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The
Cayman Islands are situated
in the Caribbean, 290km (180 miles) northwest of Jamaica, and
comprise Grand Cayman, Little Cayman and Cayman Brac. Cayman's
beaches are renowned to be among the best in the world, in particular
Seven Mile Beach on Grand Cayman. Although in relative proximity,
each of the islands is unique in its developed infrastructure
as well as the type of topography found both on land and underwater.
Grand Cayman is the largest of the islands and is the
main tourist destination. The capital, George Town, is today
one of the leading commercial centres in the Caribbean region.
The gingerbread-style buildings lining George Town's harbour
front are prime examples of traditional Caymanian architecture.
The Cayman Islands have a limited number of nightclubs, which
sometimes feature international acts. Divers have been drawn
to Grand Cayman for many years. From walls to reefs, to Stingray
City, the lure of Grand Caymen continues to be a popular choice.
The sister islands, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman have been
rated among the top dive destinations in the world. The fact
that they are less developed and less visited has allowed pristine
reef systems to develop, which are teeming with underwater life.
Cayman
Brac, northeast of Grand Cayman, is a much smaller island,
about 19km (12 miles) long and about 1.6 km (1 mile) wide. This
island provided the basis for Robert Louis Stevenson's famous
novel Treasure Island. The area offers divers a wide variety
and is riddled with caves and dozens of wrecks for divers to
explore, the most famous wreck being the MV Capt. Keith Tibbetts,
a 330' Russian Frigate sunk in 1996.
Little Cayman which is 5 miles northwest of Cayman Brac
is best known as a sanctuary for wild birds and iguanas. It
is also known as the world's best location for bone fishing.
The food and restaurants in the Cayman Islands are excellent,
in particular the variety of local fish specialities. Little
Cayman diving offers beautiful reefs and many tunnel systems
and crevices to explore, but the world famous Bloody Bay Wall
excites divers and brings them back again and again. Starting
at only 18 feet, snorkelers can also experience the thrill of
being "over the wall".
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Dive
Services and Accommodations
Grand Cayman | Little
Cayman | Cayman Brac
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Feature Services
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Divetech Ltd.
18 Seafan Drive, West Bay
PO Box 31435
KY1-1206, Grand Cayman
Cayman Islands
Tel: 1 345 956-5658 / 1 888 946-5656
Fax: 1 345 945-5659
E-Mail: divetech@candw.ky
Web: http://www.divetech.com
Divetech
is Grand Cayman's full service resort for world-class
diving, offering the best quality training available,
both recreational and technical, along with some great
dive and room packages with Cobalt Coast Dive Resort
and Lighthouse Point Condos. |
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Neptune's
Divers
P.O. Box 30520
KY1-1203
Georgetown, Grand Cayman
Cayman Islands
Tel. 345-945-3990
Fax. 345-949-6444
neptunes@neptunesdivers.com
http://www.neptunesdivers.com
At
Neptune's Divers we look forward to making your diving
vacation a fun and memorable experience offering you the
best of Grand Cayman's underwater world! We specifically
cater to individuals and small groups who are looking
for personal attention as well as diving freedom by only
taking out 8 DIVERS MAXIMUM!
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Peter Milburn's Dive Cayman Ltd.
Box 596 Grand Cayman
West Indies
Tel.: (345) 945-5770 (345) 916-0814 cell.
pmilburn@candw.ky
http://www.petermilburndivecayman.com
Dive with Peter who has been diving Cayman for 35 plus
years. Enjoy his personalised service and experiences.
Come dive with us on the world-renowned walls, reefs,
and wrecks of Grand Cayman Island. We cater to both novice
and advanced divers. We make diving so easy all you have
to do is breathe. |
Grand
Cayman
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Absolute
Divers Ltd.
P.O. Box 11902 APO.
Grand Cayman
Cayman Islands
Tel. 345 946 9993
captmark@absolutedivers.com
http://www.absolutedivers.com
Absolute Divers does private charters for small groups
of 2 - 6 divers or up to 10 snorklers. Our dive charters
allow the flexibility to dive around your vacation plans
rather than plan around your scuba diving. |
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Bob
Soto's Reef Divers
PO Box 11800APO
Grand Cayman
Tel. (345) 949-2022
Fax (345) 949-8731
www.bobsotosreefdivers.com
For almost forty-five years, Bob Soto's Reef Divers has
been offering divers regularly scheduled trips on all
sides of the Island, allowing our guests to create their
own custom dive vacation. |
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Cayman
Marine Lab
P O box 30548 SMB
Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands BWI
Tel. 345 9160849 or 345 9455586
Fax. 345 9455586
marlab@candw.ky
http://www.caymanmarinelab.com
Personalised tours led by marine biologist Dr. Tom Byrnes.
