Caribbean Wildlife: Creatures of the Cayman Islands
December 22
Written By Morritt's
Caribbean Wildlife: Creatures of the Cayman Islands
For only having 100 square miles across all three islands, Cayman is home to an impressive variety of native wildlife. Whether you’re above or below in the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean Sea, opportunities to encounter these special creatures in their natural habitats are plentiful. Check out our blog, Things to See and Do Around Morritt’s, for a list of places where you can see and interact with a few of the animals mentioned below.
Birds
Did you know that over 200 different species of birds can be found in Cayman? This includes several endemic species, such as the Cayman Parrot (the Islands’ national bird is a beautiful bright green and usually seen in pairs), the Grand Cayman Woodpecker and the Cayman Bananaquit (a small bird boasting a bright yellow chest that is lovingly referred to by locals as a “banana bird”) – to name a few.
Two of the best places for bird watching is the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park and the Mastic Trail (further details on both can be found in our blog mentioned above).
Iguanas
There are three types of iguana found in the Cayman Islands: the common green iguana, the rock iguana and the blue iguana. Most iguanas you will see in Cayman are the green iguanas, however they are considered an invasive species. The protected rock iguanas reside on the sister islands of Cayman Brac and Little Cayman. Blue iguanas can most easily be found at the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park, which runs a conservation programme for the endangered reptile.
Stingrays
No trip to Cayman would be complete without visiting Stingray City! Wild Southern Stingrays are plentiful in this area of the North Sound, where you can easily stand thanks to a natural sandbar. Tour boats depart daily to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to interact with these gentle creatures – and legend has it that a kiss on one of their noses will bring you seven years of good luck!
Turtles
Much like the iguanas, Cayman is also home to three species of turtle: the green, loggerhead and hawksbill. Some of these can be seen diving or snorkelling around the Islands, and if you’re lucky enough you might happen upon a nesting female during a beach walk or a group of hatching babies making their way from the beach to the sea. Guaranteed sightings and encounters can be found at the Cayman Turtle Centre, an attraction showcasing these magnificent creatures that also includes a research and conservation centre.
Recommended Reading.
Things to See and Do Around Morritt’s
The eastern districts of Grand Cayman are the least populated on the island, however they are full of activities for the whole family to enjoy. Here’s a selection of the attractions that are just a short drive away from Morritt’s.
Cayman Parrot Sanctuary
Located just before Tukka restaurant on Austin Connolly Drive, the Cayman Parrot Sanctuary is one of the island’s newest attractions but it is already growing in popularity. As the name implies, the facility is a place where injured Cayman parrots (the Islands’ national bird) can be rehabilitated with the ultimate goal of being released back into the wild. The sanctuary offers a fun, interactive and educational experience where families of all ages can see, hold and feed a variety of Cayman’s native animals.
Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park
The Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park showcases the best of Cayman’s natural beauty, where guests can enjoy guided or self-guided tours through colourful gardens, botanic, lake and nature displays. You might even see an endangered blue iguana or two, which roam freely throughout the park. They are found nowhere else in the world — only in the Cayman Islands!
Mastic Trail
If you’re feeling especially adventurous, grab your hiking shoes and water bottle for a 2.3-mile hike through the Mastic Trail to see some of the last remaining untouched old-growth forests of the Caribbean as well as several species of birds, reptiles and insects that live within the reserve. Guided tours are also available.
Rum Point & Kaibo
Enjoy a fun day at the beach in North Side at Rum Point Club or Kaibo. Both locations offer casual beachside restaurants and bars, loungers and watersports activities. Kaibo also has a coffee shop and a fine dining restaurant for dinners. From Rum Point you can catch a catamaran to visit world famous Stingray City, where you can swim and touch the rays. Note that Rum Point is currently closed but is expected to re-open. Check their social media for updates.
Starfish Point
A short walk from Kaibo on Water Cay Road, Starfish Point is a popular destination for these special creatures to naturally congregate in the shallow waters. Just be sure to not remove any from the water when you pay them a visit!
Cayman Crystal Caves
A guided walking tour through the Crystal Caves and flora and fauna of the surrounding tropical forest will not disappoint!
Bioluminescence Tours
Kids and adults alike will delight at this glowing natural wonder in the Bio Bay. Night tours are available via kayak or boat where you will be able to view the natural splendour of glowing dinoflagellate plankton that twinkle like stars at the slightest movements in the water. The tour companies go out only when the moon phases are favourable and some provide gear for you to swim in the water to see the magic up close.
Of course, Morritt’s is packed with on-site activities and amenities including watersports, swim-up pool bars, diving and snorkelling – so you never have to leave the resort! Be sure to check out our daily activities programme, which includes a little fun for everyone!
December 12
Grand Cayman Hidden Gems
Whether you’re a long-time Cayman visitor or someone thinking about spending more time here, there are so many things to do beyond the great places to eat, swim, sunbathe and relax. Here, we’ve gathered a few of our favourites that you may or may not know.
