Barker's National Park
Barker's National Park
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4.0
132 reviews
Excellent
52
Very good
48
Average
22
Poor
6
Terrible
4
natster6
Peru, IL75 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
We drove into the park by the Pappagallo Restaurant and crawled along for quite a ways in our little rental car. The road is very rough. We never could really find where to go. We'd wanted to go to the kite surfer beach or to one of the little deserted beach pull offs that I had read about... But we couldn't find them. There are no signs anywhere to identify anything. My husband was too frustrated driving 5 miles an hour on bad roads so we turned around and left. Ended up at Barker's Beach 47 and it was beautiful. Deserted. Found lots of sea glass and a few decent shells. Just south of there is a crescent shaped rock formation that I walked down to. There were local boys swimming there. It was beautiful... I really want to go back and snorkel there. I'm not sure there is direct access from the road. The boys told me that they walked in and I suspect that was through private property. It was really cool though. A couple arrived and said they'd cube from 7 mile beach which was really rough today... But this area was not. It was beautiful. We'll probably go back when we drive up to do the turtle center.
Written 18 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steamer69
Port Coquitlam, Canada29 contributions
Feb 2020 • Friends
This is a hidden gem of the Cayman Islands. By far the least visited place we went to on our trip. Off the beaten track as the roads were dirt and a little bumpy. The beach and water though was amazing. If we had more time we would have gone out there again as it was well worth the trip.
Written 27 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KeepRocks
Silver Spring, Maryland218 contributions
Jan 2020
The beachscape in the Cayman Islands is lush and beautiful. There are seagrapes growing along the shore, the beach is white and soft and the water is crystal clear. Very picturesque!
Written 31 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pararescue
Cleveland, OH22 contributions
Aug 2014 • Family
You read that right - this is probably one of the the most amazing locations on Grand Cayman. Unfortunately the experience is spoiled by trash, general garage dumping and groups of off-road bikers looking for places to try stunts. NOT a family experience by any means.
When we looked for an out-of-the-way place on GC, we noticed the National Park on our map. Expecting to see something like we have at home in the US, we packed up and went. Getting there was a little challenging but once we arrived at the main gate, we knew something was up. There was an abandoned horse trailer with garbage pouring out of it to greet us. Things did not get any better. The "park" is so poorly marked that you are never sure your going to the beach or to the Manson Family compound. Having three young kids made us extra cautious. Once we pulled down one of the sandy paths we saw the beautiful ocean. The beach and water are filled with seaweed, so this is not a place to go swimming. However, the view is spectacular. There is a reef about 500 yards out so the water is calm. It is absolutely silent. Nothing but the lapping of waves and an ocean breeze. Then you turn around and see beer cans, trash, abandoned grills and hundred of conch shells. I assume this is a local place to hang out and cook conch(?).
While trying to negotiate the dirt road pot-holes in our rental car, we encountered three different groups of motorcycles. Clearly they were not happy with our presence. They were riding extremely fast, pulling wheelies and dusting us as they passed. If we were at home, there would have been a 911 call. It was extremely uncomfortable - and this is written by a former SOCOM operator. There are no bathrooms or facilities of any sort, so be aware of that too.
Regardless, this is a National disgrace to the Cayman Islands and a treasure that should be preserved. There are a few places on earth this isolated and beautiful, but the government could do a lot to clean and secure this place for generations to come.
When we looked for an out-of-the-way place on GC, we noticed the National Park on our map. Expecting to see something like we have at home in the US, we packed up and went. Getting there was a little challenging but once we arrived at the main gate, we knew something was up. There was an abandoned horse trailer with garbage pouring out of it to greet us. Things did not get any better. The "park" is so poorly marked that you are never sure your going to the beach or to the Manson Family compound. Having three young kids made us extra cautious. Once we pulled down one of the sandy paths we saw the beautiful ocean. The beach and water are filled with seaweed, so this is not a place to go swimming. However, the view is spectacular. There is a reef about 500 yards out so the water is calm. It is absolutely silent. Nothing but the lapping of waves and an ocean breeze. Then you turn around and see beer cans, trash, abandoned grills and hundred of conch shells. I assume this is a local place to hang out and cook conch(?).
While trying to negotiate the dirt road pot-holes in our rental car, we encountered three different groups of motorcycles. Clearly they were not happy with our presence. They were riding extremely fast, pulling wheelies and dusting us as they passed. If we were at home, there would have been a 911 call. It was extremely uncomfortable - and this is written by a former SOCOM operator. There are no bathrooms or facilities of any sort, so be aware of that too.
