Once upon a time, the Cayman Islands supposedly had nasty crocodiles as well as buccaneers and pirates. Not to worry now, as your trip here will only treat you to sweeping beaches and sparkling waters teeming with coral reefs and marine life. Of course, if the pirate stories inspire you, you can find adventure in the islands’ ancient shipwrecks, lush mangrove swamps and ancient forests.

George Town/ Grand Cayman

George Town, the capital of the Cayman Islands, is in Grand Cayman, one of a group of three magnificent tropical islands Christopher Columbus called "Las Tortugas" (the turtles), for the sea creatures he found in the ocean water. Over time, the islands were renamed the Caimanau, the Carib Indian word for "crocodile,” an inaccurate reference to the island’s iguanas, which were perhaps at one point mistaken for crocodiles. Among other attractions, visitors will enjoy learning about the turtles, visiting the town of Hell, exploring Seven-Mile Beach and enjoying the undersea world.

Attractions

• A once-in-a-lifetime adventure: snorkeling with stingrays at Stingray City Sandbar. These relatively tame creatures with velvety soft skin will swim right into your arms as they glide around you. They love to have their bellies rubbed. Despite their frightening name, they are very gentle and won't hurt you as long as you stay away from their tails.
• A tour of the charming city: from Conch Shell House, constructed entirely of the trumpet shells of the mollusk, to the town of Hell, whose name was inspired by its unusual rock formations; then the Turtle Farm, an interactive sea-turtle nursery where green and hawksbill turtles are bred and raised. Cycling is one of the best ways to get around the island’s quaint villages.
• The world-famous Seven-Mile Beach, for a seemingly endless stretch of magnificent coastline at Grand Cayman's. You can also have your kayaking adventure here.
• A great island-style day out at the Rum Point Club, on the picturesque north side of the island.
• Sailing the beautiful waters of the North Sounds, stopping by Stingray City, aboard the 60-foot racing catamaran Cockatoo.
• A submarine dive to explore marine life and huge coral formations in the underwater world.
• An exciting flight seeing tour for bird's eye view of Grand Cayman.
• Snorkeling the beautiful Cayman waters and exploring a historic shipwreck.
• Shopping at "Brand Cayman,” because the island is known for fabulous duty free prices on designer merchandise.