Helpful Links

Cayman Travel and Tourism
Cayman Islands Tourism Dept.
Cayman Web World

Cayman Weather
Cayman Islands Tourism Dept. Weather Center
Cayman 27 Television Weather Page
Weather Channel Tropical Update

Cayman Activities
Stingray City
Pedro St. James Castle
The Turtle Farm
Botanical Park
Cayman Helicopters
Nautilus Undersea Tour
Sea Trek underwater walking tour
Mastic Trail
National Gallery
Britannia Golf Club
Cathy Church's Underwater Photo Centre & Gallery
Jolly Roger
Atlantis Adventures
Black Pearl Skate & Surf
Barefoot Man
Rum Point
Turtle Sports watersports
National Museum
Bio Bay Tour

Cayman News
Cayman Net News
Cayman Travel Notes
Radio Cayman

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Quick Facts

• The Cayman Islands are located in the western Caribbean, 480 miles south of Miami, 150 miles south of Cuba, and 180 miles northwest of Jamaica. Flying time from Miami is about 90 minutes. From the U.S., the Cayman Islands is one of the closest Caribbean destinations to reach.
• Grand Cayman is the largest of the three islands, approximately 22 miles long and 8 miles wide at its widest point. The population is about 43,000, a third of whom are ex-patriots. The capital, George Town, is a clean and modern city, more like a small town by other country's standards.
• U.S. and Canadian citizens are required to have proof of citizenship, either a passport or a notarized birth certificate along with a matching photo id, plus a return airline ticket. Citizens of the EU, the UK or the Commonwealth, Israel and Japan need passports and return tickets, but not visas. Entry is granted for up to six months. Voter registration cards are no longer accepted.
• English is the official language of the Cayman Islands.
• The average winter temperature is 80 degrees F, in summer it’s 86 degrees F. Temperatures seldom drop below 70ºF or rise above 90ºF and the annual average humidity is 83 percent. Water temperature averages 78ºF in the winter and 84ºF in the summer. The rainy season is May to October. Hurricane season is from June to November.
• With over 600 banks and ATMs across the island, it’s always easy to find one. Operating hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Mondays to Thursdays and 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Fridays. The U.S. dollar is widely accepted but the official currency is the Cayman Island dollar (CI).
• The island is a duty free port and you will find low prices on china, crystal, perfume, jewellery and liquor.
• Electricity is 120 volts at 60 cycles. UK appliances will need an adapter, but US ones are fine
• If you plan on renting a car, you must be at least 21 and must get a visitors driver’s licence from the car rental agency by presenting your valid drivers license. And don’t forget . . . you’ll be driving on the left side of the road, and the seatbelt law is in effect. But, you won’t need a licence to charter a boat for the day.
• Taxis are readily available. Mini-buses marked “omnibus” constantly shuttle along main routes, including West Bay Road on Seven Mile Beach; they can be boarded at pick-up points by responding with a wave to the “toot-toot” of the driver’s horn.
• Mopeds, scooters and bicycles are also available. Both 10-speed and mountain bikes are available for rent in numerous locations for about CI $10 and $12, respectively. Riders of mopeds and scooters are required by law to wear helmets.
• Postage rates from the Caymans are a real bargain. A postcard to the U.S., Canada, the Caribbean or Central America is only 20 cents; to the U.K. it’s only 25 cents.
• No daylight savings time here. In the Caymans, it’s Eastern Standard Time all year round.
• The area code is 345, followed by a seven digit local number beginning with 94. Prepaid phone cards can be purchased at most service stations and at the Cable and Wireless Office, George Town.
• Internet cafés can be found at PC Powerhouse in the West Shore Shopping Center, the O'Bar Queens Court, PD's Pub Galleria and Cafe Del Sol near the cinema.
• Emergency phone numbers:
  Police 911
  Fire 911
  Ambulance 911
• Medical facilities include a 128-bed George Town Hospital in George Town, supported by District Clinics, which provide comprehensive health care, including dental and eye care. Miami’s Baptist Hospital provides tertiary level care for Cayman residents under an arrangement put in place by the Government. A recompression chamber is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
• Radio Stations:
  Radio Cayman (89.9 & 105.3FM; 91.9 & 93.9FM Little Cayman & Cayman Brac).
  Radio ICCI-FM (a non-commercial training station; 101.1FM)
  Z99.9 (99.9FM)
  Heaven 97 (97.9FM)
  Vibe 98.9 FM
• Television stations: There are an estimated 4,500 satellite dishes throughout the country. Many hotels offer programming that includes popular U.S. daytime and evening shows broadcast by network-affiliated U.S. stations, as well as CNN and other major U.S. cable stations. Local stations include:
  CITN, channel 27 and Westar (a 35-channel cable service available by subscription, with a reduced service to the Sister Islands).
  CTS, channel 24.
  CCT (Cayman Christian Television).
• Newspaper:
  The Caymanian Compass is published daily from Monday to Friday. Friday’s issue also provides information on entertainment venues. The Cayman Observer, distributed free through retail outlets, is a weekly newspaper focusing on business issues.
  

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Did You Know?
Cayman Islands trivia.

• You can catch direct flights to Grand Cayman from 13 North American cities: Atlanta,  Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Detroit, Fort Lauderdale, Houston, Miami, New York (Newark International Airport), Philadelphia, Tampa, Toronto, and Washington. And, you can now check in online at www.caymanairways.com.
• The Caymans lack rivers and streams because of the porous nature of the limestone rock that forms their base. The lack of runoff gives the surrounding Caribbean Sea exceptional visibility – often well over 120 feet!
  
• Seven Mile Beach is actually 5 ½ miles long.
  
