Grand Cayman's Sister Islands
Little Cayman and Cayman Brac
Less than a half-hour away by air, the sister islands provide a tranquil retreat from your Grand Cayman vacation. Each with their own individual charm and unique bio-diversity, the sister islands offer an outstanding remote tropical escape from the ordinary. The Cayman Islands(Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman), a trio of three islands situated 150 miles south of Cuba and 180 miles west of Jamaica, are world-renowned for the magnificent coral reefs and awe-inspiring coral walls surrounding them. Grand Cayman is, by far, the most well known of the three islands, but her sisters, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman, have become world famous for their spectacular wall diving and the refined sense of relaxed Caribbean life they offer. 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. 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 huge attraction with their newest wreck of the 330 ft. M/V Captain Keith Tibbetts.Visit 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 gamefish. A two - mile long nature trail on the bluff adjacent the 180 acre Parrot Reserve was opened in July 1996. 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, romatic shores. Adorned with colorful conch shells and seafans, 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 seaplumes. 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 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. 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. 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. Economic 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 gammit 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 the island 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. Spending We strongly 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 amazing culinary team is highly recommended. Both islands have a distinct personal charm of their own and are well worth the short and affordable trip. Island Air services both islands daily – Call them at 345-949-5252. Reef Divers can assist you with accommodation and activity reservations – call them at 345-948-1033. Or better yet, visit our message board at www.caymanactivityguide.com/fourms and watch the videos and read the reviews for both islands. Take advantage of your special member rates for the best deals at Little Cayman Beach Resort, Brac Reef Resort or choose from a large selection of private homes, villas and condos on both islands.
|
Sister Islands Map
|
Sister Island Resorts
|
Little Cayman Video
|
