7 Best Sights in Cayman Brac, Cayman Islands

The likeliest place to spot the endangered Cayman Brac parrot—and other indigenous and migratory birds—is along this National Trust hiking trail off Major Donald Drive, aka Lighthouse Road. Prime time is early morning or late afternoon; most of the day they're camouflaged by trees, earning them the moniker "stealth parrot." The loop trail incorporates part of a path the Brackers used in olden days to cross the Bluff to reach their provision grounds on the south shore or to gather coconuts, once a major export crop. It passes through several types of terrain: old farmland under grass and native trees from mango to mahogany unusually mixed with orchids and cacti. Wear sturdy shoes, as the terrain is rocky, uneven, and occasionally rough. The 6-mile gravel road continues to the lighthouse at the Bluff's eastern end, where there's an astonishing view from atop the cliff to the open ocean—the best place to watch the sunrise.

Just north of the airport, the rocky stretch is somewhat rough, but the snorkeling is sublime; you'll recognize the area when you see the 1860 windlass (winch) of SS Kersearge in the ironshore. Amenities: none. Best for: snorkeling.

A diverse, well-displayed collection of historic Bracker implements ranges from dental pliers to pistols and pottery. A meticulously crafted scale model of the Caymanian catboat Alsons has pride of place. The front room reconstructs the customs, treasury, bank, and post office as they looked decades ago. Permanent exhibits include those on the 1932 hurricane, turtling, shipbuilding, and old-time home life. The back room hosts rotating exhibits such as one on herbal folk medicine.

An acre of beautifully landscaped grounds dotted with thatched gazebos and fountains includes an old-fashioned well and tannery as well as Cola Cave (used to shelter the former estate owners during hurricanes), with informational panels. The main building, though new, replicates a traditional house; the interior has a few displays and videos depicting Brac history, but the most fascinating element is watching local artists at work. It's a great resource for books on natural history and Caymanian crafts. Daily slide shows, various cultural events, and talks by visiting naturalists are often scheduled. Call before visiting to make sure that the house is open.

The beach by Cayman Breakers is fairly wide for this eastern stretch of the island. Start clambering east underneath the imposing bluff, past the end of the paved road, to strikingly beautiful deserted stretches accessible only on foot. The water here starts churning like a washing machine and becomes progressively rockier, littered with driftwood. Locals search for whelks here. Steps by the Breakers lead to shore dive sites. Flocks of seabirds darken the sun for seconds at a time, while blowholes spout as if answering migrant humpback whales. Don't go beyond the gargantuan rock called First Cay unless you're a serious rock climber—the sudden swells can be hazardous. Amenities: none. Best for: solitude; walking.

Roughly 2 miles east of the Brac Reef and Carib Sands/Brac Caribbean resorts, just past the wetlands (the unsightly gate is visible from the road; if you hit the Bat Cave you've passed it), lie a series of strands culminating in this beach, relatively deserted despite its name. The surf is calm and the crystalline water fairly protected for swimming. There are picnic tables and showers in uncertain condition. Snorkeling is quite good. Amenities: showers. Best for: snorkeling.

The central section of the south coast features several lengthy ribbons of soft ecru sand, only occasionally maintained, with little shade aside from the odd coconut palm, no facilities, and blissful privacy (aside from some villas). Amenities: none. Best for: solitude; swimming, walking.