|
Little
Cayman
Only 10 miles long and a mile wide, Little Cayman offers miles
of uncrowded beaches. Dive world-famous Bloody Bay wall which
begins at 20 ft. and plunges to 6000 ft. or fish for bonefish
at Tarpon Pond. Visit the observation deck with high-powered telescopes
for year-round viewing the sanctuary’s bird life. Caymans Brac’s
rugged 14 square miles offers the country’s most dramatic scenery.
Little Cayman is the closest thing to a private
paradise you will ever find. With just 100 residents, a few hotels
and no stores or car rentals, Little Cayman is a quiet 11-mile
stretch of land dotted with mangrove forests and salt ponds.
Honeymooners will find total relaxation and privacy
along the island’s quiet, romantic shores. Adorned with colorful
conch shells and sea fans, Little Cayman’s powder-soft beaches
are so secluded, the only sounds you hear are the light pounding
of the waves.
Divers of all levels come to explore Little Cayman’s
spectacular underwater world. Little Cayman is home to famous
Bloody Bay Wall, starting at 18 feet and plunging vertically to
1,200 feet. Bloody Bay Wall lets divers explore the unmatched
beauty of Little Cayman’s colorful coral gardens, black coral
trees, tropical fish and swaying sea plumes.
You can also enjoy magnificent snorkeling with
only a mask and fins. Because the reefs are so close to the surface
and the waters have 200-foot visibility, snorkeling is just as
riveting as diving. Pack up your gear and head for Point of Sand,
a tiny, constantly shifting cape on the island’s east end.
If you haven’t logged in your deserted-isle picnic
experience for the year, make your way to tiny Owen Island, so
close to Little Cayman’s shore that the energetic can swim or
snorkel across (but most people take a boat). Prince Charles and
a "friend" dropped anchor here for an isolated rendezvous
recently, and upon your arrival you’ll see why. Loll away the
day in a natural lagoon with aquamarine waters and you’ll be tempted
to refuse your ride back.
Little Cayman is so flat that bicycling is effortless.
Not long ago, one marathon biker made the circuit in two hours.
But for those who would rather spend the day meandering, you’ll
find a dozen sandy strands for stopping along the main road. Favorites
include Bus Stop, marked by an abandoned bus, and aptly named
Picnic Area, with tables and a private beach.
Although Little Cayman’s growth has increased
since becoming wired for electricity, the Island’s timeless beauty
is well-preserved. Little Cayman’s relaxing atmosphere and unspoiled
natural splendor remain very much intact while technological progress
makes life here even more comfortable and convenient for those
who live and visit. For now, paradise is safe on Little Cayman.
Cayman
Brac
 Blue Footed Boobie, Cayman Brac
Cayman Brac, or "the Brac" has a land area
of ~14 square miles (1 mile wide by 14 miles long) with a dramatic
cliff, or bluff ("Brac" is Gaelic for "Bluff")
running through the center. The bluff begins at sea level on the
west end of the island, and climbs to ~140 feet at the eastern
tip of the island. It was this distinct bluff that allowed Cayman
Brac to be the first of the Cayman Islands spotted by Christopher
Columbus in 1503. It was his fourth and last voyage when he discovered
the islands he called "Las Tortugas" (The Turtles).
The ship’s log stated that they were in sight of land surrounded
by turtles, both on land and in the water, so-much-so that it
was for that reason the islands were first named "Las Tortugas."
For years afterwards the
islands remained uninhabited, visited only by passing ships or
pirates seeking to hide their treasure. Later, the mistaken identification
of the large numbers of local iguanas for alligators, resulted
in the islands being renamed the Cayman Islands although there
are no alligators today.
The first settlers in the
islands were deserters from the British navy, stationed in Jamaica.
Up until the turn of the century, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman
grew in population leaving their larger sister relatively undeveloped.
The Cayman Islands produced
some of the world’s finest seamen. While the men were off at sea,
the women essentially ran the islands. The strong role of women
is still evident in the islands today. Cayman Brac has developed
somewhere between Grand Cayman and Little Cayman although much
closer to Grand Cayman, minus all the world class restaurants
and diverse activities.
Cayman Brac is the second largest of the three
Cayman Islands. It is home to some 1,500 residents and supports
a thriving tourism market. The island is unique in the Caribbean
and offers a great destination for those seeking something different.
This article presents a unique look at the island, through the
eyes of a local, and provides important information for those
considering Cayman Brac for their next vacation.
