Best Things to Do on Grand Cayman Island

Located in the turquoise waters of the Caribbean, the Cayman Islands are a paradise for travelers seeking sun-soaked beaches, crystal-clear waters, vibrant marine life, and a blend of relaxation and adventure. The Cayman Islands has three main islands: Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman. Grand Cayman is a tropical haven that offers many unforgettable experiences for all types of adventurers. Whether you’re looking to relax on the sand, explore the underwater world, or experience the local culture, Grand Cayman Island is the perfect place to visit.

The Best Time to Visit the Cayman Islands

The Cayman Islands are warm year-round, with temperatures averaging in the 80s. During the summer months, temperatures go up from the mid to high 80s. Although any month could possibly be a great time to visit the Cayman Islands, there are several factors to consider when planning your trip to the Cayman Islands. 

Hurricane season goes from May through November, with the heaviest rainfall on the island generally occurring in September and October. You can’t predict whether a hurricane will occur during the time you are planning to visit the Grand Caymans. Luckily, the location of the Cayman Islands in the Western Caribbean shields them from being hit hard during hurricane season. It is good to be aware of when hurricanes can occur in the Caribbean. The best months to visit Grand Cayman and the Cayman Islands is during March and April. March and April have the lowest rainfall, making this the best time of the year to visit Grand Cayman if you want to avoid rain.

Sargassum Flow in the Caribbean

Another factor to consider is the sargassum flow that affects most of the Caribbean.  Sargassum season generally occurs from April through October. However, when sargassum arrives depends on the tides, the ocean currents, and the wind. Therefore, its arrival will vary from year to year. Generally, the peak season for sargassum occurs during June and July. While sargassum can be an annoyance, there are some beaches in Grand Cayman that can have less sargassum due to their location and currents, such as Rum Point Beach, Starfish Point Beach, and parts of Seven Mile Beach. Ideally, though, if you want to avoid sargassum, it would be best to keep an eye on how sargassum has been affecting the Caribbean during the time of the year that you would like to visit.

Visit Seven Mile Beach on Grand Cayman

This world-famous beach is located on the west side of Grand Cayman Island. Seven Mile Beach is a pristine stretch of soft white sand that’s perfect for unwinding under the Caribbean sun. Seven Mile Beach stretches for almost seven miles, 6.3 miles to be exact, from just north of George Town, stretching up towards West Bay. The Beach is known for its white sand, clear water, and beautiful scenery. Seven Mile Beach offers different experiences for its visitors. The northern part of the beach is located in a quieter part of town, while the southern part of the beach, closer to downtown, offers a variety of nightlife and dining experiences. There is truly something for everyone on Seven Mile Beach.

Cemetery Beach

Cemetary Beach is on Seven Mile Beach and is located in the northern part of the beach near West Bay. As part of Seven Mile Beach, Cemetery Beach is also known for its soft white sand and turquoise-colored water. Cemetery Beach is next to one of Cayman’s colorful cemeteries, which are seen throughout the island. Thus, it was named Cemetary Beach. Because of its northern location, Cemetery Beach is a quieter, more serene beach than those located closer to town. It offers a more relaxed and peaceful ambiance, although it can get crowded near the cemetery. Cemetery Beach is also an ideal location for snorkeling, with a reef located about 100 feet offshore. If you are looking for a beach snorkel, Cemetery Beach should not be missed. 

Governor’s Beach

Part of Seven Mile Beach, Governor’s Beach is located in the middle section of Seven Mile Beach, closer to major hotels. This part of Seven Mile Beach is named Governor’s Beach because it is located in front of the Governor’s home. Governor’s Beach can get fairly crowded. However, with a short walk on the beach, you will find the perfect spot to relax and sunbathe. With its soft sand and turquoise waters, Governor’s Beach is a great place to swim and have a family picnic. If you did not bring a picnic lunch, there are many places nearby to grab a bite or a snack within walking distance. Governor’s Beach is really a great location because of its close proximity to town.

Regardless of which beach you decide to visit on Seven Mile Beach, You will find that Seven Mile Beach is the perfect place to relax on the sand, swim in the ocean, or go for a walk along the shore. Whether you’re strolling along the shoreline, taking a dip in the tranquil waters, or enjoying water sports, this beach offers the ideal blend of relaxation and recreation.

Scuba Diving and Snorkeling Adventures

You will find many world-class diving and snorkeling opportunities in Grand Cayman. Crystal-clear waters and an abundance of marine life make it a great place to snorkel or scuba dive. There are many different dive sites to choose from, ranging from shallow reefs to deep wrecks. Exploring the underwater wonderland is a must. 

Kittiwake Shipwreck & Artificial Reef

The USS Kittiwake was sunk in 2011 to create a manmade artificial reef. The ship was in service from 1945 to 1994 and has become a fantastic artificial reef teaming with lots of sea life. This is a great spot for snorkelers as well as divers, as the ship rests 55 to 60 feet below the water’s surface. The top of the ship is about 20 feet below the surface, enabling snorkelers to easily see the ship from the surface of the water and enjoy the sea life that lives in this unique reef.  

