The shallow, warm, crystal clear waters surrounding the Cayman Islands have provided us with some of nature’s most spectacular marine life, none more noteworthy than our breathtaking coral reefs. For hundreds of years, Caymanians depended on healthy coral reefs to provide food, building materials, medicines and even decorative objects. To this day, our coral reefs are integral to our island economy thanks to their contribution to tourism and fisheries. In addition, they play a critical role in protecting the shore from storms and hurricanes.
Although sometimes viewed as a separate entity, coral reefs are a vital part of a vast inter-connected marine ecosystem that also includes seagrass beds and mangrove wetlands. Each system depends heavily on the others, resulting in a tightly integrated and finely balanced marine environment. Changes in one area of a system may have ‘knock on’ effects through all of the other systems. It is hard to imagine the massive reef structures and reef walls as fragile, living entities, but coral reefs are extremely sensitive to external pressures and over-exploitation. The mucus, or ‘skin’, that forms a layer over corals can be damaged simply by the touch of a hand or contact with a snorkeller’s fin. Once damaged, the living layer of tissue is exposed to bacteria, which can prove fatal to coral.
Coral reef structures are actually built from the skeletons of tiny creatures living in colonies. A closer look at the colourful colonies will reveal thousands of tiny bumps, called polyps. Each of these polyps is an individual coral animal, all of which join together to form a coral colony. Most coral colonies start life as a single polyp, no bigger than a pinhead, that drifts with the ocean currents to settle on a suitable surface, such as a bare rock bottom. Once settled, the newly established coral polyp begins to grow, laying down a skeleton by extracting calcium carbonate from the surrounding water and budding off a new, individual polyp identical to itself. Continued budding is the mechanism for increasing the size of the colony but not, in general, producing new colonies. As this process repeats itself, time and time again, over many thousands of years, so the tremendous reef formations that can be found in Cayman, have been formed.
As well as budding, coral can reproduce sexually. This results in the formation of a free-floating larva, which, when settled, starts developing as a new colony. In the Caribbean, the main spawning period is long, lasting from July through September. During this period, corals release sperm and eggs at night using the moon as their cue to ensure they spawn together. Fortunate night divers can sometimes witness the milky white releases.
Corals feed at night by stretching out their tentacles to capture tiny animals suspended in the water column. Coral tentacles contain specialised cells called nematocysts, which act like poison darts to paralyse the prey which is then passed to the coral’s central mouth. During the day, they withdraw their tentacles into a cup-like skeleton and are fed by algae (single cell plants) residing within their tissue. The algae use sunlight along with the coral waste products to make food for themselves and the corals. The corals, in turn, give the algae nutrients they need to survive and provide a home. This type of mutually beneficial relationship is called symbiosis. This relationship is especially important for coral growth around the Cayman Islands as tropical waters are typically nutrient poor and food for corals is scarce. Without the algae, corals would not survive. Interestingly, it is the algae that are responsible for giving each coral its beautiful colours.
In addition to hard corals, horny corals (sometimes called soft corals) can also be found on Cayman’s coral reefs. Sea fans or gorgonians do not produce a hard skeleton. Instead, their skeletons are formed within their bodies as a horny substance. The skeletons of these corals are flexible so that their branches wave back and forth in the currents.
Anyone visiting the reef will quickly notice that corals are not the only inhabitants; indeed, the diversity of life on Cayman’s reefs is outstanding. Wherever one looks, there is always something different to see; every available nook and cranny is occupied by different kinds of animals, and it is this closeness of community that makes reef systems so remarkable. Everything on a reef has a function, and no matter how small, that function will be vital to other creatures, making the whole system an extremely well balanced and tightly integrated living unit. Coral reefs provide Cayman with immeasurable benefits ranging from the rich and diverse resources that can be harvested, to our safe-harbours, tranquil lagoons and the sand which makes up our idyllic beaches. In more recent times, Cayman’s coral reefs and marine environment have helped attract a multitude of visitors from around the world who have come to enjoy the natural beauty and majesty of our underwater realm.
