Cayman Islands - Restrictions

Anchoring: 

Yachts are to use fixed moorings only. Boats of less than 60 feet may anchor in sand, as long as no grappling hook is used and no coral is touched.

There are ten orange buoys with blue stripes located at the George Town harbour and Spotts anchorage for visiting yachts. Only vessels 100 feet or under may tie to the mooring in winds less than 20 knots. Before tying to the mooring, you must obtain permission from Port Security.

Public Moorings information can be found on the Department of Energy website.

Marine Life:

The Cayman Islands have a particularly rich marine life and so strict regulations are in force to protect its beauty. Many indigenous species are protected including sea turtles, iguanas, and orchids. In the Marine Parks and Environmental Zones, no marine life at all may be taken, although one may fish outside protected areas.

Lobster: The closed season is from March 1 to November 30. Only spiny lobster may be taken and a six-inch tail length is the minimum size. There is a catch limit of three per person or six per boat per day, whichever is less. No one may buy or receive more than three lobsters from Cayman waters per day.

Conch: The closed season is from May 1 to October 31. Only queen conch may be taken. There is a catch limit of 5 per person or 10 per boat per day, whichever is less. No one may buy or receive more than 5 conches from Cayman waters per day.

Nassau Grouper: The closed season is from December 1 to April 30. The catch limit is five per person or five per boat per day, whichever is less. The size limit is only between 16 inches and 24 inches. On any given day, no one may take, purchase, receive, permit, or retain Nassau grouper caught in Cayman waters.

Penalties: 

A maximum fine of Cl$500,000 and four years in jail can be applied for contravening the regulations. Confiscation of the boat and other equipment may also be ordered. The protected areas and marine parks are clearly marked while full-time officers enforce the rules and can arrest offenders.

The main restrictions are as follows:

• Damaging coral by anchors or chains is prohibited.
• No marine life may be taken while scuba diving. (Except with a lionfish license).
• No corals or sponges may be removed.
• A spear gun or seine net may not be used without a license from the Cayman Marine Conservation Board, and then only in certain areas.
• The export of live fish and other marine life is prohibited.
• Fishing with gill nets or poison is prohibited.
• Dumping anything at all in the sea is prohibited. All yachts need a holding tank.
• Wearing gloves while diving or snorkeling is prohibited. (Except with a lionfish license.)

Other Restrictions:

It is forbidden to discharge ANY waste water into the sea. If you do not have a holding tank, you will need to stay in a marina and always use the facilities ashore.

Please note that the Cayman Islands Law prohibits all forms of public nudity, including topless sunbathing. Many business places also request that you wear shoes and an appropriate cover-up before entering.

For more details, visit the Marine Parks Brochures page on the Department of Environment website.

Useful links:

• Department of Environment
• Wider Caribbean's Marine Protected Areas (CaMPAM)

Last updated:  March 2024