Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
tions, which may be made via e-mail, are required for all tours and must be
made 24 hours in advance. There is a minimum of two persons per tour;
groups of four or more receive a 10% discount. Participants on all tours are
provided with snacks, including traditional Caymanian foods and beverages.
CONSERVATION EFFORTS
The purchase of the ancient forest seen along the Mastic Trail is
just one project of the
National Trust
. Today the development
plan includes protection of the Central Mangrove Wetland, 8,500
acres that flood during the wet seasons and are an important part
of the natural Grand Cayman landscape. Over 7,000 acres of this
wetland are privately held. To preserve this region, the National
Trust is working to acquire parcels of the wetland and to conserve
the region, which is home to whistling ducks, parrots
,
snowy
egrets, and hickatees. The National Trust is encouraging dona-
tions for this project and can be reached at the National Trust for
the Cayman Islands, PO Box 31116 SMB, Grand Cayman;
345-
949-0121.
To reach the Mastic Trail, take Frank Sound Road north. Just past the fire
station, take the first road left. Stay left and follow that dirt road 0.7 mile
across several cattle guards (if you head north on Frank Sound Road and
reach the Botanic Park, you've gone too far). A small parking area beside
the Mastic Trail sign marks the trailhead. It can be hiked without a guide,
although plants are not marked and the trail is not a loop, so plan to turn
around and retrace your steps.
Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park
, Frank Sound Road,
345-947-3558,
www.botanic-park.ky. This is one of the best attractions on Grand Cay-
man, both economically and educationally. The park's main features are the
Woodland Trail, the Heritage Garden, and the Floral Colour Garden. Each
offer distinct experiences. The trail emphasizes Cayman flora and fauna in a
natural setting, while the gardens showcase tropical plants from around
the globe in a beautiful setting.
