You'll enjoy the Cayman Islands if you've ever had the urge to see beneath the sea. The underwater scenery is among the best in the Caribbean, full of exotic fish, coral reefs and even the occasional stingray. The water is warm, clear and often calm—and there are plenty of places to dive or snorkel.
Be aware, however, that the Cayman Islands do not offer much in the way of geographic diversity, and just about everything costs more than it does at home. Of the three islands that make up the Caymans, Grand Cayman is the largest and the center of both the tourism and offshore banking industries. Most visitors spend at least some time there, if not their entire vacation. The heavy influx of visitors to Grand Cayman has had a homogenizing effect on that island. With its traffic, chain restaurants and T-shirt shops, you could, on occasion, mistake crowded stretches of Seven Mile Beach for parts of Florida. The other islands, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman, get fewer visitors.
History
Columbus came upon the islands in 1503, naming them Las Tortugas because their only inhabitants were vast numbers of turtles. By the mid-1500s, they were known as the Caymanas, the Carib word for crocodile. Ships—including pirate ships—frequently visited in the 1500s and 1600s, but the first settlers didn't arrive until 1655, when deserters from the English army that was then capturing Jamaica made their way to Grand Cayman. Later arrivals also came from the British Isles—England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Slaves of African descent played a role in the islands' development, too, although the Caymans never became lucrative plantation isles like others in the Caribbean. The slaves were emancipated in 1834, and thereafter some escaped slaves from other parts of the New World settled on the island.
Today, tourism is a large part of the economy. More than half a million people visit each year—80% are from the U.S. and Canada, but more Europeans are discovering the islands. The other big business is finance: The Caymans rank among the favorite offshore banking locales in the world. There are 446 banks based there, holding more than US$450 billion in assets. On paper, there are more than 68,000 registered companies that take advantage of the favorable tax status offered by the islands. The government opened a stock exchange in 1997.
The Cayman Islands are an Overseas Territory of the United Kingdom, with a governor appointed by The Foreign and Commonwealth Office, though the islands retain a largely autonomous legislature.
Snapshot
The main attractions of the Cayman Islands include scuba diving, snorkeling, deep-sea fishing, beaches, shopping, good food, relaxation and investing.
If you are interested primarily in watersports, beautiful beaches and exploring duty-free stores, you'll enjoy the Caymans. Fine dining is big in the Caymans, with a diverse nightlife that can go until 3 am. The people are friendly, the communities are safe and clean, and you won't be harassed by roadside vendors.
Potpourri
During the Hurricane of 1932, residents of Cayman Brac sought shelter in the many caves on the island. The caves saved many lives then, as they did during Hurricane Ivan in September 2004. Ivan ranks second in the islands' most devastating hurricanes.
The national flower is the wild banana orchid. These small, scented flowers with purple tips bloom after May and June rains. More than two dozen varieties of orchids grow in the Cayman Islands, including five found nowhere else in the world. Some are reportedly so small they can't be seen without a magnifying glass.
Most visitors pronounce the name Cayman with the accent on the first syllable. Though they won't tell you it's wrong, most islanders pronounce it Cay-MAN. Also, Caymanians usually refer to their homeland simply as Cayman, rather than "the Cayman Islands" or "the Caymans."
Residents from the sister islands, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman, find it offensive when visitors or the international media refer to the islands as "The Grand Cayman Islands."
More than 140 different nationalities are represented in Cayman. The majority of the population is Caymanian, Jamaican, British, American, Canadian, Philippine and various South American nationalities.
Sightseeing
Cayman Brac is the best island for hikes and a little climbing on your sightseeing journey. With a bluff that rises to 140 ft/43 m at East End, you can climb the natural steps up to Peter's Cave and then continue on to the lighthouse—the highest point in the Cayman Islands.
Sightseeing on Little Cayman is best done on a bicycle or in a Jeep. Make sure to stop at the Booby Pond Nature Reserve, and take the unmarked side roads, which usually lead to great deserted beaches.
On Grand Cayman, it's probably best to invest in a full- or half-day tour of the island that takes you to all the main attractions—Hell, the Turtle Farm, Seven Mile Beach, downtown shopping, the National Museum, Pedro Castle, East End's blowholes and Wreck of the Ten Sails Historical Park, and the Queen Elizabeth II Botanical Park in North Side. Of course, you can always do it yourself with a good map and a rental car. Do visit the world-famous Stingray City for a half- or full day and plan to see the sights below water on one or two dives. Try a sunset cruise, too, preferably on the Jolly Roger, where you can enjoy a fabulous sunset on a pirate ship, complete with pirates and complimentary drinks. For a bird's-eye view of Grand Cayman, try a helicopter tour.
