Little Cayman was the site of the Cayman Islands’ first settlement, when turtle fishermen set up fishing camps in the 1600s. Raided by a Spanish privateer and abandoned in 1671, Little Cayman was not settled permanently until 1833, when a few families established Blossom Village.
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By the early 1900s, several hundred people lived on the Island, exporting phosphate ore, coconuts and marine rope. The smallest and least developed of the three Cayman Islands, Little Cayman, is located 80 miles northeast of Grand Cayman. A nature lover’s dream, the Island consists of 10 square miles of unspoiled surroundings, including more than a dozen secluded beaches, numerous lagoons, mangrove forests, salt ponds and tropical forests strewn with orchids.
Today, the Island is most commonly known in the diving community as the “Mecca of the Caribbean”. Bloody Bay Marine Park draws the majority of visitors to the Island and most of the resorts have their own dive centres catering to all your underwater needs. Increasingly, visitors also come to enjoy the privacy, quiet and timeless beauty of the Island’s natural splendor.
Little Cayman also boasts a number of natural and cultural attractions. Venture to remote Point of Sand for a private swim or row out to tiny, deserted Owen Island to enjoy nature in its most pristine form.
For more information about tourism in the Sister Islands visit Explore Cayman which offers up-to-date information on exploring Little Cayman and Cayman Brac.
Sights & Activities
From bird watching, cycling, beach picnics and sun bathing to exploring, diving, fishing and observing the enormous Sister Island rock iguanas, there are a lot of things to do on such a small island. To unwind, contact The Little Cayman Spa at Little Cayman Beach Resort on (345) 948 1033 for spa treatments and a wide range of spa offerings.
Diving
Dive the world-famous walls of Little Cayman. Sheer drop offs, exceptional visibility and abundant marine life have made Little Cayman one of the leading diving areas in the world. Most famous are Bloody Bay Marine Park and Jackson Wall on the north side. Swim out over the famous Bloody Bay Wall drop-off and peer over the underwater precipice into the deep blue abyss. Jackson Bay and Preston Bay also offer excellent snorkelling, however, only strong swimmers should attempt these sites.
If you’re looking for a unique afternoon activity on Little Cayman, you can book a guided tour of the Central Caribbean Marine Institute (CCMI), a non-profit organisation dedicated to marine research, conservation, and education. You can learn about their educational programmes, and gain insight into current coral reef science, including their coral nursery and restoration efforts.
Tours are offered based on availability and must be booked in advance. You can book online at www.reefresearch.org, inquire at your hotel reception, call (345) 948 1094, or email education@reefresearch.org.
Fishing Activities
Little Cayman is renowned for inshore gamefish, and there are some spectacular fishing opportunities for those who enjoy the sport. Bonefish can be found on the ‘flats’; these are inshore waters that are typically shallow and covered in turtle grass. In many areas of Little Cayman, you can find these flats right along the edge of the coastline. They are considered to be among the world’s premier gamefish and are highly sought after by anglers.
On the south side, there is an inland pond that got its name ‘Tarpon Lake’ because it is packed with tarpon. To access the fish in the lake, you will need a guide or a small boat because you need to row around. At sunrise, it is possible you may witness what is known as the ‘tarpon frenzy’, when the Gambusia minnows (a small bait fish) get pinned against the edge of the pond by a large number of tarpons. The minnows are unable to shelter in the roots of the mangroves because hundreds of herons and egrets are waiting on the banks. It is an awesome spectacle, and during this frenzy, it is almost impossible to avoid catching a fish if you present the fly or lure anywhere close to the action.
How To Get There
Cayman Airways
Cayman Airways has been Cayman’s
national flag carrier since 1968. They offer daily flights to the Sister
Islands and nine other destinations. Travel time is approximately 40
minutes to Cayman Brac and 35 minutes to Little Cayman.
Cayman Islands Helicopters
Travel and explore the picturesque and peaceful Sister Islands at your convenience with Cayman Islands Helicopters.
Getting Around Little Cayman
To hire a car, scooter or an electric bike contact Little Cayman Car Rentals at (345) 948 1000 or visit www.littlecaymancarrentals.com
Scooten! Scooters! (now part of Little Cayman Car Rentals), rent out Yamaha 50cc scooters for CI$40 a day. The rental cost includes a free tank of gas, helmet and free delivery and pick-up. Keep in mind that they are only open November through June.
Accommodation on Little Cayman
There are a selection of great hotels and resorts on Little Cayman along with villas, condos, guesthouses and bed and breakfasts available.
Below are our recommendations for accommodation on Little Cayman.
