.ky www.cds.ky
A vibrant community filled with enthusiastic members. The CDS is committed to offering quality live productions to help educate, enrich and entertain while fostering creative expression. CDS hosts an average of four to six productions every year and has a 130-seat theatre, the Prospect Playhouse. CDS is always looking for keen thespians, directors, producers, stage managers, lighting and sound technicians, backstage crew, youth liaisons/ theatre chaperones, front-of-house teams and new friends. New members of all ages are always welcome. SEE AD PAGE 435
Cayman Islands Bridge Club
Unit 222, Cannon Place, Industrial Park, GT Tel: (345) 938 1776
Email: caymanbridgeclub@gmail.com
The Cayman Islands Bridge Club hosts four duplicate sessions a week. Their Monday and Thursday sessions cater to beginners while the Tuesday and Friday sessions are for members and visitors wishing to play duplicate bridge. Visitors and people looking to join are always welcome, and the club is happy to assist in finding partners if needed. They run numerous classes during the year with beginners classes offered in October, January and March. See their website for information on weekly sessions, social events and Bridge lessons.
Cayman Islands Marketing Professionals
Association (CIMPA)
Email: info@cimpa.ky or www.cimpa.ky
An NPO that provides a platform for professional development and collaboration within Cayman's marketing industry.
Cayman Motoring Federation
6 Albert Panton Street, 2nd Floor, George Town
Email: info@caymanmotoringfederation.org www.caymanmotoringfederation.org
The Cayman Motoring Federation (CMF), is the official governing body of motor sport in the Cayman Islands. It promotes and protects the motoring movement through education, training, and specialised programmes.
Cayman Islands Orchid Society
Email: orchidsociety.cayman@gmail.com
An NPO committed to the conservation, protection, growth, rescue and care of Cayman’s native orchids. Meetings are held every week on various topics and subjects pertaining to our islands. For more information, memberships and events, visit their Facebook page (@caymanislandsorchidsociety).
Cayman Islands Seafarers’ Association
11 Victory Avenue, Prospect Tel: (345) 947 7378
Email: seafarers@candw.ky
www.caymanseafarers.ky
Monthly general meetings are held every third week on Tuesday at 7.30pm. The aim is to keep Cayman’s seafaring heritage alive and provide tributes to older seamen.
Cayman National Choir & Orchestra (CNCO)
Email: caymanchoirandorchestra@gmail.com www.caymanchoirandorchestra.com
The CNCO has been a cherished part of the community for decades. Through music and volunteerism, they create opportunities for friendship, connection and the spread of positivity. The choir rehearses every Monday, and the Orchestra meets every Wednesday, both starting at 7.30pm. For more information, visit their website or send them an email.
Cayman National Cultural Foundation (CNCF)
17 Harquail Drive, F.J. Harquail Cultural Centre
Tel: (345) 949 5477
This foundation aims to stimulate and preserve the cultural and artistic expression of traditional Caymanian arts, performances and visuals. CNCF programming encompasses all artistic disciplines, including theatre, dance, music, visual arts, literary arts, and traditional arts. Some of their popular events include the annual ‘Wha Happening’ comedy production, Cayfest, and Gimistory, the International Storytelling Festival of the Cayman Islands.
They also offer a variety of workshops aimed at developing the talents of artists and preserving Caymanian arts and activities for children and teenagers. For more information, visit their website www.artscayman.org.
Code (Cayman)
Email: contact@codecayman.com www.codecayman.com
Code (Cayman) is dedicated to supporting and encouraging an active technology community and empowering those interested in pursuing careers in the tech sector.
CyberSandbox Computer Science Club
Email: innovate@enterprisecayman.ky www.enterprisecayman.ky
Sessions explore new technology, support unique community challenges, and offer excellent networking opportunities every other Wednesday at 5.30pm, free of charge.
Garden Club of Grand Cayman
Tel: (345) 916 1683
Email: hsnursed@gmail.com www.caymangardenclub.com
Meets the first Thursday afternoon of every month from September to June. Meetings consist of a programme on gardening-related topics and tours of local gardens and farms. An annual plant sale is held to support the Pink Ladies annual bazaar and club members undertake various garden projects and school initiatives throughout the island.
Girl Power Ltd.
Email: girlpowercayman@gmail.com
A registered NPO dedicated to mentoring, inspiring, nurturing and empowering young women (aged 13-27) with lifelong skills and values to succeed in today’s competitive society. Girl Power is a free programme which educates young women on health and wellness, interview skills, public speaking, female empowerment and much more. To become a member of Girl Power, donate, volunteer or find out more, visit their Instagram (@ girlpowercayman) or email them.
Guardians Alive
Email: guardiansalive1@gmail.com
www.guardiansalive345.com
www.facebook.com/guardiansalive
An NPO promoting healthy community through free fitness events. Held annually at Seven Mile Beach, activities include runs, walks and wellness session for all ages. Proceeds support local charities such as ARK, Cadet Corps, Meals on Wheels and Stay Focused.
International Ladies Club (ILC)
Email: ilcgrandcayman@gmail.com www.internationalladiesclubcayman.ky
The ILC is open to women 18 years and older, of any nationality. The purpose is to provide an opportunity for socialising. The club hosts a variety of activities throughout the year.
International Wine & Food Society
Email: events@iwfs.ky
www.iwfs.org/americas/cayman-islands
Wine-themed functions are held approximately once every six weeks, except during the summer. New members are sponsored by existing members.
Launch Labs Studios (LLS)
Tel: (345) 945 3722
Email: innovate@enterprisecayman.ky www.enterprisecayman.ky
LLS hosts free workshops every other Wednesday at 5.30pm, which covers business startup topics for aspiring entrepreneurs. Visit the website for further information.
Tech Talks
Tel: (345) 945 3722
Email: innovate@caymanenterprisecity.com www.enterprisecayman.ky
This ongoing series of monthly discussions, hosted by Cayman Enterprise City in partnership with Steppingstones Tech and a number of industry partners and associations, sets out to initiate knowledge-sharing, tackle hard questions, examine industry trends and foster a vibrant technology ecosystem in the Cayman Islands.
Visual Arts Society of Grand Cayman (VAS)
Watler House Studio, Pedro St. James
Email: info@visualartcayman.com www.visualartcayman.com
www.facebook.com/visualartcayman
Since 1978, the Visual Arts Society (VAS) has functioned as an NPO. The society has a variety of membership programmes offering benefits to members such as discounts on clay purchases, kiln firing, art supplies, workshops and classes, plus art vendor opportunities, exhibiting, teaching, and volunteering. They also offer kids art and craft camps on school breaks, summer and some weekends. VAS artists are located at various markets and events around the island.
Service Clubs
Get to know the service-based clubs making a real difference across the island. These groups focus on leadership, outreach and long-term community impact.
100 Men Who Give a Damn!
Email: info@100men.ky www.100men.ky
A group of 100+ men each give CI$100 directly to one of three charities four times a year. Each quarter, members attend a one-hour meeting where three charities present their causes. Members vote to determine which charity will receive the total CI$10,000+.
100 Women Who Care
Email: info@100women.ky www.100womencayman.com
Events offer a fun, relaxed, networking hour with the chance to win prizes, they are hosted four times a year. A total of CI$100 is required to attend which is combined and awarded to the winning charity voted for on the night. For more details, visit their website or their Facebook page (@100womenwhocarecaymanislands).
Business & Professional Women’s (BPW) Club of Grand Cayman
President: Cheryl Myles
Email: bpwgcm@gmail.com www.facebook.com/bpwgrandcayman
An influential network of business and professional women from over 95 countries with consultative status at the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and participatory status with the Council of Europe. The root of BPW's advocacy is embedded in the work with the United
Nations. BPW lobbied for the formation of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) and has supported many women's issues. The Club meets every third Wednesday of the month from 5.30pm. They run regular social events, fundraisers and community events. New members are always welcome.
CareerMasters
Email: hello@career-masters.com
A registered NPO with a mission to empower students, guiding them toward pre-career opportunities through tailored mentorship and formal pre-career learning. They offer mentoring to students between the ages of 15 and 18 years old from all high schools. Mentors share industry insight and valuable experience with the students, and they are dedicated to integrating the principles of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) into its learning and mentorship initiatives.
Cayman Islands Cadet Corps (CICC)
Tel:(345) 244 8301
Email: cadetcorps@gov.ky
A youth development organisation for high school students, aged 11-18. The programme is comprised of challenging, military style adventures and community activities (adapted from the British ACF 4-star progressive training system). The CICC is operated by the Ministry of District Administration and Home Affairs and is sponsored by the Governor’s office. They are always looking for volunteers.
Kiwanis Club of Grand Cayman
President: Opal Henry Tel: (345) 328 5113
Email: info@kiwanis.ky or president@kiwanis.ky www.kiwanis.ky
The club promotes the wellbeing of children in the community, sponsoring and aiding six Key clubs in local high schools and a Circle K group at UCCI. Its popular festive annual family fun day, ‘Santa Landing’, takes place in December, and it's one of Cayman’s youth's favourite events. The club also runs a mobile reading programme. Annual fundraisers include KiwaniBike, Breakfast for Dinner, Grow Box project and various other events. For information on club meetings and projects, visit the website.
Lions Club of Grand Cayman
President: Siri Jones-Russell
Tel:(345) 916 7634
Email: president@lionsclubgcm.ky
www.lionsclubgcm.ky
Meetings take place on the first and third Thursday of each month at 7.30pm and are held at the Lions Community Centre. Projects include sight preservation, PACCE (Prostate and Colon Cancer Event), The Delano Hislop Memorial Run/Walk, Spelling Bee, Community Food Pantry and more.
Lions Club of Tropical Gardens
President: Norman Howell
Tel: (345) 546 2281
Email: presidentlctg@gmail.com
www.lionscluboftropicalgardens.com
Meetings take place monthly on the first and third Tuesday at 6.30pm and are held at Mike Simmons Den (across from Mango Tree).
During Breast Cancer Awareness month (October), the club provides mammogram vouchers and educational programmes to increase awareness.
Plastic Free Cayman
www.plasticfreecayman.ky
Plastic Free Cayman is dedicated to a cleaner, healthier Cayman, organising monthly beach clean ups and educating the public on the harmful effects of plastic pollution, both locally and globally. Join the fight! Take the 345 Pledge and help work towards a plastic free Cayman. Find upcoming clean-ups and get involved by following them on Instagram: @plastic_ free_cayman. Make a difference together!
Rotary Club of Grand Cayman
Email: alshuford@hotmail.com www.rotary.ky
The club supports local and international community projects in the spirit of ‘Service above Self’. The group meets every Thursday at 12.30pm at various locations, including Union and the Ritz-Carlton. Meeting locations are subject to change. Visit the website for up-todate information.
Rotary Club of Cayman Brac
Email: brac@rotaryclub.ky
www.cds.ky
Meets at the Cayman Brac Beach Resort conference room, West End on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month at 7pm.
Rotary Club of Central Cayman Islands (Rotary Central)
President: Brendan Lee
Email: aynsell@hotmail.com www.rotarycentral.ky
The club meets at Saltwater Grill, Galleria Plaza on Tuesday at 7pm for a 7.30pm start.
Rotary Sunrise
Email: rcgcsunrise@gmail.com www.rotarysunrise.ky
Meets Wednesday at 6.45am for a 7am start (at the George Town Yacht Club) to share ideas. Join leaders in their strive for a better Cayman.
Young Business & Professional Women's (YBPW) Club of Grand Cayman
Email: bppwgcm@gmail.com www.facebook.com/YBPWGrandCayman
YBPW is a subgroup of BPW designed specifically for members under 35 years old. It provides a platform for young professionals to develop their skills, grow their leadership potential, and network with like-minded peers. For more details, visit their Facebook page.
Counselling & Support Services
Discover local organisations offering professional support for mental health, crisis intervention, grief and more.
Al-Anon
Tel: (345) 923 7917
Email: caymanalanon@gmail.com www.caymanalanon.com
A support group that provides strength, understanding and hope for friends and families affected by someone’s problem drinking. Meetings are confidential and each member’s personal anonymity is protected. At present, meetings are held on Zoom on Tuesday at 8pm and Thursday at 7pm (contact for links). On Saturday at 10am and 4pm, meetings are held in person. Locations and more information can be found online.
Alcoholics Anonymous
Tel: (345) 926 9044
Email: caymanislandsaa@gmail.com www.caymanaa.org
Meetings are held at least once a day; you can join in person or via Zoom. Check the website for times and locations.
Alex Panton Foundation (APF)
Email: info@alexpantonfoundation.ky www.alexpantonfoundation.ky
The APF is an NPO in the Cayman Islands which supports the mental health of young people, focusing on anxiety and depression. It offers support groups, community programmes, an annual youth mental health symposium, and financial aid for those aged 30 and under to access treatment. Alex’s Place, a mental Health Hub for 10 to 20-year-olds, is open MondayFriday 10am-6pm. Walk-ins and referrals are welcome. For more information, Tel: (345) 244 7856 or (345) 949 8600, or visit www.hsa.ky.
Alzheimer’s & Dementia Association of the Cayman Islands (ADACI)
Tel: (345) 936 1655 or (345) 924 4170
Email: info@adacayman.com
The ADACI promotes awareness for all forms of dementia with a focus on Alzheimer’s. It sources and facilitates training for medical professionals and first responders, offers counselling to people with an Alzheimer’s diagnoses, and educates caregivers and family members about the stages of the disease and how to provide care. It also provides one-off financial assistance to patients. The Dementia Friends initiative invites companies or individuals to become Dementia Friends by attending a short presentation to learn more about dementia and how to decrease stigma and increase awareness practices.
Beacon Farms
Tel: (345)947980
Email: info@beaconfarmscayman.org www.beaconfarmscayman.org
Supports Caymanians recovering from drug or alcohol abuse and addiction while actively advancing Cayman’s agricultural presence. They create a peaceful and structured work environment, allowing participants to learn new
work and life skills. In this way, Beacon Farms not only creates jobs, but also helps recovering addicts rebuild their lives and maintain sobriety.
Bethesda Counselling Centre
68 Mary Street, George Town
Tel: (345) 946 6575
Email: bethesda@candw.ky
www.bethesdacounselling.ky
Telemental health therapy, face-to-face individual and group counselling/therapy and online counselling offered for all types of issues.
Cayman Islands Crisis Centre (CICC)
Tel: (345) 949 0366
24-hour Crisis Line: (345) 943 2422
Email: info@cicc.ky or www.cicc.ky
A charitable organisation that provides services and programmes focusing on domestic abuse. They provide safe, temporary shelter for women and their children at their Emergency Shelter. A 24-hour Crisis Line is also accessible. Additionally, the Children and Youth Programme prioritises the safety and wellbeing of children who are victims or witnesses of sexual or domestic abuse. They also have an Aftercare Programme which provides ongoing support to former shelter clients. The TAYA Lounge is a supportive, educational programme for at-risk youth. Finally, the Outreach Programme provides community education and assistance to all victims of abuse, and Estella’s Place, a walk-in clinic for all victims of domestic abuse.
CICC Aftercare Programme
Tel: (345) 949 0366
Email: info@cicc.ky
The CICC’s Aftercare Programme provides follow up care to former Emergency Shelter clients, who have been victims of domestic abuse and/or sexual assault and are starting their lives free from abuse. The purpose of this programme is to provide a continuum of support after clients leave the Emergency Shelter and to identify and reduce risk factors surrounding abuse. This programme is designed to assist women and their children with monthly psychoeducational support groups; holistic support; referral services; housing; employment; parenting skills, and in-kind donations.
CICC Children and Youth Programme (CAYP)
Tel: (345) 949 0366
Email: info@cicc.ky
CAYP focuses on the safeguarding, safety and wellbeing of children who are victims or witnesses of sexual or domestic abuse and who accompany their mothers to the Emergency Shelter. This programme highlights and counters the effects of domestic abuse on children within a nurturing and supportive environment during a critical stage of development in their lives. CAYP helps with anxiety; self-blame; addresses post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms and promotes healthy growth and development in a supportive setting. The CAYP also provides individual, and group sessions geared towards enhancing self-esteem and safety, teaches non-violent social skills and increases knowledge about child abuse and prevention for mothers.
CICC Teens and Young Adults Programme
Tel: (345) 949 0366 ext.6
Email: taya@cicc.ky
The TAYA Lounge offers an after-school programme for at-risk teens and young adults on the prevention and awareness of domestic abuse. The primary purpose of TAYA Lounge is to end the generational cycle of abuse, provide a safe and supportive environment and ongoing therapeutic intervention, give youth the tools to build healthy relationships, identify unhealthy relationships, prevent teen dating abuse, domestic abuse and its longlasting harmful effect on individuals and their communities. It also helps to develop resilience and coping skills, and find effective ways to resolve conflict.
Cayman LGBTQ Foundation
Tel: (345) 526 1001
Email: clgbtqf@gmail.com www.clgbtqf.com
The LGBTQ Foundation works toward creating and maintaining a safe, inclusive and equitable culture for the LGBTQ+ community of the Cayman Islands. The Foundation is committed to building a safe and culturally sensitive environment within the Cayman Islands.
CayMind
Tel: 1 (800) 534 MIND (6463)
www.caymind.ky
A free and confidential mental health helpline for adults who may be experiencing mental health concerns, distress, despair or suicidal thoughts. The helpline aims to help individuals cope with day-to-day struggles, anxiety, depression, stress, or any other mental health issues. Trained volunteers provide a listening ear and empathetic support. Callers are encouraged to explore their feelings without fear or prejudice. The helpline is available from Monday to Friday 6pm-11pm.
Department of Counselling Services
75 Fort Street, Adonis House, George Town
Tel: (345) 949 8789 or www.dcs@gov.ky
Email: counselling.services@gov.ky
Provides quality, evidence-based programmes to help empower individuals and families to lead healthy, resilient lives.
Homeschooling Support Group
This group gives homeschooled families the opportunity to network with other families, ask questions and exchange ideas. Find them
on Facebook (@CaymanHomeschoolers). Note: The Department of Education wants to remind everyone that families must be registered to homeschool their children in the Cayman Islands. See page 384 in the Education chapter for more information on homeschooling.
Hope After Suicide Loss
Tel: (345) 329 4480
Email: rhonda@kellyholding.com
A support group for adults who have ever lost a loved one, family or friend to suicide. Co-facilitated by an AFSP-trained facilitator and a Certified Grief Educator.
Hope For Today Foundation
Operations Manager: Brent Hydes
Tel: (345) 928 9099
Email: brenthydes60@yahoo.com
www.caymanhopefoundation.carrd.co
The Foundation is a coalition of volunteers dedicated to helping and supporting recovering drug addicts and alcoholics through the transition from prison or treatment to community life. Contact for more information.
Inclusion Cayman
Bay Town House, 68 West Bay Road, Suite 202
Tel: (345) 623 2957
Email: info@inclusioncayman.ky
www.inclusioncayman.ky
An NPO supporting individuals and families with intellectual and developmental disabilities in their vision of accessing inclusive lives. They provide disability advocacy for people with intellectual or developmental disabilities seeking involvement in community life activities, education, and employment to ensure all community members can meaningfully access, participate and belong in the Cayman Islands. Facebook and Instagram (@ inclusioncayman).
Kids Helpline
Tel: (345) 649 5437
www.kidshelpline.ky
The Kids Helpline is an anonymous, confidential service created by the Alex Panton foundation. They offer educational materials on mental health difficulties and listening services, ran by trained volunteers. Their phoneline and online chat services are available 3pm-9pm from Thursday to Sunday. For more information, call or chat with them online.
Loud and Silent Voices
Tel: (345) 922 3847
Email: info@lsv.support
This NPO includes a residential group home in West Bay that supports adults with mental health challenges as they prepare for independent living. Residents learn essential life skills such as cooking, cleaning, budgeting and using public transportation as well as much-needed coping mechanisms. Ongoing support is available through a caregiver group made up of licensed professionals and passionate advocates who meet monthly to monitor progress and provide guidance.
MS Foundation of the Cayman Islands
Alexander Place, Dorcy Drive, George Town
Tel: (345) 323 0656
Email: info@msfcayman.com www.facebook.com/msfcayman
This is an NPO for multiple sclerosis (MS) patients in Grand Cayman. Created to spread awareness of the disease but also to provide
emotional and financial support to MS patients and their families. Both volunteers and donations are greatly appreciated.
Narcotics Anonymous (NA)
Tel: (345) 929 6262
Helpline: (345) 929 6262
Email: info@na-cayman.org
www.na-cayman.org
NA aims to provide an environment in which addicts can help one another to stop using drugs and find a new way to live.
The New Self Help Foundation
CEO: James Ramoon
Tel: (345) 927 4777 or (345) 927 7273
Email: tnshcommunityfoundation@candw.ky
Created to inspire young people to take responsibility for their future by implementing high-impact programmes which emphasise strong social, cultural and educational values. The group aims to promote positive selfesteem, foster economic development and positively transform the lives of children, their families and their communities.
The Sickle Cell Support Group
Tel: (345) 244 7887
Email: cynthia.powell@hsa.ky
This group offers a safe and welcoming space for individuals living with sickle cell disease to come together, share experiences and receive support. They usually meet three times a year in the Hibiscus Conference Room at HSA (Anthony S. Eden Hospital) and it is organised by the Genetic Coordinator/Counsellor in the HSA Public Health Department. The meetings are open to the public, and they encourage all interested individuals to attend. These meetings provide emotional and social support, and offer a place where useful information about managing sickle cell disease can be shared. For details, contact the Genetics Coordinator or email Cynthia. Powell@hsa.ky.
Sunrise Caring Association (SCA)
80 Shedden Road, Eden House, George Town
Email: together@sunrisecaringassociation.com www.sunrisecaringassociation.com
The SCA is a charitable and volunteer
organisation that supports the Sunrise Adult Training Centre (SATC). Additionally, the SCA is affiliated with the global Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard Scheme (HDS) an initiative which raises awareness locally of hidden disabilities, encouraging patience and compassion from service providers and the public. Future goals of the SCA include partnering with UCCI for an on-site PSW certification course, partnering with Government to create a bespoke Sunrise facility for their day programmes which include employment support, therapy and recreation as well as raising funds for developing and staffing programmes to prepare and sustain Sunrise Clients for semi-independent living and group housing options.
United Against Bullying
Foundation
Email: unitedagainstbullying2018@gmail.com
An NPO that works alongside parents, caregivers and schools, as well as other groups and local government authorities, to educate the public on the dangers of bullying. They also provide support for victims of bullying and aim to create a zero-tolerance community in the Cayman Islands.
Sports
Clubs
See the Sports & Fitness, Activities for Adults and Activities for Kids & Teens chapters.
Voluntary
Organisations
If you have some extra time or simply want to make a difference, this is a list of local organisations that are always in need of an extra hand.
Breast Cancer Foundation
Unit 19 Grand Harbour, Shamrock Road, GT Tel: (345) 923 1135 or (345) 936 1136
Email: info@bcfcayman.com www.breastcancerfoundation.ky
Provides year-round mammogram and ultrasound vouchers for those who have exhausted, have little or no health insurance. Created to support breast cancer patients and their families, the organisation provides help for those suffering both emotionally and/or financially. It offers an awareness programme aiming to save lives through early detection,
and a wellness initiative programme that aims to help patients get through treatments with advice and support. Volunteers help with fundraising, caregiving, administrative support and spreading awareness.
Caring for Life Foundation
Tel: (345) 925 9240
Email: info@caringforlifecayman.com www.caringforlifecayman.com
The mission of the Caring for Life Foundation is to continually build better healthcare for all residents of the Cayman Islands by raising funds to help healthcare providers purchase needed medical and diagnostic equipment, provide medical training, support research and development, and assist with facility expansion. The Foundation also strives to continually attract and retain quality physicians, technicians and healthcare professionals to build better healthcare for all in Cayman
CARE - Cayman Animal Rescue Enthusiasts
Tel: (345) 938 CARE (2273)
Email: info@caymancare.ky
www.caymancare.ky
CARE is a registered charitable organisation that promotes spaying and neutering as a humane solution to the pet overpopulation problem that currently exists in the Cayman community. Volunteers are always needed to assist with door-to-door campaigning, clinic transportation, fundraising and community dog washes. Donations are welcome.
Cayman’s ARK - Acts of Random Kindness
Email: hello@arkcayman.org
Tel: (345) 936 7272 www.arkcayman.org
Cayman’s ARK is a registered non-profit, grassroots charitable foundation founded in 2006. ARK’s aim is to improve the standard of living for disadvantaged families in Cayman. Programmes include CASA, which renovates homes in deplorable condition; Feed Cayman, which provides families with food at home and school; Re-Connect, which keeps families connected to power, water and temporary housing; and MER (Mentor Educate Reinforce), an intensive academic remediation tutoring programme, focused on empowering students
with learning difficulties from underprivileged homes. The Crisis Initiative provides immediate relief for uninsured families in a crisis due to a life-threatening or medical emergency or unexpected disaster.
Cayman
Islands Cancer Society (CICS)
114 Maple Road, George Town
Tel: (345) 949 7618
Email: info@cics.ky
www.cics.ky
The CICS assists cancer patients and survivors through wellness programmes and treatment assistance. They also host numerous fundraising, awareness and educational events throughout the year. Check out their website for opportunities to become a volunteer or even host your own fundraising event. CICS relies on the time and skills of volunteers to help improve the lives of their clients and support cancer prevention efforts. Contact them by phone or email to find out more about how you can help your community.
CICC Volunteer Programme
Tel: (345) 949 0366
CICC could not provide all the programmes and services to the Cayman community without a dedicated team of volunteers. Volunteers’ responsibilities include supporting the Emergency Shelter team, at-risk youth at the TAYA (teens and young adults) Lounge, answering the 24/7 crisis line, helping with fundraising efforts, grocery shopping and assisting with receiving and distributing donations. For more information, visit their website www.cicc.ky or email volunteer@ cicc.ky.
Cayman Islands Humane Society (CIHS)
153 North Sound Road, George Town
Tel: (345) 949 1461
Email: info@caymanhumane.org www.caymanhumane.org
The CIHS seeks to rescue, protect, and find loving families for Cayman’s homeless cats and dogs and is the only animal shelter in Cayman. They also operate an excellent second-hand bookstore, and thrift shop. Donations and
volunteers are always needed in the following areas: the bookstore, thrift shop, animal shelter and fundraising events.
Cayman Islands Red Cross (CIRC)
34 Huldah Ave, opposite the Cricket Pitch, GT
Tel: (345) 949 6785
Email: director@redcross.org.ky www.redcross.org.ky
The Cayman Islands Red Cross (CIRC) is a humanitarian organisation dedicated to building safer, more resilient communities. It operates four core programmes: Disaster Management, First Aid and Aquatics, Child Protection & Sexual Education, and Community Outreach. CIRC also runs a thrift shop, where proceeds support vital initiatives like supporting seniors and vulnerable individuals. The CIRC headquarters serves as an official hurricane shelter, often the first to open during storms. CIRC offers education, training and outreach services.
Central Caribbean Marine Institute (CCMI)
North Coast Road, Little Cayman
Tel: (345) 948 1094
Email: info@reefresearch.org www.reefresearch.org
The Central Caribbean Marine Institute was founded in 1998 to protect the future of coral reefs through research, conservation and education. CCMI researchers have provided over 20 years of baseline data on both coral reefs and fish, published over 100 scientific papers and supported 18 Masters and PhD researchers to become leaders in their fields. To date, they have planted 45sq metres of coral out to the wild and offered 1,500+ local scholarships to Cayman's youth.
Connect by Nova
Tel: (345) 623 1044
Email: info@connectbynova.org www.connectbynova.org
An NPO initiative founded by Nova Recruitment, Connect by Nova is committed to supporting the Cayman community to achieve career success through free and guided access to career advice, education and training. Their services are tailored to support individuals looking for work, returning to work, pursuing further education and recent graduates preparing to
enter the workforce. They are always looking for volunteers.
Feed Our Future
Tel: (345) 916 0923
Email: info@feedourfuturecayman.org www.feedourfuturecayman.org
Feed Our Future supports children and families in need through access to nutritionally balanced meals or supplemental food, especially during the school holidays. The primary goal is to help nourish at-risk school-age children so they can lead healthy and productive lives.
Girlguiding Cayman Islands
Email: ggcimarketing@gmail.com www.girlguidingcaymanislands.ky
The Association is always looking for volunteers who are willing to make a difference in the lives of girls in our community. You can choose the volunteer role that matches your skills and time. They have opportunities for Unit Leaders, in the Events and Fundraising team and supporting the Executive Committee.
Jasmine Palliative & Hospice Care
31 Jasmine Blossom Way, West Bay Road
Tel: (345) 945 7447 or Email: info@jasmine.ky www.jasmine.ky
Jasmine is the only dedicated hospice and palliative care provider in the Cayman Islands. Its dedicated team of healthcare professionals offers free medical, practical, and emotional support to individuals facing serious illness. Support is provided either in the patient's own home or at Jasmine’s in-patient facility, Jasmine Villa. Volunteers play a vital role and can contribute to Jasmine's mission in a variety of ways. Those interested in patient care may assist with complementary therapies (e.g. physiotherapy, music therapy, or reflexology), offer companionship, or support community programmes. Others may prefer to help with administrative tasks, such as front desk support, event coordination, or fundraising initiatives.
