Grand Cayman is the largest of three islands that make up the Cayman Islands. It is approximately 76 square miles; 20 miles long and 5-7 miles wide at its widest point. It lies 480 miles south of Miami, Florida or about 70 minutes by air. It is 150 miles south of Cuba and 180 miles northwest of Jamaica. Between Grand Cayman and Jamaica lies the "Cayman Trench", the deepest part of the Caribbean Sea, with depths charted down to four miles.
As you fly in to Cayman, you'll marvel at the changing hues of the water, from the palest lime and aquamarine to the inkiest cobalt and sapphire. Cayman Brac and Little Cayman are called the "Sister Islands." People frequently – and incorrectly – refer to the Cayman Islands as "The Caymans." A more acceptable abbreviation is, simply, Cayman.
All rental accommodations are inspected and licensed at least twice yearly by the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism to ensure that they comply with the standards set by law.
CLIMATE
The three Cayman Islands lie in the trade-winds belt. The prevailing NE winds moderate the temperatures, making the climate delightful all year round. Winter temperature averages from 75° and summer averages 85°. Most rain falls between September and November, but even then it generally comes only in short bursts. March and April are Cayman's driest months.
GOVERNMENT
The Cayman Islands are a British dependency with a British Governor appointed by the Queen of England. Cayman is ruled by a democratically-elected Legislative Assembly, and an Executive Council is responsible for the daily administration of the country.
LANGUAGE
English. Dialect and intonations used by Caymanians have puzzled some linguists but you'll have no difficulty understanding. The charming Caymanian accent is a mixture of English accents from Wales, Ireland and Cornwall with a dash of American southern drawl and a Scottish lilt to end a statement.
Dutch: Caymaneilanden
French: Îles Caïmanes
German: Kaimaninseln
Icelandic: Caymaneyjar
Italian: Isole Cayman
Portuguese: Ilhas Cayman, Ilhas Caimão
Spanish: Islas Caimán
Turkish: Cayman Adalai
MONEY and BANKING
The Cayman Islands dollar (CI $) is on a fixed exchange rate where $1.00CI = $1.25US (or $1.00US = $0.80CI) While international currency can be exchanged at local banks, the US dollar is accepted throughout the Cayman Islands. Banking hours are 9AM-4PM, Monday to Friday and banking machines are available at several banks and shopping centers.
BUSINESS HOURS
Shops and supermarkets are generally open from 9AM - 5PM, Monday through Saturday; businesses 9AM - 5PM from Monday through Friday. Only essential services, including pharmacies and gas stations, are open on Sundays.
TRANSPORTATION
Car and scooter rentals are available – remember to drive on the left and wear a seatbelt. Temporary visitor driver's licenses are obtainable at car rental agencies by presenting a valid driver's license and paying $7.50 US. Bus service runs from 6AM to midnight, depending on the day and the route. You don't have to find a bus stop – just stand on the side of the road and wave at an approaching white mini-bus with a colored circle. The fare ranges from $1.50 - $3.00 CI depending on the route. Taxis are readily available. The average fare from the airport to The Islands Club is $21 USD, to Villas Pappagallo $40 USD.
MEDICAL FACILITIES
We have modern medical facilities including both government-operated and private hospitals offering emergency care, recompression chamber, and ambulance paramedic services as well as medivac service to US facilities.
QUICK FACTS FOR VISITORS TO THE CAYMAN ISLANDS
- Drive on the left (we're a British Overseas Territory) and buckle up
- $1.00CI = $1.25US
- Eastern Standard Time all year long
- Visa, Mastercard, and American Express cards are widely accepted
- Vaccinations are not mandatory
- Electricity is the same as the US and Canada: 110 volts, 60 cycle
- Illegal drugs laws are strictly enforced
