Cayman Brac Island

Cayman Brac Island is one of the Cayman Islands, located approx 145 km (90 mi) northeast of Grand Cayman Island and only 8 km (5 mi) east of Little Cayman Island. All Cayman Islands are British Overseas Territories (British Crown Colony / Dependencies).

The island is served by the Charles Kirkconnell International Airport (CYB). Cayman Brac has length of 19 km (12 ml) and width (average) of 2 km (1,2 ml). Population is around 1200, and similar is the number of daily visiting tourists. The island was uninhabited when discovered for the first time in 1503 by Columbus. The name "brac" in Gaelic means "bluff", as "The Bluff" is its fmost prominent feature (see the photo below). This is a rocky outcrop of karstic limestone steadily rising along the island's length towards the east. At the eastern end, The Bluff reaches a height of 43 m (141 ft) above sea level - Cayman Islands' highest elevation point.

Among the most prominent wildlife species found in the surrounding waters are Green Sea Turtle, Howuksbill Turtle, Hawksbill Turtle, Nurse Shark, Manta Ray, Southern Stingray, Queen Conch (sea snail), Triton's Trumpet, Hermit Crab.

Due to the global Coronavirus crisis, in 2020 (March 31st) the Cayman Islands officially closed borders. The policy also affected cruise ships, which were banned from docking at its ports through January 2022.

• In July 2021, the Cayman Islands Government announced a 5-phase reopening plan, with January 27, 2022, being the date when all tourists will be allowed to visit the country (without quarantine periods or travel restrictions).
• The cruise shipping industry effectively ceased operations in the country for 21 months (in the period April 2020 through February 2022).
• According to FCCA data (Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association), in 2019, Cayman Islands were visited by 2+ million cruise tourists.

Cayman Brac Island cruise terminal