Logistics · Destination Guide
Quiet walls, a legendary frigate wreck, and bluff-top adventure on the wild Sister Island
Updated Apr 26, 2026 • 26 sources
Use this travel brief to set arrival flow, local transit, and gear movement before you lock your itinerary.
Most visitors reach Cayman Brac by flying internationally into Owen Roberts International Airport on Grand Cayman, then connecting on Cayman Airways Express to Charles Kirkconnell International Airport on Cayman Brac. Direct or seasonal services can change, so verify current schedules before building tight connections. There is no liveaboard-style access pattern and no regular public ferry that replaces the inter-island flight for most travelers.
Charles Kirkconnell International Airport
CYB • MWCB
5 km to the main West End lodging and dive area • 10 to 30 minutesute drive depending on lodging
Cayman Brac's airport is the on-island arrival point for Sister Islands flights and any current direct service. It is close to the West End resort and dive-operator cluster.
Transport: Taxi, Hotel pickup, Rental car, Pre-arranged private transfer
Owen Roberts International Airport
GCM • MWCR
145 km by air from Cayman Brac • 25 to 40 minutesute inter-island flight after connection
Grand Cayman is the main international gateway for the Cayman Islands, with onward Cayman Airways Express service to Cayman Brac and Little Cayman.
Transport: Cayman Airways Express connection, Taxi or rental car during Grand Cayman layover
A rental car is the most flexible way to link the airport, dive operators, the Bluff, caves, Heritage House, and shore reefs. Traffic drives on the left. Taxis and hotel transfers can work for resort-based divers, but they limit spontaneous topside exploring. Confirm current visitor driving and license requirements with your rental company before arrival.
Visitors must present a valid passport or other approved travel document, a paid return or onward ticket, and may need proof of sufficient funds. The Cayman Islands Customs and Border Control service notes that many visitors can be granted entry for up to six months, but visa rules depend on nationality. Marijuana, THC, CBD gummies, vapes, edibles, and other controlled substances are treated under a zero-tolerance policy, so do not travel with them.
Pack certification cards, dive computer, mask, prescription items, and any camera essentials in carry-on. Inter-island aircraft are smaller than long-haul jets, so check baggage allowances for dive bags and camera cases. Local operators can usually handle tanks and weights, and resort-based operations can simplify rinse and storage. Bring your own SMB, booties, and exposure layer if you are particular about fit.
Cayman Islands Dollar (KYD)
The official currency is the Cayman Islands dollar. US dollars are commonly accepted in visitor-facing businesses, but change may be given in Cayman Islands dollars and exchange rates can vary by merchant. Credit cards are common at resorts, dive operators, and restaurants, while cash is useful for taxis, tips, and small purchases.
ATMs are available but less abundant than on Grand Cayman. Withdraw cash before heading into a packed dive week, and keep smaller notes for taxis, tips, and small shops.
120V • 60Hz • A, B
Sockets are North America-style. Travelers from higher-voltage countries should bring a plug adapter and confirm that chargers, camera batteries, and medical devices are dual-voltage before use.
Communications
Mobile service and resort Wi-Fi are generally workable, but coverage can weaken around caves, the Bluff, and remote edges. Check roaming plans or eSIM options before arriving, and do not rely on signal for cave exploration or isolated shore entries.
Language
English is the official and everyday language. Caymanian hospitality is friendly but reserved; clear scheduling, punctuality, and respect for local conservation rules go a long way.
Insurance
Carry dive accident coverage and medical evacuation coverage, especially because the recompression chamber is on Grand Cayman rather than Cayman Brac. For September and October trips, add trip interruption or hurricane-season coverage that protects flights, lodging, and prepaid dive packages.
Packing list
Pack a shorty or 3mm wetsuit, booties for shore entries, SMB, reef-safe sun cover, hat, reusable water bottle, insect repellent, trail shoes, small flashlight, and dry bag. Leave gloves at home for diving and snorkeling because they are prohibited under Cayman marine conduct rules.
