In the western part of the sparkling Caribbean Sea lie a trio of enchanting coral gems – the picture-perfect Cayman Islands that welcome nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts to their marine paradise to experience ultimate vacations, eternal summer and full relaxation beyond imagination. While synonymous worldwide with banking and tax havens, there’s much more in this tiny, proud nation: exceptional Seven Mile Beach, pristine reefs teeming with spectacularly beautiful marine life, and unique heritage attractions sure to take breath away. You’ll never find another island anywhere in the Caribbean with people more friendly and courteous, vacation spots so safe and sightseeing options so diverse. So, welcome to Cayman Islands…
Geography & Climate
Colonized from Jamaica by the British during the 18th and 19th centuries, the three Cayman Islands – Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman, are about 150 miles south of Cuba, 460 miles south of Miami, Florida and 167 miles northwest of Jamaica. Grand Cayman is the largest of the three islands with a total area of 195 square kilometers. Cayman Brac is the second largest island in size (20 kilometers long and 2 kilometers wide), while Little Cayman is sixteen kilometers by two kilometers in size. It’s believed that Cayman Islands were formed by large coral heads covering submerged ice age peaks of the Cuba Sierra Maestra, this is why they are mostly flat. The islands experience fairly constant temperatures, ranging from summer maximums of 30°C to winter minimums of 20°C.
George Town on the main Grand Cayman Island is the capital of Cayman Islands, a major offshore banking hub and popular port for cruise ships, thanks to its Laid-back Caribbean vibe and fabulous beaches. George Town is also famed for some of the best diving in the world, year-round Caribbean sunshine and its wealth of historic sights. Arm yourself with a map and start to explore the best of George Town, from Old Courts Building, now a museum, to the Seamen’s Memorial to Panton Square to Fort George, built in 1790 to defense against the Spaniards who raided the islands, carrying captured inhabitants to Cuba. What more, in George Town visitors will find many restaurants and shopping, along with plenty of activities to indulge and enjoy.
Must-See Attractions in Cayman Islands
Stingray City – Located just a short boat ride away from the nation’s capital, Stingray city is a sandbar area, featuring abundant tropical sea life, including stingrays – the most famous residents of this sandy-bottom shallow. Go diving and swim with stingrays in this beautiful spot, making your vacations truly adventurous. Keep in mind that over the years these peaceful creatures have learned not to fear people.
Cayman Brac Caves – Much like caves found along the seashore in many parts of the world, caves on Cayman Brac are also ‘littoral’ and open for exploring. Rebecca’s Cave off South Side Road, close to the Carib Sands Beach Resort is the best known of Brac’s caves. Popular are also Bat cave, Great Cave, filled with stalagmites and stalactites and Peter’s Cave with several tunnels leading off several directions.
Butterfly Farm – Another must-see attraction in Cayman Islands is the amazing Butterfly Farm, where nature lovers will have an unforgettable encounter with nature in all its beauty and diversity. Get ready to meet some of the world’s most diverse and colorful creatures, observe their life circle from egg to caterpillar to chrysalis to butterfly, along with taking stunning photos to take back home. One great thing about the farm is that once you get an admission ticket, you’ll also be given a free pass for the rest of your vacation so that you can enjoy the butterflies as often as you like.
Accommodation in Cayman Islands
Being a Caribbean Island group, it’s no wonder that there is a wealth of accommodation options available throughout the islands. Visitors will find everything from quaint B&Bs to ultra-modern oceanfront villas, and high-end resorts and everything in between to suit all tastes and budgets. One of the most popular hotels is the luxurious Ritz-Carlton, a fascinating haven for business travelers, honeymooners, families and leisure travelers alike. No matter which hotel you’ll choose to stay, be sure to find modern conveniences and an endless variety of land and water sports to keep you busy all day long.
A premier destination for singles, couples, honeymooners and families, Cayman Islands promise superb holidays with a myriad of exciting recreational opportunities, fun and entertainment!
