TURTLE EDUCATION
Sharing Our Beach with Sea Turtles
Each year, sea turtles return to the shores of Grand Cayman to nest, and Casa Caribe is fortunate to be located along one of these important nesting beaches. Following an impressive six nests recorded in front of the resort during the 2025 nesting season, the Cayman Islands Department of Environment (DOE) recorded another three nests as of July 23, 2026, highlighting the importance of protecting this stretch of Seven Mile Beach.
From May through November, you may have the rare opportunity to witness a nesting turtle or see hatchlings making their way to the sea. In partnership with the DOE, Casa Caribe is committed to protecting sea turtles and their nesting habitat. The resort uses DOE-approved turtle-friendly amber lighting to help minimise disorientation for nesting turtles and hatchlings. By following a few simple guidelines, guests can also help preserve these incredible animals for future generations.
About The TurtlesWhy Sea Turtles Need Our Help
Sea turtles have returned to Cayman’s beaches for centuries, but they face growing challenges from artificial lighting, beach obstacles, and human disturbance. Female turtles often return to the same beaches where they were born to nest. Approximately 2 months later, ~100 hatchlings emerge from each nest and make their way to the ocean.
Nesting Season
May to November
Peak Nesting
May to September
Hatchlings
July to November
May to November
May to September
July to November
Types of Sea Turtles in Cayman
Green Turtle
Green turtles are the most frequently observed nesting species in Cayman. They return to our beaches to lay eggs and support healthy marine ecosystems.
Track Size:
3ft. wide
Loggerhead Turtle
Loggerheads also nest in the Cayman Islands. They return to our beaches to lay eggs and are known for their powerful jaws and reddish-brown shells.
Track Size:
2ft. wide
If You Encounter a Sea Turtle
If you are fortunate enough to encounter a nesting turtle or hatchling, please enjoy the experience from a respectful distance and allow them to follow their natural behaviours.
DO
Stay at least 50 ft away from nesting turtles.
Remain quiet and avoid sudden movements.
Watch from a distance and allow the turtles to complete their natural process.
Use only approved turtle-friendly lighting if light is required.
DON'T
Stay at least 50 ft away from nesting turtles.
Do not touch, ride, or interfere with turtles.
Remain quiet and avoid sudden movements.
Do not surround or block a nesting turtle.
Watch from a distance and allow the turtles to complete their natural process.
Do not move hatchlings or attempt to guide them to the ocean.
Use only approved turtle-friendly lighting if light is required.
Do not use flash photography, bright video lights, or shine lights towards the beach.
Keeping the Beach Turtle-Friendly
You can help protect our nesting beach by removing chairs, umbrellas, toys, and personal items each evening, filling in holes and flattening sandcastles before leaving, disposing of rubbish properly, keeping the shoreline clear for turtles and hatchlings, and respecting any marked nesting areas or conservation signage.
See it, Report It!
Sea turtles and their nests are protected under Cayman Islands law. Please do not disturb, touch or interfere with nesting turtles, hatchlings or nests.
If you believe you have found a turtle nest, eggs, or turtles in need of assistance, please contact the Cayman Islands Department of Environment (DOE):
Turtle Hotline: 938-NEST (938-6378)
Email: DoE@gov.ky
Small actions like yours will help protect these incredible animals.