• The national symbols are the Silver Thatch Palm Tree, the Wild Banana Orchid and the Cayman Parrot.
  
• Over 30,000 turtles have been released into the waters around Cayman by the Turtle Farm since its conservation program began in 1980.
  
• The Cayman Island’s tackle record for Blue Marlin is 584 lbs!
  
• The Cayman Islands are recognized as the "birthplace" of recreational diving in 1957, when Bob Soto opened the Caribbean's first dive shop in Grand Cayman.
  
• Due to the number of families on the islands with the same name, locals are often called by their first name as in Miss Jane, or Mr. Tom, leaving the last name redundant.

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The Top 10!
Things you don’t want to miss.

1. Visit Stingray City, a dive site that provides the only opportunity in the world to swim with more than two dozen “tame” Atlantic Southern Stingrays.
   
2. Taste the flavors of Cayman, such as conch fritters, a local Stingray beer, or a slice of key lime or coconut pie. At numerous restaurants serving island cuisine, try the farm-raised turtle steak or conch stew with coconut milk.
   
3. Explore the fantastic array of underwater life. Take your best shot at underwater photography. Classes and equipment are offered everywhere. Visitors who are not accomplished divers can access this marine treasure trove with a submarine ride, located at George Town harbor.
   
4. Discover the delights at Boatswain's Beach famous Turtle Farm, known around the world for its conservation programs, public awareness and entertainment.
   
5. Spend an afternoon at Rum Point, on Grand Cayman’s quiet North Side. Experience the best island atmosphere the way it used to be in a scenic spot known for its clear, calm waters and tall pines.
   
6. Head into history and visit the National Trust offices, located on Courts Road in George Town. Obtain one of the information sheets and tour brochures. Also visit the National Museum, and restored sites such as the Bodden Town Guard House, Old Savannah Schoolhouse and Watlers Cemetery.
   
7. Dive the M/V Captain Keith Tibbetts, a 330-foot Russian frigate, at Cayman Brac. The warship is now used for artificial reef diving and enables divers to explore the missile launcher, machine gun turrets, and swim-through access of the bridge and upper decks.
   
8. Live the legend of the Barefoot Man, George Nowak. His music is a Cayman tradition, mixing calypso, reggae, soca and country and includes hundreds of original songs that you can take back home on CD or cassette.
   
9. Walk on the wild side of the Mastic Trail, a hiker’s paradise. Traversing the island from its south coast to the north, it passes through mangrove swamp, palm savannah and rocky outcroppings. The National Trust in George Town books morning and afternoon walks.
   
10. Run away to Little Cayman, the smaller sister-island of Grand Cayman. Hop on an Island Air flight and disembark in an oasis where the whistling ducks, frigatebirds and red-footed boobies outnumber humans. Or, take Take a 25-minute narrated aerial tour of the islands using Island Air’s 19-passenger Twin Otter aircraft. Tours can be arranged through Seaborne Flightseeing Adventures at 949-6029. Cayman Helicopters Ltd. (345-949-4400) also offers a flightseeing tour aboard a six-passenger vehicle.

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Annual Events

January – International Scuba Hall of Fame & International Film Festival
February/March - Mardi Gras
April - Cayfest
May – Batabano Carnival and International Fishing Tournament
November – Pirates Week and Gimistory
December – Christmas in Cayman

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What’s Happening on the Island

A random seven

Our Cayman Island food establishments present special offers every day of the week. Here is just a smattering of choices:

Mondays
From 9pm, The Brick House – Acoustic Jam Night hosted by Eden Hurlston and Zack Mack

Tuesdays
From 7pm, Reef Resort – Entertainment provided by The Barefoot Man

Wednesdays
6:30pm – 9pm, Stingers Bar & Restaurant – Luau Night, including a live band and fire show plus all you can eat buffet

Thursdays
7pm to closing, Guy Harvey’s Island Grill – NY steak with fries special $9.99

Fridays
9pm to closing, Triple Crown Pub – Karaoke Night

Saturdays
Evenings, The Rooftop Lounge – Old School Night with old hits spun by guest DJs

Sundays
2pm – 4pm, Silver Palm Lounge – Traditional English Afternoon Tea

Gallivantin’ in the Cayman Islands
A new video series on the Cayman Islands YouTube Channel, sponsored by the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism, features island hotspots, attractions, dining, nightlife and special events. Hosted by Luigi Moxam and Kamala Murugesu, Caymanians who are passionate about their home, the series provides you a taste of local flavour, whether you crave off-the-beaten path excitement or popular activities.

Something a little different: take a brewery tour
The Cayman Islands Brewery combines some of the most ancient brewing and manufacturing arts known to man with the most current state of the art brewing technology to create its award-winning Caybrew and Ironshore Bock beers. While it can certainly be fun to knock back a couple, have you ever wanted to know how it’s made? Brewery tours are available every Monday through to Friday on the hour from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. These informative tours include samples of all the products, and are conducted by knowledgeable members of the brewing staff. Ring ahead (345.947.6699) for bottling days for the main experience.

February 3, 2012 at 7:00 pm: Caybrew and Karma Restaurant and Lounge are teaming up to give you the dining experience only few can say they took part in. The Brewery will be transformed into a wonderful dinner setting as the chefs from Karma fuse beer and delicious food to delight the taste buds. Cost is $50 per person and includes dinner and all you can drink. NOTE: Only 40 spaces are available for this event, so book now.

Not all marine life is welcome: join the red lionfish battle
The Cayman Islands, like other Caribbean destinations, is battling an invasion of the red lionfish. We cannot totally eradicate this critter, but if we do not keep it in check, our indigenous marine life will suffer. Its presence results in a reduction of fish stock, marine life and allows corals to become covered in algae, so the health of the coral reefs is at stake.

