The farthest east of the Caribbean Cayman Islands, little Cayman Brac is just 12 miles long and two miles across, and is dotted with dramatic limestone cliffs and soft, powdery beaches. Most people come here for the sea, sun and sand along with the great snorkeling and diving which takes in some of the most spectacular undersea life in the region.
Although small, the island has a small airstrip and can easily be reached by boat. The island is home to a number of intriguing cave formations cut into the limestone coast including Skull and Rebecca’s caves. Diving is the big draw here, and the Cayman government bought and sunk a Russian vessel just off the coast in 1996 to add to the already spectacular under-the-surface scenery.
Rock-climbing is also a popular outdoor activity on Cayman Brac at the dramatic limestone cliffs which have established the island as a world-class rock climbing destination, although the terrain is not suitable for beginners. The Bluff is the most dramatic limestone outcrop, reaching 43 meters above the sea at the east side of the island. Cayman Brac has its own small museum and hiking trails along with a smattering of restaurants and bars. Overall, the island remains unspoiled by tourist development.
Highlights
The Bluff: spectacular rocky outcrop on the eastern edge of Cayman Brac and the island’s highest point.
Brac Parrot Reserve: forest-based wildlife reserve and home to colorful parrot species native to the Cayman Islands.
Rebecca’s Cave: one of many caves on the island, this is the best known and features the grave of Rebecca, a girl that succumbed here to a hurricane in 1932.
Cayman Brac Museum: a small museum at Stake Bay which traces the island’s history with a number of maritime exhibits.****