The Cayman Islands mean different things to different people.  To scuba
divers and snorkelers, the Caymans are synonymous with the world's
best diving.  To investors, they are a reliable tax haven with a wealth
of offshore banks.  To consumers, they are one of the great shopping capitals
of the Caribbean.  And to everyone else, the Caymans mean tropical bliss-an
idyllic, trio of islands in a carefree world of outdoor pleasures.

Grand Cayman, the largest of the islands, is home to George Town, the
capital and commercial center.  It also boasts the famous Seven Mile Beach,
an incredible stretch of powdery white sand where sun worshipers can easily
spend their entire vacation.  One of the two smaller Sister Islands, Cayman
Brac, is known for its dramatic bluff. a rugged limestone cliff travels down the
center of its 12-mile length.  Exploring the island's caves and shoreline, you'll
discover fascinating details about its terrain and wildlife.

The other Sister Island, Little Cayman, measures only 12 square miles. its
claim to fame is Bloody Bay, where divers come from all over the world to
view its vast range of sea life, including every type of Caribbean coral and
sponge.

SIGHTSEEING & ATTRACTIONS

Everything that is happening in the Cayman Islands happens on Grand
Cayman and particularly in George Town.  This quaint, bustling little
town is a hodgepodge of hybrid architectural styles, ranging from West
Indian-colonial to post-modem-Georgian and set on a grid of crisscrossing
streets and lanes.

     Downtown George Town is small enough to cover on foot.  You'll
find that many of the sights reflect the island's British heritage.  Among the
capital's points of interest is the Clock Tower, which stands as a monument
to King George V.  A small plaza with a well-manicured garden serves as a
meeting spot; from here, you can easily find the library, the Town Hall, the
Legislative Assembly and the Cayman Islands Court House.

     In the heart of George Town, near the waterfront, is the Cayman
Islands National Museum, housed in a distinctive building that was formerly
a courthouse- Exhibits explain the history of the islands, including the role
Pirates played in their development.  Displays covering the islands' fascinating
Plant, animal and geological life also provide visitors with insight into their
history.

     Another interesting museum in George Town is the Treasure Museum.  Here 
you can learn about the seafaring, boat-building and turtle-breeding careers of the 
local people.  An animated figure, of Blackbeard the Pirate delights visitors.  The 
museum has an extensive collection of artifacts from shipwrecks. To explore the 
interior of  Grand Cayman, head east from George Town- The drive reveals the real
Caribbean flavor of the island.  
Gingerbread cottages with flowering gardens and white picket fences lined
with flaming yellow crotons and dainty lantana bushes contrast with stately
homes and Casuarina trees.

     Bodden Town, which was once the capital of the Cayman islands, has
several small monuments, including Gun Square, where an early British fort
once stood- Queen Victoria's Monument- and the famous Slave Wall, built by
slaves to ward off foreign invaders.  The big attraction here is the Pirate Cave,
right in the center of town.  This labyrinth of tunnels connected to similar
undersea caves offered the ideal place for pirates to hide their treasure.  Inside
are some artifacts, including dried bones, a sewing machine and stocks. 
Across the street from the caves are the pirates' graves.

     Another attraction on the east end of the island is the Blow Holes. 
The waves come crashing to the shore, and a few seconds later, a tall geyser
spouts skyward from the coral rock- The blow holes are caused by underwater
caverns that riddle the rock.  The incoming wave compresses the water, and
pressure forces it straight up.  The whole process makes for great
photographs.
     The village of East End is the oldest settlement on the island.  It was
the site of several shipwrecks, including the legendary Wreck of the Ten Sails. 
Ask a local to tell you the story.  The exposed anchor protruding from the
water off East End's shore is believed to have belonged to one of those ill-fated ships.
     Located on the west end of the island, the Cayman Turtle Farm is
truly a unique experience.  Where else can you see thousands of sea turtles in
one place?  You can watch them swimming huge vats of sea water as well as
study them close-up in every stage of their development, from small incubating
eggs to full-grown half-ton giant,.  The farm grows them for ecological and
commercial purposes, and it has done an exemplary job of repopulating our
oceans with these endangered reptiles.

     In addition to turtles, you will see indigenous fauna and flora,
including Cayman green parrots, ground iguanas and American crocodiles-
The farm also displays several reef-dwelling species of fish in a large
saltwater aquarium.
     During your tour of the west end, you may want to visit Hell, a village
so named for its rugged, surreal coral rock formations.  Should you wish to
send someone special a postcard, you'll find the post office you in town happy
to postmark your card from Hell.

     Sidetrips to the Sister Islands, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman, will
enhance your vacation.  On Cayman Brac, parts of which are not populated.
you can hike both inland and along the shore.  Expect to see orchids, mango
trees and papaya trees, as well as a bird population that includes the Cayman
Brac parrot.  On Little Cayman, you can truly get away from it all, for there
are no commercial establishments here.  The island's main attractions are
diving in Bloody Bay and fishing for tarpon and bonefish.

