Of the 3 Cayman Islands, Grand Cayman is by far the most well known but more and more
people are discovering the sister islands of Cayman Brac and Little Cayman. They too have
become world famous for their diving, particularly their underwater walls and breathtaking
marine life. These 2 small islands are perfect if you are looking for a place to truly get
away from it all. They are less developed, less commercialized and have created a truly
relaxed Caribbean lifestyle that is yours to discover. People have searched all over the
world for the kind of elusive tranquility and island charm that is just naturally found on
Cayman Brac and Little Cayman.
Cayman Brac is the most easterly and smallest of the islands, just 14 square miles of
natural wonder. With the charm and friendliness of a traditional seafaring community, it
is here that you will find the country's most dramatic scenery. The openness found among
the residents (all 1600 of them!) on "The Brac," as they call it, is one that
will greet you with arms wide open and an infectiousness that you can't help but feel and
return. It is one of the safest and crime free islands found on the Caribbean; even
locking one's car has become a lost art!
In Cayman Brac, diving is what attracts most people, there are literally so many dive
sites that you rarely have to travel for more than 100 ft to get from one site to the
next! Whether you are looking for shallow or deep wall dives, all the ingredients for an
incredible dive experience can be found here. The newest attraction for divers is the
wreck of a Russian built Cuban naval frigate. The 330 ft. M/V Captain Keith Tibbetts,
which was sunk off the island's northwest coast in 1996 and is now the home of an
incredible array of marine life. It is perfectly situated for divers of all skills. There
are 2 other wrecks that can be found off the Brac's coast, and the walls found here are
literally pictures of perfection. The arches, swim thrus, cracks, gorgonia, sponges and
fans will be unlike anything you have ever seen. Shine a light on the muted blue
structures and the reds, yellows, oranges and purples will whirl all your color wheels at
once.
The Brac's most dominant attraction is a limestone ridge that rises from the west along
to the center of the island standing at 140 ft at the eastern tip. It is a sheer cliff
that drops dramatically into the blues of the Caribbean below, sculpting the landscape
into vistas carved with caves and covered with a variety of trees and plant life. You can
experience the incredible view on the bluff from the lighthouse, or go exploring through
the inviting caves and sinkholes that are high above the water, or maybe you'd like to
take a wander through the woodlands that are filled with exotic flowers, plants and
wildlife.
Cayman Brac is also becoming known for its climbing and has even been listed in the Top
10 for Exotic Climbing Sites in the world. There are seven areas on the island which have
been bolted and are all around the east end of the bluff. Getting to these climbing sites
is almost as much fun as the climbs themselves which challenges climbers to go from sea
level, to the top of the bluff.
Little Cayman is the least developed of the Cayman Islands, with a population of less
than 170, and a landmass that is only 10 miles long and 1 mile wide; most of this island
remains uninhabited. Little Cayman offers you miles of untouched tropical wilderness,
secluded, white sparkling beaches and a place where rare birds and timid iguanas outnumber
humans. It is blessed with stunning coastlines and incredible coral reefs that are teeming
with over 500 different species of fish and over 150 kinds of coral.
Bloody Bay Wall and Jackson Point are the main attractions and are world renowned
diving sites. Bloody Bay Wall is one of the most pristine underwater sites in the world
with a sheer coral wall that begins at 20 ft that plunges to over 6000 ft. It has been
rated as the best diving in the Caribbean by National Geographic photographers and is
protected for future generations with its designation as a marine park. With more than 50
unique dive sites located on Little Cayman that feature colorful coral gardens, wavering
sea plumes and exotic tropical fish, it is a true underwater paradise.
Fly, lake and deep sea fishing are also very popular on Little Cayman, not to mention
the multitude of watersports available. Enjoy snorkeling, kayaking, wind surfing,
hobie-cat sailing and for avid kite boarders, Owen Island features the best launch site;
for those who would prefer to be a spectator, you can enjoy watching from the beachfront
hammocks! There is also plenty of hiking, cycling and bird watching to be found. Over 40%
of Little Cayman is covered by pristine wetlands and raised viewing platforms around the
island allowing observers excellent bird watching. Visitors who come to this island
retreat, make a return to simpler times; enjoying the privacy, quiet and timeless beauty
of this incredible natural world.
To get to the islands of Cayman Brac and Little Cayman, there are numerous flights that
are offered daily from Grand Cayman. If you're looking for a different adventure, avid
divers can even choose a live-a-board dive boat for a week and visit all three islands.
An enchanting world and an ecotourism paradise for divers and nature-lovers, there is
something truly special that can only be found on the islands of Cayman Brac and Little
Cayman."
