George Town - capital of the Cayman Islands
Tuesday 08 November 2011 - Port of George Town in the Cayman Islands and we dock in the British Overseas Territory of the West Indies, in the Caribbean.
History has not preserved for us the names of the original inhabitants of the Cayman Islands. The first European to see the shores of these low islands was Christopher Columbus, who in 1503 encountered entire flocks of sea turtles, which served as the source of the first name modern group Cayman Brac and Little Cayman - Las Tortugas (Turtle Islands).
By the time of Francis Drake, who officially discovered Grand Cayman in 1586, the islands were already known as Caymanas (the Carib word for "crocodile"). Over the next century, the islands were used only by pirates and turtle hunters, and there was no permanent population until the 1660s, when several British army deserters fled here from Jamaica. In 1670, the islands became the property of the British crown, falling under the jurisdiction of the Jamaican administration.
Video visit of the islands:
Grand Cayman- the largest of the three Cayman Islands, on which the capital, Georgetown, is located. Area - 196 km².
It is an elevated reef, the highest point of which is 24 m above sea level. There are no natural springs on the island fresh water in the form of lakes, rivers, etc., therefore drinking water benefit from desalination sea water. The absence of rivers on Grand Cayman explains the exceptional transparency of the sea water washing the shores of the island.
Grand Cayman suffered significant damage from Tropical Storm Ivan, which lasted from September 11 to 12, 2004. Up to 80% of all structures on the island were destroyed.
A significant portion of Grand Cayman's population lives on the west coast of the island, where the city of George Town and the Cayman International Airport are located. Owen Roberts.
The island's economy is largely dependent on tourism, which accounts for up to 75% of the island's GDP. Grand Cayman has a large number of hotels. The coastal waters are rich in fish and reefs, making diving very popular.
In the West Bay district there is a farm for breeding green sea turtles, the meat of which is highly prized abroad. The Hell Limestone Formation is also located in this county.
One of the popular places on the island is the city of Stingray City, named after the stingray. This is due to the fact that a large number of individuals of this species of stingray live in the shallows located near the city.
The Cayman Islands are a British overseas territory located in the West Indies, in the Caribbean Sea. The archipelago includes the islands of Grand Cayman, Little Cayman and Cayman-Brac and some uninhabited islands and reefs.
Total area – 264 sq. km, population is about 55,000 people, of which mulattoes make up 40%, whites – 20%, immigrants – 20%. The official language is English.
The capital, administrative center, and main port is the city of George Town, located on the island of Grand Cayman.
Cities of the Cayman Islands
The administrative center of the Cayman Islands and its main city is Georgetown - a city of contrasts. History, silence, unusual architecture and modernity, traffic, and duty-free shops coexist perfectly here.
In the cities of Savannah, Bodden and Northside you can explore the life and customs of the local residents.
Little Cayman Island is famous for its picturesque landscapes, mangrove forests, egrets and other delights of nature. And the Bloody Pound National Bird Sanctuary is considered one of the largest colonies of red-footed boobies and frigate birds in the Western Hemisphere.
Cayman Island - Brak - the wildest in the archipelago, with nature of mesmerizing beauty, beach holiday and very hospitable locals.
How to get to the Cayman Islands
There are no direct flights between Belarus and the Cayman Islands.
You will have to fly with a connection in the UK or some other European country. For example, British Airways operates regular flights from Moscow to Grand Cayman via London (flight duration is about 20 hours, round trip cost is about $1,000).
You can also get there through the USA, but in this case you will need a US transit visa.
For questions about purchasing air tickets to the Cayman Islands, please contact the travel company “Spasibo Travel”.
Climate of the Cayman Islands
The territory of the Cayman Islands is influenced by a tropical trade wind climate.
The average summer temperature here is +30 degrees, winter (from November to April) - +15 degrees.
The amount of annual precipitation is about 1300 mm. During the period from May to October there are intermittent rains and tropical hurricanes and storms are possible.
The best time to travel around the country is from mid-December to mid-April.
Cayman Islands hotels
The Cayman Islands hotel industry is classified according to the British system. In all hotels you will find landscaped areas, swimming pools, diving centers, beauty salons and even golf courses. Almost everywhere the all-inclusive system operates.
The apart-hotels provide babysitting services.
On the beaches of hotels belonging to world-famous chains, beach equipment is provided free of charge.
The average cost of a 5* hotel room is from 300 US dollars, 4* - from 200 US dollars, 2* - 3* - from 100 US dollars (the cost of services usually includes excursions and dives). From December to April is the peak tourist season and the highest prices; out of season, the cost of living decreases by 20 - 25%.
Beaches of the Cayman Islands
The best beaches on the island of Grand Cayman are Seven Mile Beach, West Bay - Cemetery, Victoria Reef - House, Trinity - Caves area. There is white sand, a clear sea, a well-developed infrastructure and all conditions for water sports - diving, snorkeling and others.
Scuba diving enthusiasts love to come to Smith Cove and South Sound Cemetery Beach.
But on the beaches of Lower Bay, East Point, Colliers Bay and Spotter Point there is rare black sand, picturesque landscapes and, of course, unforgettable diving.
The beaches of the Ram Point area are no less popular.
Little Cayman is famous for its private beaches, Owen Island.
Cayman-Brac Island does not have a sufficiently developed infrastructure, but it is replete with extraordinary coral reefs and even coral gardens.
The smallest inhabited island of the archipelago, Cayman Brac, is the best for snorkeling.
Banks, money, exchange offices
The currency of the Cayman Islands is the local dollar, equal to 100 cents. There are paper bills in circulation in denominations of 1,5,10,25,50,100 dollars and coins in denominations of 1,5,10,25 cents. US dollars are accepted at most establishments.
Banking hours:
From Monday to Thursday – from 9.00 to 16.00
Fridays – from 9.00 to 16.30
Some - and on Saturdays - from 9.00 to 12.00 - 13.00
Currency can be exchanged in banks (the most favorable rate), hotels, and exchange offices. ATMs are located almost everywhere, but only credit cards of the Visa, Master Card and Cirrus systems can be cashed.
Credit cards from the world's major payment systems are accepted for payments in most hotels and tourist offices. However, in small establishments paying by bank transfer is very problematic.
You can cash travel checks at banks, travel agencies, large stores and hotels.
The Cayman Islands is a duty-free zone.
The cost of services is usually included in the invoice. If this is not done, a 10% tip is appreciated.
Tourist safety
The Cayman Islands are absolutely safe for tourists if they follow the basic rules:
- It is advisable to leave valuables, large sums of money and documents in the hotel safe
- In crowded places, it is recommended to keep an eye on your belongings and not leave them unattended
- It is not recommended to change money from street money changers
- Before going outside, be sure to use sunscreen
- Camping is prohibited in the country
- Spearfishing is prohibited in the country
- Nudism and toplessness are prohibited in all parts of the country.
- You should enter business establishments and banks in business casual attire.
Domestic air transportation in Cayman is quite well developed and is carried out by carriers - Cayman Airways, Cayman Airways Express and Island Air.
To travel around the islands, it is best to use a taxi. Boarding costs $10, baggage costs $1.25, and waiting costs 65 cents per minute.
In order to rent a car, you will need the following documents:
- International driver's license (at least 1 year of experience, age over 21 years)
- Credit card or cash
Entertainment, excursions, attractions
The main attractions of Georgetown are the historical center, the Fort George fortress, National Museum and Cayman Maritime Treasure Museum, Elmslie Memorial Church, Legislative Building, National Gallery. In the vicinity of the city you can get acquainted with the life and customs of the local residents, with their way of life.
The city of Savannah is famous for the 18th century Pedro St. James Castle.
Not far from the town of Bodden are the famous Pirate Caves with their own legends and stories.
Hull is also a fairly well-known landmark on Grand Cayman - a massif of jagged outcrop rocks. But nearby there is a turtle farm - a favorite tourist spot.
In the east of the island, the Queen-Elizabeth 2 Botanical Garden is famous with a huge number of plants and shrubs and a large collection of orchids. In wildlife here you can see iguanas, parrots and other animals and birds.
Not far from Breakers is the Family Recreation & Motorsports Park, where there are excellent tracks for auto-motorsports, family recreation areas, a Botanical Garden, and a marine farm.
On the island of Little Cayman you can admire the magnificent nature, walk along the ecological trail and admire the stunning seascape from Bluff Rock.
On the island of Cayman Brac, in addition to snorkeling and admiring orchids and cacti, you can visit the Museum, the gardens of Christopher Columbus Park and caves with very interesting stories. A visit will lift your spirits National Park parrots
Cuisine and restaurants
The main ingredients of Caymanian national cuisine are fish and seafood, meat with spicy sauces, dried meat, as well as vegetables, rice, fruits.
While in Cayman, be sure to try the following dishes:
Seafood ceviche – with shellfish, tomatoes and onions
turtle steaks
Tostones - fried bananas
Creole pork
"jerk" - dried meat with curry
clam chowder
spicy tuna Caribbean style
Marlin ceviche with coconut
Drinks: tea and coffee
Alcohol – local beer and rum
Shopping and shops
Store opening hours:
From Monday to Thursday – from 9.00 to 12.00 and from 13.30 to 17.00, shopping centers– until 24.00
On weekends, many stores have individual schedules
The Cayman Islands is a duty-free zone.
The best shopping is done in Georgetown - there are a large number of markets and shopping centers.
Bargaining is not accepted even in the markets.
Customs
The import and export of currencies is not limited.
Persons over 18 years of age are allowed to import:
- Up to 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250 g of tobacco
- Up to 0.95 liters of alcohol (including wine)
- Items for personal use
It is prohibited to import:
- Live plants and cuttings
- Beef
- Raw fruits and vegetables
- Perishable food
- Drugs and narcotic-containing medications
- Counterfeit coins
- Gambling instruments and devices
- Weapons, ammunition and explosives without special permission
It is prohibited to export:
- Lobster
- Sinks
- Shellfish meat
- Protected representatives of flora and fauna
- Antiquities (including those recovered from the bottom of the sea)
- Antiques without appropriate permission
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The largest city in the country, whose history began in the 10th century. Over such a long period, Georgetown was repeatedly conquered; it was a colony of the Dutch, and later belonged to the French and British. Such a rich history is reflected in the unique architecture and a large number of monuments that have been carefully preserved to this day.
The central part of the city is literally surrounded by green spaces; there are several zoological gardens, you can stroll along the boulevards and see several buildings from the 19th century. The main attraction of the central area remains the Seawall Dam, which was built during Dutch times. Today, the area around the dam serves as a favorite vacation spot for townspeople and vacationers. In the mornings, people come here for a jog, and in the evenings you can see couples leisurely strolling along the canals. Near the dam, several sports complexes, a solarium and beauty salons were opened, as well as swimming areas.
Among the religious attractions, it is worth highlighting St. George's Cathedral, which was built at the end of the 19th century. The height of the bell tower is 40 meters, the cathedral was recognized as one of the tallest wooden buildings in the world. The interior design of the halls also deserves attention and admiration; the best craftsmen worked on it. Opposite the shrine is the beautiful Company Path Gardens. Another beautiful architectural structure is the Parliament House, built in 1834, surrounded by several administrative buildings. There is also an ancient church named after St. Andrew. On the opposite square is the largest market, which locals call Starbock. Copyright www.site
The city has many amazing architectural monuments, one of the most impressive is the Hu Kongsi House. This beautiful house was built in 1851 for members of the Hu clan. Today, the restored building houses a very interesting museum, the exhibition of which is dedicated to the history of clan communities. Among its exhibits are the most beautiful paintings, figurines carved from wood and stone. For more than a hundred years, the ancient house managed to preserve many elements of the luxurious original interior, which in themselves are priceless museum exhibits.
The most important historical symbol of the city is Fort Cornwallis. It was built in the early 19th century to protect the coast from pirates. For more than 200 years, the fort has retained its majestic and impregnable appearance. During the tour, its visitors will be able to look into the most hidden corners of the defensive structure. Old prison cells have been preserved here, as well as barracks and warehouses where ammunition was previously stored. The oldest Christian chapel on the island has also been preserved on the territory of the fort; now part of the halls of the huge fort is occupied by the Military Museum.
For lovers of walks in Georgetown, the Little India area remains one of their favorite vacation spots. On the main street of this area you can see a lot of beautiful old buildings, the ground floors of which now house very interesting shops. There are many jewelry shops here where you can buy gold jewelry at the most attractive prices, and this area is also famous for its specialized tea and spice stores. Here you can also visit several excellent Indian restaurants.
Fans of walks in picturesque places will definitely enjoy the Botanical Garden; it was founded back in 1884. Now the garden area is about 29 hectares, and hundreds of plant species are represented on its territory. The picturesque garden is a favorite vacation spot among the indigenous people; there are many sports fields and cozy recreation areas on its territory. The main inhabitants of the botanical garden are long-tailed macaques. They are very dexterous, so vacationers need to carefully monitor their personal belongings and, if possible, not take especially valuable items and accessories with them on walks. It is also worth remembering that you cannot feed animals in the garden, as this will result in a large fine.
And its shape resembles a huge claw. The area of the island is 197 square meters. km. In its southwestern part is the capital-port, and the largest city of the Caymans -. Northwestern part The territory is decorated with the picturesque North Sound lagoon. Along the West Coast lies one of the most best beaches world - Seven Mile Beach. Interior The island is full of swamps and dense mango trees.
