The Cayman Islands Has Plenty of Activities for Visitors to Enjoy

The Cayman Islands is an idyllic holiday destination in the Caribbean which has so much more to offer than merely world-class beaches. It offers fantastic opportunities for scuba-diving and snorkelling, for both beginners and the more experienced.

There's also the chance to feed stingrays, or to take a trip to the Turtle Farm to see the conservation efforts firsthand. However there's lots to do on land as well. It's a great place to go hiking, and the three islands are easily explored on foot.

The Cayman Islands is remarkable for having some of the most diverse flora and fauna anywhere in the world, and it's also home to the largest colony of red footed boobies in the Western Hemisphere. The Mastic Trail on Grand Cayman is an interesting two-mile hike which takes you through dry, subtropical forests.

More adventurous hikers may want to visit Cayman Brac, as it has some pretty spectacular walks along the cliff, and is also home to numerous caves which are suitable for first-time cavers or the more experienced. Little Cayman has lots of pristine coastline and secluded beaches, as well as mangrove forests, lagoons and wetlands to explore.

The Cayman Islands are very beautiful, and the National Trust for the Cayman Islands helps to protect local natural resources and wildlife, as well as some of the cultural and traditional sites which are of historical interest. These include Fort George, East End Light House Park, and Walter Cemetery.

One of the most interesting historical sites is owned by the government. Pedro St James is a reconstruction of a 1780 Great House which took seven years to complete, and is a great way of finding out more about the Cayman Islands history.

Affordable Homes in Cayman Brac Nearly Completed

Eight affordable homes being built for the Sister Island Affordable Housing Development Corporate are nearly completed. The eight contracts were awarded last December to construct four homes on the site in West End, while another four homes are currently being built at a location in the Watering Place.

All eight are around 75% completed, and they should be completely finished by the end of April. In spite of the high-speed construction, the homes have been built to a high standard, with sizes ranging between one and four bedrooms. The homes come with full kitchens and include all the appliances, but there is no central air conditioning. However they have been built so central air conditioning can be added at a later date.

These houses are seen as being an investment into the community, as they not only provide homes for working families, but have also created jobs within the local workforce. Eligibility for the homes is based on household income, employment, personal references and residency.

Cayman Brac is located to the north-east of Grand Cayman, and is only around 12 miles long and 1 mile wide, and its most prominent feature is The Bluff, which is a large limestone outcrop which rises along the length of the island, reaching 140 feet high at the eastern end. The island is named after this feature as Brac is the Gaelic name for bluff. It's perhaps best known as providing the inspiration for Robert Louis Stevenson's Treasure Island. Most tourists visit the island to explore the many caves, and it's also great for scuba divers as there are plenty of wrecks just off shore.

Attractions on the Cayman Islands

The Cayman Islands is a luxury upmarket destination which is renowned for its beautiful beaches and good year-round weather. It's fair to say many of the attractions on the islands are beach centred, but there are also a good choice of activities for those times when you feel like seeing a little more of the scenery.

One of the best-known beaches is Seven Mile Beach on Grand Cayman which is frequently named as one of the best beaches in the Caribbean. There are numerous beach bars and restaurants located here, and you'll find most of the resort hotels on the island are situated on this beach.

Perhaps the best-known attraction on Grand Cayman is Stingray City which is renowned for being one of the top places in the world for shallow dives and snorkelling. If you visit the spot then you'll have the chance to hand feed these amazing creatures as they are incredibly tame.

If you are looking for some of the best snorkelling and diving in the Caribbean then Bloody Bay Wall on Little Cayman is one of the best sites around. Cayman Brac also has some great dive sites and the opportunity to visit wrecks. It's also the least visited of the Cayman Islands, but has the most dramatic scenery and is great for anyone who likes walking, bird watching and of course diving.

Back on dry land another very popular attraction is Queen Elizabeth the second Botanic Park which is on Grand Cayman and displays the islands native flora and fauna and includes a lake area which is a natural habitat for the Cayman Blue Iguana.

The Rugged Attractions of Cayman Brac

Cayman Brac is the most dramatic of the three Cayman Islands and is fantastic for anyone who loves birdwatching and exploring local flora in the woodlands. It's possible to spot peregrine falcons, Frigate birds, brown boobies and sometimes it's even possible to see the Cayman Brac parrot.

