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Grand Cayman Basics

The Cayman Islands, located in the western Caribbean south west of Jamaica, are blessed with clean turquoise beaches, abundant sun, duty free shopping and some of the best diving and snorkeling in the Caribbean. With a population of around 50,000 people, the Cayman Islands is one of the most prosperous territories in the Caribbean. George Town, the capital of the islands, is located on Grand Cayman, the largest of the Cayman Islands.

The economy of the Cayman Islands is based on tourism and offshore banking and finance. Over the last 40 years, the islands have grown to become the world's fifth largest financial center. The Caymans enjoy a vibrant tourist trade, playing host to over 2 million visitors every year. It is also the second most popular cruise ship destination in the Western Caribbean, with just under 1.5 million passengers scheduled to arrive in 2011.

Being in the tropics, the weather is always warm and inviting. The average winter high season temperature is around 79° F, while the summer season temperatures average about 8° warmer. The water is always warm. Cool trade winds blow in from the west, providing some respite from the intense sun. But the Caymans are located smack in the middle of the Hurricane Belt, making them a target from June through November.

First Impressions

Three words can pretty much sum up the Cayman Islands: sun, sea and wealth. A British Crown Colony, you'll find you'll find a little bit of Britain here: they drive on the left, they drink good English beer, and there is a societal conservatism that is redolent of a colonial past. As your ship approaches George Town, the capital, you'll pass by Seven Mile beach, one of the most beautiful of the Caribbean beaches and the main tourist resort area.

Your ship will drop anchor off of George Town, which is on the west side of Grand Cayman, and you will transit to shore via your ship's tenders. All shore excursions commence from the George Town Cruise Ship pier, which is adjacent to downtown George Town.

The main things to do here have to do with the sea and the reef that surround the islands. Some of the best diving and snorkeling in the Caribbean can be found off of Grand Cayman. Dive sites can be found on the western, southern and eastern parts of Grand Cayman. If you've never had an up close and personal interaction with stingrays, this is the place to do it. On Grand Cayman, you can even go to Hell, and write home about it! And since the Caymans have no direct taxation, shopping here can be an adventure in itself.

Visitors should be aware that the Cayman Islands remains a "proper" British Crown Colony, and the locals are conservative by nature. The Cayman Islands Government strictly prohibits all forms of public nudity, so please don't wear bathing suits or scanty beach wear beyond the beach or your cruise ship, and make sure to cover up when in public areas. Neat, casual and comfortable tropical attire is appropriate throughout the Cayman Islands.

Time Zone

The Cayman Islands are on Eastern Time, five hours earlier than Greenwich Mean Time during Standard Time. However, the Caymans do not recognize Daylight Savings Time.

Language

English is universally spoken in the Caymans; you'll also find a small number of residents speaking Spanish as well.

Currency

The Cayman Islands Dollar is the Cayman Islands' official currency, and uses the "$" sign to denote the Cayman Dollar amount. The Cayman Dollar is fixed at CI$ 1.00 = US$ 1.25. Alternatively, one US dollar equals CI$ 0.80. This rate has been fixed for several years.

Banks and ATMs

Cayman National Bank has ATM machines found throughout the downtown area of George Town. They dispense both US dollars and Cayman Islands dollars. ATM machines in the city can be found at the following locations:

Cayman National Bank: On Edwards Street, in downtown George Town; at the Countryside Savannah Shopping Center, near Pedro St. James Historic Site; and at the Texaco Star Mart at 142 Eastern Avenue, George Town.

Royal Bank of Canada: 24 Shedden Road, George Town, and on West Bay Road in the Queen's Court Plaza, Seven Mile Beach.

CIBC Bank & Trust: on Edwards Street, in George Town.

Barclay's Bank: on Shedden Road, in George Town.

To see the locations of Grand Cayman's ATMs, see our Grand Cayman ATM map.

Using US Dollars in Cayman Islands

There is no need to exchange US dollars into local currency. The US dollar is accepted throughout the islands at a rate of one US dollar equaling CI$ 0.80.

Weather

The Cayman Islands lie in the far Western Caribbean in the equatorial tropics. The islands are cooled by prevailing trade winds, but like Hawaii, the sun is intense and you can burn easily. Make sure you always wear sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses.

The Caymans have two seasons, Winter and Summer. Winter lasts from November through the end of April, with an average daytime temperature of 79° F. The Winter water temperature averages around 80° F. The Summer months extend from May through October, and enjoy an average daytime temperature of 87° F. During the Summer months, the water averages around 84° F.

The rainy season starts in May and lasts through October, with the two wettest months being May and October. Showers are generally short. March and April are usually the driest months. The average annual rainfall is about 56 inches.

The Caymans lie in the Caribbean hurricane belt, and hurricane season extends from June through November.

