Cayman Islands

Renowned for beautiful beaches, excellent diving and offshore banking, the Cayman Islands are a group of three islands situated between Cuba and Jamaica, only a 90-minute flight from Miami. Grand Cayman is the largest and most developed of the islands and the location of the capital, George Town. It is hard to believe that among the buildings that line George Town's harbor are 500 banks making up the world's fifth largest offshore financial centre.

Little Cayman and Cayman Brac are 70 miles (113km) northeast of Grand Cayman and are much smaller and even more relaxed. Visitors don't come here in suits; the little business that goes on revolves around diving and catering for the world's best bone-fishing.

Discovered by Columbus in 1503 and explored by Sir Francis Drake in 1586, it was not until 1670 that the islands came under British rule. They remain a British territory, and the Queen's picture is still displayed proudly, but the US exerts the dominant influence over what it considers its backyard. For years the islands were a base for pirates who delighted in the remoteness of Grand Cayman. A bonus was the island's absolutely flat topography, which ensures that its profile is practically invisible against the horizon, making it the perfect hide-away for nefarious characters.

Basics

Time: Local time is GMT -5.
Electricity: Electrical current is 110 volts AC, 60Hz. American style two-pin plugs are standard.
Money: The Cayman Islands Dollar (KYD) is the official currency, which is divided into 100 cents. It is fixed to the US dollar at US$1.25. Currency can be exchanged at the banks, bureau de change and many hotels. Banks are open Monday to Saturday. US Dollars are accepted as payment in most establishments and are the preferred currency for exchange as both cash and as travelers cheques. ATMs are widely available and major credit and debit cards are accepted.

 

Note: This is not updated daily and should be used as a guide only.

Language: English is the official language.
Entry Requirements for Americans: US nationals require a valid passport for travel to the Cayman Islands. No visa is required for stays of up to 30 days (extensions of up to six months are possible).
Entry Requirements for UK nationals: UK nationals do not require a passport for travel to the Cayman Islands providing they hold proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate or naturalization certificate, accompanied by an official photo ID (e.g. driver's license), and do not stay longer than six months. Passports or other documents must be valid beyond the intended period of stay. No visa is required for stays of up to 30 days (extensions of up to six months is possible) for passport holders endorsed British Citizen or British Overseas Territories Citizen.
Entry Requirements for Canadians: Canadian nationals do not require a passport for travel to the Cayman Islands providing they hold proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate or naturalization certificate, accompanied by an official photo ID (e.g. driver's license), and do not stay longer than six months. Passport or other documents must be valid beyond the intended period of stay. No visa is required for stays of up to 30 days (extensions of up to six months are possible).
Entry Requirements for Australians: Australian nationals must have a valid passport beyond the period of intended stay. No visa is required for stays of up to 30 days (extensions are possible for up to six months).
Entry Requirements for South Africans: South African nationals require a passport valid beyond the period of intended stay in the Cayman Islands. No visa is required for stays of up to 30 days (extensions of up to six months are possible).
Entry Requirements for Irish nationals: Irish nationals require a passport valid at least beyond the intended period of stay and no visa is required for stays of up to 30 days (extensions of up to six months are possible).
Passport/Visa Note: All visitors are required to hold sufficient funds for intended period of stay in the Cayman Islands, as well as a return or onward ticket and documents required for further travel. Entry may be refused if not complying with general appearance, behavior and clothing requirements. Visas are usually for 30 days, provided coming for tourist purposes. From 23 January 2007 all US citizens traveling to and from the Cayman Islands by air will require a passport; by 1 January 2008 the requirement will be extended to include all land and sea border crossings as well.
Health: There are no specific health risks and food and water are considered safe, however note that some types of tropical reef fish may be poisonous when eaten, even well cooked. Hepatitis A vaccination is recommended before travel. Medical facilities are relatively good; there are both a public and private hospital, one with a decompression chamber. Serious cases will normally be transferred to Miami. Visitors should take out adequate travel and medical insurance to cover the possible need for air ambulance.
Tipping: Most restaurants and hotels automatically add a 10 to 15% charge to the bill, otherwise a gratuity of the same amount is expected. Taxi drivers expect a 10 to 15% tip.
Safety: The Cayman Islands has a relatively low crime rate. Nevertheless, visitors are advised to take the usual sensible precautions as they would anywhere else in respect of their personal safety and belongings. Do not leave valuables lying about, keep them in a hotel or other safety deposit box. Visitors should be aware of the risk of flooding during hurricane season (June to November) and follow local advice with regards to leaving the island in the event of an approaching hurricane.
Customs: The culture is a blend of American, British and West Indian traditions. The churchgoing Caymanians appreciate politeness and modesty - topless bathing is illegal and beachwear in not acceptable off the beach.
Business: The islands are one of the leading financial centers in the world and the centre of business is George Town on Grand Cayman. Business dress within the financial industry is formal, but other businesses may have a more relaxed protocol, and after hours meetings are usually fairly casual. Handshakes on introduction are followed by the exchange of business cards. General business hours are 8am to 5pm, while banks open at 9am and close at 4pm Monday to Friday.
Communications: The international access code for the Cayman Islands is +1, in common with the US, Canada and most of the Caribbean, followed by 345. The outgoing code is 011 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 01144 for the United Kingdom). International direct dialing is available. Mobile phone coverage is good and operates on a GSM network; phones can be rented. Internet cafes are widely available.
Duty Free: Travelers entering the Cayman Islands may take 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 225g of tobacco, as well as one liter of alcohol, without paying duty on these.
 

