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 Cayman
Islands have been a scuba-diving paradise since the
1960s. The Cayman Islands, like all islands, are essentially
the tips of underwater mountains, and the submerged terrain
around these islands is especially dramatic. The spectacular
underwater walls, caverns and healthy coral reefs have made
these islands one of the world's best spots for diving and
snorkeling. Add to that their virtually crime-free ambience
(thanks to tight government controls and the high per-capita
income enjoyed by most Caymanians) and it's easy to see why
so many people choose the Cayman Islands for a Caribbean
holiday.
Though people from around the world visit to scuba dive and
enjoy the tropical climate, US travelers predominate.
The islands are just a 90-minute flight from Miami, Florida,
and being a British territory, English is the official
language - making these islands a quick, convenient and easy
getaway for Americans. In fact, the hotels, fast-food
chains, products and many of the service industry workers
hail from the US (many Canadians also work here).
An abundance of natural attractions make the islands an
ideal destination for those who enjoy water sports, bird
watching, laid-back day hikes, clear water and sandy beaches
(Grand Cayman's Seven Mile Beach is among the finest
in the Caribbean). If rousing casinos and wild nightlife are
what you seek, these are not the islands to visit. There's
no gambling of any kind here, and beach nudity is forbidden.
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Grand Cayman is the most developed of the three
islands and where you will find the largest choice of
accommodation, restaurants and attractions. The sister
islands Cayman Brac (pronounced "brack") and Little Cayman
have far fewer choices in lodging and dining and most
travelers to these islands choose all-inclusive meal
packages. Compared to Grand Cayman, the pace is far mellower
here. They've yet to put up stop lights on both island, and
Little Cayman only recently got its first full-time police
officer.
All three of the islands are low-lying and arid,
though Cayman Brac does have a ridge that rises to 140 feet
above sea level, the highest point of the three islands. The
vegetation throughout is predominately scrub brush and
mangrove. There are also colorful flowering plants and trees
such as the brilliant flamboyant tree that grows as
high as 50 feet and develops a blossoming orange canopy that
spreads across the roadways. Bougainvillea flowers
almost year-round, dotting island homes in vibrant swatches
of fuchsia, white and lemon-yellow. A variety of tropical
birds also flock to these islands, especially to Little
Cayman.
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Cayman Islands
travel guide
Cayman Islands
Overview
Where to go
When to go
Getting there
Costs & currency
Communications
Food and drink
Brief history
Best of Cayman Islands
Info and sites
Diving, hiking
Festivals and holidays
Scuba diving |
Caribbean guide
Explore Cayman Islands
Cayman Brac
Grand Cayman
Grand Cayman
Stingray City
Getting around
Restaurants
Nightlife
Listings
The Town
North and East
Seven Mile Beach and
West Bay
Little Cayman
Little Cayman
Diving and fishing
Travel info
Google maps
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