Cayman Islands

Legend has it that Christopher Columbus found the Cayman Islands on May 10th, 1503 after his ship was blown off-course by strong winds. While this is known to have happened to Columbus on many previous occasions, this serendipitous discovery put the Caymans, first known as Las Tortugas, on the map. In the years to come, these islands would know the rule of many foreign countries, host notable noblemen, change names, and evolve into the bustling vacation destination that they are today.

Early Life on the Caymans

By the late 1500s the islands' name had been changed to Caymanas. Both Sir Francis Drake and William Dampier visited the islands and recounted stories of the many marine and land crocodiles that inhabited it. Just as 'Las Tortugas' was derived from the oversized turtles that were spotted on the islands, 'Caymanas' is derived from the Caribbean word for 'crocodile'. These animals were not only important for providing the islands' name, but their presence also did much to shape the early evolution of the islands. The rich sea life attracted pirates, sailors, and soldiers looking to stock up on fresh meat before continuing their long journeys.

In 1655, the Caymans became British entities, and for the first time settlers attempted to live on Cayman Brac and Little Cayman. Many soldiers, veterans of Oliver Cromwell's army stayed on the islands after having defeated the Spanish in battle, and it is thought that Isaac Bodden, the first person born on Grand Cayman, was the son of a soldier in Cromwell's army. Today, Bodden is a popular district on Grand Cayman.

Even though the islands were under British rule, both Spanish and British privateers freely attacked many of the first settlers. Because privateering was legal, pirates would raid the towns and enemy ships to take goods back to their countries, and there was little help from the governing bodies who saw it as a way of seizing back captured wealth. This all ended with the Treaty of Utrecht (1713-1714), and conflict between France, Spain, and Britain ceased shortly thereafter, leaving many out-of-work pirates seeking refuge on the islands.

There is a legend that in 1788, shortly before government was established, these pirates came together with ship-wrecked sailors, Spanish refugees, British settlers, and slaves in an effort to save ten stranded merchant ships that were traveling from Jamaica to Britain. After the ships were caught on the reef around the east end of the island near Gun Bay, locals went to great measures to be sure that no lives were lost (including the life of a member of royalty who happened to be on one of the ships). Because of this, the island was allegedly given freedom from conscription and taxation.

A Government is Formed

With 1832 came a representative government system, and in 1863 the island was annexed to Jamaica, thereby allowing the development of an appointed commissioner office and a functional mail system. This began the construction of a hospital, schools, banks, and paved roads. For the first time, the islands were functioning within an ordered society and becoming commercially reliable. During this period, many of the natives took jobs as sea fisherman, sailors, and even captains. Finally, enough structure was in place to actively be a means of rebuilding after the occurrence of natural disasters. In 1932 a hurricane took the lives of 69 people and created 32-foot waves on Cayman Brac, while also causing extensive damage on the neighboring islands. It was a few years before everything was completely rebuilt and functioning as it had before.

As the islands' popularity and prosperity grew, a constitution was inaugurated bringing in elected officials to govern and coordinate the islands' growth. This was a major stepping-stone for the islands in their path to becoming independent and self-sustaining.

A Thriving Tourist Destination

When Jamaica became independent in 1962, the Cayman Islands chose to remain under British rule. A governor was installed on the island, along with an elected body under a constitution. Soon thereafter, an airfield was also constructed. While the government continues to evolve, the islands remain politically independent of Jamaica, but they are heavily influenced by their neighbor's culture. Almost half of the population comes from Jamaica, and Jamaican banks and churches operate on the islands, closely connecting the neighboring lands. In 2004 Hurricane Ivan struck, again demolishing many properties and top hotels. However, with a thriving tourist industry that has visitors from all of the world arriving on cruise ships daily, the industry quickly recovered, and has taken the opportunity to construct new and improved lodgings and entertainment.

Noted for its spectacular diving and bleached beaches, Grand Cayman has lots to offer with a variety of places to bunk, from resorts to condos, apartments to private beach homes. They're all here, dotted across the delightful beaches and towns, waiting for your arrival.

