Location
The Caymans is around 480 miles south of Miami. The main island, Grand Cayman is a vibrant mix of modern living at island pace. Relax during the day on one of the beaches or enjoying the diving and snorkelling before you head out into the town to try the islands many bars and restaurants. Divers and non divers alike will find plenty to do here!
Covid Travel Information
Cayman Islands are exempt from the FCO advice against all non-essential international travel. This is based on the current assessment of COVID-19 risks.
Entry to the Cayman Islands is restricted. The Cayman Islands Government has closed its airports to all international passenger flights.
On the 17th July 2020 it was announced that Cayman’s borders will reopen to international travel starting on 1 Sept. The reopening will come in phases.
The first phase will involve (among other things) five days of isolation. This phase will not be practical for tourists.
We expect tourist will be able to enter Cayman Islands in early October when the second phase starts.
We will update this page as soon as we know more about the rest of the phases.
Last Updated: 22JUL2020
Weather and Climate
Summer is mid-May to October and is a hot, rainy season. Our winter months (Nov-Apr) are dry and mild. Air temps peak at around 30C in August, dropping to around 25C in Jan and Feb. August water temps can be as high as 30C, but is between 27-28 for most of the year.
Travel
Flight options
On certain dates BA operate a direct flight from London to the Grand Cayman. This takes around 12 hours.
f you are not able to travel direct, then flights typically route through the USA. You may require an overnight en route depending on flight times. All passengers transiting through the USA must have a valid ESTA before travel.
If you wish to make your own flight arrangements to Grand Cayman, let us know and we can remove the cost of the international flights from your quote. We are unfortunately not able to redeem airmiles on your behalf. Please do not confirm any flight arrangements yourself before your holiday is confirmed by us.
Stopovers
If you are transiting through the States, you can enjoy a stop over. This would usually be in Miami.
Arrange before you go
Visa requirements
UK passport holderss are able to obtain a 90 day visa on entry to the Caymans. You must have a valid ESTA before travel or transit through the USA. Do ensure your passport has 6 months validity from your return date. It is your responsibility to ensure your passport is valid and you fulfil entry requirements. Regulations can change: please review current FCO advice: click here
Insurance
Scuba Travel requires all of our customers to have diving insurance. Please make sure that you have appropriate cover for your diving activities.
We also strongly recommend you have travel insurance. It's worth taking out travel insurance once you have paid your deposit to ensure you are covered for unforeseen events and cancellation.
Find out more about our combined dive and travel policy click here
Immunisations
Please speak to your local GP or check out the latest NHS advice on travel immunisations: click here
Preparing to fly
Seating
You will be able to manage your booking online once you have been ticketed (after you have paid your holiday balance). Most airlines will now enable you to select your seating at this point. There may be a small charge for prebookable seating before online check in opens. Please speak to the airline for more information about charges.
Check in
As you are flying with a scheduled airline, you will be able to check in online with your airline. Please visit their website for more information about when online check in opens.
Lounge
An airport lounge is a great way to start your holiday or to while away flight connections in comfort. Scuba Travel works with Lounge Pass to offer a huge range of affordable airport lounges around the world.
click here
Parking
Prebook your airport parking to save money! If you have a long way to travel, why not also look at booking an airport hotel. These aren't as expensive as you might think.
click here
What happens when I arrive?
On arrival please make your way through baggage claim and immigration. There will either be a rep to meet you with further instructions or you will have full details of your car hire in your travel documents.
If you have any issues on arrival, please contact us. We have an emergency contact, manned by a member of the team here in the UK. Please call 0044 7747 488 002. We will be able to help your rep locate you in the airport.
Transfers
Local regulations mean that we are not able to include transfers in the cost of your holiday. Where possible, they will be co-ordinated for you on arrival, to pay locally. Certain resorts offer car hire as part of your package. Full instructions will be in your travel documentation.
Departures
You will be advised locally of your transfer times/ final arrangements at the end of your holiday. The departure tax is around $30.
Info
Tipping
Tipping is entirely at your discretion. We do not make recommendations as to how much to tip. Should you wish to leave a tip for the staff and crew, it should reflect the level of service you have enjoyed.
Currency
USD are widely accepted in the Caymans, along with Cayman Island dollar. Mastercard and visa are accepted, but please be aware you may be charge a local surcharge on card payments
Phone coverage
Phone coverage is generally good, but please remember to check with your phone provider about any charges. 3G signal is also fairly reliable
Plugs and electricity
Flat 2 pin US style plugs are normal, with 110V
Extras
Hire equipment
Kit hire can be arranged in resort and is paid for locally
Extras
A full range of PADI courses can be prebooked or arranged in resort
Souvenirs
The dive centre has a small, limited shop on site
Nitrox/Gas
Nitrox is available for a local charge
Payments
Deposits and Balances
A typical deposit for a holiday to the Caymans is £500-£800 per person, although this will depend on your exact flight option and travel class. Larger deposits may be required for some flight options (eg premium economy/business class)
Ways to pay
We accept mastercard and visa debit or credit cards. Alternatively, you are welcome to pay via bank transfer. All non sterling card payments and UK business debit cards will be subject to the 2% surcharge. Overseas bank transfers must add £6 to the sterling total to cover international handling fees. We are not able to accept PayPal transactions.
Group Payments
If you have booked as part of a group, you can still call and pay directly without needing to go via your group leader. Please have your trip reference number to hand to help us locate your holiday as quickly as possible. You will receive a transaction receipt - your group leader will forward your ATOL certificate and booking confirmation
Discounts
Repeat Guests
Are you one of Scuba Travel's repeat customers? Over 60% of our customers trust Scuba Travel to book their next diving holiday, time after time.
And we believe you deserve a huge thanks for your ongoing support over the years, which is what our repeater discount is all about! Travel with us again in either 12 months or 24 months and you will qualify for a discount. That's all you have to do. No forms, no numbers to remember, no fuss, just a good honest price reduction.
5% off for repeat customers travelling with Scuba Travel, within 24 months
5% off plus £100 bonus for repeat customers travelling with 12 months
Repeat discounts are not cumulative and cannot be applied to special offer prices
Included
Your holiday includes direct flights to Grand Cayman and airport transfers with 7 nights in a standard room on a full board basis. Our preferred package is 6 days of morning boat dives and 5 days with an afternoon boat dive (total 17 dives AIR)
Excluded
Any additional services in resort (spa, land tours, additional dives, kit hire, private guides and special trips) are paid for in resort. Alcohol and some soft drinks are an extra charge.
Tipping is entirely at your discretion. We do not make recommendations as to how much to tip. Should you wish to leave a tip for the staff and crew, it should reflect the level of service you have enjoyed.
