Tips on Grand Cayman Warnings and Dangers – Stay Safe!

Grand Cayman Warnings and Dangers

Grand Cayman is a dream trip for many people. If you’re planning to go there, you want to make sure you avoid any dangers or tourist traps so it doesn’t put a damper on your vacation.

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Planning Around the Crowds

Sometimes multiple ships dock on the same day and this can create a hectic scene. If you are arriving to Grand Cayman by cruise ship, check Cruise TT to see how many boats will arrive when yours is scheduled to dock. If there are several other cruises also scheduled, you might want to avoid planning certain activities. If you’re staying in Grand Cayman itself, schedule your excursions for days ships are not arriving in numbers. Also, if you decide to go to Stingray City, book the earliest trip possible.

Getting Around Grand Cayman

Beware of fake taxis. You don’t want to get inside a vehicle that is not licensed to transport tourists. If you plan to drive yourself, remember, driving here is on the left side of the road, so if you aren’t used to this, it gets confusing! Also, if you’re not familiar with how roundabouts work, be cautious when on the road; remember, switching lanes in the roundabout is a no-no.

Cruise Recommendations

Cruise companies might tell you to book from them and will tell you that tours booked on the shore are unreliable and unlicensed. Do your homework because the cruise bookings are often much more expensive than ones on shore. Also, beware of some of the stores recommended by cruise companies. When it comes to their port shopping programs, it’s often a ploy for them to make more money because they receive a cut when tourists make in-port purchases. Additionally, beware when buying jewelry, some of it is poor craftsmanship and companies may not honor their warranties.

Watch Out for Critters

While out and about on the beaches or snorkeling around the rocks and reefs, be careful. Scorpionfish (aka stonefish) are incredibly well-camouflaged and move very little. The good news is they won’t hurt you as long as you don’t touch them but the bad news is they have some nasty venomous spines which go erect when threatened; if you touch them you will seriously regret it. The pain can be quite acute, even debilitating, so immediate first aid is required. Also beware of jellyfish and stingrays. The best plan is to not touch anything when exploring. Mosquitos at night can be pretty bad, although, oddly they only seem to be in certain areas.

Miscellaneous Things to Know

Although Grand Cayman is very casual and friendly, there are many natives who are pretty conservative. They aren’t keen on people who dress provocatively and don’t take too kindly to wild and crazy behavior. Also when you arrive, be prepared for customs. They’ll likely ask you lots of questions and possibly search your bags. When you go out, always wear your sunscreen! A hat and sunglasses help too, this way you can avoid severe burns. Visitors to the island should be aware that the hurricane season runs from June to November.

More from SmarterTravel:

• Gallivantin’ in the Cayman Islands: Cayman Time
• Caribbean Travel + Life’s Affordable Cayman: About Cayman
• Top 25 Ways to Save on Caribbean Travel

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Editor’s Note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about warnings and dangers in Grand Cayman.