Destinations And Sightseeing

A. Cayman Turtle Farm

The Cayman Turtle Farm houses more than 12,000 green turtles and holds the unique title of being the only commercial turtle farm in the world. To maintain the level of turtle population on the island, a number of turtles are released into their natural habitat each year. A variety of native crocodiles, the Cayman green parrot and ground iguanas are housed at the farm. The farm was established in 1968 by a private venture and is presently owned by the Cayman government. The farm is located in the West Bay and has several educational exhibits and also a gift shop. Farm managers and caretakers organize special sessions and tours for visitors. Children can feed and play with the turtles as well.

B. Pedro's Castle

The Pedro St James, known locally as Pedro's Castle, was constructed as a family home in 1780 by Englishman William Eden and was used as a central meeting place. Pedro St James is where the island's first tentative steps towards democracy were taken at a time when the total population was about 2,000 people, including slaves whose liberation was on the horizon. Pedro St James is built on seven acres of cliff-land. It offers visitors an opportunity to experience the political and affluent cultural history of these islands, in an intimate, authentic, and picturesque setting. It is the oldest stone building in the Cayman Islands and features the new addition, a Visitors Center that that plays a 20-minute video presentation. The site is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm.

C. Cayman Islands National Museum

The 19th century Old Courts building at Hog Sty Bay, which has played a significant role in the history of Cayman for more than 150 years, now houses the Cayman Islands National Museum. The National Museum is the ideal way to get an introduction to the islands' rich natural and cultural history. Local art and cultural artifacts placed on exhibit enhance the museum's entertaining and informative presentation of Cayman's history.

The museum is open from Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm and on Saturdays from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. An admission fee of $5 for adults and $3 for children is applicable.

D. Cayman Maritime and Treasure Museum

The Cayman Maritime and Treasure Museum on West Bay Road features preserved relics found in the numerous wrecks in the waters around the islands. Fort George is a part of the treasure museum. Even though much of the 18th century fort was destroyed in 1972 by a builder, only broken down ruins of the walls remain.

E. Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park

The 65-acre Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park is bewitching in its range of unique flora and fauna. The park houses grand native trees with extensive canopies, impressive orchids, wetlands and a lake, a heritage garden, woodland trail, floral color garden, iguanas, aquatic birds and more. The woodland trail, a laid-back 35-minute walk, takes in an array of habitats and showcases about half of Grand Cayman's native plants.

Do not forget to visit the conventional Cayman home that features a sand yard with conch shells, a medical garden and a vegetable patch. The park is open daily.

F. Butterfly Farm

Opened in 2003, the Butterfly Farm provides Grand Cayman with another unique natural attraction. Situated in front of the Marquee Cinema Complex, the farm raises fifty different breeds of butterflies from around the world. Within the farm is an enclosed area where visitors can enjoy a walk among the butterflies and tropical fauna. The farm is open daily from 8:30 am to 4 pm (last tour at 3:30pm). The admission fee is $15 for adults and $9 for children.

G. International Scuba Hall of Fame

Inaugurated in October 2000, the International Scuba Diving Hall of Fame is temporarily housed within the Port complex in George Town while a permanent site is being renovated. The facility honors individuals from around the world who have made a noteworthy contribution to the development and promotion of recreational scuba diving, including 7 Americans.

H. Stingray City

One of Cayman's most renowned dive sites, the Stingray City is situated in the shallow depths in Grand Cayman's North Sound. The elegant stingrays swim freely with snorkeling enthusiasts at a depth of 12 feet. More than 30 Southern Atlantic stingrays can be seen at the ‘city'. The site can be only reached by boat.

I. Hell

The uneven black rock formations in Grand Cayman's northwest portion were the inspiration for many people to imagine what ‘hell' would look like. The local post office is now painted in a devilish fire engine red. The resident devil at the counter greets his customers with questions such as ‘How the hell are you?' and ‘Where the hell are you from?'

J. Parrot Reserve

The National Trust Parrot Reserve is the natural haven for the islands' emerald green native species of parrots. The reserve also features guided hike tours along a 3-kilometer (two mile) nature trail.

K. Booby Pond Nature Reserve

The Booby Pond Nature Reserve is the natural habitat of one of the hemisphere's largest breeding populations of red-footed boobies and a large colony of swooping frigate birds.