How's this for history? Christopher Columbus spotted the Cayman Islands in 1503 on a voyage to the New World. In 1586, Sir Francis Drake landed on the islands and named them the Cayman Islands. Since then, many more people have come to the islands and fallen in love with their beauty.

Three islands comprise the Cayman Islands. They include Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman. None of the islands are overly large. Grand Cayman is approximately 22 miles long and only 8 miles wide.

If that sounds fairly small, consider that it's the biggest of the Cayman Islands. At only a mile wide and 12 miles long, Cayman Brac is known for its fascinating landscape. It features both cliffs and caves and is truly an amazing natural wonder.

Little Cayman is, as you would expect from its name, little. Smaller than the other two islands, Little Cayman is around 10 miles long and about 1 mile wide. It is, indeed, little.

Today, the Cayman Islands are a British Dependant Territory. Although Queen Elizabeth II is the head of state, the Cayman Islands have their own governor and constitution.

The main source of revenue for the Cayman Islands is tourism. For that reason, you'll find excellent hotels and resorts on the islands. Although the Cayman Islands have their own currency, American money is widely accepted.

Grand Cayman is the most popular destination with tourists. If you're looking for a fun time, visit Grand Cayman at the end of October. That's when Pirates Week is celebrated. This celebration includes fireworks, a parade, music, costumes, and even sporting events. Fun for everyone, Pirates Week is a ten-day celebration that you won't want to miss.

If you love to scuba dive, then the Cayman Islands are the destination for you. The islands are actually the tops of submerged mountains. This makes for fascinating diving. The people of the Cayman Islands have gone to great lengths to protect the natural wonders in the ocean around them.

When you dive in the Cayman Islands, be sure to check into Bloody Bay Marine Park, located on Little Cayman. This park is an area known for its clear waters and high visibility. When you dive here, you'll discover an ocean reef system that will fascinate even the most seasoned diver.

If you're taking children with you to the Cayman Islands, use this opportunity to let them discover marine life. They can snorkel and discover tropical fish, or if they are older, they can learn to dive. By exploring the natural wonders surrounding the Cayman Islands, children can come to appreciate the diverse sea life that can be found in the ocean.

If you're not ready to dive into the water yourself, you can take a glass-bottom boat ride to view the intricate reefs. You also can ride in a submarine if you're looking for some fun and excitement.

The Cayman Islands are a beautiful destination for the adventurous tourist. Check your schedule today to see when you can experience all this wondrous location has to offer.