Literacy is For Everyone (LIFE)
Tel: (345) 328 3120
Email: volunteer@life.org.ky www.life.org.ky
Registered NPO, LIFE (Literacy Is For Everyone) is dedicated to raising literacy levels in Cayman and ensuring access to quality education for all. At the heart of LIFE’s mission is early childhood literacy, with its programme Thrive By Five and education and outreach initiatives supporting the development of foundational skills crucial for lifelong learning. As the largest donor of books to educational centres and homes, having donated over 100,000 books, LIFE helps create print-rich environments that support young readers from the very beginning. In addition to early literacy, LIFE runs a variety of intervention programmes, including its signature paired reading initiative and educational family engagement workshops. To help support LIFE, you can donate new or gently used children’s books by emailing: books@life. org.ky, or you can become a LIFE volunteer by emailing: volunteer@life.org.ky. SEE AD PAGE 439
Machine Learning Robotics by TechCayman Grand Pavilion, 802 West Bay Road
Tel: (345) 326 0148
Email: education@techcayman.com
The TechCayman Education Robotics Programme introduces students aged 11+ to the fundamentals of mechanical engineering and programming in a fun, hands-on environment. Designed to spark curiosity and build confidence, the programme makes STEM concepts accessible to young learners who may have had limited exposure to these fields. Held once a month, these two-day weekend camps pair teams of two with a dedicated mentor to design and programme robots that autonomously solve increasingly complex challenges. Mentors are welcome! No experience required, snacks and lunch are included, and the programme is completely free to participants, thanks to full funding by TechCayman.
Meals on Wheels Cayman Islands (MOWCI)
Tel: (345) 546 8886 or (345) 929 2292
Email: info@mealsonwheels.ky
www.mealsonwheels.ky
www.pledgeasenior.com
Meals on Wheels Cayman delivers hot, nutritious meals, hearty soups, and warm smiles to seniors, the homebound, and individuals with disabilities throughout Grand
Cayman. Operating 52 weeks a year, the programme ensures that up to 350 clients receive a nourishing meal each day—free of charge, delivered directly to their doorstep. This essential service allows clients to maintain their independence, dignity, and quality of life within the comfort and familiarity of their own homes. More than just a meal, each delivery offers a lifeline of support, a daily wellness check, and a heartfelt connection to the community thanks to the incredible team of staff and volunteers.
National Gallery of the Cayman Islands (NGCI)
Esterly Tibbetts Highway, near Camana Bay
Tel: (345) 945 8111
Email: info@nationalgallery.org.ky www.nationalgallery.org.ky
The NGCI hosts a variety of exhibitions annually featuring local and international artists’ work, as well as numerous community exhibitions. The main facility is a 9,000sq ft space with three exhibition galleries, plus an art library, lecture theatre, walking labyrinth, sculpture gardens, cafe and gift shop. The Gallery also houses a permanent art collection which traces the island’s art history through the work of over 100 artists. The NGCI runs a series of outreach programmes, children and adult classes and special events for members and fundraising projects. Volunteers and members are welcome.
Nauti Nomads
Tel: (345) 926 8633
Email: jon@nautinomads.com www.nautinomads.com
Nauti Nomads is dedicated to protecting and preserving marine ecosystems. They use film, social media and public events to inspire mindfulness and sustainable practices. Their mission is to help individuals reduce their ecological footprint while championing ocean conservation.
and historic heritage. They protect key natural areas and important historic sites across all three islands, which are set aside in perpetuity for current and future generations. Volunteer opportunities are available in their Blue Iguana conservation, historic, and environmental programmes with project specific tasks at fundraising and outreach events, site repairs and maintenance jobs, and administrative support. Email or visit their website to see where you can support the National Trust.
NCVO Children's Services
Tel: (345) 949 2124
Email: admin@ncvo.org.ky www.ncvo.org.ky
NCVO Children's Services is an NPO dedicated to the care, education and wellbeing of families in need of support. The NCVO runs two programmes Miss Nadine's Preschool and Nursery and the Nadine Andreas Residential Foster Home. The NCVO also runs a thrift store located on Anthony Drive in George Town, which accepts donations of clothing, household items, children’s items and furniture.
One2One Cayman
Tel: (345) 325 9661
Email: info@one2one.ky or www.one2one.ky
and, when necessary, pay for them to be flown to rescue partners in Tampa and Toronto. They are always looking for flight escorts so if flying, reach out. Their cash-only thrift shop is at the end of Arthur’s Way off North Church Street. All profits go towards dogs for vetting and food. Opening hours: Monday, Thursday, Friday 11am-3pm, Tuesday, Wednesday 12pm-3pm; Saturday 9am-5pm; Sunday 9am-12pm.
Pink Ladies Volunteer Corps (PLVC)
Tel: (345) 925 5021
Email: pinkladiescayman@gmail.com
Facebook and Instagram: @pinkladiescayman
For over 45 years, the PLVC has been supporting the youth and elderly and lending a helping hand. It is a service organisation whose members volunteer in various roles within the community. Their craft group meets on Tuesday mornings at the South Sound Dart Park. Their major fundraising event, the Christmas Bazaar, traditionally opens the holiday season and features a delicious tea, market stalls, crafts, plant sales, entertainment and children’s activities. They also host a popular spring fashion show. Funds raised by the PLVC benefit community projects and other charities.
National Trust for the Cayman Islands
558A South Church Street (Dart Family Park)
Tel: (345) 749 1121
Email: membership@nationaltrust.org.ky www.nationaltrust.org.ky
The National Trust for the Cayman Islands is an NPO that preserves Cayman’s unique natural
A mentoring organisation supporting children and young adults aged 6-25 through various programmes. Its core initiative pairs youth (aged 6-16) with trained adult mentors who provide regular, structured support through one-on-one activities. Other initiatives include the Young Parent Mentoring Programme in partnership with the Family Resource Centre (for those aged 13-25). One2One also launched group sessions in September 2025, featuring groups of up to six mentees led by one or two mentors. Adults 18+ are invited to become mentors, and referrals for children are welcome. Virtual orientation sessions for prospective mentors are held every two weeks on Thursday; full details are available on their website.
One Dog at a Time (ODAAT)
Tel: (345) 917 8284
Email: onedogatatimeky@gmail.com www.odaat.ky
ODAAT aims to find permanent homes for dogs
Prospect Red Bay Community Group
Email: PRBC345@gmail.com www.facebook.com/PRBC345
This registered NPO is dedicated to improving the Prospect and Red Bay communities. They maintain an active WhatsApp group for residents in these areas to help address community issues. Additionally, the Executive Board members constitute the Certified Emergency Response Team (CERT), which collaborates closely with the Cayman Islands Hazard Management during emergencies.
Sustainable Cayman
Email: info@sustainablecayman.org www.sustainablecayman.org
Sustainable Cayman (NPO-612) is an NPO driving environmental sustainability and conservation in the Cayman Islands. Backed by a passionate, diverse team, they turn conviction into action, protecting nature and promoting community wellbeing. In
partnership with local groups and international allies like RSPB UK and OnePlanet, they’re creating a future where people and nature flourish together. You can support their mission by volunteering or donating.
Volunteering to Support Prison Rehabilitation
Tel: (345) 640 3000
Email: HMCIPS.Info@gov.ky
Volunteers assist in the provision of prisonbased programmes and support prisoners’ reintegration into society. This programme is
run by His Majesty's Cayman Islands Prison Service (HMCIPS).
YMCA of the Cayman Islands
Tel: (345) 926 9622
www.ymcacayman.ky/volunteer
The YMCA is a charitable NPO that aims to help people reach their potential by putting Christian principles into practice in ways that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. With a focus on character development and value building, the YMCA is developing the potential
of youth across the Cayman Islands through day camps, afterschool activities, sports leagues and teen leadership programmes.
RELIGIOUS SERVICES
The Cayman Islands is a multicultural country with almost every denomination and faith-based community represented. Here are just some of the serviecs held weekly:
Anglican Church
St. Alban’s Church of England
461 Shedden Road, George Town
Tel: (345) 922 3902
www.churchofenglandcayman.org
Rector: Bishop BJ Lawrence
Sunday service 9.30am. All services are taken from the Church of England’s Book of Common Prayer (1662).
Anglican (Episcopal)
St. George’s Anglican Church
64 Courts Road, George Town
Tel: (345) 949 5583
Email: secretary@stgeorgecayman.ky
Sunday Eucharist 7am and 9am (July and August 8am only), Sunday school 9am and Wednesday Eucharist 10am. Friday youth evening 7.30pm.
Assemblies of God
Cayman International Assembly of God (CIAG) Camana Bay Cinema (Sunday)
Tel: (345) 916 2957
Email: steven@clcftl.org www.ciag.church
Services: 9am, 10am and 11am
Step into CIAG and you’ll be welcomed by friendly faces, vibrant worship, and Bible teaching, all in a relaxed, come-asyou-are atmosphere. CIAG is passionate about experiencing God, building authentic relationships, growing in faith, and serving in ways that make real difference in the world. Whether you’re a local, a visitor, or exploring faith for the first time, there’s a place for you to belong and grow. Throughout the week, life groups offer deeper connection, and kids and youth can enjoy dynamic, age-appropriate ministries. SEE AD THIS PAGE
First Assembly of God
195 Old Crewe Road, George Town
Tel: (345) 945 2182
Email: fagod@candw.ky
www.firstassembly.ky
Sunday services 9am and 10.30am. Sunday services are also available via YouTube. Sunday school is available at both services.
West Bay Assembly of God
100 Finch Drive (off Birch Tree Hill Rd), West Bay Tel: (345) 916 3748 www.facebook.com/wbaog
Sunday services 10.30am and 7.30pm.
Baptist Churches
Cayman Islands Baptist Church
163 Pedro Castle Road, Savannah Tel: (345) 926 2422
Email: office@cibaptist.ky www.cibaptist.ky
Sunday worship services 9am and 11am (including children’s programmes from birthYear 6). Life groups meet weekly at various times and locations. Contact the church office to find one in your area. Wednesday Bible study 7pm. Friday night programme for youth (middle school to high school) 7pm-9pm.
Iglesia Bautista Islas Caiman 6pm (Domingo), Estudio Biblico 6pm (Jueves on Zoom only). Follow on Facebook or Instagram for regular updates.
First Baptist Church of Grand Cayman
920 Crewe Road (opposite the Lions Community Centre), George Town Tel: (345) 949 0692
Email: fbc@fbc.org.ky or www.fbc.org.ky www.facebook.com/fbccayman www.youtube.com/c/FBCCayman
Pastoral Staff: Pastors Stephen Ryan, Kyle McLean and Dave Jorge
First Baptist Church is a diverse, multicultural congregation that offers a welcoming atmosphere with over 50 nationalities. The church meets on Sunday at 10.30am every week. Throughout the year, their weekly programmes change but often include Sunday school for all ages at 9.15am, Spanish Bible study on Thursday at 6.30pm and various youth programmes on Friday nights. Visit the
church website or Facebook page for more information. SEE AD THIS PAGE
Catholic Churches
Christ the Redeemer Catholic Church
Reverend Blackman Road, West Bay Tel: (345) 949 6797
Sunday Mass 9.45am.
St. Ignatius Catholic Church
597 Walkers Road, George Town Tel: (345) 949 6797
Email: ignatius@candw.ky
www.ignatius.ky
Weekday Masses Monday-Friday 7am, Friday 6pm, Saturday and Public Holidays 8.30am. Weekend Masses at St. Ignatius, Saturday 6pm and Sunday 8am, 11.30am and 6pm. Sunday, Christ the Redeemer, 10.45am. Sunday school 10.15am, Confessions Saturday 5pm-5.45pm, prayer meeting Wednesday 6pm. Eucharistic adoration 6am-9pm daily in the Divine Mercy Adoration Chapel.
Stella Maris Catholic Church
Alta Vista Drive, Cayman Brac
Tel: (345) 926 5555 or (345) 949 6797
Sunday Mass 6pm and communion service 11am. Check bulletin for updates.
Jewish Services
Chabad Cayman Jewish Community Centre
7 Mile Shops, 215B West Bay Road
Tel: (345) 516 4474
Email: info@jewishcayman.com www.jewish.ky
Provides a wide variety of Jewish educational, religious and social services, including youth and adult education, synagogue services, Shabbat and holiday celebrations and Jewish life cycle events.
Temple Beth Shalom, Cayman Brac
Tel: (345) 948 0518 or (345) 325 3474
Email: seadreamsvilla@gmail.com
Friday evening Shabbat services. The synagogue can also be used to host various events including weddings, orchestral concerts, and meetings. Call for more information about services and events.
FIRST BAPTIS CHURCH
First Baptist Church is a gathering of Christians united in Jesus Christ, who gave Himself on the cross for the forgiveness of our sins and rose again, triumphing over death itself. Our aim is to know Him better and serve Him well in all our ways, loving God and helping people, motivated by the grace of Jesus Christ and empowered by His Spirit. People from over fifty nations regularly worship with us and you are warmly invited to join us.
Our Sunday morning Worship gatherings are at 10:30am.
During the week, we have many other events and fellowship opportunities for adults and youth.
For more information on what is happening here at FBC, please download our FBC Cayman app
or visit our website at www.fbc.org.ky
Feel free to give us a call at 949-0692 or email: fbc@fbc.org.ky
We’re located at 920 Crewe Road, across from the Lions Center. P.O.Box 10175, Grand Cayman KY1-1002.
Come join us as we worship the Lord Jesus!
Latter-day Saints Church
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Intersection of Shamrock Road and Selkirk Drive, Red Bay
Tel: (345) 517 1400
Email: roderickdelacruz10@gmail.com www.churchofjesuschrist.org
Sunday services at 10am. If you are interested in participating in Missionary, call (345) 323 0255 or (345) 326 3669.
Lutheran
Safe Harbour Lutheran Church
20 Memorial Crescent, George Town
Tel: (345) 323 8665
Email: office@safeharbourlc.com www.safeharbourlc.com
Sunday service at 10am. Check the website for location details.
Methodist
Wesleyan Holiness Church
150 North West Point Road, West Bay Tel: (345) 925 0760
Sunday service 11am and 6pm. Adult Sunday school 10am. Wednesday Bible study 7pm.
Moravian
Covenant Moravia Church
6 Devon Road, off Marina Drive, Prospect Tel: (345) 947 7935
Sunday services 11am. Sunday school 10am. Bible study Wednesday 7pm.
Muslim Services
Islamic Society Cayman Islands
Unit C3, Cayman Business Park, George Town Tel: (345) 329 2079
Email: isci@islam.ky www.caymanmuslims.info
The Muslim community of Cayman is small yet diverse and offers a place of worship for Caymanians and expats from all over the globe. Worship is held in the Mosque every day from 2pm-7pm and provides weekly Islamic schooling for kids and adults.
Non-Denominational
Agape Family Worship Centre
50 Fairbanks Road, George Town
Tel: (345) 949 2539
Email: agape@candw.ky
www.agapecayman.ky
Sunday service 10am, Sunday school 11am, Wednesday service 7.30pm, Saturday morning prayer meeting 7am. Youth group Friday 7.30pm.
Church of God Chapel George Town
22 Academy Way, George Town
Tel: (345) 949 9393
Email: cogcgt@candw.ky www.churchofgodchapel-gt.org
All ages Sunday school at 9am. Sunday service and children’s church starts a10.30am. Online prayer meeting is held on Sunday at 7pm and in person on Wednesday at 6pm.
Church Of God, Full Gospel Hall
63 South Church Street, George Town Sunday service 11am and 7.15pm, Sunday school 9.45am, Wednesday service 7.30pm and Friday Service 7.30pm. Services are also livestreamed on their YouTube channel.
Church Of God 'Universal'
83 Walkers Road, George Town
Tel: (345) 946 4007
Email: coguni@candw.ky
Saturday night Prayer Service 5.30pm, Sunday school 9.45am, Sunday Morning Worship 11am and Sunday Evangelistic Service 7pm. Services are also livestreamed on their Facebook page (@ChurchOfGodUniversalCaymanIslands).
Sunrise Community Church
Services held at Cayman Prep High School Hall on Walkers Road.
Email: info@sunrise.ky or tim@sunrise.ky www.sunrise.ky
Sunday Services 10am with nursery care and a children/teens Sunday school. There is the opportunity to socialise afterwards with complimentary pastries and coffee. They host weekly community groups for men and women. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram (@ sunrisechurchky) for updates.
Pentecostal
All Nations United Pentecostal Church
23A Woodlake Drive, George Town
Tel: (345) 949 9533
Email: upc@candw.ky
www.allnationsupccayman.org
Sunday school 9am, Sunday worship 11am and Evangelistic service 7pm. Youth service
Tuesday at 7pm, Bible study on Thursday at 7pm. Choir practice on Saturday at 7pm.
Presbyterian & Congregational
Elmslie Memorial United Church
108A Seafarers Way, George Town Tel: (345) 949 7923
Email: elmslie@candw.ky www.elmslieunitedchurch.ky
Sunday service 10.30am. They also have an affiliated congregation, Robert Young Memorial Church, and their Sunday service is at 8.45am.
John Gray Memorial Church
24 West Church Street, West Bay Tel: (345) 949 1378
Email: jgmcoffice@gmail.com
Sunday service 11am with Holy Communion celebrated on the 1st Sunday of the month.
South Sound United Church
44 South Sound Road, South Sound
Email: ssunitedchurch@gmail.com
Sunday service 9am. This is a small church with a large percentage of families with young children. There is a children’s Sunday school during the sermon. Holy Communion is celebrated on the 3rd Sunday of the month.
William Pouchie Memorial United Church
815 North Side Road, North Side Tel: (345) 938 2239
Email: wpmucns@gmail.com
Sunday service 9am.
Seventh-Day Adventist
Cayman Islands Conference of Seventh-Day Adventists
Tel: (345) 640 2647 or (345) 949 2647 www.caymanadventist.org
Saturday Sabbath school service 9.15am, divine service 11am, Bible class 4pm, Adventist youth programme 5pm (may vary), Sunday evening service 7.15pm and Wednesday evening service 7.15pm. Churches are located across Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman.
Discovering ways to entertain and engage your children and teenagers can be a genuine challenge, regardless of your location. Despite its compact size, the close-knit community in the Cayman Islands provides an increasing array of age-appropriate activities for young residents. From sports to cultural and educational programmes, this chapter highlights a diverse range of recommended attractions that the entire family can enjoy. Additionally, when looking to book activities for your kids, check out the Explore Cayman magazine and website (www. explorecayman.com), as well as the Cayman Parent magazine and the ‘Things to Do’ section on the Cayman Parent website (www. caymanparent.com). Also, for Cayman’s most up-to-date guide for family and children’s events, download the What’s On Cayman app.
for Kids & Teens
Everything to keep your kids active and entertained while making new friends! Including details on everything from playgrounds and parks to sporting events, cultural activities, playgroups, summer camps and indoor and outdoor activities.
Though Cayman is small, its friendly community and year-round sunshine encourage an active, outdoor lifestyle. A favourite family outing is a North Sound boat trip with one of several local boat charter companies: Captain Marvin's (Tel: (345) 945 6975 or captainmarvins.com), Captain Bryan’s (email: captainbryans@ candw.ky) or Frank’s Watersports (Tel: (345) 945 5491). These operators offer customisable excursions with stops at Stingray City, the Sandbar, Coral Gardens, the Barrier Reef and Kaibo. You will enjoy Caymanian
and insight into local life. On a rough
Photos courtesy of Cayman
day, head to the Blow Holes in East End, where seawater blows through underwater caverns. Wear proper shoes and a swimsuit as you may get wet from the spray if you stand close enough. While in East End, you can also stop at the Wreck of the Ten Sail Memorial to learn more about the historic shipwreck that occurred in 1794.
Another sea-based activity that is fun for the whole family is a bioluminescence tour by kayak or electric catamaran offered by Cayman Kayaks from Rum Point. They also offer a day kayak tour through the mangroves. For more information email: reservations@caymankayaks.com or visit www.caymankayaks.com. Refer to the Boating chapter for a list of other tour providers in Cayman. For more fun, Red Sail Sports offers paddleboarding, kayaks, floats and banana boat rides for kids beach parties (Tel: (345) 623 5965). Or swim with the dolphins at Dolphin Discovery (Tel: (345) 327 4742) in West Bay. Make sure to ask about their resident discounts.
Cayman Islands Helicopters offers an aerial experience of Grand Cayman. Tours depart from Atlantic Aviation, located next to the Owen Roberts International Airport. They offer several flight packages including a scenic tour over Seven Mile Beach and Stingray City, as well as a full island tour which lasts approximately 40 minutes. There are no age restrictions, making this a family friendly activity. Tel: (345) 943 4354 to book.
For children and their parents, the Cayman Islands National Museum (SEE AD PAGE 427) offers a fascinating look into the natural and cultural history of the Cayman Islands. The Cayman Turtle Centre (SEE AD PAGE 424 & 449) in West Bay also offers unique opportunities for educational and interactive animal-based activities. Visitors can enjoy bird, shark, turtle and crocodile feedings, a nature trail, snorkelling with turtles, the popular waterfalls and the Turtle Twister waterslide. Their Coco's Cool Hut serves soft-serve ice cream and slushies and their Silver Thatch Cáfe serves coffee. Once you have had your fill of wildlife, you can wander across the road for
lunch at the Cracked Conch & Macabuca Tiki Bar (SEE AD PAGE 212 & 213) .
Another worthwhile thing to do is a trip to the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park (SEE AD PAGE 453) in North Side, which is an engaging outing for the whole family. If you’re coming from the western side of the island, you could also stop in at the Mission House in Bodden Town (open on Fridays and Saturdays from 10am-2pm) and Pedro St. James (SEE AD PAGE 402 & 423) in Savannah for a historical trip back in time. The Cayman Crystal Caves (SEE AD PAGE 425) are another fantastic activity. Tour some of Cayman’s most beautiful natural formations that were formed millions of years ago or take a bat tour and stay for dinner. Visit www.caymancrystalcaves.com to book.
You could also take the family to the National Gallery and enjoy a range of activities, including scavenger hunts, worksheets and guided tours based on the current exhibition schedule and the national collection. Guided tours can be booked in advance by emailing: info@ nationalgallery.org.ky. Admission is free.
In Camana Bay, you can take a walk, get a coffee, ride a bike, explore its beautifully landscaped areas and shop at various retail stores, such as Next Chapter (Tel: (345) 640 2665), which has a wonderful children’s room full of books, puzzles and toys. Young children will also love playing in the fountains and climbing the five-storey Observation Tower for a great panoramic view. There is always a good selection of movies at the cinema, as well as a great choice of restaurants for lunch.
For something a bit different, contact ATV Cayman for Cayman’s only off-road tour of Barker’s Beach and other lovely spots in the area. Kids aged 3-15 years old ride as passengers in the ATV. Email: vincent@atvcayman.com or WhatsApp: (345) 922 0366 to book a ride.
PLAYGROUNDS & PARKS
Some parks in Cayman have cabanas that can be reserved, free of charge, for parties and events. To view and reserve
cabanas, visit https://app.univerusrec. com/cipwpub/ or contact the Public Lands Commission at (345) 946 7110. See the opposite page for a map of the following parks and playgrounds in Grand Cayman.
1. Scholars Park
As a popular site for children’s parties, this landscaped park is located down Birch Tree Hill Road and features a variety of play equipment set in a sandpit. Along with shady cabanas and BBQ pits, there are also restroom facilities and sizeable grassy areas.
2. Garvin Park
A small park with a sandbox, a jungle gym and restrooms, plus a dock by the sea.
3. Public Beach
Along with being on one of the most beautiful stretches of Seven Mile Beach, Public Beach has cabanas, restroom facilities, freshwater showers and a children’s playground. There is also a calisthenics park that features a variety of exercise bars and beams.
4. Windsor Park
Windsor Park is a popular spot for both children and adults, offering two climbing frames, swings, a full-size basketball court and open spaces for recreational activities. The park also features shaded seating areas, making it an ideal location for gatherings and events.
5. Dart Family Park
Set amid shady, landscaped gardens are slides, climbing frames, an amphitheatre, gazebos and restroom facilities. The park is open daily from sunrise to sunset and houses the offices of the National Trust of the Cayman Islands (Tel: (345) 749 1121), which provides information and displays in relation to Cayman’s flora and fauna.
6. Airport Park
Kids and parents alike will get a kick out of watching aeroplanes from this frontrow vantage point adjacent to the Owen Roberts International Airport runway. This
large park is full of see-saws, slides, rock mazes and big boulders to climb. There are cabanas, parking and restroom facilities.
7. Newland Heights Park
The park includes a children's playset, sandpit area, basketball court, BBQ pit, landscaped sections, and a gazebo. Ideal for families and children to enjoy outdoor activities in a safe and welcoming setting.
8. Savannah/Newlands Playfield
A spacious park primarily designed for sports and recreational activities. Features a sand pit, a play set, slides and a newly resurfaced basketball court.
9. Harold McCoy Sr. Park
Located in Gun Square next to the historic Mission House, this park has a large playground. A caboose and
small Caymanian-style house make it a fascinating cultural experience for both adults and children.
10. Gerald Smith Park
Located on Hutland Road, these landscaped gardens provide a welcoming playground for the North Side community. Facilities include a slide and swing set, shaded picnic areas and restrooms.
11. Mastic Reserve Trail
This is an educational nature trail, meandering through a variety of natural habitats. Great for older kids and teens. Refer to the Activities for Adults chapter for more information.
12. Frank Sound Park
A well-loved community park that caters to a wide range of outdoor activities. The park
includes a small play area, sandbox, swing set, grassy area and restrooms.
13. Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park
The park (SEE AD PAGE 453) is a wonderful area in Frank Sound for children to enjoy, with over 65 acres to explore. The Children’s Garden features climbing frames, the CNB splash pad, a discovery tower, larger-thanlife sculptures, a maze, tunnels, grow zone, a sensory garden and so much more! There is also a picnic area and plenty of shade. Entry to the Botanic Park also includes access to the Blue Iguana Conservation Facility, where families can meet and learn about the endangered Blue Iguana, as well as enjoy a self-guided nature walk. See the Activities for Adults chapter for more details.
14. Captain George Dixon Park
This park, just off Seaview Road, provides
MAP OF PLAYGROUNDS & PARKS IN GRAND CAYMAN
1. Scholars Park: Birch Tree Hill Road
Garvin Park: Garvin Road
Seven Mile Beach Park: Next to Seven Mile Public Beach
Hemlock
8. Savannah/Newlands Playfield: Pedro Castle Road
Harold McCoy Sr. Park: Gun Square Road
Jerald Smith Park: Hutland Road
Mastic Trail: Mastic Road, Off Frank Sound Road
Frank Sound Park: Off Frank Sound Road
Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park: Frank Sound Road
Captain George Dixon Park: Sea View Road
play facilities, a slide and climbing frames, shaded picnic areas, water fountains, a BBQ area and restrooms, making it a great spot for relaxing by the sea.
INDOOR FACILITIES
Camana Bay Sports Complex
This facility can be rented outside of school hours for sports, events and activities. To make a booking or enquiry, call (345) 640 2878 or email: cbsc@camanabay.com.
Camp Seafire
Located at the Kimpton Seafire Resort and Spa, Camp Seafire is a fun-filled, flexible childcare choice for kids aged five to 12 years old. Designed to accommodate school holidays, public holidays, brunch babysitting and more, they offer well-planned hourly, half-day, full-day and weekly programmes. The camps offer creative themes, watersports activities, and arts and crafts, as well as games and bespoke events. Children need to be potty trained to attend. Note: A 20% charge will be due, in addition to their rates. For bookings email: campseafire@seafireresortandspa.com.
Cayman Islands National Museum
The Cayman Islands National Museum houses Cayman’s National Collection and artefacts, including boats, furniture, textiles, paintings and ceramics, and is an interesting look into Cayman’s traditions, culture and natural history. Many of the museum’s exhibits are interactive and innovative and will be fascinating to children. An exciting addition to the National Museum is an animatronic figure of Caymanian civil servant, lawyer and politician, Miss Annie Huldah Bodden. For more information, visit www.museum. ky or Tel: (345) 949 8368.
Cinema
Camana Bay Cinema (Tel: (345) 640 3456) is Cayman’s state-of-the-art movie theatre. See the Cinema and Outdoor Movies section in this chapter for more information.
My First Gym
My First Gym offers a comprehensive fitness experience for children aged 0-15 years. It features over 50 diverse classes including gymnastics and dance. They also provide holiday camps, a date night drop off service and offer birthday party packages. For more information, visit www.myfirstgymcayman.com or call (345) 324 1632.
King’s Sports Centre (KSC)
This 36,000sq ft facility on Crewe Road in George Town offers activities and facilities such as a multi-purpose sports rink, a bowling alley, a rock climbing wall, squash courts, aerobics classes, and much more.
KSC also holds children’s birthday parties and open roller skating nights on Saturdays and Sundays. Tel: (345) 946 5464 or email: kings@candw.ky. They also run a summer camp where children participate in sports activities and arts and crafts and learn debating skills.
Laser Tag
Laser tag is an exciting recreational shooting sport that is perfect for anyone looking for a fun and exhilarating outing with family or friends. Strike Zone House of Fun, located in Cannon Place, is Cayman’s first laser tag arena and is great for the entire family (ages six and up). It is the perfect activity for rainy days, birthday parties and corporate events. Tel: (345) 623 4040 or visit www. strikezonehouseoffun.com for more information.
Lil’ Monkeys Indoor Playground & Café
Located on Shedden Road, Lil’ Monkeys
Indoor Playground & Café is an indoor playground designed for children aged six months to 10 years, featuring a huge, padded area for toddlers to enjoy, as well as a jungle gym, climbers, kitchen playsets, playhouses, ride-ons and much more! They also offer snacks and drinks for purchase in the cafe and host birthday parties. Children must wear socks once inside the play area. Tel: (345) 929 5737.
