Eco-Friendly Travel in the Cayman Islands: How to Visit Sustainably

The idyllic Cayman Islands are located in the western Caribbean Sea, below Cuba and east of the Mexican Yucatan peninsula. The archipelago consists of Grand Cayman, Little Cayman and Cayman Brac.

In addition to being known as a tax haven for businesses, a vacation hideaway for celebrities, and a Caribbean hotspot for diving enthusiasts, the islands are also home to diverse and unique eco-systems. 

In this post, we’ll explore eco-friendly travel in the Cayman Islands from finding the right hotels and responsible tours, to discovering how you can get involved with conservation efforts during a stay. 

Interested? Read on for inspiration! 

Understanding Eco-Tourism in Cayman Islands

During the 1950s, the Cayman Islands became a popular Caribbean vacation destination. The first hotels were built in George Town on Grand Cayman in 1951, and thus began an influx of tourists in the decades that followed. 

Tourism gave the island’s economy a huge boost, and consequently, more hotels and condos were built alongside international airports and cruise ports.

However, continuous and fast-paced growth tipped the balance of nature. Endemic species like the Blue Iguana population began to severely decline. As natural habitats were destroyed, they went from numbering tens of thousands to less than 30 at one point- categorizing the species as critically endangered. Once thriving mangroves were affected and damaged by coastal erosion and coral reefs around the Caymans’ 365 dive sites also began to deplete.

The islanders had to act. Along with NGO’s and local businesses, they began to educate residents, showing them how to protect the natural environment and wildlife and marine species around them. 

The initiatives included everything from beach and reef cleanups and reducing plastic use, to preserving water and supporting local growers. Tour companies introduced responsible, eco-friendly excursions and hotels became more environmentally aware, changing many of their former practices for the better.

Eco-Friendly Activities in Cayman Islands

There are dozens of eco-friendly activities to enjoy in the Cayman Islands. These range from snorkeling and diving in parks that practice coral reef conservation to trekking through jungle terrain, shopping in local markets and being educated about native species.

Here are examples of activities to enjoy during your stay:

1. Stingray City and Snorkeling on Grand Cayman
   

Interact with majestic stingrays on this memorable tour. You’ll learn all about the gentle creatures from an expert marine conservationist, before heading to Coral Gardens and Barrier Reef for a spot of snorkeling.

2. Cayman Crystal Caves Tour
   

The Crystal Caves are one of the most famous sites on the Cayman Islands. Discover native plants, trees and Grand Cayman parrots as you make your way along jungle trails. Once inside the caves, discover where pirates used to hide out and see rare bat species on this epic half-day tour.

3. Cayman Honey Beekeeping Adventure

Discover everything you ever wanted to know about bees on this interesting eco-friendly, homesteading-themed trip. The tour, led by a professional beekeeper, imparts first-hand experience of how to set up and design an aviary and harvest honey, alongside other beekeeping activities.

Here are a few more eco-friendly trips to enjoy across each island:

Grand Cayman

• Visit Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Gardens – home to endemic butterfly species and native birds. Book a tour of the Blue Iguana Conservation Facility while here.
• Visit a local farmer’s and artisan’s market at Camana Bay (Wed 12-7pm)
• Take a scenic walk along the Mastic Trail. The tropical forest is home to indigenous plant and animal species. Don’t forget to stick to the designated paths.

Little Cayman

• Snorkel or dive at Bloody Bay Wall Marine park with lush tropical coral reefs. 
• Rent an eBike to cycle around the island.

Cayman Brac

• Head out with your binoculars for a spot of birdwatching – there are over 200 resident species near Brac Bluff.
• Go scuba diving at Radar Reef.
• Explore the island’s ancient caves such as The Great Cave.
  
  Sustainable Accommodations

A number of luxury hotels and resorts in the Cayman Islands have committed to more environmentally friendly practices, here are our favorites.

