Where to go after dark in the Cayman Islands
The diversity in the Cayman Islands’ personalities can also be found in the country’s night scene. From busy nightclubs to party all night in Grand Cayman, to cosy beach side bars with live local calypso and reggae bands, you will find many different atmospheres to enjoy and various parties to join, ranging from soothing jazz music to intense salsa dancing lessons.
And when you’re in the mood for a treat, head to the various cocktail lounges or treat yourself to a romantic candlelit meal with a view – you’re on holidays, after all!
While the amazing beaches and beautiful Cayman Islands’ weather dazzles visitors, when the sun sets and the stars come out, the country is far from sleepy. Wherever you choose to go, it is not rare for night time hotspots to offer themed nights, ranging from local calypso music, to salsa, soca, or reggae lessons, leaving you with the difficult task of having to choose between many exciting nights! Besides themed nights, you can always dance the night away at one of the country’s nightclubs, or groove to some folk, rock & roll, or calypso.
Beach bars are a favourite hangout amongst both locals and visitors, and a great place to make friends. And with each one having their own signature drink, make sure to ask the bartender what the house special is to not miss out on the best tipple available!
For a slightly quieter evening, dine in one of the many restaurants on the island, some of which you can eat under the stars with the gentle breezes on your skin, enjoy the soothing sways of jazz and reggae music over a night cap, or hop on a romantic sunset cruise to enjoy breath-taking views of both the islands and the horizon.
If you’re after a more refined experience, head to one of the many cocktail lounge and martini bars for some of the Cayman Islands’ best cocktails, or check the program of the local performing art venues for the latest plays and concerts.
If you’re in for local flavours, try the country’s very own Seven Fathoms Rum, or wash down the islands’ famous Jerk Chicken with a nice cold Caybrew, Cayman Islands' own award winning beer.
DINING
When it comes to treating your taste buds, you can expect to come across a wide variety of dining experiences in the Cayman Islands, ranging from local specialities, international cuisine, and fine dining. In fact, the Cayman culinary scene is so acclaimed its annual Cayman Cookout festival attracts celebrity chefs from around the world. And if you happen to be visiting the country during its Taste of Cayman Festival, you’re in for a treat!
In terms of local flavours, the cuisine here reflects many international influences reflecting the country’s colonial heritage, with a strong Caribbean identity found in staple ingredients such as conch, coconut, plantain, cassava, yams, rice and peas, tuna, snapper, mangos and mahi. With its historic link to Jamaica, it’s no surprise to see that Jamaican cuisine also made it to the country’s many eateries, in the shape of jerk seasoning, which you’ll be able to enjoy with various types of meat.
Besides the usual conch stew, Cayman-style beef, and old-fashioned fish fry, be ready to come across traditional dishes involving turtle meat. And when it’s time for pudding, the local heavy cake is a piece of Caymanian culture in itself.