For many, West Bay is the last place they think of going on a weekend. Yet the district has much to offer and will surprise those who have never ventured out there.
 
With much to see, do and eat, it is easy to while away a weekend in the west.
 
The stand-out must see out west is Boatswains Beach, which incorporates the turtle farm. It presents visitors with an excellent opportunity to get up close and personal with a very important part of Cayman’s culture, as the turtle played a vital role in the early economy of the Islands, and even lent it its original name, Las Tortugas. The venue also boasts a nature trail, an aviary, a lagoon and a predator tank where visitors can come face to face with sharks, eels and groupers. While there, stop in for a bite at Schooners, the on-site restaurant, for a taste of local food including turtle stew.
 
A new venue on the list is the recently-opened Cayman Motor Museum, just past Boatswain’s Beach. Whether you are a professed car nut or not, the museum has something sure to thrill everyone. The museum boasts the personal car collection of Andreas Ugland and includes an amazing variety of rare and historic vehicles, from a collection of almost a dozen Ferraris to the original Batmobile from the 1960’s television series. The collection also includes a Rolls Royce once owned by Elton John, as well as a Mercedes that belonged to Idi Amin, the notorious former dictator of Uganda.
 
West Bay is also home to Cayman’s two dolphin facilities, Dolphin Discovery and Dolphin Cove, which afford visitors the opportunity to swim with dolphins, or, for the less adventurous, merely touch them or look at them.
 
The Barkers national park is also well worth a visit for anyone who would like to explore the mangroves or some of the more untouched beaches in Cayman. Depending on wind conditions, the coastline along Barkers also plays host to the aerobatics of the local kitesurfers, which can be well worth a look. There are also kitesurfing schools based out at Barkers, so if the bug bites, just ask around on the beach and someone should be able to point you in the right direction.
 
When it comes to finding a spot to watch the sunset over a sumptuous meal, there are numerous options in West Bay. The Cracked Conch is a favourite and although famous for its seafood, it offers a wide selection of dishes. The option of dinner at the restaurant followed by a night of salsa dancing at Macabuca downstairs is also very tempting.
 
For those who would venture a little bit further, Ristorante Pappagallo is legendary for its atmosphere, location and of course food. With a fusion of Northern Italian food and Caribbean flair, the restaurant is well worth a visit, with the tranquil surroundings adding immensely to the dining experience.
 
For a pleasant surprise even closer to home, try Alfresco, which boasts one of the most unbelievable waterfront views from its outside dining area as well as excellent yet casual food.
Whether you are looking to experience culture, cuisine, or just be entertained, West Bay has something to offer every taste.   WH