There is more to the Cayman Islands than the well known Grand Cayman. The island chain is composed of the largest Grand Cayman, and the smaller "Sister Islands", Little Cayman and Cayman Brac. Here we will focus on our favorite "sister" and all she has to offer in the diving and lounging department.
The trip over to this tiny 10x1 mile island is all part of the experience. From Grand you will get on a twin prop Cayman Airways Express plane and fly over the blue waters of the Caribbean for about 40 minutes until you reach the coast of this tropical oasis.
Upon landing on the small but sufficient landing strip, you will see just how quaint this little island is. On the runway you are greeted by all the airport staff as they unload the baggage onto a cart and roll it 25 meters to the "arrivals" at the main airport office, which is also the firestation and postoffice. Yes that is right, one building to house them all.
In the main "town" of Blossom Village there are lots of accommodation to choose from. You can either stay in the popular Southern Cross Club or Little Cayman Beach Resorts if you want a hotel atmosphere, or The Club offers condos which are great to have the choice to cook. If you would really like to escape there are several rental houses scattered around the island that are also available for renting.
Once you have gotten settled into your home away from home it is time to do what Little Cayman offers more than anything else... chill time...
This can be done in various ways, sitting on a hammock while reading a book and staring at the sea is a most popular choice, however some might choose a lounge chair for book reading and staring, it is all really up to you.
If you are like me and need a little bit of action scattered through out your day you can rent a car and take a drive around the island. There are some really beautiful vistas, little roads to discover and flora and fauna to stumble across. There is a car rental on the island which makes the exploration easy.
As you spend you time on this minuscule island you will be surprised at the abundance of life there is hanging out around every corner.
Above is a photo of the Little Cayman Rock Iguana, it is indigenous ONLY to Little Cayman making it very unique on a global scale.
There are also land dwelling crustaceans like hermit crabs and land crabs. And of course birds that forage out at sea and also live in wetlands like the Boobie Pond. Some of the birds that can be spotted are ducks, Red Footed Boobies, frigates and various types of herons.
Wherever there is water there will be life and that goes for Little Cayman as well. The above Lemon Sharks and below Terns (sea gulls), take full advantage of the fishermen and their scraps that are discarded off the various docks on the island.
And now for the main event... one of the main attractions to this wee little island..... SCUBA DIVING!!
Little Cayman has numerous dive operators and dive resorts that make diving here a world class destination. Your day will start with a drive through the turquoise sound, out through the cut, and after a short boat ride away you will tie up to one of the many mooring balls that mark dive sites around the island. If you are a snorkeller you are in luck as the mooring balls are in very shallow water and it is easy to join the divers and hop in the water with them and enjoy the show from above.
Once you descend into the crystal clear water you are guaranteed to be awestruck by the dramatic drop offs of Bloody Bay Wall, and greeted by one or all of the following wildlife: curious turtles, friendly grouper, and reef sharks.
While you are on your dives keep your eyes wide open as once in awhile you will be graced with the presence of something really special like a sea horse, eagle ray or even a manta or whale shark.
The easy pace of Little Cayman is fun for people of all ages and people with all interests. From a romantic getaway or family reunion, everyone can enjoy a day out snorkelling, diving, hanging by the pool with a book or a trip around the island. If you have planned your stay at Silver Sands it is well worth a few days jaunt from Grand Cayman, "The Big City", to the smaller sister island where you can leave your doors unlocked and your shoes at home.
