THE FACTS ABOUT LITTLE CAYMAN

Jacques Cousteau anointed the Bloody Bay Wall where divers drop from 18ft to more than 1,000 one of the world's best scuba sites. But Little Cayman is also a birder's paradise. It has more than 20,000 red-footed boobies, 1,000 frigate birds, the scarce Cayman Brac parrot, plus herons, shorebirds, waders, and the endemic West Indian whistling duck. Stay for more Rent a three-bedroom apartment at The Club, which has an outdoor whirlpool and swimming pool (00 1 727 323 8727; www.theclubatlittlecayman.com; apartments from US$500). Waterfront nights Borrow a bike to get to the Salt Rock Dock, the best sky-watching spot around. Top table The stuffed tomato bread is a favourite at Gladys Howard's Pirates Point Resort (00 1 345 948 1010). Local food Sam McCoy's Diving & Fishing Lodge (00 1 345 948 0026) for high-voltage McCoy's Rum Punch and family-style cooking on Saturdays. Tea break Take afternoon tea amid the permanent collection of watercolours, historical books and charts at the National Trust House in Blossom Village. Day-trip Pack a picnic and kayak to Owen Island, an offshore cay near the South Hole Sound Reef. Getting around McLaughlin Rentals (00 1 345 948 1000); or use a bike most resorts have them. Hazard Motorboats encountering unaware snorkellers. More info Visit www.caymanislands.ky