The Cayman Islands is a British overseas territory made up of three islands on the Caribbean Sea. Featuring white sand beaches, warm blue-green waters, great food, and friendly locals. With a variety of hotels and resorts to choose from, you’ll be sure to be comfortable during your stay. There are many things to see here – check out this guide about things to do in the Cayman Islands that will help you plan your next vacation!
The Cayman Islands’ gorgeous beaches, powdery white sand shores, and vibrant coral reef ecosystems are its most prominent features. Travelers may frolic along the beautiful beachfront that adorn the breathtaking beaches as the perfect waves caress them. Many tropical island seekers go to the Cayman Islands.
The beautiful islands are covered in mangroves, which shelter various animals, such as tropical fish and sea turtles. Iguanas and lizards are prevalent, although the birds account for the vast majority of the animal population in the islands, with some nesting in trees such as coconut, mango, breadfruit, and mahogany.
Cayman Islands culture and history are covered in this section.
Believed to have been discovered by Christopher Columbus in the early 16th century, the Cayman Islands was initially named Las Tortugas because of the many turtles the famed explorer stumbled upon when he reached the shores.
Slowly, the islands became more heavily populated by the caiman, a reptile under the alligatoroid family hence the current name “The Caymans.” Over several decades, settlers eventually made the islands their home. Immigrants include pirates, shipwrecked sailors, and deserters from an English army in Jamaica. England formally took control of the islands in the 17th century.
During the 19th century, the Cayman Islands became part of the Crown Colony of Jamaica. However, when Jamaica became an independent Commonwealth realm in the 20th century, the Cayman Islands became a separate Crown Colony. Currently, the Cayman Islands is a self-governing British Overseas Territory.
The Cayman Islands are composed of three islands: Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman. Grand Cayman is the most populous of the three islands. Georgetown is The Cayman island capital.
Fast Facts about the Cayman Islands
The Cayman Islands is a serene and beautiful former British colony in the Caribbean. The official currency of this island nation is the Cayman Island Dollar (CID), but US Dollars are also accepted. 1 Cayman Islands dollar is equal to 1.21 USD. You can get around by car or taxi if you’re from America, Canada, United Kingdom – just make sure to have enough money on hand because there’s no visa requirement for foreigners like other countries do! There’s only one mobile provider: Digicel Mobile Services which offers SIM cards starting at $10/monthly plan pricing with unlimited internet access packages priced between 3 GB.
The Cayman Islands is a Caribbean island that does not have any value-added tax. This means you can enjoy your favorite domestic or international drinks without worrying about government-imposed taxes!
Transport options on the Cayman Islands
Cayman Airways is the leading air carrier in the Cayman Islands. Many other airlines fly to Grand Cayman daily from different US cities, including Atlanta, Boston, Charlotte NC, Chicago IL, Fort Lauderdale FL, Houston TX, Miami FL, New York City, Newark NJ, Philadelphia PA, Raleigh Durham NC, Toronto Canada among other smaller flights from the Caribbean.
It is pretty simple to get to the picturesque Cayman Islands. The islands are popular travel destinations in the Caribbean and have a variety of modes of transportation. Cruise ships frequently dock at the ports, while flights connect passengers to all parts of the world at the Owen Roberts International Airport, Charles Kirkconnell International Airport, and Edward Bodden Airfield. When on land, visitors can expect to find a variety of means of transport.
Grand Cayman’s public minibus service covers the districts. A free air-conditioned bus circulates around a circular route in Georgetown. In contrast, a free air-conditioned bus runs through the town twice per day. Many visitors prefer to use taxis, especially those on a fast hop-on and off schedule.
Many people choose car rentals as it allows them the flexibility to go wherever the wind takes them. Car rentals are ideal for explorers of all sizes, allowing intrepid adventurers to explore more offbeat routes and locations on the islands or even visit local attractions with confidence and control over the time and driving conditions. Drivers simply must remember that cars drive on the left-hand side of the road.