Fifteen years of experience in Cayman. If you desire small
groups and an informal and entertaining atmosphere, try
the marine lab. |
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Comfort
Suites & Resort
PO Box 30238 SMB
Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
Tel. 345 945 7300
Fax. 345 945 7400
www.caymancomfort.com
Cayman's Newest all-suite hotel, ideal for individual,
families and groups. Located in the heart of Grand Cayman,
just yards from the famous Seven Mile Beach. Dive the
famous sites with our on-site Dive operator, Don Fosters. |
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Eden
Rock Diving Center
PO Box 1907 GT,
124 South Church Street,
George Town,
Grand Cayman
Cayman Islands
Tel. 345-949-7243
Fax. 345-949-0842
edenrock@candw.ky
http://edenrockdive.com
Small group boat diving with shore diving at 2 of Cayman's
best reefs. Instruction to Divemaster and student referral's.
A short walk from the cruise ship landing. |
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Jeff's
Grand Cayman Guesthomes
Mailing Address:
Jeff Kingstad
HC2 Box 865
Winchester, WI 54557
Tel.: (715) 686-2232
Fax.: (715) 686-2232
jkingstad@jeffsresorts.com
http://www.jeffsresorts.com
Two
private 2 bdrm homes, newly furnished & fully fitted,
within 2 blks of the best snorkeling on all of 7 Mile
Beach. Located on a park-like third acre of fruit trees
& hammocks, grills & private deck or gazebo for
each home...truly "Cayman's Best Value!" Check
out our diving recommendations. |
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Neptune's Divers
PO Box 30520 SMB
Grand Cayman, BWI
Tel. 345-945-3990
Fax. 345-949-6444
neptunes@neptunesdivers.com
http://www.neptunesdivers.com
We at Neptune's Divers specifically cater to individuals
and small groups who are looking for personal attention
and diving freedom.8 Divers Max per trip! Daily am &
pm 2 tank trips, night dives and instruction daily. |
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Ocean Frontiers and Compass Point Dive Resort
Austin Conolly Drive
East End
Grand Cayman
Cayman Islands
BWI
Tel. 1 345 947 7500
Fax. 1 345 947 7600
info@oceanfrontiers.com
http://www.oceanfrontiers.com
Less Crowds... more vacation!
We offer luxury accommodations and the best dive packages
that the Cayman Islands have to offer.
Come and see why we have been voted as the World's best! |
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Off The Wall Divers
P.O. Box 30176 smb
Grand Cayman
Cayman Islands
Tel: 1-345-916-0303
Fax: 345-945-7525
fish@candw.ky
http://www.otwdivers.com
Off the wall divers offers personalized dive trips for
the advanced to the beginner diver. We tailor our trips
to your needs. |
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Red
Baron Divers
PO Box 11369
Grand Cayman
KY1-1009
Cayman Islands
Tel. 1 345 916 1293
Fax. 1 345 947 0116
info@redbarondivers.com
http://www.redbarondivers.com
Red Baron guarantee's you the ultimated dive experience,allowing
you to relax and have fun,exploring our famous walls and
reefs,on our 2 fast uncrowded,custom dive boats. |
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Sunset
House, Grand Cayman's Hotel for Divers, by Divers
390 South Church Street
PO Box 479
Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
KY1-1106
Tel. 345-949-7111
Fax. 345-949-7101
reservations@sunsethouse.com
http://www.sunsethouse.com
Located on the water's edge with excellent diving right
offshore. Comfortable accommodations, custom boats, Nitrox
& Cathy Church Photo Center, My Bar, SeaHarvest Restaurant. |
Little
Cayman
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Conch
Club Divers
P.O. Box 42
Little Cayman
Cayman Islands, BWI KY3-2501
Tel. (USA) 505-217-2308; (Local) 345-948-1026
Fax. 345-948-1028
info@conchclub.com
http://www.conchclub.com/divers
Conch Club Divers offers a variety of PADI, NAUI, IANTD,
and SSI instructional courses. Our crew in the dive shop
and on our 42' Newton dive boat provide exceptional service. |
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Little
Cayman Beach Resort
P.O. Box
51
Blossom Village, Little Cayman
Cayman Islands, B.W.I.
Tel. (800) 327-3835
Fax. (727) 323-8827
little@reefseas.com
http://www.littlecayman.com/home.php
First
discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1503 and rarely
visited (except for the occasional pirate) until recent
times, Little Cayman is now a favorite destination of
modern day explorers, photographers, naturalists and,
of course, divers. The moment you arrive, you'll understand
why. |
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Pirates Point Resort ltd.
Box 43,
328 Preston Bay
Little Cayman Ky3 2501
Tel. 345 9481010
piratept@candw.ky
www.piratespointresort.com
10 room owner-operated ocean-front resort, with on site
dive operation, small group guided dives with 5 instructors..
