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The Cayman Islands is a group of islands located in the western Caribbean, about 480 miles south of Miami, 150 miles south of Cuba, 180 miles northwest of Jamaica and more than 1,000 miles west of Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, and the Leeward Islands. The Cayman Islands consist of Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman.
These three islands share the same capital, George Town, which is situated on the western shore of Grand Cayman. The time zone observed in the Cayman Islands is -5 hours GMT. The good location, as well as the outdoor attractions of the Caribbean region tend to draw large crowds of tourists throughout the year.
When is the best time of the year to visit the Cayman Islands?
Tourists flow into the Cayman Islands year round. The islands have two seasons: summer, or the “rainy” season, which transpires from mid-May to October; and, winter, or the “dry” season, which starts in November and goes until April. The months of March and April are generally the driest months in Cayman Islands, while the months of May and October often register the highest amounts of rainfall. The Cayman Islands, which is considered a tropical country, is similar to the West Indian Islands, as there is a tendency for higher amounts of rainfall in the western part. The average temperatures in the Cayman Islands are approximately 75 degrees Fahrenheit during winter and 85 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer. There are also occasional or seasonal trade winds, which contribute to the temperate climate.
The Tourism Sector
Tourism contributes as much as 70 to 75% to the annual gross domestic product of Cayman Islands. Millions of tourists visit the islands every year, with the majority of tourists visiting Grand Cayman. The Cayman Island is often regarded as one of the best scuba diving destinations in the world, owing its renown to its natural, crystal-clear waters and pristine reef walls. There are also several snorkeling sites, where tourists are treated to the unique experience of swimming among stingrays.
The Best Spots and Experiences
On the west side of Grand Cayman, the main tourist attraction is the world-famous Seven Mile Beach, considered one of the best beaches in the world. Another main attraction is the ironshore landscape of Hell, which is a 24-acre marine-themed park. The Boatswain’s Beach houses the Cayman Turtle Farm, and showcases the local production of gourmet sea salt. The Cayman Turtle Farm includes many different species, sizes and ages of turtles, as well as other indigenous animals and birds. Grand Cayman proves to be a haven not only for water lovers but also for nature lovers with the Mastic Trail, a hiking trail that traverses the forest paths down to the center of the island. In addition to the attractions found on Grand Cayman, Little Cayman houses a wide array of wildlife species and is home to the red-footed booby.
Notable Species
Other Activities
Apart from the scuba diving activities, the Cayman Islands is also a popular tourist spot for various water sports, such as snorkeling, jet skis, and banana boats. People who are not into swimming or scuba diving can still enjoy underwater views through submarines, semi-submersible boats, and glass-bottom tourist boats.
Let’s Celebrate!
The end of the month of October is usually the most exciting time to tour the Cayman Islands, as it coincides with the National Pirates Week Festival, a ten-day festival, which starts with spectacular fireworks and then continues with a parade through George Town. The festival also includes heritage days, costume contests, music, street dances, sporting events, and food festivals. Another much-awaited event in the Cayman Islands is the Batabano Carnival, which started originally as a community event marking the closing ceremony for the tourism season. The Batabano Carnival has evolved into one of the most popular national tourist attractions, drawing crowds out to the streets to join the music and dances of the Masquerades or Mas, and witness the approximately 500 costumed participants.
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