The Cayman Brac Caves

The bluff that runs the length of Cayman Brac is limestone, and the sea and rain have cut caves into it at various levels, several of which are open and marked with steps up from the road. Peter's Cave, above Spot Bay, is the best known and was used as a hurricane shelter within living memory, most recently in 2008 when Paloma hit the island; it has a view along the northern shore from the mouth. Rebecca's Cave holds the grave of a child who died during the 1932 hurricane. Great Cave at the eastern end has bats and a large chamber. Torches are needed for all of them.

What you actually see

• Peter's Cave - a hurricane shelter with a view along the north shore.
• Rebecca's Cave - the grave of a child lost in the 1932 hurricane.
• Great Cave - the largest chamber, at the eastern end of the bluff.
• The bluff itself - limestone rising to forty-three metres.

When to go

November to May is the driest. Any time of day, though the climbs up from the road are hot in the middle of it. Torches are essential; the caves are unlit. Bats are present and should be left alone.

Honest expectations

The caves are undeveloped with no lighting and slippery uneven floors. The steps up to Peter's Cave are steep. Bat guano dust carries a small histoplasmosis risk in the enclosed chambers. There is no supervision. The hurricane shelter history is recent and not a curiosity to the people who used them.

Nearby

The parrot reserve is along the bluff; the lighthouse trail is at the eastern end.