Embarking on a journey to the Cayman Turtle Centre turned out to be an unexpected triumph of conquering my fears and immersing myself in the wonders of marine life. From snorkeling with gentle sea turtles to enjoying the largest saltwater pool in the Caymans, every moment was a testament to the magic this place holds.
We had planned on going to the beach, but at the last moment, I decided on giving the Cayman Turtle Centre a try based on some of our friend’s rave reviews. Ben was more hesitant of going because I have a huge fear of getting into water with fish swimming around….and let me tell you, I get dramatic. At the Turtle Centre, you have the opportunity to swim with turtles and tropical fish. He really didn’t want a repeat of my snorkeling meltdown from last year in Aruba, but I assured him, I would keep my dramatics under control. There are two free shuttles daily from the hotels but it was inbetween the times so we decide to take a taxi, a $30USD ride from the Marriott. The Cayman Turtle Centre's promise of a transformative experience seemed well worth the journey, and we couldn't wait to dive in – quite literally!
The turtle breeding pool at the Cayman Turtle Centre serves as a captivating glimpse into the center's commitment to conservation. As you walk in, you're met with a mesmerizing scene of hundreds of adult turtles gracefully navigating the water. This pool plays a crucial role in the breeding and protection of these remarkable creatures, showcasing the center's dedication to preserving the future of sea turtles. It's an awe-inspiring sight that provides visitors with a deeper appreciation for the vital conservation efforts taking place at the Cayman Turtle Centre.
As we explored, we learned about the hatching center, anticipating the excitement of witnessing baby turtles making their way into the world. Unfortunately, our visit was a bit early in the season, but if you’re lucky enough to visit between April and November, you’re almost guaranteed to see lots of newborn hatchlings.
The touch tanks, a true highlight, allowed us to interact with smaller turtles up close. There were multiple pools with different sized turtles. Only the youngest turtles were the only ones we were allowed to interact with, as the turtles in the larger tanks were several hundred pounds and getting ready to be transitioned to the breeding pool. The wading pools in the same area gave me the confidence to head over to the lagoon and go snorkeling.
On the way to Turtle Lagoon, we passed by Predator Reef – an enormous saltwater lagoon where sharks and other marine predators roam freely. The barracuda’s terrified me with all of their teeth! Come to find out later on this day, some people in my group and there were a lot of barracuda where they went snorkeling and were completely harmless. You wouldn’t catch me in the water with them though!
We finally made our way to the crystal-clear waters of Turtle Lagoon and checked in at the snorkel shack to get our snorkel and life jacket. I inflated mine and it made the experience much more enjoyable because I was truly able to just float and take in all that was going on under me. After wading into the water and swimming out into the lagoon, I soon found myself immersed in this underwater wonderland with these gentle creatures as they gracefully navigate their habitat below and beside me. The waters were overpopulated, which was perfect for me to get acquainted with the creatures and my anxiety at bay. It was such a magical experience that allowed me to connect with nature in a unique and memorable way, and really left me with a newfound appreciation for the beauty of marine life.
After exiting the lagoon, we walked through the bird aviary, but quickly exited when the birds started following me for food (that I didn’t have lol). We then made our way to Breaker’s Lagoon, the largest saltwater pool in the Cayman Islands. Complete with a multi-story water slide, it was an aquatic haven for all ages. There was a snack shack and bar to the side, as well as a bathroom with showers and lockers for when you are enjoying the pool.
We grabbed a simple lunch at the pool food shack, but you’re more in the mood for a sit-down restaurant, Schooner’s Bar and Grill is available overlooking the Turtle Lagoon and they had a much larger menu. I thought the prices were decent at both locations (comparatively to everything else on the island which was so expensive). On days there is a lot of cruise guest activity, they add a buffet option. There was only one cruise ship in port this day so the centre was not crowded at all. Our driver said that some days they get 5-6 cruises and nearly 600 people on an excursion to the turtle centre!
Once we were done, we headed to the gift shop and grabbed some souvenirs before heading out to the shuttle stop. It is important to note that once the shuttle is full, it doesn't run until the next scheduled time. Peter, our amazing driver, told us that this morning the shuttle was filled so they just had to skip one of the hotels altogether. He was also so knowledgeable of the island, having been a resident for over 60 years!
In conclusion, the Cayman Turtle Centre isn't just a place; it's an adventure waiting to unfold. I overcame one of my biggest fears by snorkeling with the turtles which made this day an unforgettable chapter in our travel story. Next time we cruise and port in the Caymans with our kids, we will be sure to return so that they can experience this wonderful experience!