The Cayman Islands, a warm and relaxing country known for it's beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities, is a terrifc choice for your next trip. Our travel cost guide will help you stay on budget while still enjoying every moment. Learn about average trip costs, accommodation, dining expenses, and everything else you need for a budget-friendly trip, with actual travel expenses gathered from previous travelers.
How much does it cost to travel to the Cayman Islands?
You should plan to spend around $134 (CI$112) per day on your vacation in the Cayman Islands. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $25 (CI$21) on meals
- $13 (CI$11) on local transportation
- $188 (CI$157) on hotels
A one week trip to the Cayman Islands for two people costs, on average, $1,882 (CI$1,568). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$941
CI$784
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$1,882
CI$1,568
-
One Month
Per person
$4,032
CI$3,360
-
One Week
For a couple
$1,882
CI$1,568
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$3,764
CI$3,136
-
One Month
For a couple
$8,065
CI$6,720
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to the Cayman Islands cost?
A one week trip to the Cayman Islands usually costs around $941 (CI$784) for one person and $1,882 (CI$1,568) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to the Cayman Islands on average costs around $1,882 (CI$1,568) for one person and $3,764 (CI$3,136) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in the Cayman Islands will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to the Cayman Islands on average costs around $4,032 (CI$3,360) for one person and $8,065 (CI$6,720) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Independent Travel
Traveling Independently has many benefits including affordabilty, freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to control your own experiences.
All of the travel costs below are based on the experiences of other independent travelers.
Is the Cayman Islands expensive to visit?
The Cayman Islands is a moderately priced destination to visit. It's about average with most other countries for travel costs. The prices for food, accommodation, and transportation are all fairly reasonable.
Within the Caribbean Islands, which is known to be an expensive region, the Cayman Islands is somewhat more expensive compared to the other countries. It is in the top 25% of countries in the Caribbean Islands for its travel costs. While a few countries in the region are more expensive, the Cayman Islands is more expensive than most.
For more details, see Is the Cayman Islands Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to the Cayman Islands?
The average Cayman Islands trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Cayman Islands travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers.
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
CI$78
($94)
|
CI$190
($228)
|
CI$432
($518)
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
CI$11
($13)
|
CI$25
($30)
|
CI$44
($53)
|
|
Food 2
|
CI$21
($25)
|
CI$50
($60)
|
CI$113
($136)
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
CI$22
($26)
|
CI$52
($63)
|
CI$118
($142)
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
CI$4-12
($5-14)
|
CI$9-28
($11-33)
|
CI$20-61
($24-73)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
Having a realistic perspective on your budget is crucial. While many like to think of themselves as "budget" travelers who can scrape by on just $134 a day, most people find this way of traveling less enjoyable. Consider what you really love about travel and consider your previous travel experiences. Are you more inclined to stay in hostels, or do you prefer resorts or vacation rentals? Is dining out a priority for you? Your answers to these questions will shape your overall travel budget significantly.
What Does It Mean to Be a Budget Traveler?
Many travelers hear that exploring the Cayman Islands can be done for $134 a day, but if you want to keep some comforts, expect to pay a lot more.
Backpackers might find a way to travel around on that tight budget, but that usually means dorm stays in hostels, eating at budget-friendly restaurants or fast food places, using public transport or walking, and focusing on free attractions.
Is Your Travel Style Average?
For couples or families traveling for fun, it's common to stay in mid-range hotels, dine at well-known restaurants, and visit the big museums and attractions that charge entry fees. You won't want to miss all of the major sights and attractions. As most activities are not free, you'll be spending at least some money on your trip. Given this, a more realistic daily budget would be around $324 per person, per day.
Seeking a Stylish Getaway from the Daily Routine?
If you're seeking a deluxe vacation that includes premium service and amenities, expect to pay around $729. This budget will cover luxurious hotels, award-winning dining, extravagant tours, and private transportation, landing you in the "luxury" travel range. You might even find yourself vacationing in high-end spots like Grand Cayman. Another option would be to splurge on a multi-day high-end tour that takes care of everything for you, such as Cayman Islands Adventure 7 Days/6 Nights - offered by Across Caribbean Excursions.
Accommodation Budget in the Cayman Islands
The wide range of prices for hotels and accommodation in the Cayman Islands can be very surprising. Some destinations have much higher price tags than others, and even within the same areas you can find a big difference between the budget-friendly and higher-end hotels. Also, during peak season, prices are much higher. You can save a good bit of money if you travel during the low season or shoulder seasons, as room prices adjust according to the overall demand. Booking in advance can often save you money, too.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid for one person for accommodation in the Cayman Islands is $94 (CI$78). For two people sharing a typical double-occupancy hotel room, the average price paid for a hotel room in the Cayman Islands is $188 (CI$157). This cost is from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in the Cayman Islands? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
Local Transportation Budget in the Cayman Islands
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The cost of a taxi ride in the Cayman Islands is significantly more than public transportation. On average, past travelers have spent $13 (CI$11) per person, per day, on local transportation in the Cayman Islands.
