The Cayman Islands is home to unique and diverse critters – some found nowhere else in the world. Here’s a quick glance at what wildlife resides on the islands, and how to get a closer look: BLUE IGUANA These rare local lizards with blue-hue pigmentation are an endangered species that are found nowhere else in…
The Cayman Islands has its very own traditional crafts which make great keepsakes with their unique materials and designs. These include thatch items such as sunhats and bags, which have been adapted from old-time techniques. In days gone by, out of necessity, islanders used the leaves of the silver thatch palm tree to create essential…
If you want to check out the weather before hitting the beach, or are missing Cayman’s views when you’re not on island, check out these handy webcams situated around the island. Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort There are two webcams pointing to the east and west outside The Westin on Seven Mile Beach, which can…
The Alzheimer’s and Dementia Association of the Cayman Islands has launched a new community program called “Dementia Friends” with the aim of making the Cayman Islands a safe destination for tourists with Alzheimer’s or dementia. The program aims to train individuals, businesses, and organizations to familiarize themselves with dementia symptoms, interact with sufferers, and handle…
Cayman’s gala season is in full swing, offering a mix of elegance and philanthropy to support various charitable causes while enjoying glamorous evenings out. From black-tie events to themed soirées, the social calendar includes Champagne receptions, dinner, dancing, live and silent auctions, entertainment, and celebrity speakers. The gala season commenced with two black-tie events: the…
Morritt’s Resort aims to expand its East End beachfront property with a five-storey, 33-bedroom building extension. Its planning application shows the $18-million structure will be situated 75 feet from the high-water mark, well short of the 160-foot legal setback. Resort representatives argue for approval, citing similar oceanfront developments. Founded by English developer David Morritt as…
Cayman’s turtle nesting season is poised to break another record with 810 nests counted across all three islands in 2023. This number falls just 48 nests short of last year’s record of 858, which was the highest count since the Department of Environment began recording data in 1998. Jane Hardwick, the manager of the DoE…
Shipbuilders in Gloucester, UK, are working daily to restore the Cayman schooner Fair Weather. Paul Deegan tracked down the ship earlier this year, and it was then transported to the UK from Spain for refitting and repairs. Deegan aims to bring the ship – likely the last Caymanian-built wooden schooner fit for sailing – back…
Cayman Airways will launch direct flights to Barbados this winter, marking a significant expansion for the national airline. The announcement was made by Tourism Minister Kenneth Bryan, along with Cayman Airways representatives and Barbados Tourism Minister Ian Gooding-Edghill via Zoom. Minister Bryan said the new route, tentatively set to launch on 18 Oct., will be…
The Airports Master Plan, released by the Cayman Islands Government, reveals big changes for the islands’ three airports over the next few decades, with the total estimated budget for the planned projects just less than $600 million. Out of that sum, $491 million is allocated to Owen Roberts Airport, for projects including: A 1,900 feet…
Cayman Airways (CAL) has recently unveiled its latest addition to its flight routes: direct flights to Panama City. This service aims to enhance travel opportunities and strengthen economic ties between the Cayman Islands and Panama. The decision to introduce direct flights to Panama City was made in response to increasing demand from travellers, and the…
Little Cayman, known for its stunning coral reefs and diverse marine life, is experiencing an impressive resurgence in the populations of parrotfish and Nassau groupers. This positive development brings hope for the restoration of the island’s delicate underwater ecosystem. Recent observations made in the Central Caribbean Marine Institute’s 2022 ‘Little Cayman Report Card’, have revealed…
The public bus system connects all five districts of Grand Cayman. These mini-buses can be identified by numbers in a coloured circle on the front and rear, with the route number in the middle. Buses can be boarded at the central bus depot next to the public library on Edward Street in George Town. The…
Not only do Caymanians have a distinct dialect, with accents even varying from district to district, but they also have many unique words and phrases. To shed light on this, and to preserve Cayman’s linguistic heritage, Kevin Goring spent years compiling the ‘Cayman Islands Dictionary’ and a companion book, ‘Caymanian Expressions’. There are hundreds of…
Just north of the main shopping streets of George Town, sits a cluster of small white buildings which have long been an important part of Caymanian life and history. Mr. Arthur’s print shop and home on the land-side of North Church Street, and his shop on the seafront, are national treasures, taking passers-by back to…
You don’t have to be in a big city in order to get the shopping bug. In fact, it’s sometimes nice to browse at a leisurely pace while discovering items unique to a destination. Cayman offers the best of both worlds – quaint shops and markets where you can buy original paintings, local crafts and…
One of the most asked questions by visitors at concierge desks, bars or of resident passersby is “Where can we hear some live music?”. Thanks to the large melting pot of cultures to be found in the Cayman Islands, a wide range of genres is celebrated on local stages. From traditional songs passed down through…
Cayman Arts Festival Cayman’s largest performing arts festival attracts world-class artists for a week of performances including jazz, classical and chamber music as well as dance and visual arts events. Held annually in February. caymanartsfestival.com Coco Fest Coco Fest celebrates the Cayman coconut, preserving its ties to the islands’ culture and heritage. Held in February…
If you are looking for quality garments with a distinct nod to the beauty and tones of the Cayman Islands, you should look at pieces created by local designers that have made their names both here and abroad. From award-winning runway star, Isy Obi of Isy B. Designs to Olivia B, who represented Cayman at…
The Cayman Islands features several food festivals and events throughout the year to whet the appetite. Taste of Cayman Food & Wine Festival The one-day event features live cooking demonstrations, food and wine tasting booths, local entertainment and family activities. Held on The Green at Camana Bay. 13 May 2023 | tasteofcayman.com Cayman Restaurant Month…
Buy fresh fish in this open-air market on the waterfront in downtown George Town, located next to the cruise terminal. Fishermen set up tables on the beach and display their catch-of-the day. Snapper, mahi-mahi and tuna are common. You can buy the fish already scaled and cleaned, and the fishermen will also fillet it for…
TURTLES WERE FOUND IN ABUNDANCE around all three islands in days gone by. They became a major source of food and income for the islanders from the early times of settlement. They were fished in small vessels called catboats, placed in a pen known as a kraal, and traded. As numbers of turtles dwindled around…
The Cayman Islands boasts world-class fishing grounds, with deep sea fishing and top-notch tournaments an attraction for visitors and residents. Gamefish like blue marlin, tuna, wahoo and mahi-mahi are plentiful and can be found year-round. Best of all, the action is exceptionally accessible – thrilling catches can happen as close as just a quarter mile…
Diving is a big draw to the Cayman Islands, renowned for its exceptional visibility, healthy reefs and abundant marine life. All three islands have numerous dive sites to explore, some accessible from shore and others by boat, including wrecks, walls, tunnels and canyons. With more than 300 dive sites in the Cayman Islands, divers of…