What about hurricanes? [ Is Grand Cayman open for Tourism? ]
The Atlantic Hurricane season starts June 1st and ends officially on November 30th. The Cayman Islands is located in the far Western Caribbean, 480 miles south of Miami, 150 miles south of Cuba, 180 miles Northwest of Jamaica and more than 1,000 miles West of Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands and the Leeward Islands. The Caribbean is a large region and most storms have shown a tendency to veer to the Northwest (towards the US Mainland) long before reaching the far Western Caribbean area. Consequently, the Cayman Islands have often been spared the full wrath of devastating hurricanes. Unfortunately, Hurricane Ivan passed through Grand Cayman in September 2004 and caused major damage. Prior to Hurricane Ivan, the last major hurricane occurred in 1932 and more recent brushes causing some property damage were Hurricane Gilbert in 1988, which passed 30 miles south of Grand Cayman, and Hurricane Mitch in 1998 passing about 200 miles to the south. Since then, Grand Cayman has bounced back from Hurricane Ivan in a spectacular feat of perseverance and determination. We are open for tourists!
Do I need a passport or Visa to enter the Cayman Islands?
US and Canadian citizens, traveling directly to the Cayman Islands from the US and Canada, need only proof of citizenship for entry, such as a passport or an official birth certificate plus photo identification (preferably a valid driver's licence). Visas are not required. Citizens of all other countries need passports.
Citizens of the following countries do not need visas: US, Canada, U.K., E.U. member countries, Commonwealth countries (except Bangladesh, Gambia, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Cameroon, Ghana, Nigeria, Sierra Leone and Uganda).
BELOW IS THE COMPLETE LIST:
Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Belize, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Chile, Costa Rica, Cyprus, Denmark, Dominica, El Salvador, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Kiribati, Lesotho, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malawi, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Namibia, Nauru, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Panama, Portugal, Samoa, San Merino, Seychelles, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Spain, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Tonga, Trinidad, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Zimbabwe.
This list is for guidance only. Visa requirements can change suddenly, without prior notice. Travel agents are knowledgeable about visa requirements, but the only authority is the Cayman Islands Immigration Department, represented throughout the world by British embassies and consulates.
- Citizens of countries not mentioned here should contact the nearest British Embassy or consulate and ask about the requirements for visitor entry into the Cayman Islands.
- Visitors are normally permitted to enter and remain for up to one month. This period may be extended; applications for an extension must be made to the Immigration Department.
- It is against the law to work in the Cayman Islands without a work permit. Visitors found working are arrested, tried in court and if found guilty, fined and deported.
Entry Requirements for Students
All non-resident students need passports, and student visas issued by the Cayman Islands Immigration Department. Schools or colleges submit visa applications to Immigration for their students. Thus students should follow instructions from their institution's admissions office to obtain the necessary documentation to enter and study in the Cayman Islands.
Entry Requirements to Work
All non-residents coming to the Islands to work need passports, and work permits issued by the Cayman Islands Immigration Department. Employers apply for work permits for their employees, so people planning on working in the Cayman Islands should cooperate with their employer to obtain the necessary documentation to enter and work in the Islands.
For more information:
Cayman Islands Immigration Department
Cayman Islands Government
PO Box 1098GT
Elgin Avenue
Grand Cayman,Cayman Islands
Telephone: (345) 949-8344
Fax: (345) 949-8486
Can we bring meat into the Cayman Islands?
Yes you can, though you may be charged duty if the amount is valued at more than US$35, or if the quantity exceeds what Customs officials consider a reasonable amount for your personal consumption while in Cayman. Meat and other cold cuts coming out of the US must have the USDA stamp of approval, preferably stored in the original supermarket packaging and it has to be inspected by a representative of the Department of Agriculture who is usually found in the Customs area of the Airport terminal.
Are there any supermarkets or grocery stores?
You are allowed to bring groceries into the Islands. However, we have very well stocked supermarkets, a local farmers' market in Grand Cayman (The Grounds at the Agriculture Department in Lower Valley) and numerous mini marts and Gas station service marts where you can purchase groceries.
Will it rain while I am there?
