I have revisited Little Cayman every year since I first landed there in the early 70s via CAL’s DC-3. This little paradise is special - when you think about it, any place where iguanas have the right of way and there are more hammocks than guest rooms must be unique.
Considering the global economic downturn, Little Cayman’s three major resorts are doing brisk business. During my last visit, Pirates Point Dive Lodge, Southern Cross Club and Little Cayman Beach Resort were running at near 100 per cent occupancy. The majority of the visitors are repeat guests who love Little Cayman for several reasons; number one being the tranquillity this little paradise has to offer.
At the Little Cayman Beach resort I joined a small group of guests at breakfast. They raved about the dive sites, the professionally run SCUBA operation and Chef Anthony humongous, tasty buffets. But the subject always came back to the true island experience they encounter on every trip to this little gem. A combination of palm-shaded beaches, abundant marine life and crystalline waters is the perfect blend for a Crusoe-ish holiday.
“If I want traffic jams, fast food outlets and sulky faces I could have stayed in Chicago,” said one very happy, sunburned visitor. Another added “I’m not a diver but I love this place. In my opinion the best thing about Little Cayman is the deficient of humans, too many humans can spoil paradise.”
I agree entirely with that New Yorker’s viewpoint – I’d rather see thousands of hermit crabs, booby birds and lizards than human beings. On account of its sparse population of about 115 and to escape the hectic lifestyle of the big island I make regular jaunts to Little Cayman. And of course there’s the fishing.
Though much of the coastline is either zoned as Marine Park or replenishment zones, which are a good thing, there is still plenty of shore to throw out a hand line for jacks, triggers and snapper. It’s difficult not to catch a fish on Little Cayman. If you care not to deal with the open sea, just rent a car or scooter from Perry McLaughlin and go inland where huge tarpon await your hook. These monsters would be more than happy to snap your monofilament line.
If I were lucky enough to be monarch of Little Cayman I would ban entry to all developers, cruise ships and those huge Greyhound tour buses that hog up Grand Cayman’s roads. Much like the Eastern Districts of Grand Cayman, Little Cayman is the last of what’s left of old Cayman. I can only hope that our tourism officials see it as I do and, most importantly, see it as our repeat visitors do, those who come back year after year to experience the bliss of Little Cayman. WH
H G Nowak is a regular contributor to what’s HOT – when not seeking solitude he performs at the REEF RESORT in East End weekly. Check out more of his travel stories on his web site –
www.barefootman.com