Feature Destination
Feature Destination: From Coral Reefs to Tropical Forests, Discovering the Natural Wonders of the Cayman Islands
The Cayman Islands, a collection of three small but ecologically rich islands nestled in the Caribbean Sea, offer more than just a tropical escape. Known for their crystalline waters, vibrant coral reefs, and a steadfast commitment to environmental preservation, Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman have become leading examples of how tourism and conservation can coexist. Located south of Cuba, this British Overseas Territory has evolved into a destination that balances luxury tourism with efforts to protect its delicate ecosystems, both on land and underwater.

This guide provides an in-depth look at what visitors can expect, from the islands’ geography and climate to its culture, biodiversity, and conservation efforts. For travelers who seek to explore the world responsibly, the Cayman Islands offer a wealth of opportunities for eco-conscious engagement.
What to Expect: Geography, Climate, and Planning Your Visit
The Cayman Islands are situated on the Cayman Ridge, a geological formation that rises dramatically from the depths of the Caribbean Sea. This positioning has gifted the islands with dramatic underwater topography, including steep walls and thriving coral reefs, making it a hotspot for divers and marine biologists. The islands are small but varied—Grand Cayman is the largest and most developed, while Cayman Brac is known for its rugged cliffs, and Little Cayman is a sanctuary of untouched natural beauty.

Owen Roberts International Airport in George Town, Grand Cayman, serves as the primary gateway to the islands, with direct flights from major cities like Miami, New York, and London. Cayman Brac and Little Cayman are accessible via short inter-island flights. While Grand Cayman has a developed road network with car rentals available, transportation on the smaller islands is more limited, relying on bicycles, scooters, or taxis.
The Cayman Islands enjoy a tropical climate, with temperatures typically ranging between 77°F and 88°F (25°C to 31°C) throughout the year. The dry season, from December to April, is the most popular time to visit, offering sunny days and cooler nights. However, the wet season from May to November, which coincides with the Atlantic hurricane season, should not be dismissed. The islands experience occasional rain showers but are less frequently hit by major storms. Hurricane Ivan in 2004 was the last major hurricane to cause significant damage.
While the high season brings the best weather, it also means higher prices and more crowded beaches, especially on Grand Cayman. For those seeking a quieter, more affordable experience, consider visiting during the shoulder months of late April or early December. Be sure to book accommodation and car rentals well in advance, especially if visiting during the popular winter months.
The Culture, a Unique Blend of Caribbean and British Influence
The Cayman Islands’ culture is a reflection of its diverse history, shaped by its British colonial past and Caribbean heritage. This cultural blend is visible in the islands’ architecture, music, and daily life, creating a unique identity that is both laid-back and distinctly cosmopolitan.

Throughout the islands, particularly in George Town, Grand Cayman’s capital, you’ll find colonial-era buildings alongside modern infrastructure. Traditional Caymanian houses, often built from wood and elevated on stilts, showcase the islands’ architectural history and resilience against tropical weather. In contrast, luxury resorts and high-end restaurants line Seven Mile Beach, offering a contemporary twist to the islands’ development.
Caymanian cuisine is a fusion of Caribbean flavors, often characterized by tropical fruits, spices, and local produce. While seafood plays a significant role in local diets, there are also plenty of land-based options to explore, from jerk chicken to cassava-based dishes. Visitors can explore a range of dining experiences, from roadside jerk stands to fine dining establishments featuring farm-to-table cuisine. The local drink of choice is the famous “Cayman Mama,” a refreshing cocktail made with rum, pineapple juice, and coconut cream.
Music is an integral part of life in the Cayman Islands, with local genres like calypso and soca providing the soundtrack to festivals and events. Steelpan music, brought over from Trinidad, is also widely celebrated, particularly during events like Pirates Week. Visitors will often encounter live performances at local bars or larger events featuring Caribbean and international artists.
For a sustainable keepsake, consider purchasing locally made crafts. Handcrafted jewelry made from Caymanite, a semiprecious stone unique to the islands, is a popular choice, as are woven baskets and wood carvings. Support local artisans and conservation efforts by shopping at markets and galleries that prioritize eco-friendly products and practices.
The Nature, Terrestrial Biodiversity and Conservation Efforts
Beyond its beaches, the Cayman Islands are home to a rich array of flora and fauna, much of which is protected through the efforts of local environmental organizations. The islands’ biodiversity includes rare species such as the blue iguana, native to Grand Cayman, and a variety of tropical birds and plants.

