Grand Cayman

Hiking

Mastic Trail. The National Trust's internationally significant Mastic Trail, used in the 1800s as the only direct path to and from the North Side, is a rugged 2-mi (3-km) slash through 776 dense acres of woodlands, black mangrove swamps, savannah, agricultural remnants, and ancient rock formations. It embraces more than 700 species, including Cayman's largest remaining contiguous ancient forest (one of the heavily deforested Caribbean's last examples). A comfortable walk depends on weather—winter is better because it's drier, though flowering plants such as the banana orchid set the trail ablaze in summer. Call the National Trust to determine suitability and to book a guide for $30; tours are run daily from 9 to 5 by appointment only, regularly on Wednesday at 9 am (sometimes earlier in summer). Or walk on the wild side with a $5 guidebook that provides information on the ecosystems you traverse, the endemic wildlife you might encounter, seasonal changes, poisonous plants to avoid, and folkloric uses of various flora. The trip takes about three hours. Frank Sound Rd., entrance by fire station at botanic park, Breakers, East End, Grand Cayman. 345/749-1121; 345/749-1124 for guide reservations. www.nationaltrust.org.ky.

More Sports and Outdoors

• Bird-Watching
• Diving
• Fishing
• Golf
• Guided Tours
• Hiking
• Horseback Riding

• Kayaking
• Sailing
• Sea Excursions
• Skating and Skateboarding
• Snorkeling
• Squash and Tennis
• Wind- and Kitesurfing