Note: Gambling is illegal in the Cayman Islands, so there are no casinos. In keeping with this law, cruise ships must also close their casinos while in Cayman waters.
Recreation
Recreation opportunities include scuba diving, windsurfing, snorkeling, fishing, caving, bird-watching and nature-trail hikes. There are also some watersports activities such as kayaking through the mangroves in the North Sound and Jet Skiing off Seven Mile Beach. There are no golf courses on Cayman Brac or Little Cayman, but golfing is a huge must on Grand Cayman.
Although Seven Mile Beach is probably the main attraction on Grand Cayman, smaller beaches, such as Smith Cove in South Sound, Spotts Beach in Spotts and Cemetery Beach in West Bay, offer a little more peace and quiet. Snorkeling at Smith Cove is particularly good. You should also take your snorkel and fins out to Hamburger Reef off the waterfront—its name is an indication of the various colors and formations you'll see.
Horseback riding on secluded beaches has become a popular activity on Grand Cayman, as well as parasailing for some spectacular panoramic views of Seven Mile Beach. Tennis courts can be used on many properties with a nominal fee for nonguests. Though there is no official marina in the Cayman Islands, a yacht club is located on West Bay Road.
Shopping
You'll find a small variety of Caribbean crafts and products, including crochet work, paintings and sketches of Caribbean scenes, thatch work, pepper sauces, Caymanite (the islands' own semiprecious stone), jewelry, sculpture and wood carvings. Most of the items are not made in Cayman, except for the Caymanite jewelry and sculptures. Antiques and treasure-coin jewelry attract an enthusiastic clientele, though these items can be expensive.
You may see items made from black coral and sea-turtle products, but we urge you not to buy them: Both the coral and the turtles are endangered, and each sale encourages more of these rare species to be harvested. (The gathering of black coral is done in the waters of other countries—it's prohibited in the Caymans.) The importation of turtle products is illegal in most countries.
Shopping Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30 am-5 pm, Saturday 8:30 am-12:30 pm. Most George Town businesses lock up tight after noon on Saturday, unless there is a cruise ship in port. Some shops stay open until 9 pm on weeknights. All businesses are closed on Sunday (with the exception of cruise ships days), except gas stations, restaurants and dive shops.
Day By Day
To get a look at more than one island, we recommend the eight-day itinerary below. Veteran divers—or those wishing to avoid the busy atmosphere of Grand Cayman—may want to go straight to Little Cayman or Cayman Brac.
Day 1—Arrive on Grand Cayman.
Day 2—Do whatever appeals to you on Seven Mile Beach—parasailing, waterskiing, snorkeling, diving, kayaking, windsurfing or simply sunbathing.
Day 3—Rent a car and spend the day driving around the island to see some of the sights. First, head west to Hell and the Turtle Farm. Then, drive up to North Side and around the exclusive Cayman Kai neighborhood, where luxury beach houses sit side-by-side. Have lunch at the Kaibo and relax on the beach or rent a Jet Ski or kayak. Stop by the Pirate Caves in Bodden Town and see the natural blowholes. Watch the sunset from your hotel balcony. Have dinner at a restaurant of your choice. Many are within walking distance.
Day 4—Rise early, shop in George Town and visit the museum. Walk through the Hero's Park in the town center, which is surrounded by the Cayman Islands Legislative Assembly and Courthouse buildings. Take an exciting Atlantis Submarine tour of Grand Cayman's underwater scenery or the more intimate Bubble Sub run by Cayman Submariners. Have lunch on the Breezes' balcony overlooking the harbor or on Paradise's patio with its view of visiting cruise ships.
Days 5-7—Fly to Little Cayman or Cayman Brac. Spend a day and a night on each island.
Day 8—Depart the Cayman Islands.
If time permits, add a few more days on the sister islands.
Dining Overview
Caymanian dishes have many of the same ingredients you'll find throughout the Caribbean, except one dish—turtle stew. Supplied to local restaurants by the Turtle Farm, turtle stew is a local delicacy.
