The Cayman Islands are home to some of the Caribbean’s most beautiful white sand beaches and treasures that lie under its clear blue waters. This summer, families can not only take advantage of deals of up to 45 percent off or a fifth night free when they visit the Cayman Islands, but can also discover the out-of-the-ordinary natural attractions that add to the Cayman Islands allure. (Be sure to book by June 30 for travel June 1 through Sept. 4 to take advantage of these great summer offers.)
Go Caving!
The newest attraction on Grand Cayman is the Cayman Crystal Caves. Three of the more than 100 caves in the tropical forest of Northside are now open for exploration. Guided 90-minute walking tours explore the forest and all three caves. Both kids and adults will be in awe of the stalactite and stalagmite crystal structures, and tour guides will introduce the group to tropical plants and animal life throughout the forest.
Sister Island, Cayman Brac, is also home to fascinating caves if visitors wish to explore more with a day trip via a 30 minute flight on Cayman Airways. More thrilling stalagmite and stalactite formations can be seen in the Great Cave, while Peter Cave provides views of the South Side bluffs. Bat Cave is home to its namesake for those who want to see the winged mammals.
Birding Bonanza
Cayman Brac is also where visitors can discover the 180-acre National Trust Parrot Reserve and see the endangered Cayman Brac Parrot and more than 200 species of birds native to the island. For more birding, Little Cayman (the other Sister Island a 35 minute flight from Grand Cayman) is the site of the largest colony of Red-Footed Boobies in the western hemisphere at the Booby Pond Nature Reserve. More than 20,000 Red-Footed Boobies and 350 Magnificent Frigate birds live here.
Turtles
The large number of turtles located in the Cayman Islands is a big part of the destination’s history. When Christopher Columbus first discovered the islands in 1503 he named them “Las Tortugas”, which means The Turtles. Today, the Cayman Turtle Centre: Island Wildlife Encounter, which has been in operation since 1968, is home to 16,000 sea turtles that range in size from six ounces to 600 pounds. It is the world’s only commercial Green Sea Turtle centre and is dedicated to educating the public on proactive conservation programs for sea turtles.
Hike it!
The National Trust in George Town books morning and afternoon walks that take in the flora and fauna of Grand Cayman’s Mastic Trail, which runs from the south coast to the north and was once a commerce route before roads were built. The National Trust also has 35 designated nature trails through the untouched beauty of Cayman Brac and Little Cayman. Hiking the breathtaking 140 ft bluff (pictured above) is a rugged yet charming adventure.
Related Links
http://www.travelagentcentral.com/people/five-questions-rosa-harris-cayman-islands-director-tourism
http://www.travelagentcentral.com/sponsored/multigenerational-family-vacations-cayman-islands