When Christopher Columbus first discovered the islands in 1503, he named them 'Las Tortugas,' meaning The Turtles. According to legend, there were so many turtles that the islands looked like they were covered with rocks. They are now a protected species and the Cayman Islands Turtle Farm, which is just outside West Bay, is home to 16,000 turtles ranging in size from six ounces (170g) to 600 pounds (272kg) each. The priority of the farm is to maintain an ideal breeding environment. Breeding season runs from May to October, during which time the turtles dig their nests on the beach near the breeding pond and produce their eggs. The eggs are immediately taken to the hatchery, where staff monitor the hatching process.
Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park
The Caymans are better known for their sea life than habitation on the ground, but for keen botanists or those who would simply like a pleasant walk, the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park is hard to beat. A well-marked mile-long (two km) trail winds through lush, easy terrain, featuring almost 300 native species including roses, hibiscus, lilies and orchids - which bloom in late May and June. The park and lake is home to the endangered, and elusive, Blue Iguana as well as a fascinating array of birdlife including parrots, herons, coots and the rare West Indian Whistling Duck. The nearby Mastic Trail meanders through the old-growth forest that once supplied early settlers with timber. The 26-hectare (65 acres) park is in the district of North Side, and is a 45-minute drive from George Town.
Rum Point
Rum Point Beach consists of hundreds of yards of crystal clear shallow sand flats perfect for snorkelling in a conservation marine park. It is a tranquil retreat where hammocks slung under shady trees, picnic tables, a sandy beach and warm shallow waters provide a relaxing haven for the day. Many watersports are offered, with easy access to North Sound, including jet-skiing, sailing, and kayaking, and snorkellers can explore the coral formations just off the beach.
Stingray City and Sandbar
Stingray City and the Sandbar are snorkelling sites located in the North Sound, and are a must for water enthusiasts. The clear shallow waters are frequented by friendly stingrays that come to find out what titbits visitors have brought them. Boat tours take snorkellers and divers to swim with and feed the stingrays on bits of squid; they will brush against swimmers and allow themselves to be touched. This famous Cayman attraction was accidentally created by fishermen who used to clean their catch in the calm waters, casting bits overboard, and so attracting the Southern Stingrays to the area.
George Town
Unless visiting the islands for business rather than pleasure, most people only call at George Town to stock up on provisions or visit a restaurant. However a pleasant morning can be spent wandering around the well-planned streets doing some shopping and visiting its attractions. The National Museum is worth a visit, situated in the Old Courts building, the islands oldest building, it exhibits the country's fascinating cultural and natural history and the resourceful, independent nature of the seafaring society. The town is usually fairly quiet except on the two or three days a week that a cruise ship docks, when it is densely packed with tourists. The town's Seven Mile Beach is a lovely stretch of sand, fronted by a string of resort hotels.
Unless visiting the islands for business rather than pleasure, most people only call at George Town to stock up on provisions or visit a restaurant. However a pleasant morning can be spent wandering around the well-planned streets doing some shopping and visiting its attractions. The National Museum is worth a visit, situated in the Old Courts building, the islands oldest building, it exhibits the country's fascinating cultural and natural history and the resourceful, independent nature of the seafaring society. The town is usually fairly quiet except on the two or three days a week that a cruise ship docks, when it is densely packed with tourists. The town's Seven Mile Beach is a lovely stretch of sand, fronted by a string of resort hotels.
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