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Cayman Islands Facts
- Dress Code: top
Neat, casual and comfortable tropical attire is appropriate throughout the Cayman Islands. Visitors will want to bring smart casual tropical resort wear for evenings out at our restaurants. When attending church services, "Sunday dress" is appropriate - shorts and T-shirts are not considered acceptable, especially for ladies. However, ties are not expected!
Visitors should remember that the Cayman Islands remains a "proper" British Crown Colony and our people are conservative by nature. Please do not wear bathing suits or scanty beach wear beyond the beach or cruise ship - and cover up when in public areas elsewhere. As we say in Cayman, Please keep your shell on!
There are no nude beaches in the Cayman Islands. Public nudity and topless bathing are strictly prohibited by law.
- Historical Highlights: top
The Cayman Islands remained largely uninhabited until the 17th century. A variety of people settled on the islands, including pirates, refugees from the Spanish Inquisition, shipwrecked sailors, deserters from Oliver Cromwell's army in Jamaica, and slaves. The majority of Caymanians are of African and British descent, with considerable interracial mixing.
Great Britain took formal control of the Caymans, along with Jamaica, under the Treaty of Madrid in 1670. Following several unsuccessful attempts, permanent settlement of the islands began in the 1730s. The Cayman Islands historically have been popular as a tax haven. Legend has it that Caymanians in 1788 rescued the crews of a Jamaican merchant ship convoy which had struck a reef at Gun Bay and that the Caymanians were rewarded with King George III's promise to never again impose any tax.
The Cayman Islands, initially administered as a dependency of Jamaica, became an independent colony in 1959; they now are a self-governing British Overseas Territory.
- Driving: top
On the left - valid driver's license required. A seat belt law is in effect which applies to every person in the vehicle including children.
- Government: top
British Crown Colony.
Cayman Islands form a British Overseas Territory with a large measure of self-government. The present constitution, which came into effect in 1972, provides for a system of government headed by a Governor, a Legislative Assembly, and an Executive Council, which administers the islands. The Governor is recruited from the U.K. Government Service, serves as the British government administrator, and retains responsibility for the civil service, defense, external affairs, and internal security. The Governor also chairs the Executive Council and appoints to the Council the Chief Secretary, the Attorney General, and the Financial Secretary, while the Legislative Assembly elects the Council’s other five members. Unlike other Caribbean Overseas Territories there is no Chief Minister but a Leader of Government Business. The Leader of Government Business is an elected politician, while the Chief Secretary is the most senior civil servant. Currently, the Leader of Government Business is also the Minister for Tourism, Environment, Development, and Commerce.
Responsibility for defense and external affairs resides with the United Kingdom; however, the Chief Secretary has the portfolio for external affairs, and the Cayman Government may negotiate certain bilateral matters directly with foreign governments. The elected members of the Executive Council divide the remaining administrative portfolios.
The 18-seat unicameral Legislative Assembly is presided over by an independent speaker. Elections are held at the discretion of the governor at least every 4 years. Members of the assembly may introduce bills, which, if passed, are then approved, returned, or disallowed by the Governor. The U.K. Government also reserves the right to disallow bills approved by the Governor.
The four-tiered judicial system is based on English common law and colonial and local statutes. The Cayman Islands Court of Appeal is the highest court on the islands, but Her Majesty’s Privy Council sitting in London may hear a final appeal.
- Location: top
The island country consists of Grand Cayman, largest and most populous of the trio; and the Sister Islands of Cayman Brac and Little Cayman, which lie approximately 89 miles east-northeast of Grand Cayman and are separated from each other by a channel about seven miles wide.
The island country consists of Grand Cayman, largest and most populous of the trio; and the Sister Islands of Cayman Brac and Little Cayman, which lie approximately 89 miles east-northeast of Grand Cayman and are separated from each other by a channel about seven miles wide.
- Hospital: top
The newly expanded and renovated George Town Hospital on Grand Cayman now has 128-beds and includes Maternity, Surgical, Medical and Pediatric units. Also available are physiotherapy, radiology and laboratory services; a dental clinic and eye clinic, and pharmacy. The Emergency Room is open 24 hours with a physician on-site at all times. The facilities including 24-hour ambulance paramedic service, only a phone call away to 911 or 555. The hospital is affiliated with Baptist Hospital of Miami for patient referrals involving advanced care or treatment.
The Faith Hospital in Stake Bay on Cayman Brac has 16 beds and offers emergency room facilities.
- Visas: top
US and Canadian citizens don't need visas or passports, only proof of citizenship. Citizens of the EU, the UK or the Commonwealth, Israel and Japan need passports but not visas. Travelers from elsewhere may need visas as well as passports.
- Decompression Chamber: top
Divers should know that the George Town Hospital also has a two-man, double-lock decompression chamber staffed by trained operators and supervised by a physician experienced in hyperbaric medicine who is on-call 24 hours for treatment of diving-related accidents.
Medivac services can be arranged quickly through Island Air at Owen Roberts International Airport. When necessary, a Lear Jet B-20 is available for transportation to US facilities.
