Little Cayman Island is the smallest of the three Cayman Islands, composed of coral and sand. It changed into not being electrified until 1990. This paradise island includes beaches, mangrove swamps, dense forests, and superb diving possibilities. The coral reefs, shipwrecks, and Bloody Bay Wall (one of the best wall diving spots within the Caribbean) will undoubtedly provide you with unforgettable experiences.
Little Cayman Island is a true paradise for nature lovers, with lush mangroves, pristine tropical lakes, and secluded ponds serving as a vibrant habitat for numerous local natural worlds. The island is home to more birds and reptiles than humans. For the ones looking to discover, there are secluded beaches, innumerable swamps, mangroves, salt ponds, and tropical forests full of orchids. Divers will locate several world-magnificence dive websites in the surrounding sea.
Map
| Name | Little Cayman |
| Country | Cayman Islands (British Overseas Territories) |
| Coordinates | 19°41′N 80°3′W |
| Area | 28.5 km2 (11.0 sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 |
| Population | 161 |
| Airport | Edward Bodden Airfield (Little Cayman Airport) |
History
On May 10, 1503, for the duration of Christopher Columbus' fifth voyage, due to robust winds, he became pressured off course, wherein he encountered several sea turtles. He named this island "Las Tortugas" (Spanish for "the turtles").
Little Cayman Island, the smallest of the Cayman Islands, was the primary agreement for turtle fishermen in the 1600s, although it wasn't till 1833 that everlasting settlers established the village of Blossom.
By the early 20th century, several hundred humans made a living via phosphate mining, coconuts, and the exchange of delivery ropes. Today, the population communicates English with their personal, unique Caymanian aptitude. The island additionally boasts a rich culture of rope-making, offering visitors a glimpse into its exceptional maritime history.
Things to Do on Little Cayman
Beaches
- Point of Sand Beach
There are few locations on Earth quite like Point of Sand, a secluded paradise positioned at the northeastern fringe of Little Cayman Island, offering clean perspectives of the nearby Cayman Brac Island. With its white sandy beaches and emerald waters, it presents a serene environment where visitors can experience moments of peace and calmness. Besides swimming and snorkeling in the heat shallow waters, birdwatchers also can admire the diverse seabirds that inhabit the region.
- Owen Island
Owen Island lies near the southwestern coast of Little Cayman Island. It is renowned for its crystal-clear, shallow, and heat waters, perfect for snorkeling and fishing. The beaches on the island are abandoned, with only beautiful white sands and lush green plant life.
Diving & Snorkelling
The pristine natural beauty of Little Cayman Island extends some distance past the attain of the waves. As one of the most iconic wall diving sites in the world, diving to the Cayman Islands might be incomplete without exploring Bloody Bay Wall. The nearly vertical cliffs and dramatic 90-degree drop of Bloody Bay Wall shape the most beautiful and awe-inspiring marine panorama in the Caribbean.
Compared to floating in space, diving along this underwater cliff is a breathtaking experience, with visibility regularly exceeding one hundred feet. The wall is teeming with marine existence, every inch seemingly full of vibrant, extraordinary corals, lovers, and sponges extending deep into the depths. Iconic vases, tubes, and elephant ear sponges are available in a lot of hues, from blood red and orange to the brightest yellows.
Here, small brittle stars, arrow crabs, Christmas tree worms, moray eels, and various vibrant coral fish discover haven within the many crevices and cracks of the wall. Larger coral reef predators, including the marvelous Nassau grouper, display little worry about divers and often apparently technique, providing high-quality photograph possibilities.
Fishing
Fishing is likewise popular in Little Cayman, with many shallow apartments becoming battlegrounds for fly fishing. You can capture marlin, barracuda, tuna, and bonefish.
South Hole Sound and Owen Island are well-known for their bonefish grounds. The Tarpon Lake is an inland lake in which a group of tarpons are trapped, imparting a unique experience.
Observing Rare Animals
Booby Pond Nature Reserve on Little Cayman boasts the most significant population of pink-footed boobies within the Caribbean and is specified as a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance. It covers 82 hectares (2 hundred acres).
Additionally, the island is home to the seriously endangered Little Cayman iguana population, which is currently decreasing to fewer than one hundred people. Little Cayman iguanas are spotted on the island without difficulty, with a boardwalk supplied for travelers to go to and observe every one of their nesting areas. There are caution symptoms for speed discounts as iguanas like to bask in the sun on some areas of the street.
Furthermore, Little Cayman Island is also home to significantly endangered hawksbill turtles and threatened West Indian whistling geese (Dendrocygna arborea), additionally called black-billed whistling ducks.
Little Cayman Museum
The Little Cayman Museum opened in 1997, showcasing objects from the island and different regions. Following that, the Maritime Museum was built in 2009. Admission is unfastened.
At the Little Cayman Museum, you may explore exhibits about Caymanian history, captivating underwater image shows, and rotating exhibitions of nearby paintings. There's additionally a habitat for iguanas at the lower back, and a museum group of workers (iguanas professionals) are satisfied to offer you a tour.
How to Get to
Cayman Airways operates several flights daily from Cayman Brac Island and Grand Cayman Island to Little Cayman.
Getting Around
Little Cayman Island functions as an essential coastal road wherein you might want to rent a car, SUV, or motorcycle to explore. To protect the iguanas, the rate restriction for all motors on the island is 25 miles in line with the hour. Follow the street signs to find out and admire most of the coastline and Caribbean Sea perspectives.
You can also kayak or take a boat to the picturesque Owen Island, surrounded by white sandy beaches and crystal-clear blue waters, where you can spend a day exploring your own abandoned island!
If you are staying at a motel in Little Cayman, they often offer free motorcycle rentals with the intention of experiencing the eight-mile loop street and taking part in the wildlife along the manner.
Of direction, you could also hike alongside the Salt Rock Nature Trail, preserving an eye fixed out for birds, iguanas, and butterflies, in addition to native plant life and orchids.
Best Time To Visit
Little Cayman's rainy season is from July to early November, with September and October being the wettest months. It's not recommended that you visit Little Cayman for the duration of these two months. However, May and June may additionally revel in rainfall.
The top season in Little Cayman is from December to April, which often brings heat and sunny weather with minimal rainfall. Little Cayman is bustling during this time, but with its long golden beaches and a couple of diving spots, there may be space for everyone.
Hotels and Resorts in Little Cayman
- Just Chillin in Little Cayman is located at the Head of Bay and features a private pool and loose WiFi, alongside complimentary non-public parking for guests arriving via vehicle.
This air-conditioned villa has two bedrooms, a flat-screen TV, and a totally ready kitchen. If you book with them, you can revel in diverse activities in Bay Head and the encompassing vicinity, including cycling.
- Conch Club Cottage is also positioned at the Head of Bay. It is a newly renovated villa wherein visitors can experience sports along with snorkeling, diving, and cycling within the surrounding place, in addition to enjoyment by way of the seashore. The villa gives bicycle and vehicle condominium offerings. Guests can also experience fishing and kayaking nearby.
All amenities of Blossom Village, together with restaurants, bars, purchasing facilities, grocery stores, hardware stores, liquor shops, museums, and the Booby Bird Observation Center, are within a five-10 minute stroll, making this cottage the perfect retreat.