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Caribbean Cayman Islands Cruise Excursions Cruise Travel Grand Cayman

A Visit to the Controversial Cayman Turtle Centre

Did you know that Christopher Columbus originally called the Cayman Islands “Las Tortugas” in honor of the abundance of green sea turtles that were found there? Today the Cayman Turtle Centre works as a conservation facility and tourist attraction centered around these animals.

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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Caribbean Cayman Islands Cruise Excursions Cruise Travel Grand Cayman

Smooching Stingrays at Stingray City in Grand Cayman

Stingray City is a collection of shallow sandbars found in the North Sound of Grand Cayman in the Cayman Islands. Each year tourists flock to the area for the opportunity to swim with southern stingrays. The waters of Stingray City are shallow making it easy to wade and interact with the animals.

Where is Stingray City?

Stingray City is located just off the coast of the island of Grand Cayman in the Cayman Islands. The sandbars are inside a narrow channel that pass through a barrier reef. The sandbars dot the coast of the North Sound from Morgan Harbour to Rum Point.

Wait… What Are All of These Stingrays Doing Here?

Local legend has it that decades ago fisherman would pull their boats into the shallow channel to clean their fish. The reef helped to block the waves and tradewinds allowing fishermen to have calm waters to clean their fish. The fishermen would toss the fish guts and squid overboard. Eventually, stingrays began congregating here to feast. I mean…who can blame them, it’s basically a free meal!

Over time, stingrays began associating the hum of the boats engine with mealtime. Pavlov would be very proud! Today, private watercrafts, and tours, gather at Stingray City to frolic with the gentle stingrays.

How do the Stingray City Tours Work?

There are a wide variety of companies that offer Stingray City excursions. Once you book your tour, you be transported out to the sandbars. As soon as the stingrays hear the boat engines, they’ll start heading towards your vessel. You’ll be handed some snorkel and safety gear before you disembark. The water here is shallow- we’re talking waist-to-chest high so it feels as though you’re in a pool with them rather than in the open waters.

The boat crew typically brings along chum or squid that they toss into the waters to encourage the animals to hang around longer.

Looking to book an excursion?
Captain Mavin’s Watersports
Stingray City CaymanIslands

FUN FACT: A GROUP OF STINGRAYS IS CALLED A FEVER.

Wait…Aren’t Stingrays Dangerous?

Of course, we’ve all heard about the death of the legendary Steve Irwin. In 2006 Irwin lost his life after a stingray barb tragically pierced his heart. This was an absolute freak accident. I have had quite a bit of experience with stingrays and I have to tell you, they are easily some of the most gentle creatures I’ve ever encountered.

The interesting thing about these stingrays is that they are so incredibly used to being handled by humans that they pose little to no threat at all. For generations they have been fed by humans so now they willingly allow humans to handle them, pet them, and will pose like a popstar all day long.

Also, stingrays never attack humans, unless they have been provoked. Stingrays are gentle creatures and do not consider us as prey. Stingrays will only react if they feel threatened or if they are stepped on.

As a Floridian, I learned the “Stingray Shuffle” at a young age. The Stingray Shuffle is a way of walking in the water to avoid stepping on ocean life. Rather than picking up your feet, you drag them across the sandy bottom.

Our Experience

We had an absolute blast on our excursion to Stingray City. Admittedly, I was thinking about Steve Irwin the entire ride out to the sandbar. It totally psyched me out. By the time I got to the sandbar my stomach was in knots!

Before disembarking our boat, we were given a safety briefing. During the briefing, the crew demonstrated how to do the Stingray Shuffle. The Stingray Shuffle is a way of walking in the water to avoid stepping on ocean life. Rather than picking up your feet, you drag them across the sandy bottom. They also showed us how to properly hold squid when feeding the stingrays. When feeding the rays, make sure you tuck your thumb into your fist…unless you want your thumb to be inhaled by a stingray, that is.

