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Despite
the emergence of Grand Cayman as a major
tourism destination in the 1990s, don't
go to the Cayman Islands expecting fast-paced
excitement. Island life focuses on the
sea.
Snorkelers
will find a paradise, beach lovers will
relish the powdery sands of Seven Mile
Beach, but party-hungry travelers in search
of urban thrills might be disappointed.
Come to slow down and relax. |
The
Caymans, 773km (479 miles) due south of Miami,
consist of three islands: Grand Cayman, Cayman
Brac, and Little Cayman. Despite its name, Grand
Cayman is only 35km (22 miles) long and 13km
(8 miles) across at its widest point. The other
islands are considerably smaller, of course,
and contain very limited tourist facilities,
in contrast to well-developed Grand Cayman.
George Town on Grand Cayman is the capital and
is therefore the hub of government, banking,
and shopping.
English
is the official language of the islands, although
it's often spoken with an English slur mixed
with an American southern drawl and a lilting
Welsh accent.
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Hotels at the
Cayman Islands >>
Cayman Brac
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.
History
and Background
Cayman
Brac, commonly referred to simply as the
Brac, has a total land area of 14 square
miles (approximately 1 mile wide by 14 miles
long) with a distinguishing cliff, or bluff
("Brac" is Gaelic for "Bluff")
running through the center. This bluff starts
at sea level on the west end of the island,
and rises to about 140 feet at the eastern
tip of the island. It was this prominent
bluff that allowed Cayman Brac to be the
first of the Cayman Islands sighted by Christopher
Columbus in 1503. It was Columbus' fourth
and final voyage to the Americas when he
stumbled across the islands he named "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 (after the Caymanas alligator).
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. In the 20th
century, Grand Cayman has grown up into
a very popular hotel and banking center,
Little Cayman has fallen back into its sleepy
way of life, while Cayman Brac has developed
a nice mix of both worlds. |
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The
Brac Today
Cayman
Brac has evolved slowly over the past century.
E-mail, fax, cell phones, and the latest technology
can all be found here, but a laid back atmosphere
ensures that both locals and visitors enjoy
a peaceful and relaxing island. There are no
shopping malls, fast food restaurants or large
business districts. Instead, Cayman Brac offers
natural beauty, friendliness and some of the
best diving anywhere. Each year Cayman Brac
welcomes eager tourists to its shores. They
come in search of spectacular diving, relaxation
and an exotic destination.
Residents
of the islands enjoy a high standard of living
with the noted benefit of no income taxes. 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.
Little
Cayman
Prepare
yourself for a truly unique experience if you
decide to visit Little Cayman.
With
a population of less than 100 people, this tiny
island of approximately 10 square miles is not
much smaller than Cayman Brac. It plays host
to a wide variety of exotic plants and birds,
as well as to iguanas and other wildlife, and
is a nature lovers paradise. The avid bird watcher
will be sure to visit Booby Pond, where a colony
of several thousand Red-Footed Boobies nest.
Most
visitors to the island arrive on a live aboard
dive boat or a small plane courtesy of Island
Air, which provides regular flights between
the three islands. There is no paved runway,
only a grass landing field, but that only enforces
the reality of an isolated island getaway but
to experience a Little Cayman vacation does
not mean having to give up the comforts of home.
Even though the population is sparse you'll
find a reliable electricity supply, state of
the art telecommunications services and excellent
accommodations. Most of the resorts offer guests
the expected vacation pleasures of an island
resort including diving and sport fishing.
If
you decide to spend a portion or all of your
vacation on Little Cayman you won't be disappointed
and fond memories surely await you. Continue
to check this page for additional information
about Little Cayman and vacation possibilities
there.
Links
& Sources:
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