Things To Do in Cayman Brac
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Cayman Brac Attractions
In Case of Inclement Weather: An Indoor Attraction
If it's raining outside (and even if it's not), history buffs might want to check out the Cayman Brac Museum, in the former Government Administration Building, Stake Bay (tel. 345/948-2622), which has an interesting collection of Caymanian antiques, including pieces rescued from shipwrecks and objects from the 18th century. Hours are Monday to Friday from 9am to noon and 1 to 4pm, Saturday from 9am to noon. Admission is free, but donations are accepted.
Exploring by Car
The Bluff is the island's most distinctive geographic feature. As mentioned before, the Bluff is a soaring limestone plateau rising 42m (138 ft.) above the sea, covering much of the easternmost point of the island. To drive up the Bluff, take Ashton Reid Drive, the one paved road that leads to the summit. The panoramic view over the south side of the Bluff is well worth the journey. If you suffer from vertigo, know that it is a sheer drop to the sea below. Many people choose to hike up the Bluff.
To become fully acquainted with the Brac's natural wonders, take one of the guided nature tours run by Cantrell Scott and Keino Daley, the government's tour guides. What they don't know about Cayman Brac isn't worth knowing. They can, for example, name all 50 to 60 species of birds that, at least for part of the year, land on Cayman Brac. Tours last about 3 hours and are free. Mr. Scott and Mr. Daley will join you in your car for the tour. Call tel. 345/948-2651 to establish a meeting time and place.
Cayman Brac Shopping
There isn't much here in the way of shopping on Cayman Brac. The best shop for souvenirs is Treasure Chest, Tibbetts Square (tel. 345/948-1333), which is a relatively easy walk from the airport landing strip. It's open Monday to Saturday from 9am to 5pm.
If you're staying at one of the resorts along the north shore, the Bayside Grocery, at La Esperanza, Stake Bay (tel. 345/948-0531), is sure to come in handy, especially if you're in a self-catering villa. There's a grocery store on-site at La Esperanza, plus a general merchandise mart, an electronics store, and a souvenir section.
Kirk Freeport, Kirk Freeport Plaza, Stake Bay (tel. 345/948-2612), is a small shop with a surprisingly wide range of merchandise, featuring everything from elegant coral items to china, jewelry, glassware, silver, and gold items, along with T-shirts and casual sports clothing. It's the best place for upmarket gifts on the island. It's open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 6pm.
The best place on the island to purchase liquor is Brac Freeport, West End (tel. 345/948-1332), which is open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 7pm.
Sharon's Hair Clinic, Tibbetts Square (tel. 345/948-1387), is the place to go for hair care. The salon is especially adept at braiding and is open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 7pm.
Cayman Brac Nightlife
Most visitors and islanders view hanging out at a bar and having dinner as an evening unto itself. Most travelers hit the sack early, preparing for their next day's adventure early in the morning. Don't expect allegedly "late-night" festivities to go much past midnight.
Except on the slowest of evenings, there's usually one spot that's hotter than any other because it's featuring a DJ or live band. The venues vary, but your hotel staff will usually know where to direct you to find the evening's best entertainment.
On Friday and Saturday nights, Aunt Sha's Kitchen, South Side (tel. 345/948-1581), turns into an island social center with music (mostly reggae and soca) supplied by a DJ, and an occasional happy hour.
Live music is often featured at the Bar at Brac Reef Beach Resort, South Side (tel. 345/948-1323) -- one of the island's most popular bars, especially with visitors. Monday night is the manager's party, Wednesday night is karaoke night, and Thursday is movie night. Nonguests are always welcome. It's open from 11am to 1am daily.
Coral Isle Club, South Side, east of Denis Point (tel. 345/948-1581), is the island's top karaoke bar, with a DJ on Wednesday through Saturday nights. The bartender's specialty is a Blue Lagoon, made with tequila and vodka and costing CI$5. The bar is open daily from 7:30am to 11pm.
For a good time on Friday and Saturday nights, join the islanders filing into the previously recommended hotel, restaurant, and bar La Esperanza, Stake Bay (tel. 345/948-0531). Dig into mounds of barbecue or jerk chicken prepared by the owner himself, Bussy, and enjoy the island band that often plays on weekends. On other nights, a blaring jukebox is responsible for the music, which can range from top tunes of the 1940s to calypso. The inside lounge has a full bar, TV, pool tables, and a seaside ambience. It's open daily from 9am to 1am.
