Is the world's 3rd most expensive place worth seeing?

 

Grand Cayman: Where Sustainable and Eco-Tourism meet

Before the 18th century, the Cayman Islands, with no source of fresh ground water, were little more than a sandbar and home to where sea turtles and various birds would nest.  Pirates would use these islands as place to rest, and sometimes exchange their loot.  With no natural resources on these islands there was little reason to stay.  In fact the first known permanent inhabitant of Grand Cayman was not recorded until the early 1700's and was a gentleman by the name of Isaac Bodden who was born around 1700.  

What should you know about Grand Cayman?

Today, the Cayman Islands are the 3rd most expensive place to live in the world.  The Caymans have been 'terraformed' from the simple nesting sandbars of turtles into  'Glampgrounds' of the ultra rich and super famous.  From these Islands, you can snorkel among environmentally sensitive coral reefs, swim with Sea Turtles and visit an incredibly unique geological formation in the town of Hell !

• Caymans consist of; Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman.  Most people will visit Grand Cayman, as the other two islands are sparsely populated and less for visitors to do

• The islands obtain 100% of all potable drinking water from simple rain catches and the desalination of water from the sea

• Grand Cayman is less than a 2hr direct flight from Orlando or about 630miles/ 1000 Km and U.S.  Citizens will require a valid Passport to enter this British Overseas Territory

• Cayman Islands are very expensive, at least 2-3 times more than the U.S.
• Petro/Gas - is sold by the liter.  A liter is 1/4 of a gallon, and will cost approximately $1.5 per liter or $6.00 per gallon !
• Grand Cayman is very flat- in fact one of the tallest mound formations that can be seen from several miles away was created from a landfill and is approximately 20 meters tall or around 60 feet
• Grand Cayman is too large to be walkable, but too small for the vehicles that do exist here.  While most road ways of the caymans are of the smaller European scale, there are large U.S. style vehicles crowding the streets and parking lots everywhere

• Chickens have a bounty on their heads in the Caymans-  This is not a joke.  Because chickens were left uncaged for many years on the islands, chickens have become pests and roam the streets everywhere.  Authorized persons are paid a bounty for each chicken they catch and take to the island animal control.  Because these wild chickens are often diseased, they cannot be eaten!   

What are the best things to do in Grand Cayman?

The Cayman Islands offer a little bit of something to everyone, but primarily these islands are about relaxing on the beach, strolling the streets of George Town and taking in a nice lunch and dinner on the  town.

• Cayman Turtle Center- for the eco-tourist, or children or adult kid at heart, the Cayman Turtle center is a must see and everyone can opt to swim or snorkel with the turtles.  This is an educational worthy excursion for your money

• Barrier Reef Snorkeling- Just off the famous Seven Mile Beach there is one of the largest barrier coral reefs of the Caribbean and with the ultra clear waters in this location it is also one of the very best places to view tropical sea life

• The town of Hell !   this one of a kind place was given it's name from a British ambassador visiting the island during the 19th century after seeing the unique geological formation was quoted to have said 'This looks just like Hell.'  and the name stuck!  You can send yourself a post card from the tiny Post Office and show your friends and family you've been to hell and back

                           

(above left: Welcome sign to Hell, Grand Cayman, Right: Rock Formations, Bottom: Post Office of Hell, Grand Cayman)

• Tortuga Rum Cake Factory- (Tortuga means 'Turtle') the most incredibly delicious and moist cake in the world is baked and shipped from here to all over the world.  This is an absolute must visit for the entire family

  

(above left: Outside the Tortuga Rum Cake Factory, Right and Bottom: inside the Rum Cake Factory)

• Seven Fathoms Rum Distillery- For those who do drink alcoholic beverages and like Rum, this is the very best rum I have ever tasted.  Free samples are offered every day of every kind.  Tours of this tiny distillery and how the rum is made are also offered.  My favorite was the Dark rum, it was incredibly sweet, but they also make Chocolate and many other flavors including cordials intended for pouring with ice cream!

  

(above left: Outside the Seven Fathoms Rum Distillery, Right: inside tour, Bottom: Rum Tasting !!)

• Conch Shell House-  see a small home resourcefully constructed in the early days of Grand Cayman from nothing more than Conch Shells !

(Home made entirely from Conch Shells during the early period of Grand Cayman)

What are the best beaches in Grand Cayman?

Because the Cayman beaches are a mixture of soft white sand and sharp rocks and coral it is smart to bring a pair of water shoes anywhere you will swim.

• Most Family Friendly: Seven Mile Beach- without any doubt, this is the biggest, the softest, the calmest, the most popular and most accessible beach on the island.  It's name comes from the beach being seven miles long, and you will find that resorts, hotels and private property owners will occupy most of the access to this popular beach, in some cases you may have to pay by the hour to access, however it is worth the visit and the entire family will be in bliss in it's crystal clear warm waters

  

(above left: north Seven Mile Beach, Right: Seven Mile Beach at the Cemetery, Bottom: Rocky Beaches near Georgetown)

• Best Snorkeling: Cemetery Beach- This beach is really just a part of Seven Mile beach, but because it happens to sit immediately in front of the Cemetery it has been dubbed the 'Cemetery Beach.'  If you do not have any personal issues with the proximity of the beach to a cemetery then this beach actually offers good snorkeling

• Nature Lovers: Star Fish Point-  This is another Eco-tourist favorite.  As the name implies, you will often find bounties of Star Fish along this beach, however Star Fish are protected, and it is against the law to pick up or touch living Star Fish

• Nature Lovers: Spotts Beach- further away from Seven Mile and the tourists area, this beach is yet another eco-tourists favorite because of it's vantage point to see and possibly snorkel with the sea turtles, but like many of the beaches along the Caymans, water shoes would be recommended to enjoy these waters

• Most Unique/Romantic: Smith Cove- This is a small rocky cove, but offers a very interesting experience for more romantic sunset pictures, however water shoes would be recommended to best enjoy this beach

Currency and Payment accepted in the Cayman Islands:

The Cayman Island dollar is the official currency of the British Cayman Island Territory.  As of this writing the 'CI' is about 21% stronger than the U.S. Dollar.  That means that U.S. citizens can expect their dollar to buy about 21% less than in the U.S.  The U.S. dollar and major credit cards are accepted everywhere, and ATM machines can be found everywhere, currency exchange is not necessary.

Should I rent a car in Grand Cayman?

No, Taxi, bus, shuttles and walking within downtown Georgetown and other tourist areas of the Island are very convenient.  

Language:

While the official language of the Cayman Islands is English, you may hear some accent from islanders connecting their heritage back to the early settlers of the Welsh, Scottish and Cayman Creole.

Final Thoughts:

Today the Cayman Islands are a popular destination of the super wealthy and distinguished political figures to take rest from the prying eyes of the public, and to preserve some of their wealth by making investments of vacation homes and the tax haven accounts of the Cayman Banking system.  

Without the environmental engineering on these islands, the Caymans would still be desolate sandbars.  This leaves the important question as to whether or not the Cayman Islands give hope as incredible examples of Sustainable and Eco-tourism or a window into how expensive our future could be if artificial life support techniques like used on Grand Cayman become the norm everywhere?  

What do you think?  I'd love to hear your opinion.  Please comment below!

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