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New search: info on Little Cayman, Cayman Brac or Andros?
New search: info on Little Cayman, Cayman Brac or Andros?
I'd posted yesterday looking for any info on Cayman Brac. I haven't turned up much (which makes it even more intriguing for me), but have become aware of a couple of other interesting islands: Andros in the Bahamas and Little Cayman.
I'd appreciate any info anyone might have on any of the three. The info I've turned up has been pretty general, not the first hand experience that can really provide a clearer picture. Thanks.
I'd appreciate any info anyone might have on any of the three. The info I've turned up has been pretty general, not the first hand experience that can really provide a clearer picture. Thanks.
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California Girl
Lex - For what it's worth, I posted a trip report on Anthony's Cayman forum. I only visited Grand Cayman, but maybe it can offer you a little insight from first-hand experience. If you click on my pictures link in my sig line, you can access the pictures I took there, as well.
Here's the link to my trip report (beware - it's a long one!) http://www.caribbean-on-line.com/travel ... 8ae33300a7
Here's the link to my trip report (beware - it's a long one!) http://www.caribbean-on-line.com/travel ... 8ae33300a7
For what it's worth, and as a fellow STJ lover, I have too looked into Little Cayman, Cayman Brac, all of the Out Islands of the Bahamas incl. Andros, Cat, etc.
I love the small island vibe, lack of commercialism, just me and you and the ocean kinda vibe.
The cons of these destinations is the inconveniences- those of which of course actually keep people away- no direct flights (from Boston), no ATMs, no rental cars, only one or two places to eat, barely any groceries available.
If you're good to adjust to these small inconveniences, I would reccomend any of these places that you are looking at! They look like paradise to me and, the Caymans esp, have very low crime rates- totally safe.
I love the small island vibe, lack of commercialism, just me and you and the ocean kinda vibe.
The cons of these destinations is the inconveniences- those of which of course actually keep people away- no direct flights (from Boston), no ATMs, no rental cars, only one or two places to eat, barely any groceries available.
If you're good to adjust to these small inconveniences, I would reccomend any of these places that you are looking at! They look like paradise to me and, the Caymans esp, have very low crime rates- totally safe.
cayman brac and little cayman
Hello Lex
Several years ago we went to Cayman Brac. We really had a good time, we snorkel, don't dive. Great snorkeling off some iron shore. the brac does not have many good sand beaches. We stayed at the Brac Reef Resort and really enjoyed it. Not overly fancy, but very nice. I would stay again. We rented a car and drove the island and met some great locals who told us some great stores. The island doesn't have much to do. Snorkel, dive and check out the caves. Having spent 5 days there I thought it was enough.
Little Cayman is my favorite. We stayed at Paradise Villas. We personally think they are the best. The location is to die for. they are just as they look on line, but the location has to be experienced. Right smack on the water which is a little rough so you can hear it all the time. nice effect. the manager marc is WONDERFUL.. The island itself is like stepping back in time. There are no keys to lock anything. only 120 people live there. The villas come with bikes, which is the way to really see the island. We did rent a car though to get all around. island is 10 miles long by 1 mile wide. We like to explore and see everything.
This island is really for those who don't need any type of entertainment. Beaching, snorkeling and definitely diving. Probably as close as you will get to staying on a desserted island. A lot of birds and iguanas. The airport runway serves as a soccer field as well - you get the picture.
Any other questions, let me know.
Several years ago we went to Cayman Brac. We really had a good time, we snorkel, don't dive. Great snorkeling off some iron shore. the brac does not have many good sand beaches. We stayed at the Brac Reef Resort and really enjoyed it. Not overly fancy, but very nice. I would stay again. We rented a car and drove the island and met some great locals who told us some great stores. The island doesn't have much to do. Snorkel, dive and check out the caves. Having spent 5 days there I thought it was enough.
Little Cayman is my favorite. We stayed at Paradise Villas. We personally think they are the best. The location is to die for. they are just as they look on line, but the location has to be experienced. Right smack on the water which is a little rough so you can hear it all the time. nice effect. the manager marc is WONDERFUL.. The island itself is like stepping back in time. There are no keys to lock anything. only 120 people live there. The villas come with bikes, which is the way to really see the island. We did rent a car though to get all around. island is 10 miles long by 1 mile wide. We like to explore and see everything.
This island is really for those who don't need any type of entertainment. Beaching, snorkeling and definitely diving. Probably as close as you will get to staying on a desserted island. A lot of birds and iguanas. The airport runway serves as a soccer field as well - you get the picture.