In 1996, the Cayman Islands’ Department of Environment began a long term reef monitoring programme encompassing all three islands. The study is designed to assess and monitor the living coral cover of our reefs and document any changes over time. This information can then be used to guide management decisions. Additionally, the Marine Conservation Laws act to protect our reefs and allow for the establishment of our Marine Parks. No marine life may be taken on scuba or removed by excavation without prior written approval of the Governor-in-Council. Furthermore, no vessel is allowed to anchor in coral. It is hoped that with these laws and a new awareness of the importance of our coral reefs, Cayman’s marine environment will be preserved for future generations of the Cayman Islands.
Source: Cayman Islands National Trust
Photo Credit: Fisheye Diving & Photography
Captain Anstis sailed with Captain Howell Davis until Davis was murdered in
June of 1719. Anstis then signed on with Captain Bartholomew Robert’s crew and after Captain Roberts captured a Brigantine in the West Indies, Anstis was made Captain of the Good Fortune and shortly thereafter stole the ship.
Captain Anstis sailed to the Caribbean where he plundered merchant ships and eventually seized a large ship called the Morning Star. John Fenn was put in charge as Captain.
Anstis and Fenn decided to quit pirating and petitioned the king for pardons stating they were forced into piracy by Captain Roberts. Many pirates signed documents stating they were forced into piracy with the understanding that if they got caught, they could claim innocense. While awaiting a response, they camped on an uninhabited island off Cuba. After nine months without word from the king, they returned to a life of piracy.
At sea, a storm came upon them, and the Morning Star was wrecked on Grand Cayman Island. While Captain Anstis was saving Captain Fenn and his crew, two British warships arrived on the scene. Fortunately, the savage winds died down and the pirates were able to row the Good Fortune to safety.
Setting sail again, they went in search of another vessel to replace Captain Fenn’s ship and ended up seizing several.
In 1723, the pirates were careening (beaching a ship to clean and repair its hull), their ships at Tobago when they were surprised by a warship. Once again Captain Fenn’s ship was lost and he fled into the woods only to be captured a day later. Fenn was tried and hanged at Antigua, but Captain Anstis managed to out-maneuver the warship and got away.
Families often have the opportunity to see sea turtles at aquariums and marine life parks. One spot in the Caribbean that is often associated with sea turtles is the Cayman Islands. Over 340,000 cruise passengers and visitors to Grand Cayman Island stop to visit the Cayman Islands Turtle Farm, home to over 16,000 Green sea turtles. Visitors have the opportunity to observe tiny baby sea turtles as well as massive adults, and a small group of young Green sea turtles are available to be held by guests. Each year, over 28,000 hatchlings and yearlings are released by the Farm into the waters surrounding the Cayman Islands.
While turtles can be easily viewed in captivity in the Cayman Islands, there are also resorts there that are helping to preserve the endangered sea turtles. Guests of the Little Cayman Beach Resort are helping scientists by recording observations of sea turtles while on vacation. Three species of sea turtles nest in the Cayman Islands: the Green, Hawksbill, and Loggerhead turtles. From May until October, Resort staff and island residents who have been trained to assist with monitoring surveys, search for signs of marine turtle nesting. The nesting locations are then reported to Department of the Environment officials for data collections and further nest monitoring. Resort guests taking advantage of the outstanding diving opportunities in the area also assist in turtle monitoring efforts.
It is quite rare to have the opportunity to see sea turtles in the wild. Along the adjoining sidebar, you’ll find 10 spectacular locations for families to see marine turtles nesting, hatching, and swimming in their natural environment. One or two are in rather remote locations, but almost all offer excellent accommodations for families combined with outstanding eco-tourism opportunities. If your family loves nature, pick any of these destinations and you’ll be likely to have the opportunity to make vivid vacation memories of your own.
