Cruise Ships, No Taxes, and Turtles

Filed in archive Hidden Gems on August 16, 2007

The Cayman Islands are known as a haven for sun seekers escaping winter in North America. Despite being a British dependency, the islands are also known as a welcoming home for tax refugees (there is no income tax and strict banking privacy laws). Both these qualities were given a no-nonsense treatment in Frank E. Flowers' 2004 film Haven.

The relatively safe atmosphere of the Caymans in general, and the capital city of George Town in particular, offers tourists a chance to, well, not be tourists. The laid-back island life is just as much an attraction as a day on the beach. Grand Cayman has a vibrant music scene and quaint, colorful inland villes.

The Cayman's rose to prominence because of their innumerable sea turtle population. Now the ancient species is protected and is one of the islands' natural wonders.