Grand Cayman Travel Guide

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Activities

Grand Cayman

Rum Point © Cayman Islands Tourism

Most of the population of the Cayman Islands live on the 78-square-mile (202 sq km) Grand Cayman, and every day thousands of visitors arrive, many of them on cruise liners, to besiege the narrow streets of the island capital, George Town, and delight in the beautiful beaches. The busy little colonial capital also draws its fair share of wheelers and dealers being a major offshore investment centre with more than 500 banks. The banking business has made Grand Cayman an affluent society, but decadence has not accompanied the wealth. There are no glitzy casinos and wild club venues here, and nudity on the beach is frowned upon. The natural attractions are enough to draw the crowds, however, with the coral reefs, clear waters and sandy beaches offering the chance to try out any watersport imaginable.

Attractions

Boatswain's Beach

Boatswain's Beach is Cayman's premier attraction featuring the famous Cayman Turtle Farm as well as a one of a kind marine park which features 23 acres of exciting adventure. There are 23 acres of reef lagoon in which guests can snorkel, a predator... see full details

George Town

Unless visiting the islands for business rather than pleasure, most people only call at George Town to stock up on provisions or visit a restaurant. However a pleasant morning can be spent wandering around the well-planned streets doing some shopping and visiting its attractions.... see full details

Pedro St James Castle

East of George Town is Pedro St James. Originally built by an Englishman who arrived in the islands in 1765, it is the islands' oldest surviving building. Local stories also associate it with the pirate Henry Morgan and a 17th-century Spaniard, Pedro Gómez, though... see full details

Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park

The Caymans are better known for their sea life than habitation on the ground, but for keen botanists or those who would simply like a pleasant walk, the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park is hard to beat. A well-marked mile-long (2km) trail winds... see full details

Rum Point

Rum Point Beach consists of hundreds of yards of crystal clear shallow sand flats perfect for snorkelling in a conservation marine park. It is a tranquil retreat where hammocks slung under shady trees, picnic tables, a sandy beach and warm shallow waters provide a... see full details

Seven Mile Beach

Running north from George Town, Seven Mile Beach is a beautiful stretch of white sand that curls around the West of the island. A reef protects the coast and ensures that the water is calm and ideal for swimming and snorkelling. This is... see full details

Excursions

Stingray City and Sandbar

Stingray City and the Sandbar are snorkelling sites located in the North Sound, and are a must for water enthusiasts. The clear shallow waters are frequented by friendly stingrays that come to find out what titbits visitors have brought them. Boat tours take snorkellers... see full details

Events

Edward England's Flag

Pirates Week Festival

The Pirates invade George Town for a fiesta of music, dancing, costumes, food, drink and fireworks. Pirate Week is a one of a kind and the only place to celebrate the colourful characters of the past is in the warm sun of the Caribbean. The 'Pirates' land in George Town Harbour in renovated pirate ships, hoisting their Jolly Rogers high to the delight of thousands of families who gather to enjoy the Islands' heritage. A variety of parties, sporting events and cultural heritage celebrations take place throughout the week and leading up to it. There is something for the whole family.

Venue: George Town Harbour
Date: 6-16 November 2008
Website: www.piratesweekfestival.com