Cayman Islands Attractions

The Cayman Islands are a huge draw for visitors from all over the world. They are blessed with natural attractions such as the spectacular oceanscapes, beautiful beaches and stunning coral reef snorkeling. The Islands are also full of interesting manmade or 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.

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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, being known as the birthplace of Cayman 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 3-D 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 too. 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.

How to get to Pedro St James

The house is a 20 minute drive East from George Town, near the community of Bodden Town.

Opening details for Pedro St James
Open daily from 9am to 5pm

How to contact Pedro St James
Telephone: (345) 947 3329
Website: www.pedrostjames.ky

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.

How to get to Queen Elizabeth II Botanical Gardens

The Gardens are located in the district of North Side, a 40 minute drive east from George Town.

Opening hours of Queen Elizabeth II Botanical Gardens
October-March; 9am-5.30pm
April - September; 9am - 6.30pm

Contact details for Queen Elizabeth II Botanical Gardens
Telephone: (345) 947 9462
Email: info@botanic-park.ky
Website: www.botanic-park.ky

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 Hawks. 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.

How to get to Black Pearl Skate and Surf Park

Black Pearl is situated in Cayman Grand Harbor, a residential resort 15 minutes east of George Town.

Opening hours of Black Pearl Skate and Surf Park
Skate Park; open Monday to Saturday 10am - dusk, Sunday 12pm - dusk
Closed when wet
Surf Park; open Thursday & Friday 3pm-5pm, Saturday & Sunday 12pm - 5pm

Contact details for Black Pearl Skate and Surf Park
Telephone: (345) 947 4161
Email: blackpearl@candw.ky
Website: www.blackpearl.ky

Cayman 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.

How to get to Cayman Turtle Farm


Boatswains Beach is situated in West Bay, at the North West corner of Grand Cayman.

Opening hours of Cayman Turtle Farm
October to March; 9am - 5.30pm
April to September; 9am - 6.30pm

Contact details for Cayman Turtle Farm
Telephone: (345) 949 3894
Email: info@boatswainbeach.ky
Website: www.boatswainbeach.ky or www.turtle.ky

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.

How to get to Stingray City

Stingray city is at the top of the North Sound, on the north coast of Grand Cayman. Organized trips or charters are available.

Our business directory has contact details for:

eCay Tip - Heritage Passport

Invest in a Heritage Passport which covers Pedro St James, the Queen Elizabeth II Botanical Gardens, Cayman Turtle Farm and the Cayman Islands National Museum. Benefit from a saving of 25% on the total cost of tickets to each of the individual attractions.

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