Delicious, fresh seafood is always available. Try a serving of lobster or fish complemented by breadfruit, yams, cassava, rice and peas, and other West Indian side dishes. Conch, also a local favorite, is served marinated, stewed or frittered. Finish your meal with a slice of rum cake or of one of the island's local heavy cakes, made from yam, pumpkin or cassava. Most restaurants serve imported wine and champagne, as well as beer. Stingray Beer is the only beer brewed locally. Do try a cocktail made with one of the many Cayman Islands Tortuga Rum flavors.
Your dining options depend on where you are in the Cayman Islands. Be prepared for a limited selection of restaurants on the two smaller islands. On Cayman Brac, Captain's Table is the best on the island, featuring a diverse menu ranging from pastas and salads to steaks and hamburgers. There's also a fun bar outside to hang out at before or after dinner. Just down the road are the two main hotels on the island, Divi Tiara Beach and Brac Reef. These also have outdoor bars and are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Five minutes away is Aunt Sha's restaurant, where the menu of local dishes changes daily. On the north side, check out La Esperanza restaurant in the Watering Place district for local dishes and jerk chicken in the evening. On Little Cayman, the hotel eateries and The Hungry Iguana by the airport are the only choices in town, serving informal buffet-style meals featuring North American and theme-night food.
But Grand Cayman—the tourism center—is one of the best places to eat in the Caribbean. The restaurants and snack bars offer everything from elegant fine dining to fast food, so there's something for every budget. You can also reduce your food expenditures by cooking for yourself if you're staying in a condominium. Grocery stores are all well-stocked, and you can always buy fresh fish from local anglers at the waterfront in George Town or in the groceries' fresh seafood sections.
Overview
Cayman Islands is a generally safe destination, which is the reason its risk rating is set at 2. The islands enjoy a low rate of crime, and violence of all kinds is rare. In fact, the worst hazard you face may be a temptation to push your own limits too far, especially when engaging in watersports. On average, one U.S. visitor each month drowns or suffers cardiac arrest while diving or snorkeling in the Cayman Islands. Inexperienced divers should seek out proper instruction and consider having a physical examination before going into the depths. Resist the urge to do more than you've been trained or conditioned to do.
Hurricane Gustav did some damage to Grand Cayman in August 2008. If you're heading to the island, reconfirm your travel arrangements in advance of departure to make sure needed services are operating normally.
Overview
High-risk AreasNone.
Political/social/economic conditions
An overseas territory of the U.K., the Cayman Islands has a governor appointed by Queen Elizabeth II and an 18-seat legislative assembly, of which 15 members are elected by popular vote. There are no political parties, but a controversial constitutional amendment is likely to introduce them.
The most recent elections were held on in May 2005, in which 45 candidates ran for 15 seats in six districts. Kurt Tibbetts led the People's Progressive Movement in a clean sweep, securing all nine seats they sought. McKeeva Bush's United Democratic Party picked up an expected seat in the Sister Islands and four more in West Bay. The only elected member not to come from the PPM or UDP was independent Moses Kirkconnell, who took the second seat in the Sister Islands of Cayman Brac and Little Cayman. The next election is scheduled for 2009.
Nearly all the islands' food must be imported, but thanks to thriving offshore financial and tourism industries, residents enjoy one of the highest standards of living in the world. Tourism accounts for some 70% of gross domestic product.
Crime
Violent crime is rare, but armed robberies and other gun-related crimes have been increasing recently.
Petty crime and theft also occur, so safeguard your valuables and avoid deserted beaches and other areas, especially after dark. Some incidents of sexual assault have been reported, including cases where so-called "date-rape" drugs were used. Take commonsense precautions--don't accept food or drinks from strangers or allow people you don't know well into your accommodations.
Crime
White-collar crimeThe Cayman Islands is a center for money-laundering, but this activity is unlikely to affect visitors.
Crime
Drug-related crimeCertain so-called recreational drugs like Ecstasy (also known as X) are growing in popularity. As drug penalties can be severe, visitors are strongly advised not to purchase, carry or use illegal drugs.
Natural hazards
Like other islands in the area, the Caymans may be affected by hurricanes during the season, which runs June-November. The low-lying islands are subject to flooding in heavy rain.
Natural hazards
EarthquakesAn earthquake with a magnitude of 6.1 struck the Cayman Islands in February 2007. Another temblor of 4.6 magnitude occurred 65 miles east of George Town in March 2008. No serious damage or injuries were reported in either quake.