Motions Unlimited Gymnastics
Motions is a state-of-the-art gymnastics facility located at 150 Sparky Drive in the Industrial Park. Designed for children and teens, the gym features top-quality gymnastics equipment, a party room, and an on-site snack bar. With a full weekly schedule of classes for children starting at 18 months, among their most popular programmes are the Toddler Play Day sessions which are held on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10.30am-12pm and on Saturdays from 8.30am-10am for children aged 18 months to 6 years. It’s a great way for parents to connect. The cost is CI$20 per child or CI$35 for two siblings, with a 10-visit package required in advance, and the 11th visit is free. Motions also offers Sunday Family Fun Days once a month with activities available for families with children up to 10 years old. Seasonal evening events are hosted throughout the year, taking place between 6pm-9pm and are open to children ages 4-10 years old. All participants must be registered members via the Motions Jackrabbit Parent Portal, and advance payment is required through Butterfield Bank. For more information, contact (345) 749 8365 or email reception@motionsunlimited.com.
OUTDOOR FACILITIES
Blue Iguana Conservation Safari
See the Activities for Adults chapter.
Camana Bay
Camana Bay’s waterfront town centre is a delightful place to take a stroll with your children. It offers wide shady avenues, landscaped courtyards with water features, fountains for children to play in and benches to sit on. Climb the Observation Tower, one of the tallest buildings on Grand Cayman at 75ft (lifts are also available), for panoramic views of the island. The bookstore, Next Chapter, has a great kids’ section filled with plenty of books and toys to choose from.
Cayman Parrot Sanctuary
A friendly, interactive and educational
experience, the Cayman Parrot Sanctuary on Austin Conolly Drive in East End, features a variety of animals, including some native to Cayman. Their animals include Cayman parrots, parakeets, agoutis, guinea pigs, rabbits, hermit crabs, hickatees, a Cayman racer snake and a Cayman dwarf boa. The sanctuary is closed on Monday, Tuesday and public holidays. They open WednesdaySunday from 9am-4pm. Admission for adults is CI$16 and for children 15 years and under is CI$10, with free admission for local seniors over 65 and children under two years. Tel: (345) 936 4400.
Cayman Turtle Centre
Located in West Bay, Cayman Turtle Centre offers guests a variety of unique experiences. Learn about and observe sea turtles up close, swim or snorkel with yearling green sea turtles and other colourful marine life, feed birds by hand in the Caribbean Aviary or watch the predator reef feeding frenzy. You can eat lunch at Schooners Restaurant which overlooks the lagoon where the resident peacock often makes an appearance, and then you can swim in the island’s largest swimming pool with its two waterfalls, an underwater viewing panel and the fun Turtle Twister water slide. You can grab a cup of coffee in the Silver Thatch Café, located in the Centre's courtyard, or visit Coco’s Cool Hut where you can cool down with a slushy or some soft-serve ice cream. The resident admission rate for adults is CI$15 and CI$10 for children 12 years and under, with free admission for children two years and under. For more information and opening hours, Tel: (345) 949 3894, email: info@turtle.ky or visit www.turtle.ky. SEE AD THIS PAGE & 424
Cayman Crystal Caves
Situated in a lush tropical forest in North Side, the Cayman Crystal Caves offer an underground adventure into a fascinating world. When you visit Cayman Crystal Caves, you will be escorted by a knowledgeable tour guide and join them on an adventure of “Cayman Down Under”. You will venture into amazing caves where
you will see stalactite and stalagmite crystal structures and otherworldly formations formed by single drops of water and the slow passage of time. Tour the unique tropical forest under which the caves formed. Amongst the forest and caves are captivating tropical plant and animal life, including strangler balsam trees, air plants, parrots and bats. Tours are approximately one-and-a-half hours and take you through the surrounding tropical forest area and three spectacular caves. Guests must be able to walk up the stairs unaided for this tour. Comfortable attire for warm weather and walking shoes are recommended. Open seven days a week, with tours running from 9am-4pm. You can also have a meal at their Treehouse Restaurant & Bar which is open seven days a week during the day, and on Monday, Wednesday and Friday in the evening. It is also open to guests who are not on the tour. Pre-booking is required for all tours. Book at www.caymancrystalcaves. com. Tel: (345) 949 2283 or email: info@ caymancrystalcaves.com. SEE AD PAGE 425
Dolphin Encounters
Dolphin Discovery (Tel: (345) 327 4742) is located adjacent to the Cayman Turtle Centre in West Bay. They offer three different packages, starting at US$123. Resident rates are also available, and with proof of identification, residents can receive 50% off their packages. If a resident brings a visitor, the visitor will also receive a discount of 25%.
Fountain Play
Camana Bay features two popular fountain play areas for children. The Jasmine Court fountain, located in the shaded area beside the Camana Bay Cinema is gentle and interactive, making it perfect for little ones. The Cresent fountain with powerful jets that go as high as 30 feet every ten minutes is better suited for older children. These well-loved areas often include life-sized building blocks for added enjoyment. Both fountains are free for children to enjoy between 10am-10pm. The Cayman Turtle Centre (SEE AD THIS PAGE & 424) offers two
norkel with Turtle
Turtle
Green’s Breeding Bay | Turtle Encounters | Turtle Lagoon | Predator Reef Caribbean Free Flight Aviary | Butterfly House | Cayman Street | & Much More...
waterfalls, a large pool and the exciting Turtle Twister waterslide, which is 15ft high and 100ft long. It is great fun and loved by children and adults alike! Tel: (345) 949 3894 or visit www.turtle.ky. Starfish Cay Water Park, located at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, is home to waterslides, fountains and a giant water bucket. All children under 10 years of age must be accompanied by an adult and supervised at all times. Starfish Cay is open to residents with the purchase of a day pass from Ambassadors of the Environment located at the resort. Private birthday party bookings are also available. For more information, call (345) 815 6120 or visit www. ritzcarlton.com/grandcayman. Located adjacent to the Kimpton Seafire Resort and Spa, the SPLASH at Seafire is a 14,000sq ft splash park designed for use by children 12 and under with adult supervision. The park is open from 10am-4pm daily for guests of the hotel and also for residents for CI$25, if there is availability. Visit their website (www.seafire.idaypass.com) where you can check for an opening and book a day pass, kids under two are complimentary. Kids will also love the CNB Splash Pad located in the Children’s Garden at the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park (SEE AD PAGE 453) . They will also discover climbing frames, a discovery tower, larger-than-life animal sculptures, a maze, tunnels, grow zone, sensory garden and so much more! For more information, call (345) 947 9462 or visit www.botanic-park.ky.
Ambassadors of the Environment
Learn from Cousteau-trained naturalists about Cayman’s natural wonders with eco-adventure activities offered to adults, children and business groups through Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment programme at The RitzCarlton, Grand Cayman. Activities include everything from their Sea Scooter Snorkel and Mangrove Kayak Explorations to photography, arts and crafts and science experiments. The activities are fun for all and are also offered as field trips for local school groups as well as for corporate team
building. During the school holidays they offer kids camps. Tel: (345) 815 6120 or email: caymanambassadors@ritzcarlton. com for more information.
Paddleboarding
See the Paddleboarding section of the Sports & Fitness chapter on page 465 for further information.
Pedro St. James (Savannah)
Step into the 18th century at Pedro St. James, affectionately known as ‘Pedro Castle’ by the locals. This historic Great House in Savannah offers an immersive experience for visitors of all ages, making it an ideal destination for learning about the early history of the Cayman Islands. With a multi-sensory movie theatre, a variety of 18th-century artefacts and a rich history to learn about, this experience truly is a “step back in time” that will stimulate any child’s imagination. Ask for the ‘Nature and History Trail Hunt’ or the history quiz if you want to challenge your little ones or test your knowledge with a fun and educational quiz. With lots of green space, activities and the Thatch & Barrel restaurant serving tasty bites, your children are guaranteed to have a fun time at Pedro St. James (SEE AD PAGE 402 & 423) . It is also a great place to hold kids’ parties. Located in Savannah, Pedro St. James is a 20-minute drive from George Town and is open daily from 8.30am-5pm. Resident rates are CI$15.38 for adults and admission is free for seniors 65+ and children three and under. A valid ID is required for resident rates. For more information, Tel: (345) 947 3329 or email: events@pedrostjames.ky.
Submarine Tours
Enjoy a tour of the beautiful underwater world with DownUnder Submarines. They have a 64ft Subcat which features 14 glass view ports and takes passengers down to 100ft. Each tour is 1.5 hours, and they take children from 3 years and up. The cost is US$159 for adults and US$109 for children, but you can get a 20% residents discount. For more information
visit www.downundersubmarines.com, call (345) 321 0522 or email: admin@ downundersubmarines.com.
The Humane Society
The Cayman Islands Humane Society is located at 153 North Sound Road, next to A. L. Thompson’s. Volunteers are always needed for dog walking, pet grooming and dog and cat socialising. They operate an excellent second-hand bookstore (the Book Loft) and a thrift shop. Local families are encouraged to consider adopting a dog from them as an alternative to shipping in a dog from overseas or buying from a breeder. Tel: (345) 949 1461 or visit www. caymanhumane.org for more information on how you can help.
SPORTS
There is a diverse range of sports offerings on-island, whether your child wants to be a hardcore athlete or simply part of a team
Athletics
Cayman has a vibrant athletics community with events held throughout the year. Cayman Athletics is the governing body for athletics in the Cayman Islands and they promote, develop and encourage participation in athletics at all levels throughout the island, regardless of age, gender or race. Training sessions are held daily in the afternoon at the Truman Bodden Sports Complex (TBSC). Other track and field clubs at the TBSC are also welcoming and inclusive. You can also reach out to the following clubs: Speed Athletics meet at the TBSC every Monday-Thursday at 4.30pm for a twohour programme. They accept children from the age of four. Call Coach Porter, Tel: (345) 525 2793 or email: speedathleticstrackclub@gmail.com. HyTech Tigers TFC is run by Coach Williams, who is also the National Track and Field Coach. They meet Monday-Thursday at 3pm and on Saturday mornings at 8am at the TBSC. Age groups range from six to senior. Events offered include sprints, hurdles, middle and long distance,
high, long and triple jump, discus, shot put and javelin. Tel: (345) 925 1943 or email: hytechtrackclub@gmail.com.
Falcon Athletics is dedicated to training athletes aged 8 to 20 years old, they train three to five days per week at the TBSC and training days are determined by age groups. There is currently a waiting list for those interested in joining. Email: falconathleticsky@gmail.com. Finally, Mustang Track Club is open for ages five and up, including adults. They train MondayThursday from 3.30pm-5.30pm at the TBSC. Tel: (345) 925 6917.
Baseball/Softball
The Cayman Islands Little League has offered baseball and softball programmes for Cayman’s youth for more than 30 years. Located on the corner of Aspiration Drive and Fairbanks Road, they play at the Dart Field of Dreams. Little League is operated by the YMCA and is open to children from 4-18 years of age. If you are looking for a safe environment that emphasises teamwork, good sportsmanship and learning the art of competition, visit www. ymcacayman.ky/ybs. Tel: (345) 926 9622 or email: info@ymcacayman.ky for more information.
Basketball
The Cayman Islands Basketball Association (CIBA) has eight national programmes for which athletes are prepared for regional and national competitions during the year. Athletes for these programmes are selected through the Talent ID programme. CIBA currently has 10 leagues: U12, U14, U16, U19 and Senior, separated by gender. They also host a Basketball Academy on Saturday mornings during the school period at the First Baptist Christian School gymnasium for three age groups: ages 7-9 years, ages 10-12 years and ages 13-16 years. They also offer a Youth Development Training Programme for ages 10-16 (male and female) and this takes place on Thursdays and Fridays from 3.30pm-5.30pm at the Kings Sports Centre at a cost of CI$25 per month. For more information, call Coach
Voot O’Garoo, Tel: (345) 916 5083, email: info@cayman.com or visit www. caymanbasketball.com.
ACX Basketball provides training for kids aged 6-15 years old, focusing on basketball skills and personal growth through a gamesbased approach. For more information, email: letsplay@acxbasketball.com or call/ WhatsApp (345) 327 6304.
Cricket
Cayman Cricket organises competitions for primary and secondary schools (May to June) and summer camps in July and August. Cricket practice for U15 and U19 girls and boys is held on Saturday mornings from 9am-11.30am and Sundays from 3pm-5.30pm, through its youth academy during the school year. For more information, email: secretary@ caymancricket.ky or call David Bernard on (345) 517 9328. Kwik Cricket is run by a local cricket club, the Village Greenies. There is one group for 4-8 year olds and another for 9-11 year olds. It is held on Saturday mornings from 8.30am-9.45am in the summer term. The younger kids play at Cayman Prep Junior School on Smith Road, and the older kids play at the cricket field at the Smith Road Cricket Oval. The cost is CI$50 per term this season. WhatsApp Matthew Walker on (345) 526 6039 for more information.
CrossFit
School of Fitness, in the Cayman Technology Centre, also runs a kids’ CrossFit camp on Saturdays at 12pm. Call (345) 916 0171 for more information. CrossFit Cayman offers a teens class on Mondays from 3.45pm4.30pm for ages 12-16. 50 Lincoln Drive, George Town. Tel: (345) 929 8450, email: info@crossfitcayman.com or web: www. crossfitcayman.com.
Dance
Dance is offered in many local studios. Centre Pointe Ltd. offers a wide variety of dance and performance classes for individuals of all ages, starting from nine months old through to adults. Located
at Alissta Towers on North Sound Road, their classes cover various dance genres including jazz, tap, contemporary, Irish, musical theatre, hip-hop, acrodance, soca, and more. They also have special programmes designed for early years students such as zumbini and ballet. Email: centrepointedance@gmail.com or visit www.centrepointelimited.com. KRI Performing Arts School, run by Kirk Rowe at 98 Shedden Road, has classes for kids, juniors, teens and adults. Dances include salsa, jazz, modern, hip-hop, contemporary, belly-dancing, afro-Caribbean and reggae. Contact Kirk, Tel: (345) 924 4089.
The Radiance Dance Studio, located in Countryside Shopping Village, offers a variety of fun and exciting dance classes for children aged 3-17 years old. Dancers can learn acrodance, ballet foundations, body conditioning, Caribbean rhythms, creative movement, hip hop, jazz fusion, modern contemporary and more. There are performing opportunities throughout the year including an annual Christmas and end-of-year production. For more information, email: info@radiance.ky, call (345) 916 0146 or visit www.radiance. ky. Bailamos Dance Studio, located in the Barnett Building on 24 Huldah Avenue, offers a range of dance classes for all ages. Tel: (345) 917 7832 for more information. Spark! School of Performing Arts offers dance in relation to their musical theatre and performing arts classes. For more information and to register, see www. sparkcayman.com or call (345) 929 2190.
Diving
Local dive centres offer a Junior Open Water Diver certification for children as young as 10 years old. At Red Sail Sports, children aged 8-9 years can participate in the Bubblemaker course. This is an opportunity to try real scuba diving in a pool. There is also a three day resort course for children 10 and up, who will be given the opportunity to dive in open water. Resident discounts are available. Tel: (345) 623 5965 for more information. Divetech offers scuba diving activities for kids aged
5-9 and certifications for kids aged 10 years and up. For more information, Tel: (345) 946 5658, email: info@divetech. com or visit www.divetech.com. For more information on all things diving, make sure to see our Diving chapter.
Flag Football
Flag football in Cayman follows the basic rules of American or Canadian football. The Cayman Islands Flag Football Association (CIFFA) runs a popular Youth Flag Football League for boys and girls aged 7-18. For more information, email: ciffa345@gmail. com or message them on Instagram (@ ciffayouthky).
Football/Soccer
Academy Sports Club runs a youth football programme for boys and girls aged 10-19. The club has football activities all year round and is one of the most successful youth football teams in the country. Their goal is the development of excellence in football while fostering personal integrity, leadership skills, community awareness and commitment to academic success. They are located at the Academy Sports Club on Outpost Street in George Town. Tel: (345) 924 8137 email: coaches@academysportsclub.ky or visit www.academysportsclub.ky for more information. The Cayman Islands Football Association (CIFA) youth season runs from September to May. Teams are friendly and welcoming to new players. Leagues include U8, U10, U12, U14, U16 and U18. For further information, contact the CIFA office on (345) 749 5775 or email: cayman.fa.gs@gmail.com. Sunset Football Club provides football for all ages. Coaching sessions for boys aged 4-10 are held on Sunday mornings 8am-10.30am (October until May ) and Saturday mornings for girls aged 5-10 from 8.30am-9.30am (January to May), both at the Camana Bay Sports Complex. There is also midweek training for boys U8-18 and girls U11-18 as well as men’s and women’s teams. Contact either Paul Macey at pmacey@usarisk. ky or Gareth Thacker at garethjthacker@
gmail.com. For any of the girls’ youth programmes, contact Gisela Gamba at gisela.gamba@gmail.com or anna. boughey90@gmail.com for the Saturday Girls Programme or alternatively visit www.sunsetfootballclub.com. Excel Sports Management is a leading youth football development programme on-island. Their UEFA-qualified coaches hold after-school coaching sessions designed to increase individual players’ confidence and skill. In addition, they also offer private/semiprivate lessons, camps, overseas tours and trial opportunities for players identified as ‘talented’. For more information, visit www.esmcayman.ky, Tel: (345) 925 4347 or email: alek@esmcayman.ky. Established in 2017, Total Soccer Cayman programming is offered for children aged 3.5 to 18 years old. Inspired by the Dutch Football Vision, their goal is to help children become skilled and creative decision makers on the field. For more information, visit: www. totalsoccercayman.com or email: info@ totalsoccercayman.com. The YMCA host the YMCA Youth Football Academy at the Dart Field of Dreams for U6 and U8, and it runs from September to December. They meet Wednesday evenings to practice skills, and games are held on Saturday mornings. To book your child’s spot, you must register on the YMCA Cayman website.
Golf
The North Sound Golf Club offers private and group lessons, from age 6, with PGA professionals. Visit www.northsoundclub. com or Tel: (345) 947 4653 to book a time slot or for more information. Cayman Golf Lab is Cayman’s largest indoor golf facility with three large golf simulators and a 600sq ft putting green. They offer after school and weekend junior golf classes, as well as private sessions for golfers of all ages. They also offer birthday parties for up to 16 people. Tel: (345) 938 5484, email: info@caymangolflab.com or visit www. caymangolflab.com. Party Masters also offers a mobile mini golfing service for kids and teens. Tel: (345) 525 5151 or fill out the ‘contact us’ form on their website by
visiting www.partymasterscayman.com.
Gymnastics
The Cayman Islands is a recognised member of FIG (Federation for International Gymnastics), the official governing body for the sport worldwide. This affiliation allows local gymnasts to represent the Cayman Islands at both USA Gymnastics-sanctioned and international competitions.
Motions Unlimited offers expert coaching and a fully equipped, state-of-the-art facility featuring child-friendly equipment such as a trampoline, zip line, and a 40foot Tumble Trak. For details on their popular toddler play days, see the Having a Baby chapter. For more information, call (345) 749 8365 or email reception@ motionsunlimited.com.
Quinntessential Movement offers kids and youth recreational gymnastics and aerial acrobatics classes for children aged 5-6, 7-10 and 11+ that are fun and unique. Classes help with strength, balance, coordination, focus and control. For the even younger ones, they offer Me and My Shadow music and dance classes. Tel: (345) 745 8973 or email: info@ qmovement.dance.
Hockey (Inline Roller Hockey)
King’s Sports Centre offers a diverse hockey programme for children ages 6-14 years old. Kids are taught to skate with fun skating drills and games. Children should have their own roller blades (hockey), helmets and other protective equipment, such as elbow and knee pads. Used hockey equipment is also available for certain items and can be borrowed for the season. The cost of participation on a team varies from CI$200-$650 per season. Skating camps are also held during school holidays. For more information, Tel: (345) 946 5464 or email: caymankingshockey@gmail.com.
SEE AD PAGE 465
Horseback Riding
Cayman Riding School offers a full boarding facility and riding lessons for adults and
children in show jumping, dressage and cross-country with BHS and FEI-qualified instructors who are also trained in first aid (an AED is on site). Their Tiny Trotter programme offers lessons to children from four years old and they are affiliated with the British Pony Club. Tel: (345) 926 7669 or email: Caymanridingschool@gmail. com. The Equestrian Center (Tel: (345) 516 1751 or (345) 916 7151 or email: info@equestriancenter.ky), located off the Linford Pierson Highway, is a registered overseas centre with the UK Pony Club and members are able to start from five years old. They offer riding lessons and advanced instruction in dressage and show jumping, as well as a ‘Pony Park’ every Saturday morning from 9am-10.30am in the upper field where children can have pony rides for CI$5 and also meet the miniature donkey. Pampered Ponies (Tel: (345) 916 2540 or www.ponies.ky) offers morning, midday and afternoon beach treks or swim rides along Cayman's nature trails and remote beaches. The minimum age for the swim ride is eight and for their beach trek it is six.
King Pin Bowling (Crewe Road)
Cayman’s only ten-pin bowling alley at King’s Sports Centre on Crewe Road has four bowling lanes (accommodating up to 24 bowlers in total), as well as a lounge and bar area. Lanes can be reserved for parties and birthday packages are available. For more information, Tel: (345) 946 2695 or email: kingpinbowling@candw.ky.
Kiteboarding
The popularity of kiteboarding among adults and teens has grown rapidly on the island. Children must be 10 years of age or older (or younger, depending on water confidence level). For more information on private and group lessons, contact Kitesurf Cayman on (345) 916 5483.
Leisure Activities with Additional Supports
Special Olympics Cayman Islands offers a variety of sports training for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. To learn
more about their current programmes and offerings, visit www.specialolympics.ky or follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
Martial Arts
The Cayman Islands National Karate-Do Association is the official association for traditional Japanese Karate-Do in the Cayman Islands and is sanctioned by the Cayman Islands Olympic Committee. For those wanting to compete internationally and train with the national team, Cayman Associated School of Karate (CASK) run special competition classes out of the King’s Sports Centre in Red Bay. They also offer traditional Wado-style Karate classes, as well as a Tai Chi programme, to youth (from age four) and adults. For more information or a free trial, Tel: (345) 925 3367 or visit www.caskcayman.com. The Purple Dragon Cayman Isands (PDCI) is located on the 2nd Floor of the Reliable Industries Building, 313 Compass Drive. They offer afternoon and weekend classes for children ages four and older, as well as for adults. Purple
Dragon teaches the martial arts system called Don Jitsu Ryu and offers a free introductory lesson. Tel: (345) 916 1416 or email: purpledragoncayman@gmail. com for more information. The Academy Grand Cayman, located in Cannon Place, specialises in mixed martial arts, strength and conditioning and wellness. The big focus is on developing kids confidence, skill set and capability in defending themselves whilst improving health, fitness and selfworth. Group or private classes are offered for children aged 4-15 years from 3.30pm5.30pm, Monday-Friday. Children 16 and older join the adult classes. Email: info@ theacademy.ky or Tel: (345) 323 9778 for further information. For lessons in Taekwondo, go to the Cayman Taekwondo Academy (Tel: (345) 328 5006). They offer an after-school programme for children aged 3-7 from Monday to Friday from 3.30pm-5.30pm, which includes homework assistance and a kids Taekwondo class. The focus is on discipline. Taekwondo classes are also offered to
CHILDREN’S GARDEN AT THE QUEEN ELIZABETH II BOTANIC PARK
Families can enjoy 65 acres to explore, including the Children’s Garden, which features climbing frames, the CNB splash pad, a discovery tower, larger-thanlife animal sculptures, a maze, tunnels, grow zone, sensory garden, the Rotary Schoolhouse and so much more! The Botanic Park is also home to the Blue Iguana facility where families can meet and learn about the endangered Blue Iguana, as well as enjoy a self-guided nature walk.
(345) 947 9462 Web: www.botanic-park.ky
@QEIIBotanicPark
EXPERIENCE NATURAL WONDER AT THE
children aged 7-13, teens and young adults and also adults. They are located in Unit 4A, Crown Square, Eastern Avenue. Located in Cayman Business Park, Active Karate, offers engaging martial arts training for children ages three and up. Their fun, movement-based sessions build focus, discipline, and confidence in a supportive and inclusive environment. Tel: (345) 916 4876 or email: info@active-ky.com for more information. Finally, Rebel Athletics offers mixed martial arts and fitness classes, including boxing, kickboxing and personal training to anyone over the age of 16. Your first class is free. Located at the Dalmain Ebanks Boxing Gym, Truman Bodden Sports Complex. Tel: (345) 922 0538.
Netball
The Cayman Islands Netball Association has a number of netball leagues, including an U12, U14 and U16 league, as well as an adults league, and for children aged 5-10, there is the ‘Turtle Netters’ league. They meet up to play games on Saturday mornings. Netball is a very popular sport in Cayman with all the schools, public and private, playing it. If you’d like to get involved, call Mrs Faith Crooks, President of Cayman Netball, on (345) 916 6164, email: caymannetball@yahoo.com or visit www.caymannetball.com for more information. Cayman Fury Netball Club is a non-profit organisation, led by experienced coaches. They provide opportunities for girls to play and develop their netball skills and prepare players to compete internationally for the club. Programmes are offered to girls of all skill levels in Grades 4-7 or Years 5-8. Email: caymanfury@netball.ky or visit www.netball.ky.
Parkour
Parkour is a training discipline that builds strength, agility, and confidence through dynamic movements inspired by military obstacle courses. From jumping and climbing to vaulting and rolling, students learn to move through their environment with power and control. At Motions Unlimited, their Parkour programme is
designed for kids aged eight and up— whether they're just getting started or already mastering advanced skills. www. motionsunlimited.com.
Pickleball
Pickleball Cayman, located opposite the Cricket Pitch by the airport, offers 12 shaded floodlit courts and 12 open-air floodlit courts. Professional trainers are onhand to provide private and group training for beginners or advanced players, as well as after-school programmes and holiday camps for kids. To book a court, visit www. pickleball.ky. Cayman Pickleball & Tennis Academy (Tel: (345) 516 0300) has 10 floodlit pickleball courts at their 1960 West Bay Road (near Cemetery Beach) location. They offer group or private lesson for kids and adults, plus you can join their daily open play sessions. The Courts at the RitzCarlton, Grand Cayman have five pickleball courts available to book For more information, email: grandcaymantennis@ ritzcarlton.com or call (345) 323 0049. You can also book courts at The Grand Caymanian Resort (Tel: (345) 949 3100), the Camana Bay Sports Complex (Tel: (345) 640 2878 and the Cayman Islands Tennis Club (www. tennis.ky).
Roller & Inline Skating
Old-fashioned roller skating is great fun and can be done alongside inline skaters every weekend at King’s Sports Centre (SEE AD PAGE 465) . Family skating is on Saturdays from 4.30pm-10pm and on Sundays from 1pm-4pm. Call (345) 946 5464 or visit www.kingssportscentre.com for more information. Their Learn to Skate programme is held at 3.30pm on Saturday afternoons and costs CI$75 for a fivesession package. Participation in a team varies from CI$200-$650 per season. Refer to the hockey section for details on the inline roller hockey league for kids. You can also look at the hockey sections (field, roller and ball) in the Sports & Fitness chapter.
Rugby
The Rugby Club in South Sound holds the
Maples Group Junior Rugby Community Programme for girls and boys aged 3-16 years old on Saturdays 8am-12pm and Sundays 10am-12pm from November to May. Artex and Maples Group academies are held on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 3.30pm-4.30pm from November to June. For information about these or U19 training sessions, contact Caroline Deegan at caroline.deegan@ caymanrugby.com, Tel: (345) 525 6743 or visit www.caymanrugby.com.
SEE AD PAGE 466
Sailing
The Cayman Islands Sailing Club runs various sailing training programmes for kids aged six and up. Programmes run after school from 3.30pm-5.30pm Wednesday to Friday, and on weekends during the school term. The club also hosts popular all-day camps during school holidays with exciting ‘sailing away’ days. Their training boats range from the Pico and Optimist to the Hartley range. If you are interested in a membership, visit www.sailing.ky, email: rharvey@sailing.ky, call (345) 926 7915 or visit the Cayman Islands Sailing Club Facebook page. SEE AD PAGE 430
The Dragon Bay Sailing & Watersports Club, offers adults and children lessons in sailing, kitesurfing, wing foiling and windsurfing. You can also paddleboard there and kayak. They have wonderful holiday camps for kids! Located opposite the North Sound Golf Club off Safehaven Drive. Tel: (345) 922 9614, email: info@dragonbaysailing. ky or see www.dragonbaysailing.ky.
Squash
The Squash Club has a thriving after-school junior programme. They also offer lessons for children, along with beginner and intermediate adult programmes for the community, not just members. Tel: (345) 926 2005 or email: info@squash.ky. See also the Sports & Fitness chapter for more details.
Surfing
Damian Davis, otherwise known as “Damo”,
offers private and small group lessons for those interested in experiencing stand-up paddleboarding, surfing, or wind foiling. Lessons are suitable for children aged eight and above, as well as adults. He also offers mangrove eco tours for a unique nature exploration experience. Tel/WhatsApp: (345) 938 4787. Mica Koll also offers surfing camps in the school holidays to children aged nine and up. Note that your child must be able to swim to participate. Call or WhatsApp: (345) 927 8690 or email: micabeach@gmail.com. His camps get booked up months in advance.
