Sights of the Cayman Islands. Attractions of the Cayman Islands Tourism in the Cayman Islands

Cayman islands- a British overseas territory in the Caribbean Sea, 240 km south of Cuba, 730 km south of Miami (USA) and 267 km northwest of Jamaica. The territory includes the islands of Grand Cayman, Little Cayman and Cayman Brac. Area - 264 sq. km. The capital is George Town, located on the west coast of Grand Cayman.

The largest island in the Cayman Islands is Grand Cayman, with an area of ​​197 square kilometers. km, and the length is 35 km with a width of 6.5 km. The highest point of the island is 16 m. A significant part of the island is occupied by the North Sound lagoon (56 sq. km).

Little Cayman Island lies 8 km west of Cayman Brac Island. Little Cayman's area is 16 km². The surface of the island is low, only in the northern part the coast reaches a height of 12 m.

Cayman Brac Island lies 142 km northeast of Grand Cayman. Length - 19 km with an average width of 2 km, area - about 24 km². The highest point of the island is 46 m.

There are no rivers on the islands. The coast is surrounded by reefs and in some places mangroves, which sometimes extend into the marshy interior of the islands. Plant cover and fauna are poor, but the surrounding waters are rich in fish, turtles, crustaceans and molluscs.

Climate in the Cayman Islands

Climate in the Cayman Islands- tropical, trade wind.

Average monthly temperatures range from +15°C in winter to +30°C in summer. From May to October the temperature practically does not change and is about +28°C...+30°C, from November to April it is dry and relatively cool, the average daily temperature is +17°C...+24°C.

The rainy season is the period from May to October (showers are usually heavy but short-lived). From November to April the weather is relatively dry and clear, rain is rare and mostly occurs in the evening or at night. Between June and November, hurricanes and storms may pass through the Cayman Islands.

The best time to visit the Cayman Islands is from mid-December to mid-April (peak tourist season).

Population

Population of the Cayman Islands- about 50.2 thousand people (2010).

Average life expectancy is 78 years for men, 83 years for women.

Ethno-racial composition: mulatto 41%, white 20%, black 20%, immigrants (mostly Cubans) and other 20%.

The majority of believers (about 90%) are Christians (Catholics, Baptists, Seventh-day Adventists, Anglicans, Pentecostals and other denominations).

The official language is English. Spanish is also spoken.

About money

Cayman Islands dollar(KYD or CI$) is the currency of the Cayman Islands. 1 KYD = 100 cents. 1, 5, 10 and 25 cent coins and 1, 5, 10, 25, 50 and 100 dollar bills.

US dollars circulate freely throughout the islands and are accepted or exchanged at most banks and commercial establishments.

You can exchange currency in banks, hotels and exchange offices located at the airport and in numerous banks in the capital.

Most hotels, shops and travel agencies accept credit cards from the world's leading payment systems. ATMs are ubiquitous. However, in some small restaurants, hotels and cafes, especially in Little Cayman and Cayman Brac, credit cards are extremely difficult to use.

Travel checks can be cashed at most major stores, hotels, banks and travel agencies. To avoid additional costs associated with exchange rate fluctuations, it is recommended to bring checks in US dollars.

Communications

Telephone code: 1 - 345

Internet domain: .ky

Emergency assistance (ambulance, police, fire): 911

How to call

To call from Russia to the Cayman Islands, you need to dial: 8 - dial tone - 10 - 1 - 345 - subscriber number.

To call from the Cayman Islands to Russia, you need to dial: 011 - 7 - area code - subscriber number.

Landline communications

Pay phones are ubiquitous and operate on value prepaid cards sold at company offices, post offices, newsstands and stores.

The cost of a minute of calls within the islands is about 0.25 KYD; a call to another island of the archipelago is charged as a local one.

mobile connection

Standard communications are GSM 850/900/1800/1900. Cellular communications cover almost all of the islands. Local operators are LIME and Digicel Cayman.

Shopping

In the Cayman Islands there are a lot of Duty free stores, where literally everything is sold, from beautiful emeralds to Cuban cigars and modern electronics. There are many tourist shops where you can buy T-shirts, hats, postcards and more.

Where to stay

Holidays in the Cayman Islands are quite expensive. A day in a 5* hotel will cost an average of $300 or more, 4* hotels ask for their services from $200 per day, accommodation in a 2-3* hotel will cost about $100 per day.

Moreover, outside the tourist season, the price level decreases by 20-25%, while during the high season (December - April) hotel prices increase by 50% or more.

Sea and beaches

In the Cayman Islands, nature has created excellent conditions for a beach holiday: beaches with fine white sand, and a warm sea with clear water and excellent snorkeling opportunities.

Story

The islands of Cayman Brac and Little Cayman were discovered by Christopher Columbus on May 10, 1503, during his 4th expedition to the New World, when his ship turned west to "two very small and low-lying islands, which were full of turtles." That is why the islands were named Las Tortugas (Turtle Islands).

Since 1523, the Cayman Islands have been charted under the name "Lagartos", meaning "alligators" or "large lizards". The name "Cayman Islands" has been in use since 1530. The origin of this name is associated with a misunderstanding: European newcomers saw large iguana lizards on the islands and mistook them for caiman crocodiles.

The first Englishman to visit the Cayman Islands was Francis Drake, who landed on the islands in 1586. From then on, the Cayman Islands, while remaining uninhabited, became an important intermediate point for ships sailing in the Caribbean Sea, as provisions were replenished here (mainly local turtles were hunted, which almost led to their complete destruction).

The 1670 Treaty of Madrid formally transferred control of the Cayman Islands to Britain, which administered the islands through a governor in Jamaica. Before this, in 1661, the first settlements were founded on the islands of Little Cayman and Cayman Brac. However, in 1671, due to frequent raids by Spanish privateers, the Cayman Islanders were resettled back to the island of Jamaica.

