We have some one-of-a-kind visitors!

TheReef's 1,600 ft stretch of beach is not only popular with our guests- but with marine life as well. In 2010 we had six sea turtle nests on our beach! And this year we are hoping for another successful turtle nesting season.

The history of Cayman turtles

Originally named "Las Tortugas" in 1503, the Cayman Islands regard the sea turtle as a symbol of culture and heritage, which is why we work closely with the Cayman Islands Department of Environment to ensure the safety of these animals.

Because sea turtles almost always return to, or near, the beach they were hatched on, it is likely that we may see more turtles coming ashore in 2011. If you see any turtle tracks (truck tire-looking tracks in the sand) or a nesting turtle on the beach, we ask that you avoid approaching her and notify our concierge team.

The nesting process

Green sea turtles and Loggerhead turtles are the most common for nesting in the Cayman Islands, with the nesting season lasting from May to October. They almost always lay their eggs at night, as well as hatch at night. When the hatchlings first make their way to the surface of the sand, they use reflections on the ocean to find their way to the water. It's an incredible sight to see dozens of baby turtles all rushing for the sea, but other lights and noises can easily confuse, and prevent them from completing their journey to the ocean.

Similarly, when mama turtle is looking to lay her eggs, disturbances can cause her to abandon the nesting process and return to the ocean - and even deter her from coming ashore altogether. At TheReef we protect the hatchlings by building fences around the nests, educating and alerting our guests on the turtle nesting process and turning off or dimming lights during the nesting season.

Last year we had a record number of nests, and we are looking to help more in 2011!