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Little Cayman Island is 87 miles northeast of Grand Cayman, five miles west of Cayman Brac, 480 miles from Miami and 90 miles south of Havana.  The island itself - 10 miles long and 1 mile wide - is blessed with 21 miles of spectacular coastline and, just offshore, incredible coral reefs teeming with over 150 kinds of coral and more than 500 species of fish.

First discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1503 and rarely visited (except for the occasional pirate) until recent times, Little Cayman is now a favorite destination of modern day explorers, photographers, naturalists and, of course, divers. The moment you arrive, you'll understand why.

Little Cayman is perhaps the closest thing to a private paradise one could ever hope to find. With just 50 residents, a few hotels and no stores or car rentals, Little Cayman is a quiet 11-mile stretch of land dotted with mangrove forests and salt ponds. Honeymooners will find total relaxation and privacy along the island's quiet, romantic shores. Adorned with colorful conch shells and sea fans, Little Cayman's powder-soft beaches are so secluded, the only sounds you hear are the ripple of the waves. Yet, life is not unexciting on Little Cayman.

Most visitors to the island arrive on dive boat or a small plane courtesy of Island Air, which provides regular flights between the three islands. There is no paved runway, only a grass landing field, but that only enforces the reality of an isolated island getaway but to experience a Little Cayman vacation does not mean having to give up the comforts of home. Even though the population is sparse you'll find a reliable electricity supply, state of the art telecommunications services and first rate accommodations. Most of the resorts there offer guests the expected vacation pleasures of an island resort including diving and sport fishing.

Divers of all levels come to explore Little Cayman's spectacular underwater world. Little Cayman is home to famous Bloody Bay Wall, starting at 18 feet and plunging vertically to 1,200 feet. Bloody Bay Wall lets divers explore the unmatched beauty of Little Cayman's colorful coral gardens, black coral trees, tropical fish and swaying sea plumes.

The deep end of a swimming pool gives you the heebie-jeebies? You may find yourselves more at home floating on top of the ocean with mask and fins. Because the reefs are so close to the surface and the waters have 200-foot visibility, snorkeling is just as riveting as diving. Pack up your gear and head for Point of Sand, a tiny, constantly shifting cape on the island's east end.

If you haven't logged in your deserted-isle picnic experience for the year, make your way to tiny Owen Island, so close to Little Cayman's shore that the energetic can swim or snorkel across (but most people take a boat). Prince Charles and a "friend" dropped anchor here for an isolated rendezvous recently, and upon your arrival you'll see why. Loll away the day in a natural lagoon with aquamarine waters and you'll be tempted to refuse your ride back.

Little Cayman is so flat that bicycling is effortless (as long as the wind is at your back). Not long ago, one marathon biker made the circuit in two hours. But for those who would rather spend the day meandering, you'll find a dozen sandy strands for stopping along the main road. Favorites include Bus Stop, marked by an abandoned bus, and aptly named Picnic Area, with tables and a private beach.

Although Little Cayman's growth has increased since becoming wired for electricity, the Island's timeless beauty is well-preserved. Little Cayman's relaxing atmosphere and unspoiled natural splendor remain very much intact while technological progress makes life here even more comfortable and convenient for those who live and visit. For now, paradise is safe on Little Cayman.

Prepare yourself for a truly unique experience if you decide to visit Little Cayman. With a population of less than 100 people, this tiny island of approximately 10 square miles is not much smaller than Cayman Brac. It plays host to a wide variety of exotic plants and birds, as well as to iguanas and other wildlife, and is a nature lovers paradise. The avid bird watcher will be sure to visit Booby Pond, where a colony of several thousand Red-Footed Boobies nest.

If you decide to spend a portion or all of your vacation on Little Cayman you won't be disappointed and fond memories surely await you.

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