Grand Cayman
Grand Cayman

It’s been a brutal winter across the country. If you’re ready to ditch the Polar Vortex and head for warmer waters, the Cayman Islands may just fit the bill.

Comprised of three islands, Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman, the Cayman Islands are beautiful destinations located in the Caribbean.

There’s plenty to see in the Cayman Islands both above the tranquil blue water and below.

Grand Cayman has lots of history of pirates and the Spanish Inquisition. This cruise port is a popular destinations for Duty-free shopping. If you head to the other side of the island, it is far less populated and commercial and boasts the true beauty of this natural habitat.

Cayman Turtle Farm
Cayman Turtle Farm

The Cayman Turtle Farm is also spectacular. This program raises sea turtles and provides a release program to help increase the population in Caribbean waters. The Turtle Farm is a fun way to get up close to these magnificent creatures at various growth stages.

Divers and snorkelers love the Cayman Islands for the clear tropical waters and colorful fish. If you truly want to get up close and personal with marine life, take a boat to Stingray city.

This is a tourist stop opportunity off of Grand Cayman island where you can stand in waist deep water and interact with stingrays the size of cars. It is an incredible experience to be so up-close to this majestic ocean animal.

Seven Mile Beach
Seven Mile Beach

 

Grand Cayman is also home to Seven Mile beach which is popular among tourists because you can safely walk out into the water almost anywhere and swim.

There are several shipwrecks off of Cayman Brac and Grand Cayman which attract divers. In addition to exploring the remnants of the MV Captain Tibbetts and the USS Kittiwake shipwrecks, divers find lots of rare sponges, groupers and squirrel fish.

 

Like most Caribbean islands, there is no shortage of reggae and great food. While the Cayman Islands are owned by the British, its Jamaican influence is evident in the flavorful food and plentiful supply of rum.

Island crabs
Island crabs

The Cayman climate is tropical. The rainy season runs May-October with a perfect climate for hurricanes and cyclones that tend to bloom in late summer. The dry season is November – April and a perfect time for northerners to get out of the snow during our winter.

For Americans visiting the Cayman Islands, you do need a valid passport. With just a short short 1.5 hour flight from Miami to Grand Cayman, this is low time commitment destination that is perfect for a long weekend getaway, or a week-long vacation.