Cayman Islands’ cuisine
The cuisine of the Cayman Islands is where it distinguishes itself among other Caribbean nations. British cuisine, influenced by decades of Afro-Caribbean spices, aromatics, and ingredients, has evolved into a fusion of delectable and unforgettable meals that are simply uniquely Cayman. Even an essential root vegetable becomes a dessert or a savory vegetarian complement to more exotic dishes in Cayman cuisine. In every kitchen on the island, at least one person makes conch stew differently than anyone else.
The Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa, Seven Mile Resort , Cayman Islands
Most restaurants prepare delicate shelled and unshelled conch dishes in a variety of ways during conch season. Some are incorporated into stews and soups, while others are transformed into fritters or salads. A traditional Caribbean dish is a johnnycake. These tiny, deep-fried dumplings are delicious as side dishes to any dinner.
Johnnycakes, a sweet or savory bread dish that may be spread with butter, jam, or simply served plain, are the most adaptable and delicious food in Caribbean cuisine. The jerk chicken is a popular Jamaican dish made with scotch bonnet peppers, allspice, and other spices. All over the island, you’ll find juicy smoked jerk chicken on stands; once they’re finished with one piece of tasty morsels, people will be hooked for life.
The Cayman Islands are home to a plethora of lobsters. Foodies in the Cayman Islands can expect to find lobsters in patties (Jamaican sandwiches), pasta, and even rice dishes as main courses or ingredients. Caribbean lobsters are one of the world’s most flavorful. Grand Cayman has its own unique flavor profile with coconut shrimps. Fresh, exquisite, and incredibly juicy deep-fried shrimp coated in coconut shavings, usually served with a basket of fries or on their own. It’s delicious when paired with a beer.
Turtles have long been a dish in the Cayman Islands, with many people eating them. Some visitors may find it strange, but turtle soup is one of the culinary treats of the islands. Turtle meat is delicate and hearty at the same time, frequently incorporating island spices and ingredients. The turtle meal is ideal with rice and beans or plantains and slaw. Cassava root is surprisingly adaptable, which makes it a favorite crop in tropical areas.
The cassava cake, a sumptuously sweet and spicy confection made with coconut milk, sugar, and aromatics, is decadently rich in sweetness and spice. The mudslide is a cocktail made with vodka, coffee liqueur, and Irish cream that is flavorful after a fun-filled day; it is one of the best imitators worldwide. Nothing compares to drinking the renowned drink in its country.
Choose from Top things to do in the Cayman Islands
The Cayman Islands have much more to see than just resorts, restaurants, and reefs. The islands offer something for everyone, from marine marvels to historical sites.
George Town, the capital city of Grand Cayman, is home to many attractions and activities. The National Museum features a collection of fossils found in the area well over 20 years ago when archaeologists discovered an 18th-century shipwreck off Seven Mile Beach.
George Town – Grand Cayman
The largest sand beach in all three islands lies outside George Town and attracts visitors from around the globe. You can take your pick from seven different public beaches: John McLean Park (Jaws), Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary, Royal Palms Beach Club & Resort, Rum Point Club Resort and Marina, East End District Preserve North Shore Beaches-Windmill Harbour, Bodden Town Public Sand Beach at Exotic Cayman Island Holidays …A nature lover’s dream, the Cayman Islands is home to some of the most beautiful and rare species of flora and fauna found throughout the world.
The George Town National Trust Park preserves a historic site on Queen Elizabeth II Drive, home to sugarcane plantations. The park features walking trails through vast acres of dense vegetation with fascinating stone structures from past centuries; it also has an observatory for viewing turtles nesting on nearby beaches at night by candlelight (November-March).
A few miles south in West Bay is Camana Bay, which offers plenty of activities like three nine-hole golf courses, Grand Cayman’s only 18 hole par 70 championship course run by Troon Golf International, restaurants and cafe shops featuring outdoor patios, a luxury spa, and even an upscale bowling alley.
The Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park is home to over 200 species of plants native only to the Cayman Islands, as well as some exotic flora from other parts of the world. It’s also home to about 40 different types of birds that call this area their permanent habitat, including parrots, herons, ospreys….A must-see for nature lovers!
