With enchanting natural beauty, pristine beaches, azure waters and dazzling sunshine, Grand Cayman is sure to cast its spell on you. The largest of the three Cayman Islands, it’s a Caribbean playground where eating island cuisine, checking out the local culture or just dozing to the sound of soothing waves are the norm. It’s also a destination filled with unique facts that make it especially fascinating.
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1) Take An Exciting Grand Cayman Adventure With Us!
If you’re ready for the getaway of a lifetime, Captain Marvin’s Watersports is ready for you! Founders of the Cayman Islands stingray encounter, we’ll help you make friends with these extremely tame, friendly creatures.
If you also enjoy gliding with tropical fish, snorkeling the Barrier reef, fishing, or watching otherworldly bioluminescence, we’ve got you covered. We’re waiting to hear from you – call us today!
There’s more to this idyllic utopia than meets the eye. These interesting facts about this Caribbean gem provide a unique view of its culture, history, wildlife – and of course, its stunning beaches.
2) The Cayman Islands Are A Major International Finance Center
The Cayman Islands probably aren’t the first place that comes to mind when you’re thinking about major financial hubs. However, they’re ranked as the world’s fifth-largest finance center. The island’s banks contain approximately $750 billion (US) in deposits, boast three-quarters of the world’s hedge funds, 682 insurance companies and interact with more than 100 countries worldwide.
As of 2021, 115,500 companies were incorporated or registered in the Caymans – more than their population. They draw more foreign assets than industrialized countries such as Japan.
These pocket-sized islands are offshore banking giants for a number of reasons including:
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They have tax neutrality
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They have political and economic stability
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Their elite personnel are highly skilled and experienced
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They have a reliable regulatory system
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They have a strong link with the United States
Cayman Island banks include:
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Cayman National Bank, Ltd.
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Butterfield Bank
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FirstCaribbean International Bank
The Caymans used to be vulnerable to money laundering, particularly related to drug trafficking, fraud, tax evasion and virtual currencies. However, as of February 7, 2024, the islands have been removed from the EU Anti-Money Laundering List (AML).
Fun fact: Money laundering in Grand Cayman was a major theme in the bestselling book and blockbuster movie, the Firm.
3) You Can Swim With Stingrays!
Yes, you read that right. These graceful marine organisms are often mistakenly lumped together with dangerous predators such as sharks, but they’re actually quite docile. As a matter of fact, you can even swim with them at Stingray City (also called Valley of the Rays)!
Get right in the water with the rays and play with, pet, even hand-feed them. Don’t be shy about kissing them – it’s considered good luck! These unique creatures are so good-natured and frisky that they’re nicknamed “puppies of the sea.”
Located on the North Sound of Grand Cayman, Stingray City is divided into Valley of the Rays and Stingray Sandbar. Valley of the Rays provides experienced divers with the opportunity to interact with stingrays at depths where they’re more plentiful. Stingray Sandbar is more suitable for people who aren’t snorkelers or scuba divers. Although the sandbar’s waters are shallow, they’re filled with friendly stingrays who will charm you into petting and feeding them.
4) The Cayman Islands Are A British Overseas Territory
The three Cayman islands – Grand Cayman, Little Cayman and Cayman Brac – are a British Overseas Territory (BOT). This means that they are under the sovereignty of the United Kingdom but aren’t part of the UK, itself.
As a BOT, their Head of State is Queen Camilla, and the Prime Minister is Keir Starmer. Reflecting their British connection, the island’s National Anthem is God Save the Queen, and their flag brandishes the Union Jack, as well as other meaningful symbols:
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Sea turtle, representing the islands’ numerous hard-shelled citizens
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Pineapple, portraying connections with Jamaica
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Lion, symbolizing ties with Great Britain
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Rope, representing rope-making history
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Three stars, designating the three islands
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Waves, depicting the Caribbean Sea
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Banner with the Bible Verse, “He Hath Founded it Upon the Seas,” for the islands’ ties to the ocean and Christian heritage
As soon as you begin driving in the Cayman Islands, you’ll notice a possibly unnerving rule of the road, reflecting the UK’s influence: You must drive on the left side of the street. Adding to this confusion, the driver’s side is reversed, so the steering wheel is on the car’s right side. You’ll also have to navigate mind-boggling roundabouts, or circular intersections.
On a more reassuring note, the official language is English, so you can leave your translation guide book at home.