-
Local Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$13
CI$11
Notice: Undefined index: bigcity in /homepages/12/d310477359/htdocs/budgetreportadv.php on line 2504
Notice: Trying to access array offset on value of type null in /homepages/12/d310477359/htdocs/budgetreportadv.php on line 2504
Warning: array_slice() expects parameter 1 to be array, null given in /homepages/12/d310477359/htdocs/budgetreportadv.php on line 2504
If you have a car in one of the bigger cities, check with your hotel beforehand about the parking situation. You may have to pay to park either at the hotel or in a nearby public garage. Either way, it might be cheaper to find somewhere further out of town to park your car.
Typical prices for transit in the Cayman Islands are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the overall transportation costs in the Cayman Islands. Keep in mind that your individual costs will vary based on your method of transit, as hired cars such as taxis are generally much more expensive than public transportation.
-
Bus Ride
CI$2.07
-
Taxi From Airport
CI$21
Food Budget in the Cayman Islands
Calculated from travelers like you
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in France is around $60 (CI$50) per person, with previous travelers spending from $25 to $136. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in the Cayman Islands are as follows:
- Breakfast: $6 to $18
- Lunch: $9 to $24
- Dinner: $18 to $42
- Coffee: $5
- Fast Food or Street Food: $9
Food in the Cayman Islands is comparable in style to elsewhere in the Caribbean. There is significant Jamaican influence on the cuisine and seafood is prevalent everywhere. International restaurants are also readily available.
Heavy Cake: This is a dense and sweet dessert. It is generally made with a starchy vegetable such as cassava, papaya, and yams.
Turtle Stew: This dish is often considered the national dish of the Cayman Islands. The turtles are endangered, but you can taste the stew which is prepared legally through the Cayman Turtle Farm. The stew is prepared with many different spices and the turtle has been compared to either steak or chicken in flavor.
Conch: Conch is a favorite delicacy in the Cayman Islands. It is prepared any number of ways, but some of the most popular include being marinated and served in a salad, as part of a creamy chowder, or in a stew.
When traveling with children, look for restaurants with a kids menu. This can save you plenty of money as these options tend to be much lower in price. Some restaurants don't list the kids' options on their menu, so ask the waiter before you order.
Many hotels include breakfast in their price, while some add it on as an extra charge. The price and quality can vary depending on the hotel. Knowing ahead of time can help you decide if you need to spend even more money. Maybe it's worth your money for the delicious buffet at the hotel. Or, perhaps you should just go to a nearby bakery or cafe that's much cheaper.
Carry a water bottle with you instead of buying drinks everywhere. It's also good for the environment.
If you're planning to take a tour, make sure you know which meals are included beforehand. You might be on the hook to pay for some of the food yourself which can add to your budget.
Typical food prices in the Cayman Islands, as reported by previous travelers, are outlined below. These costs offer a snapshot of what meals might cost in the city. Your personal expenses will vary depending on the type of dining experiences you choose and the dishes you order.
-
All You Can Eat BBQ
CI$15
Entertainment Budget in the Cayman Islands
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Entertainment and activities in the Cayman Islands typically cost an average of $26 (CI$22) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$26
CI$22
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore the Cayman Islands. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Oculus Glass Bottom Boat Tour for $60 details
- Cayman Ultimate Tour: Stingrays, Starfish Point and Crystal Caves for $95 details
- Shore Excursion: Grand Cayman The Far Side Small Group Tour for $104 details
Below are a few common prices for sightseeing and activity entry fees in the Cayman Islands, all of which are based on the reports of previous travelers. These figures should give you a rough estimate of what you can expect to pay. Keep in mind, though, your costs will vary depending on the activities you choose and whether you take advantage of free or budget-friendly options.
-
Pedro St. James Castle Entrance Fee
CI$8.20
-
"Discover the East" Adventure Card
CI$13
-
Ticket to the Theater
CI$34
-
Ticket to the Theater
CI$34
-
Sunset Cruise
CI$33
-
Glass Bottom Boat Tour
CI$37
-
Snorkeling at Stingray City
CI$62
Alcohol Budget in the Cayman Islands
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $9.22 (CI$7.68) on alcoholic beverages in the Cayman Islands per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$9.22
CI$7.68
Hitting up the nightlife is exciting, but if you limit your alcohol intake, it can make a big difference in your travel savings.
