The Cayman Islands are a remarkable ecosystem. Not that most visitors notice – limiting their time to the admittedly attractive white sands of Grand Cayman and so denying themselves the chance to experience incredible wildlife both inland and offshore.
Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman are in effect the summits of three massive underwater mountains. The combined territory of the three western Caribbean islands is said to be home to more species than the Galapagos!
The Cayman habitat sustains more than 230 species of birds, a variety of reptile life including the endangered endemic giant iguanas, nine species of bat, 57 species of butterfly, three species of turtle, and innumerable native flowers, plants and trees including 26 species of orchid.
Home to only 55,000 people (only 150 of them living on Little Cayman), much of the territory’s stretches of mangrove, tropical dry forest and beaches remain unfettered by mainstream development.
Despite its near pristine state, much of that natural environment is easily accessible through independent exploration – though those looking for an introduction to the rarer species or to escape the beaten track are advised to hire one of the islands’ many private guides.
Written by insider city guide series Hg2 | A Hedonist’s guide to…
(Image: Fifth World Art)
