Welcome to the Cayman Islands! Where the sun meets the sky, the sky meets the sea, and the sea meets the land. Our three idyllic islands, Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman, are actually the peaks of a great underwater mountain range called the Cayman Ridge. The ridge flanks the Cayman Trench, the deepest part of the Caribbean Sea, which at over 6,000 meters deep, is almost as deep as Mount Everest is tall. Each island is protected from the open sea by fringing reefs; vibrant ecosystems home to thousands of species.
While the Cayman Islands still has some of the most vibrant and healthy reefs in the Caribbean, like other jurisdictions around the world, our reefs are experiencing increasing levels of threat from warming seas, invasive species, coral diseases and the ever present risk of overfishing. Coral reefs, seagrass and mangrove wetlands are some of the most important ecosystems on the planet so it’s incredibly important we do everything we can to keep them healthy. Island ecosystems are a delicate balance of nature with many different species and systems relying on one another for survival. That’s why protecting biodiversity is another crucial aspect of keeping our Islands healthy and safe for future generations.
Cayman Islands Marine Parks
Have questions about fishing in Cayman?
There are currently no fishing license requirements for residents or visitors but around 50% of near-shore coastal waters are designated Marine Protected Areas managed by the Marine Park Regulations (2022) under the National Conservation Act (2013) with strict no take zones, species specific fishing seasons and catch and size limits.
DOWNLOAD the “CaymanDoE” app or Marine Parks Brochures today to know the rules wherever you are in the Cayman Islands.
While exploring our beautiful Cayman Islands we ask that you be mindful of the best practices we suggest so you can do your part in helping to protect our unique marine environment.
Wildlife Interaction Zones (WIZ)
The Wildlife Interactions Zones (WIZ) are the only places in the Cayman Islands where you may legally feed or interact with marine life.
Stingray City / Sandbar
If you visit Stingray City or the Sandbar you’ll find our friendly resident stingrays swimming all around as you wade through the shallow water. Our Southern Stingrays are completely wild but after fishermen started to clean their catch in the shelter of the reef, the rays began to arrive every day for a share of the feast and created a Stingray City. They are very friendly so don’t be alarmed if one swims up to you looking for a treat. To avoid stepping on one, look before exiting your boat and shuffle your feet when you walk.
Stingray Handling
Stingrays are protected by law and cannot be harmed. No touch observation is best but you are allowed to pet them if you would like to. Touching the top or underside of the wing is allowed and even a kiss on the nose is ok, but never lift a stingray so its gills are out of the water and avoid touching towards the centre of the body.
Stingray Feeding
When going to the Sandbar or Stingray City with a tour group, only the guides are allowed to feed the rays so the animals do not get overfed.
Touching or feeding stingrays outside of the WIZ is strictly prohibited.
Use Reef-safe Sunscreen
Remember to apply your reef-safe sunscreen at least 30 minutes before getting in the water to give it time to absorb into your skin and reduce the amount of chemicals released into the water or rubbed onto the ray’s sensitive skin.
Sharks at Stingray City
It doesn’t happen often but if you’re lucky, you may even see a shark cruise by. These are usually the black tip or Caribbean reef sharks, which only feed on fish, and are generally scared of people. If a shark arrives, the guides will stop feeding the rays as we don’t want to them to associate people with food. All sharks are fully protected in Cayman waters, so we never harm or feed them. Enjoy this rare encounter!
Starfish Point
Many boat trips in the North Sound include a stop at Starfish Point, a shallow sandy point with fringing seagrass and a number of resident West Indian sea stars. While no touch observation is always best, gentle handling while holding the starfish underwater is permitted. Touching a starfish on the top or bottom (feet) is allowed but never bend or pull a starfish’s arms or feet and never lift a starfish out of the water.