Joel, NF3R will be active as ZF2RJ from Cayman Islands, IOTA NA - 016, 10 - 17 January 2024.
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Cayman Islands: all the best for tourists
The Cayman Islands as a vacation destination is an archipelago consisting of three picturesque freestanding islands. It is located just 150 kilometers south of the island of Cuba.
The Cayman Islands (or Cayman Islands) are a British territory in the West Indies in the Caribbean Sea. They comprise three islands, Grand Cayman, Little Cayman and Cayman Brac. The total area of these territories is 264 square kilometers. The population is more than 62 thousand people.
The state language is English. World time zone - 5 from GMT. Distance from Vilnius - to the capital of the islands Georgetown - 8970 km.
The largest of the chain, Grand Cayman Island is ideal for tourists aiming for an all-inclusive trip. Here you can find a wide variety of hotels for every taste, which have a full program of entertainment for the whole family.
This island receives the main flow of tourists, so if you want a quieter and more measured rest, it is worth paying attention to the two neighboring islands. Diverse reefs and colorful underwater world will be of interest to those who are fond of diving, for lovers of beach recreation offers gorgeous snow-white sand and beautiful seascape.
The Cayman Islands attract tourists with a variety of requests. From passive beach stays to adventure seekers, from romantic wedding trips to family trips with children.
High season
The most popular period for visiting the Cayman Islands among vacationers - from the second half of December until mid-April. The beginning of the high season coincides with the World Christmas and New Year holidays, so the prices during this period are highly inflated, and there are practically no vacancies. The main rule of preparing for a vacation at this time - booking in advance.
During these four months the most comfortable weather for visiting is established. Dry air, optimal air temperature, pleasant breeze and warm clear sea are the ideal components of a beach vacation. It should be borne in mind that even in the ideal season, the weather can suddenly turn bad and briefly change to strong gusty winds and tropical downpours.
Low season
In summer, the main flow of tourists drops, the islands become hotter, and with this, the cost of accommodation is reduced from 20% to 50% of the winter rates. However, Russian tourists after the gloomy fall and cold winter want to warm up quickly and increasingly choose the Cayman Islands in summer, despite the unbearable heat.
Safety
As with all tourist destinations, it pays to be cautious when in a foreign country. Pickpocketing can become more active here, but more serious crimes among tourists do not usually occur.
Kaibo, Cayman Islands. Author - James Appleton.
Three main destinations
- Grand Cayman. Known for a wide range of activities to suit all tastes. The most popular are the numerous water sports. For families with children, it is recommended to visit the impressively unique butterfly farms and turtle farms. For history lovers, there are ruins of ancient buildings. Absolutely everyone will remain indifferent to the delightful nature around.
- Cayman Brac. The island has a rocky landscape, for which it received this name from Scottish fishermen in the 18th century. The word "Brac" translates from Gaelic as "sheer cliff". The famous limestone plateau "Bluff" runs across the island on a distinctive trajectory. Thanks to it, the island is rich in amazing caves and sinkholes. All treasure hunters of the world strive to get to Cayman Brac in search of treasures, because according to legend the island keeps pirate gold. For connoisseurs of diving the island is interesting with a variety of unusual underwater world, here you can also explore shipwrecks of different times.
- Little Cayman. The smallest of the islands, which is inhabited by about 350 people. Here is practically untouched nature, there is a large number of rare birds, and the number of iguanas exceeds the number of local residents.
Attractions
The local population is engaged in two trades: turtle farming and catering to tourists. Not surprisingly, the turtle farm is a major national attraction and commercial activity. Here you can not only observe turtles of different ages, follow their development, but also taste specialties made of tender turtle meat.
It is also recommended to visit the Royal Botanical Park with an area of about 25 hectares. The collection of tropical plants here is simply impressive. Other things to see here include:
- several mini waterfalls;
- lily ponds;
- lavender fields.
On the islands, the numerous local lakes are home to local fauna, which are also interesting to observe.
Cayman Islands. Author - Steven Mlodinow.
Vacation options
There are also magnificent beaches, which are considered one of the most beautiful in the world. It is pleasant to spend hours lounging on the sand and swimming in the sea. Fans of diving can enjoy the diversity of the underwater world.
Underwater you can see not only fanciful reefs, but also sunken ancient ships.
Hotels on the islands are characterized by high comfort, and local cuisine will be appreciated even by the most fastidious gourmets.
How to prepare for your trip
For a short-term vacation vacation here visa is not required to issue a visa. But there are still some things to consider:
- it is desirable to get vaccinated against hepatitis, typhoid, tetanus and diphtheria, however, on the islands such procedure is not mandatory;
- it is necessary to take care of medical insurance;
- it is possible to rent a car, but it should be taken into account that the traffic here is left-handed, in the English manner.
However, bus passenger traffic and cab system are quite well developed on the islands. With the help of transport you can make fascinating excursions to pirate places, sea robbers hid their treasures here and simply liked to rest.
Cayman Islands. Author - Frank and Myra Fan.
What and how to pay with
The currency in the Cayman Islands is the Cayman dollar, which is valued at €1.1. It is true that the cost of living is quite high:
- a meal at a mid-range restaurant costs just over 18 KYD;
- a cup of coffee costs 4 KYD;
- rice, popular here, costs 3.30 per kg;
- a chicken breast is 13.23;
- local cheese is 5.78.
Bus fare is charged per kilometer - 2 local dollars. The same distance by cab costs 5.
What kind of gifts to buy
There will be no problems with souvenirs and other similar paraphernalia. The islands are considered duty-free zones. And the choice in local markets and stores is quite large:
- crafts made of the local semi-precious stone caimanite are sure to be original;
- there are many paintings and photographs of the underwater marine world;
- wicker baskets and fans are unique.
Fans of quality drinks will be delighted by Tortuga Rum and its infusions and sweets.
The Cayman Islands are practically an ideal place for the so-called lazy vacation. It is not for nothing that many tourists call these islands islands of happiness. And newlyweds often come here to spend their honeymoon or even organize an unforgettable wedding.
