Grand Cayman, the largest of the three Cayman Islands, is a tropical paradise in the Caribbean known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and laid-back island vibe.
Location: Situated south of Cuba and west of Jamaica, Grand Cayman is easily accessible with direct flights from major cities in the U.S., Canada, and Europe.
Weather: The weather is warm year-round, with the dry season from November to April being the most popular time to visit. We visited from December 19 to December 25 and enjoyed great weather—perfect for the beach during the day, with a cool breeze in the evenings. Although we had heavy rain one morning, it didn’t disrupt our schedule.
Language: The official language of Grand Cayman, as well as the other Cayman Islands, is English. For travelers, English proficiency among locals ensures easy communication, whether you’re navigating the island, dining out, or engaging in
activities.
Currency: The official currency of Grand Cayman is the Cayman Islands Dollar (KYD), though most establishments accept American credit and debit cards. Bills are typically presented in KYD, but when paying with an American card, the charge is processed in
USD, with the exchange rate determined by the merchant (usually 3-5% higher than the market rate).
Notably, one restaurant, Pani, charged directly in KYD, allowing the card issuer to apply the Google exchange rate, which was advantageous. Change is typically given in Cayman Islands Dollars, so be aware of the conversion.
Plugs & Voltage: Grand Cayman uses Type A and B plugs (same as the U.S.) with a 120V, 60Hz power supply. Travelers from the U.S. and Canada don’t need adapters or converters. Visitors from other regions may require a universal adapter and voltage
converter.
Safety: Grand Cayman is considered one of the safest destinations in the Caribbean, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. It is a family-friendly and peaceful destination, perfect for worry-free travel.
Transportation: Grand Cayman has a public bus system that operates primarily along the island’s main routes, connecting popular destinations like Seven Mile Beach, George Town, and the airport.
- Buses are open-air and run every 10-15 minutes. You can simply wave your hand to signal them to stop.
- Fares are affordable at $2.50 USD per person. We had a 5 year old and she rode free
- We found it super safe and convenient. For example, we traveled from Camana Bay to Dolphin Discovery (the last stop), where a taxi would typically cost $30 one way (or $60 round trip), but we only paid $10 round trip for a family of 3.
- Service Hours: Public buses generally operate from early morning until late afternoon, but they do not run on Sundays.
For tourists, the bus system is a budget-friendly and reliable option, though taxis and
rental cars are also available for more flexibility.
Accommodation
We stayed at the Grand Marriott, which is conveniently located just 15 minutes from the airport. From the moment we arrived, we were greeted by Jose, who made us feel welcome with his excellent customer service. He gave us a quick overview of the resort
and even personally escorted us to the elevator—such a thoughtful touch!
Rooms:
Our room was bright and spacious, with plenty of storage space. The bedside tables, TV cabinet, and bathroom all offered ample room to keep things organized. The closet was a bit tight, but it didn’t detract from the overall comfort. The bathroom featured large backlit mirror, a bathtub with a glass door, and both overhead and handheld showers, which was perfect for families with kids. There was even an inbuilt clothesline and wall-mounted soap, shampoo, and conditioner dispensers. The general toiletries were of good quality.
We had a king bed and a sofa bed, both of which were comfortable and firm (no squeaks!). The room also offered a variety of pillows in different heights for added comfort. The air conditioning was electronically controlled, providing great cooling.
The room also came with a water jar and glass, and each floor had water, soda, and ice dispensers, which was a really thoughtful touch, especially for quick and easy access to drinks.
Finally, the balcony came with two chairs and a small table, making it a nice spot to relax.
Overall, the hotel offered a comfortable and welcoming stay with all the amenities we needed!
Breakfast Options at the Grand Marriott
We had a breakfast voucher, which provided us with various options to enjoy breakfast at the hotel:
Buffet: You could choose between the buffet (we opted for the continental breakfast) or a full breakfast for $30 per person. You could also go for à la carte or grab-and-go options.
Voucher Value: Each breakfast voucher had a $15 value. This value could be combined towards the total cost of your à la carte or grab-and-go selections. If you use it for à la carte or grab and go, it’s best to order items around $12 to cover the 20% gratuity that’s automatically added to your bill, making the total $15 without any additional payment required.
Continental Breakfast
We preferred the continental breakfast, which had a great spread of:
Cereals
Fresh fruits
Smoothies & juices
Breads, cheese, salad, and nuts
It was a light, healthy, and satisfying way to start the day!
The only minor feedback we have is that it occasionally took some time for staff to refill certain items, requiring us to wait or ask our server to arrange it.
Complimentary Coffee Station
Additionally, the hotel offers a complimentary coffee station every day from 6:30-8:30 am in the bar area—perfect for an early morning pick-me-up before starting your day!
This made for a really enjoyable breakfast experience, combining great food and excellent service.
