We loved getting this update from Rory, winner of British Airways flights and a 7 night stay in the Cayman Islands in a recent Lime booking incentive!
"Why go to Grand Cayman, you ask? Well, for starters — the chickens. Yes, chickens. Roosters, hens, chicks… entire feathery families strutting along the roadsides like they own the place. Who do they belong to? No one really knows. Why are they there? Not entirely sure. And why do they cross the road? That’s a mystery only a visit to Cayman can answer. But quirky charm aside, this tropical gem offers far more than just roadside poultry.
I was lucky enough to earn a spot on this unforgettable trip, and we flew in style with British Airways, the perfect choice for the route. With a designated check-in area for World Traveller Plus, getting through the airport was a breeze. Once on board, we were welcomed with champagne or orange juice and settled into our spacious seats with the entertainment system ready to go. The crew? Warm, attentive, and genuinely lovely — they made the whole experience feel relaxed from the get-go.
Landing in Grand Cayman was easy, too. Disembarkation was swift, and our luggage arrived within 20 minutes. Then the adventure really began.
First stop: The Cayman Turtle Centre at Boatswain’s Point — where you can snorkel with sea turtles and colourful Caribbean fish in a crystal-clear lagoon. Stick around for feeding time and you’ll see nurse sharks, barracuda, giant tarpon, and more. For something truly unforgettable, take a boat ride out to Stingray City, a shallow sandbar where these graceful creatures swim right up to you. They’re soft, gentle, and surprisingly social.
On the way back, don’t miss the Crystal Caves — a natural wonder where knowledgeable local guides bring Caymanian culture to life as they lead you through glittering underground caverns.
For a slower pace, head to the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park on the North Side. It’s home to endangered blue iguanas, which roam freely among palms, banana orchids and cacti. The whole experience is calming, colourful, and filled with natural beauty.
Further east, things are even more laid-back. Visit the parrot sanctuary, watch the sea blowholes burst dramatically through the rocks on windy days, or dive into history with a scuba trip to the shipwrecks of the Kittiwake and the Ten Sail.
The best part? The island is compact — you can get from one end to the other in under an hour. That means more time doing, less time travelling.
And now, let’s talk about the food. Oh, the food.
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Spicy Caribbean jerk and melt-in-your-mouth oxtail at Peppers on West Bay Road.
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A rich, flavoursome Seafood Rundown (think red snapper, mahi mahi, shrimp and mussels) at Calypso in Batabano.
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And the absolute highlight — the unforgettable dishes at Mrs Piper’s (yes, at the Hampton by Hilton!).
Throw in beach club cocktails and refreshing local beers, and you’ve got one very happy traveller.
If you get the chance to visit Grand Cayman — go. It’s warm, welcoming, a little bit wild, and full of surprises (feathered and otherwise). I came home with sun on my skin, sand in my shoes, and memories I’ll be talking about for years.