Swimming
The Cayman Islands Aquatic Sports Association (CIASA) is dedicated to the promotion and development of aquatic sports in Cayman. Membership of CIASA connects you to an active aquatic community and opportunities to participate in a variety of aquatic activities and camps. Visit their website (www.caymanaquatics.com) to find a list of registered clubs and swim schools or email: ciasaboard@gmail.com for more information. Laura Ribbins and the Fitness Connection (SEE AD PAGE 463) team are celebrating 35+ years of being a swim school in Grand Cayman. They offer a wide variety of programmes for all ages and abilities with both on-site and mobile instruction. Private lessons, group classes and intensive ‘Learn to Swim’ and ‘Stroke Improvement’ programmes for adults, as well as babies, toddlers and kids are available. Water polo and competitive swimming sessions are available for individual and group training in a 25-meter pool. They also host very popular camps for children aged 4-10. For more information, Tel: (345) 949 8485, email: fitness@fitness. ky or visit www.fitness.ky. Thrive Fit (Tel: (345) 938 1113) offers mobile swimming, yoga and fitness classes for children aged six months and upwards, as well as movement classes for preschool-aged children. They teach water safety, skill development and stroke improvement. Junior Lifeguard Certifications are also available. They also provide lifeguarding at birthday parties
and CPR/AED certification. Sky Blue Aquatics offers swimming lessons from age four months to adult in the comfort and convenience of your pool. Whether it be a house, hotel or condo, they come to you. Their certified and experienced instructors specialise in customising lessons to your needs and focus heavily on water safety. Private, semi-private and small group lessons provide a productive learning environment. Tel: (345) 916 0054 or email: info@skyblueaquatics.com. The Stingray Swim Club is a competitive swim club that offers lessons and coaching to swimmers of all ages and abilities. They are based out of the Lions Aquatic Centre, located on Olympic Way in George Town. Visit www.caymanswimming.com or email: headcoach@stingrayswimclub. ky. Swim For Sheillah offers free swimming assessments for nannies to ensure they are safe to care for children around water. They also offer subsidised group swim lessons for nannies and caregivers. WhatsApp: (345) 526 0054 for details The Camana Bay Aquatic Club (CBAC) is Cayman's largest and most comprehensive swim programme, providing year-round training for athletes of all ages and skill levels. From water safety to elite swimmers competing on the international stage, our team of professional coaches are here to support every athlete in reaching their full potential. To schedule a free assessment or learn more, email info@ cbac.ky or visit www.cbac.ky.
CBAC Artistic Swimming is a synchronised swimming team that is open to all confident swimmers ages five and up. Water shows, skill badges, and international competitions are all part of their programme. For information or to schedule an introductory session, email: synchro@cbac.ky or visit www.cbac.ky.
Swim Teams (Competitive)
The level of competitive swimming in the Cayman Islands is really strong and we have a history of sending athletes to national and international swimming competitions, including the Olympics. If you are interested in joining a swim team, then they
will usually accept children from age eight. The child will be assessed and then grouped based on ability, not age. The following groups are very active in Cayman: The Stingray Swim Club (Tel: (345) 323 2271, email: headcoach@stingrayswimclub.ky, www.caymanswimming.com), Seven Mile Swimmers (Tel: (345) 323 9512, email: smsboarddirectors@gmail.com, www. sevenmileswimmers.com), the Camana Bay Aquatic Club (email: info@cbac.ky or visit www.cbac.ky), the John Gray High School Swim Team and the Sister Islands Swim Club
Tennis
The Cayman Islands Tennis Club (CITC) has several membership options and professionals who provide lessons for all ages. CITC offers an after-school programme, from September-June during term time only and Junior Tennis Camps over the school breaks. For information, Tel: (345) 949 9464 or email: tennis@tennis.ky. For regular updates, visit www.tennis.ky. Cayman Pickleball & Tennis Academy, located at 1960 West Bay Road, offers tennis and pickleball lessons to adults and children from ages three and up. Lessons can be scheduled before and after school, on weekdays and weekends and cost CI$75$90 for a 45-minute to one hour private lesson. Courses run for the duration of the school term. Tennis and pickleball camps are held during school holidays. Email: caymantennisacademy@gmail.com or Tel: (345) 516 0300 for more information. At The Courts at the Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, professionally coached, private or semiprivate lessons are offered. Programmes offered include after school ‘Tiger Tennis’, including Tigers (age three), Super Shots (ages four to six) and High and Elite Performance (ages six to 16). For more information about The Courts, Tel: (345) 323 0049 or email: grandcaymantennis@ ritzcarlton.com. Cayman Performance Tennis teaches private and group tennis lessons for all ages. Tel: (345) 927 8690 or email: micabeach@gmail.com.
Triathlons
The Cayman Islands Triathlon Association organises a number of events throughout the year, including the ‘Stroke and Stride’ race series in September, the Duathlon in October and the popular Cayman Islands Triathlon every November. Visit www. triathlon.ky for more information on upcoming events.
Indoor & Beach Volleyball
The Cayman Islands Volleyball Federation (CIVF) is the non-profit organisation that provides opportunities to play indoor and beach volleyball at a competitive and recreational level. CIVF provides youth development programmes free of charge, including school leagues and tournaments, and weekly practices with international and local instructors. There are also summer and holiday camps and clinics. The national youth teams compete regionally and internationally. CIVF has hosted the annual NORCECA Beach Volleyball Circuit for over ten years, which welcomes over 30 teams from across North America, Central America and the Caribbean. CIVF now also hosts the NORCECA U23 beach volleyball tournament. There are also corporate, one-day, and Sunday beach competitions for players of all levels. Memberships cost CI$10. For more information on current programmes, visit www.civf.ky or check out their social media pages on TikTok, Facebook and Instagram.
Yoga & Relaxation
Yoga Sprouts specialises exclusively in yoga classes for children, toddlers and babies. These interactive and well-planned classes are extremely popular. For more information, Tel: (345) 326 9876 or visit www.yogasproutscayman.com. Kula Kids Yoga (Tel: (345) 916 3007) offers prenatal, postnatal, baby, toddler, children and teen yoga classes, as well as Nature Yoga Camps (midterm and summer breaks) and a Kula swim programme as well as private classes for any age range. The Pilates Studio, located in Governors Square, is a fully equipped boutique studio offering
teen Pilates reformer classes and private/ partner training, as well as mat work and cardio classes, and fitness training. They offer private Pilates training for kids of all ages email: info@pilates.ky or visit www. pilates.ky.
CULTURAL & EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS IN CAYMAN
Throughout the year, there are many activities for children that celebrate local traditions, such as Pirates Week, Junior Batabano and CayMAS's Teen Jam. Visit the Activities for Adults chapter for more details. Also, for information on other kidfriendly events, visit the Cayman Parent website at www.caymanparent.com/events, and the comprehensive events calendar on the Explore Cayman website at www. explorecayman.com/event-calendar.
Afternoon Tea
Every Bloomin’ Thing has a charming English tearoom where they offer traditional cream tea and freshly made scones, quiche, soups and tea sandwiches. Open seven days a week. Reservations are recommended. Tel: (345) 945 1701 or email: info@ebt.com. ky. Anchor & Den, located at the Grand Cayman Marriott Resort on Seven Mile Beach, offers a Mad Tea Party on select Saturdays from 1.30pm to 4.30pm. Enjoy decadent cakes, a chocolate fountain and special ‘drink me’ potions. You must have a minimum of 10 guests to book. Tel: (345) 949 0088.
Indulge in the refined elegance of afternoon tea at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman at Silver Palm Lounge (SEE AD PAGE 211) . They host an elegant traditional British afternoon tea with a delightful array of scrumptious pastries, freshly baked scones, sandwiches and perfectly brewed teas. Reservations are required for this iconic Ritz-Carlton tradition. The event is held on Friday, Saturday and Sunday only, from 2-4pm. Prices start at CI$50 for adults. They also offer a Little Cayman Kids’ Tea for children, plus holiday-themed events around Easter and Christmas that are perfect for families. For reservations, call
(345) 815 6912. Visit www.ritzcarlton. com/grandcayman for more information.
Arts & Crafts
The National Gallery for the Cayman Islands (NGCI) has an extensive education schedule offering a wealth of community programmes such as ‘Family Fun Days’, which take place roughly once per quarter, special events and free exhibition guides created for families to enjoy quality time together. In addition, they offer a weekly after-school programme, ‘Walkers Art Club,’ for all ages, from preschoolers to teens. Summer programmes for families are also offered. Pre-registration may be required for special events. Email: education@nationalgallery. org.ky or visit the ‘What’s On’ section at www.nationalgallery.org.ky for a complete programme of events.
Art’y Parties offers art parties, face painting, waterproof airbrush body painting, home school and art clubs, school holiday art camps, private art classes, waterproof school labels and personalised party favours. Tel: (345) 928 0284, email: artypartiescayman@yahoo.com or visit www.artypartiescayman.com for more information. Kara Julian Art hosts art classes for birthdays and special occasions for children aged six and up to adults at your chosen venue. Tel: (345) 925 6840 or visit: www.karajulianart.com.
3 Girls & A Kiln offers a Saturday kids’ drop-in studio once a month from 11am2pm, with no need to book. The price for adults is CI$10 and CI$8 for kids, plus the amount for your chosen piece (anywhere between CI$15 and CI$50). They also offer camps during the school holidays. Visit www.3girlsandakiln.com for dates, times and more information. Shilpa offers step-by-step henna tattoo tutorials, face painting and arts and crafts activities and classes. Tel: (345) 927 1763 or email: tshilpa74@gmail.com.
Art Nest offers a variety of weekly, quarterly and after-school creative classes for toddlers, children, teens and families. They also offer popular art camps during the school holidays. Elizabethan Square, 80
Shedden Road, George Town. Call (345) 927 2258 for a full schedule of monthly events.
Celebrating Birthdays
Parties are usually held at home, on the beach or at an activity-based venue such as Motions Unlimited, which hosts parties on Saturdays from 3.30pm-5.30pm through the months of September-June. They will provide the food, decorations and even the cake; making this an easy option for parents and a venue that kids love. Art Nest hosts art birthday parties at their studio in Elizabethan Square, George Town on Sundays at 11am-1pm and 3pm-5pm. Email: events@artnestcayman.com for more information.
For themed sleepovers and parties, contact Paradise Slumbers. Choose from one of their popular themes, and Paradise Slumbers will transform your party space into an indoor ‘glamping’ oasis with individual tents, camping mattresses, fairy lights and more. Visit www. paradiseslumbers.ky to find out more. The Partybooth Cayman offers customised photo booths with various props for parties and events. Tel: (345) 926 4100, Email: partyboothcayman@yahoo.com or visit:www.partyboothcayman.com.
National Gallery offers exciting birthday party opportunities for children of all ages. Parties at the gallery feature creative hands-on art activities and include the use of the gallery’s gardens and art studio, tables and chairs, catering, party favours, a gallery tour and teacher-led activities. Art parties can be booked by emailing: events@nationalgallery.org.ky.
For parties and private bookings for 5-12 year olds, check out Camp Seafire. They provide fun party themes at the amazing splash park with waterslides as well as inside Camp Seafire. Camp Seafire curates parties to suit specific request and can include options like face painting, scavenger hunts, arts and crafts and more! For details, email: campseafire@seafireresortandspa.com. The Children’s Garden at the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park (SEE AD PAGE 453) is also a great
venue as it features climbing frames, the CNB splash pad, a discovery tower, a maze and a sensory garden, as well as a picnic area and plenty of shade. For more information or to make a booking, call (345) 947 9462, email: info@botanic-park.ky or visit www. botanic-park.ky.
At Cinderella’s Enchanted Parties, talented performers bring different characters like Cinderella, Elsa, The Little Mermaid, Spiderman, Jedi's, Chase from Paw Patrol and Harry Potter to life through interactive storytelling, games, singing, dancing and coronation ceremonies. They offer thoughtfully designed party packages for birthdays, and host educational, play-based Princess and Superhero Camps throughout the year, blending imaginative play with character-led activities that spark joy and creativity. WhatsApp (345) 923 6797, email: magic@cinderellasparties.com or visit www.cinderellasparties.com.
King’s Sports Centre has birthday packages for skating parties, bowling parties and a combination of skating and bowling parties. A full description of each birthday package can be found at www. kingssportcentre.com/birthday-packages. For more information, email: kings@ candw.ky or Tel: (345) 946 5464. There are several companies that also provide services in arts and crafts, face painting, magicians and bouncy castles. See the Party Supplies and Rentals section in the Shopping chapter for more information.
For catering, see the Food and Drink chapter. Also, most of the cafés on the island can provide a party menu. For special cakes, you can contact somewhere like The Cake Studio (Tel: (345) 926 4944).
Chess Lessons & Tournaments
The Cayman Islands Chess Federation (Tel: (345) 525 5862, email: check@cicf. ky) hosts a Master Class Programme for beginners and novices to play on a Saturday morning at the George Town Public Library 10am-12pm during term time for age four to adult. They also now have over 50 FIDE rated players and hold regular tournaments. On Tuesday evenings
they hold a social chess night at Sunset House at 6pm, and they have a Youth Chess Director who runs a school chess education programme in five government schools.
Cinema & Outdoor Movies
Camana Bay Cinema (Tel: (345) 640 3456) is Cayman’s state-of-the-art movie theatre. It is located in the heart of Camana Bay and boasts seven screens, three of which are VIP auditoriums complete with 4K picture resolution, Dolby Atmos Immersive Audio and luxury recliners. Select auditoriums also include extravagant day beds and laser projection for the ultimate viewing experience. They host a range of events, including Kids Club, Classics @ the Cinema and Culture @ the Cinema. Grab a snack, delicious chicken wings or a freshly made pizza from the fully stocked concession stand. For current movie listings and times, visit www.bigscreen.ky. Camana Bay also has a variety of restaurants to dine in beforehand. Refer to the Food & Drink chapter for a list of restaurants in Cayman. In addition, The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman features Movies Under the Stars at Andiamo Restaurant. Make it a family night with Andiamo’s homemade pasta, pizza, gelato and other Italian favourites, served al fresco, overlooking the resort’s winding waterways. For reservations and the current movie schedule, call (345) 815 6912.
SEE AD PAGE 211
Cultural Workshops
The Mission House hosts traditional craft and cultural classes and workshops. For more information, email: historic@ nationaltrust.org.ky. The Cayman National Cultural Foundation (CNCF) plays a pivotal role in educating students about the arts and culture of the Cayman Islands. The comprehensive lesson support offered by CNCF equips educators with an abundance of resources for use in educational environments. CNCF also offers tours of the Mind’s Eye Centre, home of the late Miss Lassie Bush, Cayman’s acclaimed visionary, intuitive artist. During the tour,
students explore the artist’s work, and view traditional Caymanian architecture while learning about traditional industries and pivotal moments in Cayman's history. Mind’s Eye tours are by appointment only. For more information, call (345) 949 5477, email: programmes@artscayman.org or visit www.artscayman.org.
Live Theatre for Kids & Teens Theatre classes can inspire creativity and better confidence in kids! Budding young actors, actresses and theatre lovers are invited to further develop their acting skills in weekly acting classes at the Cayman Drama Society (SEE AD PAGE 435) They offer regular classes for kids aged 7-18 where they cover acting, voice work, performance and improvisation, along with script studies and performances. They have something for everyone and even run summer camps ending with a performance on the Playhouse Stage. With four to six productions per year, there is scope for young would-be thespians to also get involved in productions both backstage and on-stage. Once the children reach 18 they can move up to adult acting classes. For more information, email: training@ cds.ky or visit www.cds.ky/classes for a closer look at their offerings.
Centre Pointe Ltd. produces theatre and dance shows involving students of the school. They also provide after-school classes, themed workshops, technique intensives, half-term camps and birthday parties. Tel: (345) 323 7960 or (345) 926 9603 or visit www.centrepointelimited. com.
The Radiance Dance Studio, offers dance classes with performing opportunities throughout the year including an annual Christmas and end-of-year production. For more information, email: info@radiance. ky or visit www.radiance.ky. Musicians Ltd. provides performing arts group classes with several major performing opportunities throughout the year, including their annual production. Email: office@musicians.ky or Tel: (345) 525 6787.
Musical Instrument & Singing Lessons
Cayman Music School in Camana Bay offers a variety of instrumental lessons in guitar, piano, flute, drums, violin, saxophone, ukulele and bass, as well as lessons in singing, music theory and recording. They also offer a DJ course, musical theatre, band and drama classes. Music camps are held over school breaks. Other facilities include a music shop, The Music Box, instrument repair and a recording studio. Visit www.caymanmusicschool.com, email: caymanmusicschool@gmail.com or Tel: (345) 938 3838 (school) or (345) 929 2999 (shop).
Musicians Ltd. is a leading provider of music and performing arts in the Cayman Islands. Instrumental lessons are offered on piano, guitar, violin, cello, flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, drums and composition. Lessons are available at their dedicated studio, as well as several schools on-island. For more information, visit www.musicians.ky or tel: (345) 525 6787. To register, email: office@musicians. ky. Earl La Pierre, an experienced steel pan artist and performer teaches at local schools such as Triple C and Cayman Prep and High School. The Cayman Youth Choir is open for kids aged 4-18 years old and is free to join. No audition is necessary. The three differing age groups meet on Mondays between 3.30pm-5.45pm. For more information, email Naomi Allnutt at caymanyouthchoir@gmail.com or visit their Facebook page.
Spark! School of Performing Arts offers private vocal and instrument music lessons in piano, ukulele, guitar, flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, violin, cello, steel pan, drum kit and music technology. They also offer musical theatre classes which combine singing and acting. For more information and to register, see www.sparkcayman.com or call (345) 929 2190. Nicole Bodden offers music tutoring, and singing and piano lessons at her studio in the Barnett Building. Tel: (345) 917 3753 or nicolebodden@gmail.com for more information.
JukeBox offers a mobile music service
providing enriching instrumental and singing lessons within the comfort of your own home. Their holistic approach to music education focusses on nurturing creativity, fostering a love for music, and promoting overall developmental growth. Their popular early-years sensory classes, which include a full Kindermusik programme are a great way to meet other parents. Call (345) 321 5731, email: info@ jukebox.ky or visit www.jukebox.ky.
The National Trust
This conservation-focused non-profit organisation offers online resources for kids on topics such as coral reefs, Blue Iguanas, traditional Caymanian homes and more. Check the Education page of their website for videos, toolkits and teacher resources. You can also book a school visit from one of their experts. Tel: (345) 749 1121, email: education@nationaltrust.org.ky or visit www. nationaltrust.org.ky. For more information on The National Trust, see page 427 in the Activities for Adults chapter.
Pirates Week Festival
The Pirates Week Festival is one of the biggest cultural events in the Cayman Islands. Pirates Week has become the country’s largest celebration, drawing some 35,000 patrons. The highlight of the festival is the waterfront Landing Pageant and Float Parade in George Town. During this event, thousands of people line the streets to watch a mock take-over of the island by a band of fighting pirates, who come ashore by pirate ship. A parade, street dance and fireworks display also take place. It’s a fantastic experience for families and many children enjoy dressing up. Other features of the festival include an abundance of music, culture and delicious local food. The 2025 festival kicked off in Grand Cayman at the start of November (8th15th) of November and wrapped up in the Sister Islands toward the end of November (21st-22nd). For more information, visit www.piratesfestcayman.com.
Playgroups
Marriott Mums casually meet every Tuesday morning at the grand foyer at the Marriott Grand Cayman Resort. All mums and babies are welcome and they have a WhatsApp group you can join for updates and meeting times.
Storytelling
Children love being read aloud to, and the stories can help to develop their imaginations. Next Chapter, located next to Starbucks in Camana Bay, hosts Storytime (geared toward infants and toddlers) on the first Sunday of every month at 10am. Join them at Gardenia Court (located just behind Next Chapter) for wonderful storytime sessions that will ignite children’s imaginations. Tel: (345) 640 BOOK (2665) or visit www.nextchapter.ky.
Technology
Machine Learning Robotics by TechCayman is a great option for kids interested in learning more about technology. This twoday weekend camp is held every month and is open to kids aged 11 and up. It’s free to join and meets from 9am-3pm, provided you have registered by email. This group strives to inspire the next generation of young engineers in the Cayman Islands. Each team of two creators and one mentor shares a robotics kit and programming workstation, collaborating to build and programme robots to autonomously navigate increasingly complex puzzles. For more information, email: education@ techcayman.com or el: (345) 326 0148.
PUBLIC LIBRARIES
Cayman’s public libraries (CIPLS) boast a fully accessible book collection for both adults and children, as well as a comprehensive e-book collection. Children who are confident readers can take part in their annual Summer (JulyAugust) Reading Programme. Visit www. cipl.gov.ky or their Facebook page (@ CIPLS) for more information on such programmes and events. Library cards are free for children (up to the age of 17) and
cost CI$5 a year for adults. Here is a list of public libraries in the Cayman Islands:
> George Town Library: 68 Edward Street, George Town. Tel: (345) 949 5159
> Emily Redley Powery Library: 182 Reverend Blackman Road, West Bay. Tel: (345) 949 7659
> Vernon L. Jackson Memorial (Bodden Town) Library: 69 Bodden Town Road, Bodden Town. Tel: (345) 947 0966
> North Side Library: 891 North Side Road, North Side. Tel: (345) 947 9362
> East End Library: 2739 Sea View Road, East End. Tel: (345) 947 7729
> Cayman Brac Library: 263B Stake Bay Road, Cayman Brac. Tel: (345) 948 0472
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
Cadet Corps
The Cayman Islands Cadet Corps is a youth development organisation for high school students, aged 11-18. The programme is comprised of challenging, military-style adventures and community activities (adapted from the British ACF 4-star progressive training system), providing viable pathways for careers in the uniformed services. The programme also offers a wide range of activities, including drills, field craft, adventure, navigation, first aid, and water-based activities. For more information, Tel: (345) 244 8301, email: cadetcorps@gov.ky or visit www. cicadetcorps.ky.
Girl Guides Association
Girlguiding Cayman Islands gives girls (aged five years and up) and women a space where they can be themselves, have fun, build friendships, gain valuable life skills and make a positive difference to the community. Sections include Rainbows, Brownies, Guides and Rangers. Girl Guide members enjoy a variety of annual events, including camps, sleepovers and leadership days. For more information, email: ggcimarketing@gmail.com or visit their website at www.girlguiding.ky or their Facebook page at www.facebook. com/girlguidingcaymanislands.
Scouts Association
The Scouts Association offers a fun, nonformal educational programme that encourages the holistic development of boys, mainly through enjoyable outdoor activities. Programmes offered include the Beaver-Scout programme (6-8 years), the Cub-Scout programme (8-11 years) and the Scouts programme (11-19 years), where boys of all ages will enjoy developing vital skills and earning badges. Groups meet weekly in different districts. Tel: (345) 939 8813 or visit www.ciscouts.ky.
YMCA Teen Lead On Programme
YMCA’s ‘Teen Lead On’ programme utilises the Ropes Challenge Course and other adventure-based elements across the island to provide teens with speciality leadership training. Teens who complete the programme will receive an official YMCA Leadership certificate that will assist with school and job applications in the future. The teens will also be provided with opportunities to volunteer with YMCA programmes, with an expectation that they serve a minimum of 30 hours within three months of programme completion. The programme is offered free of charge to teens, aged 13-17, one week in the summer and requires an application and an interview process for successful participants. Visit https://ymcacayman. ky/teens.
HOLIDAY CAMPS
The island offers a huge selection of kids holiday camps throughout the year, with everything from sports and art to music and more. There is something for everyone. Check out the ‘Kids Camp’ pages on the Cayman Parent website (www. caymanparent.com) for a comprehensive list of 85+ different camps. Many of these get fully booked up far in advance of the school break, so plan ahead to ensure your kids are covered!
Search for the latest kids camps
Sports
& Fitness
Opportunities to get involved in Sports have grown significantly in the Cayman Islands over the years. Since the first competitive sporting event in 1935, the formation of the Cayman Islands Olympic Committee, and the rise of sports tourism have helped position Caymanian athletes on both a local and international scale. Four athletes represented Cayman at the 2024 Olympics, which marked the 12th time that Cayman has been represented at the Summer games, and the momentum continued throughout 2025 with Cayman’s squash athletes sweeping the podium at the Island Games in Orkney, taking home gold, silver and bronze. Youth development is also rising: over 160 athletes competed in the Cayman Athletics National Championships and Cayman’s U17 basketball team went undefeated at Hoop Fest.
There are a diverse range of sports offerings, associations and competitions year-round. Whether you are a very keen athlete or just want to be part of a team to meet friends and stay fit, there are many opportunities. We write about it all in this chapter. Also keep an eye on the Events Calendar on www.explorecayman.com or download the What’s On Cayman app for more details.
Cayman Athletics is the governing body for athletics in the Cayman Islands, and they promote, develop and encourage participation in athletics
Photos courtesy of Cayman Cycling, Cayman Aquatics, Pickleball Cayman & Cayman Rugby Club.
Training sessions are held every afternoon at the Truman Bodden Sports Complex (TBSC). The main athletics club for adults is Speed Athletics, which meets at the TBSC every Monday-Thursday at 4.30pm. Call Coach Porter on (345) 525 2793 or email: speedathleticstrackclub@ gmail.com. Hy-Tech Tigers TFC is run by Coach Williams, who is also the National Track and Field Coach. They meet Monday-Thursday at 3pm and on Saturday mornings at 8am at the TBSC. Events offered include sprints, hurdles, middle and long distance, high, long and triple jump, discus, shot put and javelin. Email: hytechtrackclub@gmail.com or call (345) 925 1943. Finally, there is the Mustang Track Club which trains MondayThursday from 3.30pm-5.30pm at the TBSC. Call (345) 925 6917 or email: mustangtrackclub1@gmail.com for more information and to register.
Basketball
King’s Sports Centre (SEE AD PAGE 465) has two indoor basketball courts that can be rented for practice. Tel: (345) 946 5464 for details. The Cayman Islands Basketball Association offers a men’s and women’s programme which is open to all. For more information, contact Coach Voot O’Garro on Tel: (345) 916 5083, email: info@caymanbasketball. com or visit www.caymanbasketball.com. The Cayman Island’s Classic is an annual NCAA Division I basketball tournament in George Town. Since launching in 2017, the event has gained great popularity, now featuring men’s and women’s tournaments. It brings top U.S college teams to the Islands boosting sports tourism.
Boot Camps
Camana Bay Boot Camp is free and offers a high-intensity workout. They meet at 6pm every Tuesday at the corner of the Cayman International School (CIS), close to the gymnasium and indoor basketball court. Classes last about an hour and are open to all members of the public, regardless of fitness level and age. Tel: (345) 927 1377, email: jacogsmit@gmail.com or see Instagram (@
tuesday_running_bootcamp).
Boxing
For casual boxing, visit the D. Dalmain Ebanks boxing gym at the Truman Bodden Sports Complex. The Cayman Islands Boxing Association offers recreational and amateur boxing, calisthenics, kickboxing, circuit training and general strength and conditioning programmes. Email: info@ cibaky.com or visit www.cibaky.com.
Rebel Athletics (Tel: (345) 922 0538) offers training in boxing and other combat sports with personalised programmes and group classes available. They also host annual youth summer programmes and classes. The Academy (Tel: (345) 323 9778) in Cannon Place offers adult boxing classes and one-to-one training. The fitness classes at FNSports (Tel: (345) 929 4555) incorporate kickboxing, cardio HITT and boxfit techniques.
Camana Bay Sports Complex
The Camana Bay Sports Complex facilities include tennis, basketball and pickleball courts, a FIFA two-star rated football pitch and an eight-lane 25m swimming pool. The arts and recreation centre (ARC) is also available for volleyball, basketball and more, and access to the sports field is open for recreational games of ultimate frisbee or football. To book any of the sports facilities, email: cbsc@camanabay.com or Tel: (345) 640 2878.
Cricket
Cricket in Cayman is very popular and on any given day you will find people training at the Smith Road Cricket Oval in George Town. Cayman Cricket offers coaching and practice sessions for men on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 5.30pm-8pm, for women on Monday and Wednesday evenings from 5pm-8pm and for juniors on Saturday mornings from 9am-11.30am and Sunday 3pm-5.30pm. There are five teams in the 1st division and ten teams in the 2nd division. Domestic competition games are regularly played on Saturdays and Sundays at the Jimmy
Powell Oval in West Bay and the Smith Road Oval in George Town. To find a club that you can join, call (345) 517 9328 or email: info@caymancricket.ky.
CrossFit
CrossFit is not just a lifestyle; it’s a community. Their unique coaching approach strives to help people achieve their fitness goals throughout every stage of life. Three gyms that offer CrossFit in the Cayman Islands include: CrossFit Cayman (Tel: (345) 929 8450), School of Fitness (Tel: (345) 916 0171) and World Gym (Tel: (345) 949 5132).
Cycling
Cayman’s flat topography and warm climate are good for recreational and competitive cycling, however, after a spate of collisions between cyclists and motorists, and the death of Per Undheim, a keen triathlete who was knocked off his bike and killed on an early morning ride on Easter Monday 2025, there have been Island-wide calls for road users to share the road safely. Cayman Cycling is a registered non-profit organisation and the governing body for cycling in the Cayman Islands. They organise and support local recreational cycling, racing and charity events. Additionally, they champion athletes representing the country at international games and racing events at the Caribbean, Pan American, World Championship and Olympic levels. Closer to home, the Cayman Islands has a vibrant and diverse cycling community, and for those looking to join in with the local cycling scene, there are group rides and cycling tours for every level. For more information visit www.caymancycling. ky, email: info@caymancycling.ky or connect with them across all social platforms (@caymancycling). For routes and information on local group rides, visit their Strava page at www.strava.com/clubs/ caymancycling.
