By Connie Motz

In the Caribbean, tucked underneath Cuba and only 100 square miles in total, lie the three Cayman Islands – Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman.

The Cayman Islands maintain a high standard of living and are known for their abundance of white sand beaches and endless water sports, including snorkelling and world class scuba diving.

With many shore excursion options available for the first time visitor, it can visiting the Caymans be overwhelming but there is a certain draw in being able to say you've been to Hell and back.

Located mid-island on Grand Cayman, Hell is a town with hardly any inhabitants – there are a few souvenir stores and the all important post office; nothing like sending a card back home from Hell just to prove you've survived.

Shore excursions label Hell as a town "featuring a pre-historical rock formation that some think Hell must surely look like." A viewing platform leads visitors to see shards of black limestone jutting out of the lifeless darkened ground as if it were the remains of a volcanic hell fire.

The ancient geological formation of jagged rocks is surrounded by dark and gloomy waters presenting an ominous, almost sinister scene. Educational guides explain that the rocks are a combination of iron shore (a type of dolomite) and limestone estimated at being 1.5 million years old.

The razor-sharp blackened rock appears to be volcanic in nature but is only coated in dark algae. The somewhat horrific landscape of Hell is framed by lush green mangroves and palm trees reminding visitors that the true beauty of the island still exists.

Everyone is invited to take the token tacky tourist picture with the cardboard cut-out devil. Postcards and other souvenirs are available for purchase with sayings like "I've been to Hell and back" and "HFD – Hell Fire Department."

Many visitors to Grand Cayman will experience a trip to Hell and will live to tell the tale.

Photo Credits: Welcome to Hell by J. Stephen Conn, Hell's Rocks by Connie Motz.