The Rest of Little Cayman

On Little Cayman, Southern Cross is hardly the only game in town. There are several other choices, each with its own appeal. Most have their own dive operation. Pirate’s Point (345-948-1010; fax 345-948-1011) is run by Gladys Howard, a Tyler TX native who’s both an interesting character and a knockout chef. She’s studied with notable chefs like James Beard, and the meals at Pirate’s Point reflect her training. Lunch may be brie crepes or the like, and dinner’s likely to have seven courses. The rooms themselves, however, aren’t high-end accommodations, although they’ve been upgraded in recent years. It’s basically an adult B&B with diving, and dives are limited to 2 a day. H. Wayne Ferguson (Lawrenceburg IN) said of his December 1998 trip “still one of the best dive resorts in the Caribbean. Small resort, very laid back with great food every day and a small but friendly and competent staff.”

The fact that Little Cayman Beach Resort (phone 800-327-3835, 813-323-8727, fax 813-323-8827) is more like a U.S. motel than other island lodgings hasn’t dulled its appeal with divers. The food and accommodations are excellent, and their dive operation, Reef Divers, does three dives a day and keeps its divers happy. Elizabeth Urban (Madison WI) said of her March, 1999, trip “accommodations and buffet food excellent. Relaxing. Friendly staff and professional. Reef Divers handles your gear throughout stay.” In November, 1998, Bill Brown and Tanya Green wrote “stayed in Room 215, an oceanfront room. Fabulous, with microwave, refrigerator, sink, television, food at resort was abundant and tasty. Resort is beautiful and the staff is wonderful—always smiling. Reef Divers is excellent.”

Paradise Villas/Paradise Divers (toll-free 1-877-3CAYMAN, phone 345-948-0001, fax 345-948-0002) draws fewer divers, but reviews are positive. Lorri and Evan Wolfe (Colfax CA) said of their November, 1997, visit “Captain Tony and Phillip provided top service. The Hungry Iguana Restaurant has a great cook. Peace and quiet, personal service, no cattleboats.”

Conch Club Condos (800-327-3835, 813-323-8727, fax 813-323-8827) lack resort amenities, but on her June, 1998, visit Sunny Morrison (Littleton CO) described the condos as “great, spacious and clean. Beach cruiser bikes to commute to dive shop.” David and Nancy Smith (Cambridge MA) visited in March, 1998, and said “Conch Club 2 BR condos are huge, airy, with full kitchens, A/C, phone, and cable TV. 10 min walk/3 min bike ride from dive shop.”

Sam McCoy’s Diving Lodge (800-626-0496, 345-948-0026, fax 345-948-0057) is run by locals who know the area well, and the place tends to prompt hot or cold reactions from guests. Divers seem to love or hate it: nothing in between. Perhaps it’s that well-broken-in quality of a small lodge whose infrastructure has been adapted over the years to better fit people’s needs.

Other lodgings and contact information include: Little Cayman Cottage, Neptune’s Berth, Sunset Cottage, and Suzy’s Cottage: phone 800-235-5888, 345-945-4144; fax 345-949-7471.

Sea View Villa, phone 345-948-1007, 317-846-7017; fax 317-846-0217.