Did you know you can help? Here’s how:

1. Are you a Scuba diver? With recent approval from the Marine Conservation Board, Cayman’s dive operators are now able to teach the PADI Lionfish Tracker Distinctive Specialty course, and upon completion, guests receive the PADI c-card plus the local lionfish culling license. Inquire with your favourite dive operator (see below for links to local operators).

2. Like to snorkel? Many red lionfish can be found in shallow waters just off shore and in the canals in the North Sound. This is prime breeding ground for lobsters, groupers, snappers and more, so removing lionfish from the North Sound can play a huge role in helping to cull the invasion.

3. Like to eat? Many restaurants are now serving lionfish, so ask for lion fish when you are next out to dinner. Not only will this help create a market for the lionfish, but it will have the positive side effect of reducing the demand for the ‘traditional’ eating fish like conch, grouper and snapper, allowing fish stocks to grow and be sustainable.

Top five dive operators

Snorkelling on your own is lots of fun, but the Caymans also has second-to-none dive operators. Here are our top five favorites.  

1. Divers Down Maximum of 8 divers on regularly scheduled dive boats, providing a high level of service to both novice and experienced divers alike. Also specialize in exclusive private dive and snorkel charters for individual families and groups of friends (up to 16 divers).

2. Dive Tech Daily 2-tank boat trips, shore diving, KIDS diving programs (ages 8 and up), and even underwater weddings are offered.

3. Indigo Divers Two dives per trip: the first is along the famous Cayman Wall where you might spot moray eels, eagle rays, sting rays, hawksbill and green sea turtles, and maybe even a reef or hammerhead shark. The second dive will be a shallow reef or top of the wall dive.

4. Wall to Wall Diving Choice of 1, 2 or 3-tank dives to all sides of the island. Courses for beginners through to advanced certification. Charters also available.

5. Don Foster’s Dive Cayman Daily 2-tank dives and afternoon 1-tank dives. Stingray City trips for divers and snorkelers head out most afternoons, and night dives can be organized upon request.

Ahoy! There be pirates a comin’ to shore! 
The Cayman Islands’ annual Pirates Week Festival (November 10-20, 2011), now in its 34th year, is the only event of its kind in the Caribbean. This year promises to be even bigger and better. Here’s what’s on the agenda:

• Steel Band Competition and kick-off party
• Float Parade
• Pirate Costume competition
• Five and 10k Runs
• Children’s Fun Fair Day
• Children’s Snapper Cookoff
• Cardboard Boat Race
• Underwater Treasure Hunt
• Spectacular fireworks display
• Crowning of the Festival Queen
• Dart Tournament

The most popular event is the mock ‘pirate invasion’ from the sea! Two old-time sailing vessels, loaded with pirates make a surprise landing at the George Town harbour with the pirates capturing the Governor. Visit www.piratesweekfestival.com for details.

Mastic Trail: a footpath through paradise
A walk through the two-mile long Mastic Trail, with or without a guide, is one of the best nature experiences in the Caribbean. This area is of international significance because it holds some of the last remaining examples of the Caribbean's dry, subtropical, semi deciduous dry forest. Not only that, the area is home to a wide variety of animals and plants unique to the Cayman Islands. Along the trail, walkers can expect to see now rare trees such as Cedar and Mahogany as well as an exceptionally fine specimen of a Mastic tree, Cayman Islands’ national flower, the Wild Banana Orchid, a wide variety of birds, many tame enough to allow a close approach. Cayman's native parrot lives here, as do the West Indian Woodpecker and the Caribbean Dove. Not to mention the butterflies, lizards, snakes (not poisonous), frogs, large hermit crabs and the carton nests of termites you might encounter! Check it out

Gastronomic delights await you!
The 4th Annual Cayman Cookout, January 12-15, 2012, will feature a weekend of celebrating food and drink with an incomparable roster of world famous chefs, sommeliers and spirits blenders. Hosted by the Ritz-Carlton’s Chef Eric Ripert, and featuring renowned chefs including Anthony Bourdain of television shows Top Chef and No Reservations fame, and Paul Rogalski, who was a managing chef at the Athletes Village in Whistler for the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics, the event will offers tastings, demonstrations, tours and dinners that celebrate the barefoot elegance that only the Cayman Islands can deliver. Book early so that you don’t miss out.







Everyone loves summer camp!
Your kids don’t have to forgo camp this year just because you’re taking advantage of London House’s amazing summer deals. From July 18-22, Camp Sea & Discover, a day camp that highlights the importance of the Cayman Islands marine environments and the relationship with the land, will have your children snorkel on the reef, explore the mangroves and its life, learn about underwater photography and even plant some wild cinnamon trees. Do your own grown up exploring between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., then hear all about the kids’ adventures they had that day. Cost: $285 (includes lunch). Location: Helicona room, Camana Bay (across from Watch.Me). To register, email Caymansea@gmail.com or call (345) 925-2183. Open to kids 7-13 years old.



Travellers’ Choice Destination Awards 2011 – we’re number one!
Millions of TripAdvisor voters just selected the Caymans as the top Caribbean destination. It’s certainly no surprise to us. Come visit us here at London House and you won’t be surprised either. Our friendly and caring staff and the stunning ocean views await you!








