Getting to Little Cayman
There are no ferries operating between Grand Cayman and Little Cayman, so access is only by air. Cayman Airways operates regular flights from Grand Cayman to the Sister Islands. The flight to Little Cayman takes about 35-40 minutes on a Twin Otter plane.
Map of Nature & Historic Sites
The Island does not have a town as such, but it has one grocery store (that sells liquor), one coffee shop, one gas station, one bank with one ATM and one clinic with one nurse (but no hospital, doctors or dentists). These are all located near the Edward Bodden Airfield on the West. All the hotels make fresh water by using a seawater reverse osmosis system. Residents support their grocery store and acknowledge that items cost more than in Grand Cayman, but they know they need to support the local economy. For special dietary items, or in the event of a storm, it is advisable to take an ice box full of perishables on the plane from Grand Cayman, as the barge that connects Little to Grand Cayman may not be able to cross the seas.
Flights run 3 to 10 times a day, depending on the time of year, cost approximately CI$85-$100 each way, and take 35 minutes to fly directly on a Twin Otter plane (17 passengers) or you can go via the Brac. Passengers can take up to 55 pounds in weight (that can be split into two pieces).
Supermarkets such as Foster's, Kirk's, Hurley's and Cost U Less may organise items to be delivered directly to the airport in Grand Cayman for air freight to Little Cayman. The barge goes to Little Cayman once a week and takes supplies to the Island, but bad weather can delay its crossing. Since items go by volume, residents will typically fit items, such as toilet paper, inside the cars or boats. We are told clearing customs is easier than in Grand Cayman, and for items purchased in the USA, items will ship directly there, bypassing Grand Cayman.
Power cuts occur every now and then, but residents learn to live around it, as they typically last only a short time. Similarly to Grand Cayman, electricity is generated through burning diesel and a truck delivers propane gas for home cooking. There are one to two mechanics on-Island that deal with most auto problems. Air conditioning and appliance technicians need to be flown there, with the caller paying for the flight, plus any accommodation costs if necessary. A mosquito control plane flies over the Island to control these insects, although when breezy, the problem is less felt. Water is collected from rain, and when not possible, residents purchase it from local hotels.
West Side of Little Cayman
The Island’s most famous diving destinations, the Bloody Bay Wall and Jackson Wall, are both on the north side of Little Cayman and are easily accessible by boat to divers staying at any of the resorts or villas in the area. There are a number of good options, including the Southern Cross Club, Little Cayman Beach Resort, The Conch Club and Paradise Villas. Most of the accommodation is within walking distance of the Edward Bodden Airfield. The Booby Pond is also the only RAMSAR site in the Cayman Islands (an internationally recognised and important wetland) and home to the red footed booby bird. The indigenous Sister Islands’ Rock Iguana also roams freely on the Island.
East Side of Little Cayman
Heading up the road away from South Hole, the Island becomes more and more of a deserted paradise with just a small number of houses scattered along the coastline. South Hole Sound is at the border of the two areas, and the beautiful South Shore provides stunning views on the way to Point of Sand at the eastern end of the Island, where you can gaze across the water towards Cayman Brac. Point of Sand is located at the very tip of Little Cayman and is probably one of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean. The sea is crystal clear and incredibly inviting. Pack a lunch and bring your bathing suit and towel to enjoy some time in the sun, sand and surf, quite often with no one in sight.
We recommend you visit the Explore Cayman website for more information about things to do and attractions on Little Cayman.
