Situated in the Western Caribbean, the three islands of Grand Cayman, Little Cayman and Cayman Brac form the Cayman Islands. Each island has an airport for convenience and its own charm, with all islands offering a wide variety of activities, in particular diving and fishing.

Special events include the International Fishing Tournament (April/May), Aviation Week (June) and the colourful Pirates' Week (October), which celebrates the islands' swashbuckling past. Visitors can rest assured, however, that crime is virtually non-existent on the present day Cayman Islands.

The Cayman Islands are of course associated with the rich tax haven that it provides - the tax-free status was granted by King George III in the late 1700s. Today, over 500 banks and 30,000 companies are registered here and the islands also provide visitors with a relaxing haven from the rest of the world.

Diving in the Caymans is a once in a lifetime experience. With superb underwater visibility, easy access to dive sites and top quality equipment, instruction and attention to safety divers relish their underwater experience. Special accommodation and dive packages are offered and can provide non-diving partners with plenty of activities. Or why not try the Liveaboards - luxurious boats with around ten cabins, offering cruises around the three islands each week with unlimited diving and full board accommodation. Divers please note the no-decompression policy ensures that diving is limited to 30 metres in depth.

The capital, George Town, is situated on Grand Cayman, the largest island within the group. Grand Cayman offers a wide range of accommodation, outstanding restaurants and glorious sandy beaches. Attractions include Pedro St James historic site, blowholes, the Botanic Gardens and 'Hell'- a small village named after its strange coral formations!

Cayman Brac offers visitors a tranquil atmosphere and is ideal for nature lovers seeking a truly unspoiled environment. Visit the wreck of the 330-ft Russian Destroyer, the Parrot Reserve and Peter's Cave.

Little Cayman has less than 170 inhabitants and a handful of simple and comfortable ocean-front lodges and small hotels. Utterly unspoilt, Little Cayman is home to fascinating iguanas and bird colonies. Diving provides many rewards here - including Bloody Bay Wall, where the seabeds drop almost a sheer 20,000ft (600 m) and visibility is up to 150ft (46 m). At Stingray City you can enjoy the extraordinary experience of feeding these  huge fish by hand while they swim in just a few feet of water.

Finally, don't miss one of the world's greatest spots for a sunset - Seven Mile Beach on Grand Cayman - for a Caribbean experience to remember.

Official Language: English

Transport: Driving is on the left, a temporary licence is required, obtainable on presentation of a valid driver's licence and payment of CI$5.

Currency: Cayman Islands Dollar (CI$)

Departure Tax: CI$10 included in ticket price

Capital: George Town (Grand Cayman)

Entry Requirements: full valid passport and return ticket. No visa required for UK/EU citizens.

Time Zone: GMT - 5