JetBlue Is Bringing Back Fort Lauderdale Flights to the Cayman Islands This Winter

The descent into Grand Cayman is always striking — turquoise water glinting in the sun, white sand stretching along the coast, and the island’s green interior unfolding below. Beginning this winter, that view will be within easy reach again from South Florida. JetBlue is resuming year-round flights from Ft. Lauderdale to Owen Roberts International Airport, offering three weekly departures on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.

For travelers, it means a quick 90-minute hop separates Fort Lauderdale from Seven Mile Beach, Stingray City, and Cayman’s world-famous brunch scene. 

When The Flights Start

The *new* route all starts Dec. 4. 

The flights begin as part of a broader boost in airlift this winter — five new routes in all — positioning the Cayman Islands as one of the Caribbean’s most connected destinations. Officials are calling it a strong vote of confidence in Cayman’s global appeal, and for visitors, it’s a new level of convenience.

And it isn’t just about getting there. It’s about timing your trip for what’s next. 

The winter season in Cayman is packed with marquee events. December opens with the Cayman Islands Marathon, followed by festive markets, the Parade of Lights, and fireworks to ring in the New Year. January belongs to Cayman Cookout at The Ritz-Carlton, a culinary showcase led by Chef Eric Ripert. February brings the Mercuryman Triathlon, the beloved Coco Fest at Pedro St. James, and the annual Agricultural Show. 

By March, the arts take center stage with the Red Sky at Night festival, while St. Patrick’s Day is marked by the island’s Irish Jog and beachfront celebrations.

Why This Matters for Winter Travel

This new JetBlue service makes short getaways more realistic, while opening easier connections for longer vacations. Three weekly flights from Ft. Lauderdale mean more flexibility for travelers across Florida and beyond. For Cayman’s tourism sector, it’s another sign of resilience and growth. For visitors, it’s a chance to plan winter escapes with less hassle — and more time on the beach.

Year-Round Cayman

The island’s appeal never stops with the season. Stingray City remains one of the Caribbean’s signature marine encounters. The Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park tells the story of the rare Blue Iguana. Pedro St. James offers a step into history, while the Cayman Crystal Caves reveal a hidden underworld carved over millennia.

And then there’s the food. With more than 300 restaurants and bars, Cayman is the undisputed Culinary Capital of the Caribbean. Every meal, whether seaside casual or fine dining, is part of the journey.

Where to Stay

Grand Cayman has a collection of standout resorts that match the island’s mix of luxury and local character. The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman ($742 per night in October) remains the island’s marquee resort, home to the Cayman Cookout and set right on Seven Mile Beach. Hotel Indigo Grand Cayman ($380 per night), where we visited recently and loved it, brings a stylish, boutique feel with a modern Caribbean edge. Vida Cayman (rooms from $550 right now) is a newer arrival, offering sustainability-focused vibes and contemporary design. And on the horizon, the highly anticipated One GT will soon open its doors, adding a new level of sophistication to George Town. Together, they give travelers a wide range of options, from classic five-star indulgence to fresh, modern stays.

What the Flights Cost

This might be the best part – right now, you can book fares from Fort Lauderdale to Grand Cayman on JetBlue for as low as $337 roundtrip, according to data from Google Flights. 

JetBlue Beyond Ft. Lauderdale

The return of Ft. Lauderdale flights adds to JetBlue’s existing Cayman network. The airline already offers nonstop service from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport and from Boston Logan International Airport, two gateways that link the Cayman Islands with the Northeast. Together with the Ft. Lauderdale route, JetBlue now connects Grand Cayman with three major U.S. cities, giving travelers across the East Coast and Florida more options and more flexibility for planning their trips.