George Town, Grand Cayman

Grand Cayman is one of a group of three magnificent tropical islands Christopher Columbus called "Las Tortugas" (the turtles) for the sea creatures he found in the ocean water. The designation did not endure, however, for on later maps the islands were labeled the Caimanau, the Carib Indian word for "crocodile." The name "Caimanas" refers inaccurately to the iguanas native to the islands, which were perhaps at one point mistaken for crocodiles. Among other attractions, visitors to the island will enjoy learning about the turtles, visiting the town of Hell, exploring Seven-Mile Beach and enjoying the undersea world.

Other Fun Things to Do

• Take a tour through the charming city of George Town, the capital of the Cayman Islands. Stop at the Conch Shell House, constructed entirely of the trumpet shells of the mollusk, and the town of Hell, whose name was inspired by its unusual rock formations. Visit the Turtle Farm, an interactive sea-turtle nursery where green and hawksbill turtles are bred and raised.
• Explore a seemingly endless stretch of magnificent coastline at Grand Cayman's world-famous Seven-Mile Beach.
• Get away from it all and enjoy a great island-style day out at the Rum Point Club, situated on the picturesque north side of the island.
• Surround yourself with exotic marine life and huge coral formations as you explore the underwater world in a submarine.
• Experience a bird's-eye perspective of Grand Cayman on an exciting flightseeing tour.

Sporting Adventures

• Paddle along Grand Cayman's world-renowned Seven-Mile Beach on a kayaking adventure.
• Explore a historic shipwreck while snorkeling the beautiful Cayman waters.
• Explore the island and get a great workout at the same time, cycling through the island's quaint villages.

Shopping for Bargains
Grand Cayman is humorously referred to as "Brand Cayman" by those savvy shoppers who know the island's reputation for fabulous duty-free prices on designer merchandise. Great bargains abound on jewelry and watches from Caribbean Hook, Chopard, Honora, House of Tanzanite, John Atencio, John Hardy, Kabana, Roberto Coin, Starnight, Alfex, Cartier, Concord, Faconnable, Gucci, Maurice Lacroix, Michele, Movado, Wenger and more. Fine china, crystal, perfumes, leather, rum cakes, and liquor are available at bargain prices. Local crafts and treasure coins found in retail shops in George Town are also great buys.

Local Currency
The official currency of the Cayman Islands is the Cayman Islands dollar (KYD). U.S. dollars, credit cards, and traveler's checks are widely accepted.