West Bay is a charming, mostly residential district with winding roads, pretty Caribbean–style homes and some of Cayman’s most popular attractions including the Cayman Turtle Centre
Read below to learn more about things to do in West Bay.
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Cycle Miles of Trails by renting bicycles or join a group tour for a gentle cycle along stunning coastal roads and country backroads.
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Encounter Wildlife and Nature at the Cayman Turtle Centre. Here you can swim with turtles and other colourful marine life in Turtle Lagoon, take a ride on the Turtle Twister waterslide, walk down a historic Cayman Street and visit exotic birds in the Caribbean Aviary. There is also a nature trail, two lagoons, waterfalls and a Predator Reef tank where sharks and other marine predators live! Plus, you can meet the turtles, which range from tiny hatchlings to adults weighing over 500 pounds. Don’t miss the chance to pick one up out of the touch tank or participate in a turtle feeding! There is a courtesy shuttle bus from SMB to the Cayman Turtle Centre. Email: info@turtle.ky for a schedule.
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Explore Barkers National Park and get away from it all on a deserted beach. Located at the very north eastern end of West Bay, you might see people kitesurfing off the beach and others horseback riding, but the area is large enough to find a spot where you won’t be disturbed all day. Please note though there are no facilities, little shade and the entire area closes at dusk.
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Get Underwater and explore some great shore dives/snorkel spots. Turtle Reef is just off Cracked Conch & Macabuca restaurant which has a mini wall with lots of fish, vibrant coral and a cave where huge tarpon love to hang out. You can rent equipment below the restaurant at Sundivers (345) 949 6606, jump in for a snorkel or dive, then have lunch at Macabuca. Another shore dive is just down the road at Divetech’s Lighthouse Point (345) 949 1700. Don’t miss the 13ft statue of the mythological creature “Guardian of the Reef” which makes a great underwater photo.
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Learn to Kitesurf with Kitesurf Cayman. A phenomenal experience that gets the heart and adrenalin pumping. Rent equipment and hit the water or book a lesson and learn how to kitesurf in waist-deep calm waters.
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Saddle Up and Go Horseback Riding along Barkers Beach with Coral Stone Stables or Spirit of the West. Choose from morning, afternoon, sunset or moonlight rides on their gorgeous, well-trained horses. You can even swim with the horses in the sea for a truly unique Caribbean experience.
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Take a Trip to Hell and take the opportunity to send your friends a “postcard from HELL”! Hell is a unique geological wonder of rugged blackened limestone, estimated to be 10-15 million years old. A flock of white migratory birds can be seen nesting in the rocks during late December/early January. Entry is free.
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Shopping There is a large Foster’s Food Fair grocery store right at the start of West Bay at the four way stop. Also there is a bank, pharmacy, Jacques Scott liquor store and the Body Barn Hair & Beauty salon. Gift shops can be found at the Cayman Turtle Centre. You can also find locals selling beautifully varnished conch shells along the side of the road which make great souvenirs.