After that, only shipwrecked sailors, as well as pirates and debtors who fled from their creditors, settled on the islands, mainly on Grand Cayman. Subsequently, several attempts were made to repopulate the Cayman Islands, however, they were all unsuccessful: a permanent settlement on Grand Cayman appeared only in the 1730s, and Cayman Brac and Little Cayman were inhabited only from 1833.

The first census on the islands was carried out in 1802. According to it, 933 people lived on the island of Grand Cayman, of which 545 people were slaves. Before the abolition of slavery, there were about 950 slaves on the island, owned by 116 families.

On December 10, 1831, the first legislative assembly was elected, which issued the first law on December 31, 1831. Subsequently, the Governor of Jamaica approved the creation of a Cayman Islands legislature consisting of 8 Masters appointed by the Governor of Jamaica and 10 (later 27) Deputies elected by the people of the islands. Slavery was abolished in the Cayman Islands in 1835.

By an Act of the British Parliament in 1863, the Cayman Islands officially became a dependent territory of Jamaica, although it was more like a county of Jamaica with appointed justices of the peace and elected members of the legislature. From 1750 to 1898, the head of the Cayman Islands was appointed by the governor of Jamaica. Since 1898, the Governor of Jamaica began to appoint a Commissioner of the Islands.

In 1959, following the creation of the West Indies Federation, the Cayman Islands ceased to be a dependent territory of Jamaica, although the Governor of Jamaica remained the Governor of the Cayman Islands. After Jamaica gained independence in 1962, the Cayman Islanders expressed a desire to remain under the tutelage of the British Crown. As a result, an administrator was appointed in London with the functions previously performed by the Governor of Jamaica.

In 1953, the first airstrip and public hospital in Georgetown were opened in the Cayman Islands. Soon, an office of the largest English joint-stock commercial bank, Barclays Bank, was opened on the islands. In 1959, the Cayman Islands adopted its own constitution, which granted voting rights to women for the first time. In 1992, several amendments were made to the constitution, in particular, the post of chief secretary, abolished in 1986, was restored.

Despite the fact that the Cayman Islands have ceased to be a dependent territory of Jamaica, close ties remain between the countries: a single church, a diocese, and until 1972, a single currency. In 2004-2005, just over 50% of the population was of Jamaican origin.

Helpful information

Life in the Cayman Islands is quite conservative: public displays of passion (both homosexual and heterosexual) are generally not encouraged.

Camping is prohibited in the Cayman Islands! Any tourist caught setting up a camp without permission will be subject to administrative penalties, including detention. Local authorities explain this rule by the fact that the islands offer a wide variety of all kinds of accommodation facilities for any budget, while the local nature is very vulnerable.

The islands' strict maritime laws prohibit spearfishing and the bringing to the surface of any form of marine life, including empty shells and dead coral branches. If necessary, such souvenirs can be purchased at quite reasonable prices in specialized stores (when leaving for such products, you will need to present an invoice from a retail establishment).

All tap water in the country is obtained by distillation of seawater and is safe for consumption. It is recommended to use bottled water.

How to get to the Caymans

There are no direct flights between Russia and the Cayman Islands.

The most convenient flight option from Moscow: with one transfer via London with the airline British Airways: Moscow - London (Heathrow) - Grand Cayman. In this case, a transit visa is not needed, since the flight from Moscow arrives at Heathrow, and the flight to the Cayman Islands also departs from here. Flight duration is from 20 hours (depending on the connection). The average flight cost is about 1000-1200 euros (both ways).

You can also get to the Cayman Islands via the USA (Miami, New York).

Airlines flying from the USA to the Cayman Islands: DELTA(Atlanta) Cayman Airways(Miami, New York, Washington) American Airlines(Miami).

If you are flying through the United States, you must obtain an American visa. Even for transit passengers who do not leave the airport.

The Cayman Islands are an archipelago of three islands in the Caribbean.
The Cayman Islands are located on the map, between North and South America, in the western Caribbean, approximately 240 kilometers from Cuba, 730 kilometers from Miami. Area – 262 km²

Story

Religion

Christianity has played a large role in the life of the Cayman Islands. The largest churches are:

• Church of God
• Roman Catholic
• Seventh Day Adventist
• Presbyterian/United Church
• Forerunners

Other religions are also present on the islands: Baha'i, Jewish, Buddhist, Hindu and Muslim. Although these congregations are not large enough to support houses of worship, services are held in family-style homes and visitors are welcome.

Geography

“Black smokers” - dormant underwater volcanoes - were discovered at the bottom of the Cayman Trench.

The Cayman Islands are part of an undersea ridge extending west from Cuba. The Cayman Trench is the deepest part of the Caribbean Sea, separating the Caymans from Jamaica, its maximum depth is 7686 m.

Holiday dates

• January 1 - New Year
• January 26 – National Heroes Day
• February - Ash Wednesday.
• March-April – Good Friday, Easter Monday
• May 18-21 – Opening Day
• June 15-18 - Queen's Birthday
• July 6th – Constitution Day
• November 9 -17 - Memorial Day
• December 25 – Christmas
• December 28 – Boxing Day

National flag

The flag of the Cayman Islands is based on the blue English stern ensign with the flag of Great Britain in the upper left corner and the addition of the coat of arms of the Cayman Islands on the right side of the flag. The flag of the Cayman Islands was officially adopted after the adoption of the coat of arms on May 14, 1958.

Population

The population of the Cayman Islands in 2015 is approximately 60 thousand people. Annual population growth is 2.3%.

Most Cayman Islanders are churchgoers and frown upon violent behavior, discourtesy, drunkenness, gambling and drug use.

