Grand Cayman offers plenty to do, including many landmarks and attractions sure to pique the interest of history buffs. Among the most beautiful historical attractions on the Carribean island is the Queen Elizabeth II Royal Botanic Park. Take a moment to learn about this fabulous garden to consider adding it to your Grand Cayman itinerary.
The Gardens
Queen Elizabeth II opened the park in 1994, which has since grown to include a variety of stunning gardens. Whether you spend one hour, two hours, or the entire day at this glorious attraction, your senses will never get bored. Explore the Floral Colour Garden featuring pink, red, orange, yellow, blue, white, purple, and lavender blooms in specific areas, as well as native trees and grasses. Visit the Heritage Garden next, which includes an old Caymanian house dating back to 1900 as well as sand and medicinal gardens.
Other gardens include the Xerophytic Garden full of succulents that thrive in dry conditions. The park is also famous for orchids and includes an “Orchid Boardwalk” that naturally features the island’s national flower, the Wild Banana Orchid.
The Lake & Woodland Trail
The Queen Elizabeth II Royal Botanic Park includes a three-acre lake that varies in size throughout the year depending on rainfall. You’ll see native ducks among other wildlife, as the lake has become a sanctuary for animal friends.
The Woodland Trail allows locals and tourists alike to experience some of Grand Cayman’s pristine forests. The trail is ⅘ of a mile long and therefore walkable for most people. You’ll meander through dry and swampy areas, as well as canopied sections thanks to native trees. The rare Cockspur Tree and Bull Thatch Palms can be found here.
The Crocodile Hole & Blue Iguana Habitat
Among the many other sites to see at this colorful park include the Crocodile Hole, which features the fossilized remains of the Cuban Freshwater Crocodile. These living dinosaurs were originally found throughout the Cayman Islands but now only reside in the Zapata Swamplands of Cuba. However, there are plenty of turtles that call the park’s Hickatee Habitat Wetland home.
Other attractions include the Blue Iguana Habitat that was created in 1987 as a way to protect these incredible “blue dinosaurs.” The iguanas enjoy free range throughout the park, so make certain one isn’t under your car before you leave!
Learn more about the botanic park here.
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November 19th, 2019