Cayman Islands

Overview

The Cayman Islands lie in the western Caribbean, not far from Jamaica and Cuba, made up of three islands: Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman, with Grand Cayman the largest and most populous. The territory is administered by Britain as an overseas territory, with its own government and considerable local autonomy. The Cayman Islands' tax-free environment, which levies no income tax or corporate profit tax, has made the territory one of the most significant international financial centers, a sector that today rivals tourism as the dominant part of the economy. The official language is English, and the population is ethnically diverse, with British, African, and Caribbean roots.

George Town, the capital on Grand Cayman, with its harbor and financial district, reflects the modern Cayman Islands' economic significance through its banking and investment company buildings. Seven Mile Beach, on Grand Cayman's western coast, with white sand and calm water, is one of the best-known beaches in the Caribbean, lined with luxury hotels. The Cayman Turtle Centre, a sea turtle breeding and conservation facility, focuses on species preservation and offers educational programs for visitors. Cayman Brac, the least developed of the three islands, with its rocky coastline and caves, offers a quieter, more nature-focused experience than the more touristed Grand Cayman.

The Cayman Islands' coral reefs and clear, deep waters close to shore have made the territory one of the world's best-known diving destinations, with Bloody Bay Wall off Little Cayman, a steep underwater cliff face, ranking among the most spectacular dive sites in the Caribbean. Stingray City, near Grand Cayman, is a shallow-water site where visitors can swim with and feed wild southern stingrays. Coastal mangrove habitats and coral reefs support rich marine life, making snorkeling an excellent experience as well. Local cuisine blends Caribbean and British influences, with turtle soup, now made mostly from symbolic, farmed ingredients, and fresh fish dishes, including local mahi-mahi, as signature items.