If you are scuba diving, the USS Kittiwake has five decks to explore, each teaming with a variety of sea life. At a depth of 55 to 60 feet, this dive spot is great for almost any skill level but probably not for beginning scuba divers, as you would be diving through sections of the Kittiwake.

The Kittiwake Shipwreck is located about a half mile offshore from the northern end of Seven Mile Beach in the West Bay area of Cayman Island.  The shipwreck is not accessible from shore as it is too far out to swim. However, there are several tour companies available that take divers and snorkelers to the shipwreck.    

For snorkelers, Cayman’s beaches offer many perfect snorkeling locations, including Seven Mile Beach and Cemetery Beach. Starfish Point, located in East End, is a great location to see many starfish and other marine life. Also, the famous Stingray City on Grand Cayman allows you to interact with gentle stingrays in their natural habitat.

Take an Excursion to Stingray City

Stingray City is a popular tourist destination and adventure. Stingray City is located off the coast of Grand Cayman Island, about one to two miles off the coast. Tours are necessary and available to take visitors to Stingray City, as it is too far to swim to this particular area. Two types of trips are available to Stingray City: a shallow tour and a deeper one. 

The shallow tour is primarily for snorkelers and those wishing to interact with stingrays in shallow water. Snorkelers are taken to a shallow sandbar where they can interact and feed the many stingrays that live in this sandbar. The second type of tour is in a deeper part of Stingray City. This tour is primarily for scuba divers, where they can interact with stingrays in deeper water. Although this is a scuba diving adventure, the water in this area is not very deep at all. This is a shallow dive with a max depth of 12 feet. Visiting Stingray City is a great activity for people of all ages and is a must-do for any visitor to the Cayman Islands.

Explore the Underwater World at the Cayman Islands Turtle Centre

Get up close and personal with sea turtles at the Cayman Islands Turtle Centre. This conservation facility not only offers a chance to learn about these magnificent creatures but also allows you to swim and snorkel alongside them. The Turtle Centre opened in 1968 and is now a leading organization in turtle research.  They have released over 34,000 green turtles into the ocean through their efforts. It’s a unique opportunity to support conservation efforts while creating unforgettable memories. Tickets for their different adventure tours can be purchased online or at the Turtle Centre.

Cayman Turtle Centre is located on the northwest tip of Grand Cayman in West Bay, about 8 miles north of George Town. 

Visit Grand Cayman’s Bioluminescent Bay

The bioluminescent bay in the Cayman Islands is a natural wonder that enchants visitors with its mesmerizing display of ethereal light. Known for its stunning phosphorescent glow, the bioluminescent bay is a rare and captivating phenomenon found in only a few locations around the world. 

The bioluminescence is caused by microscopic organisms known as dinoflagellates. These tiny planktonic organisms emit light as a defense mechanism against predators, creating a magical spectacle that transforms the water into a starlit sky. When disturbed by movement, such as the strokes of a kayak paddle or the movement of a swimmer, these dinoflagellates emit bursts of blue-green light, illuminating the surroundings in a dreamlike, otherworldly glow. As the night deepens and more of these organisms are agitated, the bay turns into a captivating light show.

Type of Tours Available to the Bioluminescent Bay

Experiencing the bioluminescent bay in the Cayman Islands is a truly unique and awe-inspiring adventure. You can take a guided tour to witness this natural wonder up close. You will find kayak tours and snorkeling tours available to visit the bay. On a kayak, you will see the ocean water light up and leave a luminous trail as you paddle through the water. Taking photographs of the luminescent water can be a little difficult on a kayak as it disperses rather quickly. If you want to take pictures of the water, you should consider going on a snorkeling tour.

Snorkeling is the ideal way to experience the full impact and beauty of the luminescent waters as you would be viewing the luminescent water through a mask. When snorkeling the Bio Bay, the depth of the water is shallow at about 4 feet of depth. Tour companies provide snorkeling and kayaking tours of Bio Bay. Tours are offered at night as this is the only time you can see the effect in the water. You can contact George’s Watersports for an amazing bioluminescent bay snorkel adventure. You should not miss this adventure. 

Visit the Cayman Crystal Caves

The Crystal Caves on the Cayman Islands is one of the Islands’ newest attractions. Cayman Crystal Caves is located in a lush tropical forest on the North Side of Grand Cayman. When you visit Cayman Crystal Caves, you will have an amazing experience as you visit several caves. The caves have breathtaking stalactite and stalagmite formations. These limestone formations have grown over centuries, with water dripping and mineral-rich solutions creating amazing shapes and shimmering crystalline structures. The structures sparkle with gentle light. You can capture incredible photos while you trek through these amazing caves. The caves are a geological wonder that we are lucky to visit and also a part of Cayman history. We learned on our tour that early inhabitants once used the caves for shelter and refuge.  

