Official Name: Cayman Islands Capital: George Town Flag: Population: 49,035 Language: English Currency: Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD) Government Website: www.gov.ky Chamber of Commerce: www.caymanchamber.ky Emergency Info:

About The Cayman Islands

The tranquil Cayman Islands are comprised of three Islands, Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman which combined make up only about a 100-square mile area. Though small, the Cayman Islands are actually particularly accommodating to travelers with an abundant amount of American convenience. But don’t let that fool you, the Cayman Islands have all the Caribbean charm of it’s neighbors.

Perhaps best known for Sting Ray City, Grand Cayman is the largest of the three islands, as well as closest to American shores. Grand Cayman is located only about an hour plane ride from Miami. Sting Ray City is a unique and adventurous experience for all levels of snorkeling or diving. Visit these waters and you can swim alongside and feed groups of stingrays in 12-feet of water.

Seeing a single sea turtle is a real treat, but you’ll see some 16,000 turtles when you visit the Cayman Turtle Farm. The range and variations of turtles at the farm is extraordinary, from the size an _____ to 600 pounders. The Turtle Farm took a devastating hit during Hurricane Michelle in 2001, but has spent a lot of efforts redoing the area, allowing them to completely redo the Turtle Farm making new and improved tours and features. This experience is not only a lot of fun for any group of travelers, but also an educational experience you’ll not soon forget.

For a trip into Cayman’s nature at it’s best, Cayman’s 65-acre Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park is an experience not to miss. The garden is the best way in Cayman to experience so many of Caymans native plants. The woodland trail, highly recommended, is only about 35 minute walk (golf carts available). With trails showcasing variations in habitat plants and animals, the lush scenery and comfortable shade of the gardens is hard to leave.

In addition to reveling in Cayman’s flourishing plant life and experiencing exotic animal encounters, the Cayman Islands have a history worth exploring. Cayman was first discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1503, and was a dependency of Jamaica until 1962. The Islands history is robust with tales of seafaring characters and bold adventures.

Your first stop in familiarizing yourself with the Islands history should be the Cayman Islands National Museum, where you will get a fantastic feel for the real historic past of the Cayman Islands. From there, check out the National Trust for the Cayman Islands, the pride of the people of Cayman. For another trip into history, visit the Pedro St. James Historic Site, an accurate reconstruction of the 1780 Great House.

It’s hard not to be doing something wonderful when you’re visiting Cayman, be it by land or sea, the Cayman Islands have a lot to offer. And perhaps one of the greatest things is the friendly, hospitable nature of the locals who make this already inviting tropical haven even more special.

Cayman Islands Map