ZF2AE ZF2AE/ZF8 Cayman Islands. From DXNews.com

Adrian, AA5UK informs dxnews.com, tha he will be active as ZF2AE, from Cayman Islands, IOTA NA – 016, 28 June – 7 July 2025.
He will operate on HF Bands and satellites.
Recent DX Spots ZF2AE
Recent DX Spots ZF2AE/ZF8
QTH – Grand Cayman Island 3 – 7 July 2025 and Little Cayman Island 28 June – 3 July 2025.
QSL via home call direct, LOTW, eQSL.
Ads for direct QSL:
ADRIAN D ENGELE, 2738 N PINE GROVE APT 1003, CHICAGO, IL 60614, USA.

Cayman Islands

The Cayman Islands are a fabulous archipelago of three islands located in the western Caribbean Sea, approximately 150 miles south of Cuba and 400 miles south of Miami. The archipelago consists of Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman. George Town, the capital of the Cayman Islands, is located on the west coast of Grand Cayman.

A Private Beach on Grand Cayman Island, Cayman Islands. Author – Rachel Fagan.

Pirate past

The Cayman Islands are one of the few islands in the Caribbean that never had a thriving slave trade, no sugar cane fields, and no indigenous peoples who could be enslaved by European colonizers.

Several hundred years ago, the islands became a refuge for local pirates. This history has had a major impact on local culture and traditions. Christopher Columbus discovered the islands in 1503. He named them Las Tortugas (“turtle island”) after discovering many sea turtles there.

The modern name appeared a little later and comes from a local species of crocodile, the caiman.

Today, the Cayman Islands are known throughout the world not only for their pirate past, but also for their attractive tax system. There are no property taxes, income taxes, or sales taxes. The only real taxes are import duties and tourist taxes, as well as a one-time fee when purchasing real estate. It is not surprising that there are more companies registered in the Cayman Islands than there are people (the population is about 56,000).

Seven Mile Beach, Cayman Islands. Author – Elyssa Drivas.

Variable climate

It is best to visit the Cayman Islands during the winter season (December to April). At this time of year, the weather is mild, calm, and warm. There is sometimes light rain, the sun is bright but not scorching, and there is a refreshing breeze in the mornings. These months are the main tourist season.

The rainy season lasts from May to November, and the hurricane season is from June to November. Humidity increases significantly during the summer months.

The most dangerous time to visit the Cayman Islands is summer and fall. During these months, they are often hit by powerful hurricanes and tsunamis, destroying all infrastructure. In 2004, the islands suffered from the effects of Hurricane Ivan (Grand Cayman was almost destroyed by flooding). Over the next two years, the Cayman Islands were restored through the efforts of the government, local residents, and international aid.

Turtles for breakfast, lunch, and dinner

For a long time, sea turtles were the only source of meat on the islands and were farmed on a large scale.

Today, the culinary traditions of the Caymans are more diverse, but turtles are still considered a national dish that every tourist should try. Seafood dominates the daily diet of local residents, with shellfish being particularly popular, eaten raw, boiled, stewed, and baked.

The cuisine of the Cayman Islands has been greatly influenced by neighboring Caribbean countries such as Jamaica and Trinidad. Most dishes are based on cassava, yams, and papaya. Other ingredients include lime, honey, coconuts, and rum. The most popular drink is lemonade, which the locals call “swanka.” All other food, including beef and other meats, is imported from other countries and is therefore considered a luxury item.

A Yellow-Shafted Northern Flicker taking a sand bath, Grand Cayman Island, Cayman Islands. Author – David Schenfeld.

A symbiosis of cultures and religions

Family, religion, and mutual respect are the cornerstones of Cayman Islands culture. Churches representing all Christian denominations can be found in every corner of these small islands, and shops and cruise ship ports are closed on Sundays. Some aspects of local traditions originate from Great Britain, others from the United States. There is also a strong Jamaican influence dating back to the “Jamaican dependency” period. Incidentally, the local accent is also very similar to Jamaican.

Today, the Cayman Islands have their own dance company, drama society, and national orchestra. More than 30% of the works in the Cayman Islands National Gallery are by local artists. Many traditions remain from the pirate past, including old songs, entertainment, and a love of rum. The pirates are also remembered in the sunken ships that still lie in the waters of the Caribbean.

Amazing underwater world

World-class scuba diving is one of the many adventures that attract tourists from all over the world to the Cayman Islands. Diving is also an important part of the local culture. In 1957, the first dive shop in the Caribbean opened on Grand Cayman.

Locals have been surfing and diving for hundreds of years. There are many legends about underwater treasures and pirate hoards on the islands, and some daredevils still search for them today.

But sunken ships are not the only thing you can see underwater. Countless coral reefs, dozens of species of fish, sea turtles, stingrays, and mollusks all amaze with their color and diversity. Some places are suitable for even novice divers, but it is still worth seeking the help of an instructor. Exciting adventures are guaranteed!

ZF2AE ZF2AE/ZF8. Where are Cayman Islands located. Map.