Grand Cayman Day 4: Turtles and Hell

With the majority of the Grand Cayman island self explored, it was time for our family to make our way to the Western Bay area, as well as start planning some paid excursions.

First thing we did, after talking with the dive shop in our hotel, was head downtown to talk with Captain Marvin’s for a stingray city tour, as well as Atlantis Submarine to discuss that unique underwater tour.

Unfortunately with no cruise ships, the Captain Marvin’s location was closed. Atlantis Submarine also informed us kids have to be four years old, but recommended a glass bottom boat tour. They were also able to call Marvin’s for us, as their other office was open, securing us a reservation for day 5.

Once we were set, we headed out to West Bay and the Cayman Turtle Farm. Upon arrival, my wife was smart to research ahead and determine it was best to buy the all-access pass, which gave us free reign of the entire park.

Upon entry to the park, you encounter a large outdoor pool with very large turtles in the range of 500 lbs each. It was quite astonishing to see them that large.

Then further into the park there were smaller tanks with turtles in a variety of sizes and ages. Towards the end of the tanks, guests were allowed to handle and even get into the tanks with the smaller turtles. What an experience to have the turtles swimming all around you!

Our pass also gave us access to a large outdoor pool with slide which are kids really enjoyed.

In addition, there is a snorkeling pond, where guests swim with turtles and fish in an expansive area. This proved to be an excellent starter location for our kids to learn to snorkel.

The Cayman Turtle Farm also provides an Aviary and Blue Hole, both which we did not see.

While visiting the turtle farm was really cool, one also needs to be aware what the facility really is, a breeding farm.

The large turtles at the front are breeding, and the eggs are taken to incubate. From there, select turtles are placed into the tanks to grow and eventually breed. The majority of the turtles are released into the wild within a couple weeks of hatching. Lastly, there is a whole other side of the property guests do not see for butchering. Those turtles are grown rapidly for slaughter, which apparently there is a high demand for turtle meat on the island.

While the system seems to be sustainably done, experiencing any farming activity of once wild animals is always unnerving.

Across the street and behind the Cracked Conch restaurant is Macabuca Tiki Bar, which came highly recommended by our hotel dive shop. The bar/restaurant is perched right over the rocks and ocean, and guests can dive right into the water using the attached dive shop or snorkel gear.

The views at Macabuca Tiki Bar were amazing, and the food equally impressive.

We also extensively explored the rest of West Bay, which is mostly residential.

The only real other thing to see was the town of Hell. Known for a rock outcrop which is said to resemble the namesake, the town has built upon the touristy nature with a gift shop, post office, and service station.