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Cayman Islands - Geography

The Cayman Islands consisting of Grand Cayman, Little Cayman and Cayman Brae, are between the meridians of 79°44' and 81°26' W., and the parallels of 19°44' and 190°40' N. All three islands are surrounded by healthy coral reefs, which lie at the top of dramatic walls and drop-offs close to shore, creating ideal conditions for diving, one of the most popular activities in Grand Cayman. Between the Cayman Islands and Jamaica lies the deepest part of the Caribbean, the Cayman Trough, which is over four miles deep.

Grand Cayman, the largest of the three Cayman Islands, has an area of about 76 square miles and is approximately 22 miles long with an average width of four miles. The island is low-lying, with the highest point about 60 feet above sea level. Grand Cayman is mainly composed of limestone, and there are no rivers on the island. Since little or no water from the land runs into the surrounding seas, the sea water has an unusually pure and clear quality, which adds to the appeal of the destination.

Grand Cayman, which is the largest of the three islands, is distant W.N.W. from Negril Point 178 miles. It is 17 miles in greatest length east and west, 4 miles in breadth at the east end, and 7 miles at the west.

The coast is in some parts bold and rock-bound, but with no elevation exceeding 150 feet; the eastern and most of the northern shores are protected by coral reefs enclosing harbors of considerable size but of moderate depth, the entrances to which are however too narrow and intricate to admit other than small vessels. One of these harbors, the Great Sound, on the north, measures over 6 miles across. The usual anchorage for large vessels at Grand Cayman was off George Town, the capital of the Islands; but in a "norther" vessels had to shift their berths.

The island was well wooded and produces dyewoods and mahogany, cedar and other timber. The palm thatch grew in abundance, and the opened leaves furnished an excellent thatch much in use, while from the fiber of the unopened "tops" ropes, fishing lines, hats, baskets, fans, and sieves were made.

The products of the soil in Colonial times were similar to those of Jamaica, as are its flora and fauna. There were, however, some orchids not found elsewhere. There was good pasturage, principally Guinea grass; and horses, cattle, pigs, poultry, &c., were reared in sufficient numbers to meet local demand and to provide an export trade to Cuba and elsewhere occasionally.

Among the Islands natural curiosities are a cave at Bodden Town which extends some hundreds of yards under the sea, and a natural cistern stated to be from 40 to 42 feet deep, containing clear sweet spring water, at East End. This cistern measures about 70 feet long and 50 feet wide, and is situated in the middle of a cliff of solid flint rock. It was said that on the approach of a storm the water assumed a turbid milky appearance and emitted offensive smells.

Of the smaller Cayman Islands Little Cayman is 9 miles long in an E.N.E. and W.8. W. direction and about a mile broad; and Cayman Brae is 10 miles long E.N.E. and W.S.W. and about 1 mile in breadth. They lie in a north-easterly direction from Grand Cayman, from which they are distant about 70 miles. The two islands are separated by a channel about seven miles wide and are consequently within sight of each other.

Most beaches are accessible to the public and many of the hotels provide direct access on to beaches for their guests. By far the most impressive beach is Seven Mile Beach, along which most of the accommodation can be found. The beach is said to be one of the best beaches in the entire Caribbean.

On Seven Mile Beach, there is an overwhelming temptation to just relax: stretch out on a lounge chair, let the silky, white, powdery sand run through your fingers, watch the calm, crystal waters slide to the shore and feel the soft sea breezes brush your skin.

The sea surrounding Grand Cayman must be considered as one of the most important natural attractions because the Caribbean Sea is warm throughout the year. It is relatively calm compared to some areas with few dangerous currents. The shallow seas around Grand Cayman contain many coral reefs, which in turn create idea conditions for diving. Grand Cayman has a reputation as one of the best diving areas in the world.

A number of earthquakes have struck the Cayman Islands in recent years. The largest, of magnitude 6.8 and with an epicenter 20 miles south-southeast of the capital George Town, struck the Cayman Islands on 14 December 2004, but caused no serious damage or injuries. There was an earthquake of magnitude 5.8 in Grand Cayman on 19 January 2010. The epicenter was 32 miles east south east of Bodden Town, at a depth of 33 kilometers, but caused no damage or injuries.