The Cayman Islands is a British overseas territory. The main occupations of the population are serving tourists and raising turtles. The cost of living is generally higher than in the United States or the United Kingdom since most goods are imported

Tourism

The islands become especially lively during the winter months - the "tourist season" - from November to April, when large numbers of tourists arrive. The Christmas season is a highlight, with many parties, celebrations and various events.

Climate

From May to October the air temperature ranges from +27°С to +31°С, and from November to April +16°С…+25°С. In the period from May to October, southeast winds predominate, and from December to April, northeast and northwest winds prevail. Hurricane season officially begins on June 1st and ends on December 1st.

Attractions

Excursions take place throughout the island, including historical monuments, natural parks, hiking trails, bird sanctuaries, underwater reefs, and, of course, famous beaches. Each area of ​​the islands has its own unique attractions and features.

Some of the most visited places in the Cayman Islands are Seven Mile Beach, the Pedro James Estate, and Botswanes Beach Park.

The capital of the Caymans is George Town, located on Grand Cayman. Here you can visit the Fort George fortress, as well as the fortress built in the 20th century. - Elmslie Church. East End Park overlooks the site of the 1794 Ten Ship Wreck, the most famous maritime disaster in the history of the islands. In 1994, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II visited the observation deck.

In the north of the city, Harbor Drive is worth a visit; celebrities appear here from time to time while vacationing on the islands.

There are many car rental and taxi companies in the Cayman Islands. There is a bus service on Grand Cayman. There are berths for pleasure boats. Travel between the islands is carried out periodically by boat, but mainly by air.

Fauna

The Green Sea Turtle Chelonia mydas (sometimes called the soup turtle) nursery was built to replenish the number of turtles, as well as to sell the meat and shells of these rare animals. All money raised from the sale of turtle meat goes towards conservation and research. In 1983, the farm was purchased by the government of the Cayman Islands. Every year the farm releases several thousand small turtles into the sea.

Cuban white-headed Amazon (Amazona leucocephala) also: white-headed Amazon, Cuban Amazon, Bahamas parrot, Cayman Islands parrot. Listed in the Red Book, there are approximately 400-500 of them left in the wild.

Diving

The Caymans are world famous for their underwater beauty. Diving and snorkeling clubs offer equipment and instructors for both beginners and seasoned practitioners. For those who don't want to get wet, there are excursions on glass-bottom boats.

In the coastal area lies the Russian-built Cuban destroyer Captain Kate Tibets, specially sunk for divers.

Restaurants

Grand Cayman has excellent restaurants serving a variety of tempting dishes. There are ethnic cuisines to choose from from Italian, Indian, Chinese, Thai and Mexican, and there are fish and sushi restaurants also specializing in local cuisine. You can order turtle dishes.

There are several nightclubs on Grand Cayman, providing entertainment from jazz and piano, to disco and calypso music.

The Cayman Islands are a paradise for a good holiday. Here nature has created all the conditions for a beach holiday: fine white sand and a warm sea with clear water.

On May 10, 1503, during his last expedition to America, Christopher Columbus discovered the Cayman Islands. Initially, the Spaniards named the Turtle Islands because of the abundance of these reptiles in the surrounding waters, but later it turned out that there were many more crocodiles there, and the islands were renamed.

Coat of arms and flag of the Cayman Islands

The Cayman Islands are one of the most favorable and exotic places for a good holiday. The entire territory of the Cayman Islands covers about 264 km². These amazing islands are located in the northwestern part of the well-known Caribbean Sea, between Jamaica and Cuba. The islands include: Cayman-Brac, Grand Cayman and Little Cayman. The capital of these islands is Georgetown.

Owen Roberts International Airport is located in the city of Georgetown (Cayman Islands) at latitude 19.29 and longitude -81.36 and is at an altitude of 2 m relative to sea level. The Owen Roberts International runway is 2134 m long.

The climate on the islands is one of the most favorable, trade winds, tropical, so your vacation will be comfortable and healthy. Average monthly temperatures range from + 15C to +30C. The population of this area is considered truly diverse, because here you can see blacks, whites, and mulattoes.

The surprising thing is that there are no rivers on the islands. The entire coastline is surrounded by reefs, and in some places by mangroves.

Not a single tourist will be able to resist the beauty of the sights that are located in the Cayman Islands. A wonderful place is the modern city of Georgetown. This wonderful city can easily be called not only the administrative center of the islands, but also a small historical center. While here, you can visit the interesting “Cayman Maritime Treasure Museum” - the Cayman Maritime Treasure Museum. Georgetown is also a major shopping center.

Seven Mile Beach stretches from north to south along the exotic shores of West Bay. On this beach, everyone can relax luxuriously on the white ancient sand. Tourists are always amazed by the service offered by local residents.

For those who love adventure, you can go to the City Pirate Caves, which are located near the town of Bodden, which is located east of the capital of the Cayman Islands. These caves are a funny place, which is shrouded in various legends and stories. According to some rumors, it is known that pirates used this mysterious place to hide their treasures. Every year thousands of tourists are interested in this place and come here again and again.

A very interesting place can be called the so-called Hell - incredibly beautiful black and jagged cliffs that are located in the northwest of Grand Cayman. Not far from this place is the only Cayman Turtle Farm in the world. This large, managed establishment is making every effort to increase the number of rare green turtles.

In general, the Cayman Islands are distinguished by the fact that they have various species of sea and amphibian turtles. Turtle farming is the most popular craft practiced by the indigenous people of the Cayman Islands.

Turtle farm in the Cayman Islands

The turtle farm is located on Grand Cayman Island. It is an absolutely unique enterprise, since it was formed with the noble goal of replenishing the number of turtles in their natural environment. There are about 16 thousand sea turtles of various ages on the farm: from palm-sized babies to mature, respectable individuals. Thousands of turtles are released into the ocean every year.

