Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park

This 65-acre site in the Cayman Islands is made up of seven themed gardens, woodland trails, a lake and wetlands, a nursery, and a visitor’s centre.

It is home to the endangered Blue Iguana Recovery Programme, the rare Ghost Orchid, the Banana Orchid (Cayman’s national flower), the Cayman Parrot (Cayman’s national bird), various native and endemic butterflies and much more.

You can explore the Heritage Garden and learn how Caymanians lived in days of old; take a stroll through the Colour Garden, Woodland Trail, the Xerophytic Garden or the Orchid Boardwalk, the soon to be complete Children’s Garden, or just relax and picnic by the lake– a favourite place for birdwatching. Located on Frank Sound Road in North Side, the Botanic Park is approximately a 40-minute drive from George Town.

Other services include a golf cart which is available for the elderly and disabled, but must be prearranged by emailing manager@botanic-park.ky prior to your visit.

The Park is open daily from 9am-5.30pm (last admission at 4.30pm). Resident rates are available at CI$5 for adults, seniors 65+ are free and children five and under are free. A valid ID is required for resident rates.

Guided tours are available on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 2pm. The park can be hired for weddings and small events such as baby showers, afternoon tea and children’s parties.

Blue Iguana Safari

Grand Cayman’s famed “Blue Dragons” are found at the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park. Once numbering in the tens of thousands, by 2001 there were thought to be fewer than 25 Blue Iguanas left in the wild of the Cayman Islands.

During this 45 minute tour your guide will walk you through the facility, introduce you to some of the programme’s star breeders and explain how the Blue Iguana Recovery Programme has brought these endangered species back from the brink of extinction.

Tours operate at the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park, Monday-Saturday 10am and 11am. Ticket prices include entry to the park and the guide. It’s CI$20 for adults, CI$10 for kids aged 6-12 years old and kids 11 and under are free. All profit goes to the programme. Bookings are not required, but recommended. Visit www.nationaltrust.org.ky for more information.

Wedding Location

The Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park is a magical setting for a wedding celebration. Manicured lawns can host as many as 100 people, or a more intimate affair can be held in one of the park’s lush alcoves.

Facilities at the park include full access to the air conditioned conference room at the Visitor’s Centre and golf cart to transport guests and the bridal party around the park.

Park opening hours are 9am-5.30pm daily (last admission at 4.30pm), but evening weddings can be booked from 5pm until midnight. For more information visit www.botanic-park.ky/events/weddings.