Cayman Islands Travel Guide

An enviably high standard of living, tax-free status and hundreds of offshore banks and financial institutions per square mile, the Cayman Islands remain a trio of lovely, unspoiled islands basking peacefully in the Caribbean sun. Miles from their nearest neighbors, Jamaica and Cuba, these three small specks in the vast ocean are known for some of the best scuba diving in the world. The Cayman Islands is a British Overseas Territory located in the Western Caribbean, 480 miles south of Miami, Florida, 150 miles south of Cuba and 180 miles northwest of Jamaica. By jet, the Cayman Islands is only a 70-minute direct flight from Miami.

Grand Cayman might be small in size, but in every other aspect it is truly "grand." The largest of the three at 22 miles long, Grand Cayman's capital George Town boasts a bustling harbor and financial district. Shopping here ranges from duty-free merchandise of all types to wonderful local crafts. The island's turtle farm is the only one in the world raising hatchlings and re-populating the Caribbean Sea. Seven Mile Beach begins just north of George Town and is home to the many luxury resorts and water sports facilities on the island. Fringed by tall pines and palm trees, its sheer beauty beckons one and all to its sun-baked sand and warm sea. Here you will find any and all types of accommodations (including many condos), restaurants, dive shops, and stores. Many cruise ships also frequent this lovely island. Whatever you do, don't miss diving or snorkeling with the stingrays at famous Stingray City.

Cayman Brac is the middle Cayman island, 86 miles northeast of Grand Cayman (a 20-minute flight), and 12 miles long. Despite its history as a pirate hideout, Cayman Brac today is a peaceful hideaway for divers, fishermen, snorkelers, and those travelers wanting to get away from it all. A nature preserve hosting more than 150 bird species, iguanas and a colorful variety of tropical plants and flowers sits atop the cliffs. A few small resorts catering to divers make Cayman Brac a favorite with the underwater set.

Little Cayman lies five miles west of Cayman Brac and has a population of 50 residents. Only 10 miles long, this coral atoll has changed very little since Columbus' discovery in 1503. Another favorite with divers, Little Cayman's Bloody Bay Wall is consistently ranked as one of the top five dive sites in the world. Such a high honor for this tiny, unspoiled beauty. Most of this island's interior is mangrove jungle sporting the third largest bird sanctuary in the Caribbean.

The ideal tropical climate cooled by the trade winds keeps the Cayman Islands' average temperature at 80° F with water temperatures ranging from 78°-85° F and 80-100 foot or more visibility. Since scuba diving is so popular here, this is the perfect Caribbean vacation destination to learn to dive, take an advanced course, or get the kids certified.