Grand Cayman is one of a group of three islands Christopher Columbus called "Las Tortugas" (the turtles) for the sea creatures he found in the ocean water. Among other attractions, visitors to the island will enjoy learning about the turtles, seeing the town of Hell, and enjoying the undersea world.
The islands have been a scuba-diving paradise since the 1960s. The Cayman Islands, like all islands, are essentially the tips of underwater mountains, and the submerged terrain around these islands is especially dramatic. The spectacular underwater walls, caverns and healthy coral reefs have made these islands one of the world's best spots for diving and snorkelling. Add to that their virtually crime-free ambience (thanks to tight government controls and the high per-capita income enjoyed by most Caymanians) and it's easy to see why so many people choose the Cayman Islands for a Caribbean holiday.
Though people from around the world visit to scuba dive and enjoy the tropical climate, US travellers predominate. The islands are just a 90-minute flight from Miami, Florida, and being a British territory, English is the official language - making these islands a quick, convenient and easy getaway for Americans. In fact, the hotels, fast-food chains, products and many of the service industry workers hail from the US (many Canadians also work here).
An abundance of natural attractions make the islands an ideal destination for those who enjoy watersports, birdwatching, laid-back day hikes, clear water and sandy beaches (Grand Cayman's Seven Mile Beach is among the finest in the Caribbean). If rousing casinos and wild nightlife are what you seek, these are not the islands to visit. There's no gambling of any kind here, and beach nudity is forbidden.
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