Darts
The Cayman Islands Darts Association (email: caymandartsassociation@gmail.
com) meets every Tuesday evening at Mango Tree Restaurant or Fidel Murphy’s Pub. They also hold monthly tournaments and select national players to compete at the Caribbean Darts Championships which takes place in July of every other year. They are expected to compete in the 2026 tournament which will be taking place in the Bahamas. They hope to host an event in the Cayman Islands by 2030. Ask them about their new corporate league for businesses to enjoy a fun staff night out.
Dance
The Cayman Islands National Dance Company is a non-profit organisation established in 1988, which manages the national dance team and performs both locally and internationally. They offer dance classes for beginners to advanced. For more information call (345) 916 0146 or email: cinationaldancecompany@gmail.com. KRI
Performing Arts School, run by Kirk Rowe at 98 Shedden Road, is well known for its Latin and salsa classes, but they also
teach jazz, hip-hop, contemporary, belly dancing, Afro-Caribbean and reggae. Tel: (345) 924 4089. Located in Galleria Plaza, Quinntessential Movement offers pole and aerial fitness, chair dance, Ballet Beats, stretch and dance fitness classes. They also offer wedding dances, private or small group sessions, bachelorette parties, aerial and dance sessions for children. Tel: (345) 745 8973 or email: info@qmovement. dance. Bailamos Dance Studio in the Barnett Building on 24 Huldah Avenue offers a range of dance classes (contemporary, ballet, etc) for all ages. Tel: (345) 917 7832. Try bachata and salsa classes at Fuego Latin Dance at 10C Huldah Avenue. Tel: (345) 939 1010.
Spark! School of Performing Arts offers dance as it relates to their musical theatre and performing arts classes. Their programmes focus on song, movement and drama/storytelling, creating an immersive experience that fosters creativity and expression to enhance your musical theatre journey. Visit www.sparkcayman.com or
call (345) 929 2190 for more information.
Diving
See the Diving chapter on page 478.
Football/Soccer
The Cayman Islands Flag Football Association (CIFFA) hosts various leagues of competition throughout the year, including an adult co-ed league (February-May), along with men’s and women’s summer leagues that kick off in June. They run an adult beach league on Sunday mornings at Public Beach in October from 9am-11am. Email: ciffa345@gmail.com for more information or follow them on Instagram and Facebook for game schedules and updates. The Cayman Islands Football Association (CIFA) men’s and women’s premier leagues run from September to June, with games on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights at local stadiums. Teams are welcoming to all new players. For further information, Tel: (345) 749 5775 or email Marcos Tinoco on cayman.fa.gs@gmail.com or visit www. caymanislandsfa.com. The Cayman Islands Gaelic Football Club (CIGFC) is one of the most popular clubs on the Island and is the largest sports club, with over 600 playing members. Gaelic Football is easily learned, with the club running introductory training sessions in January of each year for new players. The club welcomes players of all skill levels. There are eight women’s and ten men’s teams. Games are played on Friday nights and Sundays at the Camana Bay Sports Complex, with the season running from January to June. Email: info@ caymangaelic.com for more information or message Instagram @caymangaa. The Cayman Islands Sunday Football League comprises eight football teams who play each other three times for a total of 21 league games throughout the season, which kicks off on the first Sunday in October. Teams are always on the lookout for new players. For details on how to get involved, visit cisfl.leaguerepublic.com or their Facebook page.
The Cayman Islands Golf Association is a great resource for learning more about golfing in the Cayman Islands. Visit www.ciga.ky for information on upcoming tournaments, golf developments and member benefits, or email: secretary@ciga.ky for other ways to get involved. The North Sound Golf Club is Grand Cayman’s only 18-hole Championship golf course. The 6,400-yard course has a rating of 71.3 and a slope of 134. The club is open to the public with daily, twilight and resident rates. You can take advantage of their full-service driving range, have a lesson with a PGA professional or just relax at the open-air bar. Tel: (345) 947 4653 or visit www.northsoundclub. com for more information. The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club is set amid Grand Cayman’s lush scenery and was designed by Greg Norman. It features a nine-hole golf course designed to make its 470-yard-hole play feel like 600 yards winding through the saltwater canals of the North Sound. Named the World’s Best 9-Hole Golf Course by the World Golf Awards, the course is open to all golf levels and several membership options are available. For more information, call (345) 815 6500 or visit www.ritzcarlton.com/ grandcayman. You can also practise your swing indoors at Cayman Golf Lab, which features three large golf simulators and a 600 ft putting green, making it Grand Cayman’s largest indoor golf facility. They also offer lessons for adults, and children aged five to 16 in their afterschool programme. Additionally, their facility is open for events and party bookings. They are located in The Strand at 46 Canal Point Drive. Tel: (345) 938 5484, email: info@caymangolflab.com or visit www. caymangolflab.com. Party Masters also offers a mobile mini golf service for adults and children. Tel: (345) 525 5151 or fill out the ‘contact us’ form on their website by visiting www.partymasterscayman.com.
Gyms, Fitness & Personal Training
Gyms provide the usual weight training areas and fitness machines, along with certified instructors and a variety of fitness
classes. If you would like a more tailored and personalised fitness programme, Grand Cayman has plenty of good personal trainers who can offer training and nutrition and lifestyle coaching.
AgileFit Fitness Facility
125 Barcadere Warehouse Park, George Town
Tel: (345) 324 8099
Email: info@agilefit.ky
www.agilefit.ky
Anytime Fitness
Two locations: 82 Market Street, Camana Bay and Harbour Walk, Red Bay
Tel: (345) 946 4748
www.anytimefitness.com
CrossFit Cayman
50 Lincoln Dr, George Town www.crossfitcayman.com
ELITE Fitness/ Erika Abbruzzetti
Tel: (345) 547 2336
Email: erika3cayman@gmail.com
Offering a mobile service adaptable to those with access to a private gym. Erika specialises in weight loss, functional training, pilates, overall wellness, and sport-specific athletic preparation. With two degrees in Exercise and Sports Science, and years of experience, she ensures a professional approach.
ENERGY Pilates
171 Elgin Avenue, Cricket Square, George Town Tel: (345) 928 2673
www.energycayman.com
From dynamic group reformer and mat classes to personalised one-on-one sessions, their expert instructors tailor each session to meet the unique needs and goals of every client.
Evolution Fitness Cayman
Unit B9, 115B Printer Way, George Town
Tel: (345) 938 3348
www.evolutionfitness.ky
A female-centric boutique fitness coaching studio with a particular focus on middle-aged women. Their programming encompasses movement, mindset, nutrition and recovery. They offer individual/partner/small group
training sessions in various packages.
Fitness Connection
1 Bambi Close, Glen Eden Road, South Sound
Tel: (345) 949 8485
Email: fitness@fitness.ky www.fitness.ky
A family fitness and aquatic facility that offers numerous adult fitness classes every month, including aerobics and aquatic boot camp, Tabata circuit training and speciality boot camps, as well as personalised training sessions. Water polo and competitive swimming sessions are also available for both individual and group training in a 25-meter pool. SEE AD PAGE 463
FitBabe
110 Cannon Place, George Town
Tel: (345) 328 2223 or www. fitbabe.ky
A women-only gym. Open 24/7.
Form Pilates
Unit 2C Buckingham Square, West Bay Road
Tel: (345) 925 3207 or www.formpilates.ky
F45 Studio
The Strand, West Bay Road
Tel: (345) 326 4545
Runs 45-minute circuit-based classes.
Great Wight Fitness
Plaza Venezia, North Sound Road
Tel: (345) 922 8999
A small training studio that offers personal, partner or small group personalised sessions with one of their certified trainers.
ICON Fitness
354 Millennium Place Shedden Road, GT
Tel: (345) 517 2724
Led by Lance Ray, they offer personal training and small group training programmes designed to meet each client’s specific needs.
KARV Gym
Tel: (345) 949 3753
A 24 hour gym with personal trainers.
Palm Heights Gym & Spa
747 West Bay Road, Seven Mile Beach
Tel: (345) 949 1234
www.palmheights.com
The Performance Lab by FNSports
68 Mary Street, George Town
Tel: (345) 929 4555
The Pilates Studio
Governors Square, Lime Tree Bay Avenue, SMB
Email: info@pilates.ky or www.pilates.ky
A fully equipped boutique studio offering private/partner/trio training as well as small group reformer classes. They specialise in rehabilitation training, TPI golf conditioning as well as Pilates and fitness for mature adults. Also private pre and post-natal sessions.
Powerhouse Gym in Kings Sports Centre
861 Crewe Road, George Town
Tel: (345) 946 5464
Email: kings@candw.ky
www.kingssportscentre.com
Located within King’s Sports Centre on Crewe Road, this gym offers the widest range of weights, cardio and strength-training equipment, plus a variety of group fitness classes, including high altitude power, body sculpt and toning, legs, butt and thighs, reggae aerobics and mixed aerobics. The full annual schedule is posted on their website. They also offer one-on-one training with their internationally qualified personal trainers. Open Monday-Thursday 5am-10pm, Friday 5am-9pm, Saturday and Sunday 8am-5pm and Public Holidays 8am-4pm. SEE AD PAGE 465
Pro Fitness
Countryside Shopping Village, Savannah
Tel: (345) 947 5464
The Rec Room
The Grove, 1358 West Bay Road, SMB
Tel: (345) 746 3624
www.therecroomgym.com
Offers a membership and class gym, which includes a member’s lounge, changing pods, a gym area and two fitness studios, as well as a 15,000sq ft one-to-one facility.
Revolutions Indoor Cycling
Barnett Building, 24 Huldah Avenue, GT
Tel: (345) 516 2453
RYDE Cayman
The Crescent, Camana Bay
Tel: (345) 746 7933
www.rydecayman.com
School of Fitness
115 Printer Way, George Town and Caymanian Village, 66 North Sound Road, George Town
Tel: (345) 916 0171
Email: schooloffitness.ky@gmail.com
T-Fit Personal Training Studio
5 West Bay Road, Carrington Place, GT
Tel: (345) 923 1556
Email: trinaggillis@gmail.com
World Gym Fitness Centre
Behind Queens Court, Snooze Lane, SMB
Email: worldgymhelpdesk@gmail.com
Tel: (345) 949 5132
Hockey - Field
The Cayman Field Hockey Club meets for weekly mixed games on Tuesday 6pm-7pm at the T.E. McField Annex field. Everyone is welcome regardless of age, gender or ability. Bring a white shirt and a coloured shirt, along with your stick, protective equipment and something to drink. Spare sticks are usually available. You pay CI$8 per game, and your first game is free. If you’d like to join the club, annual membership is CI$220. Contact the committee at info@ caymanhockey.com. For more information about Cayman’s field hockey community visit caymanhockey.com.
Hockey
- Roller & Ball
King’s Sports Centre offers several hockey leagues and programmes. The men’s roller hockey league plays on Tuesday nights. The men’s ball hockey league plays on Thursday nights, with drop-in on Sundays. For more information, Tel: (345) 946 5464 or email: kings@candw.ky. SEE AD OPPOSITE PAGE
Horseback Riding
Pampered Ponies (Tel: (345) 916 2540), Spirit of the West (Tel: (345) 916 6488) and Coral Stone Stables (Tel: (345) 916 4799) offer organised private and group
horseback beach rides along Barkers Beach. Resident rates are available. The Equestrian Center Riding School & Boarding Stables (Tel: (345) 516 1751 or (345) 916 1751) offers English riding lessons for beginners to advanced with FEI-qualified instructors, training dressage, show jumping and vaulting. They also offer boarding and livery with tailored feeding and training schedules for your horse. Email: equestriancentercayman@gmail.co m. Cayman Riding School offers a full boarding facility and riding lessons for adults and children in show jumping, dressage and cross-country with BHS and FEI-qualified instructors who are also trained in first aid (an AED is on site). Tel: (345) 926 7669 or email: caymanridingschool@gmail.com.
Hunting
Marine life in Cayman is heavily protected, and there are strict rules in place on protected species and hunting seasons. For more information on hunting marine life, see the Boating chapter. Some species of wildlife and plants are endangered and are protected under the National Conservation Act (2013). Visit www.doe.ky for a full list.
King Pin Bowling
King Pin Bowling at the King’s Sports Centre on Crewe Road has a four-lane bowling alley, a waiting lounge and a bar. It’s an ideal venue for parties or corporate events as it comfortably accommodates up to 24 bowlers (six people per lane). Walk-ins are welcomed but booking in advance is recommended. For more information, Tel: (345) 946 2695 or email: kingpinbowling@ candw.ky. SEE AD THIS PAGE
Martial Arts
There are a variety of martial arts schools on the Island. Purple Dragon School of Martial Arts, on the 2nd floor of the Reliable Industries Building, 313 Compass Drive, runs adult classes in Don Jitsu Ryu and fitness kickboxing classes. Each programme allows one free trial class. Tel: (345) 916 1416 (Dojo). The Academy, located in Cannon Place, offers functional training,
martial arts (boxing and MMA) and military based conditioning, The Academy delivers a different and personalised approach to helping people mentally and physically. Tel: (345) 323 9778 or email: info@theacademy.ky for more information. For lessons in Taekwondo, go to the Cayman Islands Taekwondo Academy (Tel: (345) 926 5006 or (345) 328 5006) in Crown Square, Eastern Avenue. They provide classes for adults and children. The cost for adults is CI$150 per month and this includes three lessons a week. Cayman Associated School of Karate (CASK) at King’s Sports Centre on Crewe Road offers Wado Karate classes and a Tai Chi programme. For more information, Tel: (345) 925 3367 or visit www.caskcayman.com. Rebel Athletics (Tel: (345) 922 0538) offers a wide variety of mixed martial arts and fitness classes, including boxing, kickboxing and personal training. Your first class is free. Located at the Dalmain Ebanks Boxing Gym, Truman Bodden Sports Complex.
Netball
The Cayman Islands Netball Association (CINA) holds matches on Thursdays and Saturdays at the Truman Bodden Sports Complex. Leagues include the Senior Women’s League, Fast Five Co-ed League, Goodwill League and Mixed League. New players over 16 are always welcome to join any of the established clubs or make up their own squad. They also have a U16 academy on Mondays after school. Call Mrs Faith Crooks, President of Cayman Netball, on (345) 916 6164 for more information. Email: caymannetball@yahoo.com or visit www.caymannetball.com.
Paddleboarding
Paddleboards can be rented from Cayman Stand Up Paddle Co. (Tel: (345) 938 4787) and delivered to your home and condo with free delivery in and around Seven Mile Beach. White Sand Water Sports also rent paddleboards for US$90 a day (minimum) or US$235 per week. They can deliver the paddleboards Island-wide. For more information, call (345) 926 7263
or email: whitesandwatersports@gmail. com. Bliss Yoga Cayman (Tel: (345) 949 9642) offers paddleboard yoga on Tuesday evenings. Happy Days Cayman, a locally owned family business offers paddleboard rentals, lessons and excursions, combined with a beachside coffee truck. If you are looking to paddleboard on the calm waters of seven-mile beach, along with a free menu item (coffee, gelato, smoothies), Happy Days is the perfect place to stop. They also offer a kids camp for active little ones and teens! Tel (345) 326 4714 or visit www.happydayscayman.com for more information
Pickleball
If you are looking for an active and sociable activity, try out pickleball, Cayman’s fastestgrowing sport. This energising game is the perfect family-friendly activity, combining ping-pong, badminton and tennis.
Pickleball Cayman, located opposite the cricket pitch by the airport (312 Smith Road), offers 12 shaded floodlit courts and •
12 open-air floodlit courts. Professional trainers are on hand to provide private and group training for beginners or advanced players, as well as after-school programmes and holiday camps for kids. There is also a playground for the kids, plus a restaurant and bar. For more information on how to book a court, visit www.pickleball.ky, email: info@pickleball.ky or call (345) 927 7511. You can book a court or schedule a lesson with Cayman Pickleball & Tennis Academy either through their court booking system or by calling (345) 516 0300. They have 10 floodlit pickleball courts located just a short 2-minute drive from the Kimpton Seafire Resort on West Bay Road and their private lesson rates are CI$75-$90 for 45 minutes to one hour. Whether you want to join their daily open play sessions or take private or group lessons to boost your skills, they’re ready to help.
The Courts at the Ritz-Carlton also have five pickleball courts. For more information, email: grandcaymantennis@ritzcarlton. com or call (345) 323 0049. Other places
where you can find pickleball courts include the Grand Caymanian Resort (Tel: (345) 949 3100), the Camana Bay Sports Complex (Tel: (345) 640 2878) and the Cayman Islands Tennis Club (www.tennis.ky).
Pilates/Barre
options, which includes rappelling, hiking, caving and rock climbing. Tel: (345) 936 2722, email: info@climb.ky or visit www. climb.ky for details
Rugby
The Cayman Islands Rugby Football Union has its own pitch and clubhouse on South Sound Road. There are leagues for veterans, men, women, and junior girls and boys rugby players. Most games are played on the weekends between October and June. Men’s and women’s training sessions are held twice a week, with a full-time coach available to coordinate and coach players and teams. Tradeview Markets Corporate Mixed Touch Rugby League is held from June-September. For information, call Caroline Deegan, Tel: (345) 525 6743, email: caroline.deegan@caymanrugby.com or visit www.caymanrugby.com.
SEE AD THIS PAGE
Running
The Pilates Studio is a boutique, fully equipped inclusive studio housing Balanced Body equipment. It offers a variety of group reformer, chair and mat work pilates classes at affordable and competitive prices. Other offerings include private and partner training, TPI golf conditioning, therapeutic exercise and pre and post-natal training. Email: info@pilates.ky or visit www.pilates.ky. At Cayman Physiotherapy (SEE AD PAGE 352) Janelle Henry is a CPAMregistered physiotherapist and clinical pilates instructor, and Emilia Kruska is a chiropractor. They both teach pilates in private and group classes and they also offer pre-natal and post-natal pilates. Tel: (345) 949 8828 or email: janelle@caymanphysio. com or emilia@caymanphysio.com. ENERGY Pilates is a fully equipped pilates studio. located in Cricket Square. Tel: (345) 928 2673 for more information.
Pole Fitness
Quinntessential Movement offers pole and aerial fitness, chair dance, Ballet Beats, stretch and dance fitness classes. Wedding dances, private or small group sessions and bachelorette parties are also available. Aerial and dance lessons are also available for kids. Located in Galleria Plaza. Tel: (345) 745 8973 or email: info@qmovement.dance.
Rock Climbing & Rappelling
Challenge yourself on the King’s Sports Centre (SEE AD PAGE 465) indoor and outdoor rock-climbing wall, suitable for both kids and adults. To book, Tel: (345) 946 5464. Rock Iguana Ltd. in Cayman Brac caters to all skill levels, from beginner to advanced climbers. No experience is required. Join one of their half-day tours with rock climbing and rappelling or take a day trip from Grand Cayman for an ‘Epic Full Day Adventure Tour’, one of their most popular
The Walkers Cayman Islands Marathon (SEE AD OPPOSITE PAGE) is held annually on the first Sunday in December and is extremely popular with both locals and visitors alike. The event consists of a full marathon, half marathon, four-person relay and kids fun run. The half marathon is the most popular event welcoming walkers, joggers and runners. The race is also a Boston Marathon qualifier. For more information on how to register, email: info@caymanislandsmarathon.com or visit www.caymanislandsmarathon.com.
Hash House Harriers hosts an excellent running club which meets every Monday. Visit www.caymanhash.com to get in contact with Wendy for further information. The Wednesday Night Running Club meets outside World Gym at 6pm every week. It’s completely free and there’s no need to sign up, just turn up! For more information, email: run@wnrc.ky or follow them on Instagram (@wnrc345).
Sailing
If you are a keen sailor, you may want to join the Cayman Islands Sailing Club (SEE AD
PAGE 430) . Sailing lessons for adults and children are available throughout the year. The club also organises the popular Wednesday Night Hartley sail, full moon sails and get together ‘sailaways’. Call (345) 926 7915 or email: rharvey@sailing.ky for information about their learn-to-sail camps, school lessons and sailing schedule. Refer to the Boating chapter for more information. Also visit www.sailing.ky.
The Dragon Bay Sailing & Watersports Club, offers sailing lessons as well as kitesurfing, wing foiling and windsurfing. Located opposite the North Sound Golf Club off Safehaven Drive. Tel: (345) 922 9614, email: info@dragonbaysailing.ky or see www.dragonbaysailing.ky.
Softball
Adult co-ed softball leagues play at the Dart Field of Dreams on the corner of Fairbanks Road and Aspiration Drive. The season typically runs from September to December, with teams playing one game per week for a 12-week season, plus playoffs. Leagues are organised and managed by the YMCA and are available to everyone from beginners through to experienced players. To join, or to add an entire team, call the Cayman Islands Little League, Tel: (345) 916 5643, email: info@littleleague.ky or visit www.ymcacayman.ky/ybs.
Special Needs Sports Training
Special Olympics Cayman Islands (SOCI) offers year-round sports training and competitions for adults and children eight years and older with intellectual disabilities. They offer training in athletics, powerlifting, golf, basketball, bocce, football, swimming and stand-up paddle boarding. Tel: (345) 946 7624 or visit www.specialolympics.ky.
Spinning
RYDE Cayman is located on the Crescent in Camana Bay. This boutique indoor cycling studio offers a full calendar of classes seven days a week, starting at 6am and ending at 7pm most days with breaks in between. Create an account, buy a package and book a bike online at www.rydecayman.com.
Spinning classes are also held at Revolutions, located in the Barnett Building on Huldah Avenue (next to the Red Cross). They offer early morning and evening classes MondaySaturday. They also offer spin bike rental, with delivery and pickup. Tel: (345) 516 2453 or visit www.revolutionscayman.com. World Gym (Tel: (345) 949 5132) offers hour-long spinning classes on Sunday, Monday and Wednesday. Anytime Fitness, located at Camana Bay and Harbour Walk, offers rhythm ride classes every day of the week. Visit www.anytimecayman. com for more information. Vital Spinbar & Yogaden in Grand Harbour offers a variety of spin classes. For more information on their services, Tel: (345) 333 4825, visit www.vitalcayman.ky or their Instagram (@ vitalcayman).
Squash
The South Sound Squash Club is a membersowned, not-for profit club that is open to the community. The facility features six squash courts and a gym, with coaches who can help fine-tune your game. They offer lessons for adults and children, beginner and intermediate programmes and an after-school junior programme. All programmes are open to the community, however members have access to the online booking system to book their courts 24/7. Tel: (345) 926 2005, email: info@squash. ky or visit www. squash.ky. There are also two squash courts at King’s Sports Centre, open Monday-Thursday 5am-10pm, Friday 5am-9pm, Saturday and Sunday 8am-5pm. For more information, Tel: (345) 946 5464 or email: kings@candw.ky
( SEE AD PAGE 465) . The Cayman Islands National Squash Association (Tel: (345) 916 2737) promotes the game at junior, national and international levels for players of all ages.
Surfing
If you want to try surfing, Damian ‘Damo’ David offers private and small group surfing and wing foiling lessons for adults and children over eight years old. WhatsApp: (345) 938 4787.
Swimmin g
Consistently warm weather make the Cayman Islands a great place to swim. From peaceful morning laps at Seven Mile Beach to joining organised sea swims and structured lessons, there are plenty of ways for adults to dive in. Cayman’s swim calendar offers fun sea races, swim events and challenges that remind us of community. Most beaches have a gentle gradient into the water, which makes the sea a good option for open-water practice. Facilities like the Lions Aquatic Pool and the Camana Bay Sports Complex offer structured pool options where you can train and practice your speed and stroke.
Whether you’re looking to build confidence in the water or train for an upcoming sea race, there’s something here for every level. For open water races there are a few options: the Butterfield Sea Swim, an 800m race, held in late May each year is a great warm-up for the Flowers Sea Swim in June. The latter race is a one-mile sea swim, and it attracts both competitive
and recreational swimmers as well as Olympians, as well as lots of prizes. It is considered Cayman’s most iconic openwater event and swimmers from age 8 and up are welcome to register. Other companies like CUC and Fosters Food Fair also host excellent sea swim events which, like Butterfield’s are featured on the Cayman Islands Aquatic Sports Association’s (CIASA) website. Visit www.caymanaquatics.com for more information. CIASA The Cayman Islands Aquatic Sports Association (CIASA) is a not-for-profit association dedicated to the promotion and development of aquatic sports in the Cayman Islands. This includes learning to swim in the pool and open water, artistic swimming, water polo, aqua-aerobics, competitive swimming and masters swimming.
Swimming Lessons
With accessible and personalised instruction, swimming lessons can help adults build confidence and become more proficient in the water. It is also essential
June 13th, 2026 SEVEN MI L E B E A C H
that all adults, including the nannies looking after your children, learn to swim. We recommend the following companies: Fitness Connection (Tel: (345) 949 8485) offers swimming lessons for all ages and abilities. They are an SAI (Starfish Aquatics Institute) training centre, specialising in training triathletes, as well as nonswimmers. Their water fitness classes are great for a total body workout, utilising a combination of exercises and training methods perfect for pre-natal and postnatal exercise. For more information, email: fitness@fitness.ky or visit www.fitness.ky
SEE AD PAGE 463
Thrive Fit Cayman prepares unique programmes to help adults go from learning the basics to comfortably treading water and swimming with ease, typically over a 12-lesson journey. Tel: (345) 938 1113, email: info@thrivefitcayman.com or visit www.thrivefitcayman.com for more information. Sky Blue Aquatics offers private, semi-private and small-group swimming lessons for adults. Lessons can be held at your own pool or the Lions Aquatic Centre. Their lessons are available for beginners, but also to those looking to improve their technique or prepare for an event. Plus, they offer subsidised swimming lessons to nannies and caregivers. Tel: (345) 916 0054 or email: info@skyblueaquatics.com for more information. Active Swim (Tel: (345) 939 8550) offers tailored swimming lessons for adults, whether you’re learning to swim for the first time, refining your technique, building confidence, or preparing for a sea swim or triathlon. Camana Bay Aquatic Club (CBAC) Master’s Program is ideal for swimmers looking to improve endurance and technique with structured workouts, often geared toward adults training for sea swims or triathlons. Email: info@ cbac.ky or visit www.cbac.ky for specifics like schedules and costs. Finally, Swim For Sheillah, a registered non-profit, offers free swimming assessments for nannies to ensure they are safe to care for children around water. Also offers subsidised group swim lessons for nannies and caregivers. WhatsApp: (345) 526 0054 for details.
Swimming ( Competitive )
If you really enjoy recreational swimming but want to take it to the next level, you can join a swim team. Cayman has a history of sending athletes to national and international swimming competitions, including the Olympics. Seven Mile Swimmers is a fun, competitive and driven swim team for children aged six and over with training offered 7 days a week. Swimmers are grouped by ability and regularly swim at both local and international swim meets, often representing their country. Two-time Olympic finalist and former world number two Darren Mew is their Head Coach, supported by superb staff. Tel: (345) 323 9512, email: smsboarddirectors@gmail. com or visit www.sevenmileswimmers. com.
The Camana Bay Aquatic Club (CBAC) offers a Masters swim program for adults of varying abilities, focused on technique refinement, fitness, sea swim preparation, and overall strength in the water. Whether you’re training for fitness, triathlon, or open water, our sessions provide structured workouts led by professional coaches. Training takes place four times per week at the Camana Bay Sports Complex; Monday and Friday at 6am and Tuesdays and Thursday at 7pm, both of which lasts an hour. For pricing, schedules, and registration information, email info@ cbac.ky or visit www.cbac.ky. The Stingray Swim Club (Tel: (345) 323 2271, email: headcoach@stingrayswimclub.ky, www. caymanswimming.com Before becoming eligible for registration, you will need to be evaluated by a Stingray coach. Evaluations can be scheduled by emailing Bryce at swimcoach@stingrayswimclub. ky. Swimmers of all ages and skill levels are welcome to join, if space permits.
Table Tennis Association
Available for both youth and adults of all skill sets, the Cayman Islands Table Tennis Association offers training, competition and recreational table tennis. Meetings are usually held on Monday, Wednesday and Saturdays, call Donovan Nelson, on (345)
917 5904 for more information on meeting times and location. They are hoping to restart their afterschool programme in partnership with the Ministry of Sports, Culture and Heritage.
Tennis
The Cayman Islands offers a thriving tennis community. The Cayman Islands Tennis Club (CITC) is located off Anne Bonny Crescent in South Sound. The club offers private, semi-private, group lessons and cardio sessions. They also hold open tournaments and host several social events each year. CITC have five professional coaches, nine hard floodlit courts and four pickleball courts, plus they sell equipment and string rackets for members and nonmembers. Tel: (345) 949 9464, email: tennis@tennis.ky or visit www.tennis.ky for more information. Cayman Tennis & Pickleball Academy offers fun and flexible tennis and pickleball lessons for all ages and skill levels. You can book private or group sessions, join cardio classes or enjoy a social
evening—whether you’re a total beginner or have been playing for years. They’ve got floodlit courts at 1960 West Bay Road (near Cemetery Beach), and if it’s easier, they can send a coach to your home court. Courts are also available to rent for lessons, events, corporate leagues or tournaments. They’ll work with your schedule to make it all easy and convenient. Tel: (345) 516 0300, email: caymantennisacademy@gmail.com or visit www.caymanpickleballtennisacademy.com for more information. The Courts at the RitzCarlton, Grand Cayman is a premier tennis facility with professional coaches featuring four tennis courts, including two hard courts and two with the innovative TitanTrax surface, offering enhanced comfort and performance. Professional instructors offer private instruction and clinics in addition to the popular cardio tennis fitness programme, which operates on a drop-in basis. Seasonal corporate tennis leagues, and kids camps, are also offered throughout the year. For more information and reservations, email: grandcaymantennis@
ritzcarlton.com or call (345) 323 0049. Mica Koll with Cayman Performance Tennis teaches private and group tennis lessons for players of all ages. Tel: (345) 927 8690 or email: micabeach@gmail.com.
