By Emily Southey
Spotlight On:
THE SISTER ISLANDS
ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF SOUTHERN CROSS CLUB - LITTLE CAYMAN, UNLESS NOTED
There’s no denying that of the three islands that make up the Cayman Islands,
Grand Cayman tends to attract the most attention. It’s the largest island, containing
95% of the territory’s entire population, and it’s home to the capital city of George
Town and Owen Roberts International Airport, not to mention the world-renowned
Seven Mile Beach. But Grand Cayman shouldn’t get all the love, right? The Sister
Islands, otherwise known as Little Cayman and Cayman Brac, show a different
and equally gorgeous side of Cayman. From the unspoiled and nearly unpopulated
Little Cayman to the unique topography of Cayman Brac (did you know brac is
actually Gaelic for “bluff”?), there is so much more to this Caribbean paradise than
Grand Cayman.
Now for a brief history lesson! The
Sister Islands were first spotted on
May 10, 1503 by none other than
Christopher Columbus. Heavy winds
had blown their ships off course
during their fourth voyage to the
New World, and after noticing the
abundance of sea turtles that lived
there, Columbus named the islands
“Las Tortugas” (tortuga is Spanish
for “turtle”). Despite Columbus’ early
exploration of the islands, the first
settlement wasn’t until over a century
later, when turtle fisherman set up
camp on Little Cayman.
Fun Fact
Before either island was settled,
pirates (in all their swashbuckling
glory) inhabited Cayman Brac in
order to replenish supplies.
2 0 1 8 E D I T I O N / CAY M A N VO WS .C O M
Cayman Brac
Buccaneer Beach
Located in the West End, Buccaneer
Beach is not your typical tropical
beach. Known for its rocky terrain
(water shoes are recommended), it’s
here that you’ll find some of the best
snorkelling on the island. Buccaneer
Reef contains colorful coral that forms
a semicircle, and remember to keep
your eyes open—you might also see
eagle rays, skipjack tuna, and lots of
other vibrant fish!
Rock Climbing
Famous for its rugged cliffs, rock
climbing has become a popular
activity among tourists in recent years.
If the idea of meandering your way up
an open rock face with nothing but the
sea beneath you is appealing, then
look no further than Cayman Brac!
But be warned, climbing equipment
cannot be rented on the island so
remember to bring your own.
Spelunking
Caving, otherwise known as
spelunking or potholing, is another
common activity. Caves are found
all around the island, but be sure to
wear hiking shoes as some paths
can be steep and rocky. Though
Peter’s Cave and Great Cave both
boast picturesque views of the island,
Rebecca’s Cave is often visited due
to the fact that it is home to the grave
of an infant who died there during a
hurricane in 1932. For this reason, it is
also a Cayman National Heritage Site.
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The Fourth Voyage
Despite being referred to as “The
Sister Islands,” Little Cayman and
Cayman Brac actually have very little
in common. Most notably, each island
boasts its own distinct topography.
Little Cayman is just 10 miles long by
1 mile wide and is completely flat (in
fact, most of the island is at sea level).
While Cayman Brac is only slightly
larger at 12 miles long and 1.2 miles
wide, the island is home to The Bluff
(the highest part of the entire Cayman
Islands territory), making it a popular
destination for rock climbing
and hiking.
Geography Lesson