All posts filed under: Ocean Lover

Cayman’s Hidden Gem: Take A Bioluminescence Tour With Cayman Kayaks

Published by

Adventure awaits! If you are looking for an eco-adventure, take a Bioluminescence Tour with Cayman Kayaks. In support of sustainability for Cayman’s natural resources, Cayman Kayaks offers two eco-friendly options; kayak or electric powered bottomless boat. Cayman Kayaks is the closet tour operator to bio bay, which means more time spent in the bioluminescence. Their kayak tour is suitable for ages 6 and up. Their hybrid boat tour is suitable for ages 4 and up. All tours depart from Rum Point Club, meet by the volley ball court. A tour to Bio Bay is the perfect ocean adventure. Top 5 Reasons To Go On A Bioluminescence Tour With Cayman Kayaks 1. Connect with nature  When curfews were enforced so many of us took advantage of that time to connect with nature, even if that meant just enjoying your backyard. Spending time out on the water is allowed now, so it is your opportunity to continue that journey and get back in touch with the natural world. 2. Get out of the heat Once the sun …

Dive Into Shark School with Jessica Harvey

Published by

Sharks are fascinating creatures.  Over the years, sharks have often been misunderstood and this helped create a negative perception of sharks.  Gradually, that perception is beginning to shift and sharks are being seen in a more positive light.  If anything, we should be more afraid of not seeing sharks.  Our marine environment has a delicate balance, and everything is interconnected.  Sharks play a vital role in maintaining the health of our oceans, keeping marine ecosystems in balance and our coral reefs in check.  Seeing a healthy population of sharks is typically a positive indicator of a healthy coral reef.   The Cayman Islands is a designated shark sanctuary.  Sharks and rays are a protected species under Cayman’s National Conservation Law.  Here in the Cayman Islands, there are eight species of sharks commonly found in our waters including: Great Hammerhead, Nurse shark, Lemon shark, Caribbean Reef shark, Blacktip, Tiger shark, Oceanic Whitetip and Silky shark. Amongst the variety of shark species found in the Cayman Islands, some species of sharks reside in Cayman waters all year …

Wanderlust: Take Me To The Ocean!

Published by

Many of us might be finding ourselves reminiscing about our past travels or dreaming about the day when we will be able to travel the world again visiting our favorite places or checking destinations off our travel wishlist.  In the meantime, a trip to the beach might be the very ‘travel’ adventure you need.  Living in the Cayman Islands has its privileges.  Being surrounded by alluring turquoise waters with an exquisite underwater world to explore makes the Cayman Islands a true paradise.  You can’t help but want to dive in.   The experience of lockdown, social distancing, and the global pandemic has given us an opportunity to reflect on life.  Some of us, find ourselves more appreciative than ever for the simple things in life.  Nature has been an incredible outlet for many to find solace, escape the stress or craziness of the day, feel rejuvenated, inspired and a place to find peace to calm one’s mind.  Reconnecting with nature can have a positive impact on your mental health and wellbeing— whether through a walk …

People Protect What They Love

Published by

“People protect what they love, they love what they understand and they understand what they are taught.” – Jacques-Yves Cousteau, The quote above has always resonated with me. It’s true, people protect what they love. Growing up in the Cayman Islands I learned from an early age that our oceans, marine life, and coral reefs are one of the greatest treasures and assets we have been bestowed custodians of. We have a moral obligation to protect and preserve the precious coral reefs surrounding our islands. After all, our coral reefs are the very heart of Cayman. From a young age, in school, we are taught that Cayman has always had a strong and deep connection to the ocean. Our Coat of Arms has the words, “He Hath Founded It Upon The Seas” inscribed.  For many of us, these words serve as a reminder that our past, present, and future is and always will be linked to the ocean. The generations before us built our heritage on this strong connection to the ocean.  The Cayman Islands heavily …

What You Need To Know About Turtle Nesting Season In The Cayman Islands

Published by

The Cayman Islands was originally named “Las Tortugas” in 1503 by Christopher Columbus, due to the abundance of turtles found in our waters.  Five hundred years later, turtles are still one of the most beloved and iconic animals in the Cayman Islands.  There are three species of turtles that can be found in the Cayman Islands: the critically endangered Hawksbill Sea Turtle, the endangered Green Sea Turtle, and the vulnerable Loggerhead Sea Turtle.  Sea turtles are a strong symbol for the Cayman Islands and need support through protection and conservation.  That being said, during Turtle Nesting Season it is vital that turtles and their nests are kept safe and not disturbed, so that hatchlings (baby turtles) are able to make their way to the water.   Some simple ways the community can help protect turtles during nesting season include keeping the beaches clean of litter and keeping nesting beaches dark and safe for turtles. Homes in popular nesting areas are asked to keep blinds closed and to use ‘turtle friendly lighting.’ This attractive amber lighting …

Protecting the Biggest Fish in the Sea with the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation

Published by

Personally, whale sharks are my absolute favorite shark species.  It is an incredible privilege to see them in all their glory in the wild.  For some of us, the opportunity to swim with a whale shark is once in a lifetime.  They are fascinating and docile creatures.  They reach an impressive size, up to 14 meters making them the largest fish in the ocean.  Whale sharks are considered to be gentle giants of the sea.  Their mesmerizing distinctive pattern is thought to aid camouflaging in their environment and is a unique, identifying mark like human fingerprints.  There is still so much to learn about Whale Sharks.  On that note, today we are featuring Ocean Conservationist Louisa Gibson from Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation to learn more about their team’s research studying the behaviors of Whale Sharks in Isla Mujeres, Mexico.   About Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation Whale Shark Research Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation and Guy Harvey Research Institute have partnered with a research group in Isla Mujeres, Mexico called Ch’ooj Ajauil to tag whale sharks with …