A hidden jewel in the western Caribbean Sea, this British Overseas Territory comprises of islands Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman. First sighted by famed explorer Christopher Columbus on his final voyage to the New World in 1503, The Cayman Islands are named for the Spanish term for crocodile - caiman.
Grand Cayman is the largest of the three islands and is 480 miles (770 km) south of Miami, 150 miles (240 km) south of Cuba, and 180 miles (290 km) northwest of Jamaica. Grand Cayman is home to world famous Seven Mile Beach and crystal clear Caribbean waters with an endless variety of marine life, legendary for scuba diving and all water sports. Whatever your passion, guests can experience an endless variety of things to do in the Cayman Islands, from golf and nature walks, to duty free shopping, painting and craft classes, hand-selected by Cotton Tree's concierge.-
Capital.
George Town (Grand Cayman). -
Size.
Grand Cayman is 22 miles long. Its width varies from 4 miles to 8 miles. Little Cayman is only 10 miles long and 1 mile wide.Cayman Brac is a mile longer than Little Cayman but also just 1 mile wide. -
Time Zone.
Eastern Standard Time, 5 hours behind GMT. There is no adjustment for Daylight Saving Time, which becomes 6 hours behind GMT. -
Language.
English is the official language and is spoken by virtually everyone. Native Caymanians have a pleasant and unique accent with many charming phrases. -
Passports.
A valid passport is requited to enter the Cayman Islands. Visas are not required for US, UK or Canadian citizens. -
Currency.
Cayman Islands Dollar (KYD) is the official currency, although US dollars are widely accepted. If you pay in US$, you will receive change in CI$. -
Electrical power.
Voltage is 110, the same as the U.S. -
Weather.
The winter averages 75°F (24°C) and the summer averages 85°F (30°C). Get the full Cayman Islands weather forecast. -
Water temps.
Upper 70°s to the lower 80°s. -
Driving.
On the left, as they do in England. A Visitor's Driving Permit for US$7.50 each (one-time charge, valid for six months or duration of stay, whichever is shorter) - except individuals who hold a valid International Driver's License. -
Tipping.
Sometimes a service charge of 10 -15% is added in restaurants in lieu of asking customers to tip. Taxi drivers normally anticipate a tip of 10 - 15% as well. Cotton Tree does not apply gratuities to bills and leaves this option open to its guests. However, if guests feel that exceptional service has been received and would like to tip, it is suggested that this be done at the end of the stay.
- National Trust for the Cayman Islands
- National Gallery
- National Museum
- Pedro St. James
- Fort George
A growing interest in developing local art and crafts has led to the opening of art and craft galleries featuring local and Caribbean art. Underwater photography services and an excellent selection of underwater photos and prints framed as art pieces are available as well.
- Cotton Tree art classes by Articulate
- Cooking classes
|
|
|
|
Britannia Golf Club, the Caribbean's first signature Jack Nicklaus Golf course combines three courses in one. A nine hole Championship regulation with an 18-hole par 57 executive course built in. An experience not to be missed in Grand Cayman.
Cayman is a duty-free destination and whether you are looking for dazzling jewellery, beautiful local arts and crafts or designer clothes, you will be pleased with the quality and selection that the Island's stores have to offer.
|
|
