Cayman Brac & Little Cayman
A tropical getaway!
The Cayman Islands were first sighted by European explorers on 10 May, 1503 after a chance wind blew Christopher Columbus' ship off-course. On his fourth trip to the New World, Columbus was en route to the island of Hispaniola, (now Haiti and the Dominican Republic) when his ship was thrust westward toward "two very small and low islands, full of tortoises (turtles), so much so that the sea appeared full of little rocks and it was for this reason these islands were called "Las Tortugas."
The two islands were Cayman Brac and Little Cayman. A 1523 map showing all three Islands gave them the name "Lagartos" meaning alligators or large lizards, but by 1530 the name Caymanas was being used. It is derived from the Carib Indian word for the marine crocodile, which is now known to have lived in these Islands. This name, or a variant, has been retained ever since.
An early English visitor, Sir Francis Drake, on his 1585-86 voyage to these waters, reported seeing "great serpents called Caymanas, "like large lizards, which are edible." It was the Islands' ample supply of turtle however, that made them a popular calling place for ships sailing the Caribbean and in need of meat for their crews. This began a trend that eventually denuded local waters of the turtle, compelling the local turtle fishermen to go further afield to Cuba and the Miskito Cays in search of their catch. Today turtle remains a favourite local dish. Turtle meat is purchased through the Cayman Islands Turtle Farm, which is the largest replenishment turtle facility in the Caribbean. Consumption of this delicacy is limited and monitored closely by the marine conservation department.
Cayman Brac is located 150 miles south of Cuba, 180 miles west of Jamaica and 90 miles northeast of Grand Cayman. It is the second largest of the three Cayman Islands and has a population of approximately 1700 people. The Brac boasts “The Bluff,” which is a limestone rock formation which rises from sea level on the west end of the island and then plunges 140 feet into the ocean on the east end. Known for it's craggy, natural vistas Cayman Brac is a nature and eco-tourists' dream.
The magnificent bluff formation is a haven for Rock Climbing enthusists, and there are seven areas on the island which have been bolted. These runs are all located in the proximity of the east end of the bluff with a number of them over open water. Getting to these climbing sites is almost as much fun as the climb itself with some of the most spectacular climbs are located below the lighthouse at the eastern end of the island. Carved out of the bluff are numerous caves, rumored to contain unclaimed pirate treasure. Many Cayman Brackers take refuge in these caves during hurricanes.
The bluff is where Caymanite is found, Caymanite is rare, indeed. Volcanic activity created the semi-precious stone. When volcanic ash poured down on rocks below, it formed sediments. Over time, those sediments hardened into rocks, creating a type of dolomite. Because each layer's mineral content differed, each layer's color varies. In the polished stones, this creates colored stripes in earth tones – browns, yellows, and whites.
Due to Caymanite's hardness, cutting wheels and grinders need diamond tips in order to cut and polish it. A great deal of time and effort goes into learning how to work with Caymanite in order to create artistic pieces.
In addition to jewelry, Caymanite is also fashioned into sculptures, objects like business card holders, and used in inlaid tables. Its distribution is almost exclusively limited to the Cayman Islands. Mr. Tenson Scott a native Cayman Bracker, is famous for his award winning Caymanite jewelry and sculptures.
Cayman Brac's Parrot Reserve, set atop the Bluff, has a opened trail that is open to the public for self-guided tours. The trail is a mile long and takes hikers through the 180-acre Parrot Reserve, home to the endangered Cayman Brac parrot.
The best time to spot the emerald green bird is July through September. They're often seen on top of the Bluff as well as around the Stake Bay area.
The Parrot Reserve is also a good destination for those interested in the flora and fauna of the island. Thirty-eight plant species can be seen here. Look for candlewood, mastic, wild banana orchid plants, and other exotic species.
Whether you visit the Reserve to spot birds or plants, be sure to bring water; there are no facilities along the trail. Travelers should also wear long pants and good shoes for the trek which traverses ironshore.
There are also 35 named and marked nature trails, including wetland trails, bird watching spots, beach walks and historic landmarks. Trail signage is posted all along the trails to highlight hidden secrets of the island. Free trained Nature Tours Guides are available for vistors to the Brac. For more information visit website
www.naturecayman.com.
The Cayman Brac museum recalls the early history of seafaring on this island and many other unique items. It houses ship building tools, home life, photos, and even a replica of a turtle schooner.
Located in a building constructed in 1933 first as a bank then customs office, treasury and finally post office, the museum includes an interesting exhibit about thatch rope making, once a popular craft using the island's silver thatch palm fronds.
Hours of operation Monday through Friday from 9-12 and 1-4 pm and on Saturday from 9-12.
