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Along with his more famous discoveries, in 1503, Christopher Columbus found the Cayman Islands.  He named them Las Tortugas after the vast numbers of sea turtles he sighted.  By the time Sir Francis Drake landed in 1585, the name had been changed to Caymanas, a Carib word for crocodile.  Within 70 years the islands became a British colony, which we proudly remain.

Set in the crystal clear turquoise waters of the Western Caribbean about 500 miles south of Miami, the Caymans of today are an eclectic mix.  The main island, Grand Cayman, is both the world's 5th largest financial center and the undisputed birthplace of recreational scuba diving.  From pristine white beaches to tax-free shopping, from a staggering array of fish and birds to more than 100 restaurants, the Cayman Islands have something for everyone.

And oh yes: we still have lots of turtles.

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On the tourism side of development, the islands have been a scuba-diving paradise since the 1960s. The Cayman Islands, like all islands, are essentially the tips of underwater mountains, and the submerged terrain around these islands is especially dramatic. The spectacular underwater walls, caverns and healthy coral reefs have made these islands one of the world's best spots for diving and snorkelling.  Add to that their virtually crime-free ambience thanks to tight government controls and the high per-capita income enjoyed by most Cayman residents.  It's easy to see why so many people choose the Cayman Islands for a Caribbean holiday.

Though people from around the world visit to scuba dive and enjoy the tropical climate, US travellers predominate. The islands are just a 90-minute flight from Miami, Florida, and being a British territory, English is the official language - making these islands a quick, convenient and easy getaway for Americans.  In fact, the hotels, fast-food chains, products and many of the service industry workers hail from the US (many Canadians also work here).

An abundance of natural attractions make the islands an ideal destination for those who enjoy watersports, birdwatching, laid-back day hikes, clear water and sandy beaches (Grand Cayman's Seven Mile Beach is among the finest in the Caribbean). If rousing casinos and wild nightlife are what you seek, these are not the islands to visit.  There's no gambling of any kind here, and beach nudity is forbidden.

Grand Cayman is the most developed of the three islands and where you will find the largest choice of accommodation, restaurants and attractions. The sister islands Cayman Brac (pronounced "brack") and Little Cayman have far fewer choices in lodging and dining and most travellers to these islands choose all-inclusive meal packages.  Compared to Grand Cayman, the pace is far mellower here.  They've yet to put up stop lights on the islands and Little Cayman only recently got its first full-time police officer.

The Caymans include three islands: Grand Cayman, with its capital city of George Town, and the Sister Islands of Cayman Brac and Little Cayman.  While each island is unique, all three offer visitors an unforgettable vacation experience.

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