Kimpton Seafire Resort and Spa – Grand Cayman

If you’re looking for a luxury hotel that truly cares about the environment, minus the greenwashing, book a stay at 5* Kimpton Seafire Resort and Spa in Grand Cayman. 

What’s eco-friendly about Seafire Resort and Spa?

• Electricity for the entire resort is generated by one of the largest solar arrays in the archipelago.
• They utilize a Smart Air – a ground source geothermal air-con system, more energy efficient than traditional systems.
• Guest rooms and suites are illuminated by LED, energy-efficient bulbs. 
• Outdoor landscapes are irrigated with harvested rainwater, thus reducing wastage.
• Guests are invited to use refillable aluminium bottles to boost their hydration – no single use plastics.
• That’s not all, a Seafire Guardians team are regularly helping to regenerate nearby coral reefs with Cayman Islands Eco Divers. 
• They even protect the turtles on the beach with artificial lighting that directs them towards the sea.

With all of these eco-friendly measures in place, it’s no surprise that U.S. News & World Report Best Hotel Rankings voted the resort #1 of Best Cayman Islands Hotels for 2023.

Le Soleil D’Or – Cayman Brac

Le Soleil D’Or on Cayman Brac is a laid-back, yet opulent farm hotel by a sprawling beach overlooking the Caribbean Sea. It offers easy access to birdwatching, nature trails and over 50 epic dive sites.

What’s eco-friendly about Le Soleil D’or?

• All culinary dishes are created with ingredients gathered from their 20 acre on-site farm.
• The farm grows over 300 species of fruits and vegetables which are also sold to the local community on Cayman Brac.
• In guest accommodations, natural light reduces electricity usage and peaked ceilings help to cool the rooms during warmer months.
• Vehicles can be substituted for bikes or walks to explore the island and its many natural wonders.

The hotel has received an ETIC bronze award for its contributions to sustainable travel.

Little Cayman Beach Resort – Little Cayman

This charming 40 room, oceanfront hotel on Little Cayman island has a relaxed Caribbean vibe and friendly staff. The surrounding ocean offers some of the archipelago’s best diving and food is Caribbean inspired, created with local produce.

What makes Little Cayman Beach Resort Eco-Friendly?

• They use compostable beverage cups at the bar to reduce plastic use.
• They only use eco-friendly cleaning and laundry products.
• All amenities in bathrooms are presented in recyclable containers.
• They save energy by requesting that lights are turned off when not in the room.

In addition, their staff participate in Plastic Free Cayman cleanups across all three islands and full moon clean ups with the Little Cayman National Trust.

Contributing to Conservation Efforts 

If you are on vacation or are considering volunteering on the Cayman Islands, you can help contribute to conservation efforts in the following places:

Plastic Free Cayman Clean Ups – Join a clean-up mission on Turtle Beach and beyond. 

Volunteer with the National Trust – You can work at the Blue Iguana Conservation Facility in Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park short or long term. Clear and trim plants along the Mastic Trail or volunteer to update The Heritage Register to record the natural, historic and cultural resources across the islands.

Cayman Turtle Center – Preserve the archipelago’s turtle species by joining a research program or you can adopt one to help with their conservation efforts.

Coral Nursery Conservation Program – If you’re a PADI certified diver, consider contacting a local diving school to assist with nurturing and maintaining underwater nurseries and coral reef eco-systems. If you can’t get to the Caymans, you can adopt a coral reef and donate funds to assist instead.

Sustainable Travel Tips for Cayman Islands

If you’ve now decided to book your Cayman Islands adventure, here are a few tips to help you travel more sustainably.

• Shop locally to benefit island growers and artisans with small businesses. 
• Always try to use fabric or woven bags to reduce plastic.
• Choose eco-friendly tour operators that aim to minimize environmental impact and emissions.
• Try to use sunscreen that’s reef-safe to protect marine species and underwater eco-systems from pollution.
• Remain on designated paths while hiking jungle and nature trails.
• Be mindful of how much water and energy you’re using during your stay.
• Choose to stay in hotels/apartments that demonstrate their stewardship for the natural environment.