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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.
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BEACHES
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