International Scuba Diving Hall of Fame announces 2011 inductees
Dive fans from all over the world are invited to join International Scuba Diving Hall of Fame (ISDHF) inductees at a gala Dinner and Induction Ceremony in Grand Cayman on November 8, 2011. The six pioneers are Andre Laban (France); Bev Morgan (USA); Alan Power (Vanuatu); Clement Lee (Borneo) and Howard and Michele Hall (USA). In addition, the ISDHF Board has cited three of the dive industry’s early pioneers for induction. They are John Scott Haldane (Scotland), who developed staged decompression tables; Louis de Corlieu (France), who is credited with inventing the swim fin and Hugh Bradner (USA), who developed the wet suit.

Events include:
November 7: International Film Festival with world renowned underwater photographers and cinematographers.

Calling avid swimmers ages 8-80!
The 19th annual Flowers One Mile Sea Swim takes place on June 18, 2011 along Seven Mile Beach. If you enjoy fun, sun and friendly competition, now is the time to book your stay at London House. You have the opportunity to join the some 700 competitors – ranging from novices and first-timers to gold medal Olympians and world championship open water specialists from around the globe – for the most fun in the water you’ll have this year. The unique draw of the Flowers Sea Swim is not only its flawless course conditions, but the numerous random prizes. The race is the world’s richest open water event with over $100,000 in cash and random prizes and guaranteed 1-in-5 random prize odds for finishers. Not a swimmer? Not to worry. The Walk & Watch program will be offered again this year, which is ideal for the non-swimmer who wants to be able to take part in the excitement of the Flowers Mile and contribute to a worthy cause at the same time. All proceeds from registration are donated to charity. 


Beautiful beaches, yes…but so much more
If you like to explore nature at its most pristine, then the Caymans is the place to visit. Whether on a nature tour or a self-guided stroll, time spent walking on one of our many hiking trails is sure to add another dimension to your stay at London House. Experience the fascinating and diverse pristine woodlands of Cayman's deep interior, on a rugged two mile trek through native mangrove swamp, ancient rocky woodlands and traditional agriculture. Trek independently with a self guided brochure available from the National Trust House or join an escorted group with a trail guide who provides transport and refreshment. Summer is a great time because in June, our national flower, the Wild Banana Orchid, blooms on the trailside. A great adventure hike is the Mastic Trail, a two-mile stretch back in time through one of the last remaining examples of the Caribbean’s dry, subtropical forests. And hikers on all three islands are afforded a glimpse of diverse flora and fauna: mangrove forests, the Cayman Parrot and the largest colony of red-footed boobies in the Western Hemisphere.





Help us do our bit
With the movement to Go Green on the island, the supermarkets are now charging 5 cents for plastic bags. Be sure to bring along some of your recycled bags if you want to avoid the charge. 

Cayman Islands International Fishing Tournament coming soon
The Cayman Islands International Fishing Tournament is scheduled for May 19-22, 2011. The Tournament is expected to draw teams from all corners of the earth. These ambitious anglers will be fishing for dolphins, wahoos, yellowfin tuna, and billfish.



Plan to attend Batabano Carnival
Come and join us for one of the main highlights of Cayman’s entertainment calendar.  The Batabano Carnival is an annual event held in the beginning of May,  featuring popular celebration music as well as a colourful parade of costumes. The Adults Street Parade will take place May 7 on West Bay Road, and the Junior Parade and Family Fun Day May 14 at Camana Bay. The festivities also include tasty concession stands offering Caymanian and other Caribbean cuisine and delicacies. Thousands of locals and visitors flock into the streets every year to celebrate Batabano. Communities and districts join together to create the floats and Mas' bands to compete for prizes.  With all the electrifying energy in the streets, this is one event you do not want to miss.   



New dive adventure at Seven Mile Beach
Diving devotees get ready…on January 5, 2011, the newest dive attraction in 10 years was created with the sinking of the USS Kittiwake, a decommissioned WW II Chanticleer class submarine rescue ship. The 251-foot, 5-deck, 2200-ton was sunk off Cayman Brac, in the north end of Seven Mile Beach, providing divers and snorkellers alike a new underwater adventure. Shipwrecks draw diving tourists to the Cayman’s pristine waters and new wreck sites stimulate the tourism industry while enhancing marine ecology by providing additional habitats for local fish species.

Come and experience for yourself why the Cayman Islands is considered one of the world’s top diving destinations. That's if you can ever tear yourself away from our 200 feet of powdered sugar beach.


Under the sea without getting wet
Have you ever wanted to see the amazing and exotic marine life of the beautiful Caribbean Ocean, but aren’t quite ready to dive in? Two Cayman attractions allow you to do just that. Literally. Atlantis Submarines is an experience that’s hard to beat. The 48 passenger, 65-foot submarine is an advanced technological marvel that goes to depths of up to 100 feet where the vast coral canyons and brilliant tropical fish can’t be seen by snorkelers. Designed for sightseeing, the observatory boasts large viewing ports so that you won’t miss a thing. If you’re looking for the pleasure of a boat ride and an underwater adventure, try
The Nautilus Undersea Tour. It’s the largest, most luxurious semi-submarine in the world. The Nautilus glides gracefully through Caymans tropical waters ... but never completely submerges. Just relax and enjoy the spacious, air-conditioned underwater observatory.


Snorkelling – fun for everyone
There may be no better place in the world for snorkelling than the Cayman Islands. Our waters offer crystal clear visibility and abundant marine life. Here are some great places to snorkel:

• The Sandbar: located near Stingray City, you can jump into waist-deep water and frolic with harmless, friendly stingrays that will come right up to greet you. A Cayman Islands must.

• Cemetery Beach: right near London House’s stretch of Seven Mile Beach, this site is shallow and has a sandy bottom, with snorkelers often reporting turtle sightings. 

• Rum Point: great for novice snorkelers, the shallow, calm water with beach access boasts plenty of marine life.

