Turtle Nesting season in the Cayman Islands is here!

Turtle nesting season is here!  

Sea turtles have mysteriously journeyed through our seas and nested on our shores for millions of years. Their nesting season is a spectacle, where females laboriously make their way onto the beach to lay their eggs, leaving an unforgettable tale of distinctive tracks behind. After about two months, the beach comes alive again as hatchlings emerge and scuttle to the sea, a cycle of life that, with luck, continues as they return 15-20 years later to breed. A crucial challenge they face is adapting to developed beaches, with threats like illegal taking and artificial lighting posing substantial risks to their survival.

The sandy beaches of the Cayman Islands serve as nesting grounds for four types of sea turtles: Green (Chelonia mydas), Loggerhead (Caretta caretta), Hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata), and Leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea). It is believed that the Green turtle nesting communities used to be the most numerous in the Atlantic, counting in their millions, and the other species were also plentiful. However, after their discovery, overharvesting by commercial ships led to a drastic decline in their numbers, to the point where by the mid-20th century, our sea turtle populations were believed to be wiped out.

Since 1998, the Department of Environment has monitored turtle nesting on the Cayman Islands. While the leatherback turtle is locally extinct, green, loggerhead, and hawksbill turtles are showing signs of recovery, with nests increasing from under 50 to over 600 in 2017. Each female turtle is significant for the continual recovery of these species, emphasizing the importance of these conservation efforts.

From May to November, these four species make their way onto our shores at night to lay their eggs. While they have faced threats over the past few decades, these incredible creatures are making a comeback, with nest numbers increasing from less than 50 to over 600 in the past few years!

Poaching of endangered nesting female turtles represents a critical threat to the population, and due to artificial lighting in nesting habitat it is uncertain how many baby turtles survive.

In East End, we commonly see these species, especially hawksbill and green sea turtles. With continued success growing the populations, we can have high hopes to see more and more on our dive & snorkel trips.

About Ocean Frontiers Ltd.

Ocean Frontiers Dive Shop is located on the remote East End of Grand Cayman. Founded in 1996 with one dive boat and a dream to introduce divers to the wonders of East End diving, the company has grown into one of Cayman’s premier dive operations. In 2023, it was voted the Caribbean region's Best Dive Operator in SCUBA Diving Magazine's Readers Choice Awards, taking first place in 7 categories. Recognized for legendary customer service and the island’s friendliest staff, Ocean Frontiers also stands out for its commitment to conservation. With numerous awards and the distinction of being the first dive operator in the Cayman Islands to receive the PADI Green Star Dive Center accreditation, Ocean Frontiers remains at the forefront of marine conservation and exploration.

Phone: 1 (345) 640 7500

Email: info@oceanfrontiers.com

Physical Address: 344C Austin Conolly Drive, East End, Grand Cayman,Cayman Islands

Mailing Address: Ocean Frontiers Ltd, PO BOX 200 East End,Grand Cayman KY1-1801 Cayman Islands BWI

Local Fax: 1 (345)-947-7600