Cayman Islands Attractions

Blessed with natural beauty, the Cayman Islands have long been a favorite destination for visitors from all over the world. Spectacular oceanscapes, beautiful beaches and stunning coral reefs headline the natural sights, along with an array of interesting manmade and discovered attractions.

On this site you’ll find details of all the best attractions in the Cayman Islands. Full details are just a mouse click away. Visit the links on the left, or check out our Ecay Cayman Islands Business Directory.

Read more about:

• Pedro St James
• Queen Elizabeth II Botanical Gardens
• Black Pearl Skate and Surf Park
• Boatswain's Bay / Cayman Turtle Farm
• Stingray City
• USS Kittiwake Dive Site

Pedro St James

The National Historic Site of the Cayman Islands, known locally as Pedro Castle, because of its imposing appearance. The building holds a special place in Cayman history, regarded as the birthplace of Caymanian democracy. In 1831 a group of Caymanians met in this grand house in order to create an elected legislature.

The house was built by a wealthy Englishman in 1780 to give himself what is still regarded as the best view in Grand Cayman. To do this, he used slave labor from Jamaica. Fittingly, visitors today can stand on the staircase where the Proclamation of Emancipation (abolishing slavery) was read out in 1835. It is a big three storey residence, most substantial compared to the other houses in the Islands at the time which were all small and thatch-covered. The ruin of Pedro St James was bought by the Government in the 1990s. It is now a finely restored and accurate version of an early 19th century plantation house.

There is plenty to do on a visit to Pedro St James. The 3D theatre will transport you through the history of Cayman and the people who have lived in the Islands. You will find stories of early settlers, marauders and pirates, visionaries and slaves. Modern history is included. A memorial to the effects of Hurricane Ivan stands outside; a testament to Cayman’s ongoing relationship with the forces of nature. In 1997, the Government purchased Watler House, an old wattle and daub dwelling, and moved it to Pedro St James to create an art exhibition space.

Queen Elizabeth II Botanical Gardens

The gardens were opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1994. They are owned jointly by the Government and the National Trust for the Cayman Islands. This safeguards for the future the gardens and the important archiving and research work done there. The gardens are an ideal destination for botanical enthusiasts, nature lovers and those looking for an oasis of peace and quiet.

The gardens comprise a number of distinct areas:

• The Floral garden; an informal garden alternating as you walk between floral displays and open or wooded areas.
• The Heritage garden; rich with plants reflecting Cayman’s history.
• The Lake; a natural wetland, converted into a lake to provide a suitable environment for waterfowl, and now an extensive wildlife refuge for species such as the threatened West Indian Whistling Duck.
• The Woodland trail; a chance to penetrate the otherwise undisturbed forest of mangroves, drier areas and great sweeping canopies of mahogany trees.
• The Orchid displays; the Gardens are home to 10 of the 26 orchid species found in Cayman. Three of these are found nowhere else on earth.
• Blue Iguana Habitat; two decades ago the Blue Iguana was facing extinction. Now, thanks to the Park’s recovery program, they roam freely around the gardens.
• Research facilities and resources; ensuring that invaluable conservation and study continues into the future.

Black Pearl Skate and Surf Park

Black Pearl is a perfect destination for those looking for a little more action. You may be looking to perfect your technique on the half and quarter pipes of the massive concrete skate course. Alternatively, experience the thrills of riding the huge wave at the surf centre

The skate park was opened in 2005 by world champion skateboarder Tony Hawk. At 62,000 square feet, it is the world’s largest outdoor concrete skate park. There are three levels; beginner, intermediate and expert; with both a flow and a street course for each level. Safety is paramount; protective gear is mandatory and there is supervision at all times the park is open. There is powerful lighting for night skating, and lessons are offered at all levels.

There is no longer any need to search for the perfect wave in Cayman; it can be found at Black Pearl. Home to the world’s largest free standing wave, the wave machine generates 11 foot high waves and a wave riding surface of 1,280 square feet. What’s more, the adjustable water flow rate allows for perfect control. There is a viewing area for the less brave, and protective equipment and instruction are available in order to maximize safety.

Boatswain's Beach Adventure Park & Turtle Farm

Cayman history has been closely linked to the turtle ever since Columbus first spied the Islands surrounded by them in 1503. The Islands’ close relationship with this animal is reflected by a turtle appearing on the national flag and currency.

The Cayman Turtle Farm was established in 1968 by a group of investors planning to breed the green sea turtle for commercial purposes. They were aiming to supply cultivated turtle to the Island and further afield without depleting natural populations. The original strategy was to carry out research and to put turtles back into Caymanian waters. Commercial operators have not been able to make this scheme work, largely due to international restrictions on exports. The farm is now run by the Government through a private company, in order to supply the local market and release turtles out into the wild.

In 2001, Hurricane Michelle flooded the farm, washing the turtles out to sea and ruining the breeding program. As a result, the Turtle Farm relocated and now forms the centerpiece of the nature park of Boatswain’s Beach. The 23 acre site includes the farm itself, the reef lagoon, predator tank, aviary, nature trail and rock pools.

There are now some 10,000 turtles at Boatswain’s beach, the largest of which weighs in at 575 pounds. At the touch tanks, it is possible to hold some of the younger turtles.

Stingray City, Grand Cayman

Stingray City offers a natural opportunity to swim with exotic but harmless Stingrays off the north coast of Grand Cayman. The Stingrays collect in this area, attracted by the prospect of food. Over the years they have become used to human contact and allow themselves to be touched and fed.

Click here for further details about Stingray City.

USS Kittiwake Dive Site

You can snorkel overhead and see the main decks and topography of the ship plus take a look down the smoke stack that opens up straight down to the bottom of the hull and the engine rooms. There is no end of rooms to explore this wreck, that will soon enough become an artificial reef, enhancing the marine environment with new fishery stock and habitats for marine life.

The Kittiwake is situated in marine park that is protected under law in Cayman, with no touching or taking of anything, no gloves allowed and no fishing allowed on the wreck/Kittiwake site. It requires an entrance fee to visit from a licensed operator, with the fees going towards the ongoing maintenance and protection of the new artificial wreck/reef plus natural reefs.