The year divides into two seasons, the summer or "rainy" season, generally from mid-May through October, moving into the winter or "dry" season, from November to April.March and April are our driest months and May and October are traditionally the highest rainfall months. This of course, does not mean that it rains constantly during either of those months, but reflects the trend within our region. Being in a tropical zone, it is not unusual to have brief afternoon showers during the summer, and, at certain times, brief morning sprinkles too.Similar to most West Indian Islands, rainfall tends to be higher in the western sections.
What are the average monthly temperatures like?
The average temperature in the winter is 75? degrees Fahrenheit and 85? degrees in the summer. Winter or summer, the temperature generally stays within the range of 70? - 90? degrees. Despite our ambient weather, the sun can really burn. PLEASE USE PLENTY OF SUNSCREEN! 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. We should also point out that most properties offer air-conditioned rooms, and the seasonal trade winds in our region help to make our islands even more enjoyable.
Where are the Cayman Islands located?
Summary: The Cayman Islands comprises Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman. The three islands are situated in the western Caribbean, about 150 miles south of Cuba, 480 miles south of Miami, and 180 miles northwest of Jamaica. George Town, the capital, is on the western shore of Grand Cayman. Geographic coordinates: 19 30 N, 80 30 W
Details: The total land mass of the three islands is 100 square miles. Grand Cayman occupies 76 square miles; Cayman Brac, 14 square miles and Little Cayman, 10 square miles. Grand Cayman is approximately 22 miles long and 8 miles at its widest point, reaching a maximum elevation at East End of 60 ft.
Cayman Brac is 12 miles long and just over a mile wide and has the most dramatic topography of the trio. Its majestic Bluff rises west to east along the length of the island to 140 feet at the eastern tip, ending in a sheer cliff. Many mysterious caves are carved throughout this awe-inspiring natural attraction.
Little Cayman, only 10 miles long and a mile wide, is flat, reaching a maximum elevation of 40 ft. Its famous Bloody Bay wall Marine Park has been called one of the world's best dive sites. Inland, the 203 - acre Booby Pond Nature Reserve is a RAMSAR site and nesting ground for the Caribbean's largest population of Red Footed Boobies.
The three islands are limestone outcroppings, the tops of a submarine mountain range called the Cayman Ridge, which extends west southwest for the Sierra Maestra range off the southeast part of Cuba to the Misteriosa Bank near Belize. The islands lack rivers or streams because of the porous nature of the limestone rock. It is this lack of runoff which gives the surrounding Caribbean Sea exceptional visibility, often well over 120 ft. Between the Cayman Islands and Jamaica lies the deepest part of the Caribbean, the Cayman Trough, which is over four miles deep. South of Cayman is the Bartlett Deep where depths of over 18,000 ft. have been recorded. All three islands are surrounded by healthy coral reefs which lie at the top of dramatic walls and drop-offs close to shore, creating ideal conditions for diving and sport fishing.
What time zone does the Cayman Islands operate on?
The Cayman Islands are - 5 hours GMT. Locals tend to operate on "Cayman Time", which means sometime in the foreseable future.
Why are the Cayman Islands so famous for scuba diving?
There are a lot of reasons. First of all, we aren't mountainous and don't have rivers, so we don't have run-off into the oceans, inhibiting reef development. Second, all three Cayman Islands are actually submerged mountains s so we have incredible walls all around the islands, reaching in some areas 20,000 feet or more in depth! Third, we have always been very conscious of our precious resource and guarded it by establishing Marine Parks, limiting fishing, virtually spear fishing, outlawing anchoring, educating divers and self-policing the behaviour of our dive operations.
Where is Bloody Bay Marine Park?
It is a diver's paradise just off the north shore of Little Cayman. The park contains the world famous Bloody Bay Wall which is certainly worth protecting. Also, in the same marine park is Jackson's Wall. Jackson's Wall is home to many favorite dive sites too.
Where can I find Internet or email access on the Islands?
Broadband Internet cafes located throughout Grand Cayman Island:
| Cable & Wireless | tel: 949-7800 | |
| Cafe del Sol | tel: 946-2233 | |
| CyberCOMP | tel: 946-6982 | |
| Dickens Internet Cafe | tel: 945-9195 | |
| PC Powerhouse | tel: 946-1818 | |
| Shooter's Lounge | tel 946-3496 |
There is currently no public access available on Little Cayman
Transportation: Is there Public Bus Service?