Any other questions, let me know.
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joanybelle
- Posts: 87
- Joined: Sat Apr 19, 2008 10:09 am
- Location: SC
Hi Lex,
Maybe I can help you concerning the Cayman Islands. I have been to Cayman Brac once, Grand Cayman six times, and will be returning to Little Cayman for the fourth time in a couple of weeks. Each offers different things and have different personalities. I love them all, but Little Cayman is by far my favorite. What kind of information are you looking for?
Maybe I can help you concerning the Cayman Islands. I have been to Cayman Brac once, Grand Cayman six times, and will be returning to Little Cayman for the fourth time in a couple of weeks. Each offers different things and have different personalities. I love them all, but Little Cayman is by far my favorite. What kind of information are you looking for?
Bill/Joanybelle--
Thanks for the info. I've gotten some pretty general info but little first hand. We also are snorkelers rather than divers. And we also do not seek nightlife.
So I have lots of questions, maybe more than you're interested in answering, but whatever you do care to share will be appreciated. While I don't have a clear picture of either island, I have kind of a very general overview. Most of my questions would be for both islands. These are to get a picture of the places. Specific stuff (like how to actually get there or who to rent a vehicle from ) would come later.
Are there towns/villages? With restaurants, bars, markets? Similar to Coral Bay, perhaps? Or maybe more like the East End of STJ? Do you get a feel of being in the West Indies rather than being on some sort of resort island? Do you run into other tourists or do they tend to stay within resorts? Are most businesses and lodgings owned and staffed by West Indians? Assuming that there are some restaurants, do they have mostly local food or an American/European menu? We usually rent a small cottage or stay at something like a B&B rather than tuck ourselves into a resort. We also like to experience the local culture rather than isolate ourselves from it. Are local people friendly/outgoing/reserved? Welcoming of tourists or sick of tourists?
I guess more specific to each island: I'm picturing the Brac as a rocky place with great diving with caves and cliffs. Is the snorkeling close to the beach or do you have to go out a ways? Are there reefs? Is it difficult to access the water? Some beaches look pretty nasty as far as rocks. Is one side or end of the island more desirable for snorkeling? Is one area more desirable to look for accomodation?
Little Cayman seems to be the bonefish capital of possibly the world. I don't fish. It seems many of the beaches are flats. Is there some good snorkeling off some of the beaches? Again, is it a ways out or closeby? Reefs? Is one side/end better for snorkeling? Is one side/end better to look for accomodation? You mentioned that 5 days on the Brac seemed enough. Same for Little Cayman?
Thanks.
Thanks for the info. I've gotten some pretty general info but little first hand. We also are snorkelers rather than divers. And we also do not seek nightlife.
So I have lots of questions, maybe more than you're interested in answering, but whatever you do care to share will be appreciated. While I don't have a clear picture of either island, I have kind of a very general overview. Most of my questions would be for both islands. These are to get a picture of the places. Specific stuff (like how to actually get there or who to rent a vehicle from ) would come later.
Are there towns/villages? With restaurants, bars, markets? Similar to Coral Bay, perhaps? Or maybe more like the East End of STJ? Do you get a feel of being in the West Indies rather than being on some sort of resort island? Do you run into other tourists or do they tend to stay within resorts? Are most businesses and lodgings owned and staffed by West Indians? Assuming that there are some restaurants, do they have mostly local food or an American/European menu? We usually rent a small cottage or stay at something like a B&B rather than tuck ourselves into a resort. We also like to experience the local culture rather than isolate ourselves from it. Are local people friendly/outgoing/reserved? Welcoming of tourists or sick of tourists?
I guess more specific to each island: I'm picturing the Brac as a rocky place with great diving with caves and cliffs. Is the snorkeling close to the beach or do you have to go out a ways? Are there reefs? Is it difficult to access the water? Some beaches look pretty nasty as far as rocks. Is one side or end of the island more desirable for snorkeling? Is one area more desirable to look for accomodation?
Little Cayman seems to be the bonefish capital of possibly the world. I don't fish. It seems many of the beaches are flats. Is there some good snorkeling off some of the beaches? Again, is it a ways out or closeby? Reefs? Is one side/end better for snorkeling? Is one side/end better to look for accomodation? You mentioned that 5 days on the Brac seemed enough. Same for Little Cayman?
Thanks.