The island is just 14 miles square and has a population of less than 1800, and the peaceful seafaring community enjoys welcoming visitors to their beautiful home. Brac is a Gaelic word which when translated means bluff as Cayman Brac has a dramatic limestone ridge which rises up to 140 feet high creating a dramatic landscape.

While the scenery on land is stunning, most visitors are attracted to Cayman Brac for its diving. Just off the island lies the wreck of the M/V Captain Keith Tibbitts which is a Russian built Cuban naval frigate that was sunk off the north-west coast in 1996 and its already home to a considerable variety of colourful marine life. In addition there are two other small wrecks lying off the island's coast.

Back on dry land Cayman Brac boasts a number of attractions including several caves. These include the Great Cave which has a number of interesting stalactites and stalagmites, the Bat Cave which is home to a number of small bats and Rebecca's Cave which is a historic site that once provided shelter for residents during a hurricane.

Peters Cave is also well worth a visit as it gives spectacular views across the south side of the island. The Cayman Brac Museum is the oldest museum in the Cayman Islands and provides a fascinating insight into life in the past. It's easy to dismiss the Cayman Islands as merely being a sunshine destination when in fact they have far much more to offer visitors who take the time to explore.

Cayman Islands Doctor Reveals Plans to Kick Start Medical Tourism

An internationally renowned heart surgeon, Dr Devi Shetty has purchased 200 acres in the Cayman Islands and plans to build a new hospital. Survey work is already beginning, and there are plans to include energy efficient technology throughout the building.

The land at High Rock was initially intended to become a commercial seaport, but this plan failed when it proved to be unpopular with locals. It's one of the highest elevated points on Grand Cayman and has natural protection against storm surges and flooding. As well as the hospital there will also be a number of support facilities including residential accommodation and hotels.

These plans have been in the pipeline for more than two years, and recent legislation passed by the government will enable practitioners to limit damages, keeping insurance costs and internal health care costs down.

The initial phase is expected to be quite a small hospital of just 140 beds, but during the next 10 to 15 years Shetty has additional plans to include an educational facility, assisted care community, a tertiary care hospital and a biotech research centre.

A development of this size will require significant improvements to infrastructure, including transportation and public services. Patients would stay on the island an average of nine and a half days and when the hospital becomes a fully operational it could be catering for 1,400 patients a day.

Whenever medical tourism is mentioned, it's easy to think it's only available in countries such as India or Thailand, but the fact it is expanding its reach to other countries can only be good news. The international medical tourism market is a sector which is increasing rapidly with many patients unable to afford or obtain decent medical care in their own countries.

Discovering the Appeal of the Sun-kissed Grand Cayman Island

The Cayman Islands is a British overseas territory consisting of three islands less than 500 miles south of Miami. The islands have a reputation for having some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, as well some of the best diving and snorkelling.

The largest island is Grand Cayman, and it’s here that you'll find the capital city of George Town which is excellent for those who enjoy fine dining and shopping. It's possible to do National Trust historic walking tours around the city, with a number of historic buildings currently being restored by the Trust and National Historic Sites Committee, and it is a great way to find out a little more about the history of the islands.

Grand Cayman makes an excellent place from which to start exploring these islands, and one of its main attractions is Seven Mile Beach, which although very long and beautiful is slightly less than 7 miles long. If you are a keen snorkeller or diver then there are a number of excellent tours available which can be personalised to suit your level of experience and comfort. It's also possible to sail, try your hand at parasailing or go deep sea fishing.

Other must see attractions include the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park which sprawls over 65 acres. The park includes a 0.8 mile walking Trail as well as a small cafe and a beautifully restored turn-of-the-century farmhouse complete with original furnishings, cistern, cook room and outbuildings.

There is also a two acre lake which is an important site for native aquatic birds, and the Park houses the Cayman Blue Iguana Captive Breeding and Reintroduction Facility. In fact there is a lot to see and do on Grand Cayman, and it makes the perfect location for those wishing to relax on a beach as well as for those who like to be slightly more active.

The Implications of Britain's Relationship to the Cayman Islands

The Cayman Islands is a British overseas territory and as such has a UK Governor, while its democracy is loosely based upon the UK’s legal system. This relationship brings political stability to the country, and is considered vital for attracting business to the islands.