There is a daily bus service which runs from 6 am until midnight depending on the route and the day of travel. Service is more regular and reliable between Seven Mile Beach and George Town than in other areas. The bus fare also depends on the route and varies between CI$1.50 to CI$3.00 per person.
How much would a taxi cost from the airport on Grand Cayman to Seven Mile Beach?
On average a taxi would cost from US$10 to US$25 depending on the number of people, how much luggage and how far along Seven Mile Beach you are going to.
Where can I play Golf in Grand Cayman?
There is currently one golf course in the Cayman Islands fully operational, located on Grand Cayman. The Britannia Golf Course located at the Hyatt Regency Resort is a unique 18 hole executive with par 3's and 4's. On Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sunday mornings the course is played Executive format. Otherwise it is played as a very challenging 9 hole regulation course (twice for 18 if you so desire).
The course is usually played with regular golf balls, however the Cayman Ball (that travels half the distance of a normal ball) was specially developed by course designer Jack Nicklaus with the executive course in mind to give golfers the feel of playing a regulation course on an executive layout. Some visitors like to try their hand at this very different experience! Open every day, the Britannia Golf Course offers clubhouse facilities, a full bar and refreshment cart service. Handicap cards are only required for tournaments. Also check out the Blue Tip golf course at the Ritz Carlton Resort on Seven Mile Beach.
What if I get sick?
The Government of the Cayman Islands has recently completed the expansion of its main hospital into a large Health Services Complex located in George Town, Grand Cayman. It boasts modern equipment and facilities, in addition to an increased number of highly trained personnel. A 24 hour hyperbaric decompression chamber is available for divers and an air ambulance service for other emergencies. The telephone number is (345) 949-8600. There is also a private hospital currently under construction and a number of other private facilities that offer a variety of professional medical services.
In Cayman Brac, there is the government hospital, Faith Hospital. The number is (345) 948-2243/2245. There is a small clinic in Little Cayman that can be reached at (345) 948-1051.
Where can I exercise while I am in the Cayman Islands?
A number of Resorts and Condominiums have gym facilities available to their guests. In addition, you can contact any of the following gymnasiums on Grand Cayman for rates and times:
Fitness Connection at telephone number (345) 949-8485
World Gym Fitness Center at telephone number (345) 949-5132
Will I need any vaccinations before entering the Cayman Islands?
Vaccinations are not mandatory to enter our islands. For further information please contact your doctor.
Can we camp in the Cayman Islands?
Visitors are not permitted to camp on the Cayman Islands as there are no designated Camp sites. The Cayman Islands offer a wide variety of accommodations to suit any budget.
You will not find any nude beaches in the Cayman Islands in fact, please note that the Cayman Islands Law prohibits all forms of public nudity, including topless sunbathing. Many business places also request that you wear shoes and an appropriate cover-up before entering.
Is gambling legal? Are there any casinos?
No. We do not have any casinos in the Cayman Islands. Gambling on the islands is prohibited by law.
18 years and older. Our Rum punches can pack a punch, so please remember no drinking and driving.
Do you have your own CURRENCY?
Yes we do! The Cayman Islands currency was first issued in 1972. The basic unit is the dollar, issued in notes with denominations of CI$100, 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1.
Yes it is widely accepted throughout the islands. CI$1.00 equals US$1.25 or, the US dollar equals CI $.80. This rate may also vary depending on the company doing the exchange.
View a list of Cayman banks from the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority or request banking information from the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority at 345-949-7089 or email: cima@cimoney.com.ky .
What is there for my kids to do?
They will enjoy the various watersports like the banana boats, two person parasailing or discovering our fantastic marine world through snorkeling and swimming with colourful tropical fish. Adolescents over 12 years can also learn to dive! View our amazing underwater reefs in submarines, semi-submersibles and glass bottom boats. Don't miss our famous Stingray City snorkel trip where everyone becomes a child at heart swimming with tamed southern stingrays in their natural habitat; the open sea.