For those who love adventure or just exploring places off the beaten path, there are many hiking trails located throughout Grand Cayman Island. The best times to explore these attractions are in winter when rainfall levels decrease dramatically, and during summer months before it gets too hot outside (April-October). Many backpackers prefer going on a hike midweek as the trails are usually less crowded.
Government Administration, Georgetown, Grand Cayman
Though not a travel requirement, visitors can also explore some of the many historical landmarks and attractions that have been preserved by both UNESCO and the Cayman Islands National Trust. The most popular site is Seven Mile Beach which has beautiful white sand beaches, Caribbean reefs, historic sites from British colonial rule in Grand Cayman…Visiting all these unique sights will genuinely make your trip unforgettable!
Stingray City – this world-famous attraction is a must for visitors enchanted with the idea of gliding along the waters with these gentle and graceful sea creatures. A trip to Stingray City is highly recommended. These stingrays have been accustomed to humans as a result of fisherman over time, making this an excellent opportunity to get up close and personal with them in their natural environment.
Cayman Turtle Centre – Island Wildlife EncounterCayman’s biggest terrain attraction offers visitors a chance to see new turtle hatchlings and includes a lagoon with a waterslide, as well as a nurse shark viewing reef and nature hiking trail. Visit this natural paradise and feel closer to the Caribbean.
Cayman Islands National Museum – The oldest surviving public structure in the Cayman Islands, the museum seeks to celebrate the unique cultural history of the islands. Such a significant historical monument serves as a testament to the time and the people of The Cayman Islands.
Crystal Caves – Visit beautiful subterranean caverns. Take a 90-minute guided tour through a tropical forest and three underground caves to capture some stunning photographs. After that, go over to the shop to get something for later. These caves were carved out one million years ago; crystal stalactites and stalagmites abound in the caves. Visitors continue to come back for pirate tales and stories of buried riches. Wouldn’t you want to discover a priceless treasure?
Pedro St. James Castle – It was a magnificent house, and it is the island’s oldest standing stone structure. It was here that slavery in the British Empire was formally abolished.
Take a trip to Little Cayman’s underwater utopia.
Playa Beach , Cayman Islands
With a land area of only 11 square miles and a population of less than 170, Little Cayman is a peaceful haven in the Bahamas. The underwater scenery is nearly untouched, and it’s home to numerous popular scuba diving sites, such as Bloody Bay Wall, which got its name from gory pirate fights that took place near Little Cayman’s beaches.
Make sure to go diving on the Wall while staying in Little Cayman if you want a fantastic view of one of Mother Nature’s many wonders. Are you a non-certified scuba diver? That is not a problem! Tell one of the local dive companies that you do not have your certification but would enjoy attempting a Discover Scuba Diving tour.
If being in the water is a little outside of your comfort zone, don’t worry. There’s also a chance to snorkel and explore Little Cayman’s undersea world. Make your way to the point of Sand for a shallow piddle around on a beautiful beach. Keep your eyes peeled for sleepy nurse sharks hidden away among the rocks and coral crags!
On the beach, try horseback riding and swimming.
On Grand Cayman, horseback riding is a unique way to see a lovely stretch of untouched beach. To ride gently along the island horses’ backs is suitable for those with no prior experience, but if you’re a seasoned equestrian, you may canter along the beautiful shoreline. Consider joining a bareback swim tour to add some excitement to your trip! Pampered Ponies is one of the only horseback tour companies on the island that provides this one-of-a-kind method of seeing Cayman’s breathtaking natural beauty.
Observation Tower
Grand Cayman is notable for its lack of height; it’s challenging to locate a good vantage point to view the island, and the sight from incoming and outgoing planes is minimal. The Observation Tower, located in Camana Bay near the center, provides a spectacular panoramic viewpoint of 75 feet above sea level. During your journey to the top, you may encounter some local culture expressed in the form of breathtaking glass tile mosaics. More than three million tiles illustrate underwater and other cultural subjects. This little-known gem allows you to enjoy Grand Cayman from above while staying there.