The fact that the legal system is so closely related to the English legal system is extremely important as the ultimate right of appeal is the Privy Counsel in the UK, and there is also the ability to extend international conventions and UK laws wherever appropriate.

The islands also have an enviably low crime rate, and businesses are reassured by the fact that the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service can always call upon the UK police forces for assistance.

The UK also has the ability to approve borrowing by the Cayman Islands government, and while this policy hasn't always proved popular some experts do think it has been beneficial in keeping the country's financial management under control.

This relationship is not one-sided, and the Cayman Islands also bring considerable benefits to the UK, one of which is the international transfer of capital through structured finance products and funds. This helps generate substantial revenue for the City of London through accountancy firms, investment managers, banks and law firms. For its part, the Cayman Islands adhere strictly to international standards, a fact that was recently acknowledged by the Financial Stability Board.

Of course the Cayman Islands isn't all about business, and its tourism industry has substantially increased this year, with visitor numbers from the US and Europe up by 6.5% and 5.7% respectively.

Three Cayman Islands Create an Idyllic Destination

The Cayman Islands are located in the western Caribbean and consist of three islands called Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman. Together they form a little piece of paradise just 480 miles south of Miami. Visitors to the islands can enjoy sun kissed beaches and some of the best snorkelling and diving in the world.

The largest and most visited Ireland is Grand Cayman which is around 76 mi.². It is best known for having a shallow reef known as the North Sound which is around 35 mi.². Cayman Brac is the second largest island and is 89 miles north-east of Grand Cayman.

It is just 1.25 miles wide and 12 miles long, giving it an area of around 14 mi.². It's perhaps the most spectacular out of the three islands as there is a massive central limestone outcrop which dominates the island. Little Cayman is just 5 miles west of Cayman Brac and has an area of just 10 mi.².

The islands were discovered purely by chance in 1503 by Christopher Columbus whose ship was blown off course. He noted the islands were occupied by turtles, and this is the reason why islands were originally called Las Tortugas.

In 1523 a map showing the islands named them Lagartos which means large lizards or alligators, and by 1530 this name had changed to Caimanas which is the Carib Indian word for marine crocodile, as this creature is known to have lived on the islands. Over time the name gradually changed to become the more familiar Cayman Islands.

The Cayman Islands, Much More Than a Tax Haven

The Cayman Islands immediately conjures up images of offshore accounts as it is perhaps best known as being a tax haven, but there is far more to recommend this Caribbean paradise.

The three islands were originally discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1503, but he didn't find them appealing enough to take the trouble to go ashore. By 1670 the islands were under the control of the British and had been named Grand Cayman, Little Cayman and Cayman Brac, and the first settlers began to arrive, even though the Cayman Islands didn't seem to have much to recommend them at the time as they didn't produce any goods.

They still produce very little, as most income is earned from financial services and tourism, and they have to import around 90% of consumer goods and foods. It's only recently that they have become better known as a tourism destination, even though they have stunning beaches.

One of the best-known is Seven Mile Beach on Grand Cayman, which is just over 5 miles long, and it is well worth spending several days at least relaxing here. The islands are well known for their excellent diving and snorkelling, as they have more than 300 marked dive sites and the waters are crystal clear. In fact the Cayman Islands are considered to offer the best diving in the Caribbean.

Each island has its own distinct personality, and Little Cayman is truly tiny at just ten miles square with just one hundred inhabitants. Cayman Brac is a little larger with a population of around 2,000, but most people choose to stay on Grand Cayman.

Cayman Islands History and Economy

Although the Cayman Islands were first sighted in 1503 by Christopher Columbus, it wasn't until several decades later that the first English visitor landed on the islands. Sir Francis Drake landed in 1586 and gave the islands their name. However they remained largely uninhabited until the 17th century, and there is no archaeological evidence to suggest an indigenous people.

England took formal control of the islands in 1670, and remained in control until 1962 when the Cayman Islands became a separate Crown colony. They are historically known for being a tax exempt destination, and much of their economy is due to the fact that they are major international financial centre and the fifth largest banking centre in the world with around $1.5 trillion in banking liabilities.

However the islands are also known for being a luxury tourist destination, especially the island of Grand Cayman which is home to the famous Seven Mile Beach along which a number of the island resorts and hotels are located. In spite of its name, the beach is only 5.5 miles long, but is well known for its beauty and has frequently been named the best beach in the Caribbean.

