Adventure & Surprises at the Cayman Turtle Centre

The Cayman Turtle Centre works to celebrate and conserve one of Cayman’s most prized sea creatures—the magnificent green sea turtle. The Centre provides the amazing opportunity to experience these sea turtles up close and personal, and is full of other delightful surprises, too (think feathered friends and a nature trail)! You can choose whether you want to keep your adventure on land with the Turtle Safari ticket package or if you want to add on any water park fun with the extended Turtle Adventure ticket package. Keep reading to learn all about good times that await you and yours at this one-of-a-kind “only in Cayman” park.

First Things First—Meet the Gigantic Sea Turtles

Enter the atrium at the Turtle Centre, and you’ll be welcomed by friendly clerks selling tickets. After purchasing your ticket, you’ll be whisked outside by a guide where things get exciting real quick. Here, you’re immediately greeted by gigantic green sea turtles in the breeding pond. These fully matured turtles tend to huddle together, but you will see some swimming out on their own, too. It’s mesmerizing to observe them swimming above and below the surface, and it often looks like they’re waving at you with their flippers as they slowly glide by. These beautiful sea creatures are worth the visit to the park, alone.

Pet the Younger Turtles

From the Breeding Pond you can head in several directions. We suggest hanging a right over to the turtle tanks to see what green sea turtles look like at a younger age. (On your way you’ll pass by the park’s resident Cayman Crocodile!) Once you get to the turtle tanks, find one of the wash stations, give your hands a good scrub and then ask the attendant on duty about petting the turtles. You read that right! You can typically pet the younger turtles that are growing in these tanks. It’s quite fun, especially for little ones.

Make it a Water Park Day

If you want an immersive experience with the turtles then check out the Turtle Lagoon. Here you can swim and snorkel with the smaller green sea turtles. This is the perfect opportunity for first time snorkelers to get comfortable in a more controlled environment and still see some cool sea creatures! Even if you’re a snorkeling pro, it’s a relaxing experience to swim around the lagoon with these beautiful creatures. Just remember that the snorkeling and water park options do require the upgraded Turtle Adventure Package.

If you do get the upgraded package you might as well make it a full on water park day. The package also includes “Breaker’s Lagoon”—Cayman’s largest freshwater pool with a twisting waterslide!

Be One with the Birds

No matter which ticket package you purchase, either grant you access to the Bird Sanctuary (and everything else mentioned going forward). The Bird Sanctuary is a can’t miss experience, though. Walk into the aviary and interact with birds native to the island and Caribbean. You’ll encounter Cayman Parrots, Cayman Pigeons, Scarlet Ibis, Bananaquits and more inside. We highly suggest participating in the daily hand feedings from 10:30 am - 3:00 pm. The pigeons and doves are the biggest hoot, and everyone from age one to one-hundred will walk away giggling. There’s a small fee for the bird food, so make sure to have some cash or change on hand.

Spot the Sharks

Near the Bird Sanctuary there’s an underwater viewing panel of the Predator Reef where sharks, fish and turtles swim together! It’s neat to see them all swimming underwater, so take some time to sit and view.

Hike the Nature Trail, then Cool Down with a Drink

There’s also a nature trail inside the park that winds through a stretch of natural habitat at the edge of the park. Along the trail native trees and plants are highlighted. On a hot day it can be quite sweltering to walk through, but if there’s a breeze it’s worth strolling through and learning about the local flora. After you make the loop head to Schooner’s Bar & Grill in the middle of the park for a refreshing beverage. If you’re hungry they serve food, too. It’s a great place for lunch during a visit.

Keep Exploring

Besides the highlights already mentioned there’s also a butterfly house, an education center and a neat row of buildings designed as replicas of old Cayman homes. Take your time and keep exploring all the park has to offer!

Don’t forget the Gift Shop

On your way out of the park, you’ll exit through the gift shop so it’s pretty hard to forget. But it’s worth mentioning here because it is a really nice gift shop. Inside you’ll find sweet turtle momentos and plenty of Cayman treasures to take home with you.

The Turtle Centre is A Unique-to-Cayman Experience

The Cayman Turtle Centre is a truly unique-to-Cayman experience. You’re sure to leave with one of a kind memories that you’ll look back on fondly. Where else can you pet and snorkel with sea turtles, hand feed Cayman pigeons and doves, walk through native Cayman flora and end it all with a refreshing beverage. There’s something for everyone, and it’s worth the visit! Grab your tickets at turtle.ky.