13 Things to do in the Cayman Islands (2023)

Grand Cayman is not just one of the world's top medical tourism destinations. The Cayman Islands also has some of the world's best beaches, five-star resorts, and world-class dining experiences. There is more to Cayman than meets the eye!

The largest of the three Cayman Islands, this Caribbean oasis sets the bar high when it comes to safe, luxurious travel with stunning artistic, culinary and natural experiences. Untouched natural beachfront, beautiful heritage sites, and mystical marine encounters number among many extraordinary things to do in the Cayman Islands. Or just sit back and relax at one of the 5-star resorts on Seven Mile Beach with a healthy green juice and your favorite fantasy novel.

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Visit Cayman’s oldest existing stone building 

A rare trace of Cayman Islands history, Pedro St James is Grand Cayman’s oldest stone structure. Its 18in-thick walls and imposing design have earned the structure the nickname “Pedro’s Castle.” 

In the more than 200 years since the Great House was built, its uses have varied between plantation, courthouse, jail, government assembly, and restaurant. The stone structure has survived hurricanes, earthquakes, fires, and vandalism. 

In the 1980s the house underwent extensive alterations as a tourist attraction and restaurant. It was in these modern times the property became known as "Pedro Castle", being renamed and refurbished to look like a castle by businessman Thomas "Tom" Hubbell.

Pedro St James also hosts regular and one-off events. Check out the weekly stargazing nights or, if you’re visiting in February, attend the annual Coco Fest. 

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Swim with the rays at Stingray City

We can safely say that Stingray City is one of the most memorable experiences we have ever had.  Stingray City is a sandbank in North Sound that has become a gathering point for dozens of stingrays over the years. This began decades ago when fishermen used to gut their fish in the sound to avoid mosquitos inland.

Visit with a tour and you’ll find the guides can recognize many of the stingrays individually. The sandbank is roughly 2-3 feet deep, which makes it easy to hop into the water and get up close to these majestic – and very friendly – creatures. You can stroke their mushroomy skin or even hold one gently just below the water’s surface.  Don't forget, kissing a stingray will bring forth 10 years of good luck!

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Grab lunch or shop at Camana Bay 

This contemporary dining, retail, and entertainment complex is a favored spot for visitors and locals alike, and it’s handily accessible from Seven Mile Beach via a pathway next to the tunnel on West Bay Road. Camana Bay has some of the best shopping in the Cayman Islands, and a selection of great restaurants, gelateria, and even a movie theatre!

Near the waterfront, you can cool off with luscious authentic Italian Gelato' from Gelato & Co. before ascending the steps of the Camana Bay Observation Tower. The wide stairwell is lined with a fantastical under-the-sea mosaic; the views from the top let you appreciate just how flat the island is. 

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Relax by the pool at the Westin Grand Cayman

This contemporary dining, retail, and entertainment complex is a favored spot for visitors and locals alike, and it’s handily accessible from Seven Mile Beach via a pathway next to the tunnel on West Bay Road. Camana Bay has some of the best shopping in the Cayman Islands, and a selection of great restaurants, gelateria, and even a movie theatre!

Near the waterfront, you can cool off with luscious authentic Italian Gelato' from Gelato & Co. before ascending the steps of the Camana Bay Observation Tower. The wide stairwell is lined with a fantastical under-the-sea mosaic; the views from the top let you appreciate just how flat the island is. 

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Explore the George Town Waterfront

Before the pandemic, Cayman was a popular stop for Caribbean cruises – and the capital, George Town, is almost always the first sight passengers see. 

George Town is incredibly photogenic, with wooden buildings in brilliant colors lining the turquoise waterfront. There are many things to do, from duty-free stores to trendy cafes serving up great nibbles, hearty meals, vegetarian treats, and even a brand new Starbucks! You can also find The Cayman National Museum which allows visitors to experience our island's unique natural and cultural heritage

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Visit Bioluminescent Bay 

If you’re in search of remarkable things to do in Grand Cayman, a nighttime trip to Bioluminescent Bay cannot be overlooked. This secluded bay is within walking distance to the popular beachside restaurant Kaibo and is lined by beautiful cottages that locals and ex-pats use to escape the hustle and bustle of Seven Mile Beach.

