What it's like
The Mastic Trail runs north to south through the middle of Grand Cayman, cutting through the interior Mastic Reserve. It is one of the last stands of untouched old-growth forest in the Caribbean, and the trail was laid out so visitors can walk it with a guide.
A visit is a walk of about 2.3 miles under the canopy. Guides name the rare trees, including the mastic, and point out birds, butterflies, snakes, frogs, crabs and lizards. The ground can be rough in places, so closed shoes with good grip matter more than anything else you pack.
Good to know
- Sturdy shoes are highly recommended, since the trail can be rugged in some sections.
- Reservations are required, and tours are arranged by email in advance.
- The guided walk runs on Wednesday mornings.
- Guides point out the rare trees, including the mastic tree, along the route.
Mastic Trail
Mastic Trail is a guided walk through old-growth forest in the interior Mastic Reserve, running through the middle of Grand Cayman. Hikers look for rare trees, birds and small reptiles.
Tours that go here
Prices are per person, booked with our partner, Shore Excursions Group.
Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park
Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park is a garden park on Frank Sound Road in North Side, with roaming blue iguanas, butterflies, an orchid boardwalk and a lake full of birds.
Stingray City
Stingray City is a set of shallow sandbars in the North Sound of Grand Cayman, where southern stingrays gather around visiting boats. Most people reach it on a boat tour from George Town.
Cemetery Beach
Cemetery Beach is a quiet public beach at the north end of Seven Mile Beach, with a reef for snorkeling just offshore. It is one of the calmer spots on the island's west side.
Seven Mile Beach
A long crescent of coral-sand beach on the west coast of Grand Cayman, north of George Town. It is the island's best-known stretch of sand, and most people come here to swim, rest and eat lunch.
The same kind of day, elsewhere
Hiking
