CAYMAN ISLANDS
The Cayman Islands are a British dependent territory consisting of three main islands with a total area of approximately 100 square miles and located about 500 miles west of Jamaica. There is an international airport located in Grand Cayman, and facilities for tourists are widely available. The U.S. Embassy in Kingston, Jamaica has consular responsibility for the Cayman Islands. Read the Department of State Background Notes on the Cayman Islands for additional information.
CLIMATE IN CAYMAN ISLANDS
In general the weather is good all year and the trade winds ensure it doesn't get too hot. Peak season runs between December and April. The rainy season runs from May to November and visitors are advised to keep an eye on the weather reports in the days before arrival, as this is also hurricane season. Many regard the wet season as the best time to visit; room rates are cheaper, the beaches less crowded and the rain comes in short, sharp bursts that does not usually impact on holiday fun.
VISA INFORMATION FOR TOURISTS
All visitors are required to hold sufficient funds for intended period of stay in the Cayman Islands, as well as a return or onward ticket and documents required for further travel. Entry may be refused if not complying with general appearance, behavior and clothing requirements. Visas are usually for 30 days, provided coming for tourist purposes. As part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), all travelers traveling between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean region are required to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter or re-enter the United States. If departing from the USA a valid passport will be required by immigration authorities.
Americans: US nationals require a valid passport, or a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license, as well as proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate. No visa is required for stays of up to 30 days (extensions of up to six months are possible).
UK nationals: UK nationals do not require a passport for travel to the Cayman Islands providing they hold proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate or naturalization certificate, accompanied by an official photo ID (e.g. driver's license), and do not stay longer than six months. Passports or other documents must be valid beyond the intended period of stay. No visa is required for stays of up to 30 days (extensions of up to six months is possible) for passport holders endorsed British Citizen or British Overseas Territories Citizen.
Canadians: Canadian nationals do not require a passport for travel to the Cayman Islands providing they hold a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license, as well as proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate, and do not stay longer than six months. No visa is required for stays of up to 30 days (extensions of up to six months are possible).
Australians: Australian nationals must have a valid passport beyond the period of intended stay. No visa is required for stays of up to 30 days (extensions are possible for up to six months).
South Africans: South African nationals require a passport valid beyond the period of intended stay in the Cayman Islands. No visa is required for stays of up to 30 days (extensions of up to six months are possible).
Irish nationals: Irish nationals require a passport valid at least beyond the intended period of stay and no visa is required for stays of up to 30 days (extensions of up to six months are possible).
New Zealanders: New Zealand nationals must have a passport valid beyond the period of intended stay. No visa is required for stays of up to 30 days (extensions of up to six months are possible).
TRAVEL ATTRACTIONS AND THINGS TO DO
Seven Mile Beach
City/Region: Grand Cayman
Running north from George Town, Seven Mile Beach is a beautiful stretch of white sand that curls around the West of the island. A reef protects the coast and ensures that the water is calm and ideal for swimming and snorkeling. This is the most popular beach on the island and is bordered by dozens of hotels, but it is large enough to ensure sunbathers do not end up towel-to-towel. North of the beach is West Bay, the country's second largest town.
Turtle Farm
City/Region: Grand Cayman
When Christopher Columbus first discovered the islands in 1503, he named them 'Las Tortugas,' meaning The Turtles. According to legend, there were so many turtles that the islands looked like they were covered with rocks. They are now a protected species and the Cayman Islands Turtle Farm, which is just outside West Bay, is home to 16,000 turtles ranging in size from six ounces (170g) to 600 pounds (272kg) each. The priority of the farm is to maintain an ideal breeding environment. Breeding season runs from May to October, during which time the turtles dig their nests on the beach near the breeding pond and produce their eggs. The eggs are immediately taken to the hatchery, where staff monitors the hatching process.
Pedro St James Castle
City/Region: Grand Cayman
East of George Town is Pedro St James. Originally built by an Englishman who arrived in the islands in 1765, it is the islands' oldest surviving building. Local stories also associate it with the pirate Henry Morgan and a 17th-century Spaniard, Pedro Gómez, though there's no proof. The house is touted as the islands' 'birthplace of democracy' - it was here in 1831 that the decision was made to vote for elected representatives, and four years later the Slavery Abolition Act was read here. Constructed around 1780 from quarried native stone, the house has been restored by the government as a historic site. Behind a traditional coral stone wall rises an authentic, three-story early 19th-century great house and outbuildings, with traditional 'grounds' planted with pineapple, banana and other provisions. The adjacent acres are covered with luxuriant tropical plants, palm-lined walkways and a splendid manicured Great Lawn sprawling to a fantastic view over the Caribbean. A new Multi-Media Theater shows a 20-minute film of the history of the castle.
Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park
City/Region: Grand Cayman
The Caymans are better known for their sea life than habitation on the ground, but for keen botanists or those who would simply like a pleasant walk, the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park is hard to beat. A well-marked mile-long (two km) trail winds through lush, easy terrain, featuring almost 300 native species including roses, hibiscus, lilies and orchids - which bloom in late May and June. The park and lake is home to the endangered, and elusive, Blue Iguana as well as a fascinating array of birdlife including parrots, herons, coots and the rare West Indian Whistling Duck. The nearby Mastic Trail meanders through the old-growth forest that once supplied early settlers with timber. The 26-hectare (65 acres) park is in the district of North Side, and is a 45-minute drive from George Town.
Rum Point
City/Region: Grand Cayman
Rum Point Beach consists of hundreds of yards of crystal clear shallow sand flats perfect for snorkeling in a conservation marine park. It is a tranquil retreat where hammocks slung under shady trees, picnic tables, a sandy beach and warm shallow waters provide a relaxing haven for the day. Many watersports are offered, with easy access to North Sound, including jet-skiing, sailing, and kayaking, and snorkelers can explore the coral formations just off the beach.
Stingray City and Sandbar
City/Region: Grand Cayman
Stingray City and the Sandbar are snorkeling sites located in the North Sound, and are a must for water enthusiasts. The clear shallow waters are frequented by friendly stingrays that come to find out what titbits visitors have brought them. Boat tours take snorkelers and divers to swim with and feed the stingrays on bits of squid; they will brush against swimmers and allow themselves to be touched. This famous Cayman attraction was accidentally created by fishermen who used to clean their catch in the calm waters, casting bits overboard, and so attracting the Southern Stingrays to the area.
George Town
City/Region: Grand Cayman
Unless visiting the islands for business rather than pleasure, most people only call at George Town to stock up on provisions or visit a restaurant. However a pleasant morning can be spent wandering around the well-planned streets doing some shopping and visiting its attractions. The National Museum is worth a visit, situated in the Old Courts building, the islands oldest building, it exhibits the country's fascinating cultural and natural history and the resourceful, independent nature of the seafaring society. The town is usually fairly quiet except on the two or three days a week that a cruise ship docks, when it is densely packed with tourists. The town's Seven Mile Beach is a lovely stretch of sand, fronted by a string of resort hotels.
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