BEACHES  & SPORTS



Seven Mile Beach, on Grand Cayman, is world-famous.  It has the
whitest and softest sand you can imagine and lots of it.  This west-coast expanse
is lined with luxury accommodations from condominiums to hotels, as well as 
restaurants and shopping centers.  It is the most developed area in the Cayman Islands 
-the hub of action- Here you can mingle or find your own patch of sand.  You can 
engage in water sports or just relax.

     Besides this popular strand, there are several smaller beaches, most
of them actually coves, for vacationers seeking more Seven Mile Beach
privacy.  Smith Cove, on the southwest part of the island, is a good bathing
spot.  Old Man Bay, one of the more affluent neighborhoods on the north side
of the island, has a less-crowded beach that some consider infinitely better
than the sands of Seven Mile Beach.  If you're bent on seeking a secluded
hideaway, consider the northern coast's Rum Point or perhaps Cayman Kai.

     On Cayman Brac, there are two resorts with fine small beaches, and
around the island, you'll find some good spots for snorkeling- Little Cayman,
surrounded by crystal white sands, is the perfect place to escape civilization
and relax on your own private patch.  Neighboring Owen Island, just a quick
rowboat ride away, has an inviting blue lagoon and a sandy beach,

     For those who wish to do more than laze on the beach, the Cayman
Islands offer a variety of water sports-diving and snorkeling being the top
choices.

     Whether you prefer to snorkel over a placid reef teeming with tropical
fish or to dive 80 to 100 feet down along a wall of living coral, you'll discover
that the Cayman Islands offer the precise underwater adventure you're looking
for.  Grand Cayman is known for its unusual marine life and wall diving-
Three of the best sites for novices are Devil's Grotto, Eden Rocks and the
wreck of the Cali.  The wrecks of the Balboa and the Oro Verde are favored
by divers who like to wander in and out of ships.


     Other outstanding sites include Stingray City, where southern
stingrays abound- Valley of the Rays, home to large eagle rays; and Tarpon
Alley, a long canyon where schools of tarpon congregate.  Little Cayman's
Bloody Bay is also one of the world's finest dive sites.  Its drop-off begins at
a very shallow 18 feet, then plunges sharply to 1,200 feet.

     The collection of coral and sponges of various shapes, sizes and
colors in the coastal waters is mind-boggling.  Scuba divers will encounter
finger coral, antler coral, fire coral and many other less common corals that
live in the area.  Orange-colored tube sponges, azure-blue cup sponges, 
dark-colored stovepipe sponges and trumpet sponges, sea anemones, sea ferns and
the striking flamingo tongues also populate these waters.  As for fish, keep
your eyes open for little trumpetfish, butterfly fish, angelfish, tarpon, manta,
moray eel, barracuda and shark.

     The Cayman Islands are also known for superb game fishing.  The
abundance of species in their waters is amazing.  Fishermen have reeled in
bonefish, tarpon, marlin, yellowfin tuna, yellowtail, dolphin and wahoo-

     Sailboats of every type and size can be rented in the Cayman Islands. 
You can also take a cruise on any of several charter vessels including glass-
bottom boats and submarines, which provide a look at underwater wonders.

     Windsurfing puts the breeze at your back and the ocean at your feet. 
The challenge is to balance on a narrow board while floating on the water. 
The island also offers sports enthusiasts several ways to spend their time on
land.  Golfers and tennis players will find first-class facilities available at
several resort communities, clubs and hotels.

SHOPPING

Grand Cayman, with scores of fine shops offering a great diversity
of duty free goods for sale, is one of the shopping "hot spots" of the
Caribbean.  There are many categories of items to choose from, including
china, crystal, linens, leather goods, liquor- perfume, watches and jewelry. 
Black-coral and treasure coin jewelry are among Grand Cayman's most
famous products.  George Town is the main shopping district.

DINING  & NIGHTLIFE

In Grand Cayman, you will find an eclectic selection of dining
establishments.  The choices range from gracious gourmet
restaurants to fast-food eateries.  Most are centered in George
Town, but there are quite a few along Seven Mile Beach.

     Among the Cayman specialties is fresh fish-grouper, snapper,
dolphin, tuna, wahoo and marlin prepared with peppers, onions and
tomatoes.  Turtle soup and steaks; conch Dining on the beach stew,
fritters and chowders-, and native lobster when in season are also popular
foods here.

     If you're in the mood for some ethnic food, there are restaurants
serving Italian, Chinese and West Indian cuisines.

     For nighttime entertainment, several clubs located in large hotels,
feature live local bands and recorded music for dancing.  You'll find bars
that are great for people watching, as well as comedy clubs.