West Bay

When in West Bay you'll really feel like you've come home. Unlike the touristy area of Seven Mile Beach just south of it, this community is truly unique and will give you a feeling of warmth, and not just from the Caribbean sun. There aren't many hotels or condos here, but you'll have fun in one of the bed & breakfast or private homes. Some places to keep in mind are Cobalt Coast Resort & Suites a moderately priced "Grand Home" that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner while offering dive and honeymoon packages. For an even more private experience stay at Coconut Bay. Here you will have a three bedroom townhouse with ocean views, beach access and pools, perfect for a family or group vacation. Villa Bellagio, a five bedroom, four bathroom villa, is pricey but comes with all the seclusion, adventure and relaxation you are searching for. Hang out in a hammock, then chill on the beach right outside your door. Later, watch the sun paint magical colors in the sky.

Seven Mile Beach

Compared with the tranquil nature of other areas on the island, there is a major change of scenery when you come to Seven Mile Beach. If you enjoy the commotion of groups and electric Caribbean nights you will not be disappointed here. There are plenty of water sport shops, resorts, family hotels and restaurants to satisfy every taste. For a deluxe stay choose Grand Cayman Marriott Beach Resort and enjoy poolside service, a top quality meal in the elegant restaurant and a relaxing house spa. Another upscale lodging is Casa Caribe where you can enjoy activities from golf to windsurfing. For a more conservative hotel take up residence at The Reef Resort. Here you can relax in your beach front room, watch the sunset or take a nighttime stroll along the water. After resting in your deluxe suite you can join one of the resort's diving or snorkeling tours to Stingray City. If you want the beach and the town, stay at Grandview Condo. Here you are only one mile away from the shopping and entertainment of George Town, but you get the almost never ending view of the beach. These condos are perfect for any traveler. Cool off in the beachfront gazebo with a cocktail or head to the private beach for a peaceful walk. Play a game of tennis or be picked up at the onsite dock for a dive trip. For the more cost conscious vacationer there are plenty of choices. Just two blocks from the beach Annie's Place, is close to all the excitement but maintains a peaceful atmosphere. Keep in shape with the onsite volleyball and tennis faculties.

George Town

Find movie theaters for the kids, shopping for you, all the sports rental equipment for the family and dinning of all kinds in George Town. The hub of the islands, this town offers a great lodging selection. Finger Tip has beach access along with a pool and garden view. If you've got company or are traveling with family try Ecstasea a five bedroom villa with views of the beach and a quick drive to everything you need. However, if a decent price is more your thing stop in at Sunset House, a place where you can dine, sleep and have access to all the amenities you need. Use the wireless Internet from the poolside then take one of the many dive courses available. Want some privacy and a friendly, personal atmosphere? Reserve a room at Eldemires Guest House B & B where you'll have access to kitchen facilities, wireless Internet, a swimming pool, barbeque area and snorkeling trips.

Bodden Town

Take a tour at one of the top landmarks on the Cayman Islands and see a pirate's cave along with local wildlife and Amazon River stingrays. You can find this activity in Bodden Town, a family oriented area with many services and amenities at your reach. Located in the South central part of the island stay on the beach at Turtle Nest Inn. Take up snorkeling for a day and try your luck at seeing one of the island's large, famed turtles. At Caribbean Paradise you can rent a guest house for two to six people. Share a unit with friends or family, take advantage of the oceanfront view and beach, or rent a car and drive to all points of the island.

North Side

This part of Grand Cayman is very quiet, typically rural, it has great farmland and very little roads and is close to Rum Point, supposedly the most beautiful point on the island. Visit North Side for the perfect day trip by car or if you find the right accommodation this could be your vacation base. Look for The Yellow House a perfectly priced, three bedroom home that overlooks the beach, and offers free use of their kayaks. The all inclusive Spanish Bay Reef is another great choice where your room, all meals, drinks, biking, snorkeling, and dive lessons are taken care of in one price, dive and non-dive packages are available for your convenience.

East End

If you're searching for solitude, East End is where you want to be. While you have far fewer choices, all of your daily needs will be met. Home to the famous blowholes where water, forced through the coral shoreline, shoots up into the sky like a geyser. As long as you have a rental car or are staying at a resort you don't need to worry about a thing. Compass Point Dive Resort is a tranquil area, lovingly hugged by the sea, all rooms have patio or balconies so you can absorb in the fresh ocean. Feel like its your home with a furnished beachfront apartment at Mahogany Cove just minutes from the town of Breakers, restaurants and sport shops.

No matter what part of the island you plant your feet you'll have all you need, just take a rest, watch the sunset and dream.