Any Caribbean island is associated with fantasy, eternal summer, the sea merging with the turquoise skies. A trip to radiant lands is a dream! And anyone who plans a long-awaited voyage to Grand Cayman will definitely not go wrong: the combination of vibrant nature, English culture, original traditions and high-quality service results in an unforgettable vacation.
Grand Cayman on the map
Grand Cayman Island on the world map or a detailed map of the island can be viewed using the navigation buttons (+/-).Caribbean on the map
The overseas oasis is rightfully considered the largest (197 km²) of the triad Cayman Islandsbelonging to Great Britain. Almost a quarter of the territory (56 km²) is located in the North Sound Lagoon. From ringing Cuba to Grand Cayman is about 240 km in a southerly direction, from Jamaica almost 270 km to the north, to the stars and stripes of Miami 730 km. The coastline is washed by the Caribbean Sea. The first name - Las Tortugas (from Spanish: Turtle) - was given by Columbus back in the 16th century; later the area was renamed.
Grand Cayman is not distinguished by a scattering of mountains and hills; the highest point barely reaches 24 meters. From above, the outline of the island resembles a gigantic sperm whale: the rounded “head” of the eastern part is characterized by rocky shores, while the base of the “tail” curving from west to north is a real paradise for tourists, since this is where the gorgeous beaches are concentrated. On the west coast there is an international airport and the island's capital, Georgetown.
Holidays in Grand Cayman
There will definitely be no questions about what to do on vacation in Grand Cayman. Active pastime? No problem! Sports grounds, gyms, modern equipment are at guests' disposal. Sea activities? Easily! Grand Cayman is famous for its productive fishing, diving, yachting, snorkeling, and cruise trips. Relaxing on clean beaches is a pleasure: warm waters wash away stress fatigue, the freshness of a light breeze fills you with energy, and the miraculous rays of the sun are as effective as antidepressants.
The shopping promenade diversifies leisure time: the duty free system, beloved by travelers, makes a trip to numerous retail outlets exciting and profitable. Connoisseurs of eco-excursions are often confused by the number of routes offered to them - one is more picturesque than the other. Of course, any type of vacation deserves attention, especially since the host party has taken care of quality service, decent conditions, exquisite cuisine, and the negligible crime rate serves as an additional incentive for a trip to the fabulous Grand Cayman.
Nature of the Great Cayman
There are no fresh water bodies on the island, but the vegetation on Grand Cayman is lush - a kind of kingdom of wildlife. The breathtaking aroma of flowering fruit trees floats above the lush greenery; the artist’s palette gives way to the shades of plumage of exotic birds in the thicket of silver palm trees. The bark of these trees is incredibly durable; it is still used in the manufacture of hats, baskets, and in the construction of original huts. White with purple splashes, the banana orchid, revered as a royal flower, has become a real symbol of Grand Cayman. Just like the turtles that deservedly took their place on the island’s coat of arms, a large-scale turtle farm is successfully operating on Grand Cayman.
Among fans of natural attractions are the nine-kilometer Seven Mile Beach, replete with the deep canyons of Trinity Caves, the miniature rocky Smith Cove, protected by the reef of South Sound Cemetery Beach, and the shimmering black sand of Lower Bay. You can hand-feed three-meter stingrays at Stingray Sandbar Reef, and to watch starfish, it’s better to go to Water Reef.
Attractions in Grand Cayman
It is possible to live on Grand Cayman for a month and never repeat the excursion, of which there is a worthy choice:
– the ruins of the Fort George fortress built in 1790;
– colorful houses made of shell rock on the streets of Georgetown;
– Maritime Treasure Museum;
– National Museum of the Cayman Islands;
– Elmsley, St. Ignatius, John Gray churches;
– Panton Square;
– pyramidal building of the Legislative Assembly;
– Pedro St. James Castle;
– Pirates Cave;
– restaurant in the old lighthouse;
– the jagged cliffs of Hell, striking with their harsh charm;
– Queen Elizabeth II Botanical Park;
– five-kilometer tourist route Mastic Trail and much more.
Colorful holidays will add a bright touch to the enchanting holiday: Discovery Day of the island in May, the April Batabano Carnival, theatrical performances during Pirate Week, which falls at the turn of October-November.
When is the best time to go to Grand Cayman
The climate in Grand Cayman is warm, humid, trade wind-tropical. It is better to book a tour for December-April - hurricanes are unlikely at this time, it is dry and not hot. The average temperature in the high season is plus 24˚.
This sun-kissed piece of paradise is worth visiting to fulfill your crystal dream of an exotic fairy tale. Staying on the island will help you forget about vanity, feel the fantastic atmosphere, and understand what real relaxation means. The entire Caribbean is magnificent, but Grand Cayman holds a special place in the heart of everyone who has visited it.