Tourists also visit the islands of little Cayman and Cayman Brac, and all three are popular with scuba divers. There are also several locations where tourists can swim with stingrays, with the most popular being Stingray City in Grand Cayman. The Cayman Islands make an ideal destination year-round, as temperatures are comfortably in the late 20s. The driest months are January to April, while the wettest months tend to be in autumn.

The Idyllic Cayman Islands Is a Major Offshore Financial Services Centre

To most people the Cayman Islands conjures up an image of an idyllic holiday, and it's true that tourism accounts for around 70 to 75% of the annual GDP of the Cayman Islands, but it is also one of the world’s most important offshore financial services centre which includes vessel and aircraft registration, banking, mutual funds, companies and partnerships incorporation, trusts and the Cayman Islands Stock Exchange.

At the end of 2005 over 70,000 companies were incorporated on the Cayman Islands including 430 trust companies and banks and more than 7,000 funds. The Cayman Islands is also distinctive for having the highest standard of living in the Caribbean, as the average income here is $42,000 making GDP per capita the eighth highest in the world.

The islands are and overseas territory of the UK, and as such are largely managed from the United Kingdom, but the government of the Cayman Islands often resolves important issues without any intervention from Britain, and in recent years has developed a significant relationship with the US.

The government's main source of income is through indirect taxation, as locals and Cayman Island companies are not subject to any type of direct taxation. Import duty of 20% is charged against goods imported into the islands, and duty on imported cars can cost as much as 40% for expensive models.

The population on the islands is around 53,000, and more than 100 nationalities are represented here. Around half of the population is Caymanians and most of the residents reside on Grand Cayman. One of the biggest attractions on Grand Cayman is the world-famous Seven Mile Beach which has the reputation of being amongst the best in the world.

New Tourism School Planned for the Cayman Islands

The premiere of the Cayman Islands intends to establish a tourism and local hospitality school early in 2012, in order to encourage more Caymanians into this growing sector.

McKeeva Bush thinks the country needs to take a long-term view of tourism, and should be looking to train more local people for jobs in the industry. Research shows visitors to the islands are looking to have a more authentic local experience, and are willing to pay for this if the Cayman Islands can deliver it.

He feels more Caymanians should be able to benefit from tourism, so the tourism ministry will be joining forces with the University College of the Cayman Islands to provide training at an international certification level for those interested in careers in tourism.

The aim of the school is to provide a well-trained local labour force, as this will help local people directly benefit from tourism while enhancing the cultural flavour for visitors. It's expected that the school will deliver a world-class workforce, and during the first phase will offer City and Guilds certification and associate degree programs.

The tourism school will form links with well-known institutions such as Cornell University and other affiliated universities. The second phase will offer further certification and degree programs which will include City and Guilds certification courses and bachelor degree programs with Cornell University and the Culinary Institute of America as well as other well-known institutions.

The school is also expected to eventually accept international students. Having a local workforce which has been trained to world-class standards should greatly enhance the Cayman Islands already considerable appeal.

The Attractions of the Cayman Islands

The Cayman Islands were first discovered by Columbus in 1503, but were later traded to England and are still a British colony; as such the islands speak English, have a Parliamentary type government, and are still subject to Great Britain in matters of defence and foreign policy.

The islands are quite wealthy, as they have the highest per capita income in the Caribbean, and they have their own local currency which is the Cayman dollar which is currently pegged to the US dollar at 1.25. The Caymanians are known for their friendliness.

The Cayman Islands are also the financial capital of the Caribbean, and have more than 500 banks and financial institutions. This is probably due to the fact that there are no direct taxes, no income taxes, no capital gains tax or inheritance taxes or property tax.

Foreigners are allowed to open bank accounts and to borrow money. Anyone investing in the country, which includes buying a residence, is eligible for residency in the Caymans providing they have a clean police record. Residency allows unrestricted stays and to be taxed as a non-resident in their home country.

However residency doesn't give the right to work as this requires a work permit and these tend only to be issued if local labour isn't available.

The tourist industry here has enjoyed enviable growth, and it's not surprising as it is considered one of the world's top three scuba diving and snorkelling destinations, while deep sea fishing is also considered to be extremely good. Visitors can take a number of interesting tours through the Cayman Islands National Trust, and of course there are plenty of beaches for sunbathing.