The Cayman Islands, currently a British Commonwealth, were first discovered by Christopher Columbus on May 16, 1503. He gave it the name "Tortuga" - meaning "Turtle" in Spanish. The name didn't stick though, and the island came to be known as Grand Cayman when it was first settled by the British in the early nineteenth century. The Islands affairs were handled from Jamaica, also a British colony at the time, from 1863 to their independence in 1962. After Jamaica (also the closest island to the Caymans) declared it's independence, Grand Cayman really hit it big as a tourist spot, and became known for its banking facilities in the 1970's. These industries have continued to thrive to the present, with the Cayman Islands drawing a good chunk of its revenue from US and Canadian tourism, and nearly the rest from its banking centers, which now rival even Switzerland. Comprising just under 100 square miles between Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman, the three islands that make up the Caymans, there is a suprising amount of variety to the land and its people. The diving in Cayman is often considered among the best in the world, and almost any activity you can imagine can be found here. From parasailing to caving, rock climbing to beach volleyball and anything in between - there's no lack of venues to keep you entertained. Sourced with thanks from Cayman Diver GRAND CAYMAN LINKS: Cayman Islands - Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman ... Grand Cayman Wikipedia Grand Cayman Vacation Information Grand Cayman Islands Vacations & Travel Guide: Hotels, Resorts ... Grand Cayman Cruise Excursions, Shore Trips Guide for Grand Cayman ... Grand Cayman Islands directory on restaurants, cayman island...

Wikipedia articles for Grand Cayman

• Cayman Brac
• Grand Cayman
• Grand Cayman