What is the capital of the Cayman Islands?

The capital of the Cayman Islands is George Town. It sits on Grand Cayman, the largest of the territory’s three main islands, and serves as the center of government, commerce, finance, and tourism.

George Town was named for King George III, who reigned when Britain’s influence over the Cayman Islands was being formalized. Government buildings in the city include the Cayman Islands Parliament, courts, and administrative offices. The city is also the territory’s main cruise-ship port, although many ships anchor offshore and bring passengers ashore by tender boats.

A common mix-up is confusing George Town with other settlements on Grand Cayman. West Bay, Bodden Town, and East End are important districts or communities, but none is the territory’s capital. Bodden Town has particular historical importance because it was an early capital and remains associated with the islands’ colonial past.

George Town is also the Cayman Islands’ largest city. Its waterfront, financial district, museums, shops, and access to nearby Seven Mile Beach make it both the political capital and the territory’s best-known urban center.