The latest update to the UK Government’s green travel list has seen the welcome introduction of some far more enticing places. From the 30th of June, the travel list will include the welcome addition of picture-perfect destinations, including Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Malta, Bermuda and the Cayman Islands.
The travel industry hand holidaymakers have been pleading with the UK government to add more destinations to the green list, and it seems that some of their wishes have come true. The updated list contains some far more enticing places to jet off to in 2021, and one of these is the gorgeous Cayman Islands.
All three of the islands, Grand Cayman, Little Cayman and Cayman Brac, have been added to the list, which comes into effect from 4 am GMT on the 30th of June
Planning a visit to the Cayman Islands
Following the closure of its borders in March 2020, the Cayman Islands has kept the destination covid-safe while limiting access and imposing strict quarantine protocols. It will be operating a phased reopening programme for international travellers, keeping a 5-day quarantine for fully vaccinated travellers in place until the data suggests it is safe to do otherwise.
The islands have engaged in an effective vaccination programme, which has lead to 67% of the population already receiving one dose of Covid-19 vaccination and 60% for both doses. The islands look forward to welcoming UK travellers early next winter – bringing the prospect of sunshine, sand and sensational bucket-list experiences to UK travellers as it moves forward over the coming months to the next stage in welcoming a return of international visitors.
What you can expect from a holiday in the Cayman Islands
This British Overseas Territory is a premier luxury destination for British and European visitors. It is known for its incredible beaches and recognised as one of the world’s best diving and snorkelling locations. The Cayman Islands is also a great place to experience unique wildlife in its natural habitat.
The Cayman Islands consists of three idyllic islands nestled in the warm turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea. Each island offers a unique experience, united by a warm Caymanian welcome in a truly outstanding natural environment.
The islands enjoy an average temperature of around 28°C, making it an ideal place to top up Vitamin D levels, and it is particularly popular with those that know this stunning destination well during the winter months.
The islands offer an array of quality accommodation ranging from beachfront villas and dive lodges to five-star hotels, all of which are within easy access of the beautiful ocean.
Food, Nature and Activities
Food is a big part of the Cayman Islands experience, and Grand Cayman alone boasts in excess of two hundred restaurants serving both local and international cuisine. As well as sampling the delicious local delicacies, there is a whole host of other activities and experiences to look forward to, including a 7-mile pristine white sandy beach with palm trees, kayaking, jet-skiing, kitesurfing and paddleboarding on the crystal clear waters surrounding the islands.
The area is a mecca for divers and snorkellers, thanks to its extraordinary marine life. Another big draw is Stingray City, where friendly wild stingrays congregate around a shallow sand bar in open waters, happily interacting with human visitors who arrive by boat for this extraordinary encounter.
Naturalists will love the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park, where the rare, indigenous, blue iguana can be seen roaming freely, and any trip to the Cayman Islands will not be complete without paying a visit to the sister islands, Little Cayman and Cayman Brac.
Three islands, not just one
On rugged Cayman Brac, you can explore eight miles of nature trails where you can learn about the island’s flora and fauna via plaques along the way. The smallest of the three islands is Little Cayman, home to just 197 people and an abundance of rare birdlife. It’s the perfect place to step away from a post-Covid world and relax in hammocks under shady palm trees.
Adrian White, Regional Manager UK, Cayman Islands Department of Tourism, said, “When the time is right, visitors will be able to discover that the Cayman Islands offers a host of memorable bucket-list experiences to even the most seasoned traveller.
With a perfect Caribbean climate and stunning ocean views, its wildlife and marine world, sandy bays and beach bars, plus the range of fabulous hotels and restaurants provide just what everyone needs to recover from the recent stresses and strains of the pandemic. We recommend UK travellers take a closer look at what the Cayman Islands offer, particularly during the winter months, since all three islands offer unique experiences they will never forget.”
For UK visitors, in normal times, British Airways offers four direct flights a week from London Heathrow to Grand Cayman. Alternatively, there are numerous same-day connections through Miami International Airport and various other US airport hubs.
*Cayman Island Holidays – British Airways Holidays offers seven nights, at the 3.5* Sunshine Suites Resort from £1249pp, travelling on selected dates between 1 November – 30 November 2021 inclusive. It includes economy (World Traveller) return flights from London Heathrow Airport, 23kg luggage allowance and accommodation. Book by 30 June 2021.
More information about the Cayman Islands’ current Covid protocols can be found at: www.exploregov.ky/faqs/covid-19-inbound-travel.
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