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joanybelle
- Posts: 87
- Joined: Sat Apr 19, 2008 10:09 am
- Location: SC
Okay, here are some random answers for your
questions. I will be glad to give more detail later if you like. I'll include info to Google, since it is not kosher to give websites to businesses on this board. Also, since it has been about 7 yrs since I was in Cayman Brac, I don't have as much detailed info concerning restaurants, etc.
Getting there...I fly direct from Charlotte to Grand Cayman, then take the Cayman Airway Express 30 min. inter-island flight. There is no ferry. CB has a small airport. In LC, you land in your small plane on the soccer field, taxi across the road to the combination airport/post office/fire station building. Does that give you an idea of LC's uniqueness? Neither island is touristy--no cruise ships, high rise hotels, Hard Rock Cafe's. There is no nightlife on either island to speak of, just a few bars. CB does not have any chain restaurants that I am aware of. LC only has one restaurant, The Hungry Iguana. Not to worry about having variety, the properties on LC have their own restaurants (choice of dining indoors or out, with shoes or without)and beachside bars, and they are ALL quite good. You will have a choice of well prepared seafood dishes, West Indian influenced foods, American food, dockside bbq's, bar grubb, etc. on both islands. The largest and most well known place to stay on CB is Brac Reef Resort. (have stayed there) It caters to divers, is 2 stories high, and has 40 rooms. There are a few smaller properties, but I don't know much about them. LC has 5 or 6 properties. Little Cayman Beach Resort (have stayed there)is a sister property to Brac Reef Resort and very similar. Pirates Point Resort has cottages and is known for its food. The owner, Gladys Howard, is also a well known chef who trained under Julia Child. You can buy her cookbook there. Southern Cross Club is my favorite. (I've stayed there) It is a boutique resort with bungelows on the beach. Their food is very good, too. SCC has a capacity of 24 guests, and is known for it's barefoot elegance. There is also a few small condo properties on LC--The Club, the Conch Club, and a couple others. Also Paradise Villas. You don't need
anything more than shorts, swimsuits, and flip flops on either island. You need a car or take a tour to see the sites in CB. No car rental is necessary in LC, you can see it all from a bike, which all properties have. Iguanas have the right away on the roads. LC also has the Central Caribbean Marine Institute, which attracts scientists to grade school students for research and education on protecting our oceans and reefs. It is quite interesting to visit.
Owen Island is a beautiful uninhabited island a kayak ride from SCC that has a lovely beach. (I was married there!) The people of CB and LC are wonderful, and are of many races and nationalities. The British influence is very evident everywhere, though. There are villages on CB, but I can't tell you much detail. The village in LC is called Blossom Village. There are approximately 140 residents on LC, on the 10 X 1 mile FLAT island. CB has cliffs and caves, which are interesting to see. The locals still use the cliff caves for shelter during hurricanes. I think the best snorkling would be from boat, not shore on CB & LC. That can be arranged by the dive shops on island. You are right - LC caters to divers (LC is one of the top 5 dive locations in the world!)and fishermen, but also to all nature lovers, bird watchers, ecologically interested people, and serious hammock riders. If you need activities every moment (i.e. jet skies, parasailing, booze cruises, t-shirt shops, jewelry stores, movies, discos--they ain't on these islands), you may get bored on CB or LC. But if you want to escape telephones, tv, traffic, shoes, politics...if you love azure blue calm ocean water, white sand, palm trees, sunsets, laidback attitudes, sea life, adult beverages, excellent food, a hammock with a good book, visiting a bird sanctuary, meeting interesting characters, wearing no makeup or ties (whichever applies), I highly recommend these two islands. I'm sorry for rambling on...just wanted to cover most of the things you asked as I remembered.
questions. I will be glad to give more detail later if you like. I'll include info to Google, since it is not kosher to give websites to businesses on this board. Also, since it has been about 7 yrs since I was in Cayman Brac, I don't have as much detailed info concerning restaurants, etc.
