Short
Description The Cayman Islands are a small chain of islands lying about 480 miles south of Miami, FL. The Caymans are world renowned for their diving, snorkeling, and beautiful beaches.
Destination
Highlights The green turtle, for which the Islands were once named Las Tortugas, is still found and fished (in season, by licence and for local consumption only) in the seas surrounding the Islands. The Cayman Turtle Farm breeds the turtle and markets turtle meat locally. Hundreds of turtles are released into the wild each year as part of the farm's conservation role.
Local
Weather The Cayman Islands enjoy mainly tropical weather conditions with slight seasonal variation. Climatically, the year divides into two seasons - the summer or rainy season, generally from mid-May through October, and the dry, winter season, from November to April. The winds are mostly from the east-northeast in winter and east-southeast in summer. The temperature in the Cayman Islands, summer or winter, seldom goes lower than 70°F or higher than 90°F with the daily average varying between 77°F and 84°F. The average relative humidity is a comfortable 77%. The hurricane season typically lasts from June 1 to November 30.
Other
Destinations
Description The Cayman Islands are a small chain of islands lying about 480 miles south of Miami, FL. Grand Cayman is the largest and only significantly populated island. The Caymans are world renowned for their diving, snorkeling, and beautiful beaches. They are somewhat upscale - there are nice shops and great restaurants - but the main focus is on the enjoyments that can be derived from the sea, and not from nightlife and other entertainment.
Local Information The legal tender is the Cayman Islands dollar. Canadian, U.S., and British currencies are accepted throughout the Cayman Islands, but you'll save money if you exchange your U.S. dollars for Cayman Islands dollars. Most hotels quote in U.S. dollars. The cost of living in the Cayman Islands is about 20% higher than in the United States. English is the official language of the Cayman Islands. Despite the emergence of Grand Cayman as a major tourism destination, don't go expecting fast-paced excitement. Island life focuses on the sea. Snorkelers will find a paradise, beach lovers will relish the powdery sands of the Seven Mile Beach, but party-hungry travelers in search of urban thrills might be disappointed. Come to slow down and relax.
Airport
Information The Cayman Islands are easily accessible. Flying time from Miami is about 1 hour and 20 minutes. Miami is the major gateway to the Cayman Islands.
Entry
Requirements Effective December 31, 2006, the U.S. Department of State and Homeland Security requires all travelers to and from the Americas, the Caribbean, and Bermuda to have a passport or other accepted document that establishes the bearer's identity and nationality. This information should be used only as a guideline and non-U.S. citizens should contact the airline they are traveling on, or their local consulate regarding the specific entry requirements that apply to their nationality.