Tel: 345-948-2622
Admission is Free.
Little Cayman, the smallest island, is just 80 miles north east of Grand Cayman, with a approximately 150 residents. Life on the island is relaxed, very safe and extremely friendly. Little Cayman is remote but surprisingly accessible with daily flight service via Cayman Airways Express from Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac. Residents of this small community are one big happy family and going for a short stroll along the main road may take you quite a while, as almost every car will stop to greet you and offer you a lift. Restaurants are primarily located within the resorts on the island but there is also the famous Hungry Iguana Restaurant, next to the airport, which is always open to visitors. Since Little Cayman is the smallest of the three islands, everything is just a walk or bike ride away, but there are also cars and scooters available for rent and most resorts provide free bicyles.
Be sure to take time to visit the newly opened Little Cayman Maritime Museum and the Little Cayman Historical Museum. Both facilities are located in the heart of "the village" and well worth a browse while you're there. Take a look back in time at the lives of native Little Caymanians and marvel at the artifacts which have been preserved from "way back when".
Down the road, on the edge of the largest booby colony reserve, is the National Trust building and a raised viewing platform which allows visitors an excellent view of the reserve. The National Trust Booby Pond Nature Reserve is the only RAMSAR site in the Western Hemisphere.
The Sister Islands are home to five seabird colonies: red-footed booby, brown booby, magnificent frigatebird, white-tailed tropicbird and least tern. Over 70 species of non-breeding wetland migrants have been observed in Cayman Brac and Little Cayman including - egrets, ducks, plovers, sandpipers, even flamingos and spoonbills make an occasional visit. Those who give their offspring Cayman birthrights include the pied-billed grebe, West Indian whistling-duck, tricoloured and green herons, yellow-crowned night-heron, willet, and black-necked stilt. Summer breeding visitors are the least tern, white-tailed tropicbird, gray kingbird, black-whiskered vireo and Antillean nighthawk. Island landbirds include Caribbean elaenia, loggerhead kingbird, bananaquit, thick-billed vireo, vitelline warbler, zenaida dove and red-legged thrush.
While you're exploring the Brac and Little Cayman, be on the look out for the Sister Islands' Rock Iguana, which have their own road crossing signs. These dragonlike lizards can grow to lengths of over 4 feet long and enjoy basking in the sun from late morning to mid afternoon.
These islands continue to be two of the least developed, safest, and easily accessible tropical getaways in the western hemisphere. There are no fast food restaurants, no stretch limousines, no parasailing, virtually no crime and absolutely NO traffic jams!! Surrounded by crystal clear waters with and average 200ft visability year round and is a diver's paradise. The average temperature is 78F in the winter and 86F in the summer.
There are numerous Real Estate Companies on our islands, and an extensive range of lot sizes and locations are available. For those who just want to relax on our quiet, peaceful islands, deluxe condominiums are also available.
All dealings in real estate in the Cayman Islands are based on a registered land system. All land is identified and numbered; a public records sheet relating to it is kept at the Land Registry. Land titles in this system are thus guaranteed by the government, title insurance is unnecessary and real estate transactions can be carried out quickly and efficiently. ERA is the Sister Islands Realty specialist. You may visit official website www.eraislandrealty.com or call 345-948-1700 for more information.
While the national language is English most of Caymanians speak in fast broken english with a island lilt. Visitors enjoy listening to native terms & colloquialisms which are both colorful and fun. Here's a few examples and translations: *Where are you? = We u is? *Who are your parents? = Who u fa? *Where are you going? = Wey una gine? *Look here please? = Look ya na? *What's happening? = Wha gine on? and one of our new personal favorite exclamations:........"Hinnng onnn!" (which loosely translated means "Hold on...the fun is about to start)
Hermit Crab (Soulja)
Eastern Standard Time is observed in the Cayman Islands, but there's no change for Daylight Savings. There are more fun things to do than change your clock!
The Cayman Islands law prohibits all forms of public nudity, including topless sunbathing. There are also other certain restrictions and prohibitions which are listed below.
Visitors Prohibited and Restricted Goods
Any controlled or illegal drugs or utensils is prohibited..
Obscene publications and articles are prohibited.
Any goods or items depicting or bearing any reference to ganja (marijuana) or the plant is prohibited.
Counterfeit coins and notes.
Instruments and appliances for gambling.
Unless they are transit goods, the export of Lobster, Conch or conch meat in any form is prohibited.
The import and export of Turtles, turtle meat and other turtle products are prohibited.
Firearms, Ammunition, Bullet proof Vest and Gun powder are prohibited unless accompanied by an import permit and license signed by the Commissioner of Police.
