The Cayman Islands is home to a variety of plants and animals and many of these evolved into species unique to the Cayman Islands.

The green turtle, for which the islands were once named “Las Tortugas” can be found in the coral reefs surrounding the island, along with Stingrays, magnificent Parrot fish, and an abundance of marine life.

The Grand Cayman Parrot is native to Grand Cayman, as well as areas of Cuba and the Isla de la Juventud. This boisterous Parrot is the national bird of the Cayman Islands and can regularly be seen (although usually heard first!) in the tree tops feeding on Sea Grapes, flowers and other native plants. The Cayman Brac Parrot is slightly smaller than the Grand Cayman Parrot and has the smallest range of any Amazonian Parrot, thus one of the rarest of all Parrots.

Little Cayman is home to the largest breeding population of the Red-footed Booby in the Western Hemisphere. The National Trust’s Booby Pond Nature Reserve is also home to frigate birds, having a 6 ft. wingspan, West Indian Whistling Ducks, Blue Herons and Snowy Egrets.

On land, you may be fortunate to spot an Agouti, introduced from Central America, foraging for fruit and seeds. Near the shore, especially near Coconut Walk Bay or Starfish Point, you will most certainly see Soldier Crabs (Hermit Crabs). Smaller lizards and Green Iguanas are seemingly everywhere.

On Grand Cayman, the most famous land animal is the Blue Iguana, which is endemic to Grand Cayman and can be seen at the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park.