Little Cayman is the smallest of the three islands that make up the Cayman Islands. Located about 75 miles (120 km) northeast of Grand Cayman and five miles (8 km) west of Cayman Brac, Little Cayman is inhabited with a population of less than 170 people and is about 10 miles (16 km) long with the highest elevation of about 40 feet (12 metres).
The History of Little Cayman
Christopher Columbus is credited with the first official sighting of Little Cayman, along with Cayman Brac, back on May 10, 1503 when heavy winds forced his ship off course on his fourth and final vogage. At the time, he named them ‘Las Tortugas’ due to the many sea turtles inhabiting the islands. It wasn’t until later the group of islands were renamed ‘Las Caymanas’ for the iguanas living there that were mistakenly thought to be caimans.
Little Cayman Scuba Diving
One of the things Little Cayman is famous for is scuba diving. Bloody Bay and Jackson’s Bight, both located on the north side of the island, are the most famous dive sites.
Bloody Bay, which got its name from a pirate battle that left the water bleeding red, is consistently ranked as one of the world’s best wall dives with the ocean floor; the drop-off begins at a depth of 18 feet and plumets to approximately 100 feet or 314 meters. It is also protected from fishing/anchoring, as well as from the prevailing winds, so surface conditions are usually calm with little or no current.
Jackson’s Bight is just as amazing at Bloody Bay, characterized by a shallow, near-shore miniwall bordering an angled sandy area at between 35 and 50 feet or 11 to 15 meters. Except for a few conch and the occasional southern stingray searching for food, your first look at the Jackson’s Bight sand flats appears empty. On closer examination, you will soon see this is not just a barren desert under the sea. You will easily find garden eels, sand tilefish, peacock flounders, yellowheaded jawfish and other unique bottom dwellers.
If you want to explore the island above the water, Little Cayman is as rich with birds as its sister island, Cayman Brac. You can also view inland lakes and ponds and the West End and East End Point lighthouses, along with extensive hiking trails along the Salt Rock nature trail. There is one car rental facility and one à la carte restaurant/advance-reservation dining at four local clubs and resorts.
As you can see, your trip to Little Cayman is mostly centered around scuba diving, not bar hopping or seeeking out the best restaurants. This is truly a diver’s paradise and if you want a story to take back home to your friend, come scuba diving in Little Cayman.