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The Cayman Islands have long been regarded as one of the top 3 diving destinations in the world. Grand Cayman, the largest of the three islands, boasts approximately 350,000 visitors per year (approximately 800,000 including both air and cruise ship arrivals). In addition to scuba diving and other water activities, George Town, the capital of Grand Cayman, hosts over 550 banks and trust companies. It is regarded by many as the largest financial center and tax haven in the entire Caribbean.
Situated just 500 miles south of Miami and 175 miles west of Jamaica, Grand Cayman is a relatively small island measuring approximately 22 miles long and 6 miles wide with its highest elevation a mere 60 feet. With a population of just over 39,000, this English speaking British colony is truly a diver’s paradise.
Averaging temperatures of 80-84º in the summer and 76-80º in the winter, these clear, tropical waters are teeming with marine life. Winds prevail from the northeast and underwater visibility often exceeds 150 feet. Air temperatures range from 80-90º in the summer and 70-80º in the winter.
While most people enjoy their diving in the protected waters off Seven Mile Beach on the west end of Grand Cayman, the more serious, adventuresome diver heads for the east end. Here the diving is virtually untouched, unspoiled by man. Truly a cultural experience, the village of East End and its 1000 plus inhabitants take us back in time. Only a touch of westernization exists and fishing, for many, is still a way of life.
Shipwrecks abound by the hundreds in these islands and rumors of gold and silver still persist. The virgin reefs of East End show little, if any, evidence of man. This is obvious by the fact that only 3 diving operations exist at this end of the island compared to approximately 45 on the west end.
Elkhorn coral dominates the shallow reefs of East End and it is not uncommon to see turtles, eagle rays, and an occasional shark cruise by. Chub Hole, Snapper Hole, and Ironshore Gardens of East End are ranked by many as 3 of the more popular shallow dives on the entire island.
Less than ½ mile from shore the coral reef plummets to a depth of over 6000 feet. It is here that one truly experiences the infamous “wall dive”. Dive sites on the “wall” like River of Sands, The Maze, and High Rock Cave will leave you in awe.
For the non-diver and diver alike, there are many above-water activities as well. Seven Mile Beach on the west end and Rum Point on the north side offers sailing, parasailing, windsurfing, water skiing, jet skiing, and deep-sea fishing. On the west end is the world famous Cayman Turtle Farm and the town of Hell. Also worthwhile visiting are the Pirate Caves, Pedro’s Castle, and the Blowholes of East End. In addition, you’ll want to take advantage of all the duty-free shopping Cayman has to offer.
Entry into Grand Cayman is quite easy. Service is provided daily by Cayman Airways and most major airlines. Typical flight time from Houston is approximately 2½ hours and from Miami a short 1 hour. All that’s needed to enter Grand Cayman is a round trip ticket and proof of citizenship (passport or birth certificate). When leaving, a departure tax will be the only “tax” you’ll encounter during your stay.
As far as ground transportation is concerned, cars and motorcycles are available for rent and taxis and buses are commonplace. The official currency of the Cayman Islands is the C.I. dollar, but everyone readily accepts the U.S. dollar. The exchange rate is fixed at C.I. $1.00 = $1.25 U.S. and U.S. $1.00 = $.80 C.I.
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