Little Cayman guidance

[Jake]

Going to little Cayman at the end of December for my honeymoon. Does anyone have guidance on how we can make the most of our time there? Top sites, etc?

Me too, staying at LCBR. See you there!

 

[ScubaBunga]

LCBR also rents bikes. It's a little island and a bike and a couple hours will get you around most of the island. I've been there twice - 22 years apart. Not a lot has changed. There are more dive boats, and they now have nitrox (I'm sure they've had it for a while, but they didn't when I first went). But the island is pretty much the same, the stars at night are still bright and if you bring a flashlight out on the dock at night and hit the eye of the tarpon, they still reflect like a laser beam. And of course the diving is awesome. Enjoy!

 

[scubadada]

Both times I was at LCBR, the bikes were included. Some were in disrepair or poorly adjusted, it pays to pick out a good one. If they still offer the tour of the Central Caribbean Marine Institute, take advantage of it https://reefresearch.org/

 

[bethie]

The bikes are included now, but look them over and make sure you get one that is decent- some are not. I would strongly recommend taking bikes and seeing some of the island, especially if you like birds. Seeing nesting Frigatebirds, Red footed Boobies, and all the other bird life there was as amazing as the diving to me.
Cayman Brac and Little Cayman :: Official Travel and Tourism Web Site :: It’s Yours to Explore :: Bird Watching

 

[KathyV]

Here is information about recent or in progress upgrades at all 3 Clearly Cayman resorts, including LCBR. There are fewer items listed for CBBR, but they went through a major remodeling in 2017.

With the release of our 2019 rates, we're making changes to provide guests even better experiences.

Little Cayman Beach Resort 

• Morning boat dives will include weekly trips over to Cayman Brac to dive the MV Captain Keith Tibbetts and another of their well-known dive sites without additional charge – weather permitting 
• Our new, expanded dive training and photo center will be in full operation 
• The use of our bicycles and watersports equipment (kayaks and SUPs) will be complimentary for all guests
• Our newly expanded lobby and indoor/outdoor dining room will be open for more comfortable enjoyment of meals 
• We have added accommodation/meals/diving package rates at The Club at Little Cayman Beach Resort. These are very nice villas with up to 3 bedrooms which make ideal accommodation alternatives for families and close friends who’d like to share common space. The Club is less than 5- minutes walking to the main resort where meals will be eaten and boarding dive boats will take place. Guests at The Club have the use of common areas of both properties.

Cayman Brac Beach Resort 

• Morning boat dives will make weekly trips over to Little Cayman to dive Bloody Bay Wall and another of their well-known dive sites without additional charge – weather permitting 
• The use of our bicycles and watersports equipment (kayaks) will be complimentary for all guests

Island Prime Restaurant at Cayman Brac Beach Resort​

• For a special occasion or just because you want to celebrate a great day of diving, make reservations at our new Island Prime restaurant with tableside service featuring nice appetizers, top-quality steaks and seafood, tasty sides, and mouth-watering desserts. While not included in meal packages, guests with dinners in their plan receive 25% discount off food. Island Prime is open Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday evenings.
  
  View Our Menu
  
  For Reservations
  Call 345-948-1323.

Cobalt Coast Resort on Grand Cayman 

• Daily afternoon 1-tank boat dives are now available as part of 2019 3-tank packages or may be added onto 2-tank packages for an additional charge.
• Shore diving off our dock remains available at no charge to guests on dive packages – weather permitting.
• Afternoon boat dives booked as part of a dive package also include trips to the Kittiwake and Stingray City without additional charge – weather permitting. 
• All rooms in our main resort now have new, individually controlled air conditioners to allow guests to manage their own in-room temperature. 
• During 2018 we have added a new shore diving preparation area, updated the pool, added a jetted hot tub, installed new pool decking, upgraded the outdoor dining area, and furnished rooms in the main resort with new furniture and linens.
• Look for more improvements in response to guest feedback to continue into 2019.

 

[scubadada]

I have stayed at all 3 of these resorts, and certainly would not mind doing it again. Now, if LCBR and CBBR would add a 2 tank afternoon trip, it might be nearly perfect.

I always have a car on Grand Cayman and like the shore diving at Cobalt, Lighthouse Point, and Turtle Reef. I know there is good shore diving off Brac, but would need a car. I don't know anything about shore diving off Little Cayman.

 

[Doctorfish]

There is excellent shore diving from the beach off Jackson's Wall and Reef.
Easy access from the road and into the sea.
I've done this dive with Reef Divers when they could not get their boats through the cut.
You might have trouble getting tanks if going on your own.

There is a buoy out at the wall so you can do a compass bearing and a reciprocal back.
Have not dived Bloody Bay from shore but it must be possible.

 

[jdcpa]

We will be on Little Cayman during that time period as well.

History tells me that you will most likely do most of your diving on the south side, not in the Bloody Bay Marine Park. Wind forecast through December 28 is mostly for ENE at about 15-20. You won't got around in that wind.

Water temps right now are 80-82. It gets a little chilly on the boat with the ENE winds, so take a sweatshirt or windbreaker.

Temps on land have been running high of 83-84 and lows about 80, but a little cooler as the fronts pass through.

Nothing wrong with the south side, it is just not Bloody Bay.

Take a picnic to Point of Sand, go to CCMI and buy a t shirt,

If you really want to go local, go to McCoy's for BBQ on Saturday night. (Don't go if you have 20 mph ENE winds.)

You will enjoy your trip. Relax and enjoy your time with your new wife.

 

[keyshunter]

I agree jdcpa.
After many many dives on north, west and south sides over the last 25 years, I prefer the wall dives on the south side. Because it has not been "loved to death" the coral is in better condition. I think that the main reasons that most people prefer the north side are that it has the well advertised Bloody Bay name and that on the south side, the top of the wall is deeper, and the safety stop must be done in open water instead of poking about on the shallow reef.

Ramon,
I will be there during that time as well. Since it is impossible to get lost. you and your bride can have a great time on a bike ride (select bikes very carefully). Remember that traffic (LOL) drives on the left side of the road, and Iguanas have the right of way.

Kathy,
The last I heard, the new lobby (old Mermaids) and dining room were scheduled to be open early Dec. Have you heard anything lately?

 

[KathyV]

...Kathy,
The last I heard, the new lobby (old Mermaids) and dining room were scheduled to be open early Dec. Have you heard anything lately?

Nothing yet, I would love to see pics of the new arrangements; please post photos.