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Grand Cayman
Grand Cayman is home to the majority of the Cayman Island's population and covers an area of about seventy-eight square miles, with thousands of visitors arriving at the islands capital of George Town every day from cruise ships and flights, before adjourning to the islands scenic 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.
Seven Mile Beach
Seven Mile Beach is a long stretch of enchantingly white-sanded beach that curls around the western shores of Grand Cayman with the turquoise waters lapping at it's unspoilt shores. A reef protects the coast and ensures that the water is calm and ideal for swimming and snorkelling. This is the most popular beach on the island and is bordered by dozens of hotels, but it is large enough to ensure sunbathers do not end up towel-to-towel. North of the beach is West Bay, the country's second largest town.
Turtle Farm
Christopher Columbus named the Cayman Islands 'Las Tortugas' meaning The Turtles in 1503, when he first arrived on the Cayman Islands. According to legend, there were so many turtles that the islands looked like they were covered with rocks. They are now a protected species and the Cayman Islands Turtle Farm, which is just outside West Bay, is home to 16,000 turtles ranging in size from six ounces (170g) to 600 pounds (272kg) each. The priority of the farm is to maintain an ideal breeding environment. Breeding season runs from May to October, during which time the turtles dig their nests on the beach near the breeding pond and produce their eggs. The eggs are immediately taken to the hatchery, where staff monitor the hatching process.
Pedro St James Castle
Pedro St James was originally built in 1765 by an Englishman and is now the oldest surviving structure on the island, which is situated east of George Town. Local stories also associate it with the pirate Henry Morgan and a 17th-century Spaniard, Pedro Gómez, though there's no proof. The house is touted as the islands' 'birthplace of democracy' - it was here in 1831 that the decision was made to vote for elected representatives, and four years later the Slavery Abolition Act was read here. Constructed around 1780 from quarried native stone, the house has been restored by the government as a historic site. An authentic, three-storey early 19th-century great house and outbuildings rises from behind a traditional coral stone wall, with traditional 'grounds' planted with pineapple, banana and other provisions. The adjacent acres are covered with luxuriant tropical plants, palm-lined walkways and a splendid manicured Great Lawn sprawling to a fantastic view over the Caribbean. A new Multi-Media Theatre shows a 20-minute film of the history of the castle.
Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park
The Cayman Islands are best known for there under water life, however there is a wonderful display of lush and colourful plant life located in the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park. A well-marked mile-long (two km) trail winds through lush, easy terrain, featuring almost 300 native species including roses, hibiscus, lilies and orchids - which bloom in late May and June. The park and lake is home to the endangered, and elusive, Blue Iguana as well as a fascinating array of birdlife including parrots, herons, coots and the rare West Indian Whistling Duck. The nearby Mastic Trail meanders through the old-growth forest that once supplied early settlers with timber. The 26-hectare (65 acres) park is in the district of North Side, and is a 45-minute drive from George Town.
Rum Point
The crystalline shallow waters of the vast area of sand flats, which make up the conservation marine park of Rum Point are ideal for marine exploration and snorkelling. It is a tranquil retreat where hammocks slung under shady trees, picnic tables, a sandy beach and warm shallow waters provide a relaxing haven for the day. Many water sports are offered, with easy access to North Sound, including jet skiing, sailing, and kayaking, and snorkellers can explore the coral formations just off the beach.
Stingray City and Sandbar
The Cayman Islands are also home to Sandbar and Stingray City, which are exceptional snorkelling sites that are situated in the North Sound. The clear shallow waters are frequented by friendly stingrays that come to find out what titbits visitors have brought them. Boat tours take snorkellers and divers to swim with and feed the stingrays on bits of squid; they will brush against swimmers and allow themselves to be touched. This famous Cayman attraction was accidentally created by fishermen who used to clean their catch in the calm waters of the sound, casting bits overboard, and so attracting the Southern Stingrays to the area.
George Town
George Town is a working town, mainly catering to business and for visitors to do some shopping or visit the many excellent restaurants in the area. However a pleasant morning can be spent wandering around the well-planned streets doing some shopping and visiting its attractions. The National Museum is worth a visit, situated in the Old Courts building, the islands oldest building, it exhibits the country's fascinating cultural and natural history and the resourceful, independent nature of the seafaring society. The town is usually fairly quiet except on the two or three days a week that a cruise ship docks, when it is densely packed with tourists. The town's Seven Mile Beach is a lovely stretch of sand, fronted by a string of resort hotels.
Sunset Cruises
Caribbean Cruises from Grand Cayman offer visitors the chance to watch the sun setting over the clear waters, while sipping a rum cocktail on a balmy evening. 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 at 5pm in winter and 5.30pm in summer.
Address: South Terminal, George Town Harbour; Telephone: 945 7245
