When was the first recorded sighting of the Cayman Islands?

The first recorded sighting of the Cayman Islands occurred on May 10, 1503, during Christopher Columbus's fourth voyage to the New World. Columbus named the islands "Las Tortugas" due to the large number of sea turtles he observed in the surrounding waters. This sighting is significant not only as the initial European recognition of the islands but also as a pivotal moment in the broader context of exploration and colonization in the Caribbean. Over time, the islands would come to be known for their natural beauty and strategic location. The other dates provided do not correspond to this first sighting and thus lack the historical context associated with the discovery of the Cayman Islands.