|
Official Name Cayman Islands, a British dependent
territory, claimed 1670
Population 45,000
Capital City George Town (29,000)
Languages English
Flag and description here
Official Currency Caymanian Dollar
Religions Anglican, Baptist, Catholic, others
Land Area 260 sq km
Latitude/Longitude 19º 30N, 80º 30W
CAYMAN ISLANDS
Renowned for beautiful beaches, excellent diving
and offshore banking, the Cayman Islands are a group of three islands
situated between Cuba and Jamaica, only a 90-minute flight from
Miami. Grand Cayman is the largest and most developed of the islands
and the location of the capital, George Town. It is hard to believe
that among the quaint fairy-tale style buildings that line George
Town's harbour are 500 banks making up the world's fifth largest
offshore financial centre.
Little Cayman and Cayman Brac are 70 miles (113km)
northeast of Grand Cayman and are much smaller and even more relaxed.
Visitors don't come here in suits; the little business that goes
on revolves around diving and catering for the world's best bone-fishing.
Discovered by Columbus in 1503 and explored by
Sir Francis Drake in 1586, it was not until 1670 that the islands
came under British rule. They remain a British territory, and the
Queen's picture is still displayed proudly, but the US exerts the
dominant influence over what it considers its backyard. For years
the islands were a base for pirates who delighted in the remoteness
of Grand Cayman. A bonus was the island's absolutely flat topography,
which ensures that its profile is practically invisible against
the horizon, making it the perfect hide-away for nefarious characters.
GRAND CAYMAN
Most of the population of the Cayman islands live on the 78-square-mile
Grand Cayman, and every day thousands of visitors arrive, many of
them on cruise liners, to besiege the narrow streets of the island
capital, George Town, and delight in the beautiful beaches. The
busy little colonial capital also draws its fair share of wheelers
and dealers being a major offshore investment centre with more than
500 banks. The banking business has made Grand Cayman an affluent
society, but decadence has not accompanied the wealth. There are
no glitzy casinos and wild club venues here, and nudity on the beach
is frowned upon. The natural attractions are enough to draw the
crowds, however, with the coral reefs, clear waters and sandy beaches
offering the chance to try out any watersport imaginable.
Turtle Farm
When Christopher Columbus first discovered the
islands in 1503, he named them 'Las Tortugas,' meaning The Turtles.
According to legend, there were so many turtles that the islands
looked like they were covered with rocks. They are now a protected
species and the Cayman Islands Turtle Farm, which is just outside
West Bay, is home to 16,000 turtles ranging in size from six ounces
(170g) to 600 pounds (272kg) each. The priority of the farm is to
maintain an ideal breeding environment. Breeding season runs from
May to October, during which time the turtles dig their nests on
the beach near the breeding pond and produce their eggs. The eggs
are immediately taken to the hatchery, where staff monitor the hatching
process. Opening time: Daily 8.30am to 5pm; Admission: US$6 (adult),
US$3 (child aged 6 to 12). Free for children under six
Pedro St James
East of George Town is Pedro St
James. Originally built by an Englishman who arrived in the islands
in 1765, it is the islands' oldest surviving building. Local stories
also associate it with the pirate Henry Morgan and a 17th-century
Spaniard, Pedro Gómez, though there's no proof. The house
is touted as the islands' 'birthplace of democracy' - it was here
in 1831 that the decision was made to vote for elected representatives,
and four years later the Slavery Abolition Act was read here. Constructed
around 1780 from quarried native stone, the house has been restored
by the government as a historic site. Behind a traditional coral
stone wall rises an authentic, three-storey early 19th-century great
house and outbuildings, with traditional 'grounds' planted with
pineapple, banana and other provisions. The adjacent acres are covered
with luxuriant tropical plants, palm-lined walkways and a splendid
manicured Great Lawn sprawling to a fantastic view over the Caribbean.
