Flying into Charles Kirkconnell International Airport in Cayman Brac puts you in a great spot, surrounded by sea cliffs, caves, and reefs close by. Cayman Brac is the easternmost of the three Cayman Islands, a narrow island about 12 miles long with a limestone bluff running along its spine. With around 2,000 residents, it is quiet, friendly, and far more rugged than Grand Cayman. Islanders call themselves Brackers, and the pace is set by fishing, diving, and long chats on the porch.

Standout experiences on Cayman Brac: - Hike to the top of the Bluff, which rises about 140 feet at the island's east end - Explore Peter's Cave, Bat Cave, and Rebecca's Cave - Dive the MV Captain Keith Tibbetts, a Russian-built frigate sunk as an artificial reef - Rock climb on the Bluff's sea cliffs, a rare sport in the Caribbean - Look for the endangered Cayman Brac parrot in the Parrot Reserve - Snorkel the reefs right off the shore - Learn about island life at the Cayman Brac Museum - Eat fresh fish stewed Caymanian style, and try heavy cake for dessert

Cayman Brac is an island, so day trips happen by sea or air rather than road. Little Cayman, its quiet sister island, lies about five miles west and is a quick hop by small plane, with some of the best wall diving in the Caribbean. Grand Cayman is a short flight away when you want shops and restaurants. Many Brackers still tell stories of the caves sheltering families during hurricanes, and the trails that link them are well marked and easy to explore. Come for the diving, stay for the stillness and the stars.