The Cayman Islands’ first-ever national park was created around the northern end of West Bay, in an area called Barker’s National Park. Here you can find a long stretch of undeveloped beach alongside mangrove forests, where you can go for a hike or join a horseback-riding excursion. You can also see the park as part of a West Bay bike tour.
Whether you’re hiking, biking or riding the trails in the park, keep an eye out for wildlife like the brown pelicans and green iguanas that make their homes here. However, don’t expect to find much in the way of facilities, as the park is simply a preserve without any ranger station or bathrooms to visit while you’re there. Luckily, it’s located just a few minutes from the town of West Bay.
To reach Barker’s National Park, follow signs to Pappagallo Restaurant, which sits just outside the park boundary. If you’re visiting the park from George Town, the drive is about 25 minutes long. Visiting the park on your own is free, but you can pay for guided biking or horseback riding tours.