Apiary Tour with Reagan's Honey

Looking for something fascinating to do that’s off the beaten path in Cayman? Add an Apiary Tour with Reagan’s Honey to your list. You’ll have the opportunity to learn all about bees and their incredible ways while observing them in their hives. Read on to learn more about these busy bodies and how you can experience them first hand while on island.

A Buzz-Worthy Adventure

First things first—getting up close and personal with bees is understandably not everyone’s cup of tea. But if you’re up for an adventure—and not allergic—then this tour is well worth it. There is of course the chance you could get stung, but I’m happy to report that neither my husband nor I were stung on our outing. May the odds be ever in your favor!

We met Jamaal, the friendly and knowledgeable owner of Reagan’s Honey, on a hot summer day just west of Savannah (in an area known as Spotts Newlands). After registering for the tour Jamaal sent directions to the undeveloped acreage where his hives are housed. As we neared the location, we saw him waiting for us with his truck at a gate at the edge of a field.

After a warm welcome and quick chat, Jamaal handed us each a bee suit. For the time being, we suited up in just the jumpsuit portion (head coverings would come later) and hopped into his truck for the short ride to the hives.

Into the Hives

As we arrived, I spotted several wooden boxes nestled in an opening. To the right was a beautiful pond/wetland surrounded by mangroves. I was excited and nervous to forge ahead. Jamaal lit the smokers we’d be using to gently calm the bees. He explained that bees communicate with pheromones and that the smell of the smoke helps to block that communication. The kindling? Dried pine needles—natural, safe and non-toxic. We zipped our beekeeping veils over our heads and approached the hives.

Before opening each beehive box, Jamaal had us puff smoke at key entry points to mellow the bees. As we peered inside, he walked us through the fascinating roles within the colony, how bees forage and return, and even how they "dance" to communicate. That was my favorite fact—yes, bees literally dance to share directions and information!

My husband is interested in beekeeping, so we asked lots of questions, and Jamaal had answers for everything. His depth of knowledge and passion for bees made the experience very engaging. With each hive we opened, I felt myself relax a little more—and become even more interested in the bees and their ways!

We were very lucky and found the queen bee in every box we opened (a rare treat!). Jamaal marked them with a dot of blue paint for easy spotting later. At the end we got to scrape a small sample of honey to take home!

A Sweet Ending

We left the tour all abuzz with our newfound knowledge and lived experience. As we made our way back to the condos, my husband and I each dipped a finger into our jar of honey and took a taste—it was absolutely delicious. And I’d never appreciated honey so much.

This was a tour that I thought I’d like, but I ended up loving it.

If you’re interested in taking a beekeeping tour, too, reach out to Reagan’s Honey via their website or Instagram. Also look for their honey in stores next time you’re on island.