Guided Tour of Cayman Crystal Caves

As you trek through the Cayman Crystal Caves on your guided tour, your guide will provide educational and historical information about the caves. Your guide will also talk about the geology of the caves and the flora and fauna of the region where the caves are located. While you explore the amazing underground caves, you will gain an appreciation for the diverse beauty that is found on Grand Cayman Island. Grand Cayman is known for its beautiful beaches, amazing outdoor adventures, and marine life. You can now add the Cayman Caves to that list. If you are asking yourself, “What should I not miss in Grand Cayman”? Cayman Crystal Caves is your answer.

Guided tours at Cayman Crystal Caves are approximately 1 1/2 hours. There is ample parking in the parking lot and restroom facilities on the grounds. The tour takes you through three different caves and the lush tropical forest surrounding the area. You should wear proper shoes as most of the trek is not on a paved road.

Visit Starfish Point Beach

Starfish Point Beach is a tranquil oasis in the Cayman Islands. It is located on the northern coast of Grand Cayman. Starfish Point Beach has shallow, clear waters, an abundance of sea life, and many starfish that live on the sandy seabed. Its name, Starfish Point Beach, perfectly captures its main attraction. The opportunity for visitors to interact with and observe starfish in their natural habitat.

Because of its location on the northern part of Grand Cayman, visiting Starfish Point Beach is like stepping into a paradise where time slows down. The beach is quite long and does not feel crowded, even when excursion boats arrive. The beach has soft white sand and is a great place to relax and soak up the sun. The highlight, of course, is the chance to wade into the shallow waters and view the gentle starfish that call this area home. These marine invertebrates, known for their distinctive shape and vibrant colors, create a magical spectacle as they rest on the sandy floor or slowly move with the gentle currents.

Conservation and responsible tourism are crucial at Starfish Point Beach. As the years pass, there are fewer starfish at Starfish Point Beach. Keep this in mind as you visit Starfish Point. I suggest admiring the starfish from a distance to avoid disrupting their natural behavior. Ideally, you should not remove starfish from the water at all. Starfish are not able to breathe outside of the water. Removing a starfish from the water could kill a starfish. Starfish Point Beach is a reminder of the delicate balance between humans and nature. If we take care of the starfish at Starfish Point, we can all enjoy them for many years to come.

Escape at Rum Point Beach

A trip to Rum Point Beach on the North Side is exactly what you need if you are looking for a tranquil escape from the busy side of Cayman. Rum Point Beach is a great place to relax and go swimming or kayaking. Kayak rentals are available locally. If a few hours of relaxation is the goal, then relaxing on one of the hammocks tied between coconut trees is the solution. If you are looking for great food, the local restaurant has great offerings, as well as their signature rum drinks.  

Rum Point Beach is about 5 minutes from Starfish Point Beach. It is a great place to unwind and have lunch or dinner after a few hours of snorkeling.

Visit the Cayman Islands National Museum

The Cayman Islands National Museum is located in the historic center of George Town. You will find the museum at the Old Courts Building. The Old Courts building is one of the few surviving nineteenth-century buildings on the island. The Cayman Islands National Museum was established in 1979. You will find a variety of exhibits on the history and culture of the Cayman Islands. This is a great place to learn about the local culture and history.

Explore the Cayman Island Culinary Scene

The culinary scene on the Cayman Islands is as diverse as it is delectable, thanks to Cayman’s more than 200 restaurants. From casual beachside shacks serving fresh seafood to upscale 5-star restaurants offering gourmet international cuisine with world-class wine lists, your taste buds are in for a treat. Cayman is a great place for foodies to explore different dishes and discover the extensive flavors that are sure to please their taste buds. Among the local delicacies to savor are conch fritters, Caribbean jerk chicken, Cayman-style BBQ, and fresh seafood, as well as fresh ceviche.

Adventures on Cayman Brac and Little Cayman

While Grand Cayman might steal the spotlight, don’t overlook the charms of its sister islands. Cayman Brac and Little Cayman are two smaller islands located east of Grand Cayman Island. Cayman Brac is a haven for rock climbing and boasts breathtaking bluff views. Little Cayman offers a tranquil escape where you can enjoy nature reserves, birdwatching, and some of the Caribbean’s best diving spots. These islands offer a more relaxed and laid-back atmosphere than Grand Cayman. They are perfect for people who are looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life

Whether you’re seeking ocean adventures, cultural experiences, or spending time in an island paradise, the Cayman Islands deliver. With its diverse offerings, this tropical gem caters to all kinds of travelers. Grand Cayman is a destination that promises memories to last a lifetime. You will want to return time and time again. So pack your swimsuit, snorkel gear, and a sense of wonder—paradise awaits on the Cayman Islands!