The Best Things To Do In Grand Cayman

While Caribbean destinations like Turks and Caicos and Aruba may compete for best beaches, Grand Cayman’s shores are nothing short of spectacular. Seven Mile Beach is one of the most famous and lively beaches in the Caribbean. It’s the perfect place to swim or enjoy water sports like paddleboarding and parasailing. Seven Mile Beach offers a vibrant social atmosphere thanks to its calm waters and beachfront lined with luxury resorts and beach bars. The Wharf is one of the premier waterfront spots on the island. This elegant restaurant boasts nightly tarpon feeding at 8:30 PM and free salsa lessons on Tuesday nights.

Cemetery Beach offers excellent snorkeling just 60 yards offshore. This quieter section of Seven Mile Beach provides easy access through a white wooden gate, with public restrooms and showers conveniently located across the street. The coral formations here attract sea turtles, tropical fish, and occasional rays.

Rum Point on the North Side features shallow, calm turquoise waters perfect for families. Its crystal clear waters make it ideal for swimming, while the beach bar serves the original Mudslide cocktail invented here in the 1980s. The restaurant offers beach volleyball courts, hammocks, and watersports rentals. Local Tip: Visit Rum Point early in the morning before cruise ship excursions arrive for a more peaceful experience.

Local Tip: For the best snorkeling visibility, visit Smith Cove early in the morning when the water is calmest. This protected cove features multiple inlets and tide pools perfect for exploring.

  If you want to get out on the water, check out this top rated 3 hour Full Island Life Jetski Tour. It’s a great way to explore the coastline!

  Take a look at this Glass Bottom Kayak Tour to explore Balboa Beach in a new way or glide above West Bay Beach on this Parasailing Adventure.

  Make sure to check out our Guide to the Best Beaches In The Cayman Islands.

The North Sound of Grand Cayman serves as home to one of the world’s most unique wildlife encounters. Known as Stingray City, this spot also serves as the natural habitat for over 50 Southern Stingrays that have been interacting with humans since fishermen cleaned their catches here decades ago.

With so many tours that explore this incredible sandbar, you can choose from a catamaran to a private charter to get up close with these gentle creatures. The shallow sandbar sits in just 3-12 feet of crystal-clear water, making it accessible for all ages and swimming abilities.

You can enjoy remarkable encounters at Stingray City on a morning tour, but to get up-close-and-personal with these magnificent rays while avoiding crowds, take an early departure tour at 7:45 AM, or check out this private charter option for groups.

Local Tip: The stingrays are most active in the morning and the water tends to be clearer. Book the first tour of the day for the best experience!

  To experience this must-do attraction, check out this highly rated Stingray City + Starfish Point + Coral Gardens Tour or this top rated Private, Luxury Custom Charter Stingray City experience.

  Have an unforgettable experience on this Stingray City Experience with Two Snorkeling Spots on a Private Boat.

If diving is at the top of your list, we recommend visiting Grand Cayman year-round as water temperatures range from 78-86°F. The island offers exceptional visibility of 80-150 feet, making it one of the Caribbean’s premier diving destinations.

That’s right, Grand Cayman features over 365 dive sites including the famous USS Kittiwake wreck and legendary wall dives. The 251-foot former US Navy submarine rescue vessel sits at depths of 15-65 feet, perfect for divers of all levels. Eden Rock and Devil’s Grotto offer shore diving with extensive tunnel systems just minutes from George Town.

  Looking for snorkeling? Check out this Private Half Day Snorkeling Charter to Stingray City, Starfish Point.

  Looking for more excitement? Take a look at this top rated Night Bioluminescence Snorkel Tour, where you’ll explore Bioluminescent Bay at its best.

Around 45 minutes from George Town, you’ll discover Cayman Crystal Caves. Known as one of the most stunning natural attractions on the island, these caves offer a fascinating journey through million-year-old limestone formations. The caves feature dramatic stalactites, stalagmites, and underground lakes that sparkle with crystal-clear water.

Cayman Crystal Caves were formed over millions of years when the island was still underwater. Following their opening to the public in 2016, the caves have become one of Grand Cayman’s must-see attractions. Three different caves can be explored on the guided tour, including an open-ceiling cave, a roots cave, and a stunning lake cave.

As you walk through the well-lit pathways, you’ll feel like you’re in another world. In fact, the tropical forest above the caves provides a lush canopy that filters sunlight into the open cave, creating a magical atmosphere perfect for photography.

Local Tip: Wear closed-toe shoes and bring water as the 1.5-hour tour includes both cave exploration and a nature walk. Book in advance as tours are limited to 20 people and fill quickly.

  Check out this highly rated Cayman Crystal Caves Tour, where your guide will help you explore the beautiful underground world of Grand Cayman.

  Already planning multiple attractions? Take a look at this Cayman Crystal Caves & Pedro St James Castle or Botanical Garden Tour.

Grand Cayman has much more to offer than beach bars and sunset cocktails, though you can find those here in abundance. Seven Mile Beach is home to sophisticated nightlife spots like The Next Level for high-energy dancing and live DJ sets.

