Barker’s National Park
West Bay, Cayman Islands
Located on a peninsula at the eastern end of West Bay on Grand Cayman, Barker’s National Park is the first national park in the Cayman Islands. There are no amenities at this undeveloped and largely unmarked park, which is home to dense mangrove swamps, lagoons, wetlands, wildlife, and long stretches of often deserted beach.
Barker’s National Park is for visitors looking for seclusion, as its beaches and trails are rarely crowded. Relax, sunbathe, and have a picnic on the beach, or swim, snorkel, kayak, and paddle in the shallow waters. Hike or bike the trails through the mangroves, and look for birds and wildlife. The park is a popular spot for kitesurfing, with rentals and lessons at Barker’s Beach. Some horseback riding and ATV tours include a stop here.
Barker’s National Park is ideal for nature lovers and those looking for seclusion.
There are no facilities, including restrooms, in the park. Amenities can be found in the town of West Bay nearby.
The road to the park can be rough, and it’s best to go in a 4-wheel drive vehicle.
Bring binoculars; the park is a great spot for birdwatching.
Barker’s National Park is located in Grand Cayman, at the eastern end of West Bay, around 15 miles (24 kilometers) from central George Town. Take the Esterly Tibbetts Highway to the end and follow signs to Conch Point Road. At Papagallo Restaurant, turn east on a gravel road to the end. Some tours, including kitesurfing lessons, include transportation to the park.
The park can be visited at any time. Since its beaches are rarely crowded, it’s an ideal option in peak season when other beaches on Grand Cayman are packed with visitors. Storms in the rainy season in May–October can lead to rough water and weather. Expect consistent trade winds, and the best conditions for kitesurfing, between November and April.
The West Bay area is home to two other popular attractions. At the Turtle Centre, visitors can swim and snorkel with turtles, learn about the conservation efforts, see other wildlife, and enjoy a waterslide. Visitors can enjoy views of the unusual and jagged limestone formations at Hell and send postcards with a Hell postmark from the post office.
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