Curator’s statement
The Cayman Islands are best known for their powdery beaches and impossibly clear blue waters—shifting from pale turquoise to deep hues of sapphire. The Caymans stand out among other Caribbean destinations because of their laid-back island ease. If you’re looking for the perfect combination of sophistication and true relaxation, The Caymans should definitely be at the top of your list. This is also a great destination for families. There’s no shortage of activities for little ones to teens.
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Things to do in the Cayman Islands
Grand Cayman is home to Stingray City, a famous sandbar where you can swim and safely interact with wild stingrays.
Take a boat tour to Stingray City and Starfish Beach
You can’t miss out on Stingray City if you’re vacationing in the Cayman Islands. Visitors can stand, swim, and interact with dozens of gentle wild southern stingrays, often called “puppies of the sea” due to their friendly, docile nature. This well-known sandbar is also home to hundreds of starfish. Interested? Let me book your day trip!
Scuba dive and snorkel
If you’re SCUBA-certified, Cayman offers some of the best diving in the world. As a diver myself, I highly recommend prioritizing diving and snorkeling on your trip to the Cayman Islands. Divetech, Cayman Diving School, and Red Sail Sports are all reputable and PADI-vetted dive companies.
Have lunch at Kaibo
This oceanfront restaurant, coffeeshop, beach bar, and comprehensive wedding venue is located on Rum Point. You can rent daybeds, post up at the beach bar, enjoy live music, and hang out for the day.
Have a beach day on Seven Mile Beach
The powdery white sands of Seven Mile Beach are irresistible! Many hotels and restaurants back up to the beach, so you can go for a stroll, explore, and enjoy the clear blue waters of the Caribbean.
Hit the course
Schedule a tee time at North Sound Golf Club or The Ritz Carlton Golf Club of Grand Cayman.
Treat yourself to some R&R
Schedule a massage or another wellness treatment at one of the many fabulous spas on Grand Cayman. Some of my favorites include the Spa at the Seafire, Spa at the Ritz-Carlton, and the Hibiscus Spa at the Westin.
Explore Cayman Crystal Caves
The Crystal Caves are one of Grand Cayman’s most popular natural attractions. Located in a lush tropical forest on the north side of the island, these subterranean caves feature stunning stalactite and stalagmite formations, crystal structures, and underground lakes. Tours, often led by knowledgeable guides, explain the millions of years of water erosion that formed the caves. The guided nature walk takes about 30 minutes and there are several photo opportunities along the way. Be on the lookout for bats!
Visit Cayman Turtle Centre
The Cayman Turtle Centre is an immersive, educational experience for children (and adults) of all ages. The Centre is committed to the rehabilitation of injured sea turtles, and they actively work to protect local marine life, including stingrays, sharks, and other species. They also offer nature walks, education programs and you can observe turtle releases as well. Booking tickets in advance is suggested, especially during the busy season.
Places to eat & drink in the Cayman Islands
Caymanian cuisine is a blend of Caribbean, Jamaican, and British influences, focusing on fresh seafood, coconut, plantains, and cassava. Must-try dishes include Cayman-style lobster/fish (topped with peppers and tomatoes), jerk chicken, and conch fritters.
Blue by Eric Ripert
Located in The Ritz-Carlton, Blue is Grand Cayman’s top fine dining restaurant featuring local seafood and a Five-Diamond experience.
Milkberry
Milkberry offers the freshest sushi on Grand Cayman. Located within walking distance of Seven Mile Beach, it’s a delicious and convenient option.
NOVA
This beach club and restaurant offers breakfast, lunch, happy hour, and dinner. They’re well-known for their creative cocktails and for combining Eastern and Western flavors. They also have a freshwater pool and the space functions as a chic, tropical wedding venue.
Ms. Piper’s Kitchen + Garden
Set in the backyard within the heart of Seven Mile Beach, Ms. Piper’s cottage offers inspiring dishes, cocktails, décor, and live music They serve lunch and dinner and there’s garden seating available.
Bonny Moon Beach Club
This vibrant, retro-styled beachfront restaurant and bar on Grand Cayman’s Seven Mile Beach (formerly known as Calico Jack’s), is the perfect spot to connect over live music, Caribbean food, and signature drinks. You can also rent day beds and enjoy your own little slice of heaven. Located right across the street from Hotel Indigo.
Tillie’s
Located on iconic Seven Mile Beach, Tillie’s is a voyage through the Greater Antilles. Tillie’s is a clean and refined approach to classic Caribbean dishes, inspired by local produce, seafood, and farms. Plus, who doesn’t love waterfront dining?
Island Naturals The Grove
From casual lunch meetings to drinks with friends, The Grove is the perfect setting for every occasion, with a lush outdoor patio, a lively coffee and cocktail bar, and a colorful interior dining space. This is a great spot for breakfast.
The Falls Steakhouse
The Falls Steakhouse has mastered the perfect combination of exceptional food, friendly service, and a welcoming ambiance. This is a great spot for a nice, romantic, and memorable meal.
Sunshine Grill
This is one of my personal favorites. Sunshine Grill is also part of The Sunshine Hotel & Suites, a sweet collection of hotel rooms located across the street from Seven Mile Beach. The Grill offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner and they’re best known for their fish tacos—my stepdad’s favorite! It’s a casual island-gem, and it’s also family friendly.
Need to know
The Cayman Islands are made up of three main islands. Grand Cayman is the largest and the busiest, and there’s lots to do and see on Grand Cayman. If you’re sailing, it’s easier to explore the other two islands: Cayman Brac and Little Cayman.
The best time to travel is generally from March to June, when the weather is at its best.
You should fly into Owen Roberts International Airport (GCM) on Grand Cayman, which is the primary international airport serving the Cayman Islands. Located in George Town, GCM is the hub for most international flights, including major airlines from the U.S., Canada, and the UK.
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Alexis Welch
Alexis Welch
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For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Cayman Islands page.