Triathlons
If you want more of a challenge, you can always try your hand at a duathlon or triathlon. The Cayman Islands Triathlon Association (CITA) organises well-attended events throughout the year and hosts free practice sessions. CITA offers duathlons and triathlons of various distances, as well as the ‘Try-This-Tri’ for kids. The ‘Stroke and Stride’ three-race series is held every September, the duathlon takes place in October and the triathlon is held every November. CITA hosts three training events in the run-up to the triathlon. The Mercuryman Triathlon is held annually in February and offers a half-iron distance, international distance and aqua bike option. Email: info@triathlon.ky or visit www.triathlon.ky or www.mercurymantri. com for more information.
Ultimate Frisbee
Cayman Islands Ultimate play pickup games on Wednesday at 6.30pm. Visit their Facebook group (Cayman Islands Ultimate) for more information and updated game schedules.
Indoor & Beach Volleyball
The Cayman Islands Volleyball Federation (CIVF) is the non-profit organisation that provides opportunities to play indoor and beach volleyball at a competitive and recreational level. Since 2020, volleyball has been designated as a Focal Sport by the Cayman Government. CIVF provides youth development programmes free of charge, including school leagues and tournaments, and weekly practices with international and local instructors. Summer and holiday camps and clinics are also offered. The national youth teams compete regionally and internationally. In August 2024, the U19 female team qualified and competed in China for the Beach
Volleyball World Championships, while the men’s indoor volleyball team entered a competition in Jamaica. CIVF has hosted the annual NORCECA Beach Volleyball Circuit for over 10 years on Seven Mile Beach in Grand Cayman, which welcomes over 30 teams from across North America, Central America and the Caribbean. CIVF now also hosts the NORCECA U23 beach volleyball tournament. There are also corporate, one-day and Sunday beach competitions for players of all levels. Memberships cost CI$10. For more information on current programmes, visit www.civf.ky, email Coach Trevor Theroulde on techdirector@civf. ky or check out their social media pages on TikTok, Facebook and Instagram (@ caymanisvolleyball). Heatwave Volleyball Club is a recreational volleyball club that hosts indoor and outdoor volleyball tournaments, trainings and offers coaching. Heatwave has offerings for all ages and abilities. Email: heatwavevolleyballclub@gmail.com.
Yoga, Wellness & Stretch Classes
Grand Cayman offers a very active yoga environment with a range of yoga studios across the Island. One Heart Yoga & Apothecary (Tel: (345) 938 9642) offers yoga classes and holistic healing at 7 Mile Shops, West Bay Road. Its retail space sells Anima Mundi plant medicines, spiritual and self-help books, yoga gear and spiritual rituals. They also offer a complimentary 1-week trial for Cayman residents who are unsure of what classes would be the best fit or who want to test new classes before committing to a package. For more information or to view the class schedule, visit www.oneheartcayman. com or download their app. VITAL Spinbar & Yogaden in Grand Harbour houses a spinbar and yoga den for yogis to come together and enjoy group fitness sessions. The studio offers hybrid packages so that members can take advantage of both spin and yoga classes. They also offer pre/post-natal fitness. Tel: (345) 333 4825 or visit www.vitalcaymanky for more information. Find the latest updates on their Instagram (@vitalcayman). Body Works in Queen’s Court Plaza on West Bay Road offers traditional hatha yoga and
meditation and mindfulness classes for all levels of students. They also provide a fully stocked retail store with natural skincare and spa products as well as yoga props, essential oils and aromatherapy diffusers. Tel: (345) 945 6485 or visit www.bodyworkscayman. com for the class schedule. Flow Therapeutic Movement has a studio off Crewe Road. It provides a unique exercise system based on Yamuna body rolling, MELT Method, aerial yoga, energy work and massage therapy. Corporate and healing retreats are also offered upon request. Tel: (345) 916 6061 or email: kate@flow.ky for more information. Kula Kids Yoga offers a variety of yoga classes, including pre and post-natal, and children’s and teen yoga. Private yoga classes are also available. For more information, call (345) 916 3007 or email: kulakidsyogacayman@ gmail.com. Located at The Strand, Bliss Yoga Cayman offers a wide range of classes every day, including beachfront sessions, paddleboard yoga, and on-location private sessions. They also have a large retail store offering athletic wear and accessories from Lululemon Athletica. Visit www.blissyogacayman.com for more information on class descriptions and schedules. Saucha offers wellness retreats, including their popular Little Cayman retreat, which is held every January over the public holiday long weekend. Email: hello@sauchaconsciousfood.com or visit www.sauchaconsciousfood.com for the latest updates on their events. Thrive Fit offers yoga, swimming and fitness classes Island-wide with private, small group and corporate sessions. First aid/CPR/AED and lifeguard certifications are also available for those interested. Tel: (345) 938 1113, email: info@thrivefitcayman.com or visit www. thrivefitcayman.com for more information. Rock Iguana Ltd. (Tel: (345) 936 2722, Email: info@climb.ky or www.climb.ky) offers yoga, meditation and mandala painting classes at Yogi Wall in Cayman Brac – a peaceful outdoor studio surrounded by nature. Both group and private classes are available
Cayman Islands tourism is on a strong upward trajectory; on pace to match, or exceed, its record-breaking performance of 2019. In the first quarter of 2025, Cayman saw a 5.3% rise in stayover visitors compared to the same period in 2024. There were standout gains in January (7.7%) and in February (7.1%).
Cayman Airways, the national flag carrier, provides daily flights to the Sister Islands, Miami and Jamaica. Additionally, Cayman Airways and other airlines, including Air Canada, American Airlines, British Airways, Delta, JetBlue, Southwest, Spirit, United Airlines and WestJet, offer weekly or seasonal flights to various destinations such as Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Denver, Havana, Kingston and Montego Bay in Jamaica, La Ceiba in Honduras, London, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, Nassau, Orlando, Tampa, Toronto, Panama, Philadelphia and New York. All these flights provide easy access for travellers from other Caribbean islands, the US, Canada, South America and Europe. Visit the airline websites to learn more about seasonal promotions and sales.
To find out more about travel restrictions, see page 476. Of course, planning your trip is made easier with the help of a trusted local travel agent. Visit the Travel Assistance section at the end of this chapter to find the right agency for you and your loved ones.
Travel
An overview of ideal destinations for weekend getaways or multi-day breaks. Destinations include the Sister Islands, Miami, Jamaica, Panama, other Caribbean Islands and places in the United States.
With staycations having grown in popularity over the past few years, locals and residents have been taking advantage of the incredible
Photos
holiday destination right on their doorstep. There are a variety of options available across Grand Cayman and the Sister Islands which appeal to all budgets and tastes, allowing you to fully enjoy everything the Cayman Islands has to offer.
GRAND CAYMAN
Where to Stay
Depending on whether you have a weekend or an entire week to wind down, you do not always have to go overseas to find a relaxing, vacation-like experience. Happily, Cayman lends itself to being one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world since there are so many opportunities to enjoy its pristine beaches, sublime food and seemingly endless list of activities. Accommodation options suit all budgets and preferences, from lowerbudget accommodation, Airbnb and local resort deals to more luxury ‘staycays’ at private villas and five-star hotels. Excitement is building around new residential retreat hotel ONE | GT (SEE AD PAGE 22) , opening in December 2025. The urban resort will feature a rooftop infinity pool with panoramic views, an oasis pool with cabanas for lounging, and a variety of international cuisine served from three uniquely stylish and sophisticated restaurants.
Sights & Activities
Grand Cayman is teeming with activities that allow you to enjoy all the natural beauty the island has to offer. The worldfamous Stingray City is an absolute must-do for any resident or visitor; often described as the experience of a lifetime. Stingray City is home to lots of friendly Southern Stingrays that you can touch and swim with. To book a tour and make a day of it, turn to the Boating chapter. Cayman also has a thriving diving community. See the Diving chapter for more details. Cayman’s largest land-based attraction, the Cayman Turtle Centre (Tel: (345) 949 3894), hosts more than 500,000 visitors each year. See the new turtle hatchlings (when in season) right up to turtles weighing more than 500lbs. Then head to the Turtle Lagoon, where you can swim and snorkel alongside
green sea turtles and other marine life. (SEE AD PAGE 424 & 449) Take a trip through history at Pedro St. James Castle (Tel: (345) 947 3329), which was the venue for not only the decision in 1831 to form the Cayman Island’s first elected parliament, but also the announcement in 1835 that slavery had ended in the British Empire. (SEE AD PAGE 402 & 423) Visit Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park (Tel: (345) 947 9462), Cayman’s only botanical garden, opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1994 and home to an incredible variety of local flora, fauna and wildlife. (SEE AD PAGE 453) Explore the Cayman Crystal Caves (Tel: (345) 949 2283), which were formed over millions of years, and see stalactite and stalagmite crystal structures and otherworldly formations. Email: info@caymancrystalcaves.com or visit www.caymancrystalcaves.com. (SEE AD PAGE 425) Don’t miss the island’s oldest surviving public structure, the Cayman Islands National Museum (Tel: (345) 949 8368). Permanent exhibits showcase Cayman’s art, traditions and cultural and natural history, including boats, furniture, textiles, paintings and ceramics. There are also changing galleries that feature information on a variety of cultural history, natural history and local art-related topics. (SEE AD PAGE 427) For more information on activities and things to do in Cayman, turn to the Activities for Adults chapter.
Condo & Villa Rentals
The following rental agents can help you secure staycation accommodation in Grand Cayman.
Botanica Cottages
Tel: (345) 926 3895
Email: stay@botanica-cayman.com www.botanica-cayman.com
Offers 15 cottages in the Seven Mile Beach area, with outdoor areas and shared pools.
Cayman Villas
Tel: (345) 945 4144
Email: reservations@caymanvillas.com www.caymanvillas.com
Cayman Villas has over 70 beachfront condos
and private villas. They offer a selection of beachfront properties for short-term vacation rentals.
The Cottages
Austin Connolly Road, Queens Highway, EE
Tel: (345) 938 7829
Email: stay@thecottagescayman.com
Offers 10 individual bed and breakfast cottages, built in Cayman style. Each cottage features Caribbean decor, convenient kitchenettes, bathrooms and amenities.
Encompass Luxury Rentals
Tel: (345) 326 4562
Email: tkline@encompasscayman.com
www.encompasscayman.com/luxury-rentals
Encompass offers a range of luxury waterfront vacation villas. They offer premium amenities suitable for corporate retreats, multigenerational family gatherings and couples getaways. Also available are private airport transfers, chef services, watersports and entertainment. SEE AD PAGE 249
Grand Cayman Villas & Condos
Tel: (345) 949 5821
Email: reservations@grandcaymanvillas.net
Over 100 private villas and 200 condos providing concierge services, as well as suggestions for activities and private chef services.
Mastic Cottages
Further Road, North Side
Tel: 1 (888) 208 8935
WhatsApp: 1 (941) 999 0554
www.masticcottages.com
Offers three luxury cottages set in 11 acres.
Ocean Paradise
1234 Rum Point Road, North Side
Tel: (345) 924 9249
Offers five luxury homes on the beach.
Hotels and Resorts
A weekend at one of Grand Cayman’s hotels can feel like a luxury getaway. Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa, Hotel Indigo and The Westin Seven Mile Beach Resort all offer regular resident discounts throughout the year. Supporting Cayman’s leisure industry
is highly encouraged and very important.
Caribbean Club
871 West Bay Road, Seven Mile Beach
Tel: (345) 623 4500
Email: reservations@caribclub.com
www.caribclub.com
The location, in the heart of the famous Seven Mile Beach, speaks for itself. Caribbean Club offers suites and villas for 2-10 people ranging from one-bedroom to four-bedroom homes. Daily cleaning and a beach attendant providing towels and umbrellas are part of the relaxing, luxury hotel atmosphere. Their onsite restaurant, LUCA, serves lunch and dinner and delivers room service, as well as delicious food and drinks on the beach. SEE AD PAGE 37
Hotel Indigo Grand Cayman
32 Seafire Way, Seven Mile Beach
Tel: (345) 743 3600
https://grandcayman.hotelindigo.com
Hotel Indigo is steps away from the shoreline. Guests can enjoy a range of five star amenities.
Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa
60 Tanager Way, Seven Mile Beach
Tel: (345) 746 0000
www.seafireresortandspa.com
The Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa is a contemporary paradise elevated 24ft above sea level with panoramic ocean views.
ONE | GT
Goring Avenue, George Town
Tel: (345) 946 6348
Email: info@onegt.com www.onegt.com
Stay in the heart of George Town at ONE | GT, defining the latest in urban luxury and striking the perfect balance between convenience, commerce and culture. This Small Luxury Hotels of the World member boasts the island’s only rooftop infinity pool, and each of their 95 hotel suites encompasses fully equipped kitchens, refined furnishings and contemporary surroundings. Private amenities for guests include a fitness centre, saunas, a third-floor swimming pool, and a library area. Offering sophistication in a unique and relaxed setting, ONE | GT is perfect for an executive escape,
stylish getaway or residential retreat, the latter attracting an exclusive Cayman Resident Readers Privilege rate of up to 15% off (see page 22 for details). Guests can also dine on a variety of French-Mediterranean or Asian-fusion cuisine options served in three stylish dining outlets with five-star Caymanian flair.
SEE AD PAGE 22
The Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman
West Bay Road, Seven Mile Beach
Tel: (345) 943 9000
Email: caymanreservations@ritzcarlton.com
www.ritzcarlton.com/grandcayman
The first and only Forbes Triple Five-Star resort in the Caribbean, The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman is ideally situated along the pristine shores of Seven Mile Beach. Guests of all ages can enjoy endless outdoor activities, including snorkelling, tennis, pickleball, golf and endless watersports. Six restaurants serve everything from Japanese at Taikun, South Americaninspired creations at Saint June, fresh seafood at the five-star Blue by Eric Ripert, and more.
SEE AD PAGE 211
Sunset Divers at Sunset House Hotel
390 South Church Street, South Sound
Tel: (345) 946 6789
Email: www.sunsethouse.com/rooms
Sunset house is a dive hotel for divers, by divers. They offer budget friendly courtyard rooms, as well as a range of ocean view rooms, suites and apartments, all of which can accommodate up to a maximum of 4 guests. They offer custom Dive + Stay packages which include all government hotel taxes, service charges and resort fees. They also include breakfast, access to the house reef, transfers to and from the airport, and a shuttle to Smith Cove and George Town. See page 483 in the Diving chapter for further information. SEE AD THIS PAGE & 481
The Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa
West Bay Road, Seven Mile Beach
Tel: (345) 945 3800
www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/gcmmithe-westin-grand-cayman-seven-milebeach-resort-and-spa
The Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach
Cayman Dive Resort
Resort & Spa is located on one of the most beautiful stretches of Seven Mile Beach. Their beachside pool is fun for the whole family, while adults can cool off with a cocktail from the Tortuga Beach Bar & Grill, one of three on-site restaurants. There is also a full service spa and a 24-hour fitness studio.
Wyndham Reef Resort
2221 Queens Highway, East End
Tel: (345) 640 0100
A family-friendly resort located on the beach. This is also a popular staycation spot for residents. Dip into the crystal clear waters or one of the multiple pools, or relax in the spa. Guests can also enjoy tennis and eat at one of their two restaurants. Ocean Frontiers Ltd. is on-site, offering great water activities.
Pet-Friendly Staycations
If you are concerned about arrangements for your pets whilst you are planning a staycation, why not bring your pet with you? The following places offer pet-friendly accommodation:
The Cottages
Austin Connolly Rd, Queen’s Highway, East End Email: stay@thecottagescayman.com
Grand Cayman Marriott Resort
389 West Bay Road, Seven Mile Beach www.thesummerhouseexperience.com
Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa
60 Tanager Way, Seven Mile Beach www.seafireresortandspa.com
THE SISTER ISLANDS
If peace and tranquility are what you desire, then look no further than Cayman Brac and Little Cayman. Affectionately known as the Sister Islands, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman are known for their unique identities, offering an experience very different from that of Grand Cayman. For additional information on the Sister Islands, visit www.explorecayman.com.
How To Get There
There is no ferry service between the
islands, so you’ll have to travel by air or a private boat charter.
Cayman Airways
www.caymanairways.com
Cayman Airways has been Cayman’s national flag carrier since 1968. They offer daily flights to the Sister Islands and 11 other destinations. Travel time is approximately 40 minutes to Cayman Brac and 35 minutes to Little Cayman.
Cayman Islands Helicopters
Tel: (345) 943 4354
www.caymanislandshelicopters.com
Travel and explore the Sister Islands with Cayman Islands Helicopters.
CAYMAN BRAC
The Brac, which is Gaelic for bluff, is known for its charm, friendliness and its dramatic scenery. A haven for a multitude of bird species, Cayman Brac has a parrot reserve created by the National Trust of the Cayman Islands. It also boasts the Cayman Islands’ oldest museum and the highest elevation of the three Islands at 152ft. The terrain boasts a plethora of hidden caves, winding trails and a unique cultural history.
Sights & Activities
Explore the Cayman Brac Museum, the Cayman Brac Heritage House, the parrot reserve, the wreck of Captain Keith Tibbetts, the caves and the bluff, or go fishing or cycling. You can pick up a Nature Tourism brochure (available at the airport, car rental agencies and hotels) for information on outdoor activities. Small group diving can be arranged through the Reef Divers at the Cayman Brac Beach Resort (Tel: (345) 948 1642) and Brac Scuba Shack (Tel: (345) 925 3215). If you need a rest after all that activity contact The Spa (Tel: (345) 917 0913) who will visit you at your home or holiday rental, or you can call Tropical Touch Day Spa (Tel: (345) 948 1323) who are located at the Cayman Brac Beach Resort and offer a range of treatments, including a massage under the cabana or on the beach. Rock climbing devotees have rated Cayman
Brac as one of the top ten exotic climbing destinations worldwide. Rock Iguana Ltd. offers various tours and courses for all ages and fitness levels. Tel: (345) 936 2722 or email: info@climb.ky.
Where To Stay
There are a variety of places to stay, most offering special room rates for residents.
Brac Caribbean Beach Village www.braccaribbean.ky
Offers two-bedroom oceanfront condos.
Carib Sands Beach Resort
www.caribsands.com
Carib Sands offers one, two and three-bedroom condos.
Cayman Brac Beach Resort
www.caymanbracbeachresort.com
Located on the beachfront, the resort caters largely to divers. Resident rates are available, but you must call to book these (proof of residence is required).
Le Soleil d’Or
2147 South Side Road, Cayman Brac Tel: (345) 948 0555
Email: reservations@lesoleildor.com www.lesoleildor.com
Le Soleil d’Or is a boutique farm inn by the ocean featuring a 20-acre, organic estate and farm-to-table dining. Guests can enjoy a daily complimentary breakfast, free WiFi, access to the beach club, bicycles, fitness centre, basketball and a tennis court. A guided tour of Le Soleil d’Or’s farm is also offered.
How To Get Around
Most resorts offer free bicycles which can be used whenever you want, however, it is quite nice to spend a day or two really exploring. Options for car hire include Handycar Rentals (Tel: (345) 948 1646/WhatsApp: (345) 916 5242), C.B. Rent-A-Car (Tel: (345) 948 2424) or Four D’s (Tel: (345) 948 1599). Scooters can be rented from Brac Ventures (www. bracventures.com).
LITTLE CAYMAN
Little Cayman is the smallest and least developed of the three islands. A nature lover’s dream, the island consists of 10 square miles of unspoiled surroundings, including more than a dozen secluded beaches and tropical forests strewn with orchids. Today, the island is most commonly known in the diving community as the ‘Mecca of the Caribbean’.
Sights & Activities
From bird watching, cycling, beach picnics and sunbathing to exploring, diving, fishing and observing the enormous Sister Islands rock iguanas, there are many things to do even though it is such a small island. Popular activities include visiting the remote Point of Sand to swim, snorkel or sunbathe, or kayaking out to the tiny, deserted Owen Island to enjoy nature in its most pristine form.
Diving
Dive the world famous walls of Little Cayman. Sheer drop offs, exceptional visibility and abundant marine life have made Little Cayman one of the leading diving areas in the world. Most famous is Bloody Bay Marine Park and Jackson Wall on the north side. Swim out over the famous Bloody Bay Wall drop-off and peer over the underwater precipice into the deep blue abyss. Jackson Bay and Preston Bay also offer excellent snorkelling, however, only strong swimmers should attempt these sites.
If you’re looking for a unique afternoon activity on Little Cayman, you can book a guided tour of the Central Caribbean Marine Institute (CCMI), a non-profit organisation dedicated to marine research, conservation, and education. You can learn about their educational programmes, and gain insight into current coral reef science, including their coral nursery and restoration efforts. Tours are offered based on availability and must be booked in advance. You can book online at www.reefresearch.org, inquire at your hotel reception, call (345) 948 1094, or email education@reefresearch.org.
CCMI also offers immersive residential courses designed for university students, early-career professionals, and other ocean enthusiasts who want to explore tropical marine ecology and coral reef conservation.
Fishing Activities
Little Cayman is renowned for inshore gamefish, and there are some spectacular fishing opportunities for those who enjoy the sport. Bonefish can be found on the ‘flats’; these are inshore waters that are typically shallow and covered in turtle grass. In many areas of Little Cayman, you can find these flats right along the edge of the coastline. They are considered to be among the world’s premier gamefish and are highly sought after by anglers.
On the south side, there is an inland pond that got its name ‘Tarpon Lake’ because it is packed with tarpon. To access the fish in the lake, you will need a guide or a small boat because you need to row around. At sunrise, it is possible you may witness what is known as the ‘tarpon frenzy’, when the Gambusia minnows (a small bait fish) get pinned against the edge of the pond by a large number of tarpon. The minnows are unable to shelter in the roots of the mangroves because hundreds of herons and egrets are waiting on the banks. It is an awesome spectacle, and during this frenzy, it is almost impossible to avoid catching a fish if you present the fly or lure anywhere close to the action. See our Boating chapter for information on fishing in Grand Cayman.
How To Get Around
To hire a car, scooter or an electric bike contact Little Cayman Car Rentals (Tel: (345) 948 1000).
Where to Stay
You’ll find lots of options for private apartments in Little Cayman on Airbnb. Numerous private renters also advertise their available apartments on Instagram. The following are established resorts on the island with individual apartments:
Cayman Villas
www.caymanvillas.com
Cayman Villas offers a selection of beachfront condos and private villas for short-term vacation rentals.
Little Cayman Beach Resort
www.littlecayman.com
With oceanfront and pool view rooms, the Little Cayman Beach Resort hosts both diving enthusiasts and non-divers.
Paradise Villas
Tel: (345) 948 0001
Email: iggy@candw.ky
www.paradisevillas.com
Paradise Villas, located in Little Cayman, is a unique destination for those seeking a tranquil getaway. The Cayman-style onebedroom cottages are just a few feet away from the water’s edge, and feature an onsite pool, hot tub and the iconic bar and restaurant, The Hungry Iguana. Affiliated with Little Cayman Divers, Paradise Villas welcomes all skill levels, from snorkellers
Paradise Villas in beautiful Little Cayman is the perfect weekend getaway for Residents! All 12 seaside villas offer the perfect blend of comfort and freedom with flexible check-in and check-out times. The iconic Hungry Iguana restaurant is the only a la carte restaurant on the island. Little Cayman Car Rentals and Little Cayman Divers are also on site. Enjoy island-style living with the convenience of planning your stay on your own terms.
and beginner divers, to the most advanced. Their ‘Caymankind’ attitude and relaxed atmosphere provide a home away from fastpaced life, even if just for a few days.
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Southern Cross Club
Guy Banks Road, Little Cayman
Tel: (345) 948 1099
Email: frontdesk@southerncrossclub.com
Founded in 1958, Southern Cross Club is Little Cayman’s original resort. With 14 colourful beach bungalows and a one-to-one guest/staff ratio, visitors enjoy a serene environment that offers privacy, comfort and personalised service. This, combined with stunning views, delicious cuisine and a first-class diving and fishing operation, makes Southern Cross Club a unique and memorable experience for its guests.
OVERSEAS DESTINATIONS
One of the highlights of living in Cayman is that you can visit other islands and international cities very easily. The national flag carrier, Cayman Airways, offers direct flights to multiple international and regional destinations, including the Sister Islands, Jamaica and Panama, plus US destinations like Miami, Tampa, New York and LA.
Travel Restrictions
Before you book a flight to any overseas destination, it is important to be fully informed of various travel restrictions in the region.
The US government has classified Cuba as a ‘state sponsor of terrorism’, and anyone who has visited Cuba since January 2021 should be aware that they are no longer eligible for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation) visa-waiver. This makes it more difficult for many to travel to—and transit through—the US. Rather than a quick ESTA application, travellers would need to apply for a full visa; travelling to a US Embassy (Kingston, Jamaica is the closest to Cayman) for an in-person interview and paying much more. This process can take several months and getting the visa is not guaranteed. Therefore, travel
to Cuba is not advised.
All arriving passengers to Jamaica are required to complete and submit an Electronic Passenger Declaration (C5). This service is free of charge to visitors and residents. The online form can be completed up to 30 days prior to arrival. Visit www.enterjamaica.gov.jm.
For more in-depth and country-specific advice, we recommend consulting a local travel agency to ensure your itinerary is satisfactory and in accordance with local laws and regulations.
CARIBBEAN
Bahamas
Home of the swimming pigs, the Bahamas is made up of 16 islands, which all have something different to offer, including diving, fishing and boating to shopping and dining. Other sights and attractions include surfing, exploring the blue holes, swimming with nurse sharks and snorkelling in underwater caves. They also have a wildlife conservation centre and 32 national parks which preserve vital ecosystems and their species. The capital, Nassau, exudes a special charm with a blend of ancient architecture and contemporary vitality. Bahamas is also well-known for their excellent golf courses. You can fly direct with British Airways.
Jamaica
Jamaica, known as the land of lush rainforests, Red Stripe and reggae, offers a unique experience. Montego Bay’s nightlife appeals to those looking to socialise, while its tranquil waters and diving scenery attract those seeking to unwind. There is also a variety of Jamaican handicrafts and artwork at the open-air craft market on Harbour Street. Activities include the Rose Hall Estate, river rafting and zipline canopy tours. In Kingston, Jamaica’s capital, sits the Blue Mountains. The highest peak is 2,256m and you can take the seven-mile hike to the summit. These mountains offer spectacular views and hiking trails, and are home to the famous Blue Mountain Coffee Plantation. Ocho Rios is another
great location, putting you in the centre of many attractions, including the Blue Hole, Mystic Mountain and the famous Dunn’s River Falls.
CENTRAL AMERICA
Honduras
Honduras is a vibrant country with clear turquoise waters, beautiful beaches, lush jungles and breathtaking mountains. Tour the ancient Mayan ruins of Copan, a UNESCO world heritage site, and enjoy scuba diving, white water rafting, ziplining, bird watching and mountain treks. The Bay Islands are also incredible. Utila is renowned for year-round sightings of whale sharks and Roatán is well known for its pristine beaches, and world-class dive sites. It is worth noting that since August 2024 UK citizens are required to obtain a visa to travel to Honduras, however, this doesn’t apply to British nationals living in the Cayman Islands. British expats will simply need to show proof that they are domiciled in the Cayman Islands.
Panama
With Cayman Airways’ direct flight, you can reach Panama City in under two hours, where you can relax and explore its rich history and stunning architecture. The city boasts numerous delicious restaurants and trendy rooftop bars. Nearby attractions include the Panama Canal, Taboga Island and Soberania National Park. Red Frog Resort on Bastimentos Island is particularly special, offering exciting day trips to deserted tropical islands, dolphin watching trips and ziplining tours through the rainforest. Panama’s affordable internal flights also make it an ideal starting point for exploring the many islands along the Pacific and Atlantic coastlines.
NORTH AMERICA
Denver, Colorado
Discover the Rocky Mountain National Park on foot through its many nature trails or embark on a guided tour. With everything from the Denver Brewery tours to nightly ghost tours, Denver is an
exciting yet affordable vacation option. From January to August, Cayman Airways offers direct flights to and from Denver which makes getting to Colorado’s ski resorts a breeze.
Los Angeles, California
Cayman Airways offers weekly direct flights to Los Angeles and there is something for everyone in this city and beyond! Los Angeles is known for the Hollywood film industry, Venice and Santa Monica beaches and the Lakers basketball team. Roam the Hollywood Boulevard, Santa Monica Pier, Hollywood Walk of Fame and Rodeo Drive.
Miami, Florida
There is lots to do in Miami. Designer clothing can be found at Bal Harbour, Merrick Park and Aventura Mall. For the little ones, visit Jungle Island, the Frost Science Museum, the Children’s Museum or Miami Zoo. For an off-the-beaten-track adventure, visit the Everglades and the Alligator Farm. Since Miami is just over an hours’ flight away, this makes it the perfect shopping or golfing getaway. You will find daily flights to Miami; the flight time is just over one hour and roundtrip fares are usually in the region of US$400.
New York
New York offers a quick getaway with several direct flights weekly and just a four-hour flight time. Roundtrip fares start around US$300, cheaper than Miami, making it popular amongst residents for long weekends.
Orlando, Florida
Known for its theme parks, Orlando hosts Disney World, Universal Studios, SeaWorld, and lots of waterparks. Cayman Airways offers direct flights from Tampa, typically around US$350 and 1.5 hours.
Toronto, Canada
While Toronto’s most well-known attraction is the famous CN Tower, the city boasts some of the best shopping malls and clubs in the country. The Royal Ontario Museum
and Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada are a few must-visit points of interest. Air Canada and West Jet fly direct to Toronto and the flight time is around four hours.
