George Town, Cayman Islands

George Town is located on Grand Cayman, the largest of the Cayman Islands. George Town is the largest offshore banking center in the world with more than 500 banks, which adds a metropolitan flair to the town. Excellent restaurants and upscale shopping boutiques abound. Of course, visiting the Great Outdoors in this tropical paradise is the real reason people flock to the Caymans. Daily activities around George Town include scuba diving, snorkeling, horseback riding, hiking, jet skiing, parasailing, or just lounging on a beach listening to the sounds of the waves crashing against the shore.

Before heading out in the sun, visit the Cayman Islands National Museum. The renovated building has a varied past, having served at different times as a jail, a house of worship, and most recently as the island's courthouse. The museum houses a collection of more than 2,000 items depicting the natural, social, and cultural history of the Caymans. Of particular note is the three-dimensional model showing the Caymans as small peaks of massive underwater mountains. There is a gift shop, theater, and a café in the museum where you can enjoy a meal as you look out over the sea.

Beach lovers will make their way to Seven Mile Beach, located just north of George Town. This wide, powder-soft white-sand beach is one of the most famous in all the Caribbean. The waters off the coast are generally calm, making for excellent swimming and tanning time for the whole family. The beach is also a great place for snorkeling, as the reef lingers just off shore awaiting visitors. Kids will enjoy the Cayman Turtle Farm, located just north of Seven Mile Beach. This nature preserve details the history of native turtles, and allows visitors to hold some of the younger species.

The number one tourism activity in the Cayman Islands is scuba diving. This sport has made the Caymans a popular vacation destination since the 1960s. Dive charters are plentiful on Grand Cayman. One of the most popular dives is Stingray City, located just off the northern tip of the island. Called "the best 12-foot dive in the world", Stingray City offers divers and snorkelers the opportunity to pet and feed friendly rays in complete safety. Another popular dive is Bats Cave Reef, reportedly the most extensive system of caves and tunnels of all the island's sites. With over 100 dive sites around Grand Cayman, you can't go wrong with whatever site you choose.

If scuba diving is king on Grand Cayman, then sport fishing is the crown prince. Anglers can spend their days bottom fishing for grouper and snapper, or heading out to deep water in search of wahoo, tuna, blue marlin, and dolphin. The true enthusiast can plan a vacation around one of the fishing tournaments that take place in the Caymans throughout the year. Those who manage to snag a record fish in a specific category are rewarded with outstanding prize money. There are plenty of knowledgeable sea captains available to take you to prime fishing holes. Boats can also be rented for moonlight cruises and party boat excursions.

George Town can serve as a jumping off point to other Grand Cayman attractions. Take a drive along the South Sound Road, which is lined with pine trees and old Caymanian houses. Visit nearby Savannah and see the Pedro St. James National Historic Sight. Because of its immense size, the home was referred to as "the castle" by generations of islanders. No matter what you are looking for, George Town is an accommodating host on Grand Cayman.

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