Owen Island

Owen Island sits about two hundred metres off the southern shore of Little Cayman in the shallow lagoon of South Hole Sound, eleven acres of sand, sea grape and casuarina with a beach on the landward side and nothing at all on it. The water between is waist to chest deep, so people wade, swim or paddle across in a few minutes, and once there the island is usually empty. It is a nature reserve, so nothing may be taken and camping is not permitted, and the shallow lagoon around it is a nursery for reef fish and holds conch and rays.

What you actually see

• The crossing - a short swim or paddle over shallow lagoon.
• The empty beach - eleven acres with nothing on it.
• The lagoon - shallow nursery water with rays and conch.
• The view back - Little Cayman's south shore across the sound.

When to go

November to May is the calmest and clearest. Mornings are flattest for the crossing. Kayaks are available through the resorts on the shore opposite. It is almost always empty.

Honest expectations

There is nothing on the island: no shade beyond the trees, no water, no facilities. It is a reserve, so nothing may be removed including shells. The crossing is short but it is open water and the wind picks up in the afternoon. Sandflies on the beach can be severe.

Nearby

Blossom Village is on the shore opposite; Point of Sand is at the island's eastern end.