Natural hazards
Hurricanes, cyclones and typhoonsMonitor local and international weather reports for up-to-date information on storms.
Health & medical care
Hospitals that can offer adequate medical care for most routine illnesses and injuries are available on Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac. Serious or complicated conditions will require evacuation to Miami, in the United States.
A decompression chamber is available in George Town for treating the effects of diving accidents.
Transportation
Roads are in good condition, and travel by road should pose no unusual hazards. Drunken-driving and seat-belt laws are strictly enforced. Taxis and rental cars are available.
Minibuses are the only form of local public transport. Their routes are limited.
Infrastructure
As in most nations where tourism is a major industry, facilities for travelers are widely available.
Travel precautions
No matter how safe you perceive a destination to be, it's important to use good judgment.
- Pay attention to local media.
- Avoid open displays of wealth, jewelry or other valuables. Safeguard travel documents such as passports and airline tickets.
- Avoid confrontations with locals.
- Avoid demonstrations and protests, especially if they appear political in nature.
- Don't permit people you don't know to enter your accommodations. Keep your door locked. Don't leave valuables in your room unless they can be locked in a safe.
- Avoid illegal drugs, and don't drink alcohol if its use is prohibited. Even if drinking is legal, don't overindulge.
- Be cautious of unsolicited offers of assistance from strangers.
In recent years, political terrorism has become a global phenomenon - an attack could occur with little warning anywhere in the world, even in destinations long regarded as safe. Travelers should keep themselves informed of developments that could affect their safety, no matter what their destination.
Personal Safety
Although some petty crime exists on Grand Cayman, the Cayman Islands as a whole rate among the safest destinations in the Caribbean. Following general precautions should help keep you out of trouble: Lock your car and hotel room, and keep an eye on valuables such as cameras and jewelry. Pickpockets are practically nonexistent, and you will never see beggars.
For the latest information, contact your country's travel-advisory agency.
Health
Food and water are safe to consume, even from street vendors, because of regular health inspections. Ask your doctor about a vaccination for hepatitis, but it's not required to enter the Cayman Islands. A bottle of household vinegar is helpful for easing the stings of jellyfish, sea urchins and other marine animals. There are mosquitoes, so take along an insect repellent containing deet. Be sure to pack sunscreen and sunglasses with UV protection, as well as aloe vera. Remember to drink plenty of water since the humidity gets quite high in the summer months.
Divers should take precautions not to get the bends while diving. Although the Cayman Islands Hospital in Grand Cayman has a dive recompression chamber, prevention is always better than cure. The bends—nitrogen narcosis—are easy to avoid if you watch your diving time and depths carefully, stay within the safe diving tables, avoid dehydration and try to get a good night's sleep before you dive.
For more information, contact your country's health-advisory agency.
Dos & Don'ts
Do enjoy the Cayman Islands' high-quality drinking water, but don't waste it. All the water comes from a desalinization plant—the islands have no natural sources of freshwater.
Don't plan to sunbathe nude—it's against the law in the Cayman Islands.
Don't expect to party until dawn on a Saturday night—all bars and clubs shut down at 11:45 pm because it is illegal to sell alcohol from midnight till about noon on Sunday.
Do drive on the left.
Do visit the sister islands for a day or two.
Do brake for iguanas on Little Cayman: They have the right-of-way.
Do take a kayak out to the deserted Owen's Island in the middle of the reef on Little Cayman.
Do go to the top of the bluff on Cayman Brac for a panoramic view of the island and the ocean.
Do contribute to the informal decor of Cayman Brac and Little Cayman by painting your name and hometown on a piece of driftwood. These homemade signs add to the charm of the small hotels.
Hotel Overview
Accommodations on Grand Cayman range from first-class hotels to apartments, condominiums and small local hotels. Most of the properties are on the leeward (sheltered from the wind) side of the island, along Seven Mile Beach. Some, such as Sunset House, cater specifically to divers. An umbrella organization, Cayman Villas, also rents private villas on Grand Cayman.
Accommodations on the two smaller islands are very limited, so don't go without a reservation. Cayman Brac has a handful of hotels. There are also a few nice condos and a couple of villas and guesthouses. Little Cayman has a few hotels—all of which have dive packages—plus a couple of guesthouses and villas.