The genus of green turtles is distinguished by its rather large size: length - from 70 to 150 cm, and weight - up to 200 kg. However, there are also real giants, whose weight reaches 500 kg. A young turtle in the ocean feeds on small animals and jellyfish, then, as it matures, it approaches the shores, eating algae and coastal plants.

They hunt the green turtle for its shell, from which they make combs, bracelets and various elegant things. Meat and eggs are prized by gourmets. But the most famous dish is turtle soup, which is why the green turtle is also called soup turtle.

Given the increasing demand for turtles, there is a need to protect this species from complete extermination. Therefore, in 1968, a turtle farm was created. The main task of which is scientific research to help increase the turtle population and release the young into the ocean.

The turtles live in special pools on the farm. In them, like in a kindergarten, the turtles are distributed according to age and size. Smaller turtles are sociable and curious and can be scratched or handled. You should not approach pools with huge adult turtles, as they are dangerous - they can bite off your finger. There are some individuals living on the farm who are under 60 years old and weigh 200 kg. For laying eggs, a sandy shore was equipped near the pools. The turtles are carried there, and the heavier ones are lifted with a small crane.

The moment when the turtles quickly run across the white sand to their native ocean waters attracts hundreds of spectators to the farm. Experts say that most of them will definitely return to lay eggs in the sands of Cayman over the next 20 years, 500–1000 of them.

In addition to scientific activities, the company sells turtle eggs, meat and shells. Tourists at the farm are offered to see a pool with dolphins, an aquarium with sharks and various types of fish. You can also dive into the underwater kingdom of the lagoon with fins and a mask to view graceful corals and colorful fish.

Queen Elizabeth II Botanical Garden in the Caribbean

Botanical Garden. Grand Cayman Island, Western Caribbean.

The garden area originally belonged to Richard Hope and was part of the huge Hope Estate. Richard Hope, commander of the British army, received these lands as a reward in 1655 for helping the British Crown colonize Jamaica.

At that time, Hope Estate was used as a sugarcane plantation. In 1881, 80 hectares of plantations were acquired by the government to create experimental gardens for the cultivation of overseas plants. It was here that coffee and pineapples were first grown in Jamaica.

One of the notable moments in the history of Hope Gardens was the visit of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953. Following the visit, the Queen gave permission to officially change the name of the garden to "Royal Botanical Gardens, Hope".

One of the most ancient historical buildings is Pedro Castle, located east of the beautiful city of Georgetown. This castle is also called the place where democracy is born, as the parliament was located there. At the moment, Pedro Castle has been turned into a museum, and everyone can easily visit it. This place is also famous for the fact that the Slavery Abolition Act was proclaimed here in 1835.

The Cayman Islands are an ideal place for diving. The islands' coastal waters, which are cleaner than the average Caribbean Sea, are home to exotic fish, turtles and various species of stingrays. In addition, diving here can be done almost all year round: even in the worst weather, there is a safe leeward area on the islands.

Grand Cayman is the largest, most populous and virtually the most developed island of the three. This island is known for having ideal conditions for scuba diving, so that by visiting it, every guest will be able to see all the beauty of the underwater world.

Ramada Grand Caymanian Resort Hotel

The Cayman Islands is a place where everyone will find entertainment to their liking, a place that combines everything: a relaxing holiday for those who love silence and a variety of entertainment for those who like to have fun, a variety of excursions and a rich cultural heritage. This is truly a heavenly place where you can find everything you want...

Peculiarities of the Cayman Islands cuisine You can still try turtle dishes here. Despite the fact that the turtle population has decreased significantly. What makes Cayman Islands cuisine unique? The basis of the authentic cuisine here is seafood dishes. They are extremely diverse due to the richness of the underwater world. These include lobsters, mussels, lobsters, and all other fish. And the main sauce is curry.

Culinary delights of the Cayman Islands Seafood ceviche - options with shellfish, tomatoes and onions are especially popular. Turtle steaks, Creole pork, spicy Caribbean tuna, red snapper and lemon sea bass cooked over an open fire can all be enjoyed in the Cayman Islands.

The islands are rich in fruits - mangoes and avocados, grapefruits and coconuts, bananas and papaya. In the Cayman Islands, it is customary to drink coffee and tea, and among alcoholic drinks - beer and rum. The most famous type of rum here is Tortuga.

Between Cuba and Jamaica

A small series (only three) of low islands is comfortably located between socialist Cuba (240 km) and northwest of Jamaica (267 km). These are the Caymans, islands without rivers.

Either the Caribbean Sea or a certain remoteness from the world gives the Caymans a bit of a pirate flavor, although the population here is quite peaceful and civilized.

Once upon a time the archipelago was indeed a haven for corsairs, but nowadays only theatrical performances remind us of this.

By the way, they are very bright and realistic: the participants not only fire cannons and fight on the shore and on the decks, they sink ships without regret, decorative ones, of course, but this does not detract from the entertainment of the action.

Everything is for the benefit of tourists!

Pirates and turtle hunters, fishermen, cabinetmakers, ropemakers, bankers - all of them at different times found business for themselves in the Cayman Islands.

Now tourism is thriving here.

70 percent of the gross domestic product and 75 percent of foreign exchange income - these are the “modest” amounts that these islands provide every year for beach lovers, diving and large turtles.

How it all began

We discovered where the Cayman Islands are located completely by accident, Christopher Columbus, a lover of expeditions to these places, came across the archipelago.

Everything happened in 1503 according to Providence: a strong wind blew, the ships lost their course and instead of the planned Haiti they ended up in the Cayman Islands (then nameless and unfamiliar).

The first thing that struck the travelers was that the islands were almost entirely covered with large boulders.

But as people approached, the stones began to come to life, move and try to move.

