Grand Cayman, just a 70-minute direct flight from Miami, is the largest of the western Caribbean’s Cayman Islands. This British Overseas Territory also includes the smaller Cayman Brac and Little Cayman. The Cayman Islands are best known for offering superb scuba diving; in fact, Cayman is considered the birthplace of recreational diving in the Caribbean.
The islands’ warm, calm waters, 100-foot-plus visibility and colorful variety of marine life combine to make the diving experience unforgettable. Grand Cayman offers about 160 dive sites, including the famous Stingray City, where stingrays congregate amongst the coral reef and tropical fish. A Grand Cayman vacation often includes other watersports, including windsurfing, snorkeling, kayaking and fishing. Those who travel to Grand Cayman rave about Seven Mile Beach, rated one of the most beautiful stretches of sand in the Caribbean. And a vacation in Grand Cayman wouldn’t be complete without shopping and dining in George Town, the capital.
There are more than 55 flights weekly to the Cayman Islands, including 28 from Miami. U.S. visitors flying to and from Grand Cayman require a valid passport. The Cayman Islands have their own currency, but U.S. visitors do not need to exchange their money as the U.S. dollar is accepted everywhere. Travelers should be aware that, unlike on some Caribbean islands, nude sunbathing is illegal. Hurricane season begins in June and ends in November. However, the Cayman Islands have a Worry-Free Hurricane Guarantee, covering any cancellations made prior to arrival and compensating travelers if their vacation time is cut short due to inclement weather. For more information on Grand Cayman travel, log on to www.caymanislands.ky, the website of the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism.