By Connie Motz

Why it may be the smallest of the Cayman Islands at only ten-square miles, what it lacks in size, Little Cayman makes up for it by being a nature and wildlife viewing paradise.  Offering a selection of pristine beaches, salt ponds, lagoons, and historical sites, Little Cayman is the perfect destination for those wanting a tranquil one on one experience with nature at it’s best.

Bird Watching on Little Cayman

In 1994, an international convention held in Ramsar, Iran, proclaimed over 1,800 wetlands from around the globe as being of worldwide importance – this included the protected Booby Pond Nature Reserve on Little Cayman. Now under the realm of the National Trust for the Cayman Islands, the 203-acre Booby Pond Nature Reserve is home to an estimated 7,000 red-footed boobies, also known as sula sula.  Guests can explore the visitor’s center, talk to the many volunteers on hand, view the birds from platforms and telescopes, and visit the gift shop.  Little Cayman also has an abundance of resident black frigate sea birds, snowy egrets, and herons.  West Indian or black-billed whistling ducks can also be spotted here as well as Salt Bay Pond and Grape Tree Pond found on the islands northwest coastline.

Little Cayman Iguanas

With more than 2,000 iguanas in residence, visitors to Little Cayman will see prominent iguana crossing signage all over the island.  The critically endangered blue iguana often reaches five feet in length and is one of the most popular iguanas to spot due to it’s unique color especially noticeable in males and during mating season.  Other Little Cayman iguana species include the Lesser Caymans iguana and the Little Cayman Rock Iguana.  The northwest Salt Rocks Nature Trail provides opportunities for iguana sightings as well as migratory birds, flora and fauna.

Critically Endangered Turtles

If underwater wildlife viewing is more your thing, Little Cayman offers world-class scuba diving and snorkeling to sites like Jackson’s Bright or the spectacular wall diving found at Bloody Bay.  But more so, diving and snorkeling provides the opportunity to get up close and personal with the docile Hawksbill turtle.  This critically endangered species frequents coral reefs while dining primarily on sea sponges; mating season for the Hawksbill turtle generally runs from April to July while the nesting season occurs from May to October.

Little Cayman is also well-known for it’s tropical wildlife including 26 species of orchids like the striking Wild Banana orchid with its pale yellow petals and dark purple clusters.  Orchids grow freely in the islands tropical foliage and can be found throughout Little Cayman.

When To Go

The driest and least humid time of the year to visit Little Cayman is from December to May.  May is also turtle nesting season.

Climate

The average year round temperature on Little Cayman is 80°F (27°C).

Getting There & Around

There are flights into Little Cayman from both Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac through Cayman Airways Express.

Private water taxis are available for approximately $25 one-way.  Once on the island, the primary mode of transportation on Little Cayman is by bicycle.

Average Costs

• Mid-range three start accommodations: $200-250
• Meals: $15-40
• Bottle of Beer: $4-6

Do’s

• Purchase a wildlife guidebook to help identify Little Cayman’s local species.
• Take note that on all roads, iguanas have right of way.
• Try to visit in May during the turtle-nesting season but before the hurricane season sets in (June to November).

Dont’s

• Worry about the smell of sulfur at the Booby Pond Nature Reserve, it’s only perfectly natural bird poop.
• Forget your camera and binoculars for optimum wildlife viewing.
• Purchase any turtle products as it’s strictly prohibited by law.

Fun Facts

• The iguana population on Little Cayman outnumbers local residents 12 to 1.
• The highest elevation on the island is only 40 feet (13 meters) above sea level.
• Christopher Columbus discovered the Cayman Islands in 1503.
• The Cayman Islands are one of the only Caribbean Islands to offer a Hurricane Guarantee.

For more on this story go to:

http://trekity.com/wildlife-viewing-little-cayman-island/