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Cayman Islands

INTRODUCTION

Pristine Beaches, Rum Punch, Scuba Diving, Friendly People

Love pristine white beaches and rum punch? The Cayman Islands are the jewel of the Caribbean. The Cayman Islands consists of 3 islands: Grand Cayman, Little Cayman and Cayman Brac. As one would imagine, Grand Cayman is the largest of these islands, and also the most populated. Some of the best scuba diving in the world is right here at your fingertips. People from all over the world flock to the Caymans for the underwater beauty of the fish and coral.

The best things about the Cayman Islands are that the native language is English (although with a Scottish lilt and a slight accent) and the water is desalinated (the salt is removed from the sea water) by their own plant and is absolutely fabulous. You won't get sick from eating or drinking here. The people are friendly and happy that you are visiting their home.

With a direct flight from Houston, Atlanta, Dallas, or Miami, the islands are easy to get to. If you fly Cayman Airlines (the government owned airline), complimentary rum punch is on your tray table during the flight as an added bonus. Cayman is served by several airlines other than Cayman Airlines, and quite often you can find a real deal on airfare. Hotels, condominiums, golf courses and restaurants abound...so be sure you include Cayman in your vacation plans. You'll be glad you did, but be careful.....you might just fall in love with the sleepy little islands in the Caribbean.

HISTORY

It was on his fourth and last voyage that Christopher Columbus saw Cayman Islands. In the beginning it was named "Las Tortugas" due to the numerous sea turtles. The Cayman Islands are the ones that have experienced the most hurricane strikes in history.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Capital: George Town

Climate: Beautiful, hot summer days and cool evenings, though it does have a tendency to rain a bit being a tropical country.

Currency: Two Currencies run here, both the Cayman Dollar and the US Dollar.

Languages: English

Power: 120 V 60 Hz

Time Zone: UTC-5

ATTRACTIONS

If you are a little adventurous, you can visit Stingray City where the stingrays flock to be fed, or try a deep sea fishing expedition.

If not so adventurous--try the butterfly or turtle farms. Shopping duty-free downtown is an adventure on it's own. You surely will enjoy some of the local cuisine, like land crab, curry goat, plentiful lobster, and oxtail. Be brave and try it, you might be surprised at what you like.

Every year in October, there is a huge celebration called Pirates Week. In the beginning, this was conceived to draw tourists to the islands during a rather slow period each year. It worked. It is a 10 day party all over the island with all kinds of things to do. Very similar in spirit to Mardi Gras, but with a Caribbean flavor. Lots of parades, street dances, bands from all over the Caribbean, cooking, marathons, and various contests make this week one of the best tourist weeks of the year.

There is a beautiful butterfly sanctuary farm on the island, featuring butterflies so beautiful they almost don't seem real. A short educational tour is offered, and then guests are free to roam the gardens.

A turtle farm is also located on Grand Cayman, where guests can hold the sea turles. The island also features sting ray interaction opportunities.

If you'd like to send your friends a "postcard from Hell", check out the curious little spot of Hell, Grand Cayman. This group of black limestone formations is a popular stop for cruise ship tourists. Go, and have a look of what Hell must look like!

RESTAURANTS

Go to "Cimboco" for eclectic flavours; "Breezes by the bay" or "Calypso Grill" if you are into Caribbean food; "Antica Gelateria" if Cafes are your thing or "Chicken chicken" if you crave for typical American food.

NIGHTLIFE

Seaside bars are common in Grand Cayman. Seven Mile Beach is where most of this places are gathered. "Bamboo" and "Cohiba Lounge & Cigars" are two examples. "O Bar" and "The Next Level" are probably the two best places on the island.