Unfortunately, what many visitors don’t realize is that the center has a darker history. Rare turtles are bred in captivity to be killed for their meat, a traditional dish in the Caymans.

History of the Cayman Turtle Centre

For centuries, aea turtles have played an important role in the history of the Cayman Islands. During the 17th and 18th centuries, the islands served as a stopping point for ships sailing across the Caribbean Sea. The crew would stop there to stock up on food. Green sea turtles that were captured in the Caymans were taken about the ship and kept alive in order to provide the crew with fresh meat. Turtling became a way of survival and a means of income for the Caymans.

Centuries of turtling, however, caused the turtle population in the area to be nearly depleted.

The Cayman Turtle Centre was known as the Sea Turtle Farm until 2016. It was initially established in 1968 to breed the endangered green sea turtles for commercial purposes. The meat from these turtles could be harvested without impacting the wild population of this species.

Today, the center has developed into a research and conservation facility. More than half a million visitors flock here annually making it the largest land-based attraction in the Cayman Islands. It is the only facility of its kind in the world and the only facility to have bred two generations of sea turtles in captivity.

The Great Controversy

In the 2000s, the Cayman Turtle Centre came under attack from animal welfare and conservation groups. These groups claimed that the animals at the center were not adequately cared for and lived in unkempt, overcrowded conditions.

NOTE: We were unaware of these allegations at the time of our visit.

The center has released over 30,000 turtles into the wild.

My Thoughts on the Center

Firstly, when I booked my tour to the sea turtle farm, I had no idea what I was actually getting myself into. Like most visitors, I thought that I was going to a local aquarium that specializes in sea turtles. I had no idea that these creatures were being cultivated and bred for their meat. I would never even fathomed that the sea turtle that I lovingly pet and held would, later on, become someone’s dinner.

The turtles were kept in a collection of small cement tanks. The tanks held hundreds of sea turtles. Sea turtles are migratory creatures that can swim more than 1,400 miles. In the wild sea turtles are also solitary creatures, only coming together to mate. The fact that there are hundreds of them cohabitating in a small pool is very unnatural for them.

When I visited the center, it was still known as the Cayman Turtle Farm. In 2016, the facility changed its name to the Cayman Turtle Centre. At this time, the organization divided into two separate operations; the Cayman Turtle Centre (that would serve schools, conserve turtles, and conduct research) and the Cayman Turtle Products (which would continue to produce and sell turtle meat to the community).

Moreover, when I visited the tourist attraction, I didn’t realize what I was getting myself into. In fact, it wasn’t until after I began researching the facility for this post that I learned about the truth behind the center. In retrospect, I regret having visited the attraction.

Note

Firstly, I get that humans eat meats of all kinds. I understand that people have to eat to survive and that each culture has delicacies that are unique to them. Secondly… I’m a meat-eater. I’m sure there are things that I, as an American, eat that grosses people out. I am in no position to judge others for what they eat. The fact that people eat turtles is irrelevant, here. It is the fact that these turtles are being raised at a facility that prides itself on being a “Conservation Center” and then sold for their meat that is disturbing.

Finally, I realize that by visiting the farm and by touching the animals, I became part of the problem. One of the visitor’s favorite parts about visiting the center is being able to touch, hold, kiss, and swim with sea turtles. Admittedly, I held sea turtles. I even kissed a baby on the head. In the end, looking back, I regret my actions. Alas, I was young, uneducated, and naive.

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During my most recent visit, I booked a trip to swim with sharks and stingrays near Caye Caulker (pronounced Key Corker by the locals). Caye Caulker got its name from the fact that many of the original explorers would get holes in their boats from the mangroves and reefs that surround the area. They would have to cork the holes to repair the vessel- hence the name Caye Caulker.

Heading to the Mesoamerican Reef

We took a scenic 45-minute boat ride from Belize City to Caye Caulker passing countless islands such as St. George Caye- where the British originally settled in 1650. Our boat took us to the Rainbow Bar & Grill where we were able to change. Afterward, we took a quick ten-minute boat ride to the Mesoamerican Reef- the second largest coral reef in the world. Although it is smaller than Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, it is considered the largest living reef in the world.

Although Belize likes to lay claim to the reef, it actually stretches for nearly 700 miles from the northern tip of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula down through the Bay Islands of Honduras. My friends in Honduras are quick to remind you that the reef belongs to them just as much as it does to the Mexicans and Guatemalans.

We spent some time snorkeling the reef. Our guide was very knowledgeable and pointed out many different coral formations, several different species of fish, and many other things such as stingrays and a green moray eel. We got to see a ton of angelfish, parrotfish, a pufferfish and we even saw an intimidating barracuda that was longer than my arm!

Shark and Ray Alley

Next, we hopped back on the boat for about five minutes and made a pit stop at Shark and Ray Alley just south of the Hol Chan Cut and Ambergris Caye. For years, fishermen would clean their catches in this location. Soon, they found the remnants from their catches were attracting Nurse Sharks and Southern Sting Rays. Over the years, the sharks and rays have become very accustomed to having people around. Now, whenever they hear the purr of an engine, they surround the boat to vie for some scraps.

I’ve been swimming with stingrays before, in Grand Cayman, and I’ve swum with sharks before- but never quite like this! We were surrounded by more than a dozen Nurse Sharks and just as many stingrays! There was no time to get intimidated! Within minutes we were in the water. Believe it or not, without a snorkel mask on, you’d never know you were surrounded by the sharks and rays…at least not until they grazed up against you!

The sharks and rays were harmless and actually seemed to like the attention. It was such an awesome experience!

