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Little Cayman - Fantasy Beaches and Ugly Iguanas

February 24, 2006

by beach_lvr from Dallas

Owen Island Off Little Cayman CoastMore Photos
Little Cayman is the kind of island that you dream about, but weren’t really sure existed. Before you even land on the tiny, mostly grassy airstrip, you might think you are living out an episode of "Fantasy Island." I kept waiting to hear Tattoo say "The plane, the plane."

The airport terminal/check-in counter consists of one tiny room located right next to the airstrip. Flying in on a tiny Twin Otter DC6 plane and landing on a short, grassy airstrip was kind of an adventure in and of itself.

This island is known for its incredible diving opportunities, but even if you’re not a diver, this island paradise is a wonder to behold. It’s a beautiful, pristine island ringed by beautiful, wide, white sand beaches. There is great visibility throughout the blue sky and in the turquoise-blue waters. The island is drenched in coconut palms, grape trees, gargantuan aloe vera plants, various tropical ivy plants (flowering), and yes, well over two thousand Iguanas. Visitors can take bicycle trips around the island to explore gorgeous beaches (many with no one on them other than you). Renting a jeep for 2 days to explore the island is also a good way that you can end your trip, without wondering what you may have missed on the bicycles.

If you’re looking for the wild bars and the exciting nightlife of Cancun, this is not the place for you. The population here is a whopping 100 people. There are 100 visitors to this island per day, and 100 residents. This is a more remote island, whereby you truly can find a stunningly white beach all to yourself with ease. Here you'll find romantic, unspoiled tropical landscapes; excellent diving; quiet, untainted, breath-taking beaches; snorkeling; friendly locals; a more primitive overall experience (without sacrificing conveniences of home); and the best rum punch you’ve ever tasted.

The only real restaurant outside the all-inclusive resorts is The Hungry Iguana. We loved the food and drink here!

Don't miss a day trip to nearby uninhabited Owen Island. The waters surrounding this island are the loveliest of all.

Bloody Bay wall is one of the most sought after dive spots in the world. I suggest not to miss it if you dive! Point of Sand and Bus Stop are said to be two of the best snorkeling spots. Snorkeling and dive gear is easily rented at any of the three resorts here.${QuickSuggestions} Ride bikes out to the subdivision with the brick signs that say "Mohagany." This subdivision is located on the southwest side of the island. Ride bikes straight to the back of the subdivision (there are few houses in this subdivision). When the street dead ends, break out the bananas and throw a few pieces onto the empty street. Wait a few minutes and about 10 large Iguanas will come out from the bushes.

Outside of the three resorts, there are really only one or two restaurants. One is located on the southeast end of the island, the other is very close-by to the airstrip (The Hungry Iguana).

The only commercial airline now serving passengers to Little Cayman is Cayman Airways. Island Air will only fly you to Little Cayman if you wish to charter their entire aircraft. Thus, Island Air is not an option unless you have a large group of travelers with you or are independently wealthy. A round-trip flight via Cayman Airways from Grand Cayman Island to Little Cayman Island will cost about $130, round-trip, per person. Cayman Airways limits each passenger to a total of 55 pounds of checked luggage, so pack lightly. The flight is well worth it, since they service this island only via a small twin otter plane. Experiencing this flight is unforgettable all by itself.

Sunscreen is extremely important here. You can get a burn here and not even feel it until the next day. It sneaks up on you.

Check out the one and only grocery store here. It's the tiny General Store which is a stone's throw from the airstrip. There is an adjactent gift shop, which is small but worth a look. The General Store is quite pricey, and prices there are in Cayman dollars. $1 in the Cayman Islands is only worth about .79¢. Everyone readily accepts the US dollar, and the General Store will accept your travelers checks. You will find sunblock, chips, cereal, fresh produce, bottled water (by the gallon or liter), aloe, first-aid supplies, cokes (pricey), ramen noodles, gourmet items, and much of what you would find in a small-pantry store.

If you have room, pack extra bottled water, mosquito repellent, and sunscreen. Bottled water here runs about $2 for a small bottle at the resorts.

There are few phones here, yet strangely, wireless internet and satellite TV are available.
${BestWay} With a population of only 100, and only three real resorts on this small island, you will find there are no car rental agencies here. You really only have two options… renting a bicycle, or shelling out $83 a day for a rusty jeep. We enjoyed the bikes provided to us by Little Cayman Beach Resort (the first 2 hours are free, $5 an hour thereafter). Feeling like we "had" to ride bikes (as opposed to paying $83 per day for a rusted out jeep) was actually wonderful. It really turned back the clock for us. We felt like kids again. We explored the island by bicycle and that is fairly easy to do since the island is only 1-mile wide and 10-miles long. The bonus is you get exercise in—plus a tan.

We were somewhat out of shape and only managed to bicycle perhaps 10 miles during the whole week, so we did break down at the end of our weeks stay and rented a rusty, rattling jeep to explore the parts of the island we had missed on bicycle. It was well worth it, though personally, I would not choose to rent a jeep for more than 2 days. In 2 days via jeep, you can see pretty much all of the island you want to.

There are no moped or motorcycle rentals here. Truly, all you have to choose from are bicycles or a jeep. There are only 40 cars on the island. There are vans from the all-inclusive resorts that pick up passengers from the airstrip (notify your resort in advance of arrival with flight arrival date and time).

If you would like to rent a jeep for around $83 per day (includes a temporary Caymans drivers license), contact:

McLaughlin Rentals
1-345-948-1000
or Email them at littlcay@candw.ky

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