The Cayman Islands' geographic isolation in the North-Western Caribbean Sea creates a highly diverse environment, providing opportunity for an array of flora and fauna to thrive and be admired by visitors.
Natural bird habitats such as woodlands and green thickets can be found right next to the homes of many species of insects living in a mangrove or swamp. They are magnificently close to the islands' caves that give shelter to many different species of bats. More famously known for its marine life, Cayman gives snorkelers and divers a rainbow of an underwater scene. Some of Cayman's natural treasures include:
The Green Iguana
Although not native to the Island, the green iguanas have made Cayman their home since the 1980s, and are the most commonly found by visitors. Although they may look intimidating, these grass-eating creatures are peaceful and non-aggressive. making for an exciting experience for wildlife enthusiasts when spotted.
As the second species in Cayman, the blue iguana is the only one unique to the island and, with efforts from The Blue Iguana Recovery Programme, has just skimmed the surface of extinction. The breeding programme can be visited at the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park on Grand Cayman.
The Wild Banana Orchid is just one of the 26 varieties of native flowers that Cayman has to offer. It is deemed the National Flower and can only be found on the islands. Take a stroll through a wet grassland area after a rainfall to guarantee a siting of this lovely bloom.
The Cayman Islands is home to a total of 230 species of birds. The Native Cayman Parrot is one of its 121 native species of birds and can only be found on the island. They are known to have iridescent green feathers, a white eye ring, red cheeks, and bright blue feathers. This bird, however, is so well camouflaged that it is more likely that you will hear its glorious singing before getting to see it. Listen closely in either the early morning or late afternoon to hear the chatter high above the trees.
The impressive caves of Cayman - known to have once been used to shelter residents from hurricanes - are home to Cayman's nine bat species. Some are not easily accessible, but well worth the excursion. The cave with the most history is Rebecca's Cave, which was known to have sheltered residents from the storm of '32. Standing in the mouth, Peter's Cave will give you the most picturesque view of the district of Spot Bay.
Considered the islands' national palm tree, the Silver Thatch Palm Tree has impressively evolved to tolerate the salt spray of the sea that surrounds it. It is a wonder to look at but is also known to be very useful to the islands' residents. It's small white flowers provide juicy red berries while the leaves are unusually tough and have been used as covering for thatch roofs. In the past, these have provided shelter from the heat and rain. It grows to about 30 feet tall and can only be found on the islands.
Cayman Islands Marine Life
The Cayman Islands are notorious for their breathtaking underwater scenes and have some of the healthiest coral reefs in the Caribbean. The beauty of the marine environment in the Cayman Islands is enhanced by lack of pollution, the proximity of deep-water close offshore and a lack of rivers running into the sea.
A fantastic way to get close to the natural treasures of Cayman is to take the two-mile Mastic Trail that goes through several different natural habitats including Black Mangrove wetland, palm forest and dry forest. There are many free tours, parks and conservation areas where you can spot the wondrous nature and wildlife of the Cayman Islands.
