First Beach Explorers in Grand Cayman

Watch as divers explore one of dozens of dive sites around Grand Cayman. It's pure magic. And snorkeling in Grand Cayman is top notch as well. Let us take you to each location as we review the beaches of Grand Cayman.

There's a reason that when the first person landed here, they didn't find a soul: these islands are flat! The highest point on Grand Cayman is only 60 feet. The islands are part of an underwater mountain range, but these tops are certainly not mountainous. Bottomline, the islands are so small - they don't produce their own weather and they are so close to the water that no one could see them unless, like Columbus, you stumble upon them.

From the time of the earliest explorers, the Caymans were renowned for their "vast herds of turtles", which used the spectacular beaches to breed. Cayman became known to all voyagers as a stop to "turn" turtles and to secure water and wood. Today, even though there are hundreds of turtles about, the "herds" have vanished.

Around 200 years ago, the people of the Cayman Islands embraced Christianity, and strong Christian ethics. This heritage continues even today. However, some claim that the Caymans has a history with pirates - but it is well disputed as there are no traces pirates made the Caymans their home.

Because Cayman is remote and isolated, but on the route of treasure galleons returning to Spain laden with gold and silver stolen from the New World - it's thought that it made the perfect pirate pit stop. Imagine, everything they needed was here - possibility of men for crews, portable protein in the form of transportable turtles, and quite ports where they could stop and make repairs.

Of the pirates suggested, some mention Lowther, Lowe, Henry Morgan and Blackbeard. Again, there is no trace of pirates on the islands, so it's probable they never even heard of the place.

Pirates or not, Cayman is different! Control of the islands has changed hands a few times and today you'll find yourself driving on the left because of a decision made in 1655!

Lord Oliver Cromwell sent out a General and an Admiral to conquer in the Caribbean. They failed miserably. But Cayman came out speaking the King's English - an Oliver Twist - Next! >>