MSC is currently shell-abrating some new visitors to its shores as loggerhead turtles begin to hatch on its Caribbean marine reserve, Ocean Cay.
- Ocean Cay has become a thriving and breath-taking habitat for guests to enjoy, full of indigenous species flourishing both ashore and in the surrounding marine environment
- More than six nests and hundreds of sea turtle hatchlings have been identified on MSC Cruises’ marine reserve private island
- While the successful coral restoration programme has transformed the waters around the former industrial site back into a rich marine ecosystem
Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, MSC Cruises’ private island in The Bahamas, is founded on a strong commitment to the conservation of marine life with 64 square miles of protected waters around the island. From its conception, the goal for Ocean Cay was to return the former industrial sand excavation site to its pristine beauty and to attract local species of fauna and flora both on land and in the ocean. Since it opened in late 2019, the island has progressively transformed into a lush tropical paradise with a rich marine ecosystem and proof of the progress of the conservation programme can be seen with the fact that Loggerhead sea turtle hatchlings have been observed making their way to sea from nests on the island.
Linden Coppell, MSC Cruises’ Sustainability Director, said: “We are all absolutely thrilled to see Loggerhead turtles come to Ocean Cay’s beaches to lay eggs so soon. This can take many years to happen with a newly restored ecosystem and we weren’t certain that they would come or when. We hope to see many more hatchlings in future nesting seasons and that these recent arrivals return to Ocean Cay when the time comes for them to nest.”
If you would like to take an MSC cruise to the Caribbean or anywhere else worldwide then check out our partner website Travel Escapes or give us a call on 01 294 1000.