Join a boat trip after dark to take to the water and experience millions of tiny bioluminescent plankton twinkling all around you. The level of luminescence varies depending time of the month; the most suitable time to go is during a new moon.

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Take a road trip to East End

You don’t need a car if you’re staying along Seven Mile Beach – though hiring one offers a way to experience the sleepy, non-touristy side of the island. During a leisurely day of driving, you can stop in at various, quirky sites along the way. 

The Blowholes, craggy limestone rocks just before East End, are great for photoshoots. Stop off for lunch at Tukka to dig into tasty Australian-Caribbean fusion dishes like lionfish tacos and tree chicken (look it up). While you dine, turn your gaze seawards to spot the ragged masts of the Wreck of the 10 Saila poking up through the waves.

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Ride through the shallows at Barkers National Park

Barkers National Park sits less than a few miles from Seven Mile Beach but feels a world away. The narrow stretch of wilderness on the western tip of Grand Cayman is sprinkled with mangrove forest and bordered by a long white-sand beach that’s more likely to be occupied by wildlife than people. 

Barkers is Grand Cayman’s hotspot for windsurfing thanks to its consistent breezes. Several riding stables sit along the road leading to the park, each one offering treks along the sand. Guests can even ride bareback as your horse swims in the warm shallow waters.

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Dive into the wreck of the Kittiwake

Cayman has a fantastic selection of dive sites, especially the impressive Cayman Trench drop-off. Off Grand Cayman, the former submarine recovery ship USS Kittiwake was plunged off Grand Cayman’s west coast in 2011 and now forms an artificial reef abounding with marine life.

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Swim with wild sea turtles at Spotts Beach

Don't fancy diving? Pack a snorkel mask instead and head to Spotts Beach to swim alongside sociable sea turtles. Grea times for spotting the turtles are early morning and one hour before sunset when the sea starts to cool.

Discover why Grand Cayman is the Caribbean’s culinary capital

Two major food festivals and 200+ restaurants give Grand Cayman profound culinary credentials. There’s somewhere to suit every craving, whether you want Michelin-star fine dining, hearty Italian cuisine, sensational seafood, or plant-based delights. 

You can also enjoy a taste of the Cayman Islands at places like Laurens, Over the Edge, and Heritage Kitchen. Peppers is the place to go for spicy jerk chicken, while GT Outpost on the George Town waterfront serves delectable conch fritters, a specialty of the Cayman Islands. If you feel like splurging a little, we would highly recommend checking out Taikun, at the Ritz Carlton Resort - the best sushi on the island in our opinion!

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Plan an art tour of the island

The National Gallery of the Cayman Islands is an inspiring starting point for an art-themed day out. Situated between Seven Mile Beach and Camana Bay, the purpose-built complex is a treasure trove of mixed-media pieces and fine art. 

The top floor features permanent exhibitions by local artists, while the ground level hosts rotating shows. 

For art in three dimensions, Davinoff’s Concrete Sculpture Garden up the road from the Crystal Caves features a dozen life-size sculptures of land and sea mammals. Alternatively, look out all over the island for the giant sculptures of blue iguanas that form part of the Blue Dragon Trail, a National Trust art project featuring numerous sculptures by different local artists. 

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View the sunset from Cemetery Beach 

Looking for the perfect sunset? Just along from Seven Mile Beach, one of the best spots is locally loved Cemetery Beach, named for the cemetery you have to walk through to access it. A prime west-facing position means most evenings you can sink yourself into the soft sand with a bottle of beer and watch the sun dip smoothly below the horizon.

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Experience the Crystal Caves

One of the newest additions to Grand Cayman’s attractions is also one of the oldest natural features on the entire island. The so-called Crystal Caves in Old Man Bay have formed over 1000 years ago and house remarkable limestone rock formations. A small cluster of the 100+ caverns is safe for visitors. Book a guided walking tour and prepare to be wowed by icicle-like stalactites and sparkling crystals dripping from the ceilings.

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