Caribbean Vacations: Cayman Islands vs. other tropical destinations

For many people around the world, a dream Caribbean vacation means leaving the daily grind behind for a few days or a few weeks and flying off to a little corner of paradise – and with the development of a strong Caribbean tourism industry, this has become a dream that actually comes true for millions of vacationers each year.

Soft sandy beaches, warm blue water, the sound of waves splashing on the shore and palm trees gently swaying in the breezes – these things are intrinsically soothing, the ultimate in total relaxation. From all parts of the world, vacationers set off to find a tropical haven in the Caribbean where they can unwind, slip into the slower pace of island life, do a little fishing, diving or just soak up the sun – and regain their sanity.

This remarkable chain of islands enclosing the Caribbean Sea offers a wealth of beautiful destinations to choose from. Each island has its own attractions and its own distinctive history and culture, but among them, the Cayman Islands stands out as one of the most peaceful and prosperous. As well as the tropical allure, this is one of the safest corners of the world; our streets are clean, tourists are not hustled, and everyone speaks English – a bonus for many British and North American visitors. Plus, the Cayman Islands boasts first-rate communications services, so you can stay on top of business while you’re here (if you must).

Above all, these three islands are renowned for their magnificent coral reefs and marine life. Discovered by scuba divers more than forty years ago, the famous Cayman Wall offers some of the most spectacular diving in the region, with a wide variety of Caribbean coral and sponge species and a host of marine creatures, not to mention the top-notch service by more than 40 dive operations on all three islands.

On the Sister Islands divers can experience the glorious Bloody Bay Wall on Little Cayman, where the Wall starts as shallow as 18 feet, while Cayman Brac has The Lost City of Atlantis, a huge artificial reef that is creating a real stir in the diving world.

However, these islands have emerged as so much more than a place to dive or snorkel. With its dual success in building both a world-class financial service center and a thriving tourism destination, the Cayman Islands have developed a high level of sophistication, uniquely blending with a Caribbean easy-going lifestyle. And since the employment opportunities in the islands attract people from all over the world, there is a growing sense of multiculturalism mixed with its Caribbean roots.

For visitors, this cultural blend provides an interesting culinary diversity. One night, they can eat Jamaican-style jerk chicken, the next night they might choose haute cuisine dining at Blue, the 5-Diamond restaurant at the Ritz-Carlton Cayman, or a host of ethnic cuisine from traditional Caymanian to Mediterranean, Indian and Chinese.

And while some people come to simply relax on the beach, there is much more to do to suit every age and every level of activity.

You can hike through virgin forest or stroll around the Beautiful Queen Elizabeth Botanic Gardens; experience the marine world from a submarine or find out more about the environment on an educational mangrove tour; visit historic buildings or try out the worlds biggest skateboard park and the biggest waveloch surf wave at the BlackPearl Skate and Surf Park. And for families, a great place to take kids is Cayman’s newest attraction, Boatswain’s Beach Adventure Park.

The perfect balance between new world sophistication and the warmth of island life have made the Cayman Islands a favorite vacation destination, and may be why so many people return year after year.

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