- Watersports: top
Cayman is regarded as a world-class SCUBA diving destination. Wall, wreck, reef and the famous Stingray City diving excursions are conducted daily by over 30 professional diving organizations. Sportfishing is also big in Cayman and the annual Million Dollar Month tournament continues to gain popularity among international anglers. Other watersports include snorkelling, parasailing, board sailing, and skiing.
- Education: top
There are 16 primary schools (including 6 private ones), 4 secondary departments and 3 public high schools. Higher education can be pursued at either the Community College which began as trade school teaching business courses, hospitality training and construction skills. The college also offers "A" levels and Associate degrees. The International College of the Cayman Islands (ICCI) is a private institution with cooperative programs with and affiliations to various U.S. universities. In conjunction with the University of Liverpool in the U.K. Cayman has a national law school offering a three year law course with a Bachelor of Laws (Honors) degree. The Lighthouse School is another learning institution primarily for individuals with disabilities.
- Electricity: top
It's 110-volt AC (60 cycles), so U.S. and Canadian appliances will not need adapters or transformers.
- Visa entry requirements: top
All visitors must have a valid passport with following exceptions: U.S., U.K. and Canadian nationals who have proof of identity and citizenship (birth certificate and voter's registration) plus a photo ID (driver's license). Every visitor is required to have a return ticket.
- Geography: top
The Cayman Island, located 180 miles (290 km) northwest of Jamaica and 460 miles (740 km) south of Miami, are comprised of Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman. These three little islands have a total land mass of 100 square miles (260 sq. km) with Grand Cayman being the largest and most populated.
Grand Cayman and Little Cayman are relatively flat with sweeping beaches and ironshore coastlines. Cayman Brac boasts a towering limestone bluff which rises to a height of 140 feet (43m). The island are tempered by tradewinds, keeping a consistently comfortable temperature in the 80º F range (27C) and an average rainfall of 60 inches with May and October the rainiest months and March and April the driest. Water temperatures are close to 80ºF year-round, cooling slightly in the winter months. Surrounding waters are unbelievably clear with visibility of at least 100 feet on most days.
- Liquor Laws: top
Beer, wine, and liquor are sold at most grocery and convenience stores Monday to Saturday (not on Sunday). You can have an open container on the beach.
- Population: top
At the end of 1999, the population of the Cayman Islands was estimated at 40,000.
George Town is the most heavily populated district in Cayman, with West Bay, Bodden Town, Cayman Brac, East End, North Side and Little Cayman rank in that order by population. The total population of Grand Cayman is about 37,083; Cayman Brac, 1,822 and Little Cayman, 115. Of these, resident non-Caymanians number about 16,000, slightly more than a third of the total population, and list 113 different countries among their birthplaces.
According to Government figures at the end of 1999, the Cayman Islands work force includes employees from 78 countries. There was 14,004 work permits in effect at the end of 1999. The four nationalities representing the greatest number of work permits are Jamaica, the USA, Canada and the UK.
- Entry Requirments: top
United States, British, Canadian citizens as well as citizens of British Dependent Territories Do Not Require passports, but must present proof of Citizenship and a return or ongoing airline ticket. Note: a Voter's Registration Card or a Social Security Card is not considered valid proof of US citizenship and is therefore not valid Identification for re-entry into the United States. Proof of Citizenship include:
* Passport or Birth certificate with a raised seal & Photo Id (i.e. Driver's License)
* Photocopies of Birth Certificates need to have the copy notarized by a Notary Republic.
- Do's and Don'ts: top
Do enjoy the Cayman Islands' high-quality drinking water, but don't waste it—it's precious.
Do be prepared for conservative attitudes among some islanders. There is a strong Christian tradition in the Cayman Islands that occasionally manifests itself in an unaccommodating fashion. In 1997, the Caymanian Ministry of Tourism refused to let passengers on a cruise ship chartered by a group of gay travelers go ashore.
Do expect a 10% hotel tax and a tax for changing traveler's checks.
Don't buy any black coral. It's an endangered species, and buying jewelry or other items made from the coral only increases the likelihood that more will be harvested. Customs officials in many countries will confiscate such items if they're not accompanied by the proper permits. You should also avoid products made from sea turtles, which are also endangered.
Do brake for iguanas on Little Cayman: They have the right-of-way.
Do tip your divemaster or dive instructor—they're in the service industry.
Don't expect most shops or grocery stores to be open on Sunday.
Do drive to the top of the Bluff on Cayman Brac for a panoramic view of the island and the ocean.
Do walk along Seven Mile Beach early in the morning before it gets crowded.
- Business Hours: top
Normally, banks are open Monday to Thursday from 9am to 2:30pm, and Friday from 9am to 1pm and 2:30 to 4:30pm. Shops are usually open Monday to Saturday from 9am to 5pm.
- Island Size: top
22 miles long and up to 8 miles wide in areas; 76 square miles.
- Tipping: top
Most restaurants add a 10% to 15% charge in lieu of tipping, so check your bill carefully. Hotels also often add a 10% service charge to your bill. Taxi drivers expect a 10% to 15% tip.
