The Cayman Islands – Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman – are situated just a short distance off the eastern tip of the U.S., between Cuba and Jamaica. Just a 90-minute flight from Miami, travelers booking Cayman Islands flights arrive in Grand Cayman and are welcomed with sugar-white sand beaches, a bustling city center, and a decadent nightlife scene. Grand Cayman is home to 500 banks and some of the best beaches in the world. Those travelers looking for peace and quiet, and no Blackberry access, should head to Little Cayman or Cayman Brac. Both islands are located just 70 miles from Grand Cayman and are touted as being more relaxed and laid-back than the main island.
The Cayman Islands remain a British territory and are still under British rule, but one look around this island will show massive U.S. influence. Thanks to the booming tourism this country sees every year, the Cayman Islands continue to thrive and function in business, real estate, and beaches. So long as tourists continue booking flights to the Cayman Islands, the pristine beaches and bustling business center will continue to flourish, making the Cayman Islands a year-round destination for any traveler.
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In general, the weather is good all year and the trade winds ensure it doesn't get too hot. Travelers booking flights to the Cayman Islands can count on year-round beach temperatures. The rainy season is May through November, and is also hurricane season for the islands.
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Peak season:
Runs between December and April. Travelers looking to book Cayman Islands flights during this time should plan ahead. Hotels book up fast and airline prices rise during peak season.
Off season:
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; cheap flights to the Cayman Islands are available, hotel room rates are cheaper, the beaches less crowded and the rain comes in short, sharp bursts that does not usually impact on holiday fun.
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Taxis are available on Grand Cayman and there is also a public minibus. The bus service was only recently started; it is a cheap and fun way of traveling round the island. There are designated bus stops, but the easiest way to get on board is simply wave your arm when you see a bus coming. All buses have blue number plates. However, hiring a car is the easiest and quickest way of getting about. On the other two islands it is the only option.
To travel between islands, you need to catch a flight.
The following chart gives approximate journey times from George Town, Grand Cayman, (in hours and minutes) to other major cities and towns in the islands.
| | Air | Road | Sea |
|---|
| Cayman Brac | 0.30 | - | - |
|---|
| Little Cayman | 0.45 | - | - |
|---|
| Rum Point | - | 0.45 | 1.15 |
|---|
| Cayman Kai | - | 0.45 | - |
|---|
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- One of the many reasons people visit the Cayman Islands is for the excellent diving. Some of the best can be found at Bloody Bay Marine Park, off the north shore of Little Cayman.
- Seven Mile Beach is the main beach on Grand Cayman and a beautiful expanse of white sand. However, it is extremely popular with tourists and the first place many of the cruise ship passengers head for. Try Rum Point instead, where the shallow waters are ideal for children and the facilities include changing areas, volleyball nets and hammocks on the beach in which you can easily while away an afternoon sipping on a cocktail from the beach bar.
- There is plenty to do for sports lovers even above the waves. Backpacking, hiking, kayaking, golfing and bird watching are all on offer across the three islands. Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park on Grand Cayman is a good place to trek.
- Grand Cayman may seem like a paradise, but it’s also home to Hell. An area containing black lava formations is named Hell, and, for this reason alone, many tourists visit. However, most report that it is a disappointing trip – except for the novelty of sending mail from the post office there. Who wouldn’t want to receive a postcard from Hell?
- The Cayman Islands are a very popular destination for weddings and honeymoons. A combination of white sand beaches, palm trees and almost guaranteed sunshine make for a romantic destination to tie the knot. You don’t have to opt for a beach wedding, it’s also possible to have the ceremony in a small chapel or church. Just make sure the legal requirements are in place beforehand. Unlike many popular foreign wedding destinations, you don’t need to have spent any time on the island before the ceremony – even if you step off a cruise ship you can get married on the same day. However, you do need a marriage license, proof of citizenship, proof of marital status and two witnesses. There is an excellent section on weddings and honeymoons on the official Cayman Islands tourist Web site, which has all the information you need.
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Grand Cayman (GCM) (Owen Roberts International Airport) is 1 mile east of the city.
Cayman Brac (CYB) (Gerard Smith Airport) is 5 miles from the town.
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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.
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U.S. citizens 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). Passport or other documents must be 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).
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