Visiting the Cayman Islands on board a superyacht

Made up of three different islands — Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman — the Cayman Islands are prized for their natural beauty, cultural attractions and wealth of gastronomic delights.

Located in the Western Caribbean Sea about 200km due south of Cuba, the Cayman Islands were originally named ‘Las Tortugas’ by Christopher Columbus after the many sea turtles that populated the area. Today, the islands remain a popular Caribbean destination, and a perfect setting for an idyllic yacht charter. 

Choosing the right yacht for your Cayman Islands charter

As with all Caribbean destinations, choosing the right yacht to charter in the Cayman Islands is imperative. A shallow draft (up to 2.6m) is best, to navigate the many reefs, sandbanks and areas of shallow water easily. It also allows the yacht to anchor close to shore and gain access to small marinas. On Grand Cayman, Georgetown has a harbour that can accommodate yachts up to 45m.  A wealth of watersports and diving gear is also advisable to make the most of the clear, blue waters and sensational marine life. 

Best time to charter to the Caribbean

A Caribbean yacht charter is all about the sun and sea. In the Cayman Islands, temperature highs peak during July and August, though the islands’ cooling northeast trade winds take the edge off. The optimum time to visit is during the winter season from December to April when there is little rainfall, hurricanes are rare, and the wildlife is rich.  

Popular destinations in the Cayman Islands

Grand Cayman is the largest of the islands, and typically where all yacht charters in the area start and end. However, each location has much to offer, from cultural sights of interest, including art galleries with local exhibits, to endemic wildlife, and incredible activities on land and water. 

Enjoy world-class diving

Grand Cayman is regarded as one of the world’s hottest scuba diving and snorkelling destinations, not least because of its crystal-clear waters and accessible wall dives. There are coral and wreck dives for all levels of experience, while North Sound, the island’s only protected reef lagoon, is a must for snorkelling. 

Discover Rum Point

Contrary to its name, Rum Point does not centre around the Caribbean’s favourite tipple, though enjoying a lazy day sundowner here is not to be sniffed at. The popular beach in Grand Cayman is favoured for its sheltered conditions and convenient amenities making it the perfect meeting point for friends and boats. Visitors also flock here to visit the Stingray City Sandbar, but it’s the all-day dining menu and cocktail list at The Rum Deck that provides the most tempting setting for sunset viewing.  

Explore the Cayman Turtle Centre

Boatswain's Beach — one of the region’s premier attractions – includes the world-famous Cayman Turtle Farm where guests can swim with turtles in a lagoon surrounded by vibrant marine creatures, and on occasion even witness the hatchlings arrival into the world. The Turtle Centre forms part of 23-acre marine park in the district of West Bay in Grand Cayman.  

Get active with a walk along The Bluff

The Bluff is the highest part of the Cayman Islands, standing at the eastern end of Cayman Brac with an elevation of 43m. On the ground, a crisscross of hiking trails lead the way to unique flora and fauna, reptiles and historic sites. For the more adventurous, try venturing into the area’s great, cavernous, natural caves, some of which are more hidden from view, and others even occupied by bats. 

Try rock climbing

Cayman Brac is defined by its spectacular limestone formations and 17 unique ‘crags’ that make it a rock climber’s dream. If scrambling up razor sharp walls and rappelling down tropical cliffs floats your boat, this is the activity of choice, and best undertaken on the island’s eastern side. 

Unwind with a spot of deep-sea fishing

From blue marlin and tuna to bonefish and tarpon, the waters in the Cayman Islands are alive with fish. June and July are the best months for deep-sea fishing when the chances of hooking a yellowfin tuna are greatest. Wahoo, mahi mahi and barracuda thrive in these waters, making it a prime destination for a sportfishing yacht charter, day in, day out. 

Visit the Cayman Brac Parrot Reserve

The emerald-green Cayman Brac parrot is a national treasure, seen and heard in the early morning and late afternoon. Breeding pairs are sighted in their hundreds at the Brac Parrot Reserve, which covers 282 acres of protected land. The area of dry, rocky forest sits in the middle of the island and is covered by a large diversity of native trees that attract many species of bird, including red-legged thrush, white-crowned pigeons, and black-whiskered vireos. In the winter months, even neotropical migrant songbirds can be found here. 

Explore the Salt Rocks Nature Trail

Little Cayman offers abundant wildlife including the red-footed booby and the endangered West Indian whistling duck. Iguana, butterflies and tropical orchids also thrive. The wildlife and nature are attracted by the island’s salt rock formations, which visitors can experience first-hand on one of Little Cayman’s hiking trails. The Salt Rock Nature Trail is a 5km round trip that takes at least a couple of hours to complete. 

Relax and unwind in a hammock by the sea

For all the activities that are available throughout the Cayman Islands, one of the biggest draws of a yacht charter is the chance to kick back and relax, surrounded by gorgeous scenery and year-round sunshine. When not chilling on the aft deck or reclining by the water’s edge, relaxing Creole-style involves a large hammock, a cool sea breeze and a golden beach that stretches as far as the eye can see.