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Tourist Attractions
Seven Mile Beach
Often referred to by many as "the most beautiful beach in the world", Seven Mile Beach offers miles of eye-catching fine white sand and amazingly clear aqua waters. Tourists and locals alike all gather to this beautiful stretch of sand which is lined by calm waves of the dazzling clear Caribbean Sea. Relax on the beach, float in the aqua coloured waters, enjoy snorkeling amongst countless, rainbow coloured fish or simply stroll along the picturesque beach with a loved one; the choice is yours! Maybe you'll be lucky and see the rare "green flash" as the last edge of the sun sinks below the waves. An experience not to be missed!
George Town
Whether expressed in US, CI or Yen, this is one city that knows the true value of a dollar since there is an amplitude of duty-free shops, more than 500 banks and 300 insurance companies from all over the world located in this lively little city. This makes it one of the largest financial centers in the world. Take a self-guided walking tour of old George Town and discover the beauty of tiny churches, memorials and buildings that played an historic role in the islands history. When your feet get tired and you stomach is running on empty, stop in at one of Cayman’s many local restaurants and dine on some delectable local cuisine.
National Museum
After being used for everything from a town jail and courthouse, to a meeting hall for Sunday worship and local dances, the Cayman Islands National Museum, in the Old Courts Building opposite the harbor in George Town, opened its door to the public in 1990 after years of planning, artifact conservation and exhibit design. It showcases more than 4,000 items ranging from tiny coins to a 14-foot catboat, natural history specimens and rare documents. The Museum's home, the Old Courts Building, is itself an historical artifact. One of Grand Cayman's few remaining 19th century buildings.
Rum Point
Rum Point on Grand Cayman's quiet North Side is a favorite destination for residents and visitors alike. You can drive your rental car or hop on a ferry dock on Seven Mile Beach, and in a short time, be transported back to the island as it used to be. First documented on a 1773 map, Rum Point is known for its clear, calm waters and tall pines. It's the perfect place to lounge in a hammock with a good book, swim, snorkel or get on board a glass-bottom boat for a look at what life's like under the sea.
Visit Hell
You can go to Hell and then come back with tales of a blackened and jagged rock formation that gives this little district in West Bay its name. Hell's intriguing weathered rock formation is over 1 1/2 million years old and resembles the charred remains of a hell fire. Hell's own post office was opened in 1962 for tourists who wanted to send postcards from Hell.
Pedro St. James Castle
Known as the "Birthplace of democracy in the Cayman Islands," this is an authentic restoration of a traditional 100-year-old Caymanian wattle and daub house. It was built in 1780 when Grand Cayman's population numbered no more than 400 people and was an ambitious project for the times. Today visitors can see displays of photographs, artifacts and information that recount the castle's past and can see rooms furnished with period furniture, pottery and local basketry which accurately depict the 18th century domestic life in the Cayman Islands.
Nature
There are around 200 species of birds which reside here in Cayman, including the Antillean Grackle, the Smooth Billed Ani, the, the Snowy Egret, the common Ground Dove, the Bananaquit and the Cayman parrot, Green-Backed Heron, the Yellow-Crowned Night Heron and many other heron species. The endangered West Indian Whistling Duck can be seen on Grand Cayman and Little Cayman.
Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park
The National Botanic Park, now renamed the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park is off Frank Sound Road, Grand Cayman. It showcases the wonders of native trees and shrubs, wild orchids and over 200 other types of plants which have been labeled so far, several of which are rare. Orchids bloom in May-June and there are breeding areas for the Grand Cayman Blue Iguana, the Grand Cayman Parrot, the Cayman Rabbit and the Cayman Anole Lizard.
The Mastic Trail
This trail, named after one of Cayman's native trees, goes up through the Mastic Reserve. This is primeval woodland with plants and animals that have been evolving for two million years. North side residents used to use this trail to haul provisions before a paved road was built.
Turtle Farm
Located in West Bay, it is the only one of its kind in the world, home to 15,000 turtles in all sizes, from newborn hatchlings to 600 pound adults. Green turtles are now increasing in numbers in the wild after been restocked from deliberate excess hatchings at the Turtle Farm. Another project at the Turtle Farm to reintroduce the endangered Kemp's Ridley turtle has also shown initial success, with some reproduction in captivity occurring. Come and see these amazing creatures up close and personal. Even pick one up if you wish. It's fun for all ages and attracts more than 250,000 visitors a year.
Boatswain's Lagoon
With up to 14,000 at any one time all living among an artificial reef system, this million gallon lagoon habitat recreates the marine environment found immediately offshore in Cayman’s waters. It also provides an intimate and guaranteed opportunity to experience the wonders of Cayman’s natural marine environment. Visitors are given the opportunity to snorkel through the reef system and come face to face with animals in this exhibit which are all native to the Cayman Islands. If you’re lucky, you may even come across sunken treasure and other exciting nautical artifacts.
Breakers Beach
With a rock wall around the pool recreating views typical of Cayman Brac, this 300,000 gallon swimming pool is one of the largest in the Cayman Islands and is certainly the most unique. There is an underwater viewing panel that looks directly into the Predator tank, allowing snorkeling enthusiasts a chance to view sharks only 4” away, from the safety of Breakers Beach Pool.
Butterfly Farm
Open seven days a week from 8:30am - 4pm (last tour 3:30pm), the Butterfly Farm is truly one of Cayman’s most unique attractions and will produce 50 various breeds of butterflies from around the world. In addition to the gift shop, the facility includes a covered area where visitors are able to walk among the butterflies and tropical fauna. Parents can relax in this garden setting and watch these beautiful creatures flutter by, while kids can take the guided tour and even learn something new while on vacation.
Source: New Resident Magazine (2006) |
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