Bows, pellet guns, catapults or other manually operated weapons which are capable of projecting arrows or other missiles are prohibited unless accompanied by an import permit and license signed by the Commissioner of Police.
.Spear guns, Hawaiian slings and parts etc. is prohibited.
.Any other goods that are prohibited under any other law or that may be prescribed by the Governor in Cabinet from time to time.
GOVERNMENT
The Honourable Mrs. Juliana O'Connor Connolly
Mr. Moses Kirkconnell
The Cayman Islands is a British dependency with a British Governor appointed by the UK Government. The 15 member Legislative Assembly is the only elected body, which also appoints the Leader of Government Business and four other Ministers to form the Cabinet.
The Sister Islands have two elected respresentatives. In the 2009 elections Mr. Moses Kirkconnell was voted first elected and The Honourable Mrs. Juliana O'Connor Connolly was second elected and is the Minister directly responsible for the Sister Islands.
For more information on Government Ministries, Departments and Services visit the official Cayman Islands Government website:
www.gov.ky.
The Sister Islands are guided through the governance by District Commissioner Mr. Ernie Scott. Mr. Scott's office is in the District Administration Building which is located in Stake Bay. The District Administration Building also houses various Government Departments including, Customs, Immigration, Planning, Treasury, Lands and Survey, Marketing and Promotions, Children and Family Services and Postal Services. The mosquito research unit and the Library are located right next door. For more information call 345-948-2222.
MONEY & BANKING
The Cayman Islands dollar (CI$) is on a fixed exchange rate. $.80 CI equals $1.00 U.S. The U.S. dollar is accepted throughout the Cayman Islands at all stores and businesses. Credit cards and travellers cheques are accepted thoughout the islands.
Our local bank is the Cayman National Bank (CNB) with branches in West End, Cayman Brac and in Little Cayman at Village Square in Blossom Village. CNB provides a wide range of banking services inluding online banking, international money transfers and credit card services. The staff are all experienced professionals who will assist you with all your banking needs. There is also one automated teller machine located on Cayman Brac at the bank building. In Little Cayman, Cayman National Bank Representatives visit twice a week to provide banking services, Mondays and Thursdays from 9:00am - 2:30pm.
STOCKS
| Symbol | Price | Change | % Chg |
| DOW | 33.90 | -0.28 | -0.82% |
Quotes are by IDC Comstock and are delayed 20 minutes.
Fund prices are from Morningstar. |
Panama Canal Dock, Cayman Brac
***The Brac and Little Cayman are perfect for secluded vacations, romantic honeymoons and white sandy beach weddings. For more adventure, experience breathtaking rock climbs on our 140 ft bluff, bird watching with over 200 species of birds, superior snorkling, world classdiving, fantastic fishing and much more.
Edward Bodden Airfield Little Cayman, CAL Express in the background
IMMIGRATION AND TRAVEL
Guest to our islands are required to present a valid passport and must complete an immigration form upon arrival. There are presently no direct international flights to or from Cayman Brac and Little Cayman, however, scheduled flights to Grand Cayman are available on Cayman Airways, Continental Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Airlines, Air Canada, Air Jamaica and British Airways. Inter-island travel is provided by Cayman Airways Express.
TELECOMMUNICATION
The Brac and Little Cayman are serviced by a host of international telecommunication providers. If you are calling us internationally our area code is 1-345.
Mobile phone users can use the roaming facility or rent a unit from any of our local service providers. There is one Wireless Internet "hotspot" in Cayman Brac. This "hotspot" is located on the grounds of the Lime Office (formerly Cable and Wireless) in Stake Bay, next door to the District Administration Building. In Little Cayman there is one "hotspot" which is located at the Hungry Iguana next the airport.
For more telecommunication information call Lime at
345-948-2213 or visit
www.time4lime.com.
INTERNET OUTLETS
There are two internet outlets in Cayman Brac. One at the West End Post office, walking distance from the Gerrard Smith Airport and the other at the Cayman Brac Library which is adjacent to the District Administration Building, in Stake bay.
POSTAL SERVICES
There are six Post Offices thoughout Cayman Brac and one at the Edward Bodden Airport in Little Cayman. For more information visit website
www.caymanpost.gov.ky or contact Manager, Mrs. Estelle Stillings at the West End Post Office, telephone 345-948-1422.
The National symbols of our islands.