World class gourmet restaurant . Diving famous Bloody
Bay Wall on 42 foot Newton custom designed dive boat. |
Cayman
Brac
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Baywinds
Oceanfront Rental Apartments
Cayman Brac
Tel. 345-947 1509 or 345-916 5716
baywinds@candw.ky
Oceanfront rental apartments with complete amentities
and convenient to shopping, dive services and restaurants. |
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Brac
Reef Beach Resort
P.O.
Box 56, West End
Cayman Brac
Cayman Islands, B.W.I.
Tel. (800) 594-0843
Fax. (727) 323-8827
http://www.bracreef.com
Our
first class amenities will spoil you and guest’s return
often because of the warmth and service of our friendly,
dedicated staff. The resort is also home to the renowned
Reef Divers Dive Operation. |
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Cayman
Breakers Condominiums
P.O. Box 202,SPO, Cayman Brac, B.W.I.
Tel.: 1-345-948-1463
Fax.: 1-345-948-1463
caymanbreakers@yahoo.com
www.caymancondosonline.com
The
Cayman Breakers luxury Condominiums. They are located
on Cayman Brac's South side, secluded east end where the
140ft. towering bluff is your backdrop. The views and
privacy here make it a perfect getaway vacation for honeymooners,
anniversarys, scuba divers, snorkelers, or just plain
R/R. Easy access to both shore and boat diving. |
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Lankford
House
PO Box 30986 SMB
Cayman Brac
Tel. 345-945-4047
Fax. 345-945-5001
bjlank@candw.ky
http://www.caymanhideaway.com
Luxury home on the water; private beach; all amenities;
54'x12' screened porch; excellent view of bluff, sunrises
and sunsets; maximum 4 guests; adults only. |
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Walton's
Mango Manor B&B and Sea Dreams Villa
P.O. Box 56 SPO
Stake Bay
Cayman Brac
Cayman Islands
Telephones: Ph. 1-345-948-0518 - or - 1-345-325-3474
Fax. 1-345-948-0518
waltons@candw.ky
http://www.waltonsmangomanor.com
Cozy Bed & Breakfast under the beautiful Cayman Brac
bluff and exquisite Villa at the sea with the best snorkeling
and shore diving on the island. |
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Travel
To Cayman Islands
Air Travel
Island Air based at Owen Roberts International Airport, offers scheduled daily
inter-island service between Grand Cayman and Little Cayman and Cayman Brac. Island Air flies from Grand Cayman
to the Sister Islands four times each day via 19-passenger turboprop Twin Otter, 9-passenger Navajo Chieftain and
9-passenger Islander aircraft. Charter service is also available upon request on a 6-passenger Lear jet B-20 and
19-passenger Jet stream. The flight between Grand Cayman and the Sister Islands is approximately 40 minutes.
There are more than 108 weekly flights into Owen Roberts International Airport including 70 flights each week between
Miami and Grand Cayman with connections to Cayman Brac.
American Airlines has three direct, non-stop daily flights from Miami to Grand Cayman.
Cayman Airways offers regular service from Houston, Texas, Tampa, Florida and
Kingston, Jamaica to Grand Cayman and daily service to Cayman Brac.
US Airways provides daily service from Charlotte, NC and Philadelphia to Grand
Cayman.
Northwest operates direct service from Detroit from December through April.
Delta Airlines flies non-stop New York/JFK-Grand Cayman, using a B737-800 airplane.
Service is daily from December-April. They also service Atlanta-Grand Cayman daily using the B757 airplane. The
Atlanta-Grand Cayman service continues to operate year-round.
Continental Airlines operates a Boeing 737-700 aircraft equipped with 12 first class
and 112 economy class seats. Continental's New York flight departs from Newark International Airport (Tuesday,
Thursday, Saturday and Sunday) at 9:15am and arrives in Grand Cayman at 1:15pm. The return flight departs at 2:00pm
and arrives in New York at 6:00pm. For more details contact your travel agent or the airline directly.
Air Canada provides direct twice-weekly service to Grand Cayman from Toronto
on Sunday and on Wednesday. Flying southbound Air Canada’s flight 972 departs Toronto at 10:45 AM and arrives in
Grand Cayman at 3:05 p.m. Northbound flight 973 departs Grand Cayman at 4:05 p.m. and arrives in Toronto at 8:05
PM.
British Airways offers service four times weekly Boeing 777 service from London
(Heathrow) to Grand Cayman on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays with an intermediate stop in Nassau,
Bahamas.
Air Jamaica and Cayman Airways offer regular service to Kingston, Jamaica and
Montego Bay. Islena connects Grand Cayman with La Ceiba, Honduras, and Cubana Airlines offers weekly flights from
Grand Cayman to Havana.
A number of charter flights also operate from various US cities and Canada year-round.
