Location
Grand Cayman, the largest of the three Cayman Islands, lies 480 miles south of Miami. Cayman Brac and Little Cayman are 89 miles to the north east of Grand Cayman.
Airlines
Cayman Airways (CAL), American Airlines, NorthWest Airlines, have regular daily flights between Grand Cayman and Miami. British Airways has twice weekly direct flights between Gatwick, London and Grand Cayman. CAL operates flights between Cayman and Tampa, Houston, and Atlanta, and American Airlines flies regularly to Raleigh Durham. A regular inter-island service between Grand Cayman and the sister islands of Cayman Brac and Little Cayman is provided by CAL. Air Jamaica and CAL have regular flights between Cayman and Kingston, Jamaica. Air Jamaica also flies between Cayman and Montego Bay, Jamaica.
Entering The Country
Proof of citizenship and a photo ID are required for U.S. and Canadian visitors: a passport, driver's license, birth certificate together with a return ticket. Passports and return tickets are required for all other visitors.
Money Matters
The local currency, the Cayman Islands dollar, is equivalent to US $1.25. American currency is generally accepted as are major credit cards. Banking hours are 9 am to 2:30 pm Monday through Thursday, and 9 am to 1 pm, and 2 pm to 4:30 pm on Friday. The departure tax when leaving Cayman is US $12.50.
Climate
The average summer temperature is 80 degrees, dropping to 75 degrees in winter.
Time Zone
The islands remain on Eastern Standard Time but without changing to Daylight Saving Time in the summer.
Geography
The Cayman Islands are emergent peaks of the submarine Cayman Ridge which extends from the Cuban Sierra Maestra Range to the Misteriosa Banks off Honduras. The islands were formed by living corals gradually capping the mountain peaks.
History
The islands were discovered by Columbus in 1503. In 1670 the first of a number of international treaties to make Cayman a British Crown Colony was signed. Cayman was a dependency of Jamaica until 1962. The islands have a rich seafaring history, and tales of buccaneering feats have reached near mythical status.
Accommodations
Visitors have the choice between international luxury hotels and million-dollar condominiums to comfortable guest houses and dive resorts.
Watersports
Cayman is regarded as a world-class SCUBA diving destination. Wall, wreck, reef and the famous Stingray City diving excursions are conducted daily by over 30 professional diving organizations. Sportfishing is also big in Cayman and the annual Million Dollar Month tournament continues to gain popularity among international anglers. Other watersports include snorkelling, parasailing, board sailing, and skiing.
Landsports
Golfers can take a swing at the Jack Nicklaus golf course, drive at the 18-hole Championship Links at SafeHaven, or take in some tennis, squash, or other outdoor sports. Visitors are welcome at the local gyms.
Medical Facilities
The George Town Hospital in Grand Cayman and Faith Hospital in Cayman Brac are equipped to deal with most emergencies. Emergency airlifts to Miami can be arranged very quickly if necessary.
Transportation
Major car rental agencies and excellent local ones provide cars, jeeps, and buses. A valid driver's licence from your country of origin would be needed to obtain a visitor's driving permit. Ground tour operators and taxis will also take you around on island tours if you prefer not to drive. Also available for rent are bicycles, scooters, and motorbikes.
Taxi Rates
Rates are one way and based on up to four passengers per taxi, and two pieces of luggage per person. Extra luggage costs US $1.20 or CI $1.00.
Duty Free Shopping
A number of shops offer the world's best perfumes, watches, jewellry, crystal, and china at duty free prices.
Marriage Requirements
You can get married in Cayman in 24 hours. Documents required from both partners are proof of identity, your Cayman Islands embarkation/disembarkation card, certified or original copies of divorce decrees/death certificates.
Religion & Churches
Cayman is, mainly, a Christian community with churches representing various denominations including the Roman Catholics, Anglicans, Seventh Day Adventists, Presbyterians. Visitors are always welcome at services.
Festivals & Carnivals
The Pirates Week Festival held in October celebrates the island's swashbuckling history and is the largest annual festival. The Batabano Carnival is held in spring and has a more Caribbean flavour with costumed bands taking to the streets to the sound of steelpan music. The Queen's Birthday Parade in June is an event of pomp and underlines Cayman's close ties with the British Crown.
Nightlife
Several nightclubs cater to American and Caribbean musical tastes. There are two comedy clubs, two local theatres that regularly stage dramatic performances, and a cinema that presents current movies.
Dress
Dress is casual and public nudity, including topless sunbathing, is strickly prohibited. A beach cover-up shirt, or dress is required when you leave the beach. For nightime dining, casual elegance - something more than T-shirt and shorts - are preferred.
Pet Regulations
A current official health certificate for your pet plus a completed application form for the importation of dogs and cats to the Cayman Islands are needed to obtain an Import Permit. |
