Permit· Grand Cayman· Other Caribbean

Cayman Islands Marine Parks Rules

19° 18.0′ N · 81° 23.4′ W · approximate

Cayman's marine parks run from the shoreline to the 150 ft contour around much of all three islands, and the rules are strict and enforced: anchor damage to coral is an offence anywhere in Cayman waters.

Belize Barrier Reef

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Coordinate is a nominal point off George Town (the rules apply island-wide). From the DoE brochure (rev. 2021) and website: Marine Reserves - no taking of any marine life except hook-and-line where a Line Fishing Zone allows; no anchoring, fixed moorings only, except boats of 60 ft or less may anchor in sand with no grappling hook and no anchor, rope or chain touching coral. Environmental Zones (e.g. inner North Sound) - no take, no in-water activity, 5 mph max, no anchoring. Spawning Aggregation zones - 1 December to 30 April no fishing, anchoring or in-water activity between the 50 and 200 ft contours. No fish feeding outside a Wildlife Interaction Zone; nobody may feed sharks. Spear guns need a licence (Caymanians only) and are surrendered by visitors on arrival. Lobster season closed 1 December-30 April; Nassau grouper, angelfish and all echinoderms may not be taken; conch limits apply. DoE public moorings: white 18 or 24 inch buoys with yellow tape and lines; 18-inch up to 60 ft, 24-inch up to 100 ft; use your own bow line with 10 ft of scope; not in 25 knots or more; 3-hour limit; no overnighting except on the orange visiting-yacht moorings (8 George Town, 5 Spotts, 1 Cayman Brac). Report damaged moorings to DoE 949-8469. The 'Cayman DoE' app shows park boundaries and every mooring. No discharge of any waste water into the sea (Noonsite 2017).

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Know before you anchor, fish or snorkel

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