Source: Family Travel Network
If you were to combine the three tropical islands of the Cayman Islands, you’d get a 100-square-mile beach paradise with only about 50,000 residents. The Cayman Islands used to be a dependent territory of Jamaica until 1959 when it became a colony of the British Crown. No matter which way you look at it, the Cayman Islands truly demonstrates success and political stability.
Politics of the Cayman Islands
In the Cayman Islands, the Premier is head of both a two-party system and the government. The government exercises executive authority while the Legislative Assembly, together with the government, has legislative capacity. The Judiciary is an autonomous branch of the government. There are 15 representatives in the Legislative Assembly, all of whom are elected by the people. Their sole responsibility is to manage domestic issues. Out of the 15 representatives in the Legislative Assembly, five are appointed to serve as Cabinet members. These five Cabinet members work under the governor.
Roots of the Constitution
While the Cayman Islands is under British colonial rule, it is physically isolated from Britain. Because of this, the Cayman Islands crreated its own constitution in 1959, which was codified from the legal and administrative traditions of the early residents. On May 20, 2009, a new constitution was passed that designated more power to the Cayman Islands from the United Kingdom. Today, all three islands in Cayman are autonomous with local governments that respond effectively to locals’ and tourists’ concerns.
By any measure, the political system of the Cayman Islands is stable and peaceful. Its tradition of controlled governance with Britain has only made its political system even stronger. As you go around the island, you will notice that public discussion revolves around topics like foreign communities in the country, economic development, social services and expenses of the public sector.
Appointment of Government Officials
The UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (UK FCO) decides who, in the Cayman Islands, will represent the monarch. As of January 2010, FCO has declared Mr. Duncan Taylor, CBE, as the new governor of the Cayman Islands.
The governor has executive power given by the constitution and he has to provide royal consent to legislations. According to the present constitution, the United Kingdom has the power to implement any law that they feel is appropriate for the Cayman Islands. The Cabinet runs the country through the authority given by the governor while all civil services, on the other hand, are managed by an Acting Governor or a Chief Secretary.
Branches of the Cayman Islands’ Government
The government system of the Cayman Islands is familiar to most of us because like other countries’ political structure, this country’s government also has three branches, namely the Executive, the Legislative and the Judiciary.
Executive Branch — The Executive branch has powers and authority exercised by the government. The Cabinet of Cayman Islands has three members appointed by the Governor: the chief secretary, the financial secretary, and the attorney general. Aside from these, there are five other members who are selected by the Legislative Assembly and the Leader of the Government Business. Matters of national defense and foreign affairs are still under the government of the United Kingdom. Locally, the chief secretary is the one handling the portfolio on External Affairs and the government of Cayman Islands has the capacity to negotiate certain bilateral affairs directly with foreign governments. Meanwhile, other administrative and executive portfolios are handled by the other five members of the Cabinet.
The Legislative Branch — The Legislative Branch consists of a unicameral Legislative Assembly that is presided over by an independent speaker. It has a total of eighteen members, fifteen of which are elected members who have four-year terms in two-seat constituencies. The remaining three members are ex-officio. Elections for members of the Legislative Assembly are held every four years at the discretion of the governor. They formulate and introduce bills which have to be passed to maintain the beauty and order of the Cayman Islands. Bills are then submitted for the approval of the governor or for the royal assent. The governor has the power to either approve or disallow these bills but in some instances, the government of UK may disallow a law even if it has been approved by the governor.
The Judiciary Branch – The Judiciary branch of the Cayman government observes a four-tiered judicial system. This system is based on the English common law and on colonial and local statutes. The highest court in the islands is the Cayman Islands Court of Appeal though final appeals may still be heard and considered in the Privy Council in London. The judiciary branch is headed by the Chief Justice who is seated in the Grand Court.
The Cayman Islands has a stable and mature political system that guarantees locals and tourists alike that their rights, properties and lives are taken care of every single day. Aside from its lovely people and natural wonders, this amazing group of islands also has an impressive economy. Indeed, if there’s any place in the world where you can achieve success in a relaxing and casual environment, that place is none other than the Cayman Islands of the Caribbean.