Back on Caye Caulker

Afterward, we returned to Caye Caulker for lunch at Barefoot Caribe’s. The island was full of vibrant colored buildings. It looked very much like your typical Central American or Caribbean beach town. The sand-covered roads were lined with palms, bungalows, shops, and bars. There were no cars on the island- just bicycles and golf carts. The overall experience was unlike anything I had ever seen in the rest of Belize. The remainder of the country is blanketed in vibrant green jungles, rolling hills, and homes that are in various stages of disrepair. It was almost like being in an entirely different country altogether!

After a day full of swimming, snorkeling, boating, and drinking rum punch and my favorite Belkin beer, it was time to head back to Belize City. Our captain took us through “The Split” and told us how in 1961 Hurricane Hattie cut Caye Caulker in two. Just past The Split, the captain surprised us with a side trip to a cove full of tarpon. The crew passed around sardines to everyone and showed us how to properly feed the massive fish (we’re talking over 100 pounds!). The fish leaped out of the water to catch their afternoon snack. It was a great way to end the day!

Caye Caulker and the coast made me fall even more in love with Belize. I am so glad that I switched things up and went north to Shark and Ray Alley. I will most definitely be back to check out more of what the coast has to offer. Ambergris Caye…I’m coming for you!

While You’re in Belize

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Updated: 2/19/2021

Isn’t it glorious? I could totally see myself living here. As soon as I saw this place, it was love at first sight! The turquoise water, jagged green snow-capped mountains, and massive evergreen trees are like something you’d see on a post-card. The town itself was very charming and there was a ton of things to do near the cruise port. Ketchikan is seriously the ideal Alaskan town.

Our Day in Ketchikan

We booked the Orca Beach Nature Trail excursion through Carnival. We took a bus out to gorgeous Knudson Cove where we caught a rib boat to a neighboring island for a lovely little hike. The boat ride out was stunning and the air blowing through our hair was so relaxing. In fact, the ride out was probably the highlight of the excursion! The views were absolutely jaw-dropping. We were on high-alert hoping to see a humpback whale but didn’t have any luck. We did spot a ton of bald eagles, however.

The “hike” turned out to be more of a 3/4 mile walk on a rustically constructed boardwalk. Considering how much walking we had done this week, it was actually a welcomed relief! Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and shared with us information about the island and the plants and animals that inhabit it.

The natives used to strip trees, like the ones pictured above and used the bark for the construction of canoes. When they stripped the trees, they only took the bark from the side of the tree that is facing away from the water. By doing this, they were able to preserve the tree. Pretty responsible, right?

Oh…. and I also kissed a banana slug and walked around the woods singing, “I kissed a slug and I liked it” to the tune of Katy Perry’s “I Kissed a Girl (and I Liked It)”. It was a dare…I couldn’t pass it up. Apparently, kissing a banana slug is supposed to bring you good fortune.

We enjoyed a light snack of smoked salmon, cheese, and crackers before we headed back for Knudson Cove. Our rib boat was manned by two of the most charming guys I’ve ever met. They were so sweet, fun, and easy-going! We spotted a humpback on the way back to the cove so our captain circled back and sat for a bit so we could watch the giant creature.

He also pointed out an active eagles nest, pictured above. The nest was about 6 feet wide and housed eaglets.

Our Thoughts on Our Tour

This was hands down the best tour we have ever taken through Carnival. Someone owes these guides a beer! After the tour, we headed into town to do a little shopping before we sailed off for Victoria, British Columbia.

Watching the sunset on Ketchikan as we sailed away was the perfect way to end the day.

Ah, I just can’t get enough of this place! Take me back! This must be what heaven looks like! I apologize for all of the teeny-bopper exclamation marks.

While You’re in Ketchikan

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We were bored one morning so we hopped in the car and headed down to Marineland to check out the dolphins.

What is Marineland?

Marineland opened in 1938 as the world’s first oceanarium. It was originally designed for Hollywood filmmakers to be able to shoot underwater footage of ocean animals. While the park still honors its glitzy past, it has evolved into a center that focuses on protecting and preserving marine life.

What are the highlights?

• Dolphin Show
• Playing/swimming with Dolphins

Where is Marineland located?

The physical address is: 9600 Oceanshore Blvd, St. Augustine, Florida 32080

Our Thoughts on Marineland

I’ve visited Marineland a few times in the past, but this was our first trip with one of the kids.

Smiley and I arrived at the park just before 10 AM. We were immediately greeted by one of the employees that kind of took to us and taught us quite a few tidbits about the dolphins. We stayed at the park for about an hour and a half- which is more than enough time to see the park. If you aren’t planning on doing one of the dolphin encounters, the park can easily be seen in its entirety in less than an hour. In fact, if you aren’t doing a dolphin encounter; there really isn’t much to do.

Smiley really enjoyed her time at Marineland. She loved being able to watch the dolphins swim and play in their habitats. She was a little bummed, however, that she didn’t get to swim with the dolphins. We made a deal that when she learns how to swim, she’ll be able to come back and swim with the dolphins.

Honestly, I think the animal encounters are the best part about visiting Marineland. If you simply book a general admission ticket, the park isn’t nearly as entertaining. The park itself is tired. You can really tell that it’s over 80 years old. I’m hopeful that now that it is owned by the Georgia Aquarium, it will be rejuvenated back to its original glory.

We’re both looking forward to go backing, once Smiley learns how to swim, so that we can book one of the dolphin encounters.

Our Marineland Essentials

Coppertone Kids Sunscreen
Steel Vacuum Insulated Water Bottle

What is there to do nearby?

• Washington Oaks Gardens State Park
• Fort Matanzas
• Castillo de San Marcos
• Ripley’s Believe it or Not
• Potter’s Wax Museum
• St. Augustine Alligator Farm

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