Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
Description
When Columbus made his landfall in the Caymans in 1503, he found tortoises and sea turtles in such profusion that he promptly named the islands Las Tortugas. But the name that stuck for the islands was the Carib word "Caimanas." Fitting, since the caiman is a New World crocodilian and the islands were long the lair of pirates, buccaneers, and assorted freebooters. Despite their past, the Caymans are a Caribbean demi-paradise of white-sand beaches, coral gardens, and offshore waters harboring spectacular shipwrecks. Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman also boast the highest standard of living in the entire Caribbean. This union of natural beauty and cosmopolitan style makes Grand Cayman a spectacular port of call for today's adventurers. Note: Grand Cayman is an anchorage port. Passengers transfer to shore via ship's tender. In certain sea conditions, an alternate pier is used to transfer passengers ashore. This may cause tour durations to vary.
Points of Interest
- Georgetown
- Cayman Turtle Center
- Hell
- Stingray City & Sandbar
- Snorkeling & Diving
- Seven Mile Beach
- Atlantis Submarine
- Wreck of the Ten Sails
More about Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands Points of Interest
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Georgetown -
As the capital of the Cayman Islands, Georgetown is the center to government, banking and insurance sectors, and the site of many restaurants, activities and shops.
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Cayman Turtle Center -
The world-famous Cayman Turtle Center is a one-of-a-kind, 23-acre adventure marine park with green sea turtles ranging from hand-size newborns to 600-plus-pound adults.
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Hell -
This popular tourist attraction is a group of short, black limestone formations in the northwest town of West Bay, host to one of the most colorfully named post offices in the world.
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Stingray City & Sandbar -
These two stingray sites in the Cayman Islands, both located in the tranquil North Sound, offer exquisite beauty and an opportunity to interact with friendly rays.
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Snorkeling & Diving -
A must-do for experienced divers and novice snorkelers alike. The memories of swimming among graceful stingrays on the sandy seafloor in the North Sound will stay with you long after you surface.
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Seven Mile Beach -
Pure white sand, tranquil turquoise waters dotted with resorts, condos, shops, boutiques, bars, restaurants and every conceivable water sport, make this one of the top beaches in the world.
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Atlantis Submarine -
Atlantis Submarines plunge into the depths of the ocean, their portholes revealing stunning canyons of coral teeming with colorful Cayman Island marine life, including snappers, stingrays and turtles.
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Wreck of the Ten Sails -
During a storm in 1794, ten vessels quickly became shipwrecks in Grand Cayman's dangerous East End reef. A memorial honors both the rescuers and the eight fallen crew.