A new Multi-Media Theatre shows a 20-minute film of the history
of the castle. Opening time: Daily 9.30am to 5pm; Admission: CI$6.75
(adults), CI$3.20 (children)
Botanic Park
The Caymans are better known for
their sea life than habitation on the ground, but for keen botanists
or those who would simply like a pleasant walk, the Queen Elizabeth
II Botanic Park is hard to beat. A well-marked mile-long (two km)
trail winds through lush, easy terrain, featuring almost 300 native
species including roses, hibiscus, lilies and orchids - which bloom
in late May and June. The park and lake is home to the endangered,
and elusive, Blue Iguana as well as a fascinating array of birdlife
including parrots, herons, coots and the rare West Indian Whistling
Duck. The nearby Mastic Trail meanders through the old-growth forest
that once supplied early settlers with timber. The 26-hectare (65
acres) park is in the district of North Side, and is a 45 minute
drive from George Town. Opening time: Daily 9am to 6.30pm. Last
admission by 5.30pm; Admission: CI$6 (adult); CI$3 (child age 6
to 12). Free for children under six
George Town
Unless visiting the islands for business rather
than pleasure, most people only call at George Town to stock up
on provisions or visit a restaurant. However a pleasant morning
can be spent wandering around the well-planned streets doing some
shopping and visiting its attractions. The National Museum is worth
a visit, situated in the Old Courts building, the islands oldest
building, it exhibits the country’s fascinating cultural and natural
history and the resourceful, independent nature of the seafaring
society. The town is usually fairly quiet except on the two or three
days a week that a cruiseship docks, when it is densely packed with
tourists. The town's Seven Mile Beach is a lovely stretch of sand,
fronted by a string of resort hotels.
Seven Mile Beach
Running north from George Town, Seven Mile Beach
is a beautiful stretch of white sand that curls around the West
of the island. A reef protects the coast and ensures that the water
is calm and ideal for swimming and snorkelling. This is the most
popular beach on the island and is bordered by dozens of hotels,
but it is large enough to ensure sunbathers do not end up towel-to-towel.
North of the beach is West Bay, the country's second largest town.
Diving
A breathtaking variety of marine life, year-round
warm, calm water, and great visibility make the Caymans one of the
worlds’ best dive sites. There are more than 40 dive operators on
the island and around 200 reef and wreck dive sites. The abundance
of fish, marine and coral life is protected by strict conservation.
On the main island the best dive sites are at Victoria House Reef,
just off Seven Mile Beach, and along the reefs at the mouth of North
Sound. Nearby at Sandbar and Stingray City there is the unique opportunity
for snorkellers to feed and stroke the stingrays. Sandbar is a pure
white sand ridge in just three feet (one metre) of water. Stingray
City is slightly deeper at 12ft (four metres). In Cayman Brac the
most famous dive site is the Russian built Cuban destroyer, which
was purpose-sunk in 1996 to form an artificial reef. Little Cayman
also boasts some first class dive sites including the North Wall
and Bloody Bay Wall off Jackson Point. Non-divers can enjoy the
reefs from the Atlantis Submarine, which offers hour-long underwater
trips for up to 46 passengers.
CAYMAN BRAC
Cayman Brac was the setting for Robert Louis Stevenson's classic
Treasure Island, and it remains today much as it is described in
that well-read novel with its dramatic scenery, maze of caves and
many offshore wrecks. ‘Brac’ is the Gaelic word for bluff, and the
island's bluff is on the eastern exremity where a sheer limestone
cliff drops perilously into the sea. There is plenty to explore
here both on and offshore. Inland tropical plants bloom year-round
and between the fruit trees and cacti stunning bird life is to be
found including, if you are lucky, the rare Cayman Brac Parrot.
Most people are attracted to Cayman Brac for the excellent diving;
the newest attraction is the wreck of the 330ft (101m) Russian-built
Cuban naval frigate which was sunk off the island's northwest coast
in 1996. It is already the home for a variety of marine life. Fisherman
come to the island to revel in the shallow waters filled with bonefish
and the deeper offshore waters teeming with game fish. Those who
simply want to relax can enjoy the solitude of one of the many quiet
beaches.