Even though I’ve had plenty of experiences with stingrays at our local zoo, I was still really nervous when entering the water. Almost immediately the rays began surrounding me, ticketing me with their velvety wings. It took a few minutes to get acclimated to the feeling of the rays swimming up against me. Within minutes I was eagerly petting and feeding the stingrays. I even had a stingray climb on my back and give me a massage! By the end of our visit, I was kissing every stingray that came near me.

It was truly an unforgettable experience. I can’t wait to take my little ones to Stingray City! My experience at Stingray City inspired me to swim with nurse sharks and rays in Belize. I just can’t get enough of these gentle, graceful creatures!

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Updated: 10/19/21

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Aruba Bonaire Caribbean Cruise Excursions Cruise Travel South America

Aruba Ostrich Farm- An Absolutely Must-See!

If you’re near the Natural Bridge, do yourself a favor and pop into the Aruba Ostrich Farm. The ostriches will be super excited to see you and absolutely love the attention!  I know what you’re thinking…ostriches?  In Africa?  You’ve gotta be kidding me!  I’m TOTALLY not.  There’s  an ostrich farm. In Aruba

The Aruba Ostrich Farm is the perfect place for adults and kids, alike! Here you’ll be able to feed live ostriches, see chicks and baby emus in incubators, and learn all about “The King of Birds”.  Despite the fact these massive birds are far from their African homeland, they are thriving in this stunning island nation.

FUN FACT: The ostrich has quite the impressive mating dance. If you’re lucky you’ll get to witness it first hand (we did!).

The farm’s massive open-air lodge is dedicated to the ostrich’s native African homeland. It features an art gallery that carries handicrafts straight from Zimbabwe right alongside local goods.  It’s a really cool way to tie in the ostrich’s ancestral homeland with their current home.  

The Aruba Ostrich Farm Tour

Tours leave every 30 minutes from 9 AM until 4 PM. Our guide was extremely knowledgeable and taught us all about the ostriches and emus natural behaviors and survival tactics. He even gave us the low-down on the ostriches mating rituals.  I won’t spoil the story for you!

Did you know ostriches have three stomachs? The highlight of the tour was being able to feed the ostriches. It was super amusing watching them peck into the bowls we held. And by amusing, I mean that I was terrified by how ferociously they were pecking at the bowl…but hey, if I had 3 stomachs, I’d be starving too. The birds were far from shy and seemed to love all of the attention they were getting. And honestly, how many people can say they’ve fed an ostrich? It was a pretty rad experience, if I do say so myself!

The tour finished off with a visit to the incubator and hatchery. We also got to see the pens where they keep the young ostriches and emu.

While we were there we enjoyed lunch at the Savanna Lodge Bar & Restaurant. The eatery features a locally inspired lunch menu and serves smoothies (both kid-friendly and spiked), sodas, and the local beer, Balashi.

Over the years, I have become more and more aware of responsible travel/tourism. Part of that making conscientious decisions about the treatment of animals at “zoos” and “farms”. There are some animal attractions that I look back on and think “Man, I wish I wouldn’t have visited there.” The Aruba Ostrich Farm is not one of those places. The animals are well cared for, have clean habitats and seem to be genuinely happy. The employees were knowledgeable and gave the animals lots of positive attention.

The Details

Tours cost $14 per adult and $7 per child. Tours leave every 30 minutes from 9 AM until 4 PM. The farm is open 7 days a week.

Where is the Aruba Ostrich Farm Located?

Matividiri 57, Oranjestad, Aruba

Phone: +297-585-9629

 

Our Aruba Essentials

Neutrogena Beach Defense Water Resistant Sunscreen
UV Protection Sun Shirt
Hydro Cell Stainless Steel Water Bottles
Hands-free Neck Fan

Aruba is located just over 850 miles north of the equator which means the sun here is super intense. Even as a Florida girl I managed to get a horrible sunburn while in Aruba. It is extremely important that no matter how tough you think you are, you better lather up with some sunscreen.

While You’re in Aruba…

 

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If you’re planning a trip to Aruba, we strongly suggest you check out the Aruba Ostrich Farm.  A trip to this charming little farm will be one of the highlights of your trip!  The experience of feeding this massive, friendly birds will be something that sticks with you for a lifetime.

