Welcome to Cayman Brac

Christopher Columbus first sighted Cayman Brac and Little Cayman on 10th May 1503. The first recorded settlers on the Brac were there from 1661-1671. Recorded history suggests that Spanish, and later British privateers, roamed the Cayman Islands until the late 1700s. Many stopped to replenish their food and fresh water supplies, and careen their vessels. Much like the settlers of Grand Cayman, Brackers made their living primarily from turtling and other local industries.

There are no public ferries operating between the Islands, so access is by air only. Cayman Airways and Cayman Airways Express (345) 949 2311 operate several flights daily between Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman. There are also direct flights to Cayman Brac from Miami. Cayman Islands Helicopters also fly to the Sister Islands. The Aggressor Dive Boat provides dive trips between the Sister Islands. Private boat charters are available between Cayman Brac and Little Cayman.

Many visitors hire a car to explore and get to know Cayman Brac. In addition, most hotels and resorts supply complimentary bikes and cycling which is a great way to get around the south shore (which borders the Bluff), particularly for days when you are exploring caves and trails, as you will be off the bike and on foot for at least half the time.

Navigating is easy: main roads run along the north and south shores, with a few secondary roads crossing from one side to the other, it is not possible to drive all the way around the Island.

There is a limited public bus service on Cayman Brac. There is no specific route and they pick up passengers anywhere on the Island for CI$3 per trip. The service runs from approximately 3.45am-8am and from 5pm-9pm. There are two public bus shelters, one in Stake Bay and the other in the Bight. Look out for the Nissan 10-seater van with the light blue Public Bus sign on the front.

Here are some useful contact details for transport options:

Taxis: Mossy Taxi (345) 939 9517.

Car Rental: B&S Motor Ventures (345) 948 1646, CB Rental (345) 948 2424 and Four D’s (345) 939 6274.

Bicycle Rental: Active Pursuit offers bicycle rentals and tours.

Popular restaurants include The Farm, located at Le Soleil d’Or, which offers a unique farm-to table dining experience, the Cayman Brac Beach Resort restaurant which serves American-style breakfast, lunch and dinner and the Captain’s Table, located next to Carib Sands who also serve American-style food plus great tacos. For wholesome local food try Paradise Creations, Blue Breeze, Pat’s Kitchen, Coral Isle or Star Island Restaurant. Finally, Pioneer Bakery is well known for its delicious round bread and other baked goods.

Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty of activities to keep them occupied on the Brac.

Hike one of the 12 marked trails that will take you through wetlands, forests, over the Bluff and to historic landmarks. Hikes are graded from easy to rough and ceramic signs on the roadside mark the start of each trail.

Explore the Island’s many caves, some of which were even used by pirates to stash their treasure chests. Check out the stalactite and stalagmite formations in both the Great Cave and Nani Cave or learn about the grim history of Rebecca’s Cave and the devastating ‘32 hurricane.

Rock climbing devotees have rated Cayman Brac as one of the top ten exotic climbing destinations worldwide. There are 75 routes that have bolts in place for climbers who can abseil from the top of the bluff down to the sea and climb back up again. Call Rock Iguana Ltd on (345) 936 2722.

Kayak and paddle around the calm waters off the south coast. Explore the shoreline and view the Island from a different perspective. Kayaks can be rented at the Cayman Brac Beach Resort or Brac Scuba Shack.

Rent bicycles from Active Pursuit and cycle along coastal roads. Tandem bikes for children to ride along with their parents are also available.

Explore the 20-acre farm at Le Soleil d’Or with a private guided tour. The farm boasts more than 250 varieties of fruits and trees and over 300 chickens which all provide food for the restaurant. Learn about the history of the resort before enjoying juice and cookies that are made using produce from the farm. A private tour is CI$30 per person.

Diving on Cayman Brac is spectacular, with walls, drop-offs, patch and finger reefs, and the wreck of the MV Captain Tibbetts to explore. Visibility is excellent and marine life abundant. There are two dive shops: Reef Divers at the Cayman Brac Beach Resort (345) 948 1642 and Brac Scuba Shack (345) 925 3215.

Snorkelling around Cayman Brac offers an insight into a vibrant marine ecosystem. A top spot is at Buccaneer’s Inn where there is a ladder in place to access the water and the unfinished Barcadere has created a salt water swimming pool. Only strong swimmers are advised to venture out into the open sea from there. Radar Reef in Stake Bay is a good snorkelling spot as is Handcuff Reef, look out for the orange signpost for the Reef. Pick up a Shore Diving Guide, available at dive shops and gift shops for US$20

Nature Cayman offers an in-depth look at the Island’s hidden natural treasures that you can only find off the beaten track. Free guided tours are available Monday-Friday lasting three to four hours. Call (345) 948 2222 or email: naturecayman@gov.ky.

Cayman Brac Heritage House is an historic home that was once a tannery. They host a number of cultural activities including a craft market held every Thursday at the Cayman Brac Beach Resort. Shop for locally made products such as jewellery, silver thatch items, plants and food.

The Cayman Brac Museum features exhibits on turtling, shipbuilding and other traditional occupations that illustrate the way of life on the Island in years gone by. The current exhibit features the life of The Late Capt. Keith Parker Tibbetts Sr. MBE JP, Son of the Soil and Man of Diverse Nature.

Bird watching is particularly good from October to April when migrating birds pass through in search of fresh water and warmer weather. With some 200 species, the Island is an ornithologist’s paradise. Spot the rare Cayman Brac Parrot, the Red–legged Thrush and the West Indian Whistling Duck. The 310-acre Brac Parrot Reserve features a two-mile trail through the reserve.

Go fishing in the clear waters which are teeming with reef and game fish. Go shore fishing for tarpon or deep sea fishing for wahoo, mahi mahi, blue marlin and tuna. Ask your hotel for information on fishing charters or contact Connor’s Charters at ccconnors1966@gmail.com or (345) 916 3030 to book a deep sea fishing trip.

Relax on the beach with a good book or go beachcombing for treasures. Although the shoreline is mostly limestone, there are a few sandy beaches along the south coast, including Public Beach and in front of the Cayman Brac Beach Resort.

Completely unwind with a massage or facial at one of the spas in Cayman Brac. You can try The Spa (345) 917 0913, who will visit you at your home or holiday rental. There is also Fuzion Salon (345) 922 3777 and the Tropical Touch Day Spa at the Cayman Brac Beach Resort (345) 948 1323 who both offer a full range of treatments, including massages, facials, manicures, pedicures and waxing.

The distinct lack of shops in Cayman Brac, other than those selling consumables, contributes to the island's charm and its tranquil and rural atmosphere.

For those self-catering, Kirkconnell Supermarket is a well-stocked grocery store that also provides a fresh deli counter, off-site catering, hardware supplies, and small appliances for added convenience. Additionally, there's a Jacques Scott liquor store on the Island. Boutique outlets selling vacation basics can be found in the resorts.