Seven Mile Beach on Grand Cayman is the most famous stretch of sand, but visitors looking for quieter experiences can explore Rum Point or the isolated beaches of Little Cayman. Outdoor activities include hiking through the forests of Cayman Brac or kayaking in the mangrove swamps of Grand Cayman’s North Sound. Birdwatchers will be delighted by the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park, which provides sanctuary to local species like the Grand Cayman parrot and migratory birds.
The islands boast a remarkable level of biodiversity, especially considering their small size. The Blue Iguana Recovery Programme, one of the islands’ leading conservation efforts, has successfully brought this critically endangered species back from the brink of extinction. Visitors can tour the Blue Iguana Conservation Facility at the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park to learn more about the species and the ongoing efforts to protect them.

Several organizations are actively working to protect the natural heritage of the Cayman Islands. The Central Caribbean Marine Institute (CCMI), located on Little Cayman, conducts essential research on coral reef conservation, while the Cayman Islands Department of Environment oversees the islands’ national parks and marine protected areas. Both organizations offer educational tours and programs for visitors interested in conservation.
Underwater, Diving and Marine Life Conservation
The Cayman Islands are renowned for their crystal-clear waters and abundant marine life, making them a prime destination for divers and snorkelers. With over 365 dive sites and exceptional underwater visibility, these islands offer some of the best diving experiences in the world.

Grand Cayman is home to several famous dive sites, including the North Wall, which drops steeply into the Cayman Trench, and the USS Kittiwake wreck, an artificial reef teeming with marine life. Little Cayman’s Bloody Bay Wall is another must-see, featuring vibrant coral formations and an array of marine species, including turtles, rays, and reef sharks. Divers and snorkelers can expect to encounter a range of species, from colorful parrotfish and angelfish to larger pelagic species such as barracudas and groupers.
The Cayman Islands are committed to preserving their marine ecosystems, which are threatened by climate change, pollution, and overfishing. The establishment of marine parks and no-take zones around the islands has helped protect key habitats, such as coral reefs and seagrass beds. Organizations like CCMI are at the forefront of this work, conducting research on coral resilience and promoting sustainable diving practices.
Visitors are required to dive responsibly, adhering to the “look but don’t touch” rule to avoid damaging fragile coral reefs. Many dive operators in the Cayman Islands are eco-certified, ensuring that their practices minimize environmental impact. Some even offer opportunities to participate in citizen science initiatives, where divers can assist with coral restoration or marine species monitoring.