• Cheeseburger Reef: this reef is teeming with life. The fish that gather at the formations near the surface are unafraid of humans.  At this handy location in George Town, you can pack in a full day of sightseeing along with your plunge in the water.

• London House Beach: we may be a little biased, but don’t forget London House’s beautiful stretch of ocean! Step outside your luxury condominium door at the secluded end of the world-famous Seven Mile Beach and right into the beautiful azure waters of the Caribbean. It doesn’t get any better than that!

Step right up to the greatest show in the Caymans: Mardi Gras 2011
The Cayman Islands Mardi Gras takes place every year on Kaibo Beach on the Ash Wednesday public holiday, and attracts thousands of party people. This year’s event on March 9 is themed Mardi Gras Circus, designed to thrill kids and adults of all ages! Running from noon to midnight, with ferries running all day to get you to and from the beautiful North Side of the island, bands, beads, dancing girls and the Islands’ best Djs and MCs will be on the circus stage to entertain you with great live music, competitions, prizes and giveaways on the day. Entry is $5. There are 3 ferries continuously running all day from Safehaven, $10 ferry round trip.
Limited edition VIP tickets are $100. 
Visit Cayman Islands Mardi Gras for more.



The great American west right here in the Caymans
Horseback riding is a fun and unique way to experience the Caribbean.
Spirit of the West offers horseback beach trail rides on an undeveloped, naturally secluded section of beach and swim rides, which feature the added bonus of swimming with the horses. Every tour is tailored with each rider in mind and its groups are small to ensure that maximum attention is given to each person. Costs range from $75-$150 depending on the tour selected.





Getting a round is easy…and kind of fun
Did you know there is a water ferry service, the Kaibo Express, which departs from Safehaven, Caymana Bay and Ritz and brings guest across the Sound in air-conditioned comfort to Kaibo in about 15 minutes? Cost: US$150 for 1-16 persons. For info, call (345) 947-9975. The service is available until April.

As well, as long as you’re dining at Cayman Kai, there is a free ferry service that runs from Safe Haven, Wed-Sat, 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. For info, call Red Tail Sports (345) 945-5965 or Rum Point Restaurant (345) 947-9412.

Ladies and gentlemen, start your engines!
A new go-karting facility has opened near George Town, which includes 1,000 feet of challenging hairpins, chicanes and straights on its asphalt track. Open both day and night, Cayman Karting offers a racing package that includes a five minute warm-up followed by a ten-lap race against other drivers. Safety is as high a priority as fun: karts are designed not to roll, making them safe for riders 14 years and older. Stay tuned for a planned second floor viewing deck with a snack bar and karts made specially for kids in the near future. 

Top five island gems
We asked past guests to share their favourite island places and experiences with you.  Here’s what they recommend:

1.  “Snorkel out in front of London House, and by Cemetery Reef.”
Julie Trensen, North Dakota

2. “Dance at the Royal Palms on Wednesdays - and at the Wharf on Tuesdays (Salsa at 9:00 p.m.).”  (The Wharf also offers the “Ultimate 80’s” every 2nd Friday of each month and “Disco Fever Dance Party” on the last Friday of the month.) 
Elaine O’Donovan, County Kerry, Ireland

3. “Because the island is small, it’s easy to simply lodge in one place like London House and try all the different things the Caymans have to offer. Visit different parts of this lovely island...drive out of Georgetown and just go and see it.”  Vanessa Gallant, UK

4. "Take a catamaran ride on Dexter’s Fantasea Tours boat to Stingray City to swim with the rays and snorkel at the nearby reef. Dexter is a good host."
David Blanchard, Canada

5. And from our own general manager Dominique Daigle: “Experience the island from the sky – take a helicopter ride at Cayman Helicopters.”

Cayman Drama Society offers range of performances
Since 1970, the Cayman Drama Society, a not-for-profit organization comprising local thespians and others, has offered an amazing array of performances – ranging from musicals like A Night of Broadway to Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Ernest to family pleaser Peter Pan to “PG13” comedy Unoriginal Sin. If you’re looking to spend a little time out of the sun during your next visit, check out what’s playing show during your stay.




“Floetry” for the soul
Here’s something a little different for the free spirits among us. Go with the flow during Open Mic poetry nights featuring some of the Cayman’s most talented poets and readers. Floetry mixes music and poetry to create a singular experience for Cayman’s community of writers and readers. It is the perfect place to listen as the literati share their artistic and cultural experiences. Or perhaps you’d like to express yourself with a little Open Mic poetry of your own! The event is held on the third Wednesday of every month, 7:00 p.m. at Books & Books in the Camana Bay shopping centre.

By the light of the silvery moon…
It’s romantic to ponder a walk on the beach during a full moon. How about a delicious dinner served by an award-winning chef? Every full moon, Kaibo Beach Bar and Grill hosts its monthly “Luna Del Mar”dinner on the white sand beach outside the restaurant, where guests sit with their toes in the sand on colourful pillows at a low table, or at a traditional table with chairs beside the lapping waves. Chef Laurence Tham has created an ideal menu for this off-the-beaten path meal, complete with tiki torches and the tranquil music from the live DJ. After dinner, enjoy the paper lantern display and dancing on the beach.

Cayman breaks world bikini parade record
Bikini wearers of all ages strutted their stuff along Grand Cayman’s Seven Mile Beach on June 17, 2010, to break the bikini parade world record. Over 300 bikini-clad participants narrowly beat the previous record and also toppled a swimwear record. The fun was all for a good cause at this family event – to raise funds for the Cayman Islands Amateur Swimming Club. Other – and less official – titles were bestowed, including youngest bikini babe, cutest bikini puppy, and best represented district – the latter clinched by the very vocal West Bay delegation.