Source: Cayman Islands iPortal
The Cayman Islands are a popular tourist destination, full of beautiful beaches, luxurious hotels, delicious local cuisine, and beautiful natural parks and features. The Caymans are also home to some notable people, who you may have heard of, but did not know they were from the Cayman Islands.
One such person is Gladwyn Bush, also known as Miss Lassie. The Cayman’s best-known artist, Miss Lassie began painting at 62 years of age, saying that she had a vision. She painted mostly Christian-themed oil paintings, and also painted her own walls and furniture with her visionary images. Miss Lassie was written up in The New York Times as a “madwoman” who painted her visions and was waiting for her family to take her back into the fold. Considering she was 87 at the time, one can assume she was talking about her ancestors. Bush died in November of 2003, leaving behind a very decorated house that the Cayman National Cultural Foundation is keen to preserve to its original, offbeat glory.
Another famous Caymanian is the rugby player and alpine skier Dow Travers. Travers competed for the Cayman Islands for alpine skiing in the 2010 Winter Olympics, where he became Cayman’s first Winter Olympian. He was born in Grand Cayman in 1987, but went to boarding school in London before he graduated to attend Brown University. At school, he plays rugby and skis. Because of his accomplishments and athletic honors, Travers is a national hero of the Cayman Islands, and still thinks of Grand Cayman as home.
Cydonie Camille Mothersille is another famous Caymanian athlete who competes in track and field. She was born in Jamaica in 1978, but moved to Grand Cayman when she was 7 years old. When she was in high school, the gym teacher noticed that Cydonie had an affinity for athletics and encouraged her to pursue a career in track and field. Cydonie went on to compete in the CARIFTA Games, and later the 2008 Olympics. She is married to Ato Stephens, another track and field star, who is from Trinidad and Tobago. Stephens has completed in the Summer Olympics three different times.
Born in the Cayman Islands, former Victoria’s Secret model Selita Ebanks was born in 1983 and spent her youth in George Town, Grand Cayman. She moved to New York in high school, and was accepted to several colleges but took the modeling route instead. She worked with Elite Model Management, and was a Victoria’s Secret “Angel” until 2009. Since then, she has appeared on Celebrity Apprentice, and Kanye West’s short film Runaway. During her tenure as a Victoria’s Secret model, she had an appearance on the hit TV show How I Met Your Mother with other Victoria’s Secret models Heidi Klum, Marisa Miller, Alessandra Ambrosio, and Miranda Kerr and she was in Sports Illustrated ‘s 2007 Swimsuit Issue.
Frank E. Flowers is an award-winning film writer and director who hails from George Town, Grand Cayman. His grandfather, Clarence Flowers, was a rags-to-riches businessman in Grand Cayman, and his parents were not originally supportive of his career choice to make movies. Flowers started off his movie career with the short film Swallow in 2003, and went on to make a feature-length film in 2004 called Haven, which was filmed on Grand Cayman. Frank has been associate producer on a film called The Warrior’s Way, starring Kate Bosworth and Geoffrey Rush, and wrote a film called Metro Manila, which is currently filming.
Source: Articles Scoop
We’re happy to say that you won’t need to pack a steamer trunk for a vacation in the Cayman Islands. No matter what your planned activities, you’ll find that these are casual islands.
Unlike some other Caribbean islands which recall a more proper British standard of dress especially during high season, Cayman adheres to American standards of casual comfort, due in a large part to the high number of American ex-pats that now call this land home. Shorts and t-shirts are the uniform of these islands.
Be sure to bring along at least two swimsuits (the high humidity means that clothing takes extra time to dry). Swimwear is appropriate only for the beach, so you will want a cover-up, no matter how casual, for lunches and quick excursions.
Evenings are relaxed too. We’ve worn shorts and sandals to many al fresco restaurants on these islands. There are some establishments on Grand Cayman where you’ll feel more comfortable in long pants, a collared shirt, or a simple dress; we’ve indicated these in the text. Nightlife is also laid-back – leave the sequined dress for a trip to San Juan or Aruba.