Huge-sized turtles were in those days the only and full-fledged owners and inhabitants of the islands.

Therefore, the island received its first official name precisely based on its inhabitants - Las Tortugas.

Having learned about the turtle-rich islands, Spanish hunters flocked there.

The influx was so great that after a few years the number of tortillas decreased significantly and the name of the archipelago no longer corresponds to reality.

A new name - the Cayman Islands - appeared again thanks to an error. Someone confused large lizards with crocodiles - caimans.

Having been under the jurisdiction of Jamaica and not having improved the economy during that period, The Caymans are now considered British possessions: the population speaks English, holidays are celebrated in English, first and last names are in English, traditions are followed accordingly in English.

Economic affairs have long since improved.

Cayman Islanders

The local population, thanks to its highly developed economy, differs positively from the residents of other exotic but poor islands in its habit of feeling on an equal footing with tourists.

The behavioral traits of the Caymanians are similar to European ones - friendliness is obvious.


Probably nowhere in the world will you find a tradition of politely greeting strangers. But here it is in the order of things.

The presence of politeness, but the absence of familiarity and intrusiveness towards tourists is a distinctive feature of the residents of the Cayman Islands.

The Caymanians are very strict in their dress and demand the same from their guests. This is how you can’t easily enter a restaurant in jeans and a T-shirt: dress code, gentlemen.

Cheerful, hospitable, emphatically respectful of tourists - these are the locals.

The Queen and Democracy Rule

The government system on the islands is based on the principles of the Westminster system - parliamentary democracy, in other words.

The Queen of England is the nominal head of state, on the islands Her Majesty is represented by a governor appointed for four years.

The most resort place

The Cayman Islands are a complete resort. Each island is attractive as part of the archipelago and as an independent tourist area.

Grand Cayman.

The name already presents it as the largest island of the archipelago.

Besides, all local attractions, best restaurants and shops are located here, selling diving equipment (this type of recreation is number one in the Cayman Islands).

Nature has not been stingy for this island and has endowed it with so many beauties that never cease to amaze the imagination of tourists.

Is it possible to find a silver palm in other parts of the world or on other islands?

Those who live here are rare Amazon parrots are also variegated and colorful, like all local nature.

In May-June, after plenty of rain, the banana orchid blooms on the island - an incomparable white flower with purple strokes on the petals.

All this: palm trees, parrots, orchids, turtles - has become the calling card of the Cayman Islands.

You can watch and admire, but You cannot pick, catch, buy or take out of the country.

Natural wonders are on display at the National Botanical Garden and Turtle Farm.

Cayman Brac.

This is nature in its purest form. There are no architectural monuments, nothing reminiscent of a metropolis here.

Only limestone mountains crossing the island, only mysterious caves and paths lost in the thickets.

On this island, even human habitation is closely fused with nature.

It’s so crowded that at times you still have to look for it, and it’s not a fact that you’ll even notice: the island houses are completely covered with ever-blooming vegetation and practically don’t stand out against the background of the overall green-colored picture.

Ecotourists and divers flock here. The island is especially interesting for divers.

Some ten years ago, a Cuban ship sank nearby.

There was no intention of raising it from a depth of 330 feet, and the frigate became home to numerous sea inhabitants.

The bravest daredevils among underwater travelers often swim up to the ship, scaring away its current inhabitants, and observe this unity of the creation of technical thought and marine fauna.

Little Cayman.

Remember the song: “But we know that this island is uninhabited”? Well, not really.

It would be correct to say that it is the least inhabited and the least developed. Only about a hundred people live permanently on Little Cayman.

In ancient times, they only hunted turtles here, and when they practically disappeared, people also left the island.

Subsequently, the settlers did not stay on the island for too long due to frequent hurricanes.


The island is really very small: 10 miles long and only a mile wide. But it has the cleanest and most deserted beaches.

Besides a colony of rare iguanas (2000 individuals) has been preserved here.

And it is this island that is the main one for the implementation of several environmental programs.

But the most important thing is that there is such freedom here for diving fans!

The marine coral parks of Bloody Bay and Jackson Point cannot be described even in the most beautiful words with a mass of the most unusual synonyms - you just need to see it.

Main type of recreation

Everyone comes here for underwater experiences.

Diving is the predominant and favorite type of recreation for tourists.

And the Cayman Islands seem to be specially created for underwater travel: coastal waters are clean and transparent, abound with exotic fish, turtles, and stingrays that are so cute for the tourist eye.

The Cayman Islands are ranked among the safest diving destinations.

You can dive here all year round: even in bad weather, there is sure to be a sheltered leeward place on the islands where you can safely indulge in your favorite pastime.


There are many diving centers on the islands, where they will provide, advise, and teach at affordable prices and rental equipment.

Local kitchen

Caymanian traditional dishes are the cuisine of Jamaica. For so many years of living side by side, the Jamaican one could not help but influence the Caymanian one.

And now local housewives and restaurateurs use a large number of seasonings and perceive this as a traditional Caymanian culinary feature.

A tourists happily order dishes from mussels, lobsters and other seafood. They are really wonderful here! And the garnish is non-standard: coconut or plantain.

Important for tourists

Currency – Cayman Islands dollar, which is divided into 100 cents. Coins are highly valued by numismatists and are rare in their collections, so when going on a tour to the Cayman Islands, do not forget to grab a couple “as a souvenir.”

You can use travel checks or cards from the world's leading financial systems.

To enter, in addition to a passport and a visa to the Cayman Islands, you must have a certificate of income and a certificate of position.

The import and export of national and foreign currency is unlimited. Only amounts exceeding US$10,000 must be declared.

