The swoosh of the wind rustling through leaves…the harmony between notes of chirping from one bird to the next…can you hear it? The sounds of serenity? Whether you’re traveling from a hectic city or a house filled with toys and toddlers, disconnect at the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park.
The botanic park in Grand Cayman was opened by Her Royal Highness Queen Elizabeth II in 1994. Located on the North Side, the grounds have flourished into 65 acres of land, jointly owned by the Cayman Islands Government and the National Trust for the Cayman Islands. Their purpose? Preserve sites of artistic interest in the islands, and this retreat does just that. Leisurely walk through gardens, rest and breathe in the cleanest of air on a panoramic gazebo, and enjoy the peace in stillness at the lake. This park adds an abundance of tranquil layers to your trip in the Cayman Islands.
Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park Main Attractions
The Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park is primarily made up of seven main attractions, each spotlighting an element of beauty characterizing the Cayman Islands. Whether you’ve decided to spend the morning, afternoon, or day at the park, each is a site to be seen:
- Floral Colour Garden
- Step foot into the wonders of natural color at this attraction. Floral pigments vary from one area to the next as you stroll through a journey of reds, yellows, lavenders and more. Nature has a way of painting a landscape you’ll never forget, and this garden is one one them.
- Orchid Boardwalk
- Delicate. Fragrant. Breathtaking. 10 of the 28 orchid species are housed in the park, making this blooming stroll one filled with awe-inspiring beauty peeking from each branch. If you’re an orchid enthusiast, trust us, this is a real-life mood board.
- Woodland Trail – The Blue Iguana Habitat
- Walk into a storybook. While our brain naturally thinks, “iguanas = green”, Grand Cayman blue iguanas prove us wrong. Native to the island, find yourself up close and personal as you admire the incredible work done at this conservation facility, helping sustain vibrant endangered species every day. Starting from only 30 dedicated blue iguanas in 1990 to over 100 today, Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park is truly protecting and supporting wildlife for a sustainable Grand Cayman.
More to See at the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park
- The Lake
- While there’s no shortage of waterfront views in the Cayman Islands, the lake at this park brings something very special to the table: bird watching. The water is still, the air is crisp, and the birds are active as you spot Cayman Islands native birds and migratory species only seen in galleries.
- Butterflies at the Park
- While other attractions are specific to one section, this one can be enjoyed throughout your whole journey. The Cayman Islands are home to 57 butterfly species, so enjoy different winged patterns fluttering throughout the gardens, trees, and maybe even your shoulder if nature allows.
Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park Commitment to Conservation
The Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park is deeply committed to ensuring Cayman Islands native flora are thriving and preserved for future generations. Often referred to as an outdoor classroom, local environmental education is found in every corner. From collecting and storing native seed to rescuing Banana orchids from building sites, the conservation projects underway are ongoing, countless and thread through the ethos of the park. Find out what the park has been up to recently in this guide.
This attraction is truly the perfect addition to complete any Cayman Islands vacation — whether you’re visiting for adventure or relaxation. Open from 9 am to 5:30 pm daily, pay a visit to botanical bliss. Buy your guided or self-guided tickets on Cayman Visitor today.
Who is Cayman Visitor?
Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park fits right into the Cayman Visitor mission, as a travel company built on the authenticity of the Cayman Islands. Working side by side with local businesses and entrepreneurs, Cayman Visitor is the resource for inspired perusing, planning, and booking travel. Call or message us today to curate the Caribbean trip of a lifetime.