How's this for history? Christopher Columbus spotted the Cayman
Islands in 1503 on a voyage to the New World. In 1586, Sir Francis Drake
landed on the islands and named them the Cayman Islands. Since then,
many more people have come to the islands and fallen in love with their
beauty.
Three islands comprise the Cayman Islands. They include
Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman. None of the islands are
overly large. Grand Cayman is approximately 22 miles long and only 8
miles wide.
If that sounds fairly small, consider that it's the
biggest of the Cayman Islands. At only a mile wide and 12 miles long,
Cayman Brac is known for its fascinating landscape. It features both
cliffs and caves and is truly an amazing natural wonder.
Little
Cayman is, as you would expect from its name, little. Smaller than the
other two islands, Little Cayman is around 10 miles long and about 1
mile wide. It is, indeed, little.
Today, the Cayman Islands are a
British Dependant Territory. Although Queen Elizabeth II is the head of
state, the Cayman Islands have their own governor and constitution.
The
main source of revenue for the Cayman Islands is tourism. For that
reason, you'll find excellent hotels and resorts on the islands.
Although the Cayman Islands have their own currency, American money is
widely accepted.
Grand Cayman is the most popular destination
with tourists. If you're looking for a fun time, visit Grand Cayman at
the end of October. That's when Pirates Week is celebrated. This
celebration includes fireworks, a parade, music, costumes, and even
sporting events. Fun for everyone, Pirates Week is a ten-day celebration
that you won't want to miss.
If you love to scuba dive, then the
Cayman Islands are the destination for you. The islands are actually the
tops of submerged mountains. This makes for fascinating diving. The
people of the Cayman Islands have gone to great lengths to protect the
natural wonders in the ocean around them.
When you dive in the
Cayman Islands, be sure to check into Bloody Bay Marine Park, located on
Little Cayman. This park is an area known for its clear waters and high
visibility. When you dive here, you'll discover an ocean reef system
that will fascinate even the most seasoned diver.
If you're taking
children with you to the Cayman Islands, use this opportunity to let
them discover marine life. They can snorkel and discover tropical fish,
or if they are older, they can learn to dive. By exploring the natural
wonders surrounding the Cayman Islands, children can come to appreciate
the diverse sea life that can be found in the ocean.
If you're not
ready to dive into the water yourself, you can take a glass-bottom boat
ride to view the intricate reefs. You also can ride in a submarine if
you're looking for some fun and excitement.
The Cayman Islands are
a beautiful destination for the adventurous tourist. Check your
schedule today to see when you can experience all this wondrous location
has to offer.
Views expressed in the article are those of the author and are not necessarily the opinions of CaribbeanChoice, its staff or members.