Cayman Islands Sections Getting There Where To Stay Activities Visitor Tips Getting Married Calendar Weather Maps Information Request Caymans Main CTW Main	The Cayman Islands are situated in the Caribbean, 290km (180 miles) northwest of Jamaica, and comprise Grand Cayman, Little Cayman and Cayman Brac. Cayman's beaches are renowned to be among the best in the world, in particular Seven Mile Beach on Grand Cayman. Although in relative proximity, each of the islands is unique in its developed infrastructure as well as the type of topography found both on land and underwater. Miles of powdery white beaches above clear blue water and one of the richest marine environments make Grand Cayman one of the Caribbean's finest vacation destinations (and a world class scuba diving destination). As a British Crown Colony, Grand Cayman enjoys all of the benefits of sophisticated government, touting one of the strongest economies in the Caribbean (with over 600 banks) while still allowing visitors to enjoy duty free shopping in Georgetown for jewelry, art, local crafts, and unique souvenirs like treasure coins from a sunken Spanish galleon circa the Pirates of the Caribbean era. Grand Cayman is the largest of the Cayman Islands and contains George Town, the capital. Yet at just 22 miles long and with only 40,000 full time inhabitants, it is easy to get acquainted with this quaint little island. The east end of the island is still quite undeveloped, while the west side of the island, which has George Town and the airport, Owen Roberts International Airport, is very well developed. Fast food restaurants and resorts are common on the west side of the island. The most well known beach on the island is the Seven Mile Beach. Most tourists stay in Grand Cayman as the sand on the island is very soft, appealing to travelers who are chasing after relaxation.. Cayman Brac is the middle sister of the three Cayman Islands. It is a coral island surrounded by reef with a population of about 1200 residents. It has changed very little since it was discovered in 1503 by Christopher Columbus. Despite its history of pirate adventure and hidden treasure, it remains a peaceful quiet hideaway not only for divers and snorkelers, but also for sports fishermen, bird watchers, rock climbers, and those who just want to relax. The Brac is far removed from the hurried pace associated with the world at large, where the ebb and flow of time is measured not by the clock, but by what crops are ready for harvest, what birds are migrating through, or when the orchids are blooming. It retains the distinct charm of the Caribbean of many years ago. Gingerbread details on pastel colored houses are the creations of local carpenters trained as woodcraft artists for shipbuilding. The inhabitants are genuinely welcoming and friendly with a propensity for laughter. There is literally no traffic (not one traffic light), the beaches are uncrowded, the scuba diving spectacular and scenery abounds like no other you have seen. Dining is offered in a variety of unique and unusual circumstances, and the few shops that display local artistic skill and crafts are usually found in a room within someone's home. Besides an obvious opportunity for rest and relaxation in this tropical paradise however, you might develop a distinct sense that an adventure may be hidden and waiting for your discovery. Little Cayman, 11 miles long and 1 mile wide, is the smallest of the three Cayman Islands in the British West Indies, and is located about 90 miles northeast of Grand Cayman and 5 miles west of Cayman Brac. The Cayman Islands are 170 miles northeast of Jamaica and 480 miles south of Miami. The lapping waters and white sand beaches lie as peaceful and calm as the people. Journeying into Little Cayman is unique unto itself. As you approach the grass runway the magic unfolds, bringing you back in time and another world. A world where you can walk down sandy Blossom Lane, watch the moon rise over Owens Island and cast leisurely for Bonefish and Tarpon. This modest island is considered to be in the top five scuba diving destinations worldwide. The second deepest body of water in the world surrounds it. There are about 200 residents, 40 vehicles, one stop sign, one shopping center and one bank. If quiet relaxation, combined with world class diving is what you’re looking for, Little Cayman welcomes you! History The Cayman Islands were colonized from Jamaica by the British during the 18th and 19th centuries. Administered by Jamaica since 1863, they remained a British dependency after 1962 when the former became independent. Caymans At A Glance - Language: English is the official language, with a distinctive 'brogue' reflecting heritage of Welsh, Scottish and English ancestors still distinguishing the speech of the Caymanian people. The number of Jamaican residents in the workforce means the Jamaican patois and accompanying heavier accent is also common. Spanish, particularly regional dialects of Central America and Cuba, is also widely spoken Government: British Crown Colony since 1670. Head of State: HM Queen Elizabeth II, represented locally by a local Governor Capital: George Town Size: 259 sq km (100 sq miles) Location: Caribbean, island group in Caribbean Sea, nearly one-half of the way from Cuba to Honduras Climate: Tropical marine; warm, rainy summers (May to October) and cool, relatively dry winters (November to April) Electricity: 110 volts AC, 60Hz. American-style (flat) 2-pin plugs are standard Currency: Cayman Is. Dollar Driving: Drive on left. Rentals: Local and international agencies available. Must be 21 and have a valid drivers license.
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