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Cayman's Brac's
rugged 14 square miles retains the charm and friendliness of a traditional
seafaring community yet offers the country's most dramatic scenery. "Brac" is
the Gaelic word for bluff, the Brac's dominant natural attraction, a limestone
ridge which rises gradually from the west along the center of the island to 140
ft. at the eastern tip, plunging as a sheer dramatic cliff into the indigo
Caribbean below. It sculpts the landscape into unexpected vistas carved with
caves and covered with a startling variety of flora and fauna. Experience the
breathtaking view on the bluff from the lighthouse. Explore the enticing caves
and sinkholes, high above water. Wander through the woodlands filled with exotic
flowers and plants. Bird watching on the bluff is stunning. Frigate birds, brown
boobies, peregrine falcons and the rare Cayman Brac parrot can be spotted in
their natural environment. Just as fascinating are the Brackers themselves, a
warm and independent population of fewer than 1800. They take pride in their
homeland and enjoy sharing it with visitors. Small towns have names like West
End, Watering Place, Cotton Tree Bay, Creek and Spot Bay. Tropical flowers bloom
year-round in carefully-tended yards surrounding charming Caymanian style homes.
The Brac's special peacefulness refreshes - but its startling contrasts will
awaken your adventurous spirit! In Cayman Brac, diving is what attracts most
people to this small island. The newest attraction for divers is the wreck of
the 330 ft. M/V Captain Keith Tibet's, a Russian built Cuban naval frigate which
was sunk off the island's northwest coast in September 1996. It is already the
home for a variety of marine life. There are two other small wrecks off the
Brac's coast. Ashore, attractions include the Cayman Brac Museum at Stake Bay, a
variety of dramatic caves; such as Rebecca's Cave, Peter's Cave and Halfway
Ground Cave; nature trails; exploring the bluff and iron shore beneath it at the
eastern tip; small, charming homes restored in traditional seafaring
architectural styles - and the delightful people of this unusual community are
its main attractions. Fisherman will revel in shallow waters filled with
bonefish and deeper offshore waters teeming with game fish. For those simply
wanting to relax, indulge yourself in the solitude of quiet beaches. The
National Trust chapter has activities scheduled throughout the year. A one -
mile long nature trail on the bluff adjacent the 281 acre Parrot Reserve was
opened in July 1996. Bird watching has long been considered an excellent, and
under promoted attraction of this tiny island. There are over 200 bird species
in the Sister Islands. |
