Cayman Islands
Grand Cayman - Cayman Brac - Little Cayman

Introduction

During the 18th and 19th centuries the Cayman Islands were colonized by the British. The islands became a territory within the Federation of the West Indies in 1959. In 1962 the Federation was dissolved and the Cayman Islands decided to remain a British dependency.

Geography

The Cayman Islands are formed by three islands: Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman. The islands are located 240 km south of Cuba and 268 km northwest of Jamaica. The total area of the three islands is about 262 square km.

The terrain consists of low-lying limestone base surrounded by coral reefs. The highest point is The Bluff located on Cayman Brac and is 43 m above sea level.

Climate

Located in the Caribbean the Cayman Islands have a tropical marine climate with warm, rainy summers (May to October) and cool, relatively dry winters (November to April). The most rain falls between May and November. Hurricanes are most likely to occur between August and October.

Fauna & Flora

Today coconut, thatch palm, almond, seagrape and casuarina are the predominant trees found on the islands. Fruit trees are also found: papaya, avocado, mango, breadfruit, citrus and naseberry.

The Cayman Islands have an abundance of wildlife and domestic animals. The national animal is the Cayman Parrot, but there are over 180 species of birds on the islands. In the Queen Elizabeth II Botanical Garden you can find the endangered blue iguana.

Tropical marine life are found in the Caribbean waters. Scuba divers can enjoy the beautiful coral reefs. The green turtle is fished for local consumption.

Tourism

Every year more than 1 million tourists visit the Cayman Islands.

On all three islands, visitors can expect to find the best accommodation to suit both lifestyle and budget requirements. Visitors can stay in hotels, condominiums, villas and cottages.

You will not stay hungry on the islands with the more than 100 restaurants, fast-food outlets and snack bars. Traditional cuisine has a strong Jamaican influence. You will also find American, European, Chinese, Indian and other cuisines.

The Cayman Islands has its own currency: the Cayman Islands Dollar. There is a fixed exchange rate: CI$1.00 equals US$1.25 and the US dollar equals CI $.80.

Links

Cayman Islands Department of Tourism
World Factbook
Cayman Islands Turtle Farm
Cayman Islands Weather