Greater Antilles Cayman Islands These three islands were originally called Las Tortugas (the Turtles), because Christopher Columbus saw so many turtles in the surrounding waters when he visited the area in 1503. The islands were later named for the Caiman crocodiles that were once common. The Caymans are a particularly popular tourist spot, and the famous Seven Mile Beach on Grand Cayman Island is usually crowded with sunbathers. The islands owe their prosperity in part to the offshore banking industry; the country has more than 500 banks. The islands are also a haven for scuba divers, who love the fact that visibility in the water is often more than 100 feet. Popular dives include a visit to the coral and marine life of the Great Wall near the north side of Grand Cayman, and Stingray City in the waters of Grand Cayman's North Sound. At Stingray City, dozens of relatively tame stingrays take food from divers' hands. Those who don't have the opportunity to dive can snorkel at the shallower Stingray Sandbar. Near the East End of Grand Cayman are the Blow Holes, geysers created when surging sea water forces its way into caverns and out holes on the shore. The Caymans are a British colony. Official language: English. Dominican Republic The Dominican Republic, which occupies two-thirds of the island of Hispaniola (the other third is Haiti) is said to be one of the least expensive Caribbean destinations. Its capital, Santo Domingo, is the oldest European city in the Western Hemisphere, and the government is in the process of restoring the part of the Zona Colonial, the old area of town. Of special note is the Alcazar de Colon, a coral limestone castle built in 1517. There is also the Catedral Santa Maria la Menor, the oldest cathedral in the Western Hemisphere, begun in 1514. The Dominican Republic has more than 1,000 miles of beaches. Some near Santo Domingo tend to be crowded. Others on the northern coast are quieter and less disturbed. Because there is a constant trade wind, sailing is a favorite pastime in the Dominican Republic. On land, the large resorts have tennis, golf, and plenty of other activities for visitors. Official language is Spanish, though many in the tourist industry speak at least some English. |