Admire the underwater world of the Cayman Islands

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The cleanest sandy beaches, thickets of tropical greenery, well-groomed modern cities - all this can be seen by tourists who decide to visit the Cayman Islands. These are British overseas territories located in the Caribbean Sea. The islands are located 240 kilometers from Cuba, 730 kilometers from Miami, 267 kilometers from Jamaica. The Cayman Islands are made up of three territories: Grand Cayman, Little Cayman and Cayman Brac.

Grand Cayman has an area of ​​197 square kilometers and a length of 35 kilometers. The highest point of the island is 16 meters high. Most of the island is occupied by the North Sound, a magnificent lagoon.

Eight kilometers from Grand Cayman lies an island called Little Cayman. Its area is 16 square kilometers. The territory of the island is a plain, only in one place its elevation reaches 12 meters.

Northeast of Grand Cayman, 142 kilometers lies the island of Cayman Brac. Its area is 24 square kilometers and its length is 19 kilometers. The highest point of the island is 46 meters high.

On the west coast of Grand Cayman is the capital of the Cayman Islands, George Town.

50.2 thousand people live on the islands. The average life expectancy of the local population is as follows: for men - 78 years, and for women - 83 years. The following ethno-national composition lives on the territory of the Cayman Islands:

• mulattoes - 40%,
• white - 20%,
• blacks - 20%,
• expatriates of different nationalities - 20%.

The official language is English, but Spanish and other languages ​​are also spoken.

The people of the Cayman Islands are deeply religious and practice various religions. In percentage terms it looks like this:

• Protestants - 67.7% (United Church, Seventh-day Adventist, Baptist, Pentecostal, Anglican, Unaffiliated);
• Catholics - 12.6%;
• followers of other religions - 4%,
• others - 6.5%,
• non-believers - 6.1%,
• unspecified - 3.2%.

History is silent about the names of the original inhabitants of the Cayman Islands. The first European to see the shores of the Cayman Islands was Christopher Columbus. He encountered flocks of turtles in the waters, which served as the first name for this group of islands - Las Tortugas, which means the Turtle Islands. There was no permanent population on the islands until 1660; pirates and turtle hunters lived here. In 1670, the islands became the property of Great Britain, and the population barely reached 1,000 people. For the most part, the islands were inhabited by a captive population - slaves. After the abolition of serfdom, many residents remained on the islands, and the population increased approximately fivefold.

Today the islands are famous for their unique nature, luxurious beaches, and the best places for spearfishing, yachting, and surfing.

Regions and resorts.

Geographically, the Cayman Islands can be divided into the following regions and resorts: Grand Cayman, Little Cayman and Cayman Brac, and it is also worth highlighting the capital of tourist recreation and the center of entertainment life - Georgetown.

Difference in time.

Time difference between Cayman Islands and other cities:

• from Kaliningrad -6 hours,
• from Moscow - 5 hours,
• with Samara - 4 hours,
• with Yekaterinburg - 3 hours,
• from Omsk - 2 hours,
• from Krasnoyarsk - 1 hour,
• with Irkutsk - there is no time difference,
• from Yakutsk+1 hour,
• with Vladivostok+2 hours,
• from Magadan+3 hours,
• with Kamchatka + 4 hours.

Climate.

Due to the location of the Cayman Islands near the equator, a tropical climate with trade winds prevails over the entire territory. Average monthly temperatures in winter are 15 degrees plus, and in summer - 30 degrees plus. The rainy season on the islands begins from May to October, the showers are usually very heavy, but short-lived. Please note that hurricanes and storms may hit the islands from July to October.

The most favorable time to visit the islands is from December to April. At this time, the weather in the Cayman Islands is dry and sunny, there is practically no rain, and if it happens, it occurs only in the evening and at night. Be prepared for the fact that this is the peak holiday season, and prices are often unreasonably high. It is in order to save money that many tourists go on vacation during the rainy season, which makes moving around the island and sightseeing much more difficult.

Visa and customs.

Residents of the Russian Federation need a visa to visit the Cayman Islands. You can apply for a visa either on your own or with the help of intermediaries. If you apply on your own, the visa fee will be about $197, and if you involve an intermediary, the fee will double.

To obtain a visa, a traveler will need the following documents:

1. a valid international passport, at the time of submitting documents it must remain valid for six months and have a free page for affixing a visa;
2. a copy of the first page of the international passport;
3. completed on the UK Migration Service website, application form in English;
4. one color photo measuring 3.5*4.5 centimeters;
5. documents confirming the traveler's solvency: bank statements, salary receipts;
6. certificate of employment, signed by the director and chief accountant, certified by the seal of the enterprise;
7. an invitation from the host party, which clearly indicates the dates of arrival and departure from the hotel and the country, confirmation of the hotel reservation;
8. two-way plane tickets.

Every traveler, when visiting a new country, should know the basic customs rules for the import and export of goods, so as not to get into an awkward situation at customs.

You can import duty-free into the Cayman Islands:

• Currency. The import and export of foreign currency is not limited, subject to its mandatory declaration, and Jamaican dollars can be exported in an amount not exceeding JAD20 per person.
• Alcohol. Up to one liter of alcohol per person over eighteen years of age can be brought into the country duty-free.
• Cigarettes. You are allowed to carry up to 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars and 250 grams of tobacco.
• Peculiarities. Perfumes and cosmetics can be imported only for personal use. You are allowed to bring a camera duty free, but radio equipment is subject to duty. It is strictly prohibited to import radioactive materials, drugs, weapons, military uniforms, mercury, plant cuttings, beef, raw vegetables and fruits, counterfeit coins and gambling equipment into the country. The export of antiques and antiques, lobsters, crab and shellfish meat, and representatives of land flora and fauna is prohibited.

How to get there.

The Cayman Islands are located in the Caribbean, so the only way to get to this paradise is by plane. There are no direct flights between the CIS countries and the Cayman Islands, so it is worth considering traveling with transfers.

