Little Cayman Means Lots of Privacy

by Paris Permenter & John Bigley

Just 80 miles northeast of Grand Cayman but worlds apart in terms of atmosphere, Little Cayman is tailor made for couples looking for secluded scuba diving, fly or tackle fishing, and nature appreciation. Appropriate to its name, Little Cayman spans only 11 miles in length and two miles at its widest point. Boasting none of the glitz of Grand Cayman, Little Cayman does greet lovers with all the basic comforts, including several small lodges and condominiums with air-conditioning, satellite television, and telephone service.

With just over 100 permanent residents, the island's largest population is that of birds and iguanas. Over 2,000 Little Cayman Rock Iguanas inhabit the island, so many that "Iguana Crossing" and "Iguana Right of Way" signs are posted throughout the island to protect the five-foot long lizards.

Setting up your home away from home on this tiny isle is an esy order: small resorts and condominiums make up the accommodations offerings. The largest complex is the 40-room Little Cayman Beach Resort. A favorite with divers, the resort includes a resort-owned and managed dive center. And you can even process your photos (including your underwater shots!) right on property at the photo and video center. The property has a spa for pampering treatments and plenty of quiet beach for long, romantic strolls.

Another choice is the all-inclusive Pirates Point, a 10-room property that includes four dive instructors as well as fishing guides. Divers and anglers also choose McCoy's Diving and Fishing Lodge, with two dive boats to transport visitors to the 22 dive sites around the island.

Some couples like the self-sufficiency of a condominium. Conch Club Condominiums is the island's newest development; the complex offers two- and three-bedroom units. Paradise Villas features one bedroom villas with living room, kitchen, and a seaside deck; the island's only standalone restaurant -- the Hungry Iguana restaurant -- is right on property.

You won't find the duty free shops and non-stop action of Grand Cayman on this tiny isle, but what you will find is peace and quiet. Little Cayman is a favorite with ecotourists who come to dive the island's Bloody Bay Wall, to watch the skies for frigate birds, to ride bicycles around the perimeter of the island, to take a picnic lunch over to tiny Owens Island, or just to do nothing at all.