Activities

Diving

A breathtaking variety of marine life, year-round warm, calm water, and great visibility make the Caymans one of the worlds' best dive sites. There are more than 40 dive operators on the island and around 200 reef and wreck dive sites. The abundance of fish, marine and coral life is protected by strict conservation. On the main island the best dive sites are at Victoria House Reef, just off Seven Mile Beach, and along the reefs at the mouth of North Sound. Eden Rock and Cemetery Beach Reef are also popular for snorkelers. Nearby at Sandbar and Stingray City there is the unique opportunity for snorkelers to feed and stroke the stingrays. Sandbar is a pure white sand ridge in just three feet (1m) of water. Stingray City is slightly deeper at 12ft (4m). In Cayman Brac the most famous dive site is the Russian built Cuban destroyer, which was purpose-sunk in 1996 to form an artificial reef. Little Cayman also boasts some first class dive sites including the North Wall and Bloody Bay Wall off Jackson Point. Non-divers can enjoy the reefs from the Atlantis Submarine, which offers hour-long underwater trips for up to 46 passengers. Visit www.divecayman.ky for more information.

Sunset Cruises

Watching the sun set spectacularly over the sea while sipping rum cocktails is a popular way to spend an evening in the Caribbean. The Jolly Roger is a replica of a 17th century Galleon and takes one back to the days of the Caribbean pirates, offering cocktails, snacks and a well-stocked bar, as well as music. Trips are 2.5hrs and leave from George Town on Grand Cayman at 5pm in winter and 5.30pm in summer.

 

Grand Cayman

Most of the population of the Cayman islands live on the 78-square-mile (202 sq km) Grand Cayman, and every day thousands of visitors arrive, many of them on cruise liners, to besiege the narrow streets of the island capital, George Town, and delight in the beautiful beaches. The busy little colonial capital also draws its fair share of wheelers and dealers being a major offshore investment centre with more than 500 banks. The banking business has made Grand Cayman an affluent society, but decadence has not accompanied the wealth. There are no glitzy casinos and wild club venues here, and nudity on the beach is frowned upon. The natural attractions are enough to draw the crowds, however, with the coral reefs, clear waters and sandy beaches offering the chance to try out any water sport imaginable.

 

Little Cayman

Little Cayman is the least developed of the Cayman trio. With a resident population of less than 200 and measuring only 10 miles (16km) long and a mile (2km) wide, it still offers that rare combination of sun-blessed solitude, glistening beaches and miles of untouched tropical wilderness. Here, shy iguanas and rare birds outnumber humans. Famous dive spots on the northwestern coast such as the Jackson Point and Bloody Bay Wall attract most visitors to the island but they are also great for bird watching. One of the world's largest nesting colonies of red-footed boobies are to be found among the mangroves in the Booby Pond Nature Reserve, which is also home to some gliding frigate birds. Rock iguanas abound and there is also a rare tree-climbing lizard hiding well camouflaged in the green and brown island vegetation.

 

Airports

Owen Roberts International Airport (GCM)

Location: The airport is situated two miles (3km) east of George Town. Time: Local time is GMT –5. Contacts: Tel: +1 345 943 7070. Transfer to the city: Taxis are available and many hotels offer courtesy buses. Car rental: Major car hire companies operate from the airport. Visitors are advised to book well in advance during peak-season. Facilities: Airport facilities include an outgoing duty-free shop, restaurants and bars. There are also ATMs and currency exchange facilities in the terminal building, as well as a tourist information help desk. Facilities for the disabled are good; passengers with special needs are advised to contact their airline in advance for further information. Parking: Short and long-term parking is available. Departure tax: CI$20 or US$25.

Gerard Smith Airport (CYB)

Location: The airport is situated five miles (8km) from West End on Cayman Brac. Time: Local time is GMT –5. Transfer to the city: Taxis are available. Car rental: Avis and Hertz have cars available for hire at the airport. Departure tax: CI$20 or US$25.

 

Climate

In general the weather is good all year and the trade winds ensure it doesn't get too hot. Peak season runs between December and April. The rainy season runs from May to November and visitors are advised to keep an eye on the weather reports in the days before arrival, as this is also hurricane season. Many regard the wet season as the best time to visit; room rates are cheaper, the beaches less crowded and the rain comes in short, sharp bursts that does not usually impact on holiday fun.