British Airways planes fly from Moscow to Grand Cayman with a connection in London.

From Minsk you can fly to Miami with Aeroflot, which connects in Moscow. Then you should transfer to American Airlines or CaymanAirways, which go to the Owen Roberts terminal.

Prices of flights to the Cayman Islands

Excursions.

There are few attractions in the Cayman Islands, but each of them is quite exclusive and interesting. The country's monuments are reminiscent of colonial times, and the flora and fauna are striking in their pristine purity.

The most popular destinations among tourists in the Cayman Islands are:

• Sightseeing tour to Fort George. Inspection of the remains of a colonial fort built in 1790 on the site of modern Georgetown;
• Visit to Elmslie Memorial Church, which was built in 1920 by architect Ryan;
• A visit to the National Gallery, where you can get acquainted with the works of local craftsmen and foreign artists and craftsmen;
• Cayman Maritime Treshay Museum. The museum displays exhibits from the times when the Cayman Islands were a center of navigation.
• Turtle farm. Every year, turtles raised on the farm leave it and go on a long independent journey around the Cayman Islands;
• Travel along the Mastic Trail through dry relict forests;
• Visit the Bloody Pound Nature Reserve National Bird Sanctuary on Little Cayman.

Transport.

Local airlines.

Transport in the Cayman Islands consists mainly of domestic airlines and taxis. You can get from one island to another only with the help of local airlines: Cayman Airways Express, Island Air, Cayman Airways.

The most convenient way to travel by land is a local taxi. You can call a car by phone or stop it on the street. Please note that some hotels have their own car park; you should check this with the reception desk in advance. Getting into a taxi in the Cayman Islands costs $10, the total cost of the trip will depend on the route of the trip.

Rent a Car.

In the Cayman Islands, you can rent a car, but to do this, the driver must be over 21 years old, have an international driving license, as well as permission from local authorities to drive a car. You can obtain this permit at a car rental office by paying about $8 for the service.

Hotels

Communication and Wi-Fi.

Mobile operators in the Cayman Islands use the GSM 850/900/1800/1900 standard. Cellular communications provided by local operators LIME and Digicel Cayman cover almost all areas of the island.

Telephone communications in the Cayman Islands are quite well developed. Payphones are ubiquitous and operate using special calling cards. You can purchase them at company offices, newsstands, shops and post offices. The cost of a minute of conversation is 0.25 KYD, a call to another island is charged as a local one.

The Internet on the islands works without interruptions, but Internet cafes are common only in the capital and large cities. All hotels and business centers have their own Internet access points and WI-FI equipment. To connect to the network, just dial 976-4638, the connection costs $0.12 per minute, no special password is required.

Money.

The official currency is the Cayman Islands dollar, which is designated (KYD; CI$). One dollar is equal to 100 cents; in circulation there are bills of 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 1 dollar and coins of 25, 10, 5, 1 cent.

The Cayman Islands dollar has a close financial relationship with the American dollar, the rate is (CI$1 = $1.25). US dollars are in free circulation and can be exchanged at most commercial organizations and banks.

Banks in the Cayman Islands are open from Monday to Thursday, some are even open on Saturdays.

Currency can be exchanged at banks, hotels, airports, and exchange offices. Most travel agencies, hotels, and shopping centers accept credit cards from global payment systems. Most bank offices throughout the country accept MasterCard, Cirrus, and Visa cards, but in small restaurants, hotels and cafes it is extremely difficult to pay.

In order to feel comfortable on vacation and not worry about finances, you need to navigate local prices.

You can have lunch at an inexpensive restaurant for 880 rubles per person, and dinner for two will cost more than 6,500 rubles. A cup of coffee will cost 285 rubles, and a bottle of local beer will cost 234 rubles.

Despite its small size, the Cayman Islands are one of the largest centers on the planet; the pricing policy here is not cheap.

Here is an approximate list of prices for the most popular food products:

• Potatoes - 195 rubles,
• Tomatoes - 339 rubles,
• Cheese - 1202 rubles,
• Milk - 152 rubles,
• Bread - 176 rubles,
• Still water - 155 rubles,
• Beer - 172 rubles,
• A pack of cigarettes - 588 rubles.

The Cayman Islands are rich in amazing nature, so you should not neglect traveling around their territory.

• A ticket for public transport costs 147 rubles.
• Taxi ride (basic tariff) - 946 rubles.
• The price of a liter of gasoline is 78 rubles.

If you want to update your wardrobe in the Cayman Islands, then head to the malls. A new pair of jeans will cost you 4,770 rubles, a dress from a famous brand - 7,166 rubles, Nike sports shoes - 6,200 rubles, and a pair of men's shoes - 6,700 rubles.

You can explore the sights of the islands on your own, or you can join an organized group. The average cost of a sightseeing tour is $200.

How to avoid problems.

The Cayman Islands are considered a safe holiday destination, but rules of conduct must be followed. The crime rate is low, and violent crimes are recorded extremely rarely. It is not recommended to display your finances in public places. Be careful with cash, jewelry, phones and cameras. Single ladies should expect increased attention from local men, but it usually doesn’t go beyond compliments. The standard of living of the local population is quite high, so there are practically no street vendors and beggars.

Camping is prohibited in the Cayman Islands and any tourist who violates this law will be imprisoned.

Underwater hunting and fishing are prohibited in the territorial waters of the island; empty shells and coral branches cannot be lifted from the bottom.

Big cities.

The largest cities in the Cayman Islands are: Bodden Town, East End, George Town, North Side, West Bay, Cayman Brac, Little Cayman.

Shopping.

Trading establishments in the Cayman Islands are open from Monday to Saturday, from 9 to 17. Bargaining in this country is not accepted even at the market, so you need to calculate your financial resources in advance.

