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Birthplace of Scuba Diving

14 votes

Unquestionably the best place place to dive on the globe, the very small Cayman Islands are also a watersport and sun worshipers paradise, for others a tax haven.




	Rudi cutting fishing line from a sand shark!

Columbus discovered the islands in 1503 and called them Las Tortugas after the abundance of turtles but where renamed Caymans for the type of large lizards there. They became a british colony in 1655, still today and George Town its capital. Legends of pirates like Blackbeard form the theme to parades and festivities. Today its an important international banking centere for mainly off-shore investments That and tourism makes it taxfree to inhabitants.

Favourite spots:




	Rum Point overlooking North Sound

Cayman Kai and Rum Point is the remotest (accesable) part of the isand, but then even Grand Cayman is so small that it should be regarded as one favorite spot! Few roads link the corners of the island. Driving there is funny, like the british, keep to the lefthand side of the road but all cars are american and the driver sits on the left, makes overtaking and turning corners very tricky. Some locals mount neon lights under their cars making them look like spaceships at night!

What's really great:




	Feeding Stingrays in North Sound

Scuba diving. Thanks to local divers, they have over decades got eels, sharks and stingrays to trust divers (and visa-versa). Getting real close to the creatures and even playing with them is one of the best experiences of my life. The diving community is competitive (therefore price worthy) but after a days work even competitors meet at one of the many bars and restaurants to discuss the days happenings. A very united society and help each other when hurricans threaten the islands and when not, helping to protect the coral reefs together.

(Both underwater picture by "Hans")

Sights:




	Fast and well equipped diving boats

- North Sound (bay) by yacht, the coast by motorboat

- Turtle Farm

- for non-divers, the coral reefs by submarine

- Plantless Volcanic outcrops called "Hell"

There are numerous diving sights. The islands are surrounded by reefs and in some parts the sea bed drops hundreds of meters into the deep ocean, named "the wall" by divers, don't drop anything there!

Nightlife:




	Turtle Farm

Seven Mile Beach is the axis of countless hotels, clubs, restaurants and bars.

Restaurants:




	Trimirans and yachts offer buffets on day cruises

Big Daddy's for big eaters! Food (exept fish) is relatively expensive as fresh meat and vegitables are flown-in/shipped from the states.

Other recommendations:




	Dive preperation

Info: Best access to the islands is from flights connecting Texas or Florida. Carribean cruisers usually stop at Grand Cayman. Ferries and an airlink takes one to unspoiled Little Cayman and Cayman Brac.

Best Weblink:
www.caymanislands.ky

Published on Sunday September 26th, 2004 by rangutan

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