The Cayman Islands offer more than just a picturesque destination—they are a living example of how tourism and conservation can work together to protect natural environments while providing enriching experiences for visitors. From the vibrant culture and terrestrial biodiversity to the awe-inspiring underwater world, the islands present a unique opportunity for travelers to engage with nature responsibly. Whether you’re interested in exploring coral reefs, hiking through tropical forests, or supporting local conservation efforts, the Cayman Islands are a must-visit for those committed to sustainable and eco-conscious travel.
Feature Destination
Feature Destination: A Conservationist’s Reflection on Family, Biodiversity, and Restoration in Costa Rica
Costa Rica is one of the few countries I’ve returned to repeatedly over the last twenty or so years. Each visit has reinforced why this small Central American nation continues to hold a special place in my heart. As a conservationist, I’ve long admired its bold environmental policies, its ability to restore vast areas of degraded land, and the extraordinary biodiversity that thrives here. But what draws me back just as strongly is the feeling that Costa Rica gives you: the quiet assurance that another world is possible, one where people and nature can coexist with purpose and respect.
I had the chance to experience Costa Rica in a new way, traveling with three generations of my family. My husband, my sister and her family, and our aging parents all came together for what we knew would be a once-in-a-lifetime trip. My sister chose Costa Rica not only because of its beauty, but also because it felt manageable for a multigenerational vacation. It’s safe, accessible, and well set up for travelers of all ages. We also understood it would be expensive, but for the chance to travel together as a full family, the investment was worth it.
We started our journey in San José, where my husband and I stayed in a homestay with a Costa Rican grandmother. She greeted us with warmth, fed us incredible meals, and gave us our first taste, quite literally, of the hospitality this country is known for. From there, we headed to Quepos on the Pacific coast, where my sister had rented an Airbnb home. It was the perfect setup with a space for all of us to gather, cook, relax, and look out over a small deck that faced what appeared to be pure jungle. The view was mesmerizing. We later learned that only a few decades ago, the entire landscape had been logged and used for farmland or extraction. But thanks to Costa Rica’s climate and commitment to restoration, nature had returned with full force. You’d never know it had once been stripped bare.
Every morning, we gathered on that deck before sunrise with coffee in hand to watch the forest awaken. Birds darted through the trees: tanagers, flycatchers, motmots, flickering colors between the leaves. For a family of nature lovers, those quiet hours became some of the most meaningful and memorable moments of the entire trip.
Quepos gave us easy access to both the coast and the rainforest. We hiked in the nearby parks, explored waterfalls, we stumbled on eco-tours of chocolate-making, coffee farming, and sustainable agriculture. The excursions were varied and accessible. Canopy walks, guided nature trails, and small boat rides. Costa Rica’s dynamic geography from the mountains, coasts, volcanoes, and rainforests means you don’t have to travel far to experience completely different ecosystems.
Although my husband and I skipped diving this time to stay together as a family, we did take a longer boat ride to a more remote patch of primary forest. I believe we were on the edge of the Osa Peninsula or near Corcovado National Park, which is known as one of the most biologically intense places on Earth. The experience reminded me again how rare it is to be able to witness truly untouched rainforest.
Every meal we ate was exceptional. With such a strong agricultural foundation, the food was consistently fresh, flavorful, and locally grown. Pineapple, avocado, coffee, papaya, rice, and beans, all vibrant and prepared with pride. Costa Rica’s commitment to sustainable agriculture shows in the taste of what ends up on your plate.
Beyond the beauty and comfort, what continues to impress me most is Costa Rica’s national commitment to conservation. Despite being only about 51,000 square kilometers in size, Costa Rica is home to more than 500,000 species, about 5% of the world’s biodiversity, thanks to its location at the intersection of North and South America. The diversity includes iconic species like the resplendent quetzal (Pharomachrus mocinno), Baird’s tapir (Tapirus bairdii), jaguars (Panthera onca), and endangered sea turtles like the green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas), which nests on the Caribbean coast in places like Tortuguero National Park.
Costa Rica has not only preserved what it has, it has reversed damage from generations of less sustainable development. In the 1980s, deforestation was rampant, with forest cover reduced to about 21%. But thanks to a range of government policies, including the 1997 launch of the Payment for Environmental Services (PES) program, forest cover has increased to over 50% as of the 2010s, and as of 2022 forests covered approximately 60.1% of the country’s land area, according to the World Bank. The PES program rewards landowners for keeping forests intact, recognizing the economic value of ecosystem services such as carbon capture, water filtration, and biodiversity protection. Much of this work is administered through MINAE (the Ministry of Environment and Energy), and its subsidiary agencies like SINAC, FONAFIFO, and CONAGEBIO.
The country has also turned its attention toward marine conservation, with over 30% of its territorial waters now designated as marine protected areas (MPAs). These include coral reefs, mangroves, and marine corridors vital for species like sharks, whales, and sea turtles. Organizations like the MarViva Foundation have been instrumental in managing these MPAs, particularly around the Eastern Tropical Pacific.
Folks from Costa Rica, also called Ticos, have the reputation of being affectionately warm, proud, and deeply connected to the land. You quickly learn the phrase “Pura Vida” is more than a slogan. It’s a mindset, an expression of gratitude, resilience, and appreciation for life’s simple gifts. It’s said as a greeting, a farewell, a thank-you, and always with a smile.
Traveling here, you’ll find that Costa Rica is not only logistically easy, but emotionally and intellectually enriching. Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple, or a multigenerational family like us, there’s something for everyone. The country is incredibly welcoming to people of all backgrounds, and it’s one of the safest places in Central America to visit.
If you’re planning a trip, the best advice is to decide what kind of experience you’re looking for. Do you want to immerse yourself in the jungle? Lounge on the beach? Explore volcanoes? Stay in a city and do day trips? Or do a bit of everything? There’s no single way to “do” Costa Rica. You can rent a car or rely on shuttle services. Stay in a city hotel, a remote eco-lodge, or a beachside Airbnb. It’s all possible.
Here are a few key regions to consider:
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Central Valley (San José and surroundings): Cultural sites, museums, and access to volcanoes and cloud forests.
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Pacific Coast (including Quepos and Manuel Antonio): National parks, beaches, and adventure tourism.
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Caribbean Coast (like Puerto Viejo and Tortuguero): Afro-Caribbean culture, nesting turtles, and rich biodiversity.
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Northern Plains (Arenal and La Fortuna): Hot springs, waterfalls, and volcanoes.
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Southern Zone (Osa Peninsula and Corcovado): Pristine rainforest, rare species, and incredible biodiversity.
VisitCostaRica.com is the official tourism website and a helpful starting point for researching regions, accommodations, and activities.
For us, this trip was a chance to reconnect, not just with each other, but with the natural world. Costa Rica has a way of doing that. When you’re surrounded by howler monkeys at dawn, or listening to rain fall onto leaves the size of couch cushions, or catching a glimpse of a toucan in flight, you remember what it feels like to be part of something ancient and alive.
And in a world where conservation so often feels like a losing battle, Costa Rica shows what can be achieved when a nation decides to prioritize nature, not just in words, but through action.
Feature Destination
Feature Destination: The Most Awe-Inspiring National Parks in Latin America
Feature Destination
Feature Destination – Journeys With Purpose: Restoring Island-Ocean Ecosystems in Palau
Visiting Palau has been one of the most remarkable and affirming experiences of my life. Spending hours in the ocean observing turtles, sharks, rays and a host of other marine species, including cuttlefish changing colour and form to their immediate environment, has proven to be one of the greatest joys and wonders in the world.
I grew up watching and entranced by the TV series ‘The Undersea World of Jacques Cousteau’. Such was the impression Cousteau’s series made on me, as a very young child my first pet was called ‘Calypso’, after his fabled research vessel. My experiences in Palau brought back these vivid memories directly. With a particular snorkelling experience on this journey, a fellow traveller commented that this must be “the day you fell in love with sharks” – and it truly was.