Geostats
Passport/Visa Requirements: All U.S. citizens must have a passport when traveling by air to or from Bermuda, Canada, the Caribbean, Central and South America and Mexico. Citizens of Canada, Mexico and the British Overseas Territory of Bermuda also must have a passport or other designated secure document to enter the U.S.
Beginning 1 June 2009, passports are required for land crossings at the Canadian and Mexican borders with the U.S. and for cruise passengers returning to the U.S. from Mexico, the Caribbean, Canada or Bermuda. Proof of sufficient funds and onward passage required. Reconfirm travel-document requirements with your carrier prior to departure.
In addition to a US$25 departure fee for anyone age 12 and older, there is a US$16 passenger facilities charge for international visitors departing the Cayman Islands. Both fees are added to the cost of the airline ticket.
Population: 46,600.
Languages: English, Spanish (taught in schools)..
Predominant Religions: Christian..
Time Zone: 5 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (-5 GMT). Daylight Saving Time is not observed.
Voltage Requirements: 110 volts.
Telephone Codes: 345, country code;
Currency Exchange
The official currency is the Cayman Islands dollar (CI$), but the U.S. dollar, with a fixed rate of exchange, is widely used and accepted everywhere. You will, however, invariably receive your change in Caymanian currency. The CI$ rate is freely convertible and tied to the US$ at the midrate of CI$1 = US$1.20. Plenty of banks exchange currency, and all have ATMs.
Banks are usually open Monday-Friday 9 am-5 pm. Your hotel may also exchange currency, but check to see that its rate is equivalent to the bank rate. Be sure to exchange any leftover Cayman dollars before you leave, because it's almost impossible to convert them at the same rate outside the islands.
The American Express office is in the Elizabethan Square complex opposite Barclays Bank on Shedden Road. Phone 345-949-8755.
Taxes
There is no local sales tax, but visitors pay a 10% Tourism Accommodation Tax where applicable.
Tipping
Tip 15% in hotels and restaurants if a service charge has not been added to the bill. Most hotels and many restaurants automatically add a service charge of 10%-15%, but some do not—if you're not sure, ask. Do tip your dive master or dive instructor—about 10% is standard.
Weather
East winds and moderate temperatures make the climate pleasant year-round. Average daytime temperatures range from the mid-70s to mid-80s F/23-30 C but do climb into the low 90s F/32-35 C on occasion during the summer months. Rain falls primarily during hurricane season (July-November); the wettest months are September-November. The best diving conditions are in the summer (warmest water, best visibility and calmest seas). No matter when you go, take a light sweater for the evenings and a waterproof Windbreaker for boat trips.
What to Wear
Modest dress is expected in the business district of Grand Cayman—which means no swimwear in town. Aside from this restriction, casual summer clothing is recommended year-round, day and night. Most restaurants require shoes and a T-shirt if you are going straight from the beach. During the winter months (especially January-March) take a light sweater. Some restaurants are quite smart, and you will want to dress up a little for them. If you're spending time on a boat, a waterproof Windbreaker will come in handy if the sea turns choppy.
Telephone
The phone system is excellent. No city code is needed when dialing locally, even between islands. To avoid the high cost of placing an international call from your hotel, consider purchasing a phone card. These cards are widely available from stores and supermarkets and work in any public phone.
Internet Access
Wireless Internet access is available in most coffee shops and major hotels. Other Internet hot spots include the public library and post office. They all charge about the same amount—US$5 per hour. In the West Shore Centre on West Bay Road, the Internet cafe PC Powerhouse has about 40 flat-screen computers hooked up with ADSL. It is open Monday-Saturday 9 am-10 pm, Sunday 10 am-10 pm (phone 345-946-1818). You can also get online at your hotel, but check the cost of doing so first. It may be quite expensive.
Mail & Package Services
The main post office on Grand Cayman is at the intersection of Edward Street, Cardinal Avenue and Shedden Road. Post offices can also be found in most other districts, including a convenient location in the West Shore Centre on West Bay Road. Opening hours are Monday-Friday 8:30 am-5 pm.
Newspapers & Magazines
The
Caymanian Compass and the
Cayman Net News (a broadsheet newspaper) are both published Monday-Friday, and the
Cayman Observer, a weekly newspaper, focuses more on the business community.
Those searching out places to go and things to do can check any of the following tourist-oriented magazines: Destination Cayman, Key to Cayman, Activity Guide and Horizons Magazine. Specifically aimed at the culinary scene on Grand Cayman, Good Taste magazine offers the most complete guide to eating out.
