The National Trust for the Cayman Islands is proud to be the custodian and caretaker of our endemic Blue Iguana, a species found only in Grand Cayman. Once on the brink of extinction, the endangered Blue Iguana is steadily increasing in population and is important to our natural ecosystem. To date, over 1,200 Blue Iguanas have been released into the wild. Our designated protected areas for the Blue Iguana include: Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park (home of Blue Iguana Conservation Breeding Facility), the Salina Reserve and Colliers Wilderness Reserve.
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From the Brink of Extinction
In the early 2000s, fewer than 30 Blue Iguanas remained in the wild. Their survival was far from guaranteed. In response, we launched a captive breeding program, nurturing hatchlings in a safe, controlled environment before returning them to the wild.
Our nursery, sponsored by Walkers, plays a key role. Eggs are collected from wild nests and incubated until hatching in summer. Hatchlings are raised for 2–3 years before being released.
- Females lay 3–18 eggs per season
- Eggs hatch after ~72 days (July–September)
- Blue Iguanas can live up to 60 years
Blue Iguanas are herbivores, eating more than 100 native plants! Our staff gather wild food daily: mango, papaya, callaloo, hibiscus, morning glory, and more.
A Wild New Chapter – Guardians of Biodiversity
To date, over 1,200 Blue Iguanas have been released into the wild. Our designated protected areas for the Blue Iguana include: Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park (home of Blue Iguana Conservation Breeding Facility), the Salina Reserve and Colliers Wilderness Reserve. Many you’ll spot in the Botanic Park were raised by our team!
Blue Iguanas released into protected areas are now forging their lives in the wild, but survival isn’t simple. We continue to protect Blue Iguanas through:
- Expanding protected areas
- Invasive species management
- Field research, including wildlife camera monitoring and GPS tracking
By protecting Blue Iguanas, we also protect the ecosystems they call home. These reptiles are flagship species, meaning their conservation benefits many other endemic species that share their habitat. These protected areas support a wide range of native wildlife.
Help us preserve these wild spaces — Donate to the Land Reserve Fund
Meet Forrest
Forrest is one of our long-term resident iguanas and an ambassador for his species. Now retired, he roams freely at our facility and often poses for photos with visitors. While he enjoys treats like bananas and noni, please let staff handle feeding!
You might spot him napping near the Blue Iguana mural or mingling with guests in the Education Hub, also sponsored by Walkers.
Adopt A Blue Iguana
Blue Iguanas are a protected species, found only in Grand Cayman and are listed as endangered. After meeting our charismatic resident Blue Iguanas, and falling in love with them we hope you will consider a symbolic adoption and help us care for this endangered species.
All funds will directly support our Blue Iguana Conservation Programme and care for this incredible animal.
Our Partners
Blue Iguana Conservation is a program of the National Trust for the Cayman Islands, with decades of partnership from dedicated scientists, conservationists, and supporters. Our conservation success would not be possible without support from our local and global partners.
• Blue Iguana Conservation Programme • National Trust for the Cayman Islands • Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park • Department of Environment • Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) • International Union of Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Species Survival Commission (SSC) – Iguana Specialist Group • International Iguana Foundation • International Reptile Conservation Foundation (IRCF) • Wildlife Conservation Society (Bronx Zoo) • St. Matthew’s University • Cayman Islands Regiment •
Facility Hours & Tours
The Blue Iguana Conservation Facility is located at the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park, and is open daily from 9:00am-5:00pm (Last admission is 4:45pm).
For more information or booking the tours and experiences we offer at Blue Iguana Conservation Facility please see below or email tours@nationaltrust.org.ky
BLUE IGUANA TOUR
Blue Iguana Conservation
- Participate in a relaxed self-guided nature walk around the Blue Iguana Conservation facility.
- View the recently upgraded semi-wild habitats
- See juvenile and adult blue iguanas.
- Take a photo at the blue iguana mural
- All entry fees help support Blue Iguana Conservation
Self Guided Tours
- Open daily 9:00 am – 5:00 pm (Last admission 4:45 pm)
- Entry included with general admission to the QEII Botanic Park
- No reservations required
Guided Tours with BIC Warden
- Guided tours with a BIC Warden are available through pre-booking. Contact: tours@nationaltrust.org.ky
Self-Guided Tours Visitors
Adults CI$20/USD$25
Children (3-12) CI$10/USD$12.50
*Children (0-2) Free
Purchase tickets at the Visitor Centre. General admission to QEII Botanic Park includes entrance to BIC facility.
Guided Tours
Pre-booking only. Contact tours@nationaltrust.org.ky
- call 749-1132
- email tours@nationaltrust.org.ky for a private tour
Blue Iguana Warden Experience
Join the Blue Iguana Conservation (BIC) team for a half-day VIP experience at the conservation facility!
Get exclusive behind-the-scenes access to Grand Cayman’s famous and endemic blue iguana under the supervision of the BIC wardens. Join them on their morning routine to receive an insider’s experience into what it takes to conserve these amazing lizards.
You will be involved in various activities such as:
- Exploring sites around the island to learn about iguana diets and collect some food plants for them
- Cleaning their semi-wild habitats and learning where their favourite basking spots are
- Preparing food and feeding the iguanas (the iguanas love this bit!)
- Learning about our conservation breeding efforts and have special access to the new nursery
- Finding out about the conservation fieldwork that is carried out by the BIC team
- Accompanying the wardens on one of their public tours where you will hear about the history, our partners and the continuing success of the project.
CI$92/ US$115 per person* Does not include entry to the Botanic Park. Entry to the Botanic Park is an additional charge.
Tour approximately 3-4 hours
Minimum Age: 16 years and under must be accompanied by an adult
*Private Tours available on request
For reservations and more information, contact us today
- call 749-1132
- email tours@nationaltrust.org.ky