Spelunking on Cayman Brac

Image: Brac360

You’re probably aware that there are great diving and snorkeling opportunities on Grand Cayman and Little Cayman. Well Cayman Brac offers something completely different, although you may still get wet.

If you stay on Cayman Brac you will have the chance to go ‘spelunking’. In other words you can explore ‘wild’ cave systems. You have to be quite fit, as you may be called upon to squeeze through narrow gaps, climb with or without ropes or wade through cold water.

Some people do this for the thrill of being the first to explore a new cave, others just to say that they were there.

Even now new caves and sinkholes are being discovered on Cayman Brac. Locals believe that pirates such as Henry Morgan or Blackbeard used caves to store their treasure, although no evidence has been found. The more usual use of the caves is to shelter from bad storms.

Spelunking can be dangerous, so most of the caves are closed to the public; however there are some gentler caves than most people will be able to visit, as long as they are suitably equipped.

If flying mammals don’t bother you, take a visit to Bat Cave, which is home to Jamaican Fruit Bats, as well as other wildlife such as owls.

Peter’s Cave offers you a stunning view of Spot Bay, but the climb can be tricky, even when using railings.

Great Cave has numerous chambers and can be found at Cayman Brac’s southeast end. It is the hardest of the open caves to reach.

So don’t forget your hardhat when visiting Cayman Brac!

John has completed the on-line training course provided by the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism, which included a trip to Grand Cayman and Little Cayman to visit various hotels, sample some of the restaurants and to take part in a selection of tourist attractions.

He was so impressed with the Islands that within six weeks of this trip he returned with his wife to renew his wedding vows.

He can be found at Holiday in the Cayman Islands.