Truly rare sights
The Cayman islands now houses the very first automobile ever produced, an 1886 Mercedes Benz, along with Queen Elizabeth II’s first limousine, a 1956 Daimler DK400. There is quite an astonishing array of historical, fun, exotic, rare, and classic motorcars and motorbikes at Cayman’s new Cayman Motor Museum, including classic and sleek Ferraris, Maseratis, Corvettes, and Jaguars. Magnificent Rolls-Royces (including a 1930 “Phantom”) and Bentleys (including Sir Elton John’s 1963 classic) abound, beckoning back to an era of meticulous craftsmanship and unsurpassed luxury.

Our Top 5 Bars
We asked some insiders to give us their picks of their favourite sports bars or pubs with interesting atmospheres here on the islands. Here’s what they came up with:

1. The Pirate’s Den Pub: Known as PD’s to the locals, this pub is located at the Galleria Plaza Mall. Built around a ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ motif, this friendly pub provides a lively atmosphere and a fully stocked bar with a wide variety of imported and local draught beers. This bar is known for its focus on sports and you can bet that if a game is on in Cayman, it will be playing on one of PD’s big screens!

2. The Brick House: A newcomer to the Cayman bar scene, this Grand Harbour bar has already established itself as a great place to go for food, drinks, sports, and music. With a wide menu of dishes to explore and talented bar staff to keep your glasses full, you can sit back and enjoy a game on their 12 foot outdoor projection screen or join in a nightly game of NTN poker or trivia.

3. Hard Rock Cafe: Located on Georgetown’s waterfront, this outlet of the world-renowned chain hosts a collection of rock memorabilia with videos playing throughout the day and local bands featured on Friday and Saturday nights. When you are there, make sure you take a look above you – there is a pristine pink 1960’s Cadillac hanging over the dining room.

4. Legendz Sports Bar: Located in Cayman Falls Shopping Centre, there’s a reason this bar is a regular spot for tourists and islanders alike. Watch the game on one of its 11 TVs -  two of which are 6' x 8' - while you enjoy a drink in air conditioned comfort with a pizza, burger, stir fry, or fresh curry.

5. Lone Star Bar & Grill: Voted one of the Top 100 Bars in the World by Newsweek, this location has been a cornerstone of sports and American/Mexican cuisine on West Bay Road for decades.

Not your average “Blue” Plate Special!
Find out how the region’s only AAA Five Diamond award winning restaurant, Blue by Eric Ripert, earned its designation. Every second Saturday from noon to 2:00 p.m., Chef Luis Lujan (above) and Sommelier Kristian Netis take you right into the kitchen where they demonstrate cooking techniques and share the secret of the perfect wine pairing. Learn some tricks of the trade and take pleasure in a savoury meal complete with the perfect wine.






There’s a reason the Caymans are beautiful
We know how lucky we are here in the Cayman Islands that we live amidst such natural wonder. The healthy reefs and clear waters make Cayman a wonderful place to visit, and our flora and fauna often turn the Islands into a paradise. We pride ourselves on being a country that protects nature.  A series of environmental laws have been developed that will help ensure the sustainability of our natural environment both today and for generations to come. And by committing to conservation, everyone benefits, including our visitors who can experience the beauty of the Islands. There are laws governing marine life that can be removed from the water, including such creatures as lobster, conch, whelks, turtles, sharks, groupers, starfish, sea cucumber, sand dollars, angelfish, coral, sponges. We value the National Trust for the Cayman Islands, which has made great strides in the preservation of key endangered species. These include the Grand Cayman Blue Iguana, the Cayman Brac Parrot , Little Cayman's Red-footed Boobies, and bats. The value placed upon the preservation of the coral reefs around the Islands is reflected in the section of the law which makes it an offence for anyone to break off a piece of coral to take home as a souvenir of  a Cayman vacation. We appreciate how our London House guests respect the environment…and we thank you for it.




Top 10 water sports
Fast or slow, serene or exhilarating…our waters offer the widest array of water sports you can imagine. Here is our selection of the Top 10. Let us know if you have a favorite you think we should add to the list.

1. Dive, dive, dive! It's no wonder that International Scuba Diving Hall of Fame is located here. The Cayman Islands boasts some of the greatest underwater diversity anywhere in the world: deep, dramatic walls adorned with sponges and corals in a stunning array of colours; shallow reefs filled with schooling fish and small invertebrates; an assortment of wrecks; the world famous Bloody Bay Wall; and the legendary Stingray City, the world's best 12-foot dive.

2. Snorkelling. Discover the wonders of the ocean with a snorkel, a mask and some fins. Good snorkelling can be had all over the island - Cheeseburger reef, Eden Rock, Wreck of the Cali - but we're partial to having a quick swim up Seven Mile Beach to Cemetery Reef.

3. Kayaking. There is no better way to take it all in than from a kayak. Paddle up Seven Mile Beach, explore the delicate eco-system of the mangroves, or see the waters glow at Bio Bay where high levels of plankton illuminate the water, resulting in one of nature's most captivating light shows on earth.

4. Jet Skiing. If you crave some exhilaration and have a need for speed, try a jet ski rental off Seven Mile Beach. No need to worry about disturbing the peace and quiet here at London House - jet-skiers stay within designated areas.

5. Parasailing. If you prefer something a little less vigorous, but just as thrilling, how about soaring 400 feet above the water? Parasailing is available all around the island.

6. Sailing. Whether you are interested in taking a day sail, sunset sail or a romantic dinner cruise, there are various charter operators in Cayman that can accommodate you.

