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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.

 

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.

 

Marked NatureTrails

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 Brac Museum 

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.

 

About Little Cayman

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.

  

 

 

Little Cayman Maritime Museum

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".

 

 

 

National Trust Booby Pond Nature Reserve

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.

 

 

Cayman Rock Iguana's

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.