LITTLE CAYMAN
Little Cayman is the least developed of the Cayman trio. With a
resident population of less than 200 and measuring only 10 miles
(16km) long and a mile (two km) wide, it still offers that rare
combination of sun-blessed solitude, glistening beaches and miles
of untouched tropical wilderness. Here, shy iguanas and rare birds
outnumber humans. Famous dive spots on the northwestern coast such
as the Jackson Point and Bloody Bay Wall attract most visitors to
the island but they are also great for bird watching. One of the
world's largest nesting colonies of red-footed boobies are to be
found among the mangroves in the Booby Pond Nature Reserve, which
is also home to some gliding frigate birds. Rock iguanas abound
and there is also a rare tree-climbing lizard hiding well camouflaged
in the green and brown island vegetation.
Time: GMT -5.
Electricity: Electrical current is 110 volts AC, 60Hz. American
style two-pin plugs are standard.
Money: The Cayman Islands Dollar (CI$) is the official currency,
which is divided into 100 cents. It is fixed to the US dollar at
US$1.25. Currency can be exchanged at the banks, bureaux de change
and many hotels. US Dollars are accepted in most establishments
and is the prefered currency for exchange as both cash and as travellers
cheques. ATMs are available and major credit and debit cards are
widely accepted.
Language: English is the official language.
Entry requirements for Americans: US nationals are required a passport
for travel to the Cayman Islands and do not stay longer than six
months. No visa is required for stays of up to 30 days.
Passport/Visa Note: All visitors are required
to hold sufficient funds for intended period of stay in the Cayman
Islands, as well as a return or onward ticket and documents required
for further travel.
Getting around: The only form of local public
transport are minibuses which are safe to use but run only on the
main routes. For other journeys taxis are readily available or one
can hire a car, motor scooter or bicycle. If hiring a vehicle, remember
to drive on the left, as in the UK. Observe the speed limits, wear
your seat belt at all times and do not drink and drive.
Health: There are no specific health risks and
food and water are considered safe, however note that some types
of tropical reef fish may be poisonous when eaten, even well-cooked.
Medical facilities are relatively good; there is a well-equipped
hospital on Grand Cayman and a smaller facility on Cayman Brac,
which can cope with most routine medical and dental problems. Serious
cases will normally be transferred to Miami. Visitors should take
out adequate travel and medical insurance to cover the possible
need for air ambulance.
Tipping: Most restaurants and hotels automatically
add a 10 to 15% charge to the bill. Taxi drivers expect a 10 to
15% tip.
Climate: In general the weather is good all year and the trade winds
ensure it doesn’t get too hot. Peak season runs between December
and April. The rainy season runs from May to November and visitors
are advised to keep an eye on the weather reports in the days before
arrival as there is a slim chance of hurricanes. Many regard the
wet season as the best time to visit; room rates are cheaper, the
beaches less crowded and the rain comes in short, sharp bursts that
does not impact on holiday fun.
Safety: The Cayman Islands has a relatively low
crime rate. Nevertheless, visitors are advised to take the usual
sensible precautions as they would anywhere else in respect of their
personal safety and belongings. Do not leave valuables lying about,
keep them in a hotel or other safety deposit box. Visitors should
be aware of the risk of flooding during hurricane season (June to
November).
Customs: The culture is a blend of American,
British and West Indian traditions. The churchgoing Caymanians appreciate
politeness and modesty - topless bathing is illegal and beachwear
in not acceptable off the beach.
CARIBBEAN
ISLANDS FYI: WANT A TAX DEDUCTION FOR YOUR BUSINESS?
WASHINGTON—A
report issued by the U.S. Treasury Dept. lists 14 Caribbean
nations, plus Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, as tax-deductible
meetings
destinations under the U.S. Tax Information Exchange Agreement.
The
tax deduction is a result of the Caribbean Basin Initiative (CBI)
Convention Tourism Tax Credit that enables U.S. companies to hold
business meetings
in eligible Caribbean countries or territories and to take applicable
expenditures as a tax write-off.
The
countries are: Aruba; Antigua & Barbuda; the Bahamas; Barbados;
Bermuda;
the British Virgin Islands; the Cayman Islands; Dominica; the Dominican
Republic; Grenada; Guyana; Jamaica; St. Lucia, and Trinidad &
Tobago.
|
BEACHES
ETC
