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Despite
the emergence of Grand Cayman as a major tourism
destination in the 1990s, don't go to the Cayman
Islands expecting fast-paced excitement. Island
life focuses on the sea.
Snorkelers
will find a paradise, beach lovers will relish
the powdery sands of Seven Mile Beach, but party-hungry
travelers in search of urban thrills might be
disappointed. Come to slow down and relax.
The
Caymans, 773km (479 miles) due south of Miami,
consist of three islands: Grand Cayman, Cayman
Brac, and Little Cayman. Despite its name, Grand
Cayman is only 35km (22 miles) long and 13km
(8 miles) across at its widest point. The other
islands are considerably smaller, of course,
and contain very limited tourist facilities,
in contrast to well-developed Grand Cayman.
George Town on Grand Cayman is the capital and
is therefore the hub of government, banking,
and shopping.
English
is the official language of the islands, although
it's often spoken with an English slur mixed
with an American southern drawl and a lilting
Welsh accent.
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. This article presents a unique look
at the island, through the eyes of a local,
and provides important information for those
considering Cayman Brac for their next vacation.
History
and Background
Cayman
Brac, commonly referred to simply as the Brac,
has a total land area of 14 square miles (approximately
1 mile wide by 14 miles long) with a distinguishing
cliff, or bluff ("Brac" is Gaelic
for "Bluff") running through the center.
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. It was this prominent
bluff that allowed Cayman Brac to be the first
of the Cayman Islands sighted by Christopher
Columbus in 1503. It was Columbus' fourth and
final voyage to the Americas when he stumbled
across the islands he named "Las Tortugas"
(The Turtles).
The ship's log stated that they were in sight
of land surrounded by turtles, both on land
and in the water, so-much-so that it was for
that reason the islands were first named "Las
Tortugas." For years afterwards the islands
remained uninhabited, visited only by passing
ships or pirates seeking to hide their treasure.
Later, 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). The first settlers
in the islands were deserters from the British
navy, stationed in Jamaica. Up until the turn
of the century, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman
grew in population leaving their larger sister
relatively undeveloped. The Cayman Islands produced
some of the world's finest seamen. While the
men were off at sea, the women essentially ran
the islands. The strong role of women is still
evident in the islands today. In the 20th century,
Grand Cayman has grown up into a very popular
hotel and banking center, Little Cayman has
fallen back into its sleepy way of life, while
Cayman Brac has developed a nice mix of both
worlds.
The
Brac Today
Cayman
Brac has evolved slowly over the past century.
E-mail, fax, cell phones, and the latest technology
can all be found here, but a laid back atmosphere
ensures that both locals and visitors enjoy
a peaceful and relaxing island. There are no
shopping malls, fast food restaurants or large
business districts. Instead, Cayman Brac offers
natural beauty, friendliness and some of the
best diving anywhere. Each year Cayman Brac
welcomes eager tourists to its shores. They
come in search of spectacular diving, relaxation
and an exotic destination.
Residents
of the islands enjoy a high standard of living
with the noted benefit of no income taxes. Unemployment
is practically unheard of and with the increase
in construction, and the related population
growth, jobs are plentiful. Economic growth
in Cayman Brac has been pushed forward with
the help of the Cayman Islands Government in
an attempt to promote business and tourism on
the island.
Little
Cayman
Prepare
yourself for a truly unique experience if you
decide to visit Little Cayman.
With
a population of less than 100 people, this tiny
island of approximately 10 square miles is not
much smaller than Cayman Brac. It plays host
to a wide variety of exotic plants and birds,
as well as to iguanas and other wildlife, and
is a nature lovers paradise. The avid bird watcher
will be sure to visit Booby Pond, where a colony
of several thousand Red-Footed Boobies nest.
Most
visitors to the island arrive on a live aboard
dive boat or a small plane courtesy of Island
Air, which provides regular flights between
the three islands. There is no paved runway,
only a grass landing field, but that only enforces
the reality of an isolated island getaway but
to experience a Little Cayman vacation does
not mean having to give up the comforts of home.
Even though the population is sparse you'll
find a reliable electricity supply, state of
the art telecommunications services and excellent
accommodations. Most of the resorts offer guests
the expected vacation pleasures of an island
resort including diving and sport fishing.
If
you decide to spend a portion or all of your
vacation on Little Cayman you won't be disappointed
and fond memories surely await you. Continue
to check this page for additional information
about Little Cayman and vacation possibilities
there.
Links
& Sources:
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