While most visitors to Grand Cayman spend much of their
time enjoying the underwater sights of the Caribbean or relaxing on the beach, there are
plenty of exciting activities on land for the active or adventurous traveler. Grand Cayman
and its sister islands - Cayman Brac and Little Cayman - have long been committed to
preserving their diverse environments and natural Caribbean beauty. One of the best ways
to experience the ecological results of Grand Cayman's environmental programs is hiking
through the island's interior to observe the vibrant wildlife flying overhead. In addition
to being both the permanent home to numerous species and the preferred breeding ground for
many more, the Cayman Islands also boast a number of protected bird sanctuaries. When you
visit Grand Cayman, try to spend some time watching the sky and enjoy one of the island's
simplest, but most rewarding pleasures.
One of the most exciting hikes in the Caribbean is Grand Cayman's Mastic Trail, a
two-mile path through one of the region's last remaining dry subtropical forests. Besides
offering tourists a glimpse at several plant and animal species unique to the Cayman
Islands, this hike through the middle of Grand Cayman is also one of the island's most
relaxing activities. Elsewhere on the island, visitors can find paths that wind through
palm trees and mangroves or hike along the coastline and enjoy the endless Caribbean
scenery. When coupling hiking with a little bird watching, you can enjoy one of Grand
Cayman's favorite pastimes.
The trails of Grand Cayman can be enjoyed throughout the year for casual outdoor fun or
as part of locally-guided nature and bird watching tours. During bird watching outings,
you will have a chance to enjoy lush natural surroundings and ideal conditions while
learning about some of the most fascinating winged creatures on the planet.
During the peak bird watching season, it is possible to see over 200 different species
- some of them permanent residents and others just passing through the island.
If you choose hike through the forests of Grand Cayman's interior - including the
popular Mastic Trail - you will probably have a chance to spot some of the following
island landbird species:
Bananaquit
Caribbean Elaenia
Loggerhead Kingbird
Red-Legged Thrush
Thick-Billed Vireo
Vitelline Warbler
Zenaida Dove
Though the summer months mark the tourism off-season for Grand Cayman, several winged
visitors make their way to the island during this time each year. Among the several
species that flock to the Cayman Islands as part of annual breeding rituals, here are just
a few of the most interesting guests:
Antillean Nighthawk
Black-Whiskered Vireo
Gray Kingbird
White-Tailed Tropicbird
Additionally, more than 70 different species of migrating wetland birds have been
spotted in the Cayman Islands - including everything from ducks and egrets to flamingos
and spoonbills. However, researchers and birdwatchers alike pay a little extra attention
to the wetland birds that breed on Grand Cayman and her sister islands. Some of the
wetland species that fall into this special category include:
Black-Necked Stilt
Green Heron
Pied-billed Grebe
Tri-colored Heron
West Indian Whistling Duck
Willet
Yellow-Crowned Night-Heron
For years, birdwatchers have also flocked to Grand Cayman and its bird sanctuaries for
a glimpse of protected species in a natural habitat. The small island of Grand Cayman has
seven distinct bird sanctuaries - including such popular sites as the QE II Botanic Park
and the Majestic Reserve - each supporting unique winged species and an incredible variety
of plant and animal life. If you make a daytrip to one of the sister islands, you will
have several opportunities to observe some truly remarkable species in their protected
environments. For instance, the endangered Brac Parrot can be found on Cayman Brac's
extraordinary 180-acre parrot reserve, while Little Cayman's Booby Pond is home to the
largest colony of Red-Footed Boobies in the Western Hemisphere.
Though Grand Cayman is known for its gorgeous beaches and incredible diving
opportunities, there is much more to see than meets the eye. By setting out on foot
through Grand Cayman's interior or visiting one of the island's bird sanctuaries, you will
be able to experience an exciting, but too often overlooked side of this special Caribbean
destination.