Even if wild nights are in your past, the island offers plenty of destinations for live music, like the waterfront bars of Camana Bay. Or you can grab craft cocktails at Door No. 4 in The Grove for an upscale experience as the sun dips below the horizon over the Caribbean Sea.

If you are looking for beachfront vibes and dancing, check out Bonny Moon with its toes-in-the-sand setup and sunset DJs.

Local Tip: Try a “Mudslide” while in Grand Cayman! It’s the island’s signature cocktail invented at Rum Point Club in the 1980s. The frozen blend of vodka, Kahlúa, Irish cream, and a touch of cinnamon is perfect for hot Caribbean days.

  If you don’t want to go it alone when it comes to the nightlife of Grand Cayman, check out this Cayman Spirits Co. Distillery Tour Pass.

  Looking for something a little more low key? Check out this top rated Stingray City Catamaran Sunset Tour.

The Caribbean’s authentic island culture thrives in Grand Cayman’s East End district. This less-developed area showcases pristine beaches, dramatic blowholes, and the genuine warmth of local Caymanian life. It’s off the beaten path of Seven Mile Beach and an experience that is much more authentic, rugged, and natural. About 45 minutes from George Town, this is a must-visit for adventurers and nature lovers.

What started as a quiet fishing community, East End today showcases the perfect blend of natural wonders and cultural heritage. You’ll find stunning attractions like the Blowholes where water shoots skyward through the ironshore, the historic Wreck of the Ten Sails monument, and secluded beaches like Colliers where you can snorkel in complete solitude.

Local Tip: Visit the Blowholes on a windy day for the most dramatic water spouts. Stop at Tukka East restaurant to watch the daily frigate bird and tarpon feeding at 5 PM!

The thriving dining scene in Grand Cayman is full of excellent restaurants from casual beachfront to Michelin-level fine dining. These eateries offer the freshest locally caught seafood and international cuisine that rivals any major culinary destination.

Blue by Eric Ripert at the Ritz-Carlton is the only Forbes Five-Star restaurant in the Caribbean. Serving contemporary French cuisine with Caribbean influences, the five course tasting menu features dishes like butter-poached lobster with ancho chile-dashi broth.

The Wharf is located on the waterfront with spectacular sunset views. Known for its Wine Spectator award-winning wine list and nightly tarpon feeding show, this upscale restaurant offers international cuisine and hosts salsa nights every Tuesday with free lessons.

You can also add hotspots like Ristorante Pappagallo set in a 14-acre bird sanctuary, and Sunshine Grill famous for its award-winning fish tacos and Painkiller cocktails to your itinerary if you’d like to experience the island’s diverse culinary offerings.

Local Tip: Make reservations well ahead of time for fine dining restaurants, especially during high season (December-April). Most restaurants automatically add 15% gratuity, but additional tipping for exceptional service is appreciated!

  The best way to experience a culture is by indulging in their food, check out this Cayman’s Classic Food Tasting & Cultural Experience.

Every month during the darkest nights, locals and visitors alike rave about the Bioluminescent Bay tours. The protected bay lights up with millions of microscopic organisms that glow bright blue when disturbed, creating a magical experience as you swim or kayak through the sparkling waters.

  ECheck out this highly rated Bioluminescent Bay Tour that combines two Grand Cayman favorites, Starfish Cay and Bioluminescent Bay.

  Or this Bioluminescent Bay Adventure, where you can admire the glowing waters from the boat or opt for an unforgettable swim.

Grand Cayman has a surprisingly diverse natural landscape that is perfect for hiking enthusiasts. You’ll find everything from coastal trails with ocean views to woodland paths through ancient forests and wetlands here.

Head to the Mastic Trail, located in the central part of the island, for a scenic hike through a 2-million-year-old forest reserve. You’ll be treated to sightings of Cayman Parrots, West Indian Woodpeckers, and wild banana orchids (best in June). The trail is of moderate difficulty over 2.3 miles of rocky limestone terrain.

Another great hike is through Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park. You’ll find a 1-mile Woodland Trail loop that provides opportunities to see the endemic Blue Iguanas and various bird species. We recommend starting early to avoid the heat and keep in mind the trail offers easier terrain than the Mastic Trail. The park charges $12.20 USD admission with self-guided walks available daily.

If you’re looking for a unique perspective of the island, visit the eastern district’s coastal areas. The dramatic ironshore coastline offers informal trails with views of the Blowholes and opportunities for tide pool exploration. Make sure to wear sturdy shoes as the ironshore can be sharp and uneven.

If you’re searching for an off-the-beaten-path experience in Grand Cayman, check out the ECO Rides bicycle tours through the East End for a combination of light exercise and cultural exploration. While not traditional hiking, these guided tours provide access to areas difficult to reach by car.

   Looking for something a little different? Check out this E-Bike Grand Cayman Ecological Half Day Tour, where you’ll discover quiet coastal paths and secluded mangrove forest trails as a professional Naturalist introduces you to the tropical plants, wildlife, history, and culture.