5) Cayman Is Named After Turtles And Alligators
In 1503, when explorer Christopher Columbus made his fourth and final trek to the New World, strong winds drove his ship off course. This ended up being a happy accident, because he found two islands that he named Las Tortugas for their droves of turtles. These sister islands would later be known as Cayman Brac and Little Cayman.
By 1530, they were renamed Caimanas, for the alligators that patrolled their waters and shores. The word turned up in the log of Sir Francis Duke, the first Englishman to visit the islands. The moniker evolved into Cayman, which became its permanent name.
Fun fact: The name Tortugas is also related to the Dry Tortugas Islands near Key West, Florida. The name warned travelers that no fresh water was available there.
6) Seven Mile Beach Isn’t Seven Miles
Seven Mile Beach, adorned with crystal clear turquoise waters and pristine white sands, is an iconic wonderland. Located on Grand Cayman’s western coast, it’s a fantastic destination that’s been dubbed one of the “Top Ten Beaches in the World” by TripAdvisor and the “Caribbean’s Best Beach” by Caribbean Travel and Life Magazine.
However, one of the fun facts about the Cayman Islands is that Seven Mile Beach isn’t actually seven miles. Although that was its original length, it’s been reduced to six miles by storm-related erosion and rising sea levels. Since the beach is public property, you can walk its entire length, no matter where you’re staying. It takes about two to three hours to walk the beach from end to end. (This may vary according to your physical condition.)
7) Luxury Boutiques In Grand Cayman Are Duty-Free
If you crave retail therapy, Grand Cayman is your shopping hotspot. You can indulge in luxury boutiques for a fraction of what similar items would cost in the US because their merchandise is duty-free. This means that their products aren’t subject to taxes or customs duties.
You can save up to 30 percent on luxury items such as perfumes, watches and jewelry. Cayman Islands offers numerous boutiques that carry prestigious brands including Cartier, Baccarat, Chanel, Rolex and Louis Vuitton.
Some Cayman boutiques that carry high-end brands include:
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Diamonds International
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Ritz-Carlton Boutique
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The Island Companies
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Kirk Freeport
Good to know: However, the total cost of your duty-free items must not exceed $800. If they pass the limit, they may be liable for duties in the US.
8) The Cayman Islands Are Named The Culinary Capital Of The Caribbean
Dubbed the culinary capital of the Caribbean, the Cayman Islands are a hotspot for world-class cuisine. Bursting with more than 200 restaurants and drawing culinary inspiration from around the globe, the Cayman Islands offer boundless appetite pleasers.
Cayman’s food is exceptionally diverse: It’s influenced by the 142 nationalities of its residents. The islands provide everything from casual eateries to fine dining, and many are helmed by five-star Michelin chefs.
Scores of Cayman Island eateries grow their own, herbs, vegetables and fruit. They bake their own bread and catch their own fish from the Caribbean Sea.
While you’re visiting, be sure to sample these classic Cayman foods:
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Johnny cakes
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Jerk chicken
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Conch stew
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Fish rundown
Fun fact: George Town, the Cayman Islands’ capital, contains 50 to 75 percent of the islands’ restaurants.
Pro tip: If you want to soak up some culture after you eat, visit the esteemed National Gallery of the Cayman Islands, also located in George Town.
9) The Cayman Islands Boast One Dive Site For Each Day Of The Year
The Cayman Islands offer an astonishing 365 dive sites or one for every day of the year! They feature 240 near Grand Cayman, 65 beside Cayman Brac and 60 in the waters of Little Cayman. These sites are garnished with breathtaking coral reefs and sheer walls that can descend an extraordinary 6,000 feet.
The Cayman Islands are a scuba diving paradise. The crystalline depths teem with vibrant marine life including:
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Hammerhead sharks
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Reef sharks
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Spotted eagle rays
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Queen angelfish
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Lobsters
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Barracudas
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Sea turtles (these reptiles are an endangered species in the Cayman Islands)
Pro tip: Enjoy wreck dives? Then check out the Soviet warship, Captain Keith Tibbetts. This dive is best suited for scuba diving experts, as the ship is 80 feet below the surface.
What Is Grand Cayman Known For? Find Out With Us!
On a Captain Marvin’s Watersports boat tour, you’ll be captivated by the charm and splendor of Grand Cayman. Our experienced guides will take you on the adventure of a lifetime above and below the tranquil, diamond-clear waters.
Our team is well-informed about everything related to Cayman and will entertain you with fun facts about this tropical paradise. Don’t wait – book your Grand Cayman excursion today!
