The Cayman Islands are a group of islands and reefs in the Caribbean Sea, discovered by Christopher Columbus in the early 16th century. Geologically, the islands represent the summit of the Sierra Maestra seamount, stretching east of the island of Cuba. Although the topography of the island areas is mostly low-lying, there are very scenic cliffs. This British overseas territory enjoys relative administrative autonomy. Agriculture is underdeveloped; tourism brings the bulk of budget revenues.
Since the 70s of the last century, the islands began a rapid development of the offshore sector. Today, the Cayman Islands are an important regional tourism destination and are generally recognized as one of the best diving, surfing and yachting destinations on the planet. Here, nature has created excellent conditions for a beach holiday and a well-developed tourist infrastructure, while low taxes and a stable political environment become additional arguments in favor of choosing the Cayman Islands as a vacation destination.
The islands are dominated by a tropical trade wind climate with average monthly temperatures ranging from +17 to +30 ° C. The largest amount of precipitation falls on the period from May to October, when the temperature is stable and is about +29 ° C. Dry and cool period lasts from November to April. In summer, tropical storms and hurricanes are most frequent here, which cause severe destruction.
On the Cayman Islands, city dwellers and wildlife are harmoniously coexisting. Among the inhabitants of these places are rare animals that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. The Cayman parrot and sea turtle, which is depicted on the coat of arms of the archipelago, symbolize Grand Cayman, and the silver palm and banana orchid are rare flora of the archipelago and the region. The beautiful coral reefs surrounding the Cayman Islands are inhabited by numerous exotic marine life, and in their vicinity many sunken ships rest at the bottom.
Grand Cayman Island is the largest in the archipelago, the capital of the islands, the city of Georgetown, and the most interesting sights, including one of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean, Seven Mile Beach, are located here. Georgetown is home to the international airport and seaport, the old part of the city is built of shell rock and coral blocks, and in the modern neighborhoods visitors are greeted with ultra-modern buildings.
At 13 km from Georgetown is the city of Hell named so because of the unusual geological formation present here. The Geological Formation, the territory of which is prohibited for tourists, is an area of several square kilometers covered with black jagged rocks. You can see these unusual limestone formations only from observation platforms, which are free to enter.
Another interesting place in the vicinity of Georgetown is the Pirate Caves near Bodden. According to legends, it was here that the pirate Blackbeard hid his treasures, which no one has yet been able to find.
As noted by experienced travelers 2yachts, most of the tourist infrastructure, architectural monuments and museums are concentrated on the Grand Cayman Island ... Lovers of antiquity can be advised to visit Pedro St. James Castle (the oldest building on the islands), the remains of one of the first fortifications on the islands - Fort George, as well as the Cayman Maritime Treasures Museum. In the Treasure Museum, visitors have the opportunity not only to view exhibits on the history of the islands, but also to take part in interactive activities.
The quiet islet of Little Cayman is located 130 km northeast of Grand Cayman. Most of the island's population is engaged in tourism, diving is best developed here. Little Cayman is characterized by animals and plants widespread in the Caribbean, the island is inhabited by over 2 thousand rare iguanas, the largest population of the red-footed boobies lives here, and the wetlands overgrown with mangroves in the center serve as a haven for many species of birds ... Little Cayman is popular among lovers of secluded relaxation and active pastime in the bosom of nature. Lagoons and pristine deserted beaches on the coast attract divers from all over the world. The vibrant coral gardens of Bloody Bay Wall Marine Park are recognized as some of the finest in the world.
The smallest of the archipelago's islands, Cayman Brac, is a great snorkeling spot. The main attraction of the island, which attracts lovers of ecotourism, is the mysterious caves and paths laid in the mangrove thickets. Cayman Brac is popular with cavers exploring caves that are largely formed by the limestone plateau that runs across the island. Visiting the island at a certain time, you can observe numerous flamingos, swallows, ducks, blackbirds, herons, falcons and other birds that are rarely found in the wild.
The Cayman Islands are an ideal vacation spot for diving enthusiasts, because the underwater world around them is teeming with fish and crustaceans, sea turtles, barracudas, stingrays and other marine life live here. Diving is possible throughout the year and the coastal waters are better than the average in the Caribbean. There are many diving centers built on the coast with professional services that are provided at affordable prices.
Ecotourism lovers should definitely visit the Queen Elizabeth II Botanical Garden with a flower garden and orchid exhibition on Grand Cayman Island, as well as follow the National Trust's Mastic Trail, through the mangroves. In the Botanical Garden, tourists can have the opportunity to observe small rodents agouti, rabbits, iguanas, several species of parrots and other representatives of birds and animals.
The shallow water area of Stingray City or the "City of Stingrays" is very popular among tourists - a fantastic place with water of a unique color, where you can not only touch, but also feed real three-meter stingrays with squid. Stingrays have established a stable colony here due to the fact that over the years, local fishermen, when returning from the sea, often stopped in shallow water and cleaned the fish, providing the stingrays with constant food. Sea creatures are so accustomed to tourists that they allow not only being photographed, but also allowing themselves to be hugged. You can book a private tour to Stingray City to get to know the stingrays with experienced guides.
Also of interest is a farm in West Bay County that breeds green sea turtles - their meat is cooked and served in local restaurants. The tender meat of these animals has been valued since the days of the pioneers, as it had the property of staying fresh for a long time on board. For a long period, Spanish sailors came to the islands, which because of the abundance of turtles were called Las Tortugas, came to hunt them. At the turtle farm, you can also see a variety of coral fish, sharks, dolphins and even a rare species of blue iguana.
The Fosters Market is the largest shopping area in the archipelago, where you can restock food for onward travel.
The Cayman Islands are a great option for both a quiet family vacation and a romantic getaway. Beach lovers will not be able to walk past kilometers of sandy beaches, while fans of active recreation are guaranteed exciting diving and surfing here.
Most of the time around Georgetown, the weather is calm due to the prevailing northeasterly wind direction. Yachts less than 100 feet in length may stay at the Cayman Islands Yacht Club marina, but be aware that if the wind blows for several days in a row, it may be difficult to navigate through the reef, in which case you will have to stay in marina for a few more days.
For yachts over 100 feet in length, the best solution is to drop anchor on the high seas and get to the island by boat. When stopping a ship at sea, you need to know that when anchored, in no case corals growing on the bottom can be damaged - a significant fine is imposed for causing harm to nature. In general, Grand Cayman Island is well suited for yachting and is safe, so it is not surprising that many of the yachtsmen who have visited it plan to return here over time.
If you are interested in yacht charter in the Cayman Islands or in any other region of the world, you You can always successfully contact the specialists of the 2yachts company. We will select the best yacht for you so that you can go on your dream voyage!