Tasting tours and nightlife activities are very popular in the Cayman Islands. A few of the favorites from previous visitors include:
- Cayman Spirits Co. Distillery Tour Pass Ticket Only for $24 details
- Distillery & Rum Tasting Tour in Grand Cayman for $67 details
- Grand Cayman: Distillery Tour with Rum and Vodka Tasting for $55 details
Below are some common prices for alcohol and nightlife in the Cayman Islands, based on actual traveler experiences. While these numbers offer an idea of what you might spend, your costs will vary depending on how often you drink and the amount you order. If you're aiming to save money, cutting back on alcohol is a great way to lower your travel expenses.
The Cayman Islands on a Budget
Shipwreck off of Grand Cayman
The Cayman Islands are strikingly beautiful with their white sand beaches, stunningly blue water, and breathtaking snorkeling. The country is made up of a group of islands in the Caribbean Sea, ninety miles south of Cuba.
The islands are famous with divers who enjoy the beautiful coral reefs and crystal clear water. The most famous beach in the country is Seven Mile Beach, but the most unique experience is a visit to Stingray City. At this world famous destination you can snorkel in waist deep water while you're surrounded by hundreds of friendly stingrays.
Three main islands make up the country. Grand Cayman is the largest island with the highest population. It also has most of the tourist facilities. The other two islands, referred to as Sister Islands, are Little Cayman and Cayman Brac. Little Cayman is the smallest and least developed of the islands. It is only ten miles long and one mile wide and is most popular as a diver's destination. Cayman Brac is fourteen square miles and is also popular for diving, particularly at shipwrecks.
The climate in the Cayman Islands is tropical marine. It is generally warm and rainy in the summer (which runs between May and October) and the winter months are cooler and drier. The islands are made up of low-lying limestone that is surrounded by coral reefs. These coral reefs are a major appeal for many divers and snorkelers. The highest point in the country is the Bluff, which is found on Cayman Brac, at 43 meters high.
Many people visit the Cayman Islands as part of a cruise, but there are also many regular flights into the country. Accommodation of all types is readily available, although the Cayman Islands are not well know for their all inclusive resorts. Instead, many visitors choose to stay in condominium style apartments or luxury hotels. Many of the hotels are concentrated in the Seven Mile Beach area.
At A Glance
- Many people choose to rent a car in the Cayman Islands. Vehicles do drive on the left hand side of the road and visitors must obtain a temporary driver's license from the police station or at the car rental agency. To receive this license you must show your valid drivers license from your home country and pay a US$8.00 fee.
- English is the official language of the islands. Locals are usually friendly and willing to help if you need directions or any form of assistance. There may be subtle variations in local dialect but communication is generally easy and straightforward.
- There are many places to shop throughout the country but the two most popular shopping destinations are in George Town and Seven Mile Beach on Grand Cayman. Popular items for purchase include jewelry made from black coral, rum cake which can be purchased from Tortuga Rum Company, and caymanite, which is a semi-precious stone from the Cayman Islands. It's also easy to find souvenirs such as t-shirts, hats, postcards, and more.
- Prices in the Cayman Islands can be high because many items have to be imported. In particular, food is quite expensive. There is typically a 20% import tax on imported items and consumers ultimately pay more because of this. While U.S. dollars are readily accepted everywhere, make sure you fully understand the exchange rate so that you do not overpay for an item.
- Alcohol is expensive on the islands. You can expect to pay about twice as much for alcohol in a liquor store as you would in the United States. Still, buying your drinks at a liquor store is the most affordable way to purchase alcohol in the country. They are substantially higher in price in restaurants.
- The Cayman Islands are not known for their all inclusive resorts. Instead, many visitors choose to stay in condominium style accommodation with attached kitchens. This helps them to save on food costs, as restaurant meals can be expensive.
Related:
Looking for a
party hostel in Costa Rica or
Cancun? Looking for a
budget hostel in Mexico or
Costa Rica?
Top Tourist Attractions
Stingray City: This is a world famous spot in the Caribbean where visitors can swim and interact with Atlantic Stingrays. Boats take snorkelers and swimmers to a sandbar where they can stand in several feet of clear blue water while the stingrays swim around them.
George Town: This lively town is found on Grand Cayman. It is filled with duty free shops near the waterfront and a variety of international and local restaurants.
Rum Point: Found on the quiet, northern side of Grand Cayman, this is a great place to see how the island used to be. The scenery is beautiful and there are restaurants, shops, and hammocks where you can lounge and relax.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.