Cayman Brac Bluff

Cayman Brac takes its name from the Gaelic for bluff, and the feature defines the island: a limestone ridge that rises steadily from the western end to a 43-metre cliff at the eastern tip, which by Cayman standards is a mountain. Caves riddle the bluff, several walkable and once used as hurricane shelters, and the endemic Cayman Brac parrot lives in the woodland on top. The cliff face has become a rock-climbing destination with bolted routes above the sea, unusual for the Caribbean, and the lighthouse trail at the eastern end gives a long view of nothing but ocean.

What you actually see

• The bluff-top trails - walks along the ridge to the lighthouse at the east end.
• The caves - Peter's Cave, Great Cave and others in the cliff face.
• The Brac parrot - the endemic subspecies in the bluff woodland.
• Rock climbing - bolted routes on the sea cliffs.

When to go

The drier, cooler months from November to May are best for walking and climbing on shadeless limestone. Hurricane season runs June to November; the island took a direct hit in 2008 and rebuilt. Mornings are the sensible hours for the bluff.

Honest expectations

The Brac is very quiet - a few hundred residents, a handful of places to stay and eat, and little nightlife. The bluff has unfenced edges and sharp ironshore limestone underfoot, so proper shoes matter. Caves are unlit; bring a torch. Climbing requires bringing your own gear as there is no shop on the island.

Nearby

Little Cayman a short hop away, and Grand Cayman by air.