An idyllic island archipelago in the Caribbean, the Cayman Islands offer everything from tranquility and relaxation on the beach to adventures full of water sports, shipwrecks, and night tours of the bioluminescent ecology. Located in the western Caribbean between Jamaica and Cuba, the Cayman Islands have an identity all their own. A diverse range of cultural heritages come together to create a persona unique to the island chain. Dive with turtles in the morning, take part in a guided jungle tour in the afternoon, and eat at one of the many fine-dining restaurants in the evening.

Each of the three islands that make up the territory has its offerings and personality. Stay in the country's capital of George Town on Grand Cayman for a full sweep of island amenities, find adventure on windswept Cayman Brac with its dramatic cliffs and thick jungles, or take it easy on Little Cayman with its postcard-worthy South Hole Sound Lagoon that is perfect for swimming and lazy kayaking.

The Cayman Islands are three main islands: Grand Cayman, Little Cayman, and Cayman Brac. International flights arrive at Captain Charles Kirkconnell International Airport (CYB) on Cayman Brac and the George Town-Owen Roberts Airport (GCM) that services Grand Cayman. Once you’ve landed, the best way to navigate around each of the islands is by car. Rental agencies are available outside of all major airport terminals, and due to the relatively small size of the islands, getting around is straightforward. Taxis are also available in most towns and populated areas. If you want to travel between islands, the fastest way is to charter one of the short inter-island flights. Another option is to hire a private boat for the roughly one-hour journey.

The weather in the Cayman Islands is close to perfect all year round, with warm average temperatures that are ideal for the tropical waters and activities the area is known for. The main area of consideration when looking for Cayman Islands house rentals is the high precipitation rate from May through October. Coinciding with the rain is the hurricane season, which lasts from June through November. However, because the islands are in the western part of the Caribbean, they tend to be shielded from most tropical storms and don't get hit too hard.

If your primary concern is the weather, consider booking your vacation rental or condo in the Cayman Islands from November to April, as this is the dry season. If you are interested in checking out the islands’ famous Carnival Batabano, where costumed dancers, street performers, and musicians celebrate the area's diverse cultural heritage, then book your stay during the first month of May.

The Crystal Caves

Located on the north shores of Grand Cayman are the mysterious Crystal Caves. Underground lakes, stalactites, and open ceilings that expose the jungle canopy above are all present in this ancient cave system. Navigate at your own pace or hire an expert to journey through the caves and lush jungles outside while getting the formations' ecological and geological history.

Scuba diving the USS Kittiwake

The Cayman Islands are well known for their world-class scuba diving opportunities, including reefs, underwater cave systems, and shipwrecks. For example, the USS Kittiwake was a former US Naval ship intentionally sunk off the coast in 2011. It now serves as a haven for all kinds of sea life, including shrimp, eels, barracuda, turtles, and grouper. This popular dive site can get crowded, so it’s a good idea to book in advance to secure a spot.

Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park

This nature reserve is home to several protected and rare species of plant and animal life, including the endangered Grand Cayman Blue Iguana. A visitors center, floral garden, and heritage garden are all available for exploration and provide the public with a view into the island's unique ecological makeup without impacting the environment.