7. Wakeboarding. Increasing in popularity in the local waters of Cayman, wakeboarding was developed through a combination of water skiing, snowboarding and surfing techniques. Take lessons to practise your moves when the sea is as smooth as glass.

8. Windsurfing. There's good windsurfing to be had all over the island, whether you prefer high speeds or leisurely cruising.

9. Kiteboarding. Windsurfing's radical cousin has become big in the Caymans. You can count on steady winds off Barkers in West Bay, East End and on the North Sound for some exhilarating kiting action.

10. Surfing. If you like a sport that involves more thrills and spills, there are some decent sized-surf breaks in late summer and early fall at South Sound to exercise your surfing skills. And you can surf all year round at Black Pearl Skate and Surf.

An eco-diving experience
Eco-diving company Cayman Marine Lab offers a different kind of diving experience. Coupled with a personalized tour of 2-10 divers, marine lessons, which are given during dive intervals, allow people to learn about coral reefs, mangroves, rocky intertidal shores, and turtle grass lagoon ecosystems.  Even the most veteran divers discover another aspect of reef life after each lesson. Marine biologist and Cayman Marine Lab instructor Dr. Tom Byrne also offers PADI and NAUI certifications as well as NITROX certifications.













To the bat cave!
Did you know that bats are considered to be a “keystone species” as they are essential contributors to balancing our ecosystems? With the largest and most effective bat conservation program in the Caribbean, the National Trust for the Cayman Islands offers guided tours of “fly-outs” at 5:30 p.m. daily. Activities for children are also included. You will have the unique opportunity to see where bats “hang-out” and hopefully gain a whole new perspective on our nocturnal friends.

If you're looking for more caving in the Caymans, visit the beautiful and abundant Cayman Brac Caves. Highlights include:

• Peter's Cave, which offers a thrilling caving experience and a spectacular view overlooking the 100+ ft. South Side bluffs.

• The Great Cave, which has amazing formations of stalagmites and stalactites.

• Rebecca's Cave, an historic site once used as a hurricane shelter for the island's residents.

• The Bats Cave, which is a well-lit, large cave where you may see some small bats "hanging out" in plain view.

Got the need for speed?
The Cayman Islands boast the largest outdoor concrete skate board park in the world - Black Pearl Skate and Surf - featuring courses tailored to expert, intermediate and beginner skaters. Encompassing 62,000 sq. feet of concrete bowls and half and quarter pipes, powerful lighting around the park ensures a safe environment for night skating, and supervision at all times makes it a secure and fun place for kids. Lessons for skateboarding and in line skating are available.

If you're more into water than land, surfers yearning for waves in Grand Cayman can take part in the breathtaking experience of riding under and over magical blue curls of water at the Park via its Waveloch Surf Machine, a self-contained standing wave generated by a continuous 16,000 gallon per minute (GPM) flow of water. This waveloch machine is the only one in the world with 11 foot waves. It may sound dangerous, but it isn't. Lessons are available for all levels, and children 4 years old and up can take the plunge on this wave.

The elements of good times and learning
A new eco-tour company, Cayman Sea Elements, can help you increase your knowledge and enjoyment of Cayman's incredible marine environment through unique classes and discovery activities for children, adults, snorkelers, and divers. Lead by marine environmentalists, offerings include Mangrove Boat Tours, Mangrove & Seagrass Snorkel Tours, and Marine Education and Nature Tours. Whether from shore, above or below water, this is a great opportunity to spot and learn about sea creatures like upside down jelly fish, baby barracudas, sea horses and endemic birdlife.








Shopping gets a big boost
The Camana Bay shopping center, located off the Esterly Tibbets Highway (formerly known as the Harquail By-pass), now boasts a 75-foot Observation Tower.  Providing 360 degree views of Grand Cayman beyond Camana Bay and including Seven Mile Beach, George Town and the marine parks of the North Sound, Island shopping and entertainment is better than ever. Inside the Tower, staircases climb alongside a floor to ceiling mosaic depicting Cayman's beautiful reefs and marine life, giving the sense of ascending a deep sea dive from sea bed to surface. The mosaic, which drew  inspiration from our world-renowned dive spots, is constructed of countless tiles in 114 different colours and is one of the largest undersea mosaic installations in the world. In addition to the new Tower, you’ll find stores and restaurants, a movie theatre, bookstore, and the Cayman National Bank.

Saying “I do” in Exotic, Beautiful Caymans Made Easy
We’ve had wedding ceremonies take place on the beach at London House, and we offer special rates for multiple units for your wedding party – but now, thanks to the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism, planning your special day here couldn’t be easier. A new website, www.caymanvows.ky, provides couples with everything they need to know to plan their wedding in the Islands. Much more than just a “how-to”, the site includes a quiz to help couples determine the style of wedding they would like, stories from real Cayman Island wedding couples, and a wide-ranging list of service providers. There’s even a section dedicated to the needs of wedding guests, with information how to get here, activities and attractions, island transportation options, shopping and spas. There’s even a wedding blog featuring entries from on-island service providers, add to the mix of content.

Adopt a Turtle from Boatswain’s Beach!
Have you ever wanted to adopt a wild animal? If so, here’s your chance. The Cayman Turtle Farm at Boatswain’s Beach, just a short drive from London House, invites you to sponsor and adopt a turtle to secure the future of wild sea turtles and their ocean habitat.

As a sponsor, you are able to name your adopted turtle and receive an Adoption Certificate. The Certificate will be proudly displayed in a prominent place for all Cayman Turtle Farm visitors to see. You will also receive an educational slide presentation on the plight of the sea turtle, background of the Cayman Turtle Farm and the important role it plays in marine conservation.

