History/Geography Discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1503 in the calm, turquoise
waters of the western Caribbean, the Cayman Islands were later traded
to England and remain one of fourteen British Overseas Territories.
Consisting of three islands - Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman
- this peaceful paradise lies just 480 miles south of Miami. Grand
Cayman is the largest and most populous of the trio and lies approximately
89 miles west-southwest of the other two islands in the trio. These
two sister
islands, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman, are
separated from each other by a channel about seven miles wide. The
total land mass of the three islands combined is only about 100 square
miles.
Climate The Cayman Islands enjoy year round temperatures ranging
from 77°F to 85°F. The months with the
least humidity and lowest temperatures are December through April, February
occasionally recording night-time temperatures in the mid 60's, and March
probably being the most "temperate" month of the year. Seasonal
trade winds keep conditions enjoyable nearly
year round. Though the year is divided into 'wet' and 'dry' seasons, the
location of the Cayman Islands in the West Indies typically means that
showers are tropical and brief.
Economy As the fifth largest financial center in the world,
the Cayman Islands have the highest per capita income in the Caribbean,
and more fax machines per capita than any country in the world. The American
dollar is readily accepted throughout the island although Cayman has its
own currency, the CI dollar, fixed at an exchange rate of US$1.25 to CI$1.00.
An English speaking, affluent country, Cayman has built its strong economy
on the three pillars of banking, insurance and tourism and features some
of the best infrastructure and highest standard of living in the Caribbean.
Attractions The Cayman Islands offer some of the world's best diving
and snorkeling due to its flat geography, lack of rivers, and submerged
mountain walls up to 20,000 feet deep. The crystal-clear Caribbean waters
and diverse marine life also attract fishermen, sailors, and water-sports
enthusiasts of all kinds. On land, white-sand beaches, world-class golf
and tennis, and upscale bars and nightclubs are sure to keep even the
most active of visitors entertained. Indigenous life includes iguanas,
parrots and green sea turtles as well as rare orchids.
For more information on the Cayman Islands, please visit the official
tourism website of the Cayman Islands at www.caymanislands.ky.