Getting there...I fly direct from Charlotte to Grand Cayman, then take the Cayman Airway Express 30 min. inter-island flight. There is no ferry. CB has a small airport. In LC, you land in your small plane on the soccer field, taxi across the road to the combination airport/post office/fire station building. Does that give you an idea of LC's uniqueness? Neither island is touristy--no cruise ships, high rise hotels, Hard Rock Cafe's. There is no nightlife on either island to speak of, just a few bars. CB does not have any chain restaurants that I am aware of. LC only has one restaurant, The Hungry Iguana. Not to worry about having variety, the properties on LC have their own restaurants (choice of dining indoors or out, with shoes or without)and beachside bars, and they are ALL quite good. You will have a choice of well prepared seafood dishes, West Indian influenced foods, American food, dockside bbq's, bar grubb, etc. on both islands. The largest and most well known place to stay on CB is Brac Reef Resort. (have stayed there) It caters to divers, is 2 stories high, and has 40 rooms. There are a few smaller properties, but I don't know much about them. LC has 5 or 6 properties. Little Cayman Beach Resort (have stayed there)is a sister property to Brac Reef Resort and very similar. Pirates Point Resort has cottages and is known for its food. The owner, Gladys Howard, is also a well known chef who trained under Julia Child. You can buy her cookbook there. Southern Cross Club is my favorite. (I've stayed there) It is a boutique resort with bungelows on the beach. Their food is very good, too. SCC has a capacity of 24 guests, and is known for it's barefoot elegance. There is also a few small condo properties on LC--The Club, the Conch Club, and a couple others. Also Paradise Villas. You don't need
anything more than shorts, swimsuits, and flip flops on either island. You need a car or take a tour to see the sites in CB. No car rental is necessary in LC, you can see it all from a bike, which all properties have. Iguanas have the right away on the roads. LC also has the Central Caribbean Marine Institute, which attracts scientists to grade school students for research and education on protecting our oceans and reefs. It is quite interesting to visit.
Owen Island is a beautiful uninhabited island a kayak ride from SCC that has a lovely beach. (I was married there!) The people of CB and LC are wonderful, and are of many races and nationalities. The British influence is very evident everywhere, though. There are villages on CB, but I can't tell you much detail. The village in LC is called Blossom Village. There are approximately 140 residents on LC, on the 10 X 1 mile FLAT island. CB has cliffs and caves, which are interesting to see. The locals still use the cliff caves for shelter during hurricanes. I think the best snorkling would be from boat, not shore on CB & LC. That can be arranged by the dive shops on island. You are right - LC caters to divers (LC is one of the top 5 dive locations in the world!)and fishermen, but also to all nature lovers, bird watchers, ecologically interested people, and serious hammock riders. If you need activities every moment (i.e. jet skies, parasailing, booze cruises, t-shirt shops, jewelry stores, movies, discos--they ain't on these islands), you may get bored on CB or LC. But if you want to escape telephones, tv, traffic, shoes, politics...if you love azure blue calm ocean water, white sand, palm trees, sunsets, laidback attitudes, sea life, adult beverages, excellent food, a hammock with a good book, visiting a bird sanctuary, meeting interesting characters, wearing no makeup or ties (whichever applies), I highly recommend these two islands. I'm sorry for rambling on...just wanted to cover most of the things you asked as I remembered.
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California Girl
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joanybelle
- Posts: 87
- Joined: Sat Apr 19, 2008 10:09 am
- Location: SC
Hi CA Girl,
I nearly cringed when I read your Grand Cayman trip report, but totally understood your point of view. Hurricanes and big money have really changed GC. Even hardcore divers are not going to GC like they used to. I wish I had known before you went, because there are still some cool places to eat and neat non-touristy experiences to be had on GC, but you got to know where to find them. (Chef Roland's Garden--must have reservations, no menu, no check, no booze--bring your own, put what you think the meal was worth in a bucket when you leave; Vivine's Kitchen in East End--West Indian cooking the way it used to be; Over the Edge is a restaurant/bar frequented by locals; The Lighthouse has excellent food and is away from the crowds) My husband and I are hardcore divers, so we spend most of our days on or under the water. The underwater beauty is still breath taking.
We'll be in Little Cayman in 3 weeks. Should I do a trip report when I get back? Would there be an interest in it?
I nearly cringed when I read your Grand Cayman trip report, but totally understood your point of view. Hurricanes and big money have really changed GC. Even hardcore divers are not going to GC like they used to. I wish I had known before you went, because there are still some cool places to eat and neat non-touristy experiences to be had on GC, but you got to know where to find them. (Chef Roland's Garden--must have reservations, no menu, no check, no booze--bring your own, put what you think the meal was worth in a bucket when you leave; Vivine's Kitchen in East End--West Indian cooking the way it used to be; Over the Edge is a restaurant/bar frequented by locals; The Lighthouse has excellent food and is away from the crowds) My husband and I are hardcore divers, so we spend most of our days on or under the water. The underwater beauty is still breath taking.