Silver thatch palm
Anthem - God save our Queen
Flag - Cayman Islands Flag
Bird - Cayman Parrot
Dish - Turtle Stew
Song - Beloved Isle Cayman
Dance - Quadrille
Flower - Banana Orchid
Tree - Silver Thatch Palm
RELIGION & CHURCHES
Stake Bay 
Baptist Church
Caymanians have been traditionally religious people, for centuries therefore it comes as no surprise that there are over 15 churches on Cayman Brac and 1 on Little Cayman.
Various demonitations include;
Baptist
Catholic
Holiness
Church of God
Seventh Day Adventist
Jewish
These churches have weekly programs and provide transportation to all services.
In the summer most churches hosts Vacation Bible School programs which are always well attended and very popular with the youth.
The Hillside Baptist Church
is located on the bluff road.
Services include Sunday School at 10 am and Sunday Church Service at 11 am and a night service is at 7pm. For transportation or more information contact Pastor Audley Scott on 345-924-7977 or 345-948-0345.
Seventh Day Adventist Church
is located directly across from the Port Authority Dock in the Creek.
Services include Sabbath School at 9:15-10:45am each Saturday.
Divine Service follows 11am -12noon.
Contact Pastor Victoriano Pomare at 345-948-0450 for more
information or to request transportation.
Stella Maris Cathlolic Church
Stake Bay
(White cottage next door to the Museum)
Call 345-917-7297
for more information.
GETTING MARRIED IN OUR ISLANDS
This information is designed primarily to give non-residents a guide to getting married in the Cayman Islands, but it will also be of assistance to residents. Couples wishing to marry during a vacation or a cruise ship stop may apply for a special licence. Under the law, the Governor grants special licences, and marriages may be performed as soon as applications have been processed. District Administration represents the Governor on Cayman Brac and Little Cayman. An appointment usually ensures that processing will take about half an hour.
Call 345-948-2222 to make an appointment.
The application, which must be signed by both persons, must give full names, occupations,permanent addresses and any current temporary address. It must also name the marriage officer who will perform the ceremony, state whether either party has been previously married, and confirm that there is no lawful hindrance to the intended marriage.
The couple may choose to bring the required documents to the specified Government office and make the application in person. Or, working with their marriage officer, they may fill out and sign the form, provide the necessary documents, and then turn the process over to the officer for completion.
The documents required are:
- Proof of identity, such as an original or certified birth certificate or passport;
- Cayman Islands international embarkation/disembarkation card or ship's boarding pass;
- Certified or original copies of divorce decrees/death certificates.
The fee of CI$150 (US$180), together with a $10 postage stamp, must accompany the documents. Stamps may be purchased from the government office or from any post office Applications should be filed at the Deputy Chief Secretary's office, on the third floor of the Government Administration Building, Grand Cayman, telephone 345-244-2222; or at the District Commissioner's office, Government Administration Building, Cayman Brac, telephone 345-948-2222.
The licence must be produced to the marriage officer performing the ceremony and becomes void if not used within three months.
General Information for Non-Residents and Residents The minimum age of legal marriage in the Cayman Islands is 16, however, anyone under 18 must have consent if he or she has not been married before. Consent can be given by the father or, if the father is dead, by a lawful guardian. If there is no guardian, an unmarried mother may give consent.
All marriages must be attended by a marriage officer and by two other witnesses. Marriages must take place between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m.Note that liquor licensing laws state that live music must not be played on Sunday in places licensed to sell alcoholic beverages.
Marriage Fees And Register Fees
To a Marriage Officer
For receiving a notice for banns - $5
For receiving an objection (payable by the party making the objection) - $10
For witnessing or solemnising a marriage (payable by one of the parties to the marriage) - $40
To a Civil Registrar
For receiving a notice of marriage - $5
For receiving an objection (payable by the party making the objection) - $10
For witnessing a marriage (payable by one of the parties to the marriage) - $40
Marriage Officers in the Brac are:
Mr. Joel Scott, contact number 345-916-0301
Mr. Audley Scott, contact number 345-924-7977
Mrs. Ivalee Scott, contact number 345-948-1576
The Brac Reef Resort offers wedding coordinating services, for more information visit website
www.bracreef.com or call 345-948-1323.
The Cayman Brac Heritage House is a perfect location for beautiful romantic weddings. With a choice of indoor or outdoor ceremonies overlooking the sea. Tables, chairs and kitchen facilties are provided, for an hourly rate of CI$15.00. Telephone 345-948-0563 or email
cbheritagehouse@candw.ky for bookings or information.
Cayman Brac Heritage House
FUEL SERVICES
There are two gas stations on Cayman Brac, one in Watering Place and the other at the West End. In Little Cayman there is one gas station located in the heart of town in Village Square. Gas prices in the Sister Islands are somewhat higher and is in the CI$4.00 per gallon range. Ships stop by monthly to deliver gas to our local Esso.