Sundresses, polo shirts, and sandals are seen in the islands’ nightclubs and comedy clubs; most evening activity, however, takes place in the beach bars, where you’ll feel most at home in those shorts once again.
Here’s a brief checklist for all Cayman visitors:
- Passport
- Airline tickets/eticket confirmation
- Snorkel, fins, and mask
- Sunscreen
- Aloe vera gel
- First aid kit
- Cameras, flash and film (we recommend an inexpensive underwater camera, too)
- Drivers license, proof of insurance for car rental
- Swimsuit
- All prescriptions (in original bottles)
- Mini-address book
- If you’ll be scuba diving, don’t forget your “C” card as well as any gear you typically bring along: compass, dive tables, dive computer, weight belt, mesh bag, dive boots, logbook, and proof of insurance.
- Anglers should pack a pair of polarized sunglasses, helpful on the glaring flats for spotting those wily bonefish.
And if you forget something? Don’t worry. Grand Cayman has everything you’ll need – clothing, medicines, watersports gear, camera equipment, you name it albeit at prices somewhat higher than you might find at home.
Source: Cayman Tripper
You’ll find there are some advantages to visiting a beach that hasn’t been “discovered” by thousands of tourists, like being able to enjoy the scenery without the “scene” and Sandy Point provides those rewards.
On clear days, beachgoers can look to the east and spot Cayman Brac, visible toward the east of Little Cayman.
This isn’t just another beach, it is one of the most unique beaches in the Cayman Islands. While Sandy Point might be a little harder to reach, it provides some unmatched relaxation opportunities.
Sandy Point is one of the beaches in the Cayman Islands that people of all kinds can enjoy. Its location helps to offer travelers plenty great memories.
Those searching to find a secluded spot in the Cayman Islands could find that Sandy Point suits them perfectly. Cities aren’t far away, but you won’t be too far from the beaten path, you’ll discover a great middle ground.
Travelers seeking an active vacation could enjoy this beach because of its more urban location . In fact , few other beaches in the Cayman Islands rival Sandy Point’s active community.
You won’t find beaches in the Cayman Islands to be far from the beaten path, however, this beach is a little more secluded than many, helping to make it a great spot for many visitors. Sandy Point is still near plenty of people.
Location is a selling point for real estate, and a sunny spot on the beach can be extremely important. You’ll find plenty of beaches in the Cayman Islands, and Sandy Point is just one of them.
Location
This delightful beach is located 0.7 miles from Rosetta Flats Dive Spot, on the Cayman Islands’ eastern coast. Sandy Point is close to West End, so exploring the town is a convenient option.
Amenities and Ambience
Sandy Point’s waters are excellent for ocean exploration, especially snorkeling.
How crowded the beach is depends on a few things, including the season and time of day. A few of the Cayman Islands’ beaches may hardly ever be crowded, while others are frequently crowded particularly when the season is at its peak. One of the most important factors when considering a day at the beach can be, for some beach goers, the possibility of crowds. While some prefer a crowded beach filled with people and activity, some would rather relax in a peaceful spot by themselves.
Like many places in the Cayman Islands this beach has its own personality which will attract certain visitors. The personality of this beach is a bit different from what you’ll experience at the other beaches in the Cayman Islands. The isolated shores of Sandy Point can be reached by car, boat, or bike. This beach is almost always quiet and uncrowded, and sometimes remains unvisited for weeks at a time.
Source: Cayman Islands Guide
Located on Grand Cayman’s north shore, near Rum Point, are the shores of Water Cay. This beach is isolated and its sands are unspoiled.
Although the Cayman Islands has beaches that are more secluded than Water Cay the natural setting, personality and other features offered at this location might be just right for you.
Seeking the best beach for your vacation in the Cayman Islands? Some prefer to choose one that is far from the crowds but is still close enough to hotels to allow opportunities for social interaction; you can enjoy this combination at Water Cay.
