Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park

The botanic park spreads across a stretch of Grand Cayman's interior with themed gardens, a lake, native woodland trails and a heritage Caymanian house, but its most important work is behind the scenes: the blue iguana, endemic to the island, was down to a couple of dozen animals in the wild in the early 2000s and a captive breeding and release programme here pulled it back from the edge. Visitors see them free-ranging through the gardens and can take a tour of the breeding facility. The woodland trail also gives the best chance of seeing native orchids and the island's dry forest habitat.

What you'll find

• Blue iguanas - the endemic species, free-ranging and in the breeding centre.
• The colour garden - themed planting beds through the seasons.
• The woodland trail - native dry forest, orchids and birdlife.
• The heritage house - a traditional Caymanian home and garden.

When to go

The cooler dry months from November to May are the most comfortable for walking. The Wild Banana orchid, the national flower, blooms in late spring. Mornings are best for iguana activity and for avoiding heat.

Practical notes

It is a garden rather than a wilderness, and visitors expecting dramatic landscape will find something quieter and more horticultural. The iguana breeding tours run at set times and need checking ahead. Trails are exposed and hot by midday. Mosquitoes appear after rain. Cruise-ship excursions arrive in blocks on some days.

Nearby

Rum Point, the Mastic Trail through old forest and the East End blowholes.

Key facts