Personal safety never takes a vacation. All travelers need to stay alert while exploring unfamiliar places. If you’re traveling to the Cayman Islands for the first time, you may be wondering if this popular destination comes with any safety concerns. Is Grand Cayman safe? Let’s break it down with some fast facts that will put your mind at ease:
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The crime rate here is considered to be low among both Caribbean and international standards.
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The United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom have not issued any travel advisories for the Cayman Islands.
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The U.S. State Department gives the Cayman Islands a Level 1 rating for safety. That means that tourists from the United States are simply advised to exercise normal precautions. This is the same rating that applies to American tourists visiting Canada.
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Grand Cayman joins Martinique, St. Barts, Bonaire, and Antigua on the list of the safest Caribbean islands.
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While crime rates are low in the Cayman Islands, purse snatching and other petty crimes targeting tourists account for most of the crime. The rate of violent crime in the Cayman Islands is extraordinarily low.
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As a British Overseas Territory, Cayman enjoys terrific diplomatic relations with the United States.
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Of course, low crime rates aren’t everything when it comes to determining if a destination is a safe place. There’s nothing like peace of mind when traveling to an unfamiliar destination. That’s why you should consider purchasing travel insurance that can cover costs related to delays, cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost belongings. You might also be concerned about natural disasters.
Let’s talk about everything you need to know to stay safe in the Cayman Islands!
1) Book Excursions With Reputable Companies
Unfortunately, scams tend to be present in every tourist destination. You could even get scammed before you arrive in the Cayman Islands if you book excursions with unreputable or fraudulent companies online. The solution is to go with a trusted excursion provider with a decades-long reputation for providing fun in the Cayman Islands.
Captain Marvin’s is the longest-running excursion company in the Cayman Islands. We famously introduced the first interactive excursions to Stingray City! Our tours are perfect for families, couples, groups of friends, or solo travelers. You’ll feel safe and secure as you experience the natural beauty of Grand Cayman during any of our popular excursions:
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Grand Cayman private boat charters
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Grand Cayman fishing charters
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Bioluminescent Bay tours
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Stingrays and snorkeling with stops at Barrier Reef or Coral Gardens
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Beach lunch, stingray tours, and snorkeling
Captain Marvin’s is the #1 option if you want to see Stingray City, Starfish Point, caves, or bioluminescent waters under the care of experienced guides. We can’t wait to show you the natural beauty and marine life waiting to be discovered in Grand Cayman.
Book your excursion with a trusted tour operator in the Cayman Islands today!
2) Follow The Entry Process Properly
If you’re a United States citizen, you’ll need an immigration card to travel to Grand Cayman. The airline you’re flying with will provide you with immigration and customs declaration forms. Take time to fill out the forms before you land to avoid struggling to find a quiet place to sit once you arrive at the airport.
You’ll also need a passport that is valid throughout the duration of your stay. Local authorities will detain you if you cannot produce valid and proper documentation.
3) Follow Local Laws
Each country has its own laws. While Cayman is thought of as a place that exists outside of the restrictions of everyday life, you’ll need to follow all rules and laws to avoid having problems with local authorities. The following things are illegal in the Cayman Islands:
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Possessing or selling illegal drugs
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Commercial gambling
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Damaging or disturbing coral
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Trespassing
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Unpermitted bonfires
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Drunk driving
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Not obeying local fishing and catching limits for marine life
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Carrying ammunition or firearms into the country
Most hotels also have their own rules and policies for safety. In order to keep hotels safe and enjoyable for guests, many hotel chains and resorts have strict policies regarding everything from pets to topless sunbathing.
4) Know How To Get To George Town Hospital
If you’re like nearly every single guest visiting the Cayman Islands, you’ll have a wonderfully safe and healthy trip without any surprises. However, it’s still important to “plan for the worst” by at least having the contact information for the major hospital located in George Town.
The George Town Hospital is a 24-hour facility offering emergency services, a critical care unit, surgical services, and all of the other services and facilities you would expect from a modern, state-of-the-art healthcare setting. The hospital is located at 95 Hospital Road in George Town.
5) Know About Hurricane Season In The Cayman Islands
Is Grand Cayman safe from hurricanes? Like the rest of the Caribbean area, Grand Cayman stays alert during hurricane season. A potential risk of bad weather shouldn’t deter you from visiting Grand Cayman during the hurricane window. However, you need to know the basics to remain secure in the event that a natural disaster does happen during your visit.
Hurricane season in the Cayman Islands officially lasts from June 1 through November 20. Due to a location on the western side of the Caribbean, Cayman is actually shielded a bit from Atlantic hurricanes. The good news is that it’s been two decades since a major hurricane hit Grand Cayman. While your trip will probably be uneventful, these tips are helpful:
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Typically, the islands get three to five days of advanced warnings prior to hurricanes. Consider flying out early if you’re on the path.
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Follow all directions and guidance provided by Cayman’s public safety officials.
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If a natural disaster strikes, locate the closest evacuation shelter. Leave your belongings other than personal identification, money, and your phone at your rental home or hotel instead of attempting to bring them along.
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Don’t leave your shelter until authorities have declared that it’s safe to do so. What you think is the end of a storm may just be a lull. Additionally, you may not be prepared for flooding or road blockages.
6) Tell Someone Of Your Whereabouts If You Take Excursions To Cayman Brac, Little Cayman, Or Similar Spots Alone
If you’ll be staying in the West Bay area, you’ll have no shortage of stunning beaches to choose from daily. Most tourists like Seven Mile Beach because of its warm coral sand, beautiful views, and proximity to hotels. It’s also a top beach for water sports.
If you decide that you want to take a trip to a more isolated spot, you should let someone who is either in your travel party or waiting back home know if you’re going off to explore Cayman Brac, Little Cayman, or another spot. While these spots aren’t dangerous, their terrains consisting of secluded dive sites, limestone caves, underwater walls, and sunken ships make them very different from a place like Seven Mile Beach.
7) Always Be Aware Of Your Surroundings
The key to safety in any destination is simply paying attention! Most tourists who are targeted for theft appear to be easy victims because they are distracted. While you don’t need to walk around feeling paranoid while enjoying a Cayman holiday, there are some best practices to know about:
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Consider a money belt to keep your wallet and identification secure against your body while walking around
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Use a crossbody bag with a travel lock over the zipper to carry your personal belongings
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If possible, skip public Wi-Fi to keep your devices secure from thieves
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Be discreet when referencing maps or trying to find your way around if you’re lost
The bottom line is to remember that it’s unavoidable that opportunistic people will try to take advantage of unsuspecting tourists in any destination. Being aware of what’s happening around you is 99% of the battle!
Fun And Safety Go Together In Grand Cayman
Now that you’re aware that safety isn’t a major concern when visiting Cayman, you’re free to get excited about all of the fun excursions and experiences you can plan during your visit!
Captain Marvin’s is ready to take you on once-in-a-lifetime adventures that are always safe, enjoyable, and priced to be affordable for the average traveler. Book one of our popular excursions today!
