Dreaming of soft white sands, turquoise seas, and lazy afternoons under swaying palms? Grand Cayman delivers all that and more! But when you’re traveling to an island, especially one you’ve never been to before, it helps to pack smart and be prepared for every kind of adventure. Here at Rum Point Club, you can enjoy everything from Grand Cayman boat tours to dinner and drinks at either our Rum Deck or Solis Restaurant — and all in a single day! So to help you make the most of your time on the island, we’ve created this ultimate packing list for a trip to Grand Cayman. Keep reading for our tips, and don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions about our club.
Packing for Grand Cayman’s Climate
Grand Cayman enjoys warm, tropical weather year-round. Temperatures hover between 27°C and 32°C (80s-90s °F), and the sun can be strong even when it’s cloudy. The island only experiences two main seasons: the dry winter season between November and April, and the wet summer season between May and October. As you may have guessed, the dry season is the peak season, when most people travel here to soak up the sunny days.
Regardless of the season, lightweight, breathable clothing is your best friend. Cotton, linen, or moisture-wicking fabrics will help you stay cool, whether the sun is beating down or there is light rain. Flip flops are perfect for the beach, while comfortable sandals or sneakers will be good for getting around the island. A light sweater is a must for breezy evenings.
If you do travel in the wetter months, bring along a compact rain jacket or a small umbrella for short showers. For more details on visiting during the wet season, read our Ultimate Guide to Visiting Grand Cayman in Summer. And for tips on visiting during the peak season, our Guide to Visiting Grand Cayman in Winter makes for essential reading!
Grand Cayman Beachwear and Water Essentials
Of course, when you’re in Grand Cayman, you’ll be spending most of your time either on the beach or in the water. Whether you’re swimming at Seven Mile Beach, using the beach toys at Rum Point Club, or simply catching a tan, you’ll want to come prepared.
Bring at least two swimsuits so you always have a dry one on hand, and consider a rash guard if you’ll be snorkeling or paddleboarding for protection from the sun. A beach bag or backpack is handy for carrying towels, a reusable water bottle, and a good book. Most importantly, bring a strong reef friendly sunscreen and a hat!
If you’re going out on a boat tour, such as our Stingray City Tour from Rum Point, you may also want to bring a cover-up or a light change of clothes to wear on the boat before and after you get out of the water.
While you may want to bring your own equipment for snorkeling, there are plenty of rental options around the island. At Rum Point, we offer snorkeling rentals for the North Side, while our parent company, Red Sail Sports, operates on the West Bay, and our sister company, Tortuga Divers, on the East End.
What to Wear Going Out in Grand Cayman
While the Cayman Islands are famously laid-back, you’ll still want a few polished outfits for dining out or sightseeing. Casual sundresses, linen trousers, or a nice shirt with shorts fit perfectly for the island’s relaxed but refined atmosphere. Leave the heavy jeans and formalwear at home as they’ll just weigh you down!
And if you join a sunset sail from Rum Point, you can smarten up if you want, but we don’t mind keeping things light and breezy. Comfort comes first!
Essential Items to Pack
We hope we needn’t remind you to bring your passport or travel documents, but we’re mentioning it here just in case! Card payments are generally accepted, but some cash may be useful for small purchases. Both Cayman dollars and US dollars are accepted island wide.
The Cayman Islands use 120-volt electricity with American-style plugs, so if you’re visiting from the US or Canada, no adapter is needed. A portable phone charger is useful for long beach days or boat trips, and a waterproof pouch or dry bag can protect your phone and wallet when you’re out on the water.
While most things can be bought on the island, make sure to get your prescription medication before you depart!
What You Can Leave Behind on Your Grand Cayman Trip
Skip the heavy coats, multiple pairs of shoes, or excessive gadgets. Most accommodations provide hairdryers and basic toiletries. Make sure to keep space in your suitcase for local souvenirs or a bottle of Seven Fathoms rum. And given how beautiful our island is, dare we say you should leave your laptop behind, too?
Smart Grand Cayman Packing Tips
- Plan for the first day: Keep swimwear and sunscreen in your carry-on so you can hit the beach as soon as you arrive!
- Bring a reusable water bottle: The tap water is safe to drink, and you’ll need to stay hydrated out in the sun. Plus, you’ll be helping to reduce plastic waste.
- Protect the ecosystem: Always choose reef-safe sunscreen to help preserve Grand Cayman’s coral ecosystems.
- Pack light: With reliable weather, beachwear, and casual attire, you can easily fit everything you need with extra space for gifts.
Now that you’re ready to travel, you can start planning all of your activities and excursions! You can book your boat tour or scuba diving trip from Rum Point online to secure your spot ahead of time. And if you want to make sure you get a seat at Solis Restaurant for dinner, contact us to make your reservation. The Rum Point team can’t wait to welcome you to Grand Cayman!
