Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
(1 mile). R elatively flat, it comprises a total landmass of only 16 sq.
km (6 sq. miles), with its highest point at 12m (39 ft.) above sea level.
About 125 people reside on the island full-time, sharing living space
with some 20,000 r ed-footed boobies. Most of Little Cayman 's resi-
dents ar en't Caymanian at all, but long-term r esidents fr om the
United S tates and else where, including G reat B ritain and Canada.
Who comes here and why? Little Cayman is hailed as one of the three
best scuba-diving areas in the world and is a hav en for nature lovers,
photographers, and those in search of peace and quiet.
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WHEN TO GO
THE HIGH SEASON & THE OFF SEASON
Hotels charge their highest prices during the peak winter period, fom
mid-December to mid-April. If you want to travel over Christmas or
in the depths of F ebruary, especially ar ound U.S. P residents' D ay
weekend, you should make your reservations months in advance.
The off season in the Cayman Islands—roughly from mid-April to
mid-December, although this v aries from hotel to hotel—is one big
summer sale, though summer has become mor e popular in r ecent
years. In most cases, hotels, inns, and condos slash 20% to 50% off
their winter rates. Dollar for dollar, you'll spend less money renting a
summer house or self-sufficient unit in the Cayman Islands than you
would on Cape Cod, F ire Island, or Laguna B each. You just have to
be able to tolerate strong sun.
During the off season, beaches ar e less cr owded and y ou can get
good deals, but r estaurants are often closed and hotels pr ovide fewer
facilities. Some hotels also use the off season for constr uction—so be
sure to ask if any wor k is going on and make sur e your room is far
away from the noise. I f you're a single trav eler in the off season, ask
about the hotel's occupancy rate—especially if you want crowds!
Because ther e's such a drastic differ ence in high-season and off-
season rates at most hotels, w e've included both for every lodging we
review. Incredible savings can be enjo yed if your schedule allows you
to wait a few months for fun in the sun.
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WEATHER
The weather during high season from mid-December to mid-April is
perfect for hanging out on the beach: It's usually dry, and the cooling
trade winds fr om the nor theast moderate the high temperatur e.
Sometimes a few days will be windy and cloudy, but these periods of
inclement weather usually come and go quickly.