Entry Requirements
The Department of State and Homeland Security have announced a "Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative"
in which they are proposing to require all U.S. Citizens, Canadians, citizens of Bermuda and citizens of Mexico
to have a passport or other accepted secure document to enter or re-enter the U.S. by January 1, 2008.
Beginning January 23, 2007, ALL persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling by air between the United States and
Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda will be required to present a valid passport,
Air NEXUS card, or U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Document.
As early as January 1, 2008, ALL persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico,
Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda by land or sea (including ferries), may be required to present
a valid passport or other documents as determined by the Department of Homeland Security. While recent legislative
changes permit a later deadline, the Departments of State and Homeland Security are working to meet all requirements
as soon as possible. Ample advance notice will be provided to enable the public to obtain passports or passport
cards for land/sea entries.
* Photocopies of Birth Certificates need to have the copy notarized by a Notary Republic.
Commonwealth citizens, and citizens of the following countries must have passports but do not require Visas to
enter the Cayman Islands:
Andorra Argentina Austria Bahrain
Belgium Brazil Chile Costa Rica
Denmark Ecuador El Salvador Finland
France Germany Greece Guatemala
Iceland Irish Republic Israel Italy
Japan Kuwait Liechtenstein Luxembourg
Mexico Monaco Netherlands Norway
Oman Panama Peru Portugal
San Merino Saudi Arabia Spain Sweden
Switzerland Venezuela
All other countries not noted above should contact the nearest British Consulate or High Commission Office to inquire
about entry requirements or receive applications for Visas. Entry is granted for up to six months. Resident aliens
of the US who show a valid US Alien Registration Card (green card) may be permitted to enter and remain in the
Cayman Islands for up to 30 days.
For Specific Questions regarding entry into the Cayman Islands contact the Cayman Islands Department of Immigration:
(345) 949-8052
Upon arrival please keep the pink Immigration slip given to you! This is our equivalent of a tourist identification
card. Visitors should keep it with their travel documents and present it when departing. Anyone who wishes to extend
their stay after arrival must visit the Department of Immigration and obtain an extension and may be asked to show
proof of financial resources to permit an extension.
Departure Tax: There is a CI $20.00 or US$25.00 departure tax for the Cayman Islands that is included in the price
of your airline ticket.
Getting Around
Taxis
Taxis are available at Owen Roberts International Airport on Grand Cayman and offer a fixed rate per vehicle or
per person to all points on Grand Cayman. This information is available from the taxi dispatcher at the curb. Hotel
vans cannot provide courtesy arrival pickup at the airport. Taxis are also readily available from all resorts .
The bus terminal is located adjacent the Public Library on Edward St. in downtown George Town and serves as the
dispatch point for buses to all districts. Daily service starts at 6 a.m. from the depot and the schedule is as
follows from George Town to:
West Bay - every 15 minutes, 6 a.m. - 11 p.m., Sunday - Thursday; 6 a.m. - midnight, Fri. & Sat. Fare is CI$1.50
each way.
Bodden Town - Every 30 minutes, 6 a.m. - 11 p.m., Sunday- Thurs.; 6 a.m. - midnight, Fri. & Sat. Fare is CI$1.50
each way.
East End and North Side - Every hour, 6 a.m. - 9 p.m., Sunday - Thurs. and Saturday. On Friday, buses will operate
until after Midnight. Fare: CI$2 each way.
Rental Cars
Driving in the Caymans is on the left side of the road. The law also requires mandatory wearing of seat belts.
In order to rent a car, you must obtain a temporary drivers license from the police station or car rental agency,
easily granted upon presenting a valid drivers licence from their home state, county. The fee is US$7.50. You must
be 21 to rent a car in the Cayman Islands, and some rental agencies' insurance will not cover renters under 25.
Check with your rental company in advance to determine.
Many major rental car companies are located in Cayman, as well as a number of local agencies. A variety of models
of rental cars are available, most with right hand drive. Rentals are also available on Cayman Brac and Little
Cayman, mostly jeeps and 4 wheel drives.
Mopeds and scooters are also available on Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac. Riders are required by law to wear a helmet
at all times. Remember to stay on the left. Average daily rate is US$25 which includes helmet and permit.
Vistor Tips
Dress
Most restaurants require shoes and shirts, and shorts instead of long pants are generally acceptable. Some of the
upscale restaurants may require slacks for evening dinner. Please do not wear bathing suits or "skimpy"
beach wear beyond the beach or cruise ship. Note that there are no nude beaches in the Cayman Islands and that
public nudity and topless bathing are prohibited by law.
Electricity
The Cayman Islands use the same electrical standards as the USA - 110 volts, 60 Hz.
Water
Public water in the Cayman Islands is safe. All hotels and condos, and most restaurants and private homes are connected
to the city water supply. The water is pumped from the sea and then purified by reverse osmosis. |
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