About Cayman Brac

Cayman Brac is the second largest of the three Cayman Islands. It is home to some 1,500 residents and supports a thriving tourism market. The island is unique in the Caribbean and offers a great destination for those seeking something different.

Cayman Brac, commonly referred to simply as the Brac, is 12 miles long and over 1 mile wide with a distinguishing bluff running through its center. Brac is Gaelic for bluff. This bluff starts at sea level on the west end of the island, and rises to about 140 feet at the eastern tip of the island.

The bluff allowed Cayman Brac to be the first of the Cayman Islands sighted by Christopher Columbus in 1503. On Columbus' fourth and final voyage to the Americas he stumbled across these islands which he named "Las Tortugas" (the turtles). The ship's log stated that they were in sight of land surrounded by turtles, both on the land and in the water."

For years afterwards the islands remained uninhabited and visited only by passing ships or pirates seeking to hide their treasure. The mistaken identification of the large numbers of local iguanas for alligators resulted in the islands being renamed the Cayman Islands (after the Caymanas alligator).

Cayman Brac has evolved slowly over the past century. The island offers natural beauty, friendliness and some of the best diving anywhere in the world. Each year Cayman Brac welcomes eager tourists to its shores. They come in search of spectacular diving, relaxation and an exotic destination.

Cayman Brac's greatest attraction is its surrounding waters. Marine life of all shapes and sizes abound in these clear, warm waters of the Caribbean. As such, diving is perhaps the island's most famous attribute. With so many dive sites to choose from divers find themselves amazed by the variety.

The natural beauty of Cayman Brac is astounding. The bluff, with its assortment of flora and fauna, is a must for nature enthusiasts. Cayman Brac is a haven for many species of birds and has become a stopping point for many as they migrate.

Caves, rumoured to still contain pirate gold, dot the landscape and Caymanite, a stone found only in the Caymans, can be found in crevices in the limestone. Parrot trails and nature parks have been set up to help ensure that the natural environment of the island is well protected, while providing visitors and locals with a great opportunity to explore this unique facet of Cayman Brac.

A tiny jewel in the Caribbean, Cayman Brac offers much more to visitors than can be imagined by its size.