Despite the island’s small size, Grand Cayman is teeming with wildlife, much of which you won’t find anywhere else in the world! While you might not come across impressive creatures such as lions or elephants, the wildlife in Grand Cayman is utterly unique.
At Rum Point Club, our guests may have the privilege of spotting some creatures as they sip on a drink at The Rum Deck or enjoy one of our Rum Point Activities. To help you increase your chances of seeing the island’s animals, we’ve created this guide to where to spot Grand Cayman’s rare and endangered wildlife. And if you have any questions for us about what to enjoy at our club afterwards, feel free to get in touch with us!
Grand Cayman Parrot: The Island’s Iconic Species
The Grand Cayman parrot is one of the island’s most iconic species. Not to be confused with the Cayman Brac parrot, which is only found on Cayman Brac, the Grand Cayman parrot has distinctive green coloring with a white beak and red speckles. While the Cayman parrot is the Cayman Islands’ national bird, the species has become increasingly threatened by habitat loss.
Despite this, they still number in the thousands, and you may be able to spot them in George Town, Seven Mile Beach, the Salina Reserve, or while walking along the stunning Mastic Trail. For the best chances of seeing these birds, make a visit to the Cayman Parrot Sanctuary on the East End. Here, injured parrots have been rescued and rehabilitated, with some of them living peacefully at the sanctuary. You can see the beauty of the parrots up close, along with a range of other animals.
If you’re interested in learning about marine life as well, read our blog to learn about the 9 Aquatic Animals You’ll See in Grand Cayman!
Source: Cayman Parrot Sanctuary
Blue Iguana: Back from the Edge of Extinction
Only found on Grand Cayman and no other island, the blue iguana is as striking as it is rare. These iguanas were once on the edge of extinction, with fewer than 30 in the wild in the early 2000s. But thanks to conservation efforts, the species has bounced back and now has a population of 1,200 in the wild!
While you may not see them easily in the wild, you’ll definitely be able to spot them at the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park, where the blue iguana habitat serves as their breeding grounds. To learn more about these intriguing animals, you can book a behind-the-scenes tour.
Visiting the botanic garden is one of our picks for 10 Unique Experiences in the Cayman Islands — read our blog for more!
Grand Cayman Bullfinch: A Striking Beauty
Recently declared an endemic species in 2023, the Grand Cayman bullfinch is a sleek but stout bird. With its dark black feathers and a distinctive white streak, the bullfinch’s unique beauty is unmistakable. You are more likely to spot the bullfinch in woodlands on the North Side or East End of the island, and if you don’t see it, you will almost certainly hear its gorgeous trill!
Grand Cayman Woodpecker: Two Distinct Subspecies
In Grand Cayman, you won’t find just one endemic woodpecker, but two. Both the West Indian woodpecker and the Northern Flicker are native to the island, bringing with them colorful flair and the distinct sound of their drumming beaks. You’ll find them in woodlands across the island, especially on the Mastic Trail and on the East End. During their nesting season, you may even spot them in people’s houses!
Source: National Trust for the Cayman Islands
Grand Cayman Blue-Throated Anole: Not Your Typical Lizard
If you spot a blue-throated anole in Grand Cayman, you’re not looking at any ordinary lizard. Only found on the island and nowhere else in the Caribbean, this anole is known for its brilliant blue throat fan. You’ll likely spot these reptiles crawling on trees or on the sides of buildings, with the males standing out more with their bright turquoise coloring and distinct spots.
Agoutis: The Unusual ‘Rabbits’ of Grand Cayman
While agoutis are not native to the Cayman Islands, they have become a quintessential part of the landscape. Introduced to the islands in the 1900s, these rodents have become known as the ‘Cayman rabbit’. The animals are known for being shy and wary, but you may just catch a glimpse of them shuffling in the trees by Mission House or on the Mastic Trail. For a definite sighting, you can also meet them at the Cayman Parrot Sanctuary. Seeing an agouti means a lucky day!
Source: Cayman Parrot Sanctuary
With its unique array of wildlife found nowhere else on earth, Grand Cayman is a haven for nature lovers. Whether you’re eager to spot its incredible birdlife or go looking for the beautiful blue iguana, you’ll do it knowing it’s a one-of-a-kind sighting you won’t experience anywhere else!
In between your wildlife searching, make sure to stop by us at the Rum Point Club for some food and drinks at either The Rum Deck or Solis Restaurant. If you have any questions before your visit, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us!
