Ambassadors of the Environment
by Jean-Michel Cousteau

Children will be engaged and enchanted by activities handcrafted by the name synonymous with ocean exploration and preservation.

Ambassador of the Environment by Jean-Michel Cousteau introduces young people to the natural wonders and rich cultural traditions of the Cayman Islands. The islands' ecological resources become a natural classroom and living laboratory in which kids, teenagers and even their parents will learn while having so much fun that they'll never imagine that it's educational.

The Ambassadors adventure begins with arrival at a 2,700-square foot "Heritage House," a traditional island cottage showcasing Caymanian culture. The adjacent Ambassadors Lab features the most technologically advanced equipment and attractions, including digital cameras, computers and multi-media equipment. 

The building is surrounded with innovative examples of ecologically responsible living, including native flora and edible landscaping and solar panel exhibits. This is the setting for the discovery of sustainable living, "green" architecture and construction, efficient energy use, and leading edge sustainable practices such photovoltaic power.

Each day, the Ambassadors program will be dedicated to a different aspect of Grand Cayman. Active study and eco-excursions will take children on journeys of discovery centered on four areas: Coral Reefs, Mangroves, Wetlands, Woodlands & Wildlife and Caymanian Life & Traditions.

Programs are available from 9:00 to 12:15 a.m., 1:30 to 4:45 p.m. and 6 to 9 p.m. Reservations are highly recommended. Reservations for the evening program should be made before 12 noon.

AOTE Kids - Ages 4-7
AOTE Youth - Ages 8-18

Parents may participate in activities with their children.

AOTE Kids Program
The youngest Ambassadors enjoy their own adventures of discovery with AOTE Kids. Programs are customized for children aged four to seven and include guided nature hikes, beach and mangrove walks and team building activities. They also explore with computers and scientific tools and enjoy their own wading pool with a squirting turtle.

AOTE Youth Program
The Ambassadors of the Environment Youth program focuses on providing entertaining exploration in four major areas:

• The coral reefs surrounding the Cayman Islands are considered some of the most spectacular in the world. These are explored through snorkeling, photographing and studying favorite fish and using the interactive mural to learn how reef life is interconnected. Participants also follow the migratory journey of Ambassador, a 300-pound loggerhead sea turtle sponsored by the program, a reflection of Cayman's effort to preserve these giant endangered creatures. At Stingray City, young guests will discover the world's most popular snorkeling spot.

• The Cayman Islands' mysterious mangroves – a jungle gym of trees that bridge land and sea, provide a habitat for an amazing variety of animal, plant and sea life. Ambassadors explore in kayaks, produce multi-media presentations on this complex universe, create mangrove-themed art and discover how these resilient trees convert salt water into fresh.

• Ambassadors also adventure through the woodlands, wetlands and wildlife of the islands themselves, discovering the native forests, with their Grand Cayman parrots and Wild Banana orchids, visit the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park, hike the craggy iron shore which is a stark contrast to the lush wetlands, use digital cameras to photograph their favorite species and even go stargazing with the program's telescopes.

• Both at the resort and through field trips to major attractions, Ambassadors also discover the human history and customs of the Cayman Islands, especially the culture's intimate connections with the sea. They visit museums and historic sites, learn traditional thatching techniques, construct classic Caymanian toys, listen to stories and even learn to cook Cayman style.

Also for Teenagers
Ambassadors of the Environment offers teens a place to hang out in the evening. Check your e-mail, play on the computer or watch videos, all compliments of Ambassadors of the Environment. From 5 to 9 p.m. A parent's release waiver is required.

The AOTE Team
The naturalists who will engage ambassadors with Cayman's wonders have college degrees in natural or environmental science and are over age 21. They have experience working with young people and are water safety certified.  They are qualified by Jean-Michel Cousteau's team, which is led by renowned marine biologist, photographer and educator Dr. Richard Murphy, who has worked with both Jacques and Jean-Michel Cousteau for over 30 years.

All staff are fully trained by The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman human resources professionals and supervised by AOTE director Denise Naguib, who has worked closely with Jean-Michel Cousteau on his educational projects for seven years.