Travel Guides: All Countries / Caribbean / Cayman Islands
 |  | Destination Guide : Cayman Islands |
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| | | Great place to dive |  | Why go on holiday to the Cayman Islands?
Rated as one of the best places to dive in the world, the Cayman Islands are also perfect for those who like their holidays to be a little less active.
Bask on coral sand beaches, wander through fruit groves surrounded by emerald- green parrots, or shop duty free in the malls of George Town.
Once populated by turtles, parrots and pirates, the Caymans are now some of the safest and most luxurious islands in the Caribbean.
How much does it cost?
This is not a budget destination, though you may be able to get a return flight from under £400 if you look around. Expect to pay at least £100 per night for a mid-range hotel if you go it alone; it's cheaper to take a package.
These start from around £1100 for seven days all-inclusive in a three star resort - and all-inclusive in the Cayman Islands generally means diving lessons, too.
When should I go?
It's warm and sunny year-round in the Caymans. Most of the rain falls between May and October, but downpours are brief and clear quickly.
These are also the hottest months, with daily highs reaching 85F (29C); prices are lower, so it's a good time to get great deals.
Time a visit to coincide with the raucous Pirates' Week in October.
Peak tourist season is from mid-December to April, when it's drier and cooler with temperatures in the mid-70Fs (24C). The islands' version of the carnival is Batabano, held in April, with parades, dancing and week-long festivities.
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| | | Travel on a submarine |  | What should I do when I'm there?
Aside from lying on the beach, diving is the most popular activity on the Caymans, and you'll find dive shops offering their services everywhere.
Its crystal-clear waters and protected coral reefs are some of the best in the world, with water temperatures around 80F (27C) and more than 100 dive sites.
Try the Victoria House Reef at Grand Cayman with its sea fans, parrotfish and bright orange tube sponges. Off Little Cayman, the coral around Jackson Point is home to turtles, and sting and eagle rays.
Cayman Brac has a Russian destroyer, purpose-sunk in 1996 to give divers the chance to star in their own real-life adventure epic.
What if I don't fancy getting wet?
Take a hike around Cayman Brac. The island is still mostly wilderness, covered in fruit trees, orchids and cactii, and surrounded by good beaches.
Explore pirate caves along the northern shore or wander through the fluttering bright colours of the National Trust Parrot Reserve, nesting ground for the islands' emerald-green native species.
Why should I send postcards?
Because the folks back home don't usually get a "Wish You Were Here" from... Hell.
This small village on Grand Cayman was named for the jagged black rock formations in the area, and the post office now has its own, rather harmless, 'devil' who'll send your holiday greetings on their hellish way.
What can I do that's a bit different?
Swim with the stingrays at Stingray City on the North Sound. Or take a trip on the Atlantis Deep Explorer, a research submarine taking passengers down to depths of 1,000ft (330m) on a dreamlike, eerie and rather expensive voyage.
Sport fishing is popular, though marine conservation laws mean that you can only keep what you can eat.
And if you fall in love with the place, consider getting married here: take your vows on the beach with waves lapping the shore and irritating relatives safely out of reach.
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| | | Talk with the parrots | | Where's good for nightlife?
Though no clubbing hot spot, there's a fair amount to do and see in the evenings, mostly on Grand Cayman. There are a couple of comedy clubs and a few venues for live music; clubs attracting the younger crowd are found along Seven Mile Beach.
The Cayman National Cultural Foundation sponsors local plays, art exhibitions and concerts at the Harquail Theatre on West Bay Road, while the Prospect Playhouse features regular performances of comedy, drama and musicals by the Cayman Drama Society.
For something a little different, dine on a sunset cruise aboard a 19th-century tall ship. Browse the "What's Happenin'" column in the Friday issue of the Caymanian Compass for listings.
What's the food like?
Expect lots of luscious seafood, cooked in the local style or as the main feature in dishes with a European, Asian or New World flavour. The national dish is turtle, served as soup, stew or braised turtle steaks, but a real island speciality is conch.
This mollusc is prepared as fritters, ceviche, or as a stew, seasoned with onions, spices and coconut milk.
Those with a fiery palate should try the "Scotch bonnet" - a local chilli used to season Jamaican jerk chicken or pork, zesty chowders and stewed beef.
What should I buy?
The islands are duty free, and George Town functions mostly as a shopping mall.
Pick up some bargains on perfume, watches and china, or stop at a diving supply shop to indulge in a new-found passion and equip yourself for trips to the swimming pool back home.
Underwater photographs and videos of your diving expeditions make good souvenirs to take back home, although friends might be happier with a little something from the Tortuga Rum Company.
An island speciality is hand-crafted jewellery made from the local black coral.
What is there for children to do?
Meet rare Grand Cayman blue iguanas in the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Garden. Here, children can also spot parrots and learn about local plants such as the bizarre breadfruit, ackee and chella mella.
Or risk a visit to the unique Turtle Farm, where green turtles are raised as future food. Be prepared for a possibly mutiny, however, and requests to rescue these charming creatures.
The Bodden Town Pirates' Caves are rather like a ghost ride at the fair: tacky and fluorescent, a bit silly - but fun all the same.
Tourist office
Cayman Islands Department of Tourism, 6 Arlington Street, London SW1A 1RE. Tel. 020 7491 7771.
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| | Available rental properties in Cayman Islands |
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| |  | | Carib Sands Beach Resort - Unit 115
Carib Sands Beach Resort is a striking new resort located on a sheltered white-sand beach on the south shore of Cayman Brac, B.W.I.
|  | | Cayman Calypso Villa
5-Tier Cascading Swimming Pool with waterfallsl Stunning 3+ bdr, 3.5 bath, 3-storey villa with media loft. An intimate complex of multi-coloured Caribbean villas in the tranquil East End.
|  | | Cayman Ocean Breeze Villa
Directly on the Beach, this large 3-storey (+ loft), 3 bedroom, 3.5 bath villa sleeps up to 12 people. Stunningly beautiful 5-tier swimming pool &
|  | | Cayman Snuggle Beach
Directly on a Powdery White Sandy Beach, this carribean style 1- bedroom apartment also has a private hot tub. Sleeps up to 4 guests.
| | Click here for more properties... |
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