The Cayman Islands are the most prosperous islands in the Caribbean chain with an average income of around $35,000. The island chain consists of three islands: Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman.

The prosperity of the Cayman Islands comes from the distinction of having more than 500 international banking institutions and more than 25,000 registered companies located on its shores. The Cayman Islands do not have the actual land mass to house 25,000 businesses, but instead have a unique registration system that allows businesses to legally register by paying a fee and then hanging the businesses plaque on the wall of a building governmental. Not surprisingly, the Cayman Islands are an offshore investment haven providing lucrative tax havens.

Most of the tourists who visit the Cayman Islands are not interested in tax havens, they come for the water sports, the beaches and the family accommodations. Make no mistake about it, water sports are king in the Caymans. The deepest waters in the Caribbean are found here, and scuba enthusiasts from around the world flock to the Cayman Islands every year.

The largest and most popular tourist island is Grand Cayman, which is home to most of the hotels, restaurants, and nightlife. The smaller islands of Cayman Brac and Little Cayman have a small local population, limited accommodation and restaurants. What they do offer is a more secluded vacation spot with less crowded beaches, limited accommodation, excellent diving and snorkeling, local cuisine, and the opportunity to have more contact with the local population. The locals of these two islands feel that their bigger sister island has too many people, hotels and traffic.

Most hotels in Grand Cayman are located on the famous Seven Mile Beach. This island offers the best in accommodation, restaurants and a variety of nightlife, activities and the best beach on the island. Seven Mile Beach is also home to many villas and condominiums, making the island a destination for families and long-term vacationers.

Americans will not enjoy fine dining in Grand Cayman any different than in their hometown. The food on the island is heavily influenced by the US. You can find great gourmet restaurants all over the island, fast food burgers, and lots of pizza.

Now, if you’re looking for an island with lots of tropical flowers and colors, you might be disappointed. The Cayman Islands doesn’t get much rain and the island is covered with mangroves, lots of cacti and lizards. The beauty of the Cayman Islands is found in the water. The Cayman Islands have very strict laws regarding the protection of the coral reef system, and the waters around the island are some of the most pristine in the Caribbean. Whether snorkeling or diving, you will be able to see an abundance of tropical fish and the wonderful blue waters.

It’s fairly easy to get around Grand Cayman, but expect traffic and remember driving is on the left. Interesting places to visit include Turtle Farm, Stingray City, and Hell City.

Turtle Farm is located on the north shore of Grand Cayman. Here you will find a first-class research station and breeding farm. This is one of the few places in the Caribbean where visitors can see these ancient giants up close. The huge green sea turtles are about six feet long and weigh up to 600 pounds. Even those who aren’t usually impressed by turtles will find the turtle farm interesting and will get some great photos.

Stingray City is home to some of the friendliest stingrays you’ll ever come across. It’s hard to tell who’s having more fun, the tourist or the stingrays. As soon as the tour boat stops, the stingrays immediately appear in the area. Rays are used to being fed, so if you plan on interacting with them in the water, be prepared with food, preferably squid. It’s pretty daunting to find a stingray hovering completely over your body in search of food. They do not bite, but instead leave small “hickey” marks.

One of the favorite cities is Hell, and the favorite destination here is the post office. Everyone wants to send a postcard with the stamp of Hell. The city sits on jagged rock, it looks pretty desolate and there aren’t many photo opportunities here.

The locals are quite friendly, always helpful, and quite formal in their greetings. The local population is a mix of African and European descent, and one of the most interesting attributes of the local black population is their reddish hair. Local codes prohibit skinny dipping and visitors are not allowed to walk around town in a bathing suit. The islanders take their environment very seriously and expect visitors to respect their reefs, waterways and beaches. Local officials will not treat visitors who take or damage corals or fish with kindness.

Overall, the Cayman Islands offer a great destination for water sports enthusiasts, families, and beach lovers.