Throughout the course of the last 12+ months, Journeys With Purpose has worked alongside the world-class organisations of Island Conservation and Scripps Institution of Oceanography, in association with Re:wild, on a ‘Restoring Island-Ocean Ecosystems’ journey to champion and support the Island-Ocean Connection Challenge (IOCC).
The IOCC aims to restore at least 40 globally significant island-ocean ecosystems from ridge to reef by 2030 to benefit people, wildlife and our planet. This goal is delivering tangible action and successes, and signifying more widely the essential connection between island health and ocean health. Holistically restoring islands delivers outsized benefits for wildlife, oceans, people and climate impacts.
Key IOCC messages:
- Healthy oceans need healthy islands
- island and marine ecosystem elements cycle into one another, sharing nutrients vital to the plants and animals within them. Invasive species damage these fragile ecosystems and work to remove these in order to restore balance and endemic species such as the Megapode bird is vital.
- Everything is connected – Indigenous Peoples and local communities know this
- Indigenous Peoples and local communities have long understood and managed their natural resources in the context of island-to-sea connections. As Wayne Andrew, Micronesia Director of OneReef says “Community is not people alone. Community is a place, the reef. The respect of all that is so important”. This is rooted in their traditional knowledge and wisdom, including ancient oral stories such as the “Megapode Bird and Hawksbill Turtle”. It is essential to support local leadership and communities in the decisions they wish to make to protect these vital ecosystems.
- Collaboration is essential
- taking a collective approach to sustainable science and the importance of collaboration with local communities to achieve more holistic results.
- Emerging Science and Impact Monitoring
- global scalability of work informed by science. Emerging research shows people, wildlife and marine environments benefit when island-ocean connections are restored.
- Islands are on the frontline of environmental crises
- a staggering 41% of critically threatened species are found on islands
- 27% of all languages come from island communities
- surrounding coral reefs are home to 25% of all marine life