Starfish Point
You’ll find this curious and isolated beach on the north side of Grand Cayman at the western extremity of Rum Point. The sea here is wonderfully clear and great for snorkeling, but the real attractions are the many red cushion sea stars that feed in the shallows. With ample parking, it’s an ideal place for a picnic and to watch the sunset but there’s little else there. Don’t expect bars or cafes. (If sea-life is your thing, you might also consider the more popular Stingray City, a series of shallow sandbars near George Town where you can swim with and pet stingrays.)
Bioluminescent Bay
See the swirling otherworldly colours as you move your hands through the water and imagine yourself in a science-fiction alternate reality. The magical bioluminescence at Rum Point is best seen when snorkeling at night as part of a boat or kayak tour that can also involve an astronomy element and an introduction to the starfish. We have several companies that depart from Kaibo, Starfish point or Rum point – and our local team can help you plan your bioluminescent adventure!
Cayman Farmer’s Market
The Hamlin Stephenson farmers’ market at the Cricket Square in George Town (Mon-Sat) is known for its fresh fruit and vegetables, arts and crafts, pastries, juices, sauces, preserves and other goods from Cayman’s farmers and craftspeople. Visit to discover freshly made lemonade, cassava cakes, coconut bread, scented candles, peppermint foot scrub, towels, hand-made jewellery, smoothies and houseplants among many other treats. Perfect for sourcing local ingredients or buying presents and souvenirs. See a list of vendors here.
The Mission House
Built in the 1700s, this historic structure is one of Cayman’s oldest buildings and once housed Presbyterian missionaries. You can take a tour to walk in the footsteps of early settlers, see a collection of interesting artifacts and learn how the building’s residents lived in the 1800s. The gift shop on-site offers the opportunity to buy souvenirs (all proceeds to the National Trust) and you should also look out for the traditional cooking and craft classes held here twice monthly. HOURS: Monday-Friday: 9am-5pm; Saturday: 11am-4pm. ADDRESS: Gun Square Road, Bodden Town. TEL: +1 345-945-3769
The 1981 Brewery and Tap Room
1981 may have been a year known for the emergence of electronic pop music, but that has nothing to do with the brewery named for the nautical co-ordinates of the Cayman Islands and famous for its craft beers: Cayman Blonde, Island Session and Tropical IPA. You can take a tour of the brewery and visit the tap room to sample some of the brews straight from the source. HOURS: Tuesday-Thursday: 3pm-7pm; Friday: 3pm-8pm; Saturday: 12pm-5pm; Sunday: Closed. ADDRESS: 273 Dorcy Drive, George Town, Grand Cayman. TEL: +1 345-945-0440
Cayman Cigar Company
Created to revive the art of handcrafting premium cigars, the company uses only the finest hand-selected boutique tobaccos sourced from passionate growers using organic, sustainable farming practices. Master Roller Barbara Garcia oversees the creation of premium smokes. Unusually, this is a non-profit organisation, with 100% of net profits going back into the island through charitable donations. To book a private cigar rolling event, schedule a tour of Beacon Farms or ask questions about how to roll or store fine cigars, contact the company directly: info@caymancigars.com. TEL: +1 345-946-2447
The Mastic Trail
Fancy a walk? The Mastic Trail is a 7.4km (4.6-mile) round-trip trail near Bodden Town and should take 2-3 hours. Expect to see beautiful wildflowers, small lizards, butterflies, crabs, snakes (non-venomous), parrots and woodpeckers, as well as a variety of trees, including a fine mastic tree after which the track is named. The route may not be suitable for the elderly or very young, and you’ll need solid shoes to negotiate the odd root or craggy volcanic rock. Guided tours are scheduled Tuesday and Thursday mornings by reservation via the National Trust website.
Pure Art Gallery
A centre of local art and island-style gifts for almost thirty years, this Cayman cottage just south of George Town offers Caymanian paintings, prints, jewellery, handmade crafts, gifts and more. Great for presents or just to treat yourself because, well, you deserve it! You’ll also find housewares and tempting treats such as pepper jelly, jams, hot sauces, spices, Cayman sea salt, Tortuga rum cake and Cayman coffee. HOURS: Monday and Tuesday 9am-4pm; Wednesday: closed; Thursday, Friday and Saturday 9am-5pm; Sunday: closed. ADDRESS: South Church Street, South Sound, Grand Cayman. TEL: 345-949-9133
Pony Park
What do kids love more than ingesting vast quantities of sugar? Petting cute animals! In the Pony Park, children can meet Lulu the donkey, Pebbles the miniature horse, bunny rabbits and goats – all of which love to be petted. You can also book the park for birthday parties. Entry fee: $5 per child (including pony ride). HOURS: Saturday mornings 9:00am to 10:30am. ADDRESS: Halfway Pond, just off the Linford Pierson Highway. TEL: 345-516-1751
Was there anything there that that you’ve not experienced? If so, let us know your recommendations to get the best of Cayman. We’re always looking for insider tips!
April 1