Cayman Islands welcomes winter holidaymakers

The Cayman Islands boasts no fewer than 365 dive sites - one for each day of the year.

The Cayman Islands has announced it will soon be moving to ‘Phase 4’ of its reopening programme. This means that from November 30, vaccinated winter holidaymakers will be able to enter quarantine-free.

The Caribbean destination has been closed to international travel for almost two years and has recently been following a controlled reopening plan.

“With a high percentage of the population now vaccinated, we are keen to relax the current restrictions,” said Kenneth Bryan, minister for Tourism and Transport. “(Phase 4) will bring an important return to normality for travel and tourism to the islands in time for the holidays.”

The Caymans are made up of three islands, Grand Cayman, Little Cayman and Cayman Brac. All boast crystal waters, lush nature, stunning beaches and plenty of winter sunshine.

An abundance of outdoor activities includes cycling tours, hiking, parasailing, scuba diving, sailing, parasailing, kayaking and snorkelling. Cayman offers 365 dive sites in all, flooded with abundant sea life, vibrant corals and even the odd shipwreck.

The islands also lay claim to more indigenous species than The Galapagos. Amidst the wealth of nature, spot the endangered blue iguana, the red-footed booby and the national flower, the banana orchid.

“We’re excited to share the many beautiful experiences of Grand Cayman, Little Cayman and Cayman Brac,” said director of Tourism, Rosa Harris. “The stunning beaches, crystal clear turquoise waters, wonders of nature and expansive culinary choices… We await your arrival so you may have sweet dreams in Cayman.”

Travellers will need to show proof of full inoculation along with a negative Covid-19 test taken within 72 hours of arrival. An online travel declaration form must also be completed.

Significantly, flights resumed in mid-October between Cayman and New York, its main US gateway, and also with Tampa in Florida. There are currently four airlines with confirmed routes to the Cayman Islands, British Airways, Air Canada, JetBlue (serving the US) and Cayman Airways. Air Canada will resume flights in December and British Airways will be operating four direct flights a week from the UK.

Currently 75% of the population of Cayman is fully vaccinated.

Looking for more winter sunshine options? Fiji is opening in December...

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