The Cayman Islands are officially a British Overseas Territory, and have been under the Crown since 1670. In 1962 when neighbour Jamaica, 180 miles to the southeast, became independent from the UK, the canny Cayman islanders decided to leave the status quo. Since those times the islands have prospered. In fact there are three islands; Grand Cayman, easily the biggest with a population of 43,500, Cayman Brac, with 1,600 permanent residents, and Little Cayman, the home of just 120 residents. The legislative building (left) sets the tone. Very forward looking
The Caymans are clean and tidy with a very low crime rate and good roads. In the 21st century they are a major offshore financial centre. The tiny islands support seven radio stations and two TV operators and as recently as 1970 only had a population of 10,000. Grand Cayman is 22 miles long with an average width of four miles and only 60 feet above sea level at its highest point. It has four golf courses, is rated one of the top three diving destinations in the world, and has some superb beaches. Very idealistic but a long way from the UK. You can”t fly non-stop from London, but British Airways has a through flight via Nassau (12 hours travel time from Heathrow) and there are plenty of alternatives via Miami, less than 500 miles to the north. Island Air”s Twin Otter service links Cayman Brac and Little Cayman to the main island.
If your arrival is by cruise ship you will be brought to shore by tender into the little harbour around which the capital George Town is built. ”Town” is probably too ambitious a word for this quaint colonial village, a collection of shops, restaurants and bars, with the trappings of administration and the banking industry (500 banks are registered on the islands). On the centre of the waterfront is the Cayman Islands National Museum (left) housed in the Old Court Building, a history buff”s treasure trove. Take as long or as short a time as you like learning about the heritage and culture of the Islands. If you are into art the National Gallery is just a couple of minutes away along the front. Entrance here is complimentary, the gallery playing host to touring art exhibitions from all over the world. George Town is about five minutes away by taxi or bus from the airport. Driving is on the left but be careful of holidaymaking Americans who tend to venture down the centre of the streets. Nobody goes very fast and pedestrians do present a problem for drivers.
There are reckoned to be over 50 dive operators on the islands, all licensed. The water is warm, crystal clear, the ocean kingdom full of magnificent marine life enveloped in a kaleidoscope of colours. The beaches are free and the best snorkelling sites have interesting names. Cemetery Reef, Spanish Bay, Eden Rock, Morritts Tortuga”s Dock and Smith”s Cove. Each one offers a different aspect of the wonders of the deep. Cemetery Reef for example, is part of Seven Mile Beach, quite a swim from the shore, but very shallow, whilst Spanish Bay is famous for spotting Scorpion Fish (not to be touched), Yellow Spotted Rays and even the rare Chain Morays. If getting wet is not for you there is always the alternative of a ride in one of the world”s rare passenger submarines deep into the sea, well beneath the range of divers and the snorkelling fraternity. Large windows and powerful lights make seeing the underwater fraternity easy for up to 48 passengers sitting on benches. If that makes you nervous we can also suggest a trip in a glass bottomed boat. Here you can take drink on board, as of course you can on the many sailing and motorised vessels that are available for hire or with crew. If you have not been deep-sea fishing before the Caymans offer an introduction to this sport.
One feature unique to the Caymans is the world”s only self-sufficient turtle farm. Predominating are the Sea Green Turtle, from the tiniest hatchings to massive adults weighing hundreds of pounds. A must for any visitor is the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park (left), perhaps 30 minutes from George Town, founded in 1990 and still very much under development. The walk around the woodland trail is just under one mile, the landscape changing every few hundred yards ” from wetland to cactus, logwood swamp to humid epiphyte woodlands, dry thickets on scant soil to tall woodland with impressive Mahogany trees. There are animals as well including the Grand Cayman Parrot, the Bananaquit (it”s a bird) and of course the Iguana. There is also a huge array of plant life, both indigenous and foreign, offering an all year around display of colour
As you would expect for an island popular with Americans the Caymans are well resourced when it comes to high quality hotels. There are some magnificent beach clubs/condominiums and the local offsprings of Hyatt, Holiday Inn and Marriott. Opening in December in time for the very busy Christmas season is the Ritz Carlton Grand Cayman, like virtually every other resort hotel adjoining a beach. Set in 144 acres it is bound to set new standards for accommodation and service. At the other end of the scale there are plenty of guesthouses and small apartments for rent by the day. The nightlife caters for the young and also those who prefer less boisterous dining under the stars. There are at least 60 restaurants on Grand Cayman. It is also a popular place for getting married.
And when you finally must leave don”t forget that the Caymans are duty free. Jewellery, watches, cameras and perfume, the very latest, all at very attractive prices. Drink too, but unless you arrive on private jet or boat probably too heavy to take away. In any event if that is your means of travel the savings will be of no interest. Cheap drink is not attractive for those on the liners either. Cruise ships do not encourage purchase on-shore.
http://www.caymanislands.ky