We travelled with leadership from Palau’s local communities, Island Conservation, Scripps Institution of Oceanography and supporters of these organisations. The collective experience of our time with these communities, and snorkelling and diving, was quite remarkable – a true spirit of togetherness and bonding developed that we will treasure for the rest of our lives. And importantly to take forward into action.
My key takeaways are thus:
- People make Places
- this is never more true than in Palau. There are approximately 20,000 local inhabitants on Palau’s islands, and they demonstrate an incredible bond, cohesiveness and strength together. This is brilliantly encapsulated by the local Hatohobei community, who rejected sizeable bribes to thwart a significant illegal fishing operation – “… we’re doing it for our people, for the future generations.”
- Impact at Scale
- the Palau National Marine Sanctuary (PNMS), effective 1 January 2020 with support from the Palauan government and several NGOs, is one of the largest marine protected areas (MPA) in the world. It was the first MPA of its kind, protecting 80% of a country’s national waters in a fully protected no-take zone.
- the PNMS protects a vast array of marine life and unique geological features within its over 475,000 km2, an area larger than Germany, Japan, Iraq, Sweden, etc. Eight hundred marine vertebrate species call the PNMS home, including nearly 30 different marine mammals and 60 shark and ray species, though these numbers are likely underestimated, as the biodiversity of the PNMS remains understudied.
- all achieved with the spirit of just 20,000 Palauans.
- Be Brave
- as above, the Palauans have been incredibly brave in their approach with their communities, natural environment and ambition. Very sadly, this is not the norm around the world, but is, however, a lesson for us all – trust our hearts and do the right thing to help deliver today a viable future. We must turn the currency of hope into the currency of action.

I have observed these three takeaways in the great conservation and rewilding endeavours around the world. It can be done. I urge us all, in the strongest possible manner, to support the work of the people of Palau, Island Conservation and Scripps Institution of Oceanography – brilliant people, doing brilliant work, in brilliant places. My eternal gratitude to our partners and supporters on this journey, and in particular to the exceptional dedication, hospitality and warmth of our local Palauan partners at Island Conservation Palau, Ebiil Society, OneReef, Koror State DCLE (Department of Conservation and Law Enforcement), Ngarchelong State Rangers and many others. Palau, officially the Republic of Palau, is an island nation in the Micronesia region of Oceania in the western Pacific, comprising an archipelago of over 350 islands. Little known to many of us, it is one of the most remarkable ecosystems and communities on Earth. Please connect here – connect@journeyswithpurpose.org – to understand how you can contribute, and visit Palau.
GET IN TOUCH TO START YOUR JOURNEY
A tribute to the people of Palau:- in memoriam to Prince LeeBoo of Palau, 1763 to 1784.
With the consent of his father King Ibedul of Koror, Prince LeeBoo departed Palau with Captain Henry Wilson and the crew of the Antelope to London, England on 12 November 1783. Whilst in London, Prince LeeBoo became Palau’s de facto ambassador of goodwill to England, and a scholar. However, LeeBoo’s plan of returning to Palau to spread knowledge and scientific discoveries to his people ended abruptly when the young prince succumbed to smallpox in the winter of 1784. The remains of Prince LeeBoo and his plans lay buried today in the courtyard of St. Mary’s church in Rotherhithe, London, England.
Despite the dilapidation of time, the spirit of Prince LeeBoo continues to live in the hearts of the people of Palau – their immense strength of community, positive impact and fortitude. His story, and purpose in life, remains widely told amongst the people of Palau today.
This article was retrived from Duncan’s Field Notes.
Journeys With Purpose offers immersive conservation and ethical travel experiences. Through private and hosted trips with pioneering conservationists, guests experience rewilding and restoring biodiversity in the wildest corners of the world. Our “Seven Worlds, One Planet” approach is a global curriculum focused on recovering and conserving vibrant landscapes, biodiversity, wildlife and livelihoods across all seven continents.
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