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Grand Cayman -

The largest of the three Cayman Islands, Grand Cayman features the lion's share of tourist attractions, but is the busiest in the island group for doing so. George Town, the islands' capital, is located here.

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Rum Point -

Rum Point on the picturesque north side of Grand Cayman exudes a vibrant atmosphere and is an ideal spot for swimming and snorkeling, or doing absolutely nothing!

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Rum Point -

Pictured: the quirky "hurricane tourism" sign at Rum Point. The Cayman Islands have in the past been hit by some fearsome weather.

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Seven Mile Beach -

The beach everybody wants to lounge on, this flawless ribbon of white sand is lined with some of Grand Cayman's most glittering resorts. But you can still find a patch of golden beach to call your own.

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West Bay -

Located on the west side of Grand Cayman, West Bay is within easy reach of the popular Seven Mile Beach and the Cayman Turtle Centre.

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Camana Bay -

Grand Cayman's modern bayside retail and entertainment district is a foodie paradise and a duty-free shopping haven. 

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George Town -

However, for a more traditional retail therapy experience, seek out George Town's independent shops and boutiques, easily recognized for their bright facades and colonial-era architecture.

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Cayman Cookout -

Sample delicious Cayman fare at the Cayman Cookout. This annual culinary event is hosted by acclaimed chef Eric Ripert (pictured), and takes place at the plush Ritz-Carlton.

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Cayman National Museum -

This engaging George Town museum is where to glean a good idea of the destination's natural and cultural heritage. The museum also displays two rooms of the Old Gaol (jail).

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Starfish Point -

Arrive early to avoid tour groups and  admire the red-cushion sea stars that dot this pristine pocket of ivory-colored sand. These starfish-like creatures are very sensitive, so look but don't touch.

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MV Captain Keith Tibbetts wreck site -

Deliberately sunk in 1996 and accessible from both Cayman Brac and Little Cayman, the wreck of the MV Captain Keith Tibbetts is textured with all sorts of colorful reef and sealife. The best time to explore the site is in March and April.

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Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park -

This lush and verdant Grand Cayman green space encompasses several colorful gardens, an orchid boardwalk exhibit, and a lake, which attracts a wealth of birdlife.

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Blue iguana -

Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park also features a blue iguana habitat. This endangered lizard is endemic to the island of Grand Cayman and can be admired at close quarters within the park.

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Visit hell! -

Mention "Hell" on Grand Cayman and everyone knows what you're talking about—a jagged group of short, black, limestone formations located in West Bay. It's worth visiting if only to send a postcard from Hell.

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Submarine tour -

Plunge below the Caribbean and admire the local sealife aboard the Atlantic XI Submarine. Excursions depart from George Town.

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Where to stay -

Tourist accommodation in the Cayman Islands ranges from luxury five-star hotels to colorful and traditionally styled bungalows set off the beaten track.

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Stingray City -

Stingray City, a series of shallow sandbars found in the North Shore of Grand Cayman, is home to an abundance of southern stingrays. The area attracts tourists looking to interact with these graceful fish.

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Swimming with stingrays -

As well as standing chest-high in the water to greet the rays, visitors can also swim with the fish. Note that environmentalists have questioned the ethics of this activity, amid concerns about alterations in behavior, feeding patterns, and general ecology of these rays.

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Cayman Turtle Centre -

Don't miss a day out at the Cayman Turtle Centre! The conservation facility breeds the endangered green turtle and is the largest land-based tourist attraction in the Cayman Islands.

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Cayman islands -

Located deep in the island's exterior is a network of mysterious limestone caves distinguished by some truly impressive stalactite and stalagmite formations, and a beautiful crystalline lake.

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Mastic Reserve -

Follow the 4-km (2.5-mi) Mastic Trail through a forest of yellow mastic and black mastic trees and lofty stands of royal and silver thatch palms.

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Smith's Cove -

Snorkelers spend all day here, which is just about the best spot on Grand Cayman for exploring the shallows. The beach offers a changing area and bathroom facilities.

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Pedro St. James -

Dating back to 1780, Pedro St. James in Bodden Town is Grand Cayman's oldest building. As a parliament building, democracy was established here in 1831. And in 1835, the Slavery Abolition Act was announced within its walls.

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Serving the community -

Set in the grounds of Pedro St. James is a reconstruction of an original kitchen that would have served the occupants of the house.

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Kaibo Beach -

Funky Kaibo Beach is fringed with excellent restaurants and a plethora of inviting bars. It's a cool place to hang out for well-deserved rest and relaxation.

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Exploring Camana -

Away from the shopping, Camana Bay itself makes for leisurely and peaceful exploration.

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USS Kittiwake wreck site -

The USS Kittiwake is Grand Cayman's most impressive wreck. Deliberately sunk in 2011 near Seven Mile Beach to create an artificial reef, the submerged vessel is a must-see for divers.

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Bodden Town -

The former capital of the Cayman islands retains its village atmosphere. Visit historic Mission House for an idea of mid-17th-century Caymanian lifestyle.

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Endemic wildlife -

Cayman Island wildlife numbers several indigenous species including the handsome Cuban amazon and Grand Cayman parrot species.

See also: How to get the most out of your next vacation.

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