Diving in the Cayman Islands
Monday, August 18th, 2008The Cayman Islands are an outstanding choice for couples or families looking for a fabulous vacation. The Cayman Islands consist of 3 islands – Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman. This group of islands is located in Caribbean Sea, approx 150 miles (240 km) south of Cuba and 268 km northwest of Jamaica. The Cayman Islands are located approx 20 degrees north of the Equator. This results in nice temperatures year-round. The coolest month in the Cayman Islands is February and the warmest month is July.
Winter (Dec-April) is the peak tourist season. This is when hotel rates are usually higher and the beaches and lodgings are more crowded. The winter temperatures average 75°F (23.9°C) during the day and 68°F (20°C) during the night & humidity is at its lowest. Summer is great time to visit if you are looking for a bargain. The weather is hot, but accommodations are less expensive (approx 40% ) and the crowds are much thinner. There is more rain in summer but it tends to clear quickly. During the summer, temperatures average 83°F (28.3°C). Rainfall is highest from middle of May to October, but the frequent showers clear as quickly as they arrive. Remember though, summer is also hurricane season.
Grand Cayman is approx 22 miles long and 8 miles at its widest point. Grand Cayman is approx 90 miles south of Cayman Brac and Little Cayman, which are approx 5 miles apart.
Cayman Brac is approx 12 miles long and 1 mile at its widest spot. Cayman Brac has the highest point in all of the Islands with the impressive “Bluff” that rises 140 feet out of the sea.
The smallest island is Little Cayman. This island has a population somewhere around 150 people.
This illustration is not to scale. Little Cayman & Cayman Brac are much further north and east of Grand Cayman.
This map puts the islands into better perspective
If you are a beach lover, you have many choices on Grand Cayman – Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman Public Beach, Spotts Beach, Smith Cove, West Bay Public Beach, Cemetery Beach, Rum Point, East End Public Beach, Cayman Kai and Heritage Beach.
Depending on your likes, there are many places of interest on Grand Cayman:
- Boatswain’s Beach (Cayman Turtle Farm)
- National Gallery of the Cayman Islands
- Pedro St. James Castle
- Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park
- Wreck of the Ten Sails Park
There is public minibus service on Grand Cayman but I suggest renting a car. This is the best way to explore the island. Motorcycles and scooters are also available on all three islands. Traffic moves slow and driving is on the left.
Taxi are readily available on Grand Cayman, though they become fewer the further you get from George Town. Taxis are not available on Little Cayman or Cayman Brac, however, many hotels offer shuttle services to guests.
Surprisingly enough, there isn’t a ferry service from Grand Cayman to either of the sister islands. There are many private boat operators that will shuttle you between Cayman Brac and Little Cayman for a fee.If you don’t want to charter a private boat, the only way to get from Grand Cayman to the sister islands is by air. Cayman Express and Cayman Airways offer regular service from Grand Cayman to Cayman Brac and Little Cayman. Owen Roberts International Airport on Grand Cayman is less than 3km (2mi) south of George Town. Taxis are abundant for the trip into town. Gerrard-Smith International Airport is located at the western end of Cayman Brac. On Little Cayman, Edward Bodden Airfield is located just west of South Town, on the southwestern coast. These 2 sister islands do not offer an airport taxi service, but the hotels will be happy to pick you up.
The Cayman Islands are noted for diving. If diving is your pleasure, check out these links:
http://www.petermilburndivecayman.com/index.htm
http://www.paradise-divers.com/
http://www.donfosters.com/index.html
