Located in the Caribbean Sea about 500 miles west of Jamaica, the Cayman Islands are a tropical delight. Temperatures here fluctuate between an average of 70 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit all year, but weather tends towards warmer and wetter in the summer and cooler and drier in the winter.

As in most Caribbean destinations, you’ll hear the music of steel drum bands and Reggae, but the Cayman Islands are known for a traditional form of music called the Kitchen Band as well. These bands can include typical instruments like fiddles or harmonicas as well as improvised instruments like washboards or spoons and bottles. Music lovers also flock to the islands for Cayman JazzFest every December.

You can enjoy the weather and the music of the Cayman Islands at one of the many beachside resorts and hotels. You could spend your entire stay laying on any of the miles of warm, sunny beaches, if you desire nothing more than a little relaxation. But if you’d prefer to do a little exploring, the islands are also known for excellent restaurants, SCUBA diving, shopping and more.

Divers flock to the Cayman Islands to explore the extensive coral reefs. There are over 200 dive sites here. Diving outfitters here are knowledgeable and reliable and will guide you on dives geared specifically to your interests from coral reefs to undersea wildlife.

The Caymans Islands are partly covered in subtropical forests. Here you can try to spot a variety of native birds including the colorful Grand Cayman parrot, explore a mangrove swamp, and hike through tall mahogany trees.

If you’ve ever dreamt of swimming with the dolphins, the Dolphin Discovery Grand Cayman offers a variety of packages for older children and adults to pet and swim with these graceful creatures.

Whether you’re looking for a few souvenirs to bring home or a new Gucci handbag, you can find it in the Cayman Islands. Downtown George Town provides the best shopping on the islands.

Duty free shops abound within walking distance of cruise ship ports. These shops sell luxury items from the world’s most opulent brands like Tiffany, Cartier, and Louis Vuitton, often at steep discounts.

Small, quirky shops and shopping centers are also present in George Town and throughout the Cayman Islands. Unique treasures abound for those willing to look for them.

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