We'll be in Little Cayman in 3 weeks. Should I do a trip report when I get back? Would there be an interest in it?
Joanybelle--
Thanks so much for the thoughtful response. Please do write a trip report. I guess my only specific question at this stage has to do with snorkeling. We're not divers and one thing we always enjoy is being able to snorkel off beaches rather than needing to go out by boat. You mentioned that the best snorkeling would be off a boat. Any impressions about what might be accessible from beaches. Some of the photos of beaches on CB make the beaches look very rocky and difficult to access the water. A lot of photos of LC show beaches that are flats for a long way out. Bill's post makes it sound like he did some snorkeling off the beaches on CB, but I don't have a clear picture of what it's like.
I appreciate the help.
Thanks so much for the thoughtful response. Please do write a trip report. I guess my only specific question at this stage has to do with snorkeling. We're not divers and one thing we always enjoy is being able to snorkel off beaches rather than needing to go out by boat. You mentioned that the best snorkeling would be off a boat. Any impressions about what might be accessible from beaches. Some of the photos of beaches on CB make the beaches look very rocky and difficult to access the water. A lot of photos of LC show beaches that are flats for a long way out. Bill's post makes it sound like he did some snorkeling off the beaches on CB, but I don't have a clear picture of what it's like.
I appreciate the help.
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California Girl
Joanybelle - Thanks for the info! I was with 3 people I work with (one of them my "fu-fu" boss) so we didn't get the opportunity to do some of the stuff I would really have liked to do. Like eat at Vivine's Kitchen, Sandy (my boss) was so NOT into experimenting with West Indian food. I wanted to find better snorkel spots (I've heard of Cemetary Reef?) but Sandy isn't a snorkeler. She was paying for the trip, so we didn't push. We had planned to eat at The Lighthouse, but the timing didn't work out for us. I'm still not impressed by GC overall, but I would like to try it again sometime with my own agenda! 
And as I said, you have most definitely sparked my interest in CB and LC! I do believe that the Cayman Islands are probably the best place on Earth to dive, but since I'm not a diver, I had to base my impressions on my "above water" experiences. Sorry I made you cringe! LOL!
And as I said, you have most definitely sparked my interest in CB and LC! I do believe that the Cayman Islands are probably the best place on Earth to dive, but since I'm not a diver, I had to base my impressions on my "above water" experiences. Sorry I made you cringe! LOL! -
joanybelle
- Posts: 87
- Joined: Sat Apr 19, 2008 10:09 am
- Location: SC
Lex, I'm sorry I don't have any personal shore accessable snorkeling experience on the Brac, but I will ask around to some of my friends who may have more info. I have heard that the best snorkeling will be on the north side of the island and around Buccaneer Beach. Some of the rocky areas have ladders to make exiting much easier. You should find some great snorkeling, because the reefs are not far from shore. Consider contacting Reef Divers Dive on CB and ask for shore snorkeling recommendations. Also consider a boat snorkel trip while you are there. There is a Russian Frigate (the MV Capt Keith Tibbetts)that you can snorkel, but you must go by boat. Also investigate the Brac artist named "Foots". He is creating an interesting artificial reef/dive site which may be accessable to snorkeling. He is creating his version of the Lost City of Atlantis by putting multiple sculptures(which are time capsules and with faces of local folks), arches, columns, who knows what is in his vision? I thought it would be "hokey" when I first heard of it, but from what I've read, it'll be kinda neat.
I will definitely find our more about Little Cayman shore accessable snorkeling when I go.
I will definitely find our more about Little Cayman shore accessable snorkeling when I go.
Thanks again for taking time to help me to fill in the picture. I Googled "Foots". This seems like an interesting place. You mentioned some rocky beaches having ladders for easier entry. I can't really picture what kind of ladders these are or what that would look like.
Both of these islands have really gotten my interest.
Both of these islands have really gotten my interest.
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California Girl
Lex - I was Googling around and found this: "At Buccaneer Reef, you'll find a shore entrance with a ladder that has been carved out of the limestone." Here's a link to the webpage I found it on: http://www.gonesnorkeling.com/destinations.asp
It has some good info on snorkeling spots on LC and CB, plus other information.
It has some good info on snorkeling spots on LC and CB, plus other information.
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nothintolose
- Posts: 1960
- Joined: Mon Aug 07, 2006 10:36 pm
- Location: New Orleans, LA