Cayman Brac Island
Cayman Brac Island, Cayman Islands, Cayman Islands
Craggy Cayman Brac is known for the limestone bluff running along its length. Once a haunt of pirates, these days the island attracts wreck divers, hikers, and wildlife watchers. There are caves to explore, world-class diving spots to snorkel, and hiking trails to follow while bird-watching. Take home a local souvenir carved from Caymanite, a semiprecious gemstone in shades of copper and red.
The basics
This laid-back island is the least touristy of the Cayman Islands, but it still offers a range of activities to fill up a day trip, especially for nature lovers. You might spot endangered parrots, brown boobies, and peregrine falcons as you wander along the hiking trails. Plus, Cayman Brac boasts almost 70 dive sites where there are offshore reefs teeming with marine life, as well as shipwrecks. Scuba gear rentals are available, along with dive boat tours. Other activities include cave exploration, snorkeling, canoeing, and kayaking.
Things to know before you go
*Cayman Brac is a must-visit for bird-watchers and divers.
*Remember to wear insect repellent, especially at night, when in the Cayman Islands.
*Thanks to the wide range of dive sites around the island, both beginner and experienced divers are able to explore here.
How to get there
The second-largest of the three Cayman Islands, Cayman Brac is located in the Caribbean Sea around 88.5 miles (143 kilometers) northeast of Grand Cayman. To get there, catch a quick inter-island flight (about 30 minutes) from Grand Cayman. There is no ferry service from Grand Cayman, but private charters are available.
When to get there
Because of its year-round warm tropical waters, it's always comfortable to go diving here. The island’s rainy season runs from May through October, but because of its location, Cayman Brac is guarded from the brunt of hurricane season. If you’re interested in picking fresh mangoes, plan to visit sometime between May and August.
Scuba sights
One of the Cayman Islands’ top dive sites, the wreck of the MV Captain Keith Tibbetts is home to plenty of fish, including schools of barracuda and trevally, as well as reef fish like angelfish, boxfish, and pufferfish. You might also spot moray eels lurking out from crevices. Plus, there are different types of sponges, sea fans, and sea whips.
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