Propane is widely used in our islands for domestic and commercial purposes.
As we continue to become more environmentally friendly propane is gradually replacing electrity in areas such as heating water, cooking and drying.
Homegas Limited is our local propane supplier visit website
www.homegas.net or
call 345-948-1574.
WATER SERVICE AND SUPPLY
In 1991 the Water Authority completed the Cayman Brac Water Supply Project.
This project comprised the construction of a reservoir, a seawater desalination plant using the reverse osmosis process,and a piped water distribution system serving the west end of the island, the area where the airport and the main hotels are situated. A trucking facility was included to allow potable water to be trucked (by a Water Authority-owned tanker) to those parts of the island not provided with piped water.
The initial water storage capacity of 1,900m3 (500,000 US gallons) was increased in 1999 with the construction of another tank with 950m3 (250,000 US gallons) water storage capacity. The current total water storage capacity at the Cayman Brac facility is therefore 2,850m3 (750,000 US gallons).
The original installed production capacity of the reverse osmosis plant was 230m3/day (60,000 US gallons/day), which was expanded to 560m3/day (150,000 US gallons/day) in January 2003.
At present the Water Authority owns and operates four water trucks.
Overall water sales in Cayman Brac now average around 265m3/day (70,000 US gallons/day) or nearly 50% of the reverse osmosis plant production capacity. Nearly half of the water sales (120m3/day (30,000 US gallons/day)) is being trucked to customers outside the piped water distribution area.
The long range projects of the Water Authority include the extension of the piped water supply system in Cayman Brac, along the north-coast to Spot Bay and on the Bluff.
Little Cayman
To date no work has been carried out by the Water Authority in Little Cayman.
One of the long range projects of the Water Authority is the construction of a small desalination plant and storage reservoir in Little Cayman. It is anticipated that eventually the Water Authority will provide a piped water distribution system on Little CaymanFor more information telephone 345-948-1402.
ELECTRICAL POWER SUPPLY
The Cayman Islands standard voltage is 110v.
Our electrical power supply is provided by Cayman Brac Power and Light Company.
For more information telephone 345-948-2224.
While we hope that your stay on our islands will be enjoyable and
accident free, here is some useful emergency information.
Our Health Services Authority provides medical facilities through the Faith Hospital which is located in Stake Bay, Cayman Brac. This 18 bed facility features a modern inpatient unit, an operating theatre, maternity/delivery services, accident and emergency department, dental clinic, out patient clinics, pharmacy and a Public Health Department.
For more information you can visit
www.hsa.ky or in the Brac, call
345-948-2243 for information or appointments. In Little Cayman, there is a Medical office staffed by a full-timed nurse. A doctor from Faith Hospital visits the island every week. Call
345-948-0072 or
345-916-5395.
The Brac Clinic
This clinic is owned and operated by Dr. Charles H. Reid and is located in Tibbetts Square, West End Cayman Brac. Dr. Reid provides a wide range of medical services to Brac patients and visits patients in Little Cayman on the first Tuesday of each month. For more information visits Dr. Reid's Official website
www.bracmed.com or call 345-948-1777.
POLICE
The Royal Cayman Islands Police is committed to providing a first class service to the people of Cayman Brac and Little Cayman and to ensure that the Sister Islands remain a peaceful place to live and visit.
Chief Inspector Malcolm Kay is in charge of the Police Stations in Cayman Brac and Little Cayman. He is assisted by two Sergeants and fifteen Constables who are responsible for providing 24 hour community Service to our islands. On Little Cayman there are presently two Constables: Officer Coles and Officer Sheperd.
The Sister Islands Police officers work in close partnership with other agencies such as, Immigration and Customs. For enquiries and information visit
www.rcips.ky or call the RCIP (Brac) Secretary Ms. Venice Tatum at
345-948-0331.
In Little Cayman call 345-948-0100.
RCIPS Little Cayman Station
FIRE SERVICES
The Fire Department of our islands is called on to deal with a variety of incidents, such as aircraft accidents, fires, road accidents, situations requiring rescue techniques and fire prevention. Enforcement of safety standards. Enforcements of sections of the Building Code, Fire Code and other standards relating to the means of egress in buildings and general fire safety.
The department also plays a major role in Hurricane preparedness and also carry out rescue operations for any other emergencies if required.
There is one Fire Station is Cayman Brac, which is located adjacent to the airport, for in enquries or information call 345-948-1245 and one at the Little Cayman Airport, call 345-948-0011.
Little Cayman Airport & Fire Station
Remember in any emergency where human life is threatened always call: 911.