- History: top
Columbus discovered the island in 1503, but the Spanish never occupied the. In 1670, Cayman was ceded to the British Crown in the Treaty of Madrid with settlement following many years later in the 1730s. The Cayman Island were a dependency of Jamaica until 1959 when it was given status as unit territory with the Federation of the West Indies. All links were severed (and the Federation dissolved) when Jamaica declared independence in 1962. Today Cayman is one of the last (and most loyal) British Crown colonies with no sentiment for independence.
- Water: top
Tap water in the Cayman Islands is safe to drink.
- Time: top
EST - 5 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (-5 GMT). Daylight Saving Time is not observed.)
- Weather: top
Average yearly temperature is 79° F. Average rainfall is 60 inches mostly in the rainy season, May through October.
Blessed with cooling tradewinds, the Cayman Islands enjoy a temperate climate year-round. The hottest months are July and August when average temperatures top out at 85 to 90°; the coolest month is February, when highs range from 72 to 86° and nighttime lows dip to the mid-60s to lower 70s.
Water temperatures drop during the winter months, ranging from 78 to 82°. During the summer, the waters warm to 82-86°, a balmy bath-like temperature that makes wetsuits strictly optional. The best diving conditions are in the summer (warmest water, best visibility and calmest seas). No matter when you go, a light sweater may be needed in the evenings, or a waterproof windbreaker for boat trips.
Rainfall varies with the season, reaching its peak during hurricane season. Average rainfall is 46 inches annually; May and October (and September-November) are traditionally the wettest months. The driest times are March and April.
Mention weather and the Caribbean in the same sentence and, quite predictably, the topic of hurricanes arises. These deadly storms are officially a threat from June through November, although the greatest danger is during the later months, basically August through October. (September is the worst.)
Hurricanes are defined as revolving storms with wind speeds of 75 mph or greater. These counter-clockwise storms begin as waves off the west coast of Africa and work their way across the Atlantic, some eventually gaining strength and becoming tropical depressions (under 40 mph) or tropical storms (40-74 mph). Excellent warning systems keep islands posted on the possibility of oncoming storms. Radio Cayman (105.3 and 89.9) broadcasts current storm reports in the islands.
Given that mid-December to mid-April (winter) is the peak tourist season, when rates are substantially higher and beaches and lodgings more crowded, it's best to go in the summer. There is more rain in summer, but it tends to come in downpours that clear as quickly as they arrive. Nervous Nellies will tell you that this is hurricane season, but the chances that you'll get swept up in the big one are slim. Even so, it's best to keep an eye on the weather reports in the days before your arrival.
- Public Holidays: top
January 1 - New Year's Day
Easter Holidays - Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, Easter Monday
Second Monday in April - Queen's Birthday
May 18 - Discovery Day
July 6 - Constitution Day
November 9 - Remembrance Day
December 25 - Christmas Day
December 26 - Boxing Day
- Banking Hours: top
9:00 am TO 4:00 pm Monday through Thursday and 9:00 am to 4:30 pm Friday. Most banks offer ATMs and credit card services for your convenience. Investment services are offered as well.
- Customs: top
Arriving visitors may bring in duty-free any personal items for use while on vacation. In addition, visitors 18 and older can bring in duty-free either one litre of alcohol, four litres of wine or one case of beer (not exceeding eight litres) and 200 cigarettes, or 25 cigars or 250 grams of tobacco. Don't be confused by the Customs forms which states that returning residents are allowed CI$300 worth of goods duty free. This privilege does not apply to visitors. Remember that any gifts you are bringing into Cayman may also be subject to duty. Books and camera equipment are always allowed as duty free items.
Don't Attempt To Bring In:
Importing or possession of any kind of illegal drugs including marijuana (ganja) is strictly prohibited by law and violators face arrest and prosecution by local authorities.
Also prohibited are:
Firearms of any kind.
Spearguns (or pole spears or Hawaiian slings).
Live plants and plant cuttings; raw fruits and vegetables are also restricted because they may carry diseases or shelter harmful insect pests.
f you have questions about any item, contact the Collector of Customs, (345) 949-2473.
When You Leave Cayman:
Visitors from the US should be aware that products made from farmed green sea turtles available in limited selections at the Cayman Turtle Farm Ltd. are offered for local consumption. The importation of genuine sea turtle products is strictly prohibited by any countries, which have signed the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (1978) including the USA, Canada and UK. In addition, US Customs prohibits the transhipment of turtle products through the US. Any products discovered will be confiscated.
Plants and Animals:
You will not be allowed to bring back any plants or plant seeds, vegetables or fruits unless you have official permits from US Customs. Otherwise, these will be confiscated by Customs at US gateways.
- Currency: top
The legal tender is the Cayman Islands dollar (CI$), currently valued at U.S.$1.25 (U.S.$1 equals 80¢ CI). Canadian, U.S., and British currencies are accepted throughout the Cayman Islands, but you'll save money if you exchange your U.S. dollars for Cayman Islands dollars.
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