Activities:
The hotel offers a fantastic range of activities, from complimentary options that are walk-in friendly to those requiring reservations, some of which may have an additional cost. The weekly activity schedule provides a great overview, and the staff conducting the activities were welcoming, approachable, and full of creative ideas.
If any activities catch your interest needing reservation, I highly recommend making reservations early, as a few of the popular ones tend to get booked out quickly. Additionally, the towel pick-up point for accessing the beach and swimming pool also has the activity schedule posted, so be sure to check it out.
My only suggestion would be to consolidate the full activity list in one accessible place to ensure guests don’t miss out on any part of the schedule.
- Kayak – The hotel offered complimentary kayaks, while speedboats and motorboats were available for an additional charge. We used the kayaks twice, and the staff made sure to explain the boundaries clearly. They were diligent in checking on us when we drifted out of bounds, which was very reassuring.
- Complimentary Bike Rental
- Availability: The hotel offers complimentary bike rentals as a fun activity for guests.
- Important Note:
- Biking is allowed only on the road, not the walking path, for safety reasons.
- A bottle of water is provided for hydration during your ride.
- Please be aware that there is no child seat available for the bikes.
- Poolside Amenities: Sunscreen, Aloe Gel, and Hydration Stations The hotel provided a nice touch with a sunscreen and aloe gel station near the towel station by the pool. It made it easy to reapply sunscreen and take care of skin after being in the sun. There was also a cold-water station with infused water available, which was a simple way to stay hydrated without having to bring our own drinks. It was a thoughtful addition that made the experience more convenient.
- Swimming Pool & Jacuzzi
- Swimming Pool:
- The hotel features a spacious pool with a regular temperature, perfect for a relaxing swim.
- The pool’s overall depth is 4 feet, making it suitable for both adults and children.
- Swimming Pool:
- Jacuzzi:
- A cozy jacuzzi with a scenic view of the water, offering a tranquil place to unwind.
- The temperature was just right, and kids were welcome to enjoy the bubbly experience.
- Beach – On either side of the hotel, you’ll find small beach areas. I recommend heading to the right side, past the Veranda Restaurant. This spot has fewer rocks, gentler waves, and some space for kids to play.
- Since the hotel doesn’t have a dedicated beach or beach seating, they made up for it by providing a trampoline and floating bed in the water. These were a fun addition, offering a relaxing way to float, enjoy the waves, and take in the serene surroundings.
A Culinary Adventure Awaits: Dining Options to Satisfy Every Craving
When it comes to food, you’re truly spoiled for choice! The hotel itself boasts five fantastic restaurants, perfect for those who want to stay in and enjoy a relaxing, stress-free meal without having to leave the property. Whether you’re in the mood for a cozy breakfast, a luxurious dinner, or a quick snack, there’s something to satisfy every craving.
If you’re up for a short stroll, Camana Bay is just 10-15 minutes away and offers a diverse array of dining options, from local favorites to international cuisine. The vibrant atmosphere and variety of eateries will surely tempt you to explore more.
Additionally, there are plenty of restaurants outside the hotel, so you can venture out and try something new. No matter your mood or culinary preference, you’ll find a spot to indulge and enjoy. Get ready to be truly spoiled for choice when it comes to dining!
Why We Chose Marriott
- Great Location: The hotel is ideally located, offering easy access to nearby attractions.
- Modern & Spacious Rooms: The rooms were well-designed, comfortable, and spacious, making for a pleasant stay.
- Variety of Activities: Although the hotel didn’t have a beach, it offered a range of fun activities like floating beds, ensuring a great time for all guests.
- Delicious Breakfast: A good variety of breakfast options to start the day off right.
- Exceptional Customer Service: The staff went above and beyond to provide an outstanding experience, enhancing our stay.
- Proximity to Camana Bay: Just a short distance away, Camana Bay is a beautiful spot to walk, unwind, and enjoy a meal.
Overall, Marriott offered the perfect balance of comfort, convenience, and excellent service.
Things to Do in Grand Cayman:
Camana Bay
Just a 15-minute walk from the hotel, Camana Bay offers a scenic, tree-lined pathway perfect for a leisurely stroll.
Explore a diverse selection of restaurants and enjoy beautiful waterfront views.
During the holiday season, the entire area is festively lit, creating a magical atmosphere.
For those who enjoy shopping and fresh produce, Fosters is a great stop, offering a variety of items along with a hot and cold salad bar to enjoy on-site.
Public Beach
Governor’s Beach & Public Beach: The hotel is located near two beaches: Governor’s Beach and a public beach. After consulting with the receptionist, we were recommended the Public Beach due to its facilities, including restrooms and shower areas, which were ideal for our toddler. Governor’s Beach, while beautiful, lacked these amenities.
