Accessibility in the Cayman Islands

The recent redevelopment of Owen Roberts International Airport has improved ramps and walkways for greater accessibility. At present, however, Cayman Airways is the only airline offering a boarding ramp for those with limited mobility and this is only used for some aircrafts. Other airlines should be contacted in advance to request special assistance.

Whilst no car rental companies offer special assistance vehicles, many have vehicles such as the Ford Flex, which they consider to be more suitable. We suggest you contact car rental companies directly.

There are several taxis and tour buses that have wheelchair lifts to get you from the airport and, more importantly, to ensure you see the Island at ease. Try: Elite Transportation (345) 949 3834 or Webster’s Tours Ltd (345) 945 1433. Another helpful service is Empty Suitcase (345) 527 9638, which rents wheelchairs, beach wheelchairs and mobility scooters, and brings them right to your door. We recommend that you book in advance.

Areas, such as George Town, West Bay Road and Camana Bay, have relatively easy access for those with limited mobility, as they have good sidewalks, ramps and pedestrian crossings. Camana Bay’s traffic-free town centre is particularly accessible, and includes wheelchair accessible stalls in public restrooms, and wheelchairs available to borrow from the Security Centre on Forum Lane.

Decent accessibility also extends to most restaurants (make sure to ask before going) and three of Cayman’s top attractions: the Cayman Turtle Centre and the Queen Elizabeth II Botanical Gardens.

You will find mobi-mats on the following beaches:

• Seven Mile Public Beach
• Governors Beach
• Coe Wood Beach in Bodden Town
• South Side Public Beach in Cayman Brac

This specialist access mat allows wheelchair users to make their way down onto the beach and into the sea.

A few of Cayman’s dive centres have instructors who are specially trained to accommodate those with physical disabilities, whether you are a new diver interested in learning or an advanced diver looking to improve. In addition, some offer the PADI Adaptive Support Diver course where you learn the common problems disabled divers may face, and how to deal with them. This buddy training course ensures everyone can enjoy Cayman’s coral reefs together! Try DiveTech (345) 946 5658 whose wheelchair-friendly dock makes shore diving possible and boat diving easier.

The limited infrastructure in Little Cayman, and the diverse terrain of Cayman Brac – the highest point is 140ft above sea-level – means that accessibility in the Sister Islands does not match the standard of Grand Cayman.

Cayman Brac

The airport is very accessible and, like in Grand Cayman, Cayman Airways has a boarding ramp. Carter’s Taxi & Tours (345) 923 5494 is the only taxi/tour company on the Brac that has a wheelchair accessible van.There is a mobi-mat on South Side Public Beach in Cayman Brac.

Little Cayman

The National Trust Centre, which overlooks Booby Pond and is home to the Little Cayman Museum, has a wheelchair ramp. It also has a wheelchair viewing telescope to allow you the best view of the Red-footed Boobies.