Grand Cayman Snorkeling
Video courtesy of Tom & Salty Joyner
| Coral and related species | Fish and related species | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Giant brain coral |
Grooved brain coral |
Smooth brain coral |
Trumpetfish |
Yellowtail snapper |
Parrotfish |
|
Butterprint brain coral |
Golfball coral |
Blushing star coral |
Pufferfish |
Boxfish |
Small angelfish |
|
Elkhorn coral |
Staghorn coral |
Orange tube coral |
Tarpon |
Triggerfish |
Butterflyfish |
|
Green cactus coral |
Sea rods |
Leaf coral |
Blue tang |
Rock beauty |
Jack fish |
|
Sheet coral |
Flower coral |
Club finger coral |
Rainbow runner |
Ocean Surgeonfish |
Great barracuda |
|
Fire coral |
Mustard hill coral |
Sea whips |
Pinfish |
Grunt fish |
Damselfish |
|
Venus sea fan |
Common sea fan |
Tube sponges |
Sea perch |
Razorfish |
Squirrelfish |
|
Lettuce coral |
Corky sea fingers |
Starlet coral |
Bluehead Wrasse |
Conch |
Arrow crabs |
|
Porous sea rods |
Finger coral |
Boulder brain coral |
Coral crab |
Coral shrimp |
Southern sting rays |
Major Site Features
Overall, the Turtle Nest Inn snorkel area provides an excellent site for Grand Cayman snorkeling. The variety and abundance of coral and fish species combined with the rejuvenation of coral formations and fish nurseries makes this site sensitive.
The Turtle Nest Inn snorkel area presents a spectacular glimpse of juvenile fish species and coral formations — directly off shore! On the southeastern side of the site, outlining the fringing reef, lies an encrustation of Elkhorn coral, Staghorn coral and giant Brain corals. Extending from the sandy shore, large beds of turtle grass stretches into thick patches. Scattered between the turtle grass and the fringing reef, lies a selection of soft and hard coral formations.
Various aquatic vertebrates and invertebrates thrive in the coral heads. To the southwestern area of the site lies a diverse genus of Brain coral, including a rare giant Brain coral. The principal fish identification relates a healthy cradle of juvenile species. The nearby channel provides access for larger species to enter into the shallow reef creating an extensive biological diversity. The Turtle grass area provides a healthy bed for fish nurseries.
View of the hotel from the sea
Environmental Considerations
Much of the coral is regenerating itself. Some of the coral has died off, but new coral crowns the dead. Therefore, or under any circumstance, none of the coral should be touched.
Hazards
The main concern of the site is the strength of the current at the nearby channel. The current comprises a south to southwest movement. For safety rationale, snorkelers should not swim in or around the channel. Along the coral formations, near the fringing reef, powerful surges flow across the shallow site. A combination of strong surges and shallow depths, a snorkeler could possibly be harmed on nearby coral extensions. Encrusted along many of the coral formations, lies large patches of fire or stinging coral. The lagoon area may also receive a minimal amount of boat traffic.
References
Reef Fish Identification by Paul Humann
Underwater Archaeology by Professor Charles Beeker