Grand Cayman Average Temperatures
	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg High - F	80	80	82	84	86	87	87	87	87	86	84	82
Avg High - C	27	27	28	29	30	31	31	31	31	30	29	28
Avg Low - F	73	73	75	75	78	78	80	80	78	78	77	75
Avg Low - C	23	23	24	24	26	26	27	27	26	26	25	24

Grand Cayman Average Precipitation
	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg, Inches	2.0	1.9	1.4	1.7	5.5	5.7	5.8	6.4	8.0	8.6	6.6	3.0
Avg, mm	50	48	35	43	141	145	148	161	204	217	168	75

George Town Weather Forecast, Cayman Islands

©istockphoto.com/SSImagesCollection

Keeping In Touch

Internet Cafes

You can find several internet cafes on Grand Cayman; their rates are reasonable. Here are a few suggestions:

Cable & Wireless is the main communications provider in the Cayman Islands. They have a Communications Station in George Town, located next to Columbian Emeralds near the Cruise Ship docks, that features 5 internet terminals. Open Monday to Saturday, from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm.

Cafe Del Sol, Marquee Shopping Centre, Seven Mile Beach, near the Marriott Beach Resort. One of the best places on the island to get online. Internet rates are CI$4.00 an hour/ CI$2.50 a 1/2 hour. Open Monday to Thursday, 7:00 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday to Saturday, 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.; Sunday 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Phone: (345) 946-2233.

Thirsty Surfer, Colliers Bay, located at the the Reef Resort in Grand Cayman's East End. Offers WIFI as well as internet terminals. Phone: (345) 947-2337.

Dickens Internet Cafe, located at the Galleria Plaza, on West Bay Road in Seven Mile Beach. Phone: (345) 945-9195.

PD's Pub (aka the Pirate's Den Pub), located in the Galleria Plaza, on West Bay Road in Seven Mile Beach. Phone: (345) 949-7144.

Cyber Joe's, located in the Shoppes Of Grand Harbour in the Red Bay area, located east of downtown George Town. Phone: (345) 943-7873.

To see the locations of Grand Cayman's Internet Cafe locations, see our Grand Cayman Internet Locations map.

Finding US Newspapers.

Many US newspapers can be found in hotel lobbies and shops.

Kindle Connectivity

In Grand Cayman, you can download your Kindle newspaper and magazine subscriptions, as well as books and selected blogs, through EDGE/GPRS coverage provided by Cable & Wireless or Digicel.

Local Holidays & Festivals

Look for the following local festivals and events taking place on Grand Cayman in 2012:

New Year's Day, January 1. Public holiday that's celebrated on Monday, January 2 in 2012.

National Heroes' Day, January 23. Public holiday that's the largest national celebration of Cayman heritage and culture.

24th Annual Taste of Cayman, January 28. Taking place in Camana Bay, this event is the Islands' premier restaurant showcase, and includes live music, fireworks, a children's fun area, art exhibition, VIP lounge and local food and produce area.

13th Annual Mardi Gras, February 22. Celebrated at the Kaibo Bar and Restaurant in George Town.

Ash Wednesday, February 22. Public Holiday.

Million Dollar Boat Run, April 23 (estimated date). The Million Dollar Boat Run (or MDR) is a poker run, power-boat race and exhibition rolled into one powerful weekend in Grand Cayman.

Good Friday, April 6. Public holiday.

Easter Monday, April 9. Public holiday; hey, there's nothing like a 4-day weekend!

Earth Week, April 18 to 27. There are several events and activities that take place on Grand Cayman commemorating Earth Week.

Cayman Carnival Batabano 2012, May 3 to 5. Now in its 29th year, the event has developed into a celebration of Caymanian and Caribbean culture through cuisine, music, dance and other arts. There's an Adult Street Parade on Saturday, the 5th, featuring participants wearing elaborate and colorful carnival costumes, along with rhythmic soca music and energetic bands. You'll also find a Food Festival and Street Fete that follows the parade in the center of George Town. A Junior Parade and Family Fun Day takes place on Friday the 4th.

Discovery Day, May 21. Commemorates the discovery of the Cayman Islands by Christopher Columbus in 1503.

Queens Birthday Observance, June 18. As in England, the Cayman Islands citizens observe the official birthday of Queen Elizabeth II.

20th Annual Flowers Mile Swim, June 9. The world's flattest, fastest ocean mile race, taking place along Grand Cayman's pristine Seven Mile beach.

Constitution Day, July 2. Public holiday commemorating the adoption of the Constitution in 1962.

Remembrance Day, November 12. Public holiday held to remember those who fell in the two World Wars.

Pirates Week: Cayman's National Festival 2012, November 8 to 18. Street celebrations, family-friendly heritage days, a "pirate invasion," fireworks and parties make the annual National Festival a fun time to be in George Town.

Jazz Fest, November. Enjoy the music and magic of some of the world's most renowned jazz and R&B performers.

Christmas Day, December 25. Public holiday.

Boxing Day, December 26. Public holiday.

Cruise Lines Making Port

George Town, located on Grand Cayman and the capital of the Cayman Islands, is the second most popular port destination on western Caribbean cruises. In 2012, 582 cruise ship visits are scheduled, representing just under 1.5 million passengers. The high season for visits is December through April. If you'd like to see which cruise ships are scheduled to arrive in George Town, check out our Grand Cayman Cruise Ship Schedule - 2012.

The following cruise lines make port in George Town, Grand Cayman: