Picture yourself getting a massage surrounded by natural beauty, or going shopping in a cultural centerpiece. With a rich culture and history, and 3 islands of fun activities for you to enjoy, there’s no better place to visit than the Cayman Islands! Come for the swimming, hiking, relaxing, and fun and make memories of a vacation truly spent in paradise. Come with us to the Cayman Islands and immerse yourself in their long and rich history. In 1503, when Christopher Columbus was blown off his course to Haiti and the Dominican Republic, he sailed towards two small islands, which he named “Las Tortugas” after spotting thousands of turtles on the shore. These “Las Tortugas” islands that Columbus spotted were actually part of the Cayman Islands, namely Cayman Brac and Little Cayman.
These islands were later grouped with Grand Cayman and drawn on a map with the label “Lagartos,” then later the “Caimanas.” Both of these names were derived from words meaning alligators, or marine crocodiles. Finally, ”Caimanas” progressed into the current name of the Cayman Islands. The early settlers on the Islands included fishermen who sold turtles to Jamaican merchants; merchants; refugees from the Spanish Inquisition; pirates; shipwrecked sailors; and even slaves. Most Caymanians are of British and African descent. The Cayman Islands are actually 3 islands: Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman. With three islands full of spectacular views and plenty of recreational activities, you’ll never be bored! Perhaps the Islands’ most famous feature is the miles and miles of expansive and sandy beaches. In fact, Caribbean Travel & Life named Grand Cayman’s Seven Mile Beach an “Ultimate Beach” destination. Experience a sense of tranquillity and peace as you relax with the sound of the gently crashing waves in the background. If lying out on the beach is not your cup of tea, and you would rather participate in more active activities, the Cayman Islands are perfect for that, too! Miles of beautiful hiking trails, as well as nature trails and caves for spelunking, are plentiful. Visit the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park, or the Cayman Brac Community Park, and stop by the Brac Parrot Reserve, which boasts pristine and ancient woodlands. If you have a family member who can’t wait to dive into the water and swim, they will love the Cayman Islands! Snorkel in crystal clear and current-free waters, and interact with exotic fish and marine species. Partake in exhilarating and fun water sports like parasailing, kite boarding, jet skiing, and kayaking, in the waters right off of the beach. One popular tourist attraction is exploring the cultural richness and natural beauty of the Cayman Islands. In addition to immersing yourself in the hiking and other natural attractions in the Cayman Islands, explore the historic sites and artifacts of the Cayman Islands’ rich history. Visit the historical East End Lighthouse Park, or Pedro St. James, a Living Heritage Museum. No matter what you end up doing, you’re sure to have a wonderful time doing it in the Cayman Islands!