Getting There: The hotel offers a free shuttle every hour to the public beach, making transportation easy and convenient.
Beach Facilities: The public beach had a playground, which my daughter loved, along with restrooms, shower areas, and beach chair rentals. We opted not to rent chairs, as we spent most of our time in the water.
Water & Waves: The water was clean, and the waves were gentle, making it perfect for swimming and playing.
Bonus: We visited the beach on a day when a cruise ship was docked, which brought in more visitors. This worked out well, as our daughter had some company, and so did we!
Recommendation: Definitely recommend visiting the beach for a relaxing and family-friendly experience.
Tip: Bring beach towels from the hotel and pack beach toys for kids to ensure a more enjoyable experience.
Dolphin Discovery
Three Experience Packages:
Basic – Dolphin Loves Swim: Get up close and personal with dolphins, touch them, and observe their unique behaviors and techniques.
Medium – Dolphin Swim Adventure: Includes all the basic package experiences, plus an exciting opportunity to ride a dolphin and paddleboarding while the dolphin pushes you, all while observing their incredible techniques.
Premium – Dolphin Royal Swim: Experience the thrill of riding with two dolphins simultaneously, while witnessing more advanced dolphin tactics.
Cost: We paid $490 for two adults and one child for the Dolphin Swim Adventure.
We also purchased an additional photo package for $30 per person, which included all photos and videos from the experience.
The Process:
Select your preferred time slot and arrive 20 minutes early to ensure a smooth check-in.
At reception, you’ll receive a wristband that helps staff group participants based on their selected package.
Lockers are provided at no extra charge for storing personal items, and the key is worn around your neck for easy access.
Restrooms are available for changing before and after the experience.
Our group consisted of 7 people, creating an intimate yet enjoyable atmosphere.
In the Water:
Interact directly with the dolphins by touching them and experiencing their incredible tactics up close. Each participant also gets a chance to ride a dolphin, which was an unforgettable experience!
The dolphins even kissed us as part of the experience, which added a sweet touch.
Important Notes:
According to the website, children between 3.3 and 4.9 feet can participate in either the Dolphin Royal Swim or Swim Adventure with an accompanying adult.
However, at check-in, we were informed that due to our daughter’s height (under 4.9 feet), she could only participate in the Dolphin Loves Swim. This was a bit of a disappointment for us.
We requested a full refund but, since we had booked online, they were unable to accommodate this.
Overall Experience:
Despite the mix-up, the dolphin encounter was fantastic. The opportunity to ride and interact with the dolphins made for an incredibly memorable experience. The group setting allowed for one adult to stay with the child while others took turns with the dolphins, ensuring everyone had a chance to participate.
Stingray City Experience (Stingray City Tickets & Tours)
Cost: $69 per person
What’s Included:
Pickup from the hotel to the boat dock.
Check-in and escorted to the boat.
Note: No footwear allowed on the boat or in the water for safety and cleanliness.
Refreshments: Water and sparkling drinks provided throughout the trip.
Restroom in the boat
Tour Highlights:
Snorkeling (30 minutes):
Enjoy 30 minutes of snorkeling with the opportunity to explore vibrant coral reefs and a variety of fish.
Alternatively, stay on the boat if you prefer to relax and enjoy the view.
Stingray City (45 minutes):
Interact with, pet, and feed the Southern Stingrays in the crystal-clear, 3-foot-deep water.
Located 4-5 miles off the shore, this unique sandbar is a safe haven for these amazing creatures.
You’ll be able to brush up against the gentle stingrays, creating an unforgettable connection.
Starfish Point (15 minutes):
Just 15 minutes from Stingray City, Starfish Point is a serene, secluded beach with clear, shallow water.
Home to stunning starfish, this protected area allows you to hold the starfish (but not remove them from the water).
It’s an ideal location for family-friendly photos and a peaceful time in nature.
Duration:
The tour lasts a total of 4 hours, from hotel pick-up to drop-off.
Overall Experience:
This excursion is an absolute must-do! The tour operator was fantastic, creating a fun and lively atmosphere, encouraging everyone to try new experiences.
Their patience, sense of humor, and enthusiasm truly made the trip memorable, ensuring everyone had a blast while interacting with these remarkable creatures.
Why We Chose 2 Activities: Stingray City & Dolphin Discovery
- Duration of Stay: We were in Grand Cayman for a total of 6 nights and 7 days.
- Balanced Schedule: We chose to do the Stingray City excursion on the 3rd day and the Dolphin Discovery on the 4th day, giving us 2 days before and after to relax.
- Relaxation Time: This allowed us to enjoy the island at our own pace, without feeling rushed, and simply go with the flow.
- Perfect Balance: We wanted to make the most of our vacation, combining exciting excursions with ample downtime to unwind and explore at a leisurely pace.