Other options include Grand Cayman Magazine, which profiles community figureheads, and New Resident magazine, a meticulously researched and complete, unbiased guide to the Cayman Islands and what it takes to live, work and become a Cayman resident. You'll likely have to ask for this magazine because it is targeted at people who want to relocate to Cayman.
Bus
Small public buses (called Omni-Buses—usually small Japanese minivans) operate on Grand Cayman. There are few designated bus stops, but you can hail or wave a bus down from the side of the road. Most buses can only carry 14 passengers, so if it is full, it cannot stop and will drive past. Most single bus journeys cost no more than US$3. Cayman Brac and Little Cayman have no regular bus service.
Car
Rental cars are available on all three islands. Local companies don't offer any appreciable savings over rates posted by the big-name firms.
Island roads are in good repair. Local driving habits reflect the Caymanians' friendly attitude—most offer the right-of-way to tourists. Remember, driving is on the left. Roundabouts can be a little confusing—and there are a lot of them. Remember to drive around these in a clockwise direction and give way to traffic on the right. Once on the roundabout, do not stop to let other cars from the left enter the roundabout in front of you. Getting around all three islands is pretty simple, because there is just one main road on each that travels from one end to the other.
Grand Cayman has undergone an enormous road-building and resurfacing drive, which has created many new roundabouts and roads. The government earmarked CI$100 million for this effort.
Taxi
Taxis are excellent for short jaunts or full-island excursions. On the small islands, don't expect quick service: The driver may well be working another job in addition to driving a cab. Rates are fixed, but the total price will vary by the size of your group and your sightseeing plans. Agree on a price (and whether you'll be paying in U.S. or Cayman dollars) before getting in. Generally, however, taxis are quite expensive, and if you plan on doing some exploring, it is worth renting a car.
Other
Bicycles and scooters can be rented at several shops on Grand Cayman. Bicycles are available on Cayman Brac and Little Cayman. Little Cayman is the best place for easy, quiet and safe bike rides around the island.
For More Information
Tourist OfficesCayman Islands: Cayman Islands Tourism Office, Regatta Office Park, Leeward 2, West Bay Road, Grand Cayman (mail address: P.O. Box 67, GT, Grand Cayman, B.W.I.). Phone 345-949-0623. Fax 345-949-4053. http://www.caymanislands.ky.
Canada: Cayman Islands Department of Tourism, 2 Bloor St. W., Suite 700, Toronto, ON M4W 3R1. Phone 416-485-1550. Toll-free 800-263-5805. Fax 416-972-5071.
U.S.: Cayman Islands Tourism Office, Doral Center, 8300 N.W. 53rd St., Suite 103, Miami, FL 33166. Phone 305-599-9033. Fax 305-599-3766.
Embassies of the Cayman Islands
The Cayman Islands are represented by the U.K.
Canada: British High Commission, 80 Elgin St., Ottawa, ON K1P 5K7. Phone 613-237-1530. Fax 613-237-7980. http://www.britain-in-canada.org.
U.S.: Embassy of the United Kingdom, 3100 Massachusetts Ave. N.W., Washington, DC 20008. Phone 202-588-7800. Fax 202-588-7850. http://www.britainusa.com/consular/embassy/embassy.asp.
Foreign Embassies Serving the Cayman Islands
Canada: Canada is represented by its embassy in Jamaica: Canadian High Commission, 3 W. Kings House Road, Kingston 10, Phone 876-926-1500. Fax 876-511-3493. http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/jamaica/menu-e.asp.
U.S.: The U.S. Embassy in Jamaica has consular responsibility for the Cayman Islands: U.S. Embassy, Jamaica Mutual Life Center, Third Floor, 2 Oxford Road, Kingston 5. Phone 876-929-4850. Fax 876-935-6018. There is a consular agent in Grand Cayman who can provide limited assistance. The agency is located in the offices of Adventure Travel, Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman. Phone 345-946-1611. Fax 345-945-1811.
Additional Reading
Far Tortuga by Peter Matthiessen (Random House). Written in the local patois, this eloquent novel recounts a voyage of Caymanian turtle fishermen through the Caribbean Sea.
Reef Fish Identification: Florida, Caribbean, Bahamas by Paul Humann and Ned Deloach (New World Publications). If you're at all curious about what you see underwater, this guide is a must-have. It is worth it for the pictures alone.
