(15th June 2023) – The National Trust for the Cayman Islands (NTCI)has partnered with the Cayman Islands National Attractions Authority (CINAA) to offer a new simplified entrance ticket that will provide combined access to the Blue Iguana Conservation (BIC) facility and the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park (QEIIBP) attractions on any day of the week. The combined ticket is affordably priced, offering great value for an incredible nature and wildlife experience in the Cayman Islands. The new joint ticket will be available on 1st July 2023.

Whilst exploring the QEIIBP, highlights include the new Children’s Garden which has the Cayman National splash pad, playground, Rotary Schoolhouse, and discovery tower. Other sites to see are the Orchid Boardwalk, Heritage Garden, Colour Garden, and the Woodland Trail. Overall, there is rich biodiversity, with stunning flora and fauna to see.

QEIIBP Manager John Lawrus is looking forward to the changes: “It is a great time for the QEIIBP to further strengthen its original mission of recreation, education and conservation by including access every day of the week to the BIC facility in its new admission structure.

This combined with the nearly completed Children’s Garden allows for increased space for recreation and education for our children, all within one location. The development of the Children’s Garden fills a specific need by giving children the opportunity to learn about our environment through both structured teaching in the Rotary Schoolhouse, or passively by observing the intricate weaving of the larger-than-life bird nest structures while getting physical exercise and some time away from the screen in a safe location.”

Executive Director of the Trust, Frank Roulstone added: “We are pleased to offer the public the opportunity to see our globally respected wildlife conservation facility as part of the overall Botanic Park experience. The National Trust, through the support of local and international partnerships, has developed a model program for species conservation which has won international acclaim during its 30+ years of development. The Trust is committed to further enhance and improve the BIC facility as a flagship programme of which the Cayman Islands can be continually proud.”

CINAA Director, Patrick Thompson, commented that: “This initiative will greatly benefit both entities and will tremendously improve the guest experience. I am delighted that the partnership between the National Trust and the National Attractions Authority is blossoming. We anticipate increased visitation and financial growth, which will ultimately allow us to reinvest and further improve our product offerings.”

Spend some time reconnecting with nature. Discover Cayman’s unique natural environment and native wildlife.

About the National Trust for the Cayman Islands

The National Trust for the Cayman Islands is a non-governmental organization whose mandate under the National Trust Law (2010 Revision) includes the preservation of the historic, natural and maritime heritage of the Cayman Islands for present and future generations.

About the Blue Iguana Conservation Programme

The Blue Iguana Recovery Programme began in 1990 with only 30 dedicated Blue Iguanas and the primary goal to restore the wild population to 1,000 Blue Iguanas, encouraging viable population in the long-term. Having met its primary goal in 2018, the initiative formally transitioned to the Blue Iguana Conservation Programme in 2019 with a new focus of sustainably conserving the native species of Grand Cayman.

About the Cayman Islands National Attractions Authority

The Cayman Islands National Attractions Authority (CINAA) was established under the Cayman Islands National Attractions Authority Act, 2023 (Act 8 of 2023) on 1 June 2023. The primary function of the National Attractions Authority is the general and financial management of Pedro St. James as a building of historic

interest and a heritage site for visitors, and of such other land and buildings as may be vested in it or placed under its management, in accordance with the general policies of the Government. The Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park is a conservation effort of both the Cayman Islands Government and the National Trust for the Cayman Islands and was the second site placed under the management of the National Attractions Authority. The Authority also manages the Hell Geological Site and the Cayman Craft Market.

About the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park

The Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park, an attraction managed by the Cayman Islands National Attractions Authority, is open Monday to Sunday from 9:00AM to 4:30PM. Boasting over 62 acres of lush landscape, the Park is home to an abundance of wildlife including many of the islands’ 56 species of butterfly, native birds, the Cayman Parrot, and the endangered Cayman Blue Iguana. With multiple floral gardens, woodland trails, wetlands, a lake and over 60 species of palm trees, there is so much to do and see at the Botanic Park.

The Park which was originally designed to show and preserve the Cayman Islands’ native flora and fauna – as well as to promote education, conservation, and recreation – now has over 30,000 visitors each year, many of whom come to enjoy the tranquility, culture and natural beauty that abounds in this hidden treasure. The Heritage Garden is a beautiful tribute to the people of the islands and their traditional Caymanian way of life.