Choosing a Destination: Cayman Islands

The Cayman Islands are home to two big"off shore" businesses: banking and diving.

Enjoy the fine dining and shopping available in the capital city of George Town on Grand Cayman Island. Along the coasts and smaller islands, enjoy serene boating, diving, and sun-bathing in a relaxing environment that is hard to find in the tourist-oriented Caribbean. For more detailed information about the Islands, see The Cayman Islands Online and the CIA World Factbook.

The Cayman Islands: Facts at a Glance

Currency	The official currency of the Caymans is the Cayman Islands Dollar, which is fixed to the U.S. Dollar at a rate of $1(CI) to $1.25(USD).
Electricity	The Cayman Islands use a 110-volt electrical system, so U.S. and Canadian visitors will not need adapters.
GDP Per Capita	The annual per capita income is $35,000(USD), making the Cayman Islands one of the wealthier Caribbean nations.
Island Size	Together, the islands cover 100 square miles, making it one of the smaller countries in the Caribbean.
Language	English is the official language of the Cayman.
Population	The population of the Cayman Islands is about 48,800 people; the islands also see 334,100 visitors annually, 81 percent of whom are from U.S.

Entry Requirements

Visitors are advised to carry a passport - the norm with international travel - but citizens of the U.S. and Canada need only a birth certificate with a raised seal and a photo ID. All other visitors, including those from the Caribbean, must have a passport. And all visitors, regardless of country of origin, will need a return or ongoing ticket.

Geography

The Cayman Islands consist of three islands. The largest, Grand Cayman Island, is 22 miles long and 8 miles across at its widest point. The other two islands, Little Cayman and Cayman Brac, are considerably smaller and less developed than Grand Cayman Island. Just seven miles of water separates these two smaller islands. The Caymans' underwater terrain makes it one of the most popular diving locations in the Caribbean.

Getting There

Most travelers arrive by air via Miami, Houston, or Atlanta and land at Owen Roberts International Airport on Grand Cayman Island. Taxi rates are fixed; for example, a taxi ride from Owen Roberts to Seven Mile Beach runs approximately $11-$12(USD). Owen Roberts services Air Canada, Air Jamaica, American Airlines Cargo, American Trans Air, British Airways, Cayman Airways, Continental, Cubana, Delta Airlines, Islena Airlines, Maya Island Air, Northwest Airlines, Rollins Air, US Airways, and United Airlines, along with other smaller airlines.

Health and Safety

The Cayman Islands are some of the safest destinations in the Caribbean; with a very strong tourism-driven economy, there is a not much of a gap between the"haves" and the"have-nots." Theft is not widespread, but observing caution never hurts; make sure to lock vehicles and hotel rooms, and take care of your valuables.

People

The capital of the Cayman Islands is home to bankers, retirees, and tourists. The general attitude of the Cayman Islands is relaxed and friendly; don't come here for a fast-paced, thrill-seeking vacation. Cayman life focuses on the seas, with boating and diving being two of the most popular activities. Remnants of British colonial days are evident in the meticulous manners of most islanders.

Weather and Climate

Temperatures in the Cayman Islands are almost always pleasant. These Caribbean islands experience fairly even temperatures throughout the year. In January, temperatures range from 73 to 81; in July, norms range from 80 to 88 (all in degrees Fahrenheit). The Cayman Islands' rainy season runs from May to November, and annual rainfall is about 46 inches. Don't be afraid to visit during the rainy season, though; unlike the sustained afternoon thunderstorms of Miami and other tropical locations, Cayman rain showers are short, sporadic, and won't impede vacation fun.

CONTENTS