During his fourth voyage across the Atlantic, Christopher Columbus encountered the Cayman Islands, a group of islands located in the western Caribbean Sea. He arrived at these islands in May 1503 and was struck by the vast numbers of sea turtles inhabiting the waters surrounding them. As a result of this abundant marine life, he decided to name the islands Las Tortugas, translating directly to 'The Turtles' in English. Columbus's exploration was primarily aimed at finding a direct sea route to Asia, but his voyages led him to discover numerous new lands in the Americas, often sparking interest in further exploration by Europeans.

The Cayman Islands, uninhabited at the time of Columbus's arrival, were relatively unknown to the European world. Columbus's naming of the islands reflects the early European interaction with the rich biodiversity of the Caribbean Sea. The visit marked a significant moment in the broader narrative of maritime exploration, highlighting not only the adventurous spirit of Columbus but also the untapped natural resources available in the New World. Columbus's accounts of the islands popularized them later among sailors and adventurers.

Although Columbus himself never established a settlement in the Cayman Islands, his naming of them contributed to their eventual recognition and place on European maps. His voyages laid down the foundations for later explorations and colonization by Spain and other European powers. Ultimately, the Cayman Islands would emerge as notable points on maritime trade routes, further integrating them into global exploration narratives.