There is no map to follow when travelling to the Cayman Islands in order to find out what makes the place unique; it is clear as soon as you land. On Grand Cayman, the largest island in the Cayman Islands, you'll frequently find the best things to do. Some of the most gorgeous beaches in the Caribbean can be found at this developed vacation spot, where you can sunbathe, swim, snorkel, dive, and participate in a variety of water sports.

Islands are great for exploring at your own speed because of the laid-back cayland hotels, resorts, and villas provide. That is what sets it apart from a conventional trip to a mega-resort.

The island's numerous cities and villages are home to charming structures, some of which date back to the 18th century, as well as more contemporary amenities like shopping centers, restaurants from around the world, and lively bars. Little Cayman features unspoilt beaches with reef-protected shorelines and lush woodlands home to a variety of exotic species if you prefer a private getaway.

10 Reasons why you should visit the Cayman Islands

Beaches in the Cayman Islands

The Cayman Islands' beaches provide kilometres of immaculate sand with a view of the Caribbean Sea. Grand Cayman is well known for its beautiful shoreline, with Seven Mile Beach being the most well-known section. There are beach bars and restaurants, watersports, sun loungers, and just about everything else you could possibly need for a tropical getaway.

You can go snorkelling with colourful coral species at Cemetery Beach or spend a chill day swimming and sunbathing in Cayman Kai. Rum Point, a somewhat remote beach on Grand Cayman, is a great place for stand-up paddleboarding, snorkelling, and kayaking.

Kittiwake Shipwreck

A well-known diving location called the Kittiwake Shipwreck is named after a US Navy submarine rescue craft that was purposefully sunk in 2011. One of the best diving spots in the Cayman Islands is this artificial reef, which is situated off the northern edge of Seven Mile Beach. Numerous marine species, such as turtles, squirrelfish, barracuda, and goliath groupers, are visible.

The Kittiwake Shipwreck is ideal for both novice and expert wreck divers because of its exceptional visibility. Even snorkelers may see the wreck, which is around 18 metres below the surface.

Bloody Bay Wall

Off the shore of Little Cayman, there is a dive location called Bloody Bay Wall. It truly forms a portion of the Bloody Bay Marine Park, which has over 20 sites that are great for diving and snorkelling. Its vertical wall, which descends about 2,000 metres to the seabed, is covered in colourful tube sponges and fan coral.

The Bloody Bay Wall is a great place to see a variety of marine life, including sea turtles, octopuses, barracuda, and stingrays. The deeper area of the site is best suited for experienced divers, and night diving is feasible in the Cayman Islands with advance arrangements made with a reputable tour operator.

Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park

In Grand Cayman's North Side neighbourhood sits the 26-hectare Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park. It was founded in 1994 and contains a lake that serves as a refuge for waterfowl, lovely gardens, and a wooded trail.

One of the most beautiful areas of the park is the 1-hectare Floral Garden, which features exotic plants grouped according to colour: pink, crimson, orange, yellow, white, blue, and purple. The entire scene is visible from a white gazebo. To help the blue iguanas, which are critically endangered, the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park collaborates with the National Trust for the Cayman Islands. The reptile enclosure can be toured every day at 11 a.m. from Monday through Saturday.

Oasis Aqua Park

Off South Church Street in George Town is a floating playground called the Oasis Aqua Park. This attraction is great for families wishing to have some fun together because it contains a trampoline, an obstacle course, waterslides, ladders, and hurdles.

You can feel safe and have fun at the Oasis Aqua Park because certified lifeguards are on duty constantly. You pay admission by the hour, however after the second hour at the inflatable playground, you receive a 10% discount.

Stingray City

A small sandbar called Stingray City is located in Grand Cayman's North Sound. Southern stingrays, which are among the largest marine mammals in the West Atlantic Ocean, frequent the area. They frequently come in contact with guests since they are extremely gentle.

Since the water around the sandbar is only one metre deep, you can easily wade among schools of tropical fish and stingrays. Most tours of Stingray City include transportation to and from your hotel in George Town, snorkeling gear, plus a stop to the Barrier Reef or Coral Gardens.

Cayman Crystal Caves

Three subterranean caverns in Old Man Bay on Grand Cayman are referred to as the Cayman Crystal Caves. A subterranean lake with crystallised stalactites and stalagmites, as well as millions-of-year-old fossilised shells, can be found in these natural wonders.

To tour the Cayman Crystal Caves, you must make reservations. The three caves and surrounding woodland will be visited during a 1.5-hour guided trip. Wearing sturdy shoes is advised because some of the routes are a little uneven.

Barker's National Park

A sizable protected area called Barker's National Park is located in West Bay, about 14 km north of George Town. Its huge swells and unspoiled coastline make it one of Grand Cayman's top spots for kiteboarding. Inhabitants of the nearby sandbar include conches, stingrays, and lobsters.

On land, you may go horseback riding, camping, trekking, and cycling through deep mangrove forests. Herons, egrets, and pelicans are among the birds that attract birdwatchers to Barker's National Park. Watch out for iguanas hiding in the dense vegetation.

See nearby properties

Pedro St James

Pedro St. James is the oldest stone structure in the Cayman Islands, having been constructed in 1780. This national historic site is located in Savannah, about 9 kilometers to the east of George Town.

A renovated plantation mansion called Pedro St. James has withstood numerous fires, vandalism incidents, and hurricanes. You may find out more about the building's past as a courthouse, prison, and government gathering today. It has views of the Caribbean Sea and is located in a 2.8-hectare property. After your tour, you can sip on local rums at the on-site bar.

Cayman islands hotels

A range of accommodations are available in the Cayman Islands on Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman. All of their accommodations are well-appointed luxury low-rise Cayman islands hotels, villas, and condominiums that were created for more individualized experiences; none of them are "mega-resorts."

If you're a diver (you might not even realise you are one until you do your first dive in the Cayman Islands! ), we strongly advise scheduling two weeks even though a week in Cayman will make any beach-goer feel at peace. You'll know you've found the gem of the Caribbean if you combine it with nights spent enjoying a local festival, feasting on freshly caught snapper, and nights spent in luxurious Cayman islands hotels.

Camana Bay

Just 1.5 km southeast of Seven Mile Beach in Grand Cayman is the waterfront entertainment area known as Camana Bay. Thanks to its extensive selection of dining, entertainment, and retail opportunities, the 280-hectare town is constantly bustling with tourists.

The observation tower, where you can take in expansive vistas of the Caribbean Sea, is a must-see. The on-site playground and interactive fountains are great for kids. A weekly farmers' market and other celebrations frequently take place at Cabana Bay.