Using This Book
This book is divided into four parts. The introductory section (links below) looks at the geography, history, flora and fauna of the islands. The next section covers Customs and Immigration and also gives details that will help you get around the islands, whether that means jumping in an open-air jeep or an eight-seater island-hopping plane. This section also includes an overview of the types of adventures available in the Cayman Islands.
GRAND CAYMAN: The second section covers the island of Grand Cayman, the heart of Caymanian tourism and the destination for most travelers. For easy navigation, we have divided the island into four regions.
East of George Town takes a look at the land, much of it unimproved swamp and buttonwood forest, stretching east of the capital city of George Town. A favorite of birders, hikers, and those seeking a look at the flora and fauna of the islands, the East End is little changed from its days before the boom in Cayman tourism. This is the quietest part of Grand Cayman and well worth a day trip even for those staying on other areas of the island.
George Town covers the capital city, the heart of the business and banking industry that has made these islands so affluent. The stop of all cruise ship passengers, George Town is also the best place for those looking to learn more about Caymanian history, to do some duty-free shopping, and to enjoy some of the island's best underwater fun.
The Seven Mile Beach section explores what for many travelers is the Cayman Islands, a stretch of powdery beach lined not just with palms and casuarina trees, but also with resorts, condominiums, and innumerable watersports operators. The heart of the Caymanian tourism business, this is one of the most popular beaches in the Caribbean.
n West Bay takes a look at the region to the north of Seven Mile Beach, a quiet residential section that's also home to some of the island's top tourism attractions: the Turtle Farm and Hell.
CAYMAN BRAC: The third chapter covers the largest of the Sister Islands: Cayman Brac. A favorite of scuba divers, this island boasts a neighborly feeling, a sense of peacefulness, and a striking landscape.
LITTLE CAYMAN: The last section takes a look at the tiniest treasure in the Cayman Islands: Little Cayman. A favorite with birders and anglers, this 10-square-mile island is a giant in the scuba diving world and home of Bloody Bay Wall, named by Philippe Cousteau as one of the best dive sites in the world. Although a veritable metropolis below the surface, with high-rise coral heads and a marine population explosion, on land all's quiet and secluded. Only a handful of permanent residents are lucky enough to make their home on this limestone isle that offers quiet inns and a few condominiums.
Adventures
Each of the chapters includes adventures to be had in its particular region. "Adventure" is a term for you to define based on your own interests, limitations, and abilities. Throughout this book we offer a variety of sporting and eco-tourism options both on and off land. Whether adventure travel means wreck diving or birdwatching, you'll find it covered in these sections, but keep in mind that you should set you own boundaries here.
Regardless of the type of activity you choose, know your limits. Scuba adventures in these islands range from beginners' dives in shallow, placid waters to deep wall and wreck dives. Hikes vary from strolls to sweaty workouts. On the water fun spans the spectrum as well, with some vacationers wrestling a fighting bonefish or marlin while others skip across the sea atop a waverunner or breeze along in a catamaran.
At all times, it is important to maintain your fluid levels. At this latitude, temperatures (and humidity levels) soar, draining away precious water and minerals from your body. Replenish them often, and be sure to carry water on all hikes and boating excursions.
Sun, while being one of the islands' biggest draws, is also a factor to be closely monitored. Wear a hat and a good sunscreen at all times (SPF 15 or higher).
Where to Stay
Each chapter also gives you nuts-and-bolts information on transportation, attractions, accommodations, and dining. Unless noted otherwise, pricing is given in US dollars, commonly used on all the islands.
We've sought to give a variety of price ranges in both accommodations and dining. Note, however, that rates change quickly, so use these as a gauge and not a figure set in stone. Accommodation rates are given in the listings for high season, but keep in mind that these vary greatly by season, soaring to the highest limits from mid-December through mid-April (and hitting a real peak the week between Christmas and New Year's) then dropping to a low during summer and fall months. Contact the hotels directly for the best prices and possible package deals that may save you money.
Accommodation prices are given with dollar signs to indicate the price for a standard room for one night during high season (expect prices to be as much as 40% lower during the low season). Prices are given in US dollars.
$ under $150
$$ between $150 and $300
$$$ over $300
Where to Eat
We've also covered an array of dining opportunities in these chapters, from fast food burgers to haute cuisine that will set you back the cost of a day's vacation.
Restaurant prices are given with dollar signs that indicate the price of a meal, drink, and gratuity, according to the following scales:
$ under $15 per person
$$ $15 to $30 per person
$$$ $30 to $45 per person
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