Peace and quiet is just one offering you’ll find at many of the Cayman Islands’ beaches , and you’ll find a bit of that style of travel at Water Cay though you’ll never be too far away, either . Cities are close without being too close you’ll have everything you need.
One of the most important parts of a beach can be location, and you can find a great sunny spot to relax on a beach. the Cayman Islands is home to many beaches , like Water Cay. So , if you’re looking for an out of the way spot, or a more active getaway, you’ll be sure to find it, but you’ll have to decide if this one is best for you.
Location
Visitors will find this beach on the Cayman Islands’ northwestern coast, 2.0 miles from Sting Ray Sandbar. Water Cay is near North Side, so travelers staying in this area won’t have far to go.
Amenities and Ambience
Water Cay is a secluded beach whose value lies in its unspoiled beauty. Visitors won’t find any water sports, hotels, or restaurants here, but the calm waters and pristine beach are all you’ll need for an unforgettable day at the beach.
The amount of people on the beach depends on the time of day, season, and other factors. Some of the Cayman Islands’ beaches may rarely be crowded, while others are often crowded particularly during the high tourism season. One of the key things one should keep in mind when considering a day at the beach may be the size of the crowd you’ll be joining, which is important to some vacationers. While some like a crowded beach with plenty of people and activity, others would just like to relax in a quiet spot.
Like many other aspects of the Cayman Islands this beach has its own personality which some visitors will find just perfect. The atmosphere of this beach is a little different from what you’ll experience at other beach locations in the Cayman Islands. These shores are secluded and quiet, creating the perfect atmosphere for serene sunbathing or peaceful romantic picnic. Vacationers who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of other parts of the Grand Caymans will love this sleepy shoreline.
Attractions
Beachgoers will have easy access to several noteworthy natural attractions, like Sting Ray Sandbar which you’ll find 2.0 miles to the northwest of Water Cay.
Historical landmarks such as Lighthouse are a wonderful complement to the scenery of Water Cay, allowing vacationers to learn more about the Cayman Islands without venturing too far from the beach.
Beaches are a great attraction to visit, but there’s more to visit in the Cayman Islands. The following chart includes some other attractions close to this beach.
Source: Cayman Islands Guide
The sands at Cayman Kai are the quintessence of Caribbean charm. These shores are dotted with flourishing emerald green palm trees and gorgeous sands. Cayman Kai is situated on the north side of the island.
Although the Cayman Islands offers beaches that are more secluded than Cayman Kai the mix of natural beauty, personality and other attributes provided by this location could be just right for you.
Finding the right beach during your travel to the Cayman Islands is easy, some prefer one that is far from the crowds but is still close enough to hotels to allow travelers the chance to meet new people; you’ll discover that Cayman Kai offers this pleasing mix.
Seclusion and privacy are part of the draw to the Cayman Islands’ beaches, and Cayman Kai offers a taste of travel away from the beaten path without taking you too far away. With cities nearby but not too close you’ll have everything you need.
Travelers in search of beauty and scenery can find them on the beaches of the Cayman Islands, making them a popular destination for travelers. And, though many of these tropical spots attract visitors, you may find that some have less of a draw than others. Each beach has its own personality, and you’ll find that Cayman Kai may have the perfect personality for you.
Location
Visitors will find this beach on the Cayman Islands’ northwestern coast, 2.2 miles from Sting Ray Sandbar. Cayman Kai is near North Side, so exploring the town is a convenient option.
Source: Cayman Islands Guide
When visiting the beautiful Caribbean nation of the Cayman Islands, be aware that the islands have a tropical climate. This means that the temperatures will be relatively high year-round, that there are two seasons (wet and dry), and there is the chance of severe weather during the hurricane season. The climate of the Caymans is, overall, quite stable, with cooler winter evenings and hot, humid summer days being the norm for the seasons. However, with proper planning, a visit to the Cayman Islands can be absolutely wonderful.