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Updated: 11/14/2021

Categories
Belize Central America Cruise Excursions Cruise Travel

Shark and Ray Alley in Gorgeous Belize

Belize has been my favorite country since I first laid eyes on her. She’s a little rough around the edges but she is lovely! My last trip marked my 6th trip to Belize. On the previous trips, I took a 2.5-hour bus ride to San Ignacio near the Guatemalan border. Here I’ve visited two Mayan ruins- Xunantunich and Cahal Pech-, I’ve gone cave tubing and gone zip-lining through the jungle canopy. While all of these were truly memorable experiences, I have to admit I’ve been missing out by not exploring the coast. Shark and Ray Alley took my breath away.

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

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Aruba Cruise Excursions Cruise Travel South America

What to do With One Day in Aruba

It’s been a while since I’ve featured a new destination on the blog. I’ve blogged a lot about my time in Belize, Honduras, and Mexico but I haven’t really touched on many other countries I have visited. Over the last ten years, I have visited more than 20 countries across Europe, Central America, and the Caribbean. One of my favorite countries has been the small 70 square mile island of Aruba.

Aruba in a Nutshell

Aruba is located in the Southern Caribbean, just north of South America. In fact, it’s so close that you can see lights from Venezuela once the sunsets. Although it is located on the South American continent, it is often considered to be part of the Caribbean. This island is primarily inhabited by the Dutch now (as it is a constituent country of the Netherlands), it was originally inhabited by the Arawak Tribe from Venezuela. Since then it has changed hands from the British, Spanish, and the Dutch making it a diverse culture. Aruba became a part of the Netherlands Antilles in 1845 and is home to many ex-pats.

What surprised me most about Aruba was its terrain. I was expecting lush green hillsides, much like the rest of the Caribbean. However, much of the island is actually a desert. Although it does have beautiful beaches, the island is completely different than any other Caribbean I’ve been to.

If you ever get the chance to visit Aruba, take it. Don’t hesitate, just go! There is so much to do on the island, you could keep yourself busy for a week! Many of the island’s visitors arrive by cruise ship and have only a day. There is still plenty for you to see and do in just a few hours that will give you an excellent introduction to the island.

What did we do in Aruba?

We booked a tour with ABC Tours Excursions and had the absolute best time ever! From start to finish, it was absolutely incredible! The tour includes a bit of history, sightseeing, and adventure! You are carted around the island in a customized 4×4 Land Rover that will take you off-roading through the desert and skirt along the gorgeous, rocky coastlines. It is seriously one of the coolest things I’ve ever done- and I’ve done some awesome things!

Our tour visited an Ostrich Farm, the Ayo Rock Formation, Arikok National Park, the Natural Bridge, Bushiribana Ruins, the Chapel of Alto Vista, and the California Light House.

Ayo Rock Formations

Our first stop was the Ayo Rock Formations, once a sacred site for the Arawak Indians. The natives used to visit the rock formations so they could hear incoming thunderstorms. The caves are filled with paintings, or petroglyphs, which you are able to glance at. A walking trail and steps have been set around the rock formation so you are able to explore this natural wonder.

California Lighthouse

One of the island’s most famous landmarks is the California Lighthouse. It is open to the public to climb up to the top for panoramic views of the northern point. The lighthouse was named for the steamship California, which wrecked nearby in 1891.

Aruba Ostrich Farm

One of the coolest things we did while in Aruba was to visit an ostrich farm. Yes, an ostrich farm. In Aruba. If you’re near the Natural Bridge, do yourself a favor and pop in. The ostriches are super excited to greet you and love the attention! You can even feed the ostriches, which was a neat experience.

The farm’s massive open-air lodge is dedicated to the ostrich’s native African homeland. It features an art gallery that carries handicrafts straight from Zimbabwe right alongside local goods.

Natural Bridge

One of the most visited attractions in Aruba is the Natural Bridge. Although it collapsed in 2005, visitors still flock to the area for the incredible views. The arch, which spanned 25 feet, was the remnants of an ancient cave. The pools around it are absolutely stunning and offer stunning views of the turquoise blue waters surrounding the island.

