Located to the northwest of Jamaica, between Cuba and the coast of Honduras, the Cayman Islands receive the visit of millions of tourists every year. In fact, some say that Grand Cayman, which is the largest and most populated island in the archipelago (it has 50,000 inhabitants), receives every day 20,000 tourists from cruise ships coming from different parts of the world.
Undoubtedly, the main attraction of Grand Cayman and the rest of the islands of this British overseas territory dependent on the United Kingdom is its coastline and, especially, Seven Mile Beach, although there are many other corners that are worth visiting. Thus, if you have the opportunity to spend more than one day on this island, we recommend that you leave the beach for a few hours and go see the Ironshore of Hell , also known as Hell. It is a naturally occurring rock formation that has become one of the main tourist attractions in Grand Cayman. Do you want to discover more details? Well, we recommend that you be very attentive to what we tell you below!
The origin of "hell"
As we said, today we are going to talk to you about Hell or Ironshore of Hell, an area of Grand Cayman that has the same extension as half a football state. Despite its appearance, this is an area that has formed naturally . As you can see for yourself in the images that we offer you in the gallery, this area of Grand Cayman seems to have acquired this shape due to the action of the volcanoes, but nothing could be further from the truth. Specifically, this rocky set began to be created millions of years ago, when the Cayman Islands, among other island territories in the Caribbean, were flooded. Later, when the sea level began to drop, limestone-based coral formations were exposed. The air, the sun’s rays and the remains of the water are the culprits that the area has acquired this shocking black tone until it has a rather diabolical shape.
Taking advantage of it
How could it be otherwise, the inhabitants of the island have taken advantage of this strange place. In fact, as we have mentioned before, it has become one of the main attractions on Grand Cayman Island. Of course, this "hell" can only be seen from a route that the authorities have enabled, since access to the rocks is totally prohibited. What you can also do if you visit the area is buy something at the souvenir shop that welcomes the area with the phrase " Welcome to hell ." In addition, you also have the opportunity to send a postcard with the stamp of hell from the post office.
The origin of the name
Although many assure that its name ("Hell") comes from the similarity of this place with hell , the truth is that there are other theories. For example, a popular legend states that it has to do with a hunter who, when he missed a shot, exclaimed "Oh, hell!" Another theory claims that the name derives from the cries for help "help, help!" of a person who was trapped in this place.
Other attractions in Grand Cayman
Of course, beyond Ironshore, in Grand Cayman you can discover many other places of interest. Without a doubt, the main one is Seven Mile Beach, considered one of the best beaches in the entire Caribbean, although the Turtle Farm sea turtle theme park, the historic Pedro Castle mansion and the shops of George Town, the capital. On the other hand, you should know that one of the star activities of the island is swimming with stingrays. Then we leave you with our gallery , where you will find more images of the Ironshore of Hell. Do not miss it!
