The Cayman Islands - Tours & Adventure Travel Guide
PureTravel Says
“When Columbus sailed these blue waters back in the 1500s, he named them after all the turtles that overpopulated the islands. He found the islands pristine and beautiful. Today, not much has changed, save for the fact that the visitors have replaced the turtles. However, all three of the Cayman Islands, of Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman, still reflect a boundless beauty just waiting to be discovered. Explore the quaint capital George Town and its history and culture. Whether you like to golf, dive, bike, hike or just fish from the side of a boat, the Cayman Islands will welcome you with open arms.”
The Cayman Islands Holiday Highlights
Diving & Scuba Diving - If you’re into swimming with the fish, exploring underwater shipwrecks or being surrounded by ocean creatures bigger than you, then you can find it all in The Caymans. If you want to dive but not get wet, then you can also go underwater on a submarine where you can see the reefs. Some of the diving sites include the North Wall, Stingray City and a purposely-sunken Russian Warship and reef exploration.
Walking & Trekking - Discover the rich trekking and walking in the Cayman Islands with plenty of flora and fauna to be found, such as red-footed boobies, parrots, Silver Thatch Palms and mangrove forests. The most talked about trail on Grand Cayman is the Mastic Trail. This trail has many endemic species found only in the unique habitat of the Caymans. The trail is about two miles long and includes woodlands, subtropical forests and some agriculture. There are some amazing treks on Cayman Brac to boot. There are forests closer inland, worth spending a few hours of tramping. There are bluffs, and with views almost 40 meters high, you’ll be going dizzy at the panoramas. Little Cayman, similarly, has some good day hikes, where you can walk from beach to beach or head inland for the lagoons and wetlands.
Mountain Biking - To ride some good roads, then try Grand Cayman. A bike tour of Cayman Brac or Little Cayman affords serene views of pristine and untouched beaches without the crowds.
Fishing - The Cayman Islands have an abundance of fish and you could catch tuna, marlin, dolphin and swordfish. There are fishing tournaments held throughout the year and try Little Cayman for some of the world’s best bone fishing. If you head over to Grand Cayman, the area known as the Trench or around the western coast (some miles offshore) is known for reeling in some nice size catches. The Wall of Grand Cayman is a secret deep sea and drift fishing hotspot.
Golf – For a good golf challenge then try the golf courses of the Cayman Islands. The Hyatt Britannia Golf Course covers nine to eighteen holes. Try the Blue Tip Golf Course and The Links at SafeHaven.
When To Go
The Cayman Islands are a great destination all year round. There can be showers between May and October. As is true in most of the Caribbean, the hurricane season starts around June and lasts officially until November. The trade winds tend to keep temperatures cool, even during the hot and humid times of the year.
Top Tips
- One of the best ways to get to the secluded or more local venues (beaches, bars and boutiques) is to travel by bike. You’ll see more in less time and have more to talk about at the dinner table.
Classic Itineraries
- Scuba Diving and Snorkeling
- Mastic Trail
- Deep Sea Fishing at Little Cayman Bone Fishing
- Golfing at the Jack Nicklaus designed Britannia Golf Course
Caribbean Geography
The Caribbean region is actually made up of some 7,000 islands which are commonly known as the West Indies. The 'Caribbean' usually refers to the Caribbean Sea, the actual Caribbean islands and the coasts which sit on the Caribbean Sea. The area was named the West Indies in 1492 after explorer Christopher Columbus thought he had landed in Asia, in the Indies.
The largest island group is the Antilles which is divided into the Greater Antilles and Lesser Antilles which comprises the Bahamas, Cayman Islands and Turks and Caicos. This area is also called the Caribbees and are mostly formed from a long volcanic chain.
Caribbean Travel Resources
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