Located in the south-west corner of Grand Cayman, George Town is the capital of the Cayman Islands. It is the main centre of government, business and shopping on the Island. No wonder that George Town is one of the Caribbean’s most popular cruise ship destinations. Not only is it the gateway to the rest of Cayman, but worth a visit in its own right.
On this site you’ll find details of George Town‘s amenities. Full details of opening times or locations are just a mouse click away. Visit the links on the left, or check out our eCay Cayman Islands Business Directory.
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George Town has a friendly, welcoming atmosphere, of almost old world charm. Take a moment to stroll amongst the streets, where a few grand colonial buildings still remain. Take in the architecture, and wander along the harbor front or through Regatta Park.
There are plenty of interesting sites to visit, too. Most of the Islands’ grand buildings and important facilities are to be found in George Town. For Cayman heritage and history, try some of the following:
George Town has been the capital of Cayman since the early 1900’s. Its predecessor was Bodden Town, home of the first settlement in Grand Cayman. The most significant government and legislative offices are all based in George Town, including the Legislative Assembly building and the Government Administration building. The latter encompasses the offices of the Leader of Government Business and the Cabinet, the Chief Secretary and other elected officials and civil servants.
The ambiance in George Town is an enticing mixture of the laid-back and the metropolitan. History and heritage sits comfortably alongside a modern international financial centre. Six hundred banks are based in George Town, which also hosts the Islands’ Stock Exchange. The capital is the home of most of the Island’s infrastructure.
Just one of the reasons that cruise ships make a beeline for George Town is the quality of the shopping experience. Duty free shopping is widely available in plazas, quirky boutiques or small clusters of shops. Some of the products offered in George Town which are worth investigating include antiques, jewelry and electronics. For more distinctive Cayman goods, take a look at the local arts & crafts, and specialities including local mineral Caymanite, or Tortuga Rum.
Many of the Island’s amenities are to found in George Town. The central library, the University and the Cayman Islands Hospital are all located there. Restaurants, bars, cafes and hotels are plentiful.
Don’t forget too that George Town is on the seafront. It is one of the few world capitals to offer beach, diving, scuba and even a submarine ride under the harbor.
Owen Roberts International airport is just a mile outside George Town. Transfer into town by bus, hotel shuttle or taxi. The taxi ride takes around 10-15 minutes. Cruise ships dock off the coast; transfer from these tends to be by launch.
During your time in George Town, take a look at some local Caymanite. Maybe take some home as a gift for someone important to you. Caymanite is a gem stone which is found only in Cayman. It was formed in the eruption of the volcano which created the Cayman Islands. Volcanic ash sediments hardened into rock with the distinctive layers found in Caymanite. It is generally of an earth color; i.e. brown, yellow and white.
