Rediscover the richness of Cayman’s cultural heritage at Boatswain’s Beach.

Christopher Columbus first sighted Cayman Brac and Little Cayman on 10 May 1503 on his fourth trip to the New World. Columbus was on route to Hispaniola when his ship was thrust westward toward “two very small and low islands, full of tortoises, as was all the sea all about, insomuch that they looked like little rocks, for which reason these islands were called Las Tortugas.”

A 1523 map shows all three Islands with the name Lagartos, meaning alligators or large lizards, but by 1530, the name Caymanas was being used. It is derived from the Carib Indian word for the marine crocodile, which is now known to have lived in the Islands. Sir Francis Drake, on his 1585-86 voyage, reported seeing “great serpents called Caymanas, like large lizards, which are edible”.

It was the Islands’ ample supply of turtle, however, that made them a popular calling place for ships sailing the Caribbean and in need of meat for their crews and earned them the name “Las Tortugas”. This began a trend that eventually stripped local waters of the turtle, compelling local turtle fishermen to go further out to sea to Cuba and the Miskito Cays in search of their catch.

The first recorded settlements were located on Cayman Brac and Little Cayman during 1661-71. Because of the depredations of Spanish privateers, the governor of Jamaica called the settlers back to Jamaica, though by this time Spain had recognised British possession of the Islands in the 1670 Treaty of Madrid. Often in breach of the treaty, British privateers roamed the area taking their prizes, probably using the Cayman Islands to replenish stocks of food and water and careen their vessels.

This year, Discovery Day is made even more special with a celebration at Boatswain’s Beach slated for Monday, 19 May from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm. Various activities have been lined up for everyone to “Rediscover Cayman” while having the perfect family fun day.

Guests are encouraged to participate in the Cayman Family Jeopardy game that the events staff of the Islands’ premier attraction has devised. There are also several arts and craft demonstrations all day as well as the Dominos for Diabetes tournament. Of course, families may also opt to have some water fun and swim with the sharks or splash around Cayman’s largest freshwater swimming pool.

Best of all, children and adults alike will surely enjoy Cayman Style BBQ and the Cayman Culture Buffet while being entertained by Red, White and Blue.

So make this year’s Discovery Day more meaningful by joining the Discovery Day Celebration at Boatswain’s Beach with family and friends.

Admission is only CI$10 for adults and free for children ages 10 and under.