With so many things to do in the Cayman Islands, you won’t have difficulty figuring out what to do in Grand Cayman. The Cayman Islands are magical, maybe considered mystical by some. A tiny island with a mix of modern amenities and crystal clear blue water, the Cayman Islands are worth exploring. From diving in world-renowned coral reefs and shipwrecks to walking on world-famous seven-mile beach here are the top things to do in Grand Cayman.
1. Stingray City
Stingray city may end up being one of the coolest things you get to do in your life. Imagine hopping off a boat into the middle of a school of stingrays; that’s exactly what you get to experience at stingray city. The shallow sandbar is home to dozens of wild Atlantic stingrays. Graceful and calm, these stingrays will let you feed them and don’t mind a gentle petting. If you are lucky enough to visit Grand Cayman during the off-season, it is highly recommended to visit early in the day when fewer tourists are present. If you visit during the busy season, Stingray city might be busy, but it is worth the trouble. Stingray City tours.
2. Kittiwake Shipwreck & Artificial Reef
The USS Kittiwake was a U.S. Navy submarine before it was sunk off the coast of popular seven-mile beach in 2011. The submerged submarine and artificial reef are popular for novice divers and experts alike. Swim through the ship and enjoy seeing shrimp, eels, barracuda, turtles, and the occasional blacktip shark. The Kittiwake is an example of how artificial reefs can help regenerate reefs and, in this case, delight divers and snorkelers alike. If you plan to dive, it is highly recommended to book your dive in advance. Snorkelers can swim to the site or book a snorkel excursion.
3. The Cayman Turtle Center
Visiting Grand Cayman without a trip to the Turtle center would be a shame. Imagine seeing an animal species, so ancient they walked the earth with dinosaurs. Visit the breeder pond with mature green sea turtles, which, if you visit during May to October, you may be lucky enough to spot a nest where a female laid her eggs the night before. Check out the turtle touch tanks or wading pools where you can get up close and personal with the yearlings. If you feel adventurous, jump in a snorkel around the turtle lagoon with the yearling turtles, coral, and fish. Families love to stick around for the afternoon at breakers lagoon, the largest swimming pool on the island, and turtle twister water slide. With so much to do, you can spend a whole day exploring the turtle center.
4. Eden Rock & Devils Grotto
Snorkel or dive right offshore from Georgetown, 46 feet below the surface, is Eden Rock & Devils grotto, two of the most popular diving spots on Grand Cayman. Filled with Parrotfish, Tarpon, Silverside, Barracuda, and more, experience an easy dive or snorkel right from the shore. The Eden Rock diving center offers from shore, boat dives, and rental equipment.
5. The Mastic Trail
A 200-year-old gravel path that winds through mangrove trees and a two million-year-old woodland forest, surrounded by some of the island’s most beautiful plant life, the rare and endangered ghost orchids. Preserved by the Cayman Islands National Trust, the 2.3-mile beginner’s trail is perfect for a day full of adventure. Enjoy a 2-3 hour guided tour or go it alone; just don’t forget your map and bug spray. Contact the Cayman Islands National trust to arrange a tour.
6. Cayman Spirits Co. Distillery
The only distillery on Grand Cayman, Grand Cayman Spirits Co. is the only source of handcrafted spirits on the island. What’s unique about the distillery is the way they age their rum on the ocean floor. What started as friends who wanted to recreate authentic, ocean-aged rum is now a respected distillery that crafts a broad range of spirits. Take a tour of the distillery and visit the tasting room to sample fresh batches of rum, vodka, and the seasonal distillers special only available at Cayman Spirits co.
7. Cayman Crystal Caves
When you think of a visit to the Cayman Islands, you probably think of clear blue water, snorkeling and diving, and relaxing on the beach. Cayman Crystal Caves show us the abundance of beauty found everywhere you look. Located in a lush forest, sign up for a guided walking tour and explore “Cayman Down Under.” See Stalactite and Stalagmite structures formed over millions of years and see where Pirates hid out hundreds of years ago. Dress for warm weather and bring walking shoes.
8. Queen Elizabeth Botanic Park
Enjoy a leisurely walk through the spectacular gardens, sit by the lake, and see native birds, including Tri-colored Herons, Green Herons, and rare West Indian Whistling ducks. We rarely get to see orchids in full bloom; change that with a visit to the botanical gardens during May and June. Stop at the heritage garden, which depicts life in the Cayman Islands during the early 20th century. Visit the breeding program for the native blue iguanas only found in the Cayman Islands, which were near extinction just 20 years ago. Queen Elizabeth Botanic Park is the perfect way to see what Grand Cayman must have looked like hundreds of years ago.
9. Rum Point
Located on the quiet North side of Grand Cayman, Rum Point is more subdued than seven mile beach or Georgetown. Rum points beach is perfect for families as it is shallow and calm and you can snorkel near the pier. Visit the wreck bar which is credited for creating the first mudslide and spend the day swimming in the calm warm ocean.
10. Seven Mile Beach
We put Seven Mile Beach last because of course you are going to the beach when visiting Grand Cayman. Seven mile beach is a must visit as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Crystal clear calm water and soft powdery sand makes for the perfect place to lounge and enjoy the most probable reason you decided to visit, calm and relaxation. Many of Grand Caymans best resorts are located on seven mile beach, find numerous bars and restaurants to add to your list of things to do, or not, (you are on vacation afterall).
Have you been to Grand Cayman? If so what was your favorite activity? Let us know in the comments.
If you want to see our list of the 10 Best Caribbean Islands for families check it out here.