TRAVEL ASSISTANCE
TRAVEL AGENTS & AIRLINES
Cayman Private Aviation
100 Owen Roberts Drive, George Town
Tel: (345) 936 7001
Email: info@caymanprivateaviation.com
www.caymanprivateaviation.com
Cayman’s only locally owned and operated luxury private jet charter.
Cayman Travel Services Ltd.
Tel: (345) 949 5400
www.caymantravel.ky
Specialises in corporate and leisure travel.
Travel Pros
Tel: (345) 949 8182
Email: info@travelproscayman.com www.travelproscayman.com
Offers corporate, individual and group bookings,
cruises, US visa applications and tours.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
CG BritCay
BritCay House, 236 Eastern Avenue, GT Tel: (345) 949 8699
Email: info_ky@cgcoralisle.com www.cgcoralisle.com
CG BritCay offers cost-effective travel insurance that covers an individual trip, as well as convenient annual policies. CG BritCay delivers both professional and personalised services to protect your livelihood and lifestyle.
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Cayman Travel Services Ltd.
Tel: (345) 949 5400
Offers a comprehensive range of international travel medical insurance products.
Travel Pros
Tel: (345) 949 8182
Email: info@travelproscayman.com
Offers medical coverage that includes travel support such as lost luggage coverage.
Diving
Cayman is one of the top dive destinations in the world. This chapter provides you with information on dive and snorkel sites, local dive operators, responsible diving practices and more.
The Cayman Islands are world-renowned for their incredible underwater scenery, particularly the beautiful coral reefs and array of colourful fish. Located in the western Caribbean, just 480 miles south of Miami, Cayman is perfect for scuba diving and snorkelling, boasting some of the Caribbean’s best excursions. With virtually no currents and outstanding underwater visibility, Cayman has amazing wall dives, coral reefs and wrecks for you to explore and discover. If you are ‘dive-curious’, there are a wealth of things to do in, under, or on the water at every skill level. A variety of dive operators can teach you how to dive, improve your skills and provide you with an amazing underwater experience. With water temperatures ranging from 26-30°C (78.8-86°F) all year round, it is always a good time to get in the water and discover the stunning scenery beneath the surface.
Photos courtesy of Heather Holt, Cathy Church & Julie Corsetti
Scuba diving in the Cayman Islands continues to earn global recognition, recently ranking second in the world in the 2024 Scuba Diving Magazine Readers' Choice Awards for the Best Scuba Diving Destination. It also made the top five lists for wreck diving, large animals, microbiology, shore diving, wall diving, advanced diving, beginner diving, snorkelling, photography, and cave, cavern and grotto diving in the Caribbean and Atlantic.
Cayman is hyperaware of the importance of coral reefs to our three islands, our waters, the marine ecosystem and the diving industry. Although many efforts have been put in place to safeguard the coral reefs, sea grass and mangroves in the Cayman Islands, other factors have contributed to their destruction. Our reefs in particular have experienced frequent stresses as water temperatures have risen over the past few decades, making them more susceptible to disease. Construction and overdevelopment are still the main cause of Cayman's mangroves being destroyed.
According to experts at the Department of Environment (DoE), Cayman's coral reefs are steadily dying and fewer will reappear each season year on year. The Cayman Islands, like many other nations in this region, is under a NOAA bleach watch as the reefs become increasingly vulnerable to a warming planet. Sadly, many dive sites in Grand Cayman have been affected by the spread of the deadly Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease (SCTLD). Researchers have found evidence that SCTLD is caused by a breakdown in the symbiotic relationship between corals and Zooxanthellae algae. This discovery is a big step towards finding future treatments for this disease. Given the rapid spread of SCTLD in the Cayman Islands, the DoE urges the public to disinfect all snorkel and dive gear before and after each shore dive and boat trip by soaking them in disinfectant solution (with 1% bleach) for 10 minutes.
On a more positive note, Divetech has been hosting the Women’s Dive Day event for 11 years and have raised over
CI$50,000 for the Cayman Breast Cancer Foundation. The 2025 PADI Women's Dive Day invited divers to take part in an underwater scavenger hunt. The event attracted more than 80 divers as well as support and donations from the dive community locally and overseas. The PADI Women’s Dive Day occurs annually on the third Saturday of July and celebrates women in diving, while raising money and awareness for breast cancer and the Cayman Islands Breast Cancer Foundation.
Elsewhere, the Cayman Islands Government announced that new legislation is being prepared to restrict the importation of six types of singleuse plastics. Despite some uncertainties, activists commend the progress and stress the importance of a continued comprehensive approach to tackling plastic pollution.
WRECK DIVING
Wreck diving is very popular as it provides a dramatic diving experience. There are several spectacular wrecks situated around the Cayman Islands, and as more marine life inhabits these sites, the diving experience improves. The dive sites below should be at the top of any diver’s list.
Balboa Situated among small surrounding reefs, the wreckage of this 375ft freighter is home to a large variety of fish and coral. It lies approximately 150ft off the west coast of Grand Cayman at a depth of 25-40ft. You can explore the ship’s stern section and swim over the three-bladed propellers. The wreck is a popular night dive and is situated around the cruise ship docking area, therefore, it is not accessible when cruise ships are in port and it is recommended you use a dive company or boat. Note: You need permission from the harbour master to dive the Balboa.
Carrie Lee For those who are Trimix certified, the Carrie Lee is recommended as a more challenging and technical dive. The 185ft freighter is completely intact and rests at a depth of 180-300ft off the southwest coast. The wreck is teeming with congregations of marine life and provides a great diving experience. However, divers should be aware of the strong currents that surround this wreck and monitor their air.
Doc Polson 450ft off Seven Mile Beach, just past Cemetery Reef, lies the Doc Polson wreck (named after the beloved Dr James St Clair Polson). Though the 100ft cable layer sank back in 1982, it is still 80% intact and is populated with beautiful and diverse marine life, making it one of the most popular dive sites in Cayman. It is recommended to use a boat to get to the site, as there is some boating traffic around the area.
Keith Tibbetts, Cayman Brac (named after Cayman Brac's only national hero) This 330ft Russian Brigadier Type II Frigate was sunk in 1996 and is home to thousands of fish, turtles
Snorkelling Sites
George Town Conveniently located, here you will find a mass of coral heads, caves and abundant fish life.
North Sound Here you will find the worldfamous Sandbar and Stingray City, where you can feed and interact with stingrays in shallow water. The Coral Gardens are nearby, where you will find corals and fish. Both sites are only accessible by boat.
Seven Mile Beach The main snorkelling area here can be found at the north end of Seven Mile Beach at Cemetery Reef, which is about 300ft offshore, but often in less than 10ft of water.
Cali Less than 150ft offshore from George Town and 15-20ft deep, the wreck of the Cali is an easily accessible dive for beginners and snorkellers. Note: You must obtain permission from the Port Authority to explore this site.
West Bay Down the road from the Cayman Turtle Centre is Lighthouse Point and Cobalt Coast Dive Resort, which are great sites to find elusive sea turtles.
and grunts. Lying about 600ft offshore and 56ft underwater, it is the only Russian warship in the Western Hemisphere available for scuba diving. In 2004, a storm broke the ship in two and its bow now sits at a 45-degree angle. Although the amidships has become a debris field, it is still a popular dive site. The drop-off to the wall is only 100ft away from the wreck and extends down thousands of feet, giving divers the option of exploring the wall as well.
Oro Verde This 131ft steel cargo vessel is popular among wreck divers. It can be found 40-50ft below the surface and approximately 150ft off Seven Mile Beach, so it is not suitable for a shore dive. The amount of marine life available
Diving Areas
East End Dramatic coral and wall diving. Reef sharks, nurse sharks and even hammerheads can occasionally be seen.
George Town Coral, caves and tunnels at Eden Rock and a mermaid at Sunset House, just south of George Town. Look out for the tarpon!
North Wall Most dive sites on ‘The Wall’ are only accessible by boat. See incredible coral wall formations, sheer walls and occasionally eagle rays, nurse sharks, moray eels and all sorts of other underwater wonders. Inside the reef is the world-famous Stingray City, where you can interact with stingrays in 12ft of water.
West Bay Great shore dives from Cracked Conch, Lighthouse Point and Cobalt Coast. You can access ‘The Wall’ via boat trips or underwater scooters, or the mini wall from the shore. The wreck of the Kittiwake is found on the northern end of the West side.
for viewing is spectacular considering how shallow the wreck is. Unfortunately, the ship has collapsed somewhat due to the elements, but the animals that make it their home are the centrepiece of this wreck. Such as the massive jewfish that has come to be known as George, the moray eel named Kermit, and Puff the barracuda.
The USS Kittiwake In October 2017, this 251ft, 2,200 tonne, decommissioned military ship was toppled on its side by the winds of Hurricane Nate. The hull of the ex-USS Kittiwake is perfectly intact, but its port rail is now burrowed in the sand instead of standing upright. While divers and tourism officials were anxious that this world-renowned dive site seemed ruined, there was a silver lining. For many experienced Kittiwake divers, it was like a new dive site altogether! For the less experienced divers, it might be a little more daunting due to the lack of light coming through, but the darkened areas have attracted new breeds of sea life to the site. The ship rests in 64ft of water off the northern end of Seven Mile Beach and is a great dive site. Join a guided tour and keep an open mind. The Kittiwake is situated in a marine park which is protected under Cayman Law. This means that nothing can be touched or removed. Wearing gloves and fishing at this site (other than lionfish culling) is prohibited. Note: There is an entry fee to snorkel or dive the site and all vessels, commercial or private, are required to be licensed through the Cayman Islands Tourism Association (CITA). If you would like to dive or snorkel the Kittiwake, you must go with a licensed operator. Contact CITA (Tel: (345) 949 8522) for a list of licensed operators to plan your trip. A fee of CI$8 per day to dive and CI$4 per day to snorkel will need to be paid to the boat operator. You can also get an annual pass for CI$25 or a lifetime pass for CI$200. Due to boat and jet ski traffic, it is not advisable to swim to the Kittiwake from the shore.
explore the magnificent underwater world, the programme also allows sites to be rested. The diversity of sites offers dive options for all skill levels. Divers can explore over 230 dive sites in Grand Cayman (not including the yacht moorings) and roughly 134 in the Sister Islands (including the Cayman Brac yacht mooring). For more information, call the Cayman Islands Tourism Association (CITA) on (345) 949 0623.
Additionally, www.idivecayman.com provides HD footage and diver reviews of each site in Grand Cayman, making it a helpful resource when deciding on a particular site.
Lionfish
Native to the Indo-Pacific region, it’s believed that an aquarium owner released only eight captive lionfish off the coast of Florida in 1985. While lionfish are strikingly beautiful creatures with their distinctive stripes and spines, they are also an eco-disaster to the Caribbean and its dive industry. They are invasive predators that devour small and juvenile fish and crustaceans in large quantities. They also compete with native species for space and more food. This, coupled with the fact that they can reach reproductive maturity at less than one year old, and lay 30,000 eggs every four days, makes them a major problem for Cayman waters, especially since they have no known predators.
Seven Mile Beach Walls and shallow dives of 35ft-60ft, all accessible by boat.
Sister Islands Fabulous unspoiled diving, from shallow reefs to deep walls. Explore Bloody Bay Wall and the Keith Tibbetts Wreck.
Dive 365
Dive 365 is an exciting programme that has developed over 360+ separate dive sites around the Cayman Islands, giving divers a unique dive site for every day of the year and more! As well as enabling divers to
The Cayman community is doing its bit by culling the lionfish to combat their growing population and save the dive industry. However, be aware that lionfish are extremely venomous, and medical attention should be sought immediately if infected. You must not attempt to catch one without proper Department of Environment (DoE) training, and a licence. Divers, snorkellers and fishermen can obtain licences from the DoE to remove lionfish from the sea. The DoE and a few dive operators (Ambassador Divers, Divetech, Red Sail Sports and Ocean Frontiers) run a licensing course that is open to everyone. For more information, call the DoE on Tel: (345) 949 8469, email: doe@gov.ky or visit
www.doe.ky/marine/lionfish-invasive.
Lionfish are delicious and completely safe to eat. As a white fish, they are mild and flaky when cooked. They appear on the menu at Eagle Ray's Bar & Grill and Tukka in East End and other restaurants across the island.
Coral Nurseries
All coral in Cayman is fully protected and should never be touched. Touching coral can damage its delicate tissue and protective mucus layer, leaving it vulnerable to disease and bleaching. Like reefs worldwide, Cayman’s coral is in decline, largely due to rising sea temperatures caused by climate change and ocean acidification. However, four dive operators in Grand Cayman have obtained permits from the Department of Environment (Cayman Eco Divers, Divetech, Ocean Frontiers and Sunset House), plus the Brac SCUBA Shack on Cayman Brac and CCMI on Little Cayman, obtained permits from the Department of Environment and have been growing staghorn coral in small nurseries. This work has led to clippings from these nursery corals being planted back out on the reef. Over time they have grown and begun to reproduce more coral. This has also been dependent on the health conditions of Cayman’s reefs. However, this labourintensive programme is only effective for a few types of coral.
The best thing we can all do for Cayman’s reefs is not to hurt them in the first place. When boating, do not anchor in coral; when diving or snorkelling, be careful never to touch the reef and when fishing, obey the Marine Park rules, since a healthy fish population is important for a healthy coral reef. See the Boating chapter for more information.
Perhaps the biggest threats to coral reefs are overfishing, pollution and climate change, therefore efforts to become sustainable are also significant. Anything that individuals or businesses can do to reduce their environmental impact will help Cayman’s coral reefs along with the rest of the planet. See the Being Green chapter for more information on how to become more sustainable, particularly in the Cayman Islands.
Respecting the Reef
As the Islands’ greatest natural resource, home to Cayman's tropical fish life and our protection from natural disasters, it is essential that coral reefs are preserved and treated with respect. Divers can responsibly explore the spectacular reefs by following these small steps:
Never touch the coral Whether intentionally or by mistake, touching the coral can cause permanent damage. To avoid this, keep your buoyancy, fins and other diving equipment regulated to avoid any contact with the reef. Never take pieces of coral as souvenirs.
Use reef-friendly sunscreens Recent studies suggest that most contemporary sunscreens, particularly spray sunscreen, contain the damaging chemicals (oxybenzone and octinoxate) which are toxic to coral and, even in tiny doses, can stunt coral growth, cause coral bleaching and affect marine creatures like shrimp and clams. Instead, use rash guards and reef-friendly sunscreen, which contains only mineral UV-blocking ingredients such as titanium dioxide and oxide, when you are in the water. Reeffriendly sunscreens can be purchased from Foster’s and Kirk Market.
No - Diving Overlay Zones
There are several no-diving overlay zones in Grand Cayman and one on each Sister Island that restricts SCUBA diving without permission. Visit www.doe.ky/marine/ marine-parks for details.
LEARNING TO DIVE
Learning to dive is an essential activity for many new arrivals to Cayman. Popular training agencies for diver education and certification are PADI, NAUI, SDI, TDI, IANTD and SSI, offered by a variety of dive operators in Cayman.
Prior to committing to a full certification programme, many people try a Discover Scuba Course (formally known as a Resort Course). This ‘mini course’ consists of a short theory session where you’ll learn the simple dos and don’ts of diving, get an introduction to the equipment and learn some basic skills. You will first start in a swimming pool or shallow and confined open water to get used to being underwater before finally taking a shallow ocean dive with your instructor. This programme normally takes three to four hours and is a great way to see if diving is for you.
While the Discover Scuba Dive is a fantastic introduction, it does have its limitations. You are limited to a shallow depth (40ft max) and you can only dive with the dive instructor, the shop you completed the course with or another dive centre referred by the instructor. If you want to go further, the next step is the Open Water Certification course.
Adult Open Water Courses
The open water courses are often completed in as little as three days and provide the licence you need to dive. Many people choose the e-learning route, which allows you to do the class work at home, and then
the remainder of the course only takes two days. This option gets you in the ocean quicker and out of the classroom on your days off. Completion of this training is the minimum qualification required to rent equipment, go on excursions and basically get you in and out of the water safely. Many dive operators on Grand Cayman offer flexible learning options designed to suit your schedule.
Dive Courses for Kids & Teens
The open water course is also offered to those aged 10 and up, and children under 15 are able to become certified as Junior Open Water Divers. Options also exist for you to be taught at home in your own pool.
For little ones, there are lots of educational and fun scuba/snorkel activities available. Programmes include SASY (from age five), Rangers or Seals (from age eight), Junior Open Water Diver (from age 10) and guided diving excursions to the shallow reefs, Stingray City and the Kittiwake. Programmes range from pool sessions to ocean adventures, with kids learning about marine life, fish identification, coral reefs, underwater photography or even cruising on an underwater scooter.
Divetech offers a beta-tested PADI Junior Divemaster Programme for ages 15-17. This course involves portions of full divemaster training, with some modifications for younger divers, and gives them the opportunity to undertake work experience, gain exposure to the industry and gain practical experience and knowledge. Credit from this programme can be applied towards the full divemaster credentials for up to 36 months after completing the course. Candidates for this course must have an Advanced Open Water and Rescue Diver certification, completed first aid/CPR training within the past 24 months and have a minimum of 20 logged dives.
The following companies also offer dive programmes for children ages five and up: Eden Rock Diving Center, Seahorse Diving School and Wall to Wall Diving.
Certified Divers
Shore diving is a very popular weekend pursuit. Don Fosters, Divetech, Eden Rock Diving Center and Sunset House are some of the oldest dive resorts on Grand Cayman, and all boast great shore diving.
As a certified diver, you can also go on boat excursions. For many, the main reason to dive in Cayman is to explore the beautiful walls and drop-offs. You will soon have your own favourite sites and your conversations will turn to North West Point, Tarpon Alley, Great House Wall, Orange Canyon and coral-covered passages, where you’ll see eagle rays, horseeyed jacks, sharks and hawksbill turtles.
Dive Trips
Before long, you will be taking two-tank (two dive locations) trips to explore the renowned beauty of the West Wall, which runs parallel to Seven Mile Beach, the breathtaking North Wall, and East End, where the scenery is some of the most dramatic. Generally, dive boats will leave early and get you home for lunch, however, there are afternoon trips as well. The first dive is usually one of the wall dives. Experienced divers will have the opportunity to explore with a guide or their dive buddy. The best thing about guided dives is that the instructors know where they are going and will show you the best a particular site has to offer, as well as the critters. After a short surface interval, you will be on a second dive on one of Cayman’s shallow reefs or wrecks. By exploring the nooks and crannies, you see a host of amazing creatures, including lobsters, eels, soft coral, sea anemones and more. In shallower waters, the colours will amaze you and are more vibrant due to the increased level of light.
Sunset House, with its sunken mermaid sculpture, provides great shore diving and boat dives, as does Divetech. Divetech’s mini wall is a must-see, as is the sunken 13ft sculpture of Guardian of the Reef, which is half warrior and half seahorse. Also, visit Ocean Frontiers in East End to experience dramatic wall dives and caverns.
Finally, Eden Rock Diving Center offers easy access to Eden Rock and Devil’s Grotto. Once you have caught the dive bug, head over to the Sister Islands for a few days of diving some of Cayman’s pristine dive sites –just a 30-minute flight away. You will not be disappointed with Bloody Bay Wall in Little Cayman, with its beautiful drop-offs, coral and marine life. Finally, Cayman Brac is famous for the Wreck of MV Captain Keith Tibbetts, an interesting and very popular dive site.
ADVANCED DIVING
Advanced Diving Courses
After completing your Open Water certification, you may want to complete further courses to build on your experience. The Advanced course introduces you to deep diving, navigation diving, plus three other speciality dives in areas that interest you. There is a small amount of classroom study required for the course, which can be done online, with the remainder of the course completed in the water.
Various other advanced courses include underwater photography/videography, search and recovery, stingray interaction, reef awareness, wreck diving, scooters, buoyancy, technical applications and the popular Enriched Air (Nitrox) course.
Technical Diving
Technical dives are conducted beyond the 130ft depth limit for recreational diving. They require a decompression stop and occur beyond the light zone or in an overhead environment. This type of advanced, extended-range diving requires a commitment to safe, responsible, selfdisciplined diving.
If you are truly adventurous, you can learn to use Rebreathers (devices originally designed by the military that emit no bubbles or noise), mixed gases or certain techniques for extended-range diving. Rebreather diving (Closed Circuit Rebreathers/CCR) allows you to massively extend your dive time. You could spend three hours at 100ft and, as there are no bubbles, you’ll get up closer to the marine
Nitrox, Advanced Nitrox, Normoxic Trimix, Trimix and Advanced Trimix courses enable divers to safely explore greater depths. This allows divers to dive to the same depths as normal scuba divers, but for a longer bottom time. It also provides an extra margin of safety as it reduces the amount of nitrogen being absorbed by your body.
A Nitrox course usually costs CI$150 and one tank of Nitrox will only cost about CI$10 more than a regular tank of air. If you like diving within 100-150ft, Advanced Nitrox enables you to stay safely at these depths for about 45 minutes instead of the usual 10-20 minutes. Normoxic/Non-Hypoxic Training takes divers to the 200ft range, reducing oxygen content to about 18% and adding helium to buffer the effects of narcosis. For those wishing to go deeper (330ft+), Divetech can support rebreather diving with tanks and gasses.
You may even wish to turn your passion for diving into a career by becoming a Divemaster. Divemaster training develops your skills to a professional level. You will work alongside full-time instructors and get paid for it too!
Freediving relies solely on a diver’s breath control rather than the use of heavy breathing apparatus. The absence of bulky equipment allows easier movement through the water, and a more natural interaction with marine life. There are also several fitness benefits, including full body muscle strengthening, increased lung capacity and improved cardiovascular health. However, just like scuba diving, it also carries risks. Success in freediving depends on discipline, proper safety training, and the mastery of mindful breathing techniques. Ambassador Divers offers structured courses (Tel: (345) 916 1064), beginning with essential classroom lessons, progressing to shallow water and pool skills, and culminating in an open water freedive.
Ambassador Divers
Tel: (345) 916 1064
A small dive operator with a PADI five-star IDC rating. Offering wreck, reef and wall dives.
Cayman Diving
69 North Church Street, George Town
Tel: (345) 916 8487
Email: dive@caymandiving.com
Cayman Diving offers PADI courses, two-tank diving and snorkelling.
Deep Blue Divers
37 Seafarers Way, George Town
Tel/ Whatsapp: (345) 916 1293
Email: info@deepbluediverscayman.com
Divetech
Lighthouse Point and Cobalt Coast, West Bay Tel: (345) 946 5658 or www.divetech.com
Offers PADI courses, Discover Scuba Diving, two-tank boat trips, shore diving, night diving and trips to the USS Kittiwake.
Eden Rock Diving Center
124 South Church Street, George Town
Tel: (345) 949 7243
Email: edenrockstaff@gmail.com
Great shore diving and snorkelling. Explore caves and tunnels just below the surface. Equipment rental and instruction available.
Ocean Frontiers Ltd.
344 Austin Conolly Drive, East End Tel: (345) 640 7500
An award-winning dive training center offering all levels of courses from introductory to professional ratings. Their East End two-tank, Wall and reef boat dives as well as their signature dive trips, UV glow night dives, three tank safari including Kittiwake wreck dive, and assorted 1-tank trips are extremely popular.
Sunset Divers at Sunset House Hotel
390 South Church Street, South Sound Tel: (345) 946 6789
Email: diveshop@sunsethouse.com www.sunsethouse.com/scuba-diving
Sunset Divers offers discounted resident
courses, equipment rental, shore and two-tank boat diving or USS Kittiwake trips. They have a team of experienced, qualified and friendly dive instructors who are on hand to share their wealth of local hints and tips. Right from Sunset House you can dive or snorkel the Mermaid, Nicholson wreck and the Sunset House reef, or you can go on a boat dive and explore further afield. They are a PADI five-star dive shop which teaches everything from Discover Scuba Diving all the way to professional courses, including Junior Divers 8 years and up. Plus, there is a great restaurant and bar on site with wonderful views of the sunset. SEE AD PAGE 481
Seahorse Diving School
Tel: (345) 328 2778
Offers diving courses for children and teenagers.
Tortuga Divers
2289 Queen's Highway, East End
Tel: (345) 947 2097
Offers daily two-tank wall dives, afternoon one-tank shallow dives and weekly night dives.
Wall to Wall Diving
Tel: (345) 916 6408
Offers PADI courses and dive trips on their two custom–built 36ft and 32ft boats. Maximum of eight divers per boat.
Underwater Photography Lessons
Given the incredible beauty of Cayman’s underwater world, many find themselves wanting to capture it in photographs. The island offers an opportunity to learn all types of underwater photography, videography and digital image and video editing. Serious dive-certified photographers also have the option of completing their PADI Digital Photography and PADI Videograph certifications.
Capture Cayman
Email: lisa@capturecayman.com www.capturecayman.com
With over 15 years of experience teaching land and underwater photography, Lisa Collins is an expert instructor who can help you reach your photography goals.
