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…
In days gone by, turtles were found in abundance around all three islands. Turtles became a major source of food and income for the islanders from the early days 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…
Words: RICK HAGOPIAN Images: JOSE HERNANDEZ Fishing has always been a significant part of Caymanian culture. What was once a means of survival is now a source of sport, fun, relaxation or vocation. Fishing brings people together, creates memories, and is a great way to enjoy the islands’ crystal clear waters. Regardless of age…
The Cayman Islands are renowned the world over for their amazing diving opportunities. All three islands have numerous dive sites to explore, some accessible from shore and others by boat, including wrecks, underwater tunnels and canyons. The warm waters boast crystal-clear visibility, healthy reefs and diverse marine life. With more than 300 dive sites in…
Along with swimming, snorkelling and diving, Cayman boasts a wide range of water-based activities to get your feet wet. Kayaking A tranquil way to explore the coastline, kayaks let you travel under your own steam. Take a guided tour through the mysterious mangroves or paddle out to a magical bioluminescent bay after dark, where a…
Cayman’s national symbols convey the varied environment and wildlife of the islands. Cayman parrot The Grand Cayman parrot is iridescent green with a white eye-ring, red cheeks, black ear patches and brilliant blue wing feathers. Silver thatch palm The tall, slender silver thatch palm was an important national resource for early settlers who used the…
Another way to enjoy the beauty of the beach is by taking a horseback ride along Cayman’s sandy shores. With the sparkling Caribbean Sea as the backdrop, it’s a memorable excursion with friends and family, and a romantic outing for couples. There are moonlight rides, sunset rides and bareback swim rides, where you can enjoy…
The signature drink of the Cayman Islands is the Mudslide. This boozy milkshake is a delicious mix of Baileys Irish Cream, Kahlua coffee liqueur and Absolut vodka – with an added kick of Kahlua poured down the straw. Recipes vary from place to place, with some adding ice cream, but the original is said to have…
Local fare is hearty and delicious, with dishes that have been enjoyed in Cayman for generations. Over the years, traditional Caymanian cuisine has had a dash of Jamaican and other regional influences added to it. Here are some island favourites. Jerk chicken Slow-cooked over a smoky grill, this island staple with roots in Jamaica uses…
The Cayman Islands boasts a thriving arts community, home to emerging and well-known artists, artisans and craftspeople. Several galleries exhibit their works, many of which are inspired by Cayman’s natural beauty, culture and heritage. Pure Art Housed in a quaint Cayman cottage, this long-established gallery highlights Cayman’s local artists and craftspeople. It features original works,…
The National Gallery of the Cayman Islands is a hub of artistic and cultural activity. Established in 1996, the gallery highlights the works of established and emerging Caymanian artists, also drawing from the regional and international stage. The gallery is home to a permanent collection, a temporary exhibition space and a state-of-the-art learning centre and…
Traditional Caymanian homes such as these beautiful cottages are dotted around the islands. Increasingly rare, they provide a peek into how Caymanians lived in years-gone-by.
Visitors can learn all about sea turtles and observe them up close in open-air tanks at this marine park in West Bay. The venue serves as a conservation and education facility and features such attractions as a predator tank, bird aviary, an old-fashioned Caymanian street and swimming lagoon. Turtles are an enduring symbol of the…
Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park is a 65- acre garden and woodland preserve in North Side that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, culture and history. There are four themed gardens to explore including a heritage garden set around a restored traditional Caymanian cottage. The garden features trees and plants that played an important…
Located in downtown George Town, the Cayman Islands National Museum is one of the nation’s most important cultural attractions. Not only does it house the islands’ national treasures, but it is the oldest public building in the Cayman Islands. Built in the 1830s for government business, it later served as a library, prison and courthouse.…
The history of the financial services sector in the Cayman Islands is a tale of rapid growth. The foundation was laid in the mid-1960s when legislation was passed to take advantage of the country’s status as a tax-free jurisdiction, ushering in the start of the Cayman Islands’ ascent into the financial services world. In the…