Cayman Brac

The word "Brac" is Gaelic for bluff. This massive central limestone outcrop, which rises steadily along the island's east-west axis, reaching 140 feet above the easternmost Spot Bay is the source of the island's name. Dozens of mysterious caves punctuate this awe-inspiring natural attraction, which also contains the Parrott Preserve and the inaccessible 17-acre Splits, where deep natural fissures in the rock provide one of the few year-round sources of water to birds and animals in the Brac.

The Brac is famous as one of the best dive destinations in the world, offering more than more than 50 prime sites. Scuba divers are fond of the 330-foot Russian frigate built in 1984 for the Cuban navy. Purchased and sunk by the Cayman Islands government in September 1996, the frigate is located on the island's north side. Near its western tip in a sandy area with good visibility the wreck of the M/V Capt. Keith Tibbetts, a 330-ft. Russian built frigate sunk in 50-100 ft. off Cayman Brac's northwest coast. The view from above will stun you! The Teignmouth Electron, the boat in which Donald Crowhurst attempted to sail round the world single-handedly in the Sunday Times Golden Globe Race, was beached in 1989. Visitors will delight at the coral in Helen's Reef, while Radar Reef, and the west end of the island, offer diverse snorkel and diving activities. The submarine walls around both the Brac and Little Cayman are pictures of perfection, boasting arches, swim-throughs, cracks, gorgonia, sponges and fans. Shine a light on the muted blue structures and watch the reds, yellows, oranges and purples leap out.

The snorkeling is superb. Buccaneer's Beach on the north coast provides a snorkeling site with healthy small coral formations and plentiful fish. The entire north coast offers shallow underwater scenery which is primarily pristine and seldom explored. Fisherman will revel in shallow waters filled with bonefish and deeper offshore waters teeming with gamefish. Hotels supply recreational equipment, diving instruction and other sports facilities such as snorkeling, bicycles and ocean kayaking. Cayman Brac has three main watersports operators and a particular attraction at Stake Bay: the Oceanic Voyagers, a bronze sculpture representing two dolphins and four stingrays, created by marine sculptor Dale Evers and sunk in January 2003.

The Brac is listed among the worlds Top 10 exotic climbing sites. Since 1992, walking and hiking trails among the steep terrain have been opened by the Nature Tourism Programme, allowing exploration of the island's dense forestation. Unique flora and fauna thrive everywhere A variety of caves offer even the fledgling spelunker a glimpse of delicate underground formations. Steps and ladders allow access to more remote caves, especially Rebecca's Cave, a Cayman National Heritage Site that contains the grave of a young girl lost in a struggle against the ravages of the great '32 Hurricane. Seven areas on the island and 70 separate routes have been bolted. Most are around the east end of the bluff. The most spectacular sites are below the lighthouse at the far end of the island. Climbers must rappel down the side of the bluff, hanging just above the turquoise reefs, then climb the sheer walls. Safety considerations and some special techniques are required.

Covering more than 180 acres of woodland on the Bluff, the National Trust Reserve was established to protect the endemic, endangered Cayman Brac Parrot. The Bight Road, a two-mile cross-Bluff hiking trail, as well as other criss-crossing foot paths, offer excellent opportunities to observe local flora and fauna.

Because of Cayman Brac's unique geographic location, the pristine waters around the island offer superb opportunities for both surf fishing and the pursuit of big game fish. Try bone fishing in the sand flats. Or charter a boat with one of the local companies to take you to the proven hot spots.

The Cayman Brac Museum in Stake Bay is a combination of museum and art gallery, enlarged and totally renovated as part of the Brac's celebration of the Cayman Islands 2003 Quincentennial. The museum exhibits shipbuilding tools and artifacts used by Brackers for generations.

During the hurricane of 1932, the house, though battered and pushed off its foundation, remained intact protecting the 34 people sheltered there. Donated in 2005 as an historic site, it is undergoing restoration. One of the country's few remaining historic houses.

The 18-bed Faith Hospital has more physicians and specialty staff per capita than any county hospital in the United States. Open since 1972, the hospital was originally built by Brac residents who, while recognising the need for a local hospital, had no access to government funds or support. Informal teams of local builders invested their own time, labour and money to construct the buildings on land donated by the late Captain Charles Kirkconnell, The building still carries the legend: “Faith Hospital, by the People, for the People”.

Organised through Cayman Islands Helicopters in George Town, one-day charters will carry you to both the Sister Islands. Because Cayman Brac and Little Cayman are so close together, you will be able to see both at once - and on a clear day you will be able to distinguish the cliffs on Cayman Brac.