Cayman Islands’ language
English is the official language of the Cayman Islands, but the slow trickle of immigrants from other nations is also incorporating their tongues into the islands. For example, Spanish is a language that has been used in the Cayman Islands for over 100 years. The West Indies island of Grand Cayman was populated by both English and Irish settlers from its inception.
As far as immigration goes, most people who have immigrated to Grand Cayman had come from Cuba or Jamaica, with some also arriving during World War II when they were sent there to help construct an airfield. After the war, many stayed on in order to work in construction jobs. Most immigrants live around expatriate communities outside George Town City where their children can attend the American School of Grand Cayman (ASGC), which holds classes in English but specializes in teaching high school students international business and finance topics using American curriculum standards…Latino culture has a strong presence in the capital of Grand Cayman.
Highlights about The Cayman Islands:
Many travelers enjoy visiting the Cayman Islands because luxury goods, such as jewelry, timepieces, alcohol, apparel, and other items, are duty-free and sales-tax-free. The island is known for its luxury resorts and high-end shopping possibilities. Many people visit this slight stretch of land to swim or just relax beneath an umbrella while dining with local seafood from beachside restaurants placed every few meters.
Visitors may also participate in a variety of activities, from water sports enthusiasts seeking adventure by diving into crystal seas teeming with coral reef formations… There are over 80 different dive sites in this region! Snorkelers will enjoy looking at aquatic life without putting themselves at risk using underwater viewing equipment like masks and snorkels, which allow them to view the environment safely.
This region is enjoyable and laid-back by disposition, making it ideal for people who want to unwind or socialize with family and friends. It’s simple to hire your own boat at one of many marinas on the islands so that you can explore some areas that are only accessible by water! There are numerous lovely places in The Cayman Islands where visitors will discover something new around every corner.
Are Caymans Islands safe for a visit?
The Cayman Islands is generally safe for visitors. The crime rate in Grand Cayman remains low, and no government advisories exist against visiting the island at this time. Avoid wearing swim attire outside of swimming or at the beach. The LGBT community is not as widely accepted as in the US; the Cayman Islands are about 10-15 years behind LGBT-related rights.
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The Cayman Islands economic system
The Cayman Islands’ economy is based on tourism, finance, and insurance. The Cayman Islands have an excellent financial status thanks to their national banking laws…The islands are well-known as an offshore financial center, with approximately 25,000 legal banks, trusts, foundations, and enterprises—most of them registered to operate from offices on Grand Cayman—and account for about 25% of world GDP.
One point that makes this island nation unique from others is its tax-exempt status; there are no income taxes or capital gains taxes imposed within its borders! That’s why many people who would generally work abroad move here instead because they can “live like a king” while also enjoying all of these great things to see and do without spending too much money.
What is the weather like in the Cayman Islands?
The climate of the Cayman Islands is tropical and hot all year, with a dry and somewhat chilly season from late November to mid-April. Temperatures average 29.1°C (84.4°F). The coolest month is January when the average temperature ranges from 24.0°C (75.0°F) to 26.0°C (78.0°F). The warmest months are April and May, with an average temperature of 29.85 °C (85.65 °F), while February averages 28 °C (82 °F).
Although it’s a beautiful place year-round, many visitors choose to visit during this time because prices drop as well as hotel availability increases due to tourism being down for other seasons until summer returns again! Come experience what so many people already know: there truly is no better destination than the Cayman Islands on earth…and we’ll prove it by sharing our top things to do in the Cayman Islands.
The Cayman Islands are a group of three islands located about 500 miles south of Miami, Florida. It was discovered on May 10th, 1503, by Christopher Columbus during his fourth and final journey to the ‘New World.’ It has a population of approximately 68,000 people.
Over the last three decades, the islands have seen considerable advancement in order to become one of the world’s foremost financial centers. The Cayman Islands are now one of the most popular Caribbean destinations for both stay-over visitors and cruise tourists, owing to a rise in tourism.
Exploring The Cayman Islands: Must-Do Experiences For Thrill-Seekers
