Edward Bodden Airstrip, on the southwest end of the island, handles incoming flights. Once here, there's little need for a vehicle, though you might like one for a day. McLaughlin Rentals (ph 345/948-1000) rents Suzuki jeeps starting at US$75 per day. You can easily drive around the island in an hour.

Bicycles, available at most properties, are the best way to get around. (phone 345/948-0021)

Hotel rates are based on double occupancy during high season, some including various meals, activities, taxes and services charges; check with each property to confirm what the rates include. Most of the properties have fewer than twenty rooms, and can feel quite cozy.

Conch Club Condos Blossom Village ph 345/948-1033 or 1-800/327-3835, These two- and three-bedroom condos sit right on the beach. Guests can use any of the facilities and partake in the meal at the sister hotel nearby. Conch Club itself has two pools, a dock and a Jacuzzi. US$375 for up to four adults.

Little Cayman Beach Resort Blossom Village phone 345/948-1033 or 1-800/327-3835, The island's only two-storey hotel, complete with spa, dive and photo shop, and fitness room. The rooms away from the bar are quieter at night. Rates begin at US$316 for two with modified meal plan (breakfast and dinner). US$250 +.

McCoy's Diving and Fishing Lodge Bloody Bay phone 345/948-0026 or 1-800/626-0496, The McCoys, among the few island-born families, run a rustic and economical lodge catering to anglers and divers. Elder Sam McCoy is probably the finest bone fisherman on the island. The property is on Bloody Wall, making the shore dives quite remarkable. Rooms for two are US$360 per night and include all meals, two-tank dives daily and unlimited shore diving.

Pirates Point Resort Preston Bay ph 345/948-1010. The island's finest chef keeps the repeat guest rate high at this well-run resort. Ten cottages dot the beach; rooms on the water don't have A/C. Rates are US$500 per night for two with two-tank dives daily, all meals and alcoholic beverages. Non-diver packages are also available.

Southern Cross Club Blossom Village phone 345/948-1099 or 1-800/899-2582, This full-service diving and fishing resort is on a fine stretch of beach within kayaking distance of uninhabited Owen Island. The pretty pastel cinderblock cottages have two units in each. Rates include three-tank dives daily, service charge, government tax and all meals, and start at US$676 for two.

Cayman Islands
     travel guide

Cayman Islands
Overview
Where to go
When to go
Getting there
Costs & currency
Communications
Food and drink
Brief history
Best of Cayman Islands
Info and sites
Diving, hiking
Festivals and holidays
Scuba diving