Why Should You Visit Cayman? Isn’t it Obvious?
For many of us the dream is to leave the daily grind behind for a few days (or weeks) and escape to a little corner of paradise where relaxation is the only agenda. With global travel easier than ever, and with the development of a strong Caribbean tourism service industry, this dream becomes a reality for millions of vacationers each year.
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It’s easy to see why we’re so popular. Soft sandy beaches, warm blue water, the sound of waves on the shore and the whisper palm trees in the Trade Wind breezes—what’s not to love? And when you’re done relaxing there’s lots to do, whether you’re just into a little casual fishing, or the thrill of kite surfing, there’s something for everyone in the Cayman Islands.
The Caymans are world-renowned for their pristine coral reefs and marine life, all set within the unbelievably clear waters of the Caribbean. Discovered by scuba divers more than forty years ago, the famous Cayman Wall offers some of the most spectacular diving in the region, with a wide variety of Caribbean coral and sponge species and a host of marine creatures. You’ll find top-notch tours by dozens of dive operators, all with a history of safe, professional service for divers of all experience levels.
Water-sports dominate these seafaring islands, and there’s something for all tastes. You can troll the deep for the magnificent Blue Marlin, wade the shallows fly fishing for Bonefish, explore the mangroves on a kayak tour, feel the exhilaration of a jet ski, snorkel with the stingrays, learn to kite surf, take a trip on a submarine, or even view the breathtaking colors of our water from the unique vantage point of a helicopter tour of the island. It’s all here.
Each island has its own attractions and its own distinctive history and culture, but all three share the quality of being in one of the safest corners of the world. We also stand out among Caribbean nations as one of the most peaceful and prosperous. The streets are clean, tourists are not hustled or hassled, and everyone speaks English—a bonus for many British and North American visitors. There’s cheap, reliable public transport, and (if you stay on world famous 7-Mile Beach) almost everything is within walking distance.
But there’s more to life than just relaxation and pass-times. And that’s where this little island nation stands out among its neighbors. The Caymans are an international banking centre, so telecommunications and technology support are reliable and up-to-date with 1st World standards. This is a boon for those who wish to manage their overseas business from the comfort of a beachside cabana. Mobile service is compatible with most international providers and there is ready access to internet through mobile hot-spots located in cafés, restaurants, and bars, many for free. You’ll find most features of your smart phone work just fine here so you can stay up-to-date on those important emails (and easily send pics to folks back home that need to be made jealous of Caribbean adventure).
As a world-class financial service centre and a thriving tourism destination, the Cayman Islands have developed a high level of sophistication, uniquely blended with an easy-going, Caribbean lifestyle. And since the employment opportunities in the islands attract people from all over the world, there is a growing sense of multiculturalism mixed with our Caribbean roots. For visitors, this cultural melting pot provides an interesting culinary diversity. Try Jamaican-style jerk chicken, haute cuisine dining at Blue (the 5-Diamond restaurant at the Ritz-Carlton Cayman), world class sushi at Yoshi Sushi, sunset cocktails at Rackam’s Waterfront, or an impressive variety of ethnic cuisine—from traditional Caymanian to Mediterranean, Indian and Chinese.
While Grand Cayman is the largest and attracts the most visitors, the smaller islands of Little Cayman and Cayman Brac have their own distinct allure. Little Cayman is a place for solitude, quiet, and reflection. Here divers can experience some of the easiest diving in the world with the glorious Bloody Bay Wall [portraitofacoralreef.com] which starts as shallow as 18 feet. After your dive you can paddle out to Owen Island Key and bask on the clean white sand of the beach with nothing overhead but the westering sun. Or visit Sandy Point, a pristine beach on the eastern tip where Cayman Brac is visible on a clear day. In the evening drop by the Hungry Iguana for world class cuisine and cocktails as a perfect way to end a perfect day.
Cayman Brac has The Lost City of Atlantis, a huge artificial reef that is creating a real stir in the diving world. It’s also a perfect base for exciting blue water fishing for mahi-mahi, wahoo, and tuna. When the fish aren’t biting keep in shape with a hike up the bluff or visit the caves where the residents sheltered from the 1932 hurricane.
Back on Grand Cayman you can take the kids to the Black Pearl Skate & Surf Park (one of the biggest concrete skate parks in the world), explore the Queen Elizabeth Botanic Park which houses the Blue Iguana [http://repeatingislands.com/2011/07/16/blue-iguana-rebounds-from-extinction/] (one of the rarest in the world and the subject of a nearly miraculous comeback from the brink of extinction). You can go horseback riding on the beach, hike the Mastic Trial on a guided tour that will teach you the traditional uses of the local plants, learn our history at the National Museum, take in the local art scene at the National Gallery, learn about turtles at Boatswain’s Beach Adventure Park or simply enjoy a sunset sail off tranquil 7-Mile Beach. Oh, and don’t forget the amazing Duty Free Shopping to find that special gift for the loved ones back home. There’s a lot to do.
The perfect balance between new world sophistication and the warmth of island living and hospitality makes the Cayman Islands a favorite vacation destination. Come on down and find out for yourself. Hope we see you soon.
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