Cayman Islands

The Cayman Islands are a Western Caribbean nation famous for banking (as in the scene in The Firm with Tom Cruise), but it is also a great destination for scuba diving, searching for the indigenous blue iguana and laying around on pristine Seven Mile Beach. The British territory is comprised of Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman.

Language

The official language of the Cayman Islands is English.

Money

The Cayman Island Dollar, which is tied to the U.S. dollar, is the official currency of the Cayman Islands. To find out about the conversion rates, visit our currency converter.

Accommodations

The Cayman Islands enjoy one of the highest per capita income levels in the world, and the prices on the island are reflected in that. A three star hotel will set you back upwards of $200 a night in the busy season. If there are budget accommodations available, I wasn’t able to find them.

Food and Drinks

The islands boast 150 restaurants, so you’ll surely not go hungry on your trip. There are supermarkets available for the do-it-yourselfers and for packing a picnic for the beach.

Holidays

Tuesday, 1st January – New Year’s Day
Monday, 28th January- National Heroes’ Day
Wednesday, 6th February – Ash Wednesday
Friday, 21st March – Good Friday
Monday, 24th March – Easter Monday
Monday, 19th May – Discovery Day
Monday, 16th June – Queen’s Birthday
Monday, 7th July – Constitution Day
Monday, 10th November – Remembrance Day
Thursday, 25th December – Christmas Day
Friday, 26th December- Boxing Day

Carnival Batabano will take place May 1 – 3, 2008

Getting There & Around

Air Canada, Air Jamaica, British Airways, Cayman Airways, Continental, Delta, Island Air, Northwest and US Airways all offer service to the islands. If you prefer to travel by boat, George Town is a major cruise ship port on Grand Cayman.

Once you reach the island, car rental, bike rental or even motorcycle rental is the preferred method of transportation on the island. A limited number of minibus routes are available to and from George Town.

There are hoppers between the islands if you prefer to visit Cayman Brac or Little Cayman.

Electronics

The Cayman Islands use a 110-volt electrical system, just like in the United States and Canada. Anyone else may need a converter.

Things to Do

You can spend your time in the Cayman Islands scuba diving in the crystal clear, visiting the reefs and wrecks. Snorkeling opportunities include the chance to dive with stinrays at Stingray Alley. You can hike, visit a gourmet sea salt producer, see lighthouses and even visit a turtle farm on the islands. You can take in the spectacular views from Pedro St. James historic area, and send postcards back home from Hell. Blowholes are interesting to see, provided the surf is cooperating. The whole host of water sports can be found on the island, from diving to boating to submarine tours. Other than that, you can spend your time birding, playing tennis or relaxing in one of the many spas.