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THE CAYMAN ISLANDS
Somewhere, not too far away, in the Western Caribbean lie islands that are all this and more - much more - these are the islands of the Cayman's - that English speaking anomaly that has become a haven for sun worshippers, snorklers, scuba divers and anyone else who just wants to really relax and get away from it all. Less than 500 miles southwest of Miami, and little more than an hour flying time, you will find a British Crown Colony consisting of three very small islands known collectively as the Cayman Islands; Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman. While, to many people, the Cayman's are best known for some of the finest dive sites in the world; with over 200 unique dive sites, visibility averaging 100 to 150 feet, and water temperature a balmy 77�F to 83�F; even if you are not an underwater buff you will find just as many diversities, just as many enticements and just as much fun and new areas to explore on land as you will under the sea. Grand Cayman is the largest of the three islands (about 22 miles long and 8 miles wide, covering some 76 square miles) and is the center of the tourist trade. Next comes Cayman Brac (12 miles long and just over a mile wide covering about 14 square miles) and then Little Cayman (10 square miles). The majority of hotels, bed and breakfasts, and rental villas are found on Grand Cayman with the most popular area being '7 mile beach' (which, of course, is only a little over 5 1/2 miles long). This area is recognized as one of the Caribbean's best beaches. While we have seen a few people just stay by the pool, visit George Town and enjoy some of the local historic areas, like Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park, Pedro St. James Castle or the Cayman Islands National Museum, for the most part when you go to the Cayman's you are going for water sports. The deep sea fishing is excellent throughout the islands and is considered by many the "national sport". Dorado, Wahoo, Blue Marlin and Yellowfin Tuna are caught year around and you may be fishing just 1/4 mile off the beach! There are powerboats, paddle boats, kayaks, waverunners, aqua trikes, banana rides, sunfish, hobie cats and paddle cats you can water ski, parasail and windsurf you can take a submarine voyage to view the coral reefs or a glass bottom catamaran sail. But most of all you can snorkel or scuba dive almost everywhere. If you don't really like the water you still need to go snorkeling at least once while you are here - you won't be sorry! It is said that snorkeling here is the ideal activity for all ages. For the more adventurous (but not a scuba pro) you will want to visit Grand Cayman's most famous dive site - Stingray City. This site has often be referred to as the finest 12-foot dive in the world! An estimated 60 miles of drop-offs encircle Grand Cayman and make it some of the calmest water in the Caribbean. If you are a scuba fanatic or if you are thinking of becoming a scuba fanatic the 130+ dive sites surround Grand Cayman is a prerequisite to fanaticism! Each of the islands offers small coves, excellent beaches and a getaway you can't forget. Accommodations are as many and as varied as the number of dive sites. The Cayman Islands are doing a BIG awareness promotion this summer. Any good travel agent will have GOBS of FREE information for you to look at. |
Hawaii Sea Turtle
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Exquisite
sunsets that take you beyond the horizon - pure white sand beaches that seem to
go on for ever - water that is so crystal clear, so blue, that it's almost
impossible to describe. 
