History

• In 1503, Christopher Columbus discovered the Cayman Islands, which he named Las Tortugas. In 1586, Sir Francis Duke visited the islands and renamed them the Caymans, which according to the Cayman Islands Chamber of Commerce, is the Caribbean word for turtle. When Jamaica became an independent nation in 1962, the Cayman Islands elected to remain under British rule, according to Travel Muse. As of 2010, the Cayman Islands are a British Overseas Territory.
  
  

National Logo

• Like most countries, the Grand Caymans have their own national song, flag, flower, and bird. However, the Grand Caymans also have their own national logo. The logo, known as "Sir Turtle," is a cartoon turtle decked out in pirate gear. Sir Turtle wears a pirate's hat, carries a bayonet and dons a wooden leg. According to the Cayman Islands Chamber of Commerce, Suzy Soto designed the logo in 1963.
  
  

Culture

• According to Travel Muse, a treaty in the early 1700s brought several pirates to the Grand Caymans. The pirates remained on the islands and helped develop the culture; now the Cayman Island is a blend of British, American, and Jamaican cultures. With tourism being the economic background, entertainment is a large part of daily life in the islands.
  
  

Neighborhoods

• Six neighborhoods divide the Grand Caymans. George Town holds the island's capital city, the airport, and the docks for the cruise ships. This is the most active area for tourists to the island. Seven Mile Beach, a long stretch of white sand beaches, is a famous tourist attraction. The West End holds attractions such as Sting Ray city and other nature observatories. Bodden Town is the historical district of the Grand Caymans. The North End and East End neighborhoods are less crowded, local areas.
  
  

Geography

• One of the most striking features of the Grand Caymans is the crystal clear water surrounding its beaches. According to Travel Muse, there are no rivers or fresh water sources on the islands, which makes the crystal clear salt water possible. The islands themselves are full of lush tropical plants and white sand beaches.