Many shops on the island operate under the Duty Free system, where you can buy good goods for little money. What to bring from the Cayman Islands in memory of a wonderful vacation?

The best things to buy in the Cayman Islands are luxury goods and jewelry. Most often, tourists seek to purchase: precious stones, pearls, leather goods, crystal, porcelain, cosmetics and perfumes. If we talk about souvenirs, then you can buy your loved ones crafts made from the semi-precious stone “caymanite”, which is mined on the islands. Products made from tortoise shell or black coral look original, although they are overpriced. It is worth paying attention to the famous rum Tortuga cake, which is baked according to old recipes. You shouldn’t buy it as a souvenir, but local bakers recommend trying it right away and enjoying its unique taste.

Kitchen.

Caymanian cuisine is influenced by Jamaican cooking and many other regional influences. Restaurants prefer continental and international cuisine, but traditional local dishes can be enjoyed in small cafes and taverns. You can also try Caymanian cuisine in small eateries in local markets, where seafood and freshly caught fish are always served in abundance. While in the Cayman Islands, you should definitely try the following dishes:

• Turtle steaks. This dish is prepared from the meat of green turtles that are raised on the farm.
• Tostones. A popular dish throughout the Caribbean is fried plantains.
• Seafood ceviche. A dish of fish and shellfish with onions and tomatoes.
• Jerk. Dried meat with curry sauce.
• Creole pork. Flavorful meat served with a delicious sauce.
• Cassava pie. Typical English pastries with a Caymanian twist.
• Clam chowder. Local residents enjoy boiled shellfish with broth.
• Side dishes. Main dishes of fish and meat are usually served with salads, flatbreads, pancakes, and side dishes of cassava, rice, and peas.
• Beverages. The main drinks of the Cayman Islands are tea and coffee, which are prepared according to ancient recipes with the addition of spices and additives. Local rum, beer and cocktails are also especially prized, and it is not difficult to find almost all types of imported spirits on the islands.

Entertainment and attractions.

Lush greenery, reefs, spacious beaches, crystal clear waters - this is how the Cayman Islands appear in the eyes of tourists. In addition to natural attractions, the islands also contain objects of historical and cultural value that resort guests want to get acquainted with.

City of Georgetown. The capital of the state, on one of the hills of which the ancient fortress Fort George, built in 1790, is located. Only one building survived, the Old Court Building. Over a long period, the building changed its functionality: it belonged to the court, it housed a dance studio, a prison, a temple, and eventually the National Museum of the Cayman Islands was opened.

Castle of Pedro St. James. The luxurious mansion, built at the end of the eighteenth century, is considered one of the oldest fortifications on the islands.

Turtle farm. He is engaged in raising turtles in order to increase the population; today, about 16 thousand of these rare individuals live in the farm’s aquariums and pools.

Queen Elizabeth II Nature Reserve. Located in the eastern part of the island, where about 300 species of shrubs and plants grow.

Little Cayman Island. This excursion is suitable for wildlife lovers: Jackson Marine Park, Bloody Pound Nature Reserve.

Holidays and events.

• January 1 - New Year.
• January 26 is National Heroes Day.
• February - Ash Wednesday.
• March-April - Good Friday, Easter Monday.
• May 18-21 - Opening Day.
• June 15-18 - Queen's Birthday.
• July 6 is Constitution Day.
• November 9 -17 - Memorial Day.
• December 25th - Christmas.
• December 28th is Boxing Day.

Historical facts.

• The Cayman Islands is one of fourteen sovereign territories of the UK that is not part of the UK. The official name is Cayman Islands.
• The Cayman Islands are not only a famous resort, but also a large offshore zone.
• The islands have one of the highest levels of income per person.
• Discovered in 1503, the islands were called Las Tortugas, which means “turtles.”
• The highest point of the island is 42 meters, which is located on Cayman Brac.
• The islands were inhabited in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries.
• The most powerful Atlantic hurricanes occur in the Cayman Islands.
• Cayman dollars feature a portrait of the Queen: on older bills the Queen is depicted as a young woman, while on new bills the Queen is depicted as an older woman.
• In the Cayman Islands, local residents are exempt from paying taxes. This happened after local residents helped a squadron of ten ships under the command of George III. As a token of gratitude for the miraculous rescue, he issued a decree exempting the population of the islands from paying taxes; it is noteworthy that this law remains in force to this day.

A holiday in the Cayman Islands can give you positive emotions and leave a pleasant impression if you adhere to safety rules and do not neglect the advice of experienced tourists.

• Keep a close eye on your personal belongings, money and jewelry. There is practically no crime on the islands, but petty pickpocketing is possible.
• You should not go deep into the jungle without an experienced guide.
• Don't go far from your hotel or bungalow after dark.
• Follow the rules of conduct on the beach; do not sunbathe fanatically. Be mindful of sun exposure to avoid sunburn or heatstroke.
• When traveling to the Cayman Islands, don't forget to take your snorkeling equipment and camera with you.

• The Caymanians think that everyone on the planet dreams of living on their islands, which is why they have a strict immigration policy.
• "Watch out for iguanas!" - Cayman Islands road sign.
• There are no traffic police in Cayman.
• The islands are one of the best places in the world for diving and spearfishing.
• Captain Jack Sparrow is a fictional character, but the island of Tortuga may well be the prototype of the Cayman Islands.
• Most of the bars on the islands are called “Blue Iguana”. Once these individuals were on the verge of extinction, but after measures were taken to care for them, disaster was avoided. Now many establishments are named after this rare reptile.
• Even in large cities there is a strictness of the law regarding environmental protection. There are signs everywhere warning drivers that iguanas may be hiding under vehicles. Therefore, before you get behind the wheel of a car, you should make sure that no one has “settled” under it.