Buhirbana Gold Mill Ruins

One of my favorite stops was the Buhiribana Gold Mill Ruins. This stunning structure is what is left of a Gold Mill built by the British in 1872 during the Gold Rush. Although you probably won’t find any gold here today, you will find absolutely incredible views and one of the most picturesque locations on the island.

Aruba is absolutely stunning and “small-town friendly”. I was so in awe of my surroundings throughout my entire visit. I cannot wait to go back to this incredible little island.

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Belize Central America Cruise Excursions Cruise Travel Mayan Ruins

Xunantunich- A Glimpse into Belize’s Ancient Past

I’ve been to many Maya ruins in the past, including some throughout the country of Belize but Xunantunich is my ultimate favorite. Located in western Belize, about 70 miles from Belize City (where you would pull into if you arrive by cruise ship). The journey from Belize City to San Ignacio, where the ruins are located, will take you about two hours by motorcoach. The bus ride will give you a truly accurate picture of life in Belize. Some may not think it’s the most scenic drive but beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I think it’s gorgeous!

Fun Fact: Belizeans don’t have to pay taxes on their homes if they are not 100% complete. Therefore, many of the homes are left unfinished to avoid having to pay taxes.

Xunantunich Pronounciation

Say it with me shoe-nan-too-nich. Shoe-nan-too-nich. Or… just call it Tuna Sandwich and the locals will totally know what you’re talking about…oddly enough.

Where is Xunantunich located?

This ancient Maya archaeological site is located in western Belize, about 70 miles from Belize City. The journey will take you about two hours by motorcoach.

Xunantunich Map

The physical address is: 40 Park Street, Belize

Once you arrive in San Ignacio you’ll come to the Mopan River where you’ll see the cutest ferry. It’s a hand-cranked ferry! The ferry platform is on a cable and is moved back and forth by a hand-crank. So awesome! After crossing the river, you’ll be in the gorgeous park area. It’s just a short walk to the ancient ruins.

All About Xunantunich

Xunantunich means “Sculpture of Lady” in the Mayan language. The first modern explorations began in the mid-1890s. Since then, archaeologists have excavated the site and uncovered many structures including El Castillo, the second tallest structure in Belize. The site was built during the Classic Period (250 to 900 AD) and is made up of six major plazas and features more than 25 temples and palaces- and counting!

El Castillo, is the main focal point of the site and has been partially restored and is famous for the frieze carvings that cover it. Want to know something even cooler? You can walk in the steps of ancient Belizean’s and climb to the top of this 130-foot tall structure.

This place ain’t Disney World!

Let me just tell you that this climb is not for the faint of heart! It will totally get your heart racing! There are zero safety features installed on the structure, to help preserve it in its original state, and there will be points where you literally have to press your back against the rock and shimmy your way across to make the climb to the top. It is freaky! In fact, many of the people who started the trek up had to turn around because they couldn’t take it.

It is totally scary but totally worth it! Ashley and I somehow summoned up enough courage to climb to the very top and were rewarded with some of the most incredible views! From that vantage point, you could see Belize, Guatemala, and even get a glimpse of Cahal Pech, another ancient ruin I have visited.

Belize-it-or-not this place is still under excavation! Archaeologists have discovered new chambers and structures as recently as 2016 when a burial chamber was discovered! This burial chamber was attached to a large building and held the corpse of a young male (between 20-30 years old), and relics such as knives, jade pearls, ceramic vessels, and animal bones. Totally cool right?

If you ever get a chance to check out Xunantunich, I strongly suggest that you take advantage of the opportunity. This place is definitely an incredible marvel and the perfect glimpse into the ancient past. It requires a lot of courage and exercise to get to the top but it is absolutely incredible. It is one of the best experiences I’ve ever had and worth the anxiety and long bus ride!

What is there to do nearby?

Our Ruins Essentials

Coppertone Kids Sunscreen
OFF! Family Care Insect Spray
Cliganic Mosquito Repellent Bracelets

While You’re in San Ignacio…

 

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Updated: 10/25/21

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