Making the most of Cayman Brac
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
One of the Cayman Islands' three islands, Cayman Brac provides a quieter, more rugged alternative to its more commercial neighbour, Grand Cayman. It is recognised for dramatic cliffs, diving locations and a relaxed atmosphere.
Because Cayman Brac has no large cruise terminal, visiting ships normally anchor offshore. Tenders carry passengers to land, usually reaching the small pier at Stake Bay, the island's principal settlement.
The Bluff, or Brac, gives the island its name. This striking limestone ridge rises through the eastern part of Cayman Brac, with walking trails that provide wide-ranging views and opportunities to see local wildlife.
At Cayman Brac's eastern tip, the Lighthouse occupies the island's highest point and looks out across both land and ocean.
Getting around
Cayman Brac's clear water and coral reefs make it renowned for reef diving. Many sites are accessible, including wrecks such as the Russian frigate MV Captain Keith Tibbetts.
Several attractive sandy beaches line Cayman Brac, including Public Beach near Stake Bay.
Brac Parrot Reserve protects 282 acres of connected land, largely covered by pristine ancient dry forest across extremely rough, rocky ground. Its diverse native trees support breeding Cayman Brac Parrots (Amazona leucocephala hesterna), alongside forest birds including Red-legged Thrush, White-crowned Pigeon ("Bald Pate") and Black-whiskered Vireo. During winter, neotropical migrant songbirds escaping colder northern climates also fill the reserve.