There is Cayman Turtle Farm located in West Bay where you can find many different species, sizes and ages of turtles in addition to indigenous animals and birds. US$6 for adults and no admission fee for children under 6 years. Horseback riding is available from several tour operators for kids 10 years and older, as well as cycling, golf and tennis. Some hotels also host Kid camps for children under the age of 12. Our National Festival, Pirates Week, provides numerous fun activities for children.
Couples can marry the day they arrive in the Cayman Islands, including visitors arriving by cruise ship. You must first arrange for a marriage officer within the Cayman Islands and apply for a special marriage license for non-residents granted by the Governor. View our Cayman Islands Wedding section for more details.
What if we just want to renew our vows?
All you would need is a marriage officer and your proof of marriage. All other details relating to your special moment can be arranged at your discretion.
All weddings held in the Cayman Islands must take place between 6am and 8pm.
What festivals are celebrated in the Islands?
Pirates Week
The end of October is a very exciting time to be visiting Grand Cayman. Our National Pirates Week Festival is celebrated at that time. The festivities usual start with the first of many fireworks displays viewed best from Hog Sty Bay in George Town, the captital. There is a spectacular parade through George Town, heritage days throughout the week, costume contests, music, street dances, food festivals and sporting events during the ten day celebration! The celebration features many activities for children.
Batabano Carnival
Since its humble beginnings in 1984 as a community event which closed the tourist season, Rotary's Batabano Carnival has grown to become one of the Cayman Islands' most popular National Tourist Attractions. This carnival draws thousands of residents and visitors out into the streets to enjoy the music and dancing of the Mas' (short for Masquerade). With over 500 costumed participants in the Mas' , Batabano's Street Parade is a wonderfully colourful spectacle enjoyed by adults and children of all ages.
How can I get to the Sister Islands of Cayman Brac or Little Cayman?
You can book passage for Inter-island Travel from Grand Cayman to Little Cayman through Cayman Airways. Cayman Airways telephone number 345-949-2311. Cayman Airways also offers a 737 jet service from Grand Cayman to Cayman Brac. Toll Free: 1-800-G-CAYMAN
How much would you expect to pay for a local two-course lunch or dinner?
On average you can expect to pay between US$16.00-US$32.00
Cayman Islands National Symbols
National Tree: The Silver Thatch Palm
Up until the early 1960s, the Silver Thatch Palm played an important role in the lives of Caymanians. Straw rope was manufactured from the leaves and became something of a cottage industry. Women and children would
cut "s" (new leaves) early in the morning. The "s" were hung out to dry for a few days before being twisted into strands and woven together on a handmade loom. This product was then sold or traded. The rope was especially prized by fishermen, both locally and in Jamaica, becuase of its durability when exposed to seawater. The tree has exceptionally tough fronds (leaves) that have a variety of other uses, from roofing for houses to weaving of hats, baskets, brooms. Silver Thatch Palms may be found on all three islands but they are not found anywhere else in the world.
National Bird: The Grand Cayman Parrot
The sight of a pair of Grand Cayman Parrots with their iridescent green feathers, white crowns and rosy cheeks, and the sound of their raucous squaking is familiar to most Caymanians. Most active in the early morning and late afternoon, these birds return to their roost in palm stumps and mangroves at dusk. Cayman parrots are actually two sub species of the Cuban Parrot. The Grand Cayman Parrot is more boisterous and bolder than its cousin in Cayman Brac, which is one of the rarest amazon parrots in the world. Unfortunately, parrots were wiped out from Little Cayman after the 1932 storm. Occasionally some birds will fly over to Little Cayman from Cayman Brac. Their diet consists of fruit and berries, making them unpopular with farmers because of the damage they often cause fruit crops. It is illegal to kill or take these birds from the wild to rear as pets.
National Flower: The Wild Banana Orchid
Found flowering in abundance after the rains in May and June, there are in fact two varieties of this orchid.
The Grand Cayman variety which has small scented flowers that are predominantly white with purple tips,
and the species found on Cayman Brac and Little Cayman which tend to be more yellowish.
Comments
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sorry for taking so long to get back to you. Yes, raffling is legal. I'm sure you are aware that gambling of any nature is illegal and harshly prosecuted. Hope this helps. Alvin, webmaster.
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