Simon - Fodors In Focus Cayman Islands

By Jordan Simon

Though Grand Cayman is most celebrated for its aquatic activities, theres no shortage of diversions to please landlubbers, history buffs, the ecocentric, and families, from turtle and butterfly farms to ruined fortifications. Its just as alluring on land as underwater, gleaming with a ravishing dryness. Though not lush, the surrounding scenery can spiral from arid semidesert to tropical hardwood forests that pierce the sky like cathedral spires. Many attractions admirably attempt to foster greater understanding of the environment and the importance of responsible stewardship of our resources.

Window-shopping in the captivating capital, George Town, ranks as many visitors favorite form of recreation and sightseeing. Not only will you find no additional sales tax, but theres duty-free merchandise aplenty. And though most peoples image of Grand Cayman is bustling Seven Mile Beach, there are downright rural, pastoral pockets where if time doesnt stand still, it slows to a turtles steady crawl. This is where travelers can experience the real Cayman, including craft traditions such as thatch weaving that have nearly vanished.

Diving is a major draw; the Bloody Bay Wall, off the coast of Little Cayman, is one of the Caribbeans top dive destinations, but there are many sites convenient to Grand Cayman where shore diving is also good.

On Grand Cayman, a dive or snorkeling trip to Stingray City is very popular. Theres good off-the-beach snorkeling in West Bay Cemetery, at Rum Point, and at Smiths Cove in Grand Cayman.

On land, Grand Cayman has the most to offer, with plenty of tours and activities, including semisubmersible tours of the bay.

Grand Caymans Seven Mile Beach is one of the Caribbeans finest long stretches of sand. Little Cayman has the best beaches of the Sister Islands, especially Owen Island and Point o Sand.

Rock climbers have now discovered the Bracs limestone bluff.

Getting to the Islands: There are plenty of nonstop flights to Grand Cayman (GCM) from the United States; then you can hop over to the Brac (CYB) and Little Cayman (LYB) on a small plane.

Hassle Factor: Low for Grand Cayman; medium to high for Little Cayman and Cayman Brac.

Nonstops: You can fly nonstop to Grand Cayman from Atlanta (Delta, three times weekly), Boston (US Airways and JetBlue once weekly), Charlotte (US Airways), Detroit (Delta once weekly), Fort Lauderdale (Cayman Airways), Houston (United once weekly), Miami (American, Cayman Airways), Minneapolis (Delta once weekly), New YorkJFK (Cayman Airways daily, JetBlue three times weekly, Delta once weekly), New YorkNewark (United once weekly), Philadelphia (US Airways once weekly), and Tampa (Cayman Airways).

On the Ground: In Grand Cayman you must take a taxi or rent a car at the airport, since most hotels are not permitted to offer airport shuttles. Hotel pickup is more readily available on Cayman Brac and Little Cayman.

Renting a Car: Its possible to get by without a car on Grand Cayman if you are staying in the Seven Mile Beach area. If you want to explore the rest of the islandor if you are staying elsewhereyoull need a car. Though less necessary on Cayman Brac or Little Cayman, cars are available on both islands. Driving is on the left, and you need a local driving permit, available at the car-rental office for US$20.