About Cayman Brac Island

Middle Sister of the Three Cayman Islands

Cayman Brac, Cayman Islands

Cayman Brac Island is the middle sister of the three Cayman Islands. It is a coral island surrounded by reef with a population of about 1,200 residents. It has changed very little since it was discovered in 1503 by Christopher Columbus. Despite its history of pirate adventure and hidden treasure, it remains a peaceful quiet hideaway - not only for divers and snorkelers, but also for sports fishermen, bird watchers, rock climbers, and those who just want to relax on their peaceful Cayman Brac vacations.

The Brac retains the distinct charm of the Caribbean of many years ago. Gingerbread details on pastel colored houses are the creations of local carpenters trained as woodcraft artists for shipbuilding. The quiet of the streets is broken only by friendly greetings and welcomes for visiting tourists on their Cayman Brac vacations. On the bluff, locals tend cattle and utilize the land for vegetable crops. Hikers will find unlimited areas to explore. The natural vegetation of the island includes many tropical plants and fruit trees - mango and papaya - as well as beautiful wild orchids.

Cayman Brac Island History

Listen to pirate tales of Black Beard, Anne Bonny and buried treasure. See where Brackers have sought refuge from storm and flood. Experience the breathtaking view from the lighthouse overlooking the Caribbean Sea and white sand Cayman Island beach below. Tour the local museum for an interesting glimpse of the Brac’s past.

The People of Cayman Brac Island

Cayman Brac is truly unique in its structure, as well as its population—a mixture of settlers from throughout the Caribbean, Europe and Africa. These friendly, warm “Brackers,” as they are called, welcome visitors to their island with open arms. The pleasant, uncomplicated lifestyle of the Brac surely must have some influence on the amicable attitude of the locals and has definitely been responsible for infusing some harried visitors with a healthy dose of mellow relaxation. Unlike its more developed sister, Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac has managed to remain relatively unspoiled, although the island is still modern enough to provide the comforts of home. The people of the island have always been linked to the sea, with many of the men leaving home to sail and others remaining to build ships.

Cayman Brac Vacation Safety

In our world today the issue of safety is of prime importance to everyone traveling. Cayman Brac is truly one of the safest, most crime free islands in the Caribbean. Our citizens take great pride in their friendliness, helpfulness and integrity. Come to the Brac and see how care-free your Cayman Island vacation can be!

Cayman Island Beach Scenery

Most of the island’s interior is highlighted by the bluff, a distinctive limestone cliff that juts up to 140 feet at the Brac's eastern end. The bluff supports a nature preserve boasting more than 150 species of birds and abundant flora and fauna, including the rare green parrot, iguanas, snow egrets and a variety of tropical plants and flowers - all to be seen and photographed at leisure.

Beach Landscapes

Brac Reef Beach Resort provides a Cayman Island vacation retreat away from the pressures of modern life while catering to the comfort of guests. On the beautiful southwest shore of Cayman Brac, the resort is like a little bit of paradise nestled among the palms, sea grape trees and lush tropical landscaping. In sharp contrast to this serene delicate scene is the Island’s eastern side with its spectacular 140-foot limestone bluff rising majestically and forcefully from the sea. The Brac lies in the middle of the sea, the exposed tip of an underwater mountain.

These islands differ from many others in the Caribbean in that they are limestone rather than volcanic in composition. Cayman Brac has a history of Scotch influence and takes its name from the Gaelic word “Brac,” which translates to “bluff.” All along the walls of Brac’s enormous cliff are the petrified remains of eons of marine life—fossilized corals and sea creatures immortalized forever in this monument to nature.

Cayman Island Vacation Transportation

A strong economy provides financial resources for the island, so roads are good and jet travel to Cayman Brac has been facilitated by the addition of a modern airport capable of accommodating Cayman Airways’ 737s, as well as their twin-engine fleet of Twin Otters.

Cayman Brac Island Diving

Rated as a premier worldwide diving destination by leading dive magazines, Cayman Brac is recognized for the unspoiled natural beauty of its spectacular marine environment and lovely Cayman Island beaches. Much of its coral reef has been protected for future generations to enjoy by its designation as a marine park by the Cayman Marine Conservation Laws. Shore diving off the white sandy beaches or iron shore is excellent.

Island Fishing

World-class bone fishing is found both inside and outside the reef. Light tackle spinning and fly-fishing the shallow flats for bone, tarpon and permit is second to none. Offshore fishing is a short boat ride out of the channel. Anglers can do battle with big game fish such as marlin, sailfish, kingfish, wahoo, tuna, and dorado dolphin aboard one of the several charter boats on island.

Cayman Brac Island Hiking

Opportunities for hiking and nature walks abound on Cayman Brac. Surrounding the island are well marked trails leading not only to a variety of dramatic caves such as Rebecca's Cave, Peter's Cave and Skull Cave, but easy to follow nature trails lead explorers to the bluff, its spectacular views, and a two mile long nature trail on the bluff adjacent the 180 Parrot Reserve.