Regardless, this is a National disgrace to the Cayman Islands and a treasure that should be preserved. There are a few places on earth this isolated and beautiful, but the government could do a lot to clean and secure this place for generations to come.
Written 2 September 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
speeeeeee
Toronto, Canada260 contributions
Made our way through the maze of dirt roads, to find a couple nice spots where you can access untouched beaches. To bad there was lots of garbage and most spots where people hang out, what's wrong with these people? Gorgeous area and you leave tons of crap for everyone else to see. The government should put up a gate with a couple park Rangers and charge 10 a car for entry..Put that money towards garbage pickup and control over the area... it's such a waste in the state that it was in.
We still enjoyed a great day with out little son, saw maybe 2 cars all day.
We still enjoyed a great day with out little son, saw maybe 2 cars all day.
Written 16 October 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gabriel B
Boston, MA118 contributions
Jan 2020
just us and the a couple of chickens. By far the quietest and most secluded loveliest beach of the trip. Great shade possible at nearly every private/separate turn-in. Good beach for sitting and floating, not good for snorkeling or playing because of all the small coral that should not be trampled on and rather shallow waters. Calm clear waters. No jellyfish. We did snorkel and saw two huge fish and a dozen or so small fish and varied mini-coral. In almost a full day we say 2 horse tours, one Jeep tour and 2 other couples walk by. Great breezes. No services of facilities. Down a l-o-n-g dirt road from the nearest house. Maybe saw 6 boats go past toward stingray point which is off to the right. Schrewd move is to sit near the kite-surfer port-a-potty and somehow figure out the high security lock combo for a clean bathroom. No showers.
Written 11 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mare524
Windsor, Canada345 contributions
Nov 2019
We visited Barkers in February 2019, and the road in was horrible. It was so full of ruts and pot holes that our kids got car sick and we had to pull over to throw up. This time, we packed some buckets for the ride, just in case but we’re pleasantly surprised that they had fixed the roads. This makes the drive in quite pleasant and much more timely. Both times, we enjoyed sitting at the picnic tables watching the kite surfers practice. This time we even got to see the horse tours take their horses out in the ocean. This is a really nice spot to sit and relax and enjoy the breeze and the view, and highly recommended now that the road has been fixed!
Written 17 November 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chucky
7 contributions
Aug 2019
This so called "Park" is a travesty. I blame the British Royal Family. There isn't even a park entrance or sign. Its a maze of unpaved crisscrossing roads with scrub brush and burnt out cars like something out of Mad Max. No trails. No wayfinding system. Bad drainage. The only reason you will want to come here is to Kitesurf or watch the Kitesurfers. Trust me, there is nothing else here for you.
Written 22 September 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ijustneedglitter
George Town, Grand Cayman110 contributions
May 2019
Very quiet little hideaway. More of a local spot to just get away. Not many tourists come because the water is not really for swimming. Rocky and lots of seaweed.
Written 6 August 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Balitraveller53
United Kingdom169 contributions
Apr 2017 • Friends
First of all, to clarify, Barker's is not a National Park unfortunately. It has never actually been given that status although there were such plans at some point in time. For that reason, the approach roads, and even the roads within the park can be lined with rubbish (it appears to be a popular place for fly tipping unfortunately). But don't let that detract you - the vast majority of the area, and the beach itself is beautiful. It's quiet and peaceful and although it's only a few miles away, you could be a million miles from the crowds on Seven Mile Beach.
There are absolutely no facilities so don't expect any - it's just a lovely place to walk along the beach or sit under the casuarina trees and watch the kite surfers. It's a great place to explore by bike and there is a marked bike route or if you have a rental car (but take care, the roads are all unpaved). It's not good for swimming - the sea is too shallow and full of rocks.
There are absolutely no facilities so don't expect any - it's just a lovely place to walk along the beach or sit under the casuarina trees and watch the kite surfers. It's a great place to explore by bike and there is a marked bike route or if you have a rental car (but take care, the roads are all unpaved). It's not good for swimming - the sea is too shallow and full of rocks.
Written 14 June 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is there a Visitor's Center at Barker's National Park? My sister has the National Park Book. We are planning a visit in April and want to get her booked stamped if they do.
Written 9 January 2020
There is no visitor's center. There is no park sign. There is no real park. Its just you on a dirt road.
Written 10 January 2020
é possível ir no local sem ser com Jipe... com carro normal alugado no aeroporto? ...
Written 9 November 2016
Ola.. qual empresa faz o passeio? onde consigo mais informações?
Written 25 July 2016
olá. Dá para ir com carro normal alugado no aeroporto?
Written 11 July 2016
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