Stay hydrated. Cayman is hot and humid and you can easily become dehydrated if sitting in the sun too long or consuming large amounts of alcohol.
Wear Sun Screen. The Cayman Islands are tropical islands located in the Caribbean with almost 365 days of full sunshine. Avoid sunburn by wearing a full spectrum sunscreen and a hat!
Wear mosquito repellant during dusk and dawn. Mosquitoes can be regular pests during low light hours if there is not a strong wind blowing. To avoid being bitten, apply repellant spray before heading outside. If bitten, soothe itchy irritations with an anti-inflammatory cream that can be purchased at most supermarkets and pharmacies on Island. There have been a few rare cases of mosquito transmitted diseases such as chikungunya and dengue fever. None of the cases have resulted in a death. If you have concerns, call the Public Health Department at the GT Hospital on (345) 244 2621 for more information.
Don’t stand on the coral. Why? Coral grows about 0.3 to 2 centimeters per year! Also you may step on the spiky spine of a sea urchin, which will cause acute pain and irritation. Avoid brushing up against fire coral if diving or snorkelling without a wet suit or rash guard. Fire coral will sting and irritate your skin. While these pesky marine encounters are not life threatening, they can cause severe discomfort. Seek medical attention if you are experiencing chronic pain. Jelly fish stings and sea itch rarely happen, but are no fun when they do, so take care when snorkelling or swimming. Sea itch is the invisible larvae of thimble jellyfish, and appears from late March to June. It is said that mild marine stings can be soothed with a splash of vinegar, but again call a doctor if the irritation worsens and you are in pain.
Drive on the left & wear your seatbelt! We drive on the LEFT in Cayman and we wear our SEATBELTS… it’s the law! Car seats and booster seats for children under seven are also strongly recommended. The Cayman Islands Traffic law also states that any child travelling in a motor vehicle must wear a seatbelt and if under the age of 14 must sit in the rear of the vehicle. It also states that a rear facing child’s care seat must not be fitted in a seat with a front airbag. Cayman also has strictly enforced laws that prohibit drinking and driving. So take a cab if you have over-indulged!
LOOK RIGHT! When crossing the road on foot, always LOOK RIGHT and use pedestrian crossings whenever possible. Also if travelling on foot at night, use the sidewalks and avoid walking along poorly lit roads.
The water is safe! The water in Cayman is considered safe to drink. A few smaller guest homes still use water from a cistern or well, so please check with the owners if it is safe to drink.
Crime is low but… Be sensible and take normal precautions when out and about, particularly at night. Keep your personal valuables, such as purses, wallets and travel documents, secure. Luckily the Cayman Islands is one of the safest islands in the Caribbean, but petty crime does happen from time-to-time, so always be mindful of your surroundings. If you need immediate police assistance, call 911.