Two favorite destinations for cruise travelers to the Caribbean are Belize and Grand Cayman.
Grand Cayman is an overseas dependency of the United Kingdom (UK) while Belize is a commonwealth nation with King Charles III being the the Head of State.
In this article, we explore various aspects of both islands to provide you with a meaningful comparison of these destinations.
As a general rule, Belize is a perfect destination for persons seeking entertainment as well as exceptional snorkeling and diving sites. Alternatively, Grand Cayman is ideal for solo female travelers seeking a safer island with white sand beaches and turquoise waters.
Read on for more attributes of Belize and Grand Cayman. This article was written by a Caribbean national.
Belize Vs Grand Cayman- Which Destination Is Bigger
Fondly known as jewel in the heart of the Caribbean basin, Belize is the larger of the two nations being 8,867 square miles. Contrastingly, Grand Cayman is only 75.68 square miles.
At the time of publication, according to worldometer the population of Belize was 411,938 while that of the Cayman Islands was 67,252.
Grand Cayman occupies 76% of the total landmass of the Cayman Islands. The other smaller islands are Little Cayman and Cayman Brac. On the other hand, Belize has approximately 450 cays.
Belize Vs Grand Cayman- Does The Currency Differ?
Both countries have different official currencies. Despite being an overseas dependency of the UK, Grand Cayman has its own local currency managed by its central bank.
The exchange rate is One Cayman dollar is equivalent to USD$1.20 and Canadian $1.60.
Alternatively, the currency used for day to day transactions in Belize is the Belizean dollar.
Bank notes are available in $2, $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100 denominations. Alternatively, coins are available in 1, 5, 10, 25, 50 cents and $1.
From 1978, the Belizean dollar has been pegged to the US Dollar at a rate of BZ$2 to $1 USD.
Belize Vs Grand Cayman- Which Country Is Safer
Grand Cayman is the safer of the two destinations which makes it perfect for solo female travelers.
According to cayman.loopnews.com, firearm offences are one of the main concerns on the island. The volume of crime between 2020 and 2021 due to firearms nearly doubled.
Contrastingly, crime rate is much higher in Belize. According to the website, Belize.com most of the crime is concentrated in certain areas of Belize City.
Nevertheless, no matter the level of crime, care and due caution should be exercised by all visitors to a foreign country.
Travelers should avoid walking in secluded areas especially at nights. Particularly, visitors should avoid the Southern region of Belize City as it is a hotspot for crime.
Belize Vs Grand Cayman- Does The Landscape Differ?
The landscape of both islands is unalike. Belize is a mountainous destination with thick rainforest and agricultural lands.
The highest point of elevation is Doyle’s Delight being 3, 670 feet.
On the other hand, Grand Cayman is extremely flat with the highest point of elevation being 70 feet above sea level. Thus, the island is low lying.
Belize Vs Grand Cayman- Is It Easy To Visit Other Countries
Belize shares its border with Mexico to its North and Guatemala to its West and South.
As a result, overland travel is an option from Belize to these two destinations. The easiest way to access the borders is via taxi or bus.
Contrastingly, there are no ferry services available from Grand Cayman to Little Cayman and Cayman Brac.
Nearby islands such as Jamaica are only accessible via aircraft.
Belize Vs Grand Cayman- Which Country Gets More Tourists
Both islands are popular tourism destinations in the Caribbean. However, comparing tourism arrivals figures for 2019, Cayman Islands received more visitors than Belize.
According to Tourism Analytics, the total amount of stopover visitors were 502,739 and cruise visitors totaled 1,831,011 for the year 2019.
Kindly note that these figures represent the Cayman Islands and not Grand Cayman solely.
Alternatively, according to the same source, Belize received 503,167 stop over visitors and 1,171,098 cruise passengers in 2019. A grand total of 1, 674,265 for the year 2019.
Therefore, tourism sites and attractions may tend to be uncrowded in Belize as compared to Grand Cayman.
Belize Vs Grand Cayman- Which Country Has Better Beaches
If relaxing and sunbathing on white sand beaches with turquoise waters is high on your priority list, then Grand Cayman is the better destination.
Seven Mile Beach is the most popular for its long stretch of white sand and natural beauty.
Major hotel chains such as The Marriott and Westin shares its shores with Seven Mile Beach.
Contrastingly, if your main vacation goal is diving and snorkeling then Belize is the better destination.
Belize barrier reef is renowned for being the second largest coral reef system in the world.
Some of the key spots to visit for diving and snorkeling include Southwater Caye Marine Reserve, Glovers Reef Atoll, Lighthouse Reed Atoll, The Great Blue Hole and Hol Chan Hole.
Belize Vs Grand Cayman- Which Country Has Better Nightlife
If entertainment is your main vacation goal, Belize is the ideal destination of choice. Most of the nightlife in Belize is concentrated in the San Pedro, Ambergris Caye region.
There are a several beach bars, casinos, bowling alleys, wine bars and pool bars for visitors to relax and enjoy.
Jaguar’s Temple is one of the popular spots to visit in San Pedro.
Along the same lines, nightlife in Grand Cayman consists mainly of restaurants, bars and nightclubs. Some of the places to visit include Karoo and Tukka.
Belize Vs Grand Cayman- Key Attractions In Both Islands
Actun Tunichil Muknal, Belize– fondly referred to by the locals as ATM, this attraction provides a rare opportunity to visit a Maya Sacrificial site.
Today, skulls altars, pots and other Mayan artifacts are all visible location. Access to the Actun Tunichil Muknal is by hiking a 40 minute trail.
Kittiwake Shipwreck & Artificial Reef, Grand Cayman- this attraction is ideal for divers and is located off the coast of the popular Seven Mile Beach.
This ship is a former US Navy submarine which today is home to a variety of marine and sea life.
Final Thoughts
On a whole, Belize is a perfect destination for persons seeking a vibrant nightlife atmosphere as well as visiting ancient Mayan ruins. On the other hand, Grand Cayman is ideal for solo female travelers seeking a safer island with white sand beaches and turquoise waters.
Need More Information?
The main aim of our blog is to provide accurate and reliable information for persons seeking to visit Belize, Grand Cayman and the rest of the Caribbean.
We invite you to continue reading additional resources using the search button located at the top of this page.
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