A& E (Accident and Emergency) 330
A. L. Thompson’s 227, 234, 244, 246, 247, 294, 297
AAA Caregivers 85, 302, 408
Abernethy & Associates 263
Accounting & auditing firms 65
Ace Car Rental 177
Advanced diving 482
Advertising agencies 65
Aetna 320
Affinity Recruitment Ltd 81, 82, 99, 105
Agricultural Show 30
Air cargo 114
Air conditioning 172-176
Air conditioning duct cleaning 188
Aircraft registration 41
Alcohol 217-218
Alternative medicine 348- 354
Aluminium recycling 193, 223
AMB Construction Ltd 254, 262
Amber Yates - Century 21 138, 139
Androgroup Elevator Ltd 266
Animal abuse 421
Annuities 50
Antenatal care 336, 404
Anthony S. Eden Hospital (HSA) 322, 325, 330, 406
Antiques 286
Apex 240, 260
Appliance Pros 17, 188
Appliance repair 188
Architects 259-261
ARK 439
Art classes 390, 429, 456
Art galleries 286
Art supplies 286
Ashley Furniture 297
Asset management 42-45
Athletics 450, 460
Atlantic Kids & Atlantic 288, 291, 292, 293, 412
Atrium Corporate Ltd 59, 60
Atrium Legal Limited 47
Attorneys and law firms 66-70
Audiophile 242, 243
Aurora Life 315, 353
Avalon Marine 275
Avata Property Services Ltd 146
Baby & toddler equipment 412
Babysitters & nannies 196, 302, 408
Baker Tilly 65
Bakeries 210
Balaclava 3, 291
Balboa (Wreck of) 449
Ballet 451, 462
Banana boat rides 446
Banking - Business 31, 34, 62-64
Banking - Personal 150-153
Banns of Marriage 398
Baptist Health International 317, 324
Baraud 71, 79, 82, 105
Barcadere Marina 271, 273, 278
Bars 213-214
Baseball 451
Basketball 451, 461
Bat removal/conservation 199
Batabano Carnival 30, 429, 432, 437
Baysyde Biz 70, 312
BCQS - Rentals 148
BCQS International 144, 261, 264
Beauty products 287-288
Beauty salons 305
Becky’s Closet 292, 305
Bedell Cristin 67, 396, 397
Beer 217
Behavioral Health Associates Cayman 342
Bicycle repairs 308
Bicycles 184, 299
Birds (Importing captive) 415
Bistros 210
Blackbeard’s 217
Blocks & insulated concrete forms 266
Blue iguana conservation 425
Blue Point Consultants 144, 264
Boarding schools 378-381
Boat fuel 279
Boat insurance 274
Boat licensing fees 277
Boat maintenance 275-277
Boat ramp locations 272, 273
Boat rentals and leasing 279
Boat security 274
Boat tours 278
Boating - Areas 270-272
Boating - Buying a boat 275-276
Boating rules 272
Boats and hurricanes 274
Bodden Funeral Services 91
Bon Vivant 188, 219, 250, 296, 297
Bonfires 30
Bonny Moon 209, 213
Bookkeeping services 65
Books & stationery 288
Boot camps 461
Botanic Park 401, 423, 447, 453
Bould Consulting 144
Bowling 453, 465
Boxing 453, 461
Brava 74, 75
Breast pumps 410
Bridal gifts 400
Brokerage services 45
Brunch 219
Bug Busters 191, 192
Build Cayman 146, 262
Building a green home 225
Building a home 248-267
Building Control Unit (BCU) 254
Building professionals 259-265
Building supplies 265, 294
Business - Establishing 51-58
Business hours 31
Butterfield Bank 43, 64, 151, 152
Buying a new car 179
Buying a used car 180
Buying in bulk 217, 288
Cadet corps 435, 459
Cafés 210
Cali (Wreck of) 479
Camana Bay 14, 73, 128, 130, 448
Campbells Attorneys 60, 67, 141, 143
Camping 30
Captive insurance 39
Car cleaning/wash 184, 308
Car dealers (New & Used) 179-181
Car insurance 162, 176
Car maintenance 182-183
Cardiology 331
Carers - elderly 86, 335
Carey Olsen 60, 67, 141
Caribbean Club 37, 307, 401, 473
Caring Hands 86, 335
Carpentry 265
Carrie Lee (Wreck of) 479
Catboat Regattas 29
Catering 219, 400
Cayman Airways 403, 471, 474
Cayman Animal Hospital 417
Cayman Brac 474
Cayman Canine Training 419, 420
Cayman Clinic 326, 327
Cayman Dental 345
Cayman Drama Society 426, 433
Cayman Family Law 67, 88, 397
Cayman Fertility Centre 335, 407
Cayman Finance 41, 389
Cayman First 66, 162, 166, 320
Cayman Hand Centre 339
Cayman Hearing Center 349
Cayman Home Inspections Ltd 146, 147
Cayman Insurance Centre 161, 162, 320
Cayman International Assembly of God 442
Cayman International School 363, 367, 371, 372
Cayman Islands Brewery 217
Cayman Islands Cancer Society 338, 439
Cayman Islands Centre for Business Development (CICBD) 57
Cayman Islands Customs Agency (CICA) 113, 178, 301
Cayman Islands Marathon 466, 467
Cayman Islands National Museum 286, 426, 427, 448
Cayman Islands Printer Cartridges 70, 222, 293
Cayman Islands Realtors Organization 122
Cayman Islands Sailing Club 280, 430, 431, 454, 466
Cayman Islands Stock Exchange (CSX) 41
Cayman Islands Yacht Club (Marina) 273, 278
Cayman Learning Centre & School 372, 383
Cayman Marine Services 276
Cayman National Bank 43, 64, 152
Cayman Neurosurgeon Ltd 336
Cayman News Service 35, 312
Cayman Pet Paradise 420, 421
Cayman Physiotherapy Ltd 348, 350, 352, 410
Cayman Prep & High School 370, 373
Cayman Rugby Club 454, 466
Cayman Pickleball & Tennis Academy 454, 455
Cayman Turtle Centre 402, 424, 449
Caymanian culture 29-30
Caymanian passports 106
Caymanian status 103-105
Caymanite 27
Cell Cayman 154, 155, 293, 308
Cell phones 154, 155, 172, 308
Cellular World 155, 308
Cemeteries 90, 91
Centre Island Properties Ltd 147, 149
CF School 374
CG BritCay 66, 160, 162, 275, 320, 477
CG Landscape Architecture 246, 256, 258, 259
Chalmers Gibbs Architects Ltd 237, 256, 258, 259
Charterland 144
Childbirth classes 407
Children and car seats 172
Children’s dentistry 347
Chiropractors 349
Christmas 31
Christopher Columbus 25
Churches 442-444
CI Intellectual Property Office 56, 57
CI Monetary Authority (CIMA) 41
CIBC Caribbean 43, 53, 64, 153
Cigar bars 214
Cinema 427, 448, 457
CINICO 162, 163, 320
CIREBA 122
Civil partnerships 399
Claudia Subiotto - Re/Max 19, 135, 138
Climate 31
Clongowes Wood College 381
Clothes (adults) 288
Clothes (children) 290, 412
CML 82, 105
Cocktail Week 218
Collas Crill 47, 67, 88, 141
Collatoralised loan obligations (CLO) 37
Colleges 385-387
Commercial office space 72-75
Community life 432-444
Computers & IT services 293
Concierge services 303
Conference facilities 66
Connect Cayman 243, 293
Construction management 257, 261
Contractors 262-263
Conyers 67, 101, 105
Cooking classes 219
Cooling Pros 17, 188
Copyright protection 57
Coral nurseries 481
Coralisle Pension Services Ltd 167
CORE Energy Programme 228
Corporate services 60-62
Cosmetic medicine 332
Cost of living 110, 111
Costs of services 310
CostWatch 158, 195
Counselling 342-344, 436-438
Courier services 309
Cracked Conch 208, 213
Craft Market 286, 424
Cremation 91
Cricket 451, 461
Cricket Square 72
Crighton Properties 91, 133, 139
Crossfit 451, 461
Cryptocurrency 47
Crystal Caves 423, 425, 449, 472
Cuba 476
CUC 82, 158, 159, 182, 194, 228
Culinary events 218
Cultural activities 426, 456
Cultural workshops 457
Currency 41, 112
Customs & traditions 29
Cycling 184, 461
Dance 30, 403, 451, 462
Dart 15, 63, 73
Dart Family Park 446
Darts 461
Daylight savings 31, 109
DDL Studio Ltd 144, 238, 259, 264
Dean’s Cleaning Services 195
Dental Centre (The) 345
Dentists 344-348
Department of Commerce and Investment 57
Department of Environment 270, 280
Department of Environmental Health 90, 91, 200,
224
Dependants 78, 95, 96
Department of Education Services 360, 384
derma Ltd 333, 334, 353
Design Studio 235, 238, 242, 296, 297
Designer windows and doors 240, 264
Diabetes 334
Dialling codes 153
Diesel 159, 279
Digicel 156
Dining on a budget 212
District health centres 323-324
Dive 365, 450
Dive equipment 299
Dive operators 483
Divers Supply 5, 299, 300
Diving - Technical 482
Diving 478-483
Divorce 96, 103, 392-397
Doc Polson (Wreck of) 479
Doctors (General & Family) 327-330
Doctors Hospital 319, 322, 325, 327, 349, 350, 355, 406, 407, 462
Dog sitting 420
Dog trainers 419
Dolphins 446
Domestic abuse (legal) 395
Domestic abuse (awareness and support) 342, 436-437, 439
Domestic help & agencies 196, 408
Domicile 88, 107
Doors & windows 240
Dorm & Day 361, 379, 380
Doulas 407
Dr Foley’s Eye Clinic 339, 351
Dr Matthias F. Herzig 339
Dr Rommel El-Madany’s Clinic 335, 337, 405
Dr Wolfe’s Dental Centre 347, 348, 411
Drinking & driving 173
Driving licences 173-174
Driving tests 173
Dry cleaners 305
Duty costs - Importing a car 179
Duty on imports 116
Duty on wedding gifts 400
Duty rates 117
DVC Esthetics 333
Ear, Nose, Throat (ENT) 340, 341
Earth Day Cleanup 229
Easter 29, 30
EcoSmart 75, 186, 188
Edie’s 231, 241, 242, 245
Education - Professional 387-390
Education 358-391
Election(s) 24, 27
Electric cars 181, 229
Electric vehicle charging stations 183
Electricians
80, 190
Electricity 158-159
Electronics 243, 293
Elevation Health & Physiotherapy 352, 410
Elevators 266
Employee entitlements 64
Encompass Ltd 236, 239, 249, 261, 262, 472
Endocrinology 334
Energy storage systems 226
Engagement rings 400
Engel & Völkers 7, 139
Environmental disposal fee (cars) 179
Evening sailing trips 279
Event planners 307
Excess baggage 114
Exporting a car (from Cayman) 179
ezShip Cayman 301, 309
Fabrizone Cleaning Systems 71, 194, 195
Family matters 392-397
Family photographs 411
Family Practice (The) 328, 329, 331
Family-friendly restaurants 210
Farmers Markets 215
FEDA Maintenance Services 188, 190, 193, 194, 245
FG Services Ltd 61
Financial history (Cayman) 33
Financial technology (FinTech) 38
Finding a job 79
Firearms/weapons 118
Fireworks 294
First aid 391
First Baptist Christian School 373, 374
First Baptist Church 443
Fishing 281-282, 475
Fishing (catch limits) 282
Fitness Connection 389, 408, 455, 463, 464, 468
Flag football 452, 462
Flooring 241, 266
Flora & fauna 28
Florida 477
Florists 298, 306
FLOW 156
Flowers Block 158, 265, 266
Flowers Foam Products 265, 266
Flowers Sea Swim 468
Foam Pros Ltd 17, 244, 267
Folk singing 30
Food delivery service 212
Food trucks 212
Football/soccer 452, 462
Footsteps School 374, 375
Foster’s - Pharmacy 355
Foster’s Supermarket 207, 214, 217
Foundation companies 36, 55
FrancisGrey Attorneys 61, 67, 68, 397
Freight consolidating & forwarders 301
Full Work Permit 93
Funeral homes 91
Funerals 90
Furniture 242, 294-296
Gallagher Insurance 66, 163, 320
Garden maintenance 197-198
Gardens 245-247
Gas 157
General contractors 262
General practitioners 327-330
Geology 27
George Town landfill 221
George Town Yacht Club 280
Geothermal (cooling systems) 228
Girl Guides Association 459
Giving blood 314
Golf 431, 452, 463
Gourmet food 217
Government schools 363-365
GPE Services 190, 193, 262, 263
Grace Christian Academy 375
Green - At home 223-225
Green - At work 223
Green - Building 225, 258
Green - Cleaning products 222
Green - Community 229
Green - Eating 221
Green Paw 414, 420
Grocery stores 214
Guns 118
Gymnastics 448, 452
Gyms 463
Gynaecology & Obstetrics 336-338, 404-405
Hair salons 304
HALO Legal Solutions 67, 71, 312
Hampson and Company 68, 88, 395, 397
Harbour House Marina 276, 277, 278
Hardware 296
Health & wellness 313-357
Health City 9, 322, 324, 328, 406
Health insurance 84, 112, 160, 316-320
Health Services Authority (HSA) 322, 325, 405, 406, 407
Healthcare Pharmacy 355, 356
Heather Holt Photography 308, 401, 402, 411
Helicopter rides 426
Hell Geological Site 423
Heritage Holdings 74, 306
Hew’s Cleaning Services 71, 196, 197, 305
High Achievement Academy 383
High schools 364-365, 371-378
History and culture test 100
History of the Cayman Islands 25-27
Hockey 452, 464
Holiday camps 459
Home automation 243, 293
Home Gas 157, 225
Home improvements 230-247
Home inspections & site surveys 145, 146, 165
Home security 190, 243
Home Tailor 240, 242
Homeschooling 384
Homewares 296
Honduras 476
Hope Academy - Clinical Services 342, 343, 353
Hope Academy 376, 381
Horseback riding 452, 464
Hospitals - Local 322, 405-406
Hospitals - Overseas 324
HSM 55, 61, 68, 88, 89, 95, 105, 142
Hurricane supplies 203, 288
Hurricanes and pets 205, 420
Hyde Shipping 110, 113, 114, 178
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy 350
Immigration 86, 92-107, 412
Immigration consultants 105
Immunisations 360, 410
Import duty 116, 117
Importing a vehicle 178-179
Importing food 118
Importing pets 413-415
Independent directors 38, 62
INGCO Tools 267
Inheritance tax 88
Institute of Cayman Islands Architects 261
Insurance - Car 176
Insurance - Contents 161
Insurance - Health 64, 84, 112, 160, 316-320
Insurance - Home 161
Insurance - Legislation 39
Insurance - Life 85, 143, 164
Insurance Co of the West Indies (ICWI) 163, 164, 184
Insurance providers 162-164, 320-322
Integra Healthcare 319, 328, 407
Intellectual property 57, 58
Interior Design Group 238, 296, inside front cover
Interior designers 237-238
International College of the Cayman Islands 386
International Medical Group 329, 331, 350
International packers & movers 113
Internet providers/services 155
Invenio Global Search 82, 105
Investing in Cayman 42-50
Investment funds 36, 56
IronShore Contracting 237, 251, 263
Island Cleaners 305
Island Doula 407
Island Electronics 190
Island Energy 159
Island Heritage Insurance 163, 167, 275
Island Montessori 366, 367
Island Primary 376
IT services 66, 293
Jacques Scott 217
Jamaica 476
Jasmine 87, 335, 440
JEC Property Consultants 144, 145, 147, 252, 264
Jewellery 291, 400
Jewellery Palace (The) 292
John Doak Architecture 257, 260
Johnson Design + Architecture 260, 262
Juliet Osbourne - Life Insurance 85, 143, 164
JUNK 200, 224
Kapok (Dart) 121, 131
Kass Coleman - RE/MAX 123, 139
Kayaking 430
Keith Tibbetts (Wreck of) 479
Kennedy Gallery 286, 287
Kennels 420
KES Nanny Service 86, 303, 409
Key cutting/locksmiths 306
Kiddie Cove 368, 369
KidsAbility 343, 351, 353, 381
Kindergarten 363-364, 371-378
King Pin Bowling 453, 465
King’s Sports Centre 448, 452, 453, 457, 464
Kirk Freeport 292, 400, outside back cover
Kirk IT 66, 71
Kirk Marine 276, 281
Kirk Market 13, 215, 217
Kirk Office 70, 71, 223, 287, 293
Kirk Pharmacy 354, 356
Kitchens 238
Kiteboarding 430, 453
Kittiwake (The) 480
Kman Vets 416, 417
Knighthead Annuity 50
Kosher food 212
Kristina King - ERA 139
Landfill site 221
Landscaping 245, 298
Language therapy 353, 381
Laser tag 431, 448
Laundry services 305, 306
Law firms 66-70, 397
Law school 386, 387
Leadership development 391, 459
Learning support 381-385
Leasing - Commercial property 72-75
Leasing a vehicle 177
Ledger & Looms 241, 298
Legal system 27
Letter of Wishes 87
Liberty Wealth 43, 48
Libraries 459
LIFE (Literacy is For Everyone) 362, 439, 440
Lighting 118, 296
Limited liability company (LLC) 54
Linens 296
Lionfish 282, 480
Liquor stores 217
Little Cayman 137-138, 475
Little Trotters 367, 368
Live music 214, 403
Living expenses 111
Living.ky 10-11, 75, 125,233, 238, 253
Local media 310-312
Local produce 215-216
Logic 74, 75, 154, 155, 156, 312
LOM 43
Love Your Dog 419, 420
Luca 208, 215
Mac Plumbing 193
Macabuca 212
Mail Boxes Etc 114, 309
Mangrove kayak tours 4430
Maples 68
Marinas 278
Marine fuelling stations 279
Marine Park regulations 280
Maritime Authority (MACI) 41
Marriage 398-403
Marsh 163, 318, 320
Martial arts 453, 465
Masonary 265
Mastic Trail 426
Maternity clothes 408
Maternity leave 78, 408
Mattress Experts 295, 298
Media 310-312
Mediation 394
Medical cannabis 350
Medical declaration (for immigration) 94
Medical spas 353
Medical specialties 330-344
Miami 477
Michael Webster - Life Insurance 85, 143, 164
Midwife births 406
Minerva 109, 147, 303, 409
Mini Warehouse 2 Ltd 306, 307
Ministry of Financial Services 41
Mise en Place 305, 3
Mission House 426
Mobile phones 154-155
Mobile Vet Company (The) 417
Money transfer services 153
Montessori by the Sea 377
Montessori del Sol 368
Montessori School of Cayman 368, 369
Mortgages 142
Mosaic Cayman 109, 303
Mosquito Solutions 192
Mosquitoes 28
Motions Unlimited 411, 448, 452, 454, 457
Motor Zone 182
Motorcycle licences 176
Motorcycle tours 426
Motorcycles 184
Moving to Cayman 108-118
Musical instruments 298
Must Love Dogs 415, 416, 421
MyCart Express 300, 301
My Island Dentist 346
My KandA Cleaners 71, 196,197, 305
Nannies
196, 302, 408
National Emergency Notification System (NENS) 203
National Gallery 286, 390, 402, 427, 441, 456
National Roads Authority (NRA) 171
National symbols 30
National Trust 229, 286, 431, 441, 458
Native plants & trees 224
Naturalisation 103
NAUI 481
Navigation (marine) 273
NCI Freight & Logistics 109, 114, 115, 299, 301, 303
Netball 454, 465
Neurology & neurosurgery 336
New car dealers 179
New York 477
Nexus Studios (Dart) 73, 74
North Sound Golf Club 452, 463
Notary Public 70, 312
Nova Recruitment 82, 440
Nursery schools 366-371
Oasis Pool & Spa 199, 247
Obstetricians, gynaecology 36-337, 404-406
OceanMed 327, 335, 337, 350, 405
Office Supply 5, 66, 70, 287, 293
Ogier 61, 69, 88, 142
Omni Cayman 65, 107
ONE | GT 22-23, 208, 472
Ophthalmology 338
Optical Outlook 293, 351
Optimal Healthcare 340, 341, 409, 410
Optometry 351
Orlando 477
Oro Verde (Wreck of) 480
Orthodontics 347-348
Outdoor living 245-246
Outdoors - ALT (The) 246, 247
Overseas Asset Management (OAM) 43, 44
Overseas education 378-381
Overseas Territory 27, 32
Overseas treatment facilities 324
OWC Services 61, 71, 105
Pack Pet N’ Go 416
Paddleboarding 430, 465
PADI 388, 481
Paediatric dentistry 347
Paediatricians 340-341, 409-410
Painting contractors 193
Palliative care 87, 335, 440
Paradise Landscaping 246
Paradise Villas 475
Paramount Carpets 237, 241, 266
Parkour 454
Parrots 415, 448
Parsons Air Conditioning 188, 189
Partnerships - Business 37, 52
Party supplies & rentals 299
Pasadora Family Dental Centre 346, 347, 348, 411
Passports (Baby) 412
Passports (Pets) 417
Passports 106
Paternity leave 408
Pathology 341
Paving and driveways 266
Pedro St. James Castle 402, 422, 423, 450
Penha Duty-Free 284-285, 287
Pensions 48-49, 165-168
Pensum Health 344
Pensum Services 164, 275
Permanent Residency 99-103
Permission to Continue Working (PCW) 101
Personal trainers 463-464
Pest control 190-193
Pestkil Ltd 192
Pet grooming & pampering 420
Pet passports 417
Pet relocation services 416
Pet sitting 420
Pet-friendly staycations 474
Petrol 159, 279
Pets - Adopting 418
Pets - Lost or injured 421
Pets - Ticks & fleas 419
Pets & hurricanes 205, 420
Pharmacies 354-357
Phoenix Health Services 324, 326
Photo processing 308
Photographers 307, 402, 411
Physiotherapy 352
Piano tuning 299
Pianotech.ky 299
Pickleball 454, 465
Pilates 464, 466
Pilates Studio (The) 408, 456, 464, 466
Piracy 26
Pirates Week Festival 31, 429, 432, 458
Planning permission & BCU 252-256
Plants & garden centres 198, 298
Plastic Free Cayman 229, 435
Playgrounds & parks 446-447
Playgroups 411, 459
Plumbers 80, 193
Podiatry 341
Pole fitness 466
Political system 27
Pool maintenance 198
Pooley Cabinets Design Studio 236, 240, 265
Pools Cayman 198, 199, 247
Poor Relief payments 86
Population 28
Postal services 308
Post-natal support 410
Post-nuptial agreements 392
Power Flower 198, 246, 298
Powerhouse Gym 464, 465
Precious metals 48
Pre-natal classes 408
Prenuptial agreements 392
Preschool 366-371
Preventative healthcare 352
Priced Right 217, 288, 289
Primary schools 363-364, 371-378
Printing & copying 309
Private schools 365-378
Pro Yacht 273, 274, 276, 277
Professional training 387-390
Project managers (construction) 264-265
Propane gas 157, 225
Property management services 146-147
Property market overview 119-122
Property pitfalls to avoid 145
Property valuations 143-145
Psychology 342-344
Public holidays 29
Public transport 185
Purchasing overseas 300
Puritan Cleaners 225, 305, 306
Quayside Surveyors 145
Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park 401, 423, 425, 447, 453
Radio stations (local) 310-312
Ragazzi 210, 214
RBC Dominion Securities 44
readyspaces 54, 74
Realtors - Renting 148-149
Realtors - Sales 138-139
Rebecca Davidson Photography 308, 402, 403
Recruitment agencies 82
Recycling 193-194, 223-224
Recycling batteries 223
Recycling locations 223
Red Cross 300, 390, 391, 440
Reinsurance 40
Reliable Industries 196
Religious services 442-444
Relocation services 109
REM Services 147, 148, 149
Renewable energy 226-228
Rent costs 111, 148
Rental cars 177
Renting a property 147-149
Reside Cayman 97, 105 Residential areas 129-137
Retirees 83
Retirement homes 86
RF Bank & Trust 44, 45, 167, 168
Rhulens 139
Ritch Realty 137, 139, 149
Ritz-Carlton (The) 208, 211, 286, 287, 305, 401, 450, 473
Ritz-Carlton Golf Course (The) 300, 463
Ritz-Carlton Tennis Club (The) 300, 454, 455, 466, 469
Roadside assistance 184
Robson Construction 261, 263
Rock climbing 466
Rock Paper Scissors 291, 292
Rocky’s Diamond Gallery 292
Roller & Inline skating 454
Roofing 267
Roundabouts 171
Rugby 454, 466
Running 466
Sagicor 44, 46, 165
Sailing 279-280, 431, 454, 466
Sailing charters 279, 280
Sailing Club 430, 431, 454, 466
Sargassum (Removal) 200
Saxon 164, 167
School buses 172, 185
School uniforms 292
Schools - Government 362-365
Schools 362-378
Scooters 172, 176, 184
Scotts Marine 269, 274, 276
Security - Boat 274
Security - Home 190, 243
Service clubs 434-436
Seven Mile Medical Clinic 329, 330, 350
Sewage treatment 200
Shining Stars Education Centre 369
Ship registration 41
Shipping by air 114
Shipping by sea 114
Shoes & shoe repair 292, 308
Simply Weddings 400, 401
Sinclair Corporate Services 60, 61
Sinclairs 60, 69 ,71
Single family offices 38
Sister Islands 474-475
Sister Janice’s Early Learning Centre 370
Site surveys 146-147
Snorkelling 279, 431, 479
Social clubs 433-434
Softball 451, 467
Solar power 226-228
Sole trader 52
Sotheby’s International Realty 138
Spas 305, 353
Spaying & neutering pets 418
Special Economic Zone 57, 97
Speech Studio 353, 382
Spinning 467
Sports & Divers Supply 5, 299, 300
Sports & fitness 460-470
Sports clothing & equipment 300
Sports medicine 339-340
Spray foam insulation 244
Squash 454, 467
St. Ignatius - Early Years Centre 365, 370
St. Ignatius Catholic Church 443
St. Ignatius Catholic School 376, 377
St. Michaels University School 381
StaMar Enterprises 113, 114, 116, 301
Stamp duty rates 140-141
Stanbrook Prudhoe 69
Stationery 288, 403
Staycations 471-474
Stem cell treatments 344
SteppingStones 82
Sticks and Stones 245, 246, 296
Stingray City 424
Stingray Media 311
Storm surge 204
Storytelling 430, 459
Strand Dental Clinic (The) 346
Strand Medical Centre (The) 329
Strata titles 143
Strategic Wealth Preservation 48
Structured finance 37
Stuarts Humphries 61, 69, 70, 89, 105, 142
Student visas 97
Styles Beauty Salon 304
Sunglasses 292
Sunset Divers 391, 473, 483
Sunset House 208, 213, 473
Sunshine Suites 149
Supermarkets 214-215
Support services/groups 436-438
Surfing 431, 454, 467
Surveyors - Land 263
Surveyors - Quantity 264
Sustainable eating 221
Sustainable transport 229
Swift Auto Leasing 177
Swimming 455, 468-469
Swimming pools & safety 228, 247
Table tennis 469
Tailors 305
Taxation 34, 107
Tech West 5, 294
Telephone services 154-155
Television 156
Television stations (local) 312
Temporary accommodation 149
Temporary Work Permit 96
Tennis 455, 469
Terraces (Dart) 127, 131
The Marble Guys Ltd 239, 240, 265
Theatre 426, 458
Thrift shops 300
Time Zones 109
Tipping 212
Tips for being green 222
Tomlinson Furniture 241, 296, 297, 412
Tony’s Toys 178, 180, 181, 183, 184
Tool Suppliers 267
Total Health 327, 330, 332, 340, 357
Toys 288
Trade and Business Licensing 58-60
Tradeview 45
Travel 471-477
Travel agents 477
Travel insurance 477
Travers Thorp Alberga 61, 69, 89, 393, 397
Trees - Planting 198
Triathlons 456, 470
Tropical Architectural Group 255, 260
Tropical Optical 351
Truman Bodden Law School (The) 386, 387
Turtles & turtling 30
Tutoring 382-384
Ultimate frisbee 470
Ultrasound 326
Uncle Bill’s 184, 238, 246, 295, 299, 308
Underwater photography lessons 483
Underwear 293
Uniko Eco Salon 288, 304
UNITS 306
Universities 386-387
University College of the Cayman Islands 387
Upholstery services 245
US taxation 107
US/American citizens 106, 107
Used car dealers 181
Utilities 157-158, 194
Vampt Motors 180, 181, 183, 184
Vanguard Insurance 84, 164, 322
Vegetarian & vegan food 212
Vehicle licensing 175
Veterinarians 417-418
VHF radio 274
Vigoro Nursery 198, 246, 298
Village Montessori 371, 375, 378
Vino Veritas 216, 218
Visas 58, 97, 106
Vitamin Shoppe 357
Volleyball 456, 470
Voluntary organisations 438-442
Walkers (Cayman) LLP 57, 69
Warehouse space 306
Waste management 200, 221
Watches, jewellery & repair 291
Water Authority 157, 158
Waterfront dining 208-210
Wealth management 42-45
Web design 65
Wedding bands 400
Wedding dresses 399
Wedding planners 401
Wedding services 398-403
Weights, measures & temperature 112
Wellness Centre (The) 321, 343, 382
WestPoint Inspections 146, 264, 265
Wildlife - Injured 421
Wills & probate 87-88
Window treatments 240
Wine 118, 217, 218, 391
Wine tasting & dinners 219
Women’s health 336-338, 404-405
Work permits 76-78, 93-96
Wreck diving 479-480
Wreck of the Ten Sail 26, 33, 446
X-ray 326
Yoga 456, 470
Last Look
People who find the Cayman Resident magazine and website really useful.
Alice Fisher
When my husband accepted a position at BDO and I took up a teaching post at Footsteps, neither of us had ever set foot in Cayman. Moving to a new country can feel daunting, but Cayman Resident made the transition so much easier. The website quickly became our go-to guide, helping us with everything from deciding which areas to live in, to understanding where to buy a car and open a bank account. The cost of living breakdown was especially useful—particularly as it included examples for a teacher and an accountant, which could not have been more relevant! Beyond the practicalities, we’ve loved learning about Cayman’s traditions and culture through the site. Now, having been here for almost two weeks, we’re excited to begin truly integrating ourselves into this warm and welcoming community. Cayman already feels like home, and we’re grateful for the guidance that helped us settle in. Alice Fisher is a teacher at Footsteps School.
Shalini Morahan
Originally from Trinidad & Tobago and having lived outside of my home country for more than 20 years, and having lived in the UK, Australia and Germany, Cayman is the perfect mix for me on a personal and professional level. When I was offered a job as an attorney, the decision was filled with scepticism as I didn’t know much about Cayman. However, after having read the useful information from the Cayman Resident, it was instrumental in helping me make an informed decision to move. I was schooled on matters such as how to move and immigration. As I didn’t know anyone on island at the time, Cayman Resident served as my principal source of information and influenced my decision. As General Counsel/Head of Legal for Scotiabank, and recently started a family, Cayman Resident provides me with essential facts for living in Cayman. Shalini is General Counsel/Head of Legal at Scotiabank.
Caroline Diviney
I moved from Ireland to the Cayman Islands in May this year, and Cayman Resident was a lifesaver throughout the whole relocation process. As I started to settle into island life, the magazine gave me straightforward, practical advice and cleared up so many of my early questions. It covers everything – from local services to great recommendations and community tips – which really helped me feel at home much faster than I expected. Whether I needed help figuring out healthcare, sorting out banking or just finding out where the fun social events were, Cayman Resident made every step feel so much easier! Even now that I’m (mostly!) settled, I still turn to it to keep up with island news and what’s happening locally. If you’re thinking about making Cayman your new home, I’d say this magazine is essential. Caroline Diviney is a lawyer at Ogier
Niall Dodd
I was first given a copy of Cayman Resident magazine while still in Ireland and getting ready to move to Cayman, thanks to a friend who already lived here. Cayman Resident was invaluable to me and my wife, helping us to decide where we wanted to live, what to bring, how to get our dog across the Atlantic and much more. Most importantly, Cayman felt familiar when we first arrived and that really helped us settle into island life. Fast forward seven years and I still refer to it when I am looking for a local service provider, or am doing something for the first time, like registering my daughter’s birth or importing a car. No matter what information I need, Cayman Resident is always the most up to date and reliable resource out there. Niall Dodd is Counsel at Dillon Eustace.
Alicia Proud
Since moving to Cayman in 2013, the Cayman Resident has been an invaluable guide to both settling in and thriving on island. It’s clear, practical information gave me the confidence to establish myself here, first as a resident and later as a professional. Today, in my role as Federation Coordinator for Cayman Aquatics and as a small business owner offering private swimming classes, I am often approached by families who are new to Cayman. Whether their questions are about enrolling children in local swim programmes or navigating the process of starting a business, I always direct them to the Cayman Resident. It remains a comprehensive directory of knowledge and a trusted resource that I continue to rely on myself. Even after more than a decade, it reflects the welcoming and supportive community that makes Cayman such a special place to call home. Alicia is the Federation Coordinator at Cayman Aquatics.
Catherine Mulder
I first visited Cayman in 2018 with a group of friends from the UK. By the end of that trip, I knew I wanted to live here, and so did my friend Jo. The friend we were visiting gave us her copy of the Cayman Resident. Not realising you could pick up a free copy at the supermarket or that much of it was also available online, Jo and I actually fought over who would get to keep the copy when we went back to the UK. She ended up with it, but a year later I found myself making the move. Back then, the Cayman Resident really was our bible. We used it to plan, figure out immigration, learn about the island and imagine what life here could look like. Fast forward to today, and I’m now on the back page. Funny how life unfolds. Catherine Mulder is the Senior Marketing Lead at Heritage Holdings.
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EVERY SHADE OF YOU
Your favourite colour. That’s a tricky one. Depends on the day, the light, the season, your mood. Chances are you have more than one. That’s why you should consider the Seamaster Aqua Terra Shades collection. There’s a dial for every shade of you. Here’s one of many. We call this colour Bay Green. You can call it what you like – and wear it whenever you please.