Boatswain's Beach Turtle Farm (Grand Cayman)

Christopher Columbus found so many turtles on the Cayman Islands that he named the area Las Tortugas. But over the years the tortuga population has dwindled so much that now the green sea turtle is an endangered species. Boatswain's Beach Turtle Farm of Grand Cayman is working to change that designation. One of its main missions is to provide the islands with edible turtle meat so that residents won't hunt the creatures for themselves. Another function of Boatswain's is to provide an up-close look at the green sea turtle and offer an insider view on their ways of life. You have the option of taking a dry tour of the farm and tanks; or a wet tour, which includes snorkeling in an artificial lagoon.

More than 11,000 green sea turtles in every stage of development call Boatswain's home, as well as a number of fish, sharks and birds. The grounds also feature a nature trail and butterfly garden, an onsite restaurant and the Breaker's Snack Shack. The farm is open Monday through Saturday (the last admission time of the day is 4:30 p.m.) while Schooner's, the onsite restaurant, is open every day with happy hour on Fridays. Visit Boatswain's website for the farm's hours and admission fees.