Welcome to Little Cayman

The smallest of the Cayman Islands, Little Cayman was the first to be settled by turtle fishermen in the 1600s, although it was not until 1833 that permanent settlers established Blossom Village. By the early 20th century, several hundred people earned their living trading in phosphate ore, coconuts and marine rope. The great hurricane of 1932 caused much destruction and in the wake of it many people left. By the late 1950s, the population was down to a mere 12 people.

Cayman Airways Express fly to Little Cayman from Cayman Brac and Grand Cayman several times a day.

One main road circles the Island, hugging the coast so you may want to hire a car, SUV or scooter to explore. Alternatively, many of the resorts have complimentary bicycles available, although it is unlikely that you will rent anything for more than a day as your resort will pick you up from the airport. Take it slow – iguanas have the right of way on the roads and have their own crossings, (you will see signs indicating this), and anyway the speed limit is a gentle 25mph. Points of interest are sign-posted along the way so stop to explore frequently and enjoy views of the largely undeveloped coast and the Caribbean Sea.

Discover unspoiled beaches dotted around the coast. The prettiest is Point of Sand, a true desert island beach with white sand and turquoise waters. Almost always deserted, you will find a tiki hut for shade and a couple of sun loungers.

Kayak or take a boat over to Owen Island, a picture-perfect island idyll. This tiny uninhabited islet lies about 200 yards off the south shore and is surrounded by white sand and the clearest blue water. Bring a picnic and spend the day exploring your own deserted island!

Hop on a bike for a gentle bicycle ride (hotels usually offer them for free to guests) and follow an eight-mile loop around the Island. Stop along the way at wildlife viewing stations or viewing spots.

Hike along the Salt Rock Nature Trail, a historic right of way between Blossom Village and the north shore. Keep an eye out for birds, iguanas, butterflies and native flowers and orchids.

The Hungry Iguana at Paradise Villas offers an à la carte menu and a sports bar. The restaurant serves a mix of American fare, pizzas and delicious curries.

At Little Cayman Beach Resort choose from Beach Nuts Bar which offers a full American style menu or Birds of Paradise restaurant inside that offers a buffet style menu.

Southern Cross Club’s restaurant serves an eclectic blend of international and Caribbean cuisine. The hotel does not allow guests under 10 years old.

Seahorse Boutique and Coffee Shop serves breakfast and lunch as well as fresh coffees and delicious baked goods. They also have a little boutique selling jewellery, clothing and locally made gifts.

There is a well-stocked grocery store in which you can buy bread, milk and other basics, fresh produce, BBQ essentials, frozen food and more! There is a good liquor store next door. Many residents and visitors that are staying in private cottages will also bring a cooler full of fresh food with them from Grand Cayman.

Dive the world famous walls of Little Cayman. Sheer drop offs, exceptional visibility and abundant marine life have made Little Cayman one of the leading diving areas in the world. Most famous is Bloody Bay Marine Park and Jackson Wall on the north side, although the dive sites on the south side are equally as impressive.

Snorkel some of the best sites in the Caribbean. Swim out over the famous Bloody Bay Wall drop off and peer over the underwater precipice into the deep blue abyss. Jackson Bay and Preston Bay also offer excellent snorkelling, however, only strong swimmers should attempt theses sites.

Fishing is extremely popular and you can expect to catch tuna, wahoo, mahi mahi and marlin. Flyfishing along the Island’s many shallow flats is also very popular. South Hole Lagoon and Owen Island are well known spots for bonefish. Tarpon Lake is an inland lake where a school of tarpon have been trapped since a storm cut off access to the sea. Experienced guides are available at the Southern Cross Club.

Thousands of migratory birds pass over Little Cayman making it a popular birdwatching spot. The National Trust’s Booby Pond Nature Reserve is home to the largest breeding colony of Red-footed Boobies in the Western Hemisphere. Over 20,000 Boobies breed here, as does a large colony of frigates. There is a viewing deck, with telescopes, to watch the herons, ducks, warblers, plovers, sandpipers and other birds dip and dive.

There are few places in the world that invite you to relax as completely as Little Cayman does. Find a hammock, grab a book and sway gently to the sounds of the waves and the wind in the palm trees.

Little Cayman, being a serene haven for both locals and visitors, similarly has minimal commerce to preserve its beauty. It is recommended to stock up on necessities before leaving Grand Cayman, especially if you won't be staying at one of the resorts.

Although, there are a few places on the Island, outside of the resorts, where you can find groceries, basic home and garden supplies, as well as wine, beer, and spirits. One thing it's important to note is that their inventory can be affected by the weather conditions, as supplies come in by a weekly barge.