Beyond the Reef Exhibition

EXHIBITION OVERVIEW

Beyond the reefs that surround our islands lies a vast and largely unexplored world.

In February 2026, eight Caymanian scientists joined an international team aboard the Royal Research Ship James Cook as part of the Beyond the Reef Caribbean Expedition. Supported by the UK Government’s Blue Belt Programme, the expedition explored the deep waters surrounding the Cayman Islands, uncovering remarkable marine life and expanding our understanding of these hidden ecosystems.

Presented in collaboration with the Cayman Islands Department of Environment, Beyond the Reef invites visitors to discover the extraordinary biodiversity beneath our waters, learn about the scientists leading this research, and explore how their findings can help protect our marine environment for generations to come.

Curators: Brian Watler Jr. and Kelly Forsythe | Exhibition Design: Brian Watler Jr.

Download Deep Sea Discovery Pack

EXHIBITION PHOTOS

FEATURED SPECIMEN

Sloane’s Viperfish (Chauliodus sloani)

1200-750m, Midnight Zone
Unnamed Ridge, Cayman Islands
20 February 2026

All viperfish are dragonfish, but not all dragonfish are viperfish.

Imagine having teeth so sharp and big you’re unable to close your mouth – that’s the reality for the Sloane’s viperfish! Instead of snapping it’s jaw closed to capture it’s prey, this fish unhinges it’s jaw up to 90 degrees and uses it’s impressively large teeth as a cage. Viperfish and Dragonfish use bioluminescence to attract their prey. One of the major differences in these fish is that viperfish have their bioluminscent lure on their dorsal spine and dragonfish have a lure that dangles from their chins. While viperfish like to eat crustaceans their favourite food is actually lanternfish!

EXHIBITION MERCH (AVAILABLE IN-STORE)

Beyond the Reef Tote Bag – KYD $9.60

Beyond the Reef Collectible Pin KYD $6.00

Beyond the Reef Deep Sea Creatures Toys (Set of 7) – KYD $12.00 / set

Beyond the Reef Journal – KYD $9.60

Beyond the Reef Sticker Sheets – KYD $3.20 /sheet

Beyond the Reef Scott Swing Stickers – KYD $5.60 each (Baby Batfish, Isopod, Strawberry Squid)

BEYOND THE REEF EXPEDITION DOCUMENTARY

IN THE NEWS

COMPASS TV – National Museum dives deep to uncover and display expedition

21 Oct 2026 – The Cayman Islands National Museum and the Department of Environment have joined forces for ‘Beyond the Reef’, an exhibition bringing the DOE’s recent deep-sea expedition to life. The display features rare underwater imagery, specimens and insights into life aboard a research vessel.

CAYMANIAN TIMES – Beyond the Reef: New exhibition explores the hidden world beneath Cayman’s waters

21 Oct 2026 – Beyond the reefs that surround our islands lies a vast and largely unexplored world. Beyond the Reef: Exploring our Depths, Sharing our Story, a new collaborative exhibition by the Cayman Islands National Museum (National Museum) and the Department of Environment (DoE), invites visitors to discover what lies beneath the surface.

COMPASS MEDIA – Museum exhibit highlights Cayman’s deep sea life

23 Oct 2026 – Kelly Forsythe joins the Compass team to talk about the new Beyond the Reef Exhibition in collaboration with the Department of Environment. Forsythe shares information about the expedition itself and the importance of making this information accessible.

CAYMAN MARL ROAD – New museum exhibition explores Cayman’s deep-sea marine life

20 Oct 2026 – The Cayman Islands National Museum, in collaboration with the Department of Environment (DoE), will open a new exhibition this week showcasing the largely unexplored marine environments surrounding the Cayman Islands.

CAYMAN INDEPENDENT – New museum exhibition explores Cayman Islands’ deep-sea life

19 Oct 2026 – The Cayman Islands National Museum is opening a new exhibition exploring underwater environments surrounding the islands, following a deep-sea expedition earlier this year. ‘Beyond the Reef: Exploring our depths, sharing our story’, will bring the findings of the Beyond the Reef Caribbean Expedition to the public.

OPENING RECEPTION PHOTOS

The Cayman Islands National Museum officially opened Beyond the Reef: Exploring Our Depths, Sharing Our Story on Thursday, 22 October 2026, in collaboration with the Cayman Islands Department of Environment. The exhibition explores the largely unexplored deep waters surrounding the Cayman Islands, highlighting scientific discoveries from the February 2026 Beyond the Reef Caribbean Expedition and the contributions of Caymanian scientists. Relive the opening reception through these photos and discover the remarkable world beneath the surface. The exhibition is open to the public from 23 October 2026 to 22 January 2027 at the Cayman Islands National Museum, with free admission for residents every Saturday.

Opening Reception Programme

Visit the Exhibition

Location
64 Seafarers Way, George Town, Grand Cayman

Opening times
Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Included with Museum Admission

Allow approximately 30–45 minutes to fully experience the exhibition.

Continue Your Journey
After visiting Beyond the Reef: Exploring our Depths, Sharing our Story, explore the Museum’s permanent galleries to learn more about the Cayman Islands’ cultural and natural history, and discover the people and stories that continue to shape our nation’s heritage.