As a new “Parent”, you can organize a free visit to the Cayman Turtle Farm to check on your turtle’s progress and see what else the amazing beach has to offer. You also have a chance to visit the farm during the sea turtle nesting season from May to September. During that time, you may be lucky enough to see your turtle lay eggs!

From 25 to 250…and growing
One of our favorite residents is a blue, five-foot, red eyed vegetarian, entirely unique to the island of Grand Cayman. But by 2002, our beloved Blue Iguana was so critically endangered that there were only 25 left. Thanks to the efforts of the Blue Iguana Recovery Programme, and a new 200-acre nature reserve idea for the reptile, we have at least 250 today. The best part of their recovery is that you can take a tour through the captive breeding facility and see these gentle giants for yourself. Tours even include the chance to meet some of the free roaming Blue Iguanas which have been restored to the wild. For more information, visit www.blueiguana.org

Stand-up Paddleboarding now offered by Ocean Frontiers’ Kitehouse
Exploring the reef and riding some waves just got a lot more fun. Ocean Frontiers’ Kitehouse, an excursion company on Grand Cayman Island, offers kiteboarding, surfing, snorkeling, and has recently added stand-up paddleboarding as its new sport. The company provides both paddleboarding lessons and excursions every day. People of all ages and skill levels can use this fun way to enjoy the water, catch some sun, and get some exercise. Ocean Frontiers’ Kitehouse will take you on excursions to some beautiful offshore spots where you can paddle near the reef, snorkel along the way, and try your luck at catching some waves. Give it a try!

Cayman Kayaking Adventure
The Cayman Islands offers some of the best kayaking adventures in the Caribbean. Eco-adventure kayaking gives you a chance to explore the beautiful mangroves throughout the day, and if you’re feeling a little adventurous, try kayaking at night. Visitors can take a bioluminescent kayaking tour with only the light of the tropical moon to lead the way! High levels of plankton illuminate the water, and the result is one of nature’s most captivating light shows on earth. Kayaking is offered at Rum Point’s beautiful Bio-Bay, which is just a short drive from London House to the northern part of the island. So rent a car for the day and head to one of the Cayman Islands’ best destinations for an unforgettable adventure!


Our Cayman Treasures on Display – The Cayman Islands National Museum Reopens
Refurbished and revitalized, the grande dame of the island has thrown open her doors to reveal state of the art displays, modern infrastructure and themed audio-visual presentations. In the Gift Shop, there is a fresh look and new lines of merchandise to tempt both visitors and residents alike. The restoration project was carefully managed to preserve architectural integrity and all the refurbishing processes have been documented for the historic archives. 

During the restoration, a sample of 18th century graffiti in ‘the old Gaol’ was unearthed, suggesting that the structure was older than originally thought. Research is now underway to determine whether or not Old Gaol was part of the island’s early fortifications. 

We Have Great Restaurants…But Try Your Own Cookout Too
Dining out has its pleasures, but it’s hard to beat a cookout at London House’s outdoor barbecue, overlooking the Caribbean blue sea, using fresh produce from the local market. Check out Market at the Grounds at the Stacy Walter Agricultural Pavilion. It offers the choicest of fresh foods to make your personal BBQ a healthy gourmet experience. The market is a fresh air social hub where people can comfortably strike up conversations with other shoppers while choosing the delicacies for their home-cooked feasts. 

History in Three Dimensions
A unique 3-D, multi-sensory presentation experience awaits at Pedro St. James House, a lovingly restored 18th century home that’s only a 20-minute drive from George Town. Instead of a passive, audio-visual experience, a 20-minute presentation at Pedro Theatre includes authentic artifacts and tools that permitted past generations to survive and thrive. As you learn about the fascinating history of Pedro St. James and the Cayman Islands, creative lighting, vapors, wind, and water are used to transport you into the lives of these early settlers.

Turtle Sports - An Unforgettable Adventure
If you can tear yourself away from a relaxing lounge in our unique Hammock House, get your heart pumping with a thrilling day-trip. Turtle Sports offers a private charter watersports boat that includes a professional watersports instructor, and all necessary gear, whether it’s a wakeboarding, wakesurfing, waterskiing, tubing or a snorkel adventure that strikes your fancy. Check it out!

Five Best Kept Secrets of Grand Cayman
Whatever your age or situation – whether travelling alone or with family or friends – there is a host of things to do on the seemingly small island of Grand Cayman. H

1. Rent a car for the day and head to Rum Point on the north part of the island. En route, stop at the Blow Holes on the south part of the island to view this natural wonder. And it’s free!
2. Enjoy a mid or late afternoon snack of terrific conch fritters, a cold beverage and a terrific view at Over the Edge on the North Sound after leaving Rum Point.
3. Experience great Caribbean fare at Seaharvest Restaurant and catch an amazing sunset at Sunset House back on the south part of the island. 
4. Stop in at Rackham’s Pub in Georgetown to watch the tarpon fish jumping at dusk.
5. Join others for some fun and relaxation at the Wharf at 9 pm on Tuesdays for a free Salsa Dance lesson. You might even make some new friends!

Did you know Seven Mile Beach was rated #32 on the list of the Top 100 Destinations in the World by TripAdvisor’s 2008 Travelers’ Destinations Awards.




Our “cultural kaleidoscope” beckons
Cayman Carnival Batabano, held annually during the first week of May, is undoubtedly one of the main highlights of Cayman's entertainment calendar. Join us for our festival of music, dance and pageantry with roots mirroring the region's diverse history of African and religious influences. The colourful costumes reflect our vibrant landscapes and traditions, and the music is the very rhythm of life in the islands.

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