Explore enticing caves, sinkholes and woodlands
filled with exotic flowers and plants. Bird watching is spectacular
with Frigate birds, boobies, and many other rare birds.
Diving is a major attraction with their newest
wreck of the 330 ft. M/V Captain Keith Tuberosities the Cayman
Brac Museum, miles of nature trails and see traditional seafaring
architectural styles. Fish in shallow waters filled with bonefish
and deeper offshore waters for game fish. A two – mile long nature
trail on the bluff adjacent the 180 acre Parrot Reserve was opened
in July 1996.
Visitors will enjoy a high standard of living.
Unemployment is practically unheard of and with the increase in
construction, and the related population growth, jobs are plentiful.
Ecoomic growth in Cayman Brac has been pushed forward with the
help of the Cayman Islands Government in an attempt to promote
business and tourism on the island.
Cayman Brac’s greatest attraction is its crystal
clear waters and world class diving. Marine life is abundant in
the clear, warm waters of the Brac so diving is the island’s most
popular attraction. With so many dives and dive sites to choose
from on the island, divers find themselves amazed at the variety
of diving available. With the recent sinking of the Russian Destroyer
in fall of 1996, Cayman Brac has further increased its underwater
appeal. The Russian Ship rests in about 55 ft. of water at its
shallowest and 110 ft at its deepest. The ship rises to within
about 15 ft of the surfaces ensuring that non-divers can get a
good look at the vessel. Dive sites such as Greenhouse Reef or
Radar reef are shallow reef dives and display spectacular coral
amazingly close to the surface. Wall dives start relatively deep
at about 70-100 ft. and provide a very different dive experience.
In addition to magnificent corals and sponges divers can expect
to see a variety of marine creatures such as turtles, squid, lobsters
and rays to the occasional shark or dolphin. For non-divers, the
bottom can clearly be seen at over 150 feet! Along with its Sister
Island of Little Cayman, it has been ranked in the top for wall
diving and critters. Cayman Brac reefs and walls are just a few
minutes boat ride from the resorts. With well over 70 sites between
Cayman Brac and Little Cayman there is no end to scuba diving
bliss. The sites run the gamut from large wrecks like the 330
foot Captain Keith Tibbetts, to breathtaking walls on Bloody Bay
to unique animal encounters like Tarpon Reef.
The natural beauty of Cayman Brac is breathtaking.
The bluff, with its astounding selection of flora and fauna is
a must for nature enthusiasts. Cayman Brac is haven for many species
of birds and has become a stopping point for many as they migrate
back and forth. Caves, rumored to still contain pirate gold, dot
the landscape and Caymanite, a stone found only in the Caymans,
can be found in crevices in the limestone. Parrot trails and nature
parks have been set up to help ensure that the natural environment
of the island is well protected. The locals are friendly, as they
are on all three islands, ready to welcome you with open arms
and treat you as one of the family.
Rock climbing enthusiasts enjoy the bluff as
a great platform for sheer vertical cliff climbing. Many climbs
have already been mapped out with more being added frequently.
Cayman Brac also offers some fantastic fishing opportunities.
There are several local fishermen who offer half or full day fishing
excursions. Day trips to Point ‘o Sand on Little Cayman are available
for those who want a day on the beach and a change of pace. Lunch
is provided, as is a host who will ensure that you have a great
time. It’s a good idea to rent a car and take a trip to the end
of the road on the South Side of the island. There you’ll see
spectacular cliffs, caves, blowholes and Caymanite. If you’ve
ever wanted a beach completely to yourself you will find them
everywhere on the Brac. The facilities at Public Beach are well
kept and the beach is beautiful. Visiting the lighthouse is a
unique experience. The lighthouse is situated on the east end
of the island at its highest point. From this vantage point you
can get a stunning view of the rest of the island and the Caribbean
Sea.
We recommend Brac Reef Resort for anyone interested
in an all-inclusive dive package. Visit our message
board and read the reviews and find out how to get the very
best discounts. There are no world-class restaurants in the Brac
like on Grand Cayman so an all-inclusive at a resort like Brac
Reef Resort with their on site culinary team is highly recommended.
Both islands have a distinct personal charm of
their own and are well worth the short and affordable trip.
Visit our forums
to see the videos and read reviews for both islands. Take advantage
of your special member rates for the best deals at Little Cayman
and Cayman Brac or choose from a large selection of private homes,
villas and condos on both islands.
Little Cayman | Cayman
Brac | Return
to Land Tour | Top
of Page
|
