The Cayman Islands offer all the luxury you’d expect of a tropical getaway. The three Caribbean islands - Grand Cayman, Little Cayman, and Cayman Brac - each have their own personalities which combine to create the perfect escape.
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Grand Cayman
Grand Cayman, as the name suggests, is the largest of the trio and offers everything from arts and culture to nature and relaxation.
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The award-winning Seven Mile Beach can be found on the west of the island. Its sparkling waters and coral sands attract travellers from all over the world. Although the shoreline is home to many luxurious properties, the waterfront itself is open to the public, so take a stroll to enjoy the beauty, and visit the beach bars and restaurants en route.
Image Credit: David Reber
Stingray City at North Sound, 25 miles offshore, is one of the island’s popular excursions. Visitors can wade among the friendly stingrays, feed, photograph, and admire these beautiful animals.
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Rum Point is a picturesque family-friendly beach in the north of the island, where white sands, shallow waters, beach hammocks, shady trees, and delicious food can all be found - it’s well worth a day trip to swim, snorkel, or simply relax.
Pedro St James is an authentic 18th century Caribbean great house and is the oldest building on the island; it has come to represent the birthplace of democracy in the Caymans, and is the first national landmark. This historical site not only offers a state-of-the-art multimedia centre highlighting over 200 years of the Islands’ history, but also covers a wide natural tropical park area which is sought after for weddings. Recently, the Outpost has opened, which allows visitors to enjoy rum tastings and tours of distilling equipment.
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For a spot of tranquility, visit the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park, which is home to the endangered Grand Cayman Blue Iguana. Visitors can stroll around the mosaic-decorated Floral Garden and its many species of tropical and subtropical plants, admire the Heritage Garden and its 20th century Rankin Home, or learn more at the Visitor’s Centre.
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The Cayman Turtle Centre is an award-winning wildlife park where visitors can swim and snorkel with vibrant fish and green sea turtles, feed colourful birds in a free-flight aviary, and generally learn more about the magnificent local wildlife and conservation efforts.
The capital city, George Town, is the starting point for numerous experiences on the island including glass-bottom boat or rum distillery tours, and also offers art galleries, duty-free shops, restaurants, and a Farmers’ Market with fresh produce and crafts on Huldah Avenue.
Cayman Brac
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Cayman Brac is a 30 minute flight from Grand Cayman. It’s a little off the beaten track, but offers plenty for thrill-seekers and nature-lovers. Between the tiny towns can be found luscious forests with endangered parrots and peregrine falcons, hiking trails to explore unusual flowers and historical sites, and rare flora and fauna. For the adventurers, there are limestone caves, sinkholes, and seawall and sunken ship dives to enjoy.
Little Cayman
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The Bloody Bay Wall is one of the most popular dives around; the 5000ft drop-off gives a dramatic background to the sharks, stingrays, and turtles that frequent Little Cayman. If you prefer something above ground, the lively birds at the Booby Pond Nature Reserve may be more to your taste.
Image Credit: Pete Markham
Alternatively, simply enjoy the peaceful wonder of the empty beaches, soft sand, and gentle breeze in the palm trees. The South Hole Sound Lagoon gives you the chance to take a private swim in clear blue waters.
The dry season runs between November and April, so start thinking about the Cayman Islands for your winter escape!
Title Image Credit: David Reber (Image Cropped)