Grand Cayman

The Cayman Islands are made up of three islands Grand Cayman, Little Cayman, and Cayman Brac. Grand Cayman is the largest of the three islands and home to the capital city, George Town. The Caymans are known for their dive sites and for being the Bank Capital of the World. In fact, there are nearly 600 banks and trust companies! The territory is also a haven for international business.

Where are the Cayman Islands?

The Cayman Islands are an autonomous British Overseas Territory in the western Caribbean Sea. The three islands that make up the Caymans are located northeast of Honduras between Jamaica and Mexico.

History of the Cayman Islands

It is believed that Christopher Columbus discovered the islands on his final voyage to the Americas in 1503. He named them Las Tortugas due to the large number of turtles found on the island. Decades later, folks began referring to the islands as the Caymans, after the caimans that were present there.

The islands were settled by deserters from Oliver Cromwell’s’ army in Jamaica, shipwrecked sailors, and pirates. England took control over the islands in 1670 following the signing of the Treaty of Madrid. Soon, slaves were brought over from Africa to begin working the land. In 1802 nearly half of the population of the Caymans were slaves. Slavery was abolished in 1833.

What is there to do in Grand Cayman?

Grand Cayman has a number of natural attractions including the Mastic Trail, Hell, the blow holes in the East End of Stingray City. Stingray City is a series of sandbars located in the North Sound. This tourist hotspot is home to countless southern stingrays. The stingrays are so accustomed to being handled by humans that you can pet them, kiss them, or even receive a back massage from one of the rays!

Hell is a group of short, black limestone formations. Although visitors can’t walk on the rock formations, there are viewing platforms that allow you to get a closer look.

One of the islands most popular attractions is Seven Mile Beach, home to several of the island’s hotels and resorts.

Scuba diving and snorkeling are popular on all three islands. There are several shipwrecks off the coasts of Cayman Brach and Grand Cayman which are popular with certified divers. The islands are surrounded by an undersea mountain range called the Cayman Ridge.

Additionally, Grand Cayman is also home to the Cayman Turtle Centre, a controversial marine theme park that is visited by half a million people a year.