Grand Cayman is made up of five districts:
1. West Bay;
2.George Town;
3. Bodden Town;
4. North Side;
5. East End.
The population of the island is 52.1 thousand people. Most of the population lives on the west coast and in the capital.
In 2004, Tropical Storm Ivan hit the island and lasted two days. Grand Cayman suffered total damage. The island's structures were destroyed by 80%.
The most favorable time of stay is December-April. Clear weather, minimal precipitation, warm sea water off the coast.
Money
US dollars are also accepted almost everywhere. Currency exchange for tourists is not difficult. Payment using credit cards is possible in almost every hotel, restaurant, and store. However, in some small establishments it is not possible to use credit cards. The situation is gradually changing in better side, the island's monetary circulation is improving.
Last changes: 12/20/2014Where to stay
Hotels on the island are quite expensive. In a 5* hotel the daily rate starts from approximately $300, in a 4* hotel - from $200, respectively, in a 2-3* hotel - $200. During the period April-December, the cost of accommodation may increase by 50%, the remaining months the cost is reduced by 20-35%.
There are a large number of restaurants on the island, but any of them can be expensive. This also applies to fast food restaurants.
The island delights tourists with a wide variety of Duty free shops and a wide range of goods: from jewelry to beach accessories, from sophisticated equipment to Cuban cigars.
Last changes: 12/20/2014Transport on Grand Cayman
Buses
Licensed bus service starts at 6 am. They are easily identified by their blue license plates. Buses operate 9 routes. Each route, depending on the direction, is designated by a specific number;
Taxi
Hotels on the island do not provide transportation for guests, so taxis should be used. The fare is fixed and goes to any area of the island. Taxi ranks are located near each hotel, as well as in George Town near the port area;
Car rental
Car rental is available to persons over 21 years of age, subject to obtaining a temporary driver's license at the police station or at a rental agency. Driving on the island is on the left and wearing a seat belt is mandatory.
Last changes: 12/20/2014What to see
Perhaps the most famous and popular attraction of Grand Cayman is the so-called "Stingray City". Sometimes it is also called Stingray Bay. This place is located in a bay in the north of the central part of the island.
Here, in the warm shallow waters, guides have been feeding stingrays for many years in order to bring curious tourists here. As soon as you hear the noise of boat engines, hundreds of stingrays come here, and tourists have the opportunity to swim and dive with them, and of course, feed them directly from their hands.
Also, while staying on the island, tourists usually visit National Museum Cayman Islands and Maritime Treasure Museum from Havana, Miami, and New York
By steamer
George Town attracts a large number of cruise ships, which anchor near the port and transport tourists ashore in small passenger boats.
The liner sailed to the Cayman Islands, like the others, early in the morning, but unlike Jamaica or the Bahamas, all liners anchor in the bay, and not at the pier, and from there passengers are disembarked by small boats. I thought it was a long and inconvenient procedure, but overall there was no queue.
Not only passenger ships, but also cargo ships stand up like this here.
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The exit from the liner was the first or zero deck
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Vessel name
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Handsome, fell in love with cruises, although before that he was indifferent to them
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I entered the city five minutes later, after disembarking from the liner. Georgetown felt more like the US than the neighboring islands, few blacks, cleaner and quieter (safer). The capital of the state has a population of 27 thousand people, which is two times less than my Torzhok.
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The area near the port is landscaped, but overall the city is quite nice.
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If you go deeper into literally one intersection, then administrative buildings begin
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Everyone parks carefully, no one gets on the pedestrian part of the road
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What is usually scarce on poor islands are monuments
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Sailors. The sign says something about tradition, but you can’t read it, it’s very small.
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Here you can fantasize about how a girl holds the world in her hands, but at the same time leaves the restaurant without paying the bill :)
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Peace Memorial, which will soon turn 100 years old. The watch is still cool.
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A little secret, if you want to go to the beaches or ride around the island cheaply, leave this square. If you land at the port, you can pay twice as much for services or just stand in line to leave. Here buses or taxis drive empty and in the same directions.
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Boat sculpture
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The islands are famous for the fact that there is a lot of money here different people and companies. One of the reasons why everything on the island is quite good and comfortable.
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Park, funny, small. And this is his sign
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All you can do here is sit in the shade if it’s hot and move on
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I didn’t have a specific goal and I was just walking, although everyone else was rushing either to the beach or shopping. I was just walking around not knowing the city and decided to find a place to go online
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Bright and beautiful graffiti
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There are many turns, but it’s hard to get lost
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I'll add some colors for brightness
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Sports car hidden behind a tarpaulin
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Boat on the rocks, good composition near the house
