The Cayman Islands are made up of three islands situated off the coast of Cuba. This British Overseas Territory makes it relatively easy for Europeans to travel there without visa hassles.
With its lush jungles, beautiful beaches, scenic islands, and a variety of coral reefs teeming with life, the Cayman Islands are an ideal vacation spot. The islands are also renowned for their diving spots, with more than 300 available dive sites.
If you’re wondering what to do in the Cayman Islands, here are some top recommendations:
Seven Mile Beach
Located on the western part of Grand Cayman, Seven Mile Beach has earned the title of “The Caribbean’s Best Beach.” It’s one of the most popular and developed areas on the island, home to numerous luxury resorts and hotels. Even though the area is packed with high-end accommodations, the beach itself is public, allowing you to stroll its entire length, which is actually about 6 miles long despite its name. The beach boasts numerous restaurants and bars and is great for snorkeling thanks to small reefs just off the shore. At one end of the beach, you’ll find the capital city, George Town, and the Owen Roberts International Airport.
Bloody Bay Marine Reserve
Located on Little Cayman, Bloody Bay Marine Reserve is a top attraction known for its amazing scuba diving opportunities. It’s one of the world’s premier diving destinations and features coral-covered underwater walls and a large shipwreck. Divers can spot sea sponges, colorful tropical fish, turtles, stingrays, lobsters, barracudas, and reef sharks.
Stingray City
In Grand Cayman, you can visit Stingray City to swim and interact with stingrays. This shallow sandbar is teeming with stingrays and has crystal-clear water that only reaches chest height, making it easy to see and engage with these fascinating creatures. There’s also a deeper part of the sandbar for visitors who want to dive with the stingrays.
Bioluminescent Bay
One of the most breathtaking natural phenomena you can witness in the Cayman Islands is bioluminescence. On Grand Cayman’s North Side, near Cayman Kai Beach and Rum Point Beach, is the Bioluminescent Bay. At night, the water lights up like the starry sky, creating an almost magical experience.
Starfish Point and Rum Point
On the north side of Grand Cayman, these beautiful beaches offer different attractions. Rum Point is known for its lively atmosphere, clear and calm waters perfect for swimming, and white sandy beaches. It’s an excellent spot for families with kids. Nearby, Starfish Point is named for the numerous starfish that can be easily seen in the shallow waters.
Crystal Caves
Situated in a tropical forest in Grand Cayman, the Crystal Caves are among the most intriguing attractions in the Cayman Islands. Recently discovered in the 1990s and opened to the public in 2016, these caverns are famous for their spectacular stalactite and stalagmite formations. With beautiful pools of crystal-clear water below these formations, a tour of the caves and the surrounding forest is a must.
Owen Island
Just a short distance off the coast of Little Cayman, Owen Island is a serene and peaceful spot perfect for relaxation. The calm waters offer fantastic visibility, and you can see plenty of tropical fish and sea turtles. Because of its proximity, you can easily reach Owen Island by kayak, navigating the calm waters without worrying about strong waves or currents.
These recommendations highlight some of the best places to visit and activities to enjoy in the Cayman Islands, ensuring a memorable experience on your trip.