Easy Living In The Cayman Islands: Legend has it that in February 1794, 10 merchant ships sailing from Jamaica to England struck the reef off Grand Cayman. The Caymanians saw the ships sink and, without hesitation, headed into the sea and bravely rescued those on board, saving almost all their lives.
This moment in history has been named The Wreck of the Ten Sail.
As the story goes, one of the passengers rescued was a royal prince. To reward their courage and express his gratitude, King George III declared the people of Cayman should forever be free of taxes and the draft.
Caymanians explain their valor and compassion as “Caymankind.” A reflection of their goodwill toward all people. And global investors are happy to use the friendly Caymans as a tax haven. They’ve found a home on these islands for centuries.
A philosophy of kindness and financial freedom are both solid reasons to consider the Cayman Islands, but there’s something for everyone here… quiet, secluded beaches with achingly blue, pristine waters and world-class scuba diving, rollicking nightlife, rich history and culture, active retirement communities, excellent schools, and such family-oriented activities as kite festivals and snorkeling with stingrays.
With year-round sunshine, a safe and clean environment, lively community spirit, and a stable government, how could one not love these islands?
Each of the three Cayman Islands has its own personality. There’s Grand Cayman, the largest and most boisterous of the group with a bustling capital of George Town and world-renowned Seven Mile Beach. And then there are the Sister Islands Cayman Brac and Little Cayman, with populations of around 2,000 and 160, respectively, which are notably toned down a notch.
Grand Cayman is arguably one of the most active entertainment capitals in the Caribbean today. It offers excellent schools, world-class doctors, fantastic restaurants, developed infrastructure, and everything you could possibly need for a comfortable life.
There are really two faces to Grand Cayman. Its western side is home to touristy Seven Mile Beach, with active nightlife and world-class dining, as well the busy port of George Town.
The cliffs and marshland on the island’s East End and North Side are quieter.
No wonder it appeals to so many vacationers—you can holiday at the luxurious Ritz Carlton or stay in a low-key West Bay Airbnb. And it is safe, friendly, and family oriented—there is no gambling here or casinos (if you are looking for that, head to the Bahamas).
Beyond a multitude of bars and restaurants, entertainment includes the National Gallery, Latin Dance Festivals, and Capella Music Festival. The Turtle Center, Crystal Caves, and Parrot Sanctuary are fun for kids of all ages, and unique aquatic adventures include the annual Flowers Sea Swim and Stingray City, home to more than 90 stingrays. (Stay calm if you can. They say stingrays can sense your fear!)
Grand Cayman is breathtakingly beautiful, and even though it’s the most developed of the three (and has a population of 67,000), naturalists will be happy here as well.
Like its Sister Islands, Grand Cayman offers excellent diving and snorkeling sites, as well as some of the largest untouched mangrove glades in the Caribbean.
Visit the 2.3-mile Mastic Reserve Trail for views of mangrove wetlands and wild banana orchids, and parrot-, and woodpecker-watching.
Grand Cayman is an easy place to get to, and its Owen Roberts International Airport has direct flights everywhere from London and Toronto to Los Angeles and Atlanta, as well as several one-hour flights daily to Miami. Cayman Brac’s Charles Kirkconnell International Airport offers direct flights to Miami as well.
Cayman Airways connects Grand Cayman to Cayman Brac and Little Cayman ($168, $187), and a flight between the Sister Islands is $78.
In addition to being beautiful, tax-free, and friendly, Grand Cayman is an easy place to live and get around. Things work. People care. It enjoys a small-town feel with a strong sense of community. Caymankind is real.
On the flip side, laughed one Caymanian, because it is small and neighborly, you can’t get away with much. It’s a very social place, and news travels fast.
Another gigantic plus for the Caymans? Safety. It proudly brags of one of the lowest crime rates in the Caribbean…
Sincerely,
Siri Lise Doub
