5 ways to escape into nature in the Cayman Islands

Covering 65 acres of land on Grand Cayman, the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park is alive with native and exotic flora and fauna. At the Flora Garden, you can drift from pinks to reds, oranges to yellows, and from whites to blues in this bountiful garden that’s organised by colour tones. The Blue Garden is the largest with blooms in varying shades of blue, purple and lavender. There are wooded areas with native trees and grassy zones too.

Stroll along the Orchid boardwalk to see some of the island’s exquisite wild orchids, including endemic species – go in May and June and you’ll see the Caymans’ national flower, the spectacular wild banana orchid, in bloom. The yellow and purple orchid is one of 26 native varieties in the archipelago.

Another walk worth trying here is the short but scenic Woodland Trail.  Just less than a mile long, the path traverses swampy and dry areas with one of the rarest species to look out for being the cockspur tree along with bull thatch palms.

The park is also home to the Xerophytic Garden where you can admire the spiky, sculptural forms and tenacity of an array of xerophytic species including cactus, succulents and other drought tolerant plants that flourish in arid conditions. There are hardy ornamental grasses and flowering perennials too.

Don’t miss a chance to go back in time at the Heritage Garden. This charming garden is centred around a traditional turn-of-the-century cottage from the East End. Healing plants can be seen here along with tropical fruit trees and national tree, the silver thatch palm.

For a quiet and wilder beach experience, make for Barker’s National Park. On the tip of the West Bay, this secluded area is accessed by a long and bumpy dirt road. Enjoy a peaceful wander around the shoreline’s mangroves followed by a solitary snorkel. Native sea grape trees grow along the shores, where you can also enjoy a picnic – there are no facilities here, but it’s all the more special for it.

Go with a naturalist guide to get the most from this hiking trail that strikes a route north from near Bodden Town through the Mastic Reserve. This preserved patch is one of the last remaining examples of the Caribbean’s subtropical, semi-deciduous dry forest. At just over 3km, the trail is flat but surprisingly challenging. As you pass through dry forests and swampy mangroves, guides will point out various trees, including the rare mastic that once flourished here, flowers and many birds. Lizards, snakes, tree frogs and hermit crabs are also likely sightings.

Head to Grand Cayman’s undeveloped East End to get a feel for traditional Caymanian life and see its rare endemic blue iguanas. Colliers Wilderness Reserve was established in the eastern region’s wild interior by The National Trust. The shrubland forest habitat is the ideal environment for the reptiles, who are released here as part of ongoing conservation efforts. An easy-going nature trail twists through the reserve where you may well spot iguanas as well as birds and butterflies.

Cayman Grand may hog the main images of the brochure, but its two sister islands are well worth visiting, especially if you are craving a more local, authentic island experience. At just ten miles long and one mile wide, Little Cayman boasts empty beaches where you can sit with a picnic and trick yourself into thinking you’re the only person on the planet, with just the sounds of the gently lapping waves for company. Divers will discover that it is busier under water here than it is on land, with the incredible Bloody Bay Wall dive site allowing you to glimpse native sharks, turtles and stingrays.

Cayman Brac is the perfect place for an off the beaten track hike where you can head into a thick tangle of forest that’s alive with plants and birds. Pit stops en route can include picnics on deserted white sand beaches or head into the tiny towns to find a local lunch and a well-deserved, ice cold Caybrew.