Weather Overview
The prevailing trade winds bring lovely, cool breezes to the Caymans during the winter, and tourists may even need a light sweater in the evenings. However, the proper attire for pretty much any time of the year is shorts, t-shirts, sundresses, and sandals during the day, and nice casual clothing in the evenings for going out, as the Cayman Islanders are often conservative.
The Caymans lie in the farthest parts of the Western Caribbean, quite close to the Equator, at a latitude of between 19 and 20 degrees North. What this means is that tourists need to take care not to expose themselves to the sun too much during the late morning and early afternoon, since the sun at this latitude is much more direct that in the US. Sunburns can happen very quickly, which will effectively ruin any vacation. Also, the sunlight is very direct, so take care to wear a hat and sunglasses, as well as sunscreen, when you are outside.
Rain
The wet, or rainy season, runs from May until December. This is the Cayman Islands “summer.” The months of May and June and September and October are frequently the rainiest months. There are many thunderstorms in the afternoons during the summer months, which brew up, drop significant amounts of rain in a short period of time, and blow out to sea in record time. These thunderstorms are caused by “Tropical Waves”, pressure systems which drift through the entire Caribbean region during the summertime. These tropical fronts can increase in intensity and become tropical depressions, storms, and eventually hurricanes, which will be discussed further on. Other rain showers are generated locally by the condensation of hot, humid air over the mangrove swamps in the interior of Grand Cayman, causing thunderheads. The western side of Grand Cayman gets the lion’s share of these heavy rains, as this is the direction of the local prevailing winds. The wettest day in the Caymans on record was November 30, 1993, when 7.8 inches of rain was depositing in less than 24 hours.
The average annual rainfall is around 46 inches.
You may contact the Cayman Islands National Meteorological Service in Georgetown, Grand Cayman, for the current weather forecast and local conditions at (345) 949-4528.
Cayman Islands Temperatures
The winter months in the Caymans are from January until April, with the coolest temperatures recorded during the months of January and February, when the average daytime temperature is in the high 70s to the lower 80s, and nighttime lows in the mid060s to lower 70s. The temperatures peak in the months of July and August, but usually go no higher than the mid-90s during the day and the lower 80s during the evening. The summer is often quite humid, with the heat index seeming to add another ten to twenty degrees to the actual air temperature. The sea breezes will alleviate much of this on the coast, but the interior of Grand Cayman can become uncomfortably muggy, especially in the mangrove swamps. The lowest temperature on record in the Caymans was in January of 2000, when 58 was registered.
Winter (Dry Season)- November to April
72°F to 86°F during the daytime
64°F to 72°F in the evening
Water temperature varies between 78°F & 82°F
Summer (Rainy Season)- May to October
85°F to 90°F during the daytime
73°F to 85°F in the evening
Water temperatures between 82°F & 86°F
Relative humidity varies between 68% to 92%.
Hurricanes
The Caymans are located in the path of the Caribbean Trade Winds, and receive their fair share of severe storms, which are blown in by the Nor’Westers, which are high winds bringing cooler air from the mainland to clash with the hot, humid air generated by the islands. The hurricane season runs from the beginning of June to the end of November, with the most storm activity for the Caymans being during September through November. During these months, storms often form in the southern part of the Caribbean and are swept north by the prevailing winds of the Gulf Stream and into the path of the Cayman Islands. The nation has good disaster plans in place, so if you plan on traveling during this time period you need not worry about becoming trapped. Additionally, hurricanes and tropical storms often skirt the Caymans altogether; frequently, the nation is not really touched, even by the biggest storms. The last big hurricane that really affected the Caymans was Ivan in 2004.
The Cayman Islands are a tropical paradise with Old World charm. The beautiful beaches, stunning marine life, and urbane shopping and entertainment make it the perfect vacation spot for discerning travelers to the Caribbean. The weather is generally excellent, but always check ahead of time when you travel during the hurricane season to avoid having your trip spoiled by weather concerns.
Source: Cayman Islands Information