The Cayman Islands ![[^]](http://static.explorra.com/img/link.png "External link to: http://www.caymanislands.ky/"){kind=small}
are an island group in the Caribbean Sea, ninety miles south of Cuba . The outstanding coral reefs and outstandingly clear waters have made this island group a favorite destination of divers. Great beaches and fine restaurants and resorts make it an excellent tourist destination as well.
The Cayman Islands were colonized from Jamaica by the British during the 18th and 19th centuries. Administered by Jamaica from 1863, they remained a British dependency after 1962 when the former became independent.
In addition to banking (the islands have no direct taxation, making them a popular incorporation site), tourism is a mainstay, aimed at the luxury market and catering mainly to visitors from North America. Total tourist arrivals exceeded 2.19 million in 2006, although the vast majority of visitors arrive for single day cruise ship visits (1.93 million). About 90% of the islands' food and consumer goods must be imported. The Caymanians enjoy one of the highest outputs per capita and one of the highest standards of living in the world. The Cayman Islands are one of the richest islands not only in the Caribbean but in the world.
Tropical marine. Warm, rainy summers (May to October) and cool, Great vacation spot, relatively dry winters (November to April).
In 2004 the Cayman Islands, and especially Grand Cayman , were hit hard by Hurricane Ivan.
Low-lying limestone base surrounded by coral reefs. Highest point: The Bluff on Cayman Brac, at 43 meters (141 ft).
Tropical marine. Warm, rainy summers (May to October) and cool, Great vacation spot, relatively dry winters (November to April).
In 2004 the Cayman Islands, and especially Grand Cayman , were hit hard by Hurricane Ivan.
The other two islands are called the Sister Islands by locals and are also tourist destinations. They are:
provides Caribbean Services to Havana provides North American service to Toronto provides Caribbean Services to Kingston and Montego Bay provides North American service to Miami provides Caribbean Service to Nassau, The Bahamas and European Service to London (Heathrow) provides domestic service to Cayman Brac & Little Cayman, Caribbean Service to Havana, Kingston, and Montego Bay, year round North American service to Miami , Tampa Bay, Washington, New York (JFK) and seasonal North American service to Chicago & Orlando . provides North American service to Houston & Newark provides North American service to Atlanta . provides North American service to Fort Lauderdale . provides North American service to Charlotte, Boston , and Philadelphia..George Town on Grand Cayman is a popular port for cruise ships.
.Many influences can be seen in Cayman cuisine. Local specialties such as fish, turtle and conch are delicious and may be less expensive as they don't need to be imported. With more than 150 restaurants, unwinding with a good meal in the Cayman Islands can include chic five-star dining as well as a more casual venue under the stars, or even a themed event. From traditional Caymanian seafood to Caribbean and Thai to Italian and New World cuisine, discerning diners are sure to find something to fit their taste. Other exciting options include dinner cruises on luxury catamarans and even an authentic tall ship. Meal prices may range from $10 to over $30 per person at the high-end restaurants.
Alcohol is very expensive on the islands, even from the liquor stores. You can expect to pay approximately twice as much in the liquor stores as you would at stores in the United States, however it is still the cheapest way to purchase alcohol.
Typical drink prices in bars and clubs range from $4-$7 CI ($5-$8.75 US).
Liquor stores close at 7PM, and are closed on Sundays.
Visitors flying into the Cayman Islands are able to bring either 1 bottle of duty free spirits, 4 bottles of wine or champagne, or 1 12 pack of beer per person 18 years of age or older. Exceeding this duty allowance will result in substantial taxation to the excess items.
Accommodations are ample but tend to be relatively expensive, even on the two smaller islands. There are several luxury resorts with all amenities, as well as other less expensive options. In addition, the cost of food and drink is high in Cayman, but many visitors stay in condominiums with kitchen facilities and take advantage of the first class supermarkets and cook and barbeque on the beach.
Cayman is not known for all inclusive resorts, but there are two smaller Caribbean style properties that do offer this option.
The majority of hotels and resorts are in Grand Cayman, where the main hotel "strip" is Seven Mile Beach, home to several major chain hotels and numerous condominiums.
A Grand Cayman condo destination located alongside world famous Seven Mile Beach. 21 oceanfront apartments. $275-$625. The Grand Cayman Beach Suites (formerly Hyatt Regency Grand Cayman) is the island's finest all suite beach resort. Experience the sparking white sands of Seven Mile Beach and all that our beautiful and exotic Grand Cayman resort has to offer. ( 19°20'9.51N, 81°22'51.64W) 1 Queens Highway, East End, Colliers Bay, Grand Cayman, ☎ Toll Free: 1 (888) 232.0541 (reservations@thereef.com). A Grand Cayman all beachfront luxury resort located on an exquisite quiet side of the island. This boutique resort is perfect for its watersports, diving, world class snorkelling, pool facilities and its private patio views. $230-$645.Off Seven Mile Beach are several dive resorts and, in the Eastern Districts, numerous private homes and villas, as well as several resorts and attractions for those preferring a more tranquil vacation.
Little Cayman focuses on dive vacations and has a unique charm, as well as some of the best diving anywhere.
Camping is illegal on all three islands at all times. There are no campsites on any of the islands.
Beautifully decorated new B&B situated on a peaceful lake in West Bay just a few minutes drive from Seven Mile Beach. Pool, Jacuzzi & lush gardens with home cooked breakfast & personalized service. $119 US .Most shopping is in George Town and Seven Mile Beach on Grand Cayman .
English is the official language and is spoken by virtually everyone. Native Caymanians have a pleasant and unique accent with many charming turns of phrase. For example, in Cayman rumours are not heard "through the grapevine", instead they're heard "along the marl road". Locals pronounce Cayman as Kay-MAN, and not KAY-min.
Caymanians are very respectful. Greetings and pleasantries are common and expected, even to shopkeepers when entering their stores. Most islanders use titles of respect, such as Mr. and Miss, followed with the given or first name, when addressing other islanders.
"However, that being said, crime is on the rise on Grand Cayman. Walking or riding a bicycle at night along dark roads (for example, along Courts Road) puts one at risk for assault and/or robbery. Pedestrians also need to worry about being hit by cars along soft shouldered roads. Drunk driving/Hit and Run accidents have been a problem. The RCIPS regularly conducts roadblocks to deter and detect drunk driving, making numerous arrests most weekends. DWI/DUI is a serious offense in Cayman.
Burglary is also an escalating problem, with over 300 reported in the first 9 months of 2009/ lap tops and small hi-tech devices are key targets.
However, one need not be overly concerned about miscellaneous belongings. While at the beach, no one will be stealing your lunch, towel or sneakers. Cayman thieves are not desperate individuals, and have no interest in normal personal effects or used snorkeling gear. Very likely the thieves are just local teens looking for items that they can sell to other local teens. Example: An average pair of sunglasses will not "grow legs"; But a flashy pair of Chanel knock-offs just might!
Special note to women: Women traveling alone should be especially careful at night, as sexual assaults do occur. Carry a cell phone capable of emergency calls to local 911. If you feel you are being followed or inappropriately watched,you should immediately call the police. The RCIPS is a very responsive, and extremely professional organization. They will take your complaint seriously.
Grand Cayman is no longer a Camelot . But not to worry. You can enjoy a relaxing and "incident-free" holiday if you take care to be aware of your surroundings and lock doors when possible.
(This update on crime was originally added under the discussion section.)
Grand Cayman has growing offshore banking and tourism sectors. Tourism represents about 60% of the economy. About 30% of residents are expatriates working on "work permits" and unemployment is very low.
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