Cayman Islands

Introduction

Nestled in the calm, turquoise waters of the western Caribbean, lies the peaceful British Overseas Territory known as the Cayman Islands. Consisting of three islands just 480 miles south of Miami, Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman remain a little piece of paradise.  Cayman is one of the cleanest, safest and most convenient destinations in the Caribbean.  An abundance of amenities, including extensive communications services, easily accessible financial services, state of the art medical facilities and a well designed transportation infrastructure, make a stay in Cayman as comfortable as it is exhilarating.

History

The two smaller Cayman Islands were discovered by Columbus in 1503. Sir Francis Drake explored the area in 1586, but it was during the 18th and 19th centuries, that the Cayman Islands were colonized from Jamaica by the British and were administered by Jamaica after 1863. In 1959, the islands became a territory within the Federation of the West Indies, but when the Federation dissolved in 1962, the Cayman Islands chose to remain a British dependency.

Culture

The mode of life on the Cayman Islands is a blend of local traditions and of US and British patterns of behaviour. Because of the large number of people with a similar surname (such as Ebanks and Bodden), a person may be introduced by his Christian name (such as Mr Tom or Mr Jim). The islands take their name from the Amerindian word for crocodiles.

Map

To See

Cayman’s beaches are renowned to be among the best in the world, in particular Seven Mile Beach on Grand Cayman. The abundance of fish, marine life and spectacular coral reefs, which can be found in the surrounding waters, makes the Cayman Islands an ideal destination for diving enthusiasts. Grand Cayman is the main tourist destination and its capital, George Town, is today one of the leading commercial centres in the Caribbean region. The gingerbread-style buildings lining George Town’s harbour front are prime examples of traditional Caymanian architecture. The area is riddled with caves and dozens of wrecks for divers to explore. The tiny island of Little Cayman is best known as a sanctuary for wild birds and iguanas. It is also known as the world’s best location for bone fishing. The food and restaurants in the Cayman Islands are excellent, in particular the variety of local fish specialities. The Cayman Turtle Farm, one of Grand Cayman’s tourist attractions, undertakes strict conservation measures. Golf is also a good reason to visit Grand Cayman. The Cayman Islands have a fairly limited number of nightclubs, which sometimes feature international acts.

Usefull Information

Airports: Owen Roberts International Airport serves Grand Cayman. Gerrard Smith International Airport is on Cayman Brac. Edward Bodden Airstrip is on Little Cayman. Little Cayman has no customs or immigration, so no international flights stop there.

Area: 262 sq km (102 sq miles).

Business: Banking hours: Mon-Thurs 9am to 6pm, Fri 9am to 430pm. Some banks are open on Saturday mornings.

Capital: George Town.

Climate: Very warm, tropical climate throughout the year. High temperatures are moderated by trade winds.

Clothing: Lightweight cottons and linens and a light raincoat or umbrella for the rainy season.

Currency: Cayman Islands Dollar (CI$). (KYD). The Cayman Islands dollar is fixed to the US$ at US$1.00 = CI$0.80.

Customs: The following goods may be taken into the Cayman Islands by travellers over the age of 18 without incurring customs duty: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 225g of tobacco; 1l of alcoholic beverages (including wines).

Economy: The Cayman Islands have no direct taxation and have become important as an offshore financial centre and a tax haven. The finance industry has grown rapidly since the late 1980s when many companies relocated to the islands from Panama, which was racked by political instability. Tourism is the islands’ other main source of revenue. There is little agriculture, and most of the foodstuffs for the islands are imported. Industry is confined to construction and food-processing. The standard of living on the islands is generally high, and the per capita income is the highest in the region.

Electricity: 110 volts AC, 60Hz.

Entry & Departure requirements: Please refer to the official Cayman Islands tourism website (link below) or ask us.

Health: Modern medical facilities are available and divers should note that the George Town Hospital also has a two-man, double-lock decompression chamber staffed by trained operators supervised by a physician experienced in treating diving-related accidents.

Holidays: New Year’s day (01 JAN), National Heroes Day (FEB), Ash Wednesday, Good Friday & Easter Monday (MAR-APR), Discovery Day (MAY),  Queen’s Birthday (JUN),  Constitution Day (JUL), Remembrance Day (NOV),  Christmas (25-26DEC).

Language: English is the official language.

Political status: British Overseas Territory.

Population: 46,600.

Religion: Mainly Presbyterian with Anglican, Roman Catholic, Seventh Day Adventists, Pilgrims, Pilgrim Holiness Church of God, Jehovah’s Witnesses and Bahai minorities on Grand Cayman; Baptists on Cayman Brac.

Security: Cayman Islands are among one of the safest Caribbean Islands. However elementary precautions are always advisable.

Shopping: Shopping hours: Mon-Sat 9am to 5pm. As a shopping centre, George Town, with its fascinating boutiques and duty free shops, is now one of the leading centres in the Caribbean region. Local products include the Tortuga Rum company speciality rum and rum cake, shell jewellery, Caymanite (the island’s semi-precious stone), tropical fruit and woodcarvings.

Taxes & Service charges: 10% government tax applied on Room tax plus 10% service charge. 10-15% on food and beverage but for party of 6 or more a 15% service charge will be automatically added. Otherwise gratuities are not added automatically.

Telecommunications: The international dialling code to call Cayman Islands is 1 345.

Time: GMT - 5. Cayman Islands Time do not operate Daylight-Saving Time.

Transportation: Driving is on the left hand side of the road. Rentals available include cars, vans, jeeps, mopeds & bicycles.  A temporary license (permit) is required and visitors can obtain it from the police station or the car rental agency upon presentation of a valid driver’s license and payment of CI$6.00.

MORE INFORMATION: http://www.caymanislands.ky/

 

Stingsrays
7 miles beach
George Town
Blue Beach
Marine life
Local kids
Sunset
Beach access
Norwegian Cruise Line
MSC Cruises: POESIA and LIRICA
Cobalt Coast Resort
Grand Cayman Beach Suites
The Reef Resort Cayman Islands
Sunshine Suites
The Out Islands of the Bahamas
From: 2695 CHF/2625 €
St Maarten & St Barthelemy : Islands Combination !!!!
From: 4195 CHF/3395 €
St Maarten & St Barthelemy : Islands Combination !!!!
From: 4195 CHF/3395 €
St Maarten & St Barthelemy : Islands Combination !!!!
From: 4195 CHF/3395 €

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