Georgetown, Grand Cayman, from the sea.
In a sea of more than 700 islands in the Caribbean, Grand Cayman stands out with its international flavor, upscale properties, and opportunities for adventure.
Grand Cayman is the largest and westernmost of the Cayman Islands. Its proximity to Central America, Cuba, and Jamaica attracts a multitude of cultures. In fact, 143 nations are represented in a population that recently topped the 69,000 mark. That diversity is evident in Caymanian culture and in the incredible food, highlighted annually at the Taste of Cayman food festival.
Thinking about a trip to Grand Cayman? The well-maintained roads, roundabouts that keep the traffic moving, and sprawling waterfront including the famous Seven-Mile Beach make it easy to see it all. Here’s a guide to what to see and do, and where to stay and dine, on your next trip to this grand island.
Best Activities in Grand Cayman
Tourists disembark a dive boat and prepare to swim with the stingrays at stingray city in the cayman ... [+]
Let’s start with the obvious and what brings so many people to this island – the beaches. Seven Mile Beach leads the pack on many top beach lists and is homebase for some of the finest hotels on the island. That’s because it’s truly a perfect beach – wide, white sand; fine restaurants with terrific views; and every water activity you can imagine.
The best way to experience the water is with Captain Marvin’s, an excursion operator established in 1951 and still going strong. That should tell you something about their reliability and determination that everyone has fun. They lead customized tours and private charters, are friendly and knowledgeable, and make sure that you see what you want to see. In many cases, that would be Stingray City, one of the most visited sites on the island. Take the 20-minute boat ride to the sandbar, where you will hop offboard and learn to gently pet and feed the rays (imagine a hoover sucking fish out of your palm). Then you’ll return through mangroves, where if you’re lucky, you’ll see a manatee or two. Tip: Schedule an early morning excursion to beat the crowds.
When you need to escape the sun, head to the National Gallery of the Cayman Islands. You’ll be entranced by art created by local Caymanian craftspeople. The descriptors will teach you about each piece, which in turn will educate you on the history and cultural influences of this island. The pieces represent various eras – contemporary, realism, modernism – and include traditional crafts. Enjoy the paintings of pastel cottages and bright, vibrant Caribbean traditions, and stroll the sculptures of the people who contributed to the rich history of Grand Cayman.
The impressive St. James Castle framed by a garden of tropical plants in Grand Cayman, Cayman ... [+]
For a historical tour that, like the National Gallery, honors and respects the enslaved people that played a significant role in Grand Cayman’s history, visit Pedro St. James, a national historic site. Built by enslaved people for the wealthy Englishman William Eden, the 3-story home later housed the first parliament established in these islands. This 18th century structure has been restored, is open to the public, and includes an informative tour. The views from this waterfront property are a bonus.
In West Bay, you’ll find a less touristy, more local flair. The Turtle Centre and Dolphin Discovery will keep families busy, and adults will love the duty-free take homes from Torgtuga Rum distillery. And while exploring this area of the island, be sure to go to Hell. The field of black limestone formations surrounded by devil-themed signs that explain how it came about is only topped by the gift shop where you can send your friends a postcard from Hell.
The hottest ticket in town is the yearly Taste of Cayman, held in May each year. Keep an eye on the website for the announced 2024 date, and book early, as this is a popular event. Featuring celebrity chef demonstrations, live bands, and food booths where you can try everything from the traditional Rundown fish soup to curried goat, it’s an opportunity to taste the flavors of Cayman and get to know the locals.
Where to Stay in Grand Cayman
The Westin Grand Cayman pool and beach
Touting the largest stretch of beach on Seven Mile is Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa, which maximizes that beach space with double decker cabanas that raise you up above the rest. The hotel’s spa is one of the best in Grand Cayman. Its focus on wellness includes the only Vichy shower on the island and 45 classes covering everything from yoga to water aerobics. The resort is self-contained, so if you prefer to stay on the grounds, you’ll find movies on the beach, theme nights on the pool deck, and the largest freshwater pool on this stretch of beach. It truly is approachable luxury.
For ultra-lux accommodations, seek out Black Urchin, an enclave of brand-new private villas that offer guaranteed privacy and a high level of sophistication. Chef’s kitchen with a Viking range? Check. Private, oceanfront pool? Check. Six bedrooms so you can travel with all your friends? Check.
And if you’re planning for a future special occasion, and you’d like to take in the aqua and turquoise water of Old West Bay, the new Mandarin Oriental Grand Cayman is set to open in 2025. A 68-acre resort perched high on the island, this property is close to the airport and promises to be elevated in more ways than one.
Eating and Drinking in Grand Cayman
Traditional Cayman style stewed seafood and vegetable dish
When visiting Pedro St. James, you’ll find the onsite restaurant and bar Thatch & Barrel. The plantain flatbread here is not to be missed; in fact, this restaurant has some of the best local fare on the island. Ask your server for a tasting of Seven Fathoms rum. This Caymanian-distilled liquor is aged in white bourbon casks 42 feet under the sea and agitated by waves for two years. Try the mellow 1780 and the Governor’s Reserve coconut rum.
If you happen to be in Grand Cayman on a Sunday, you’ll find no better brunch than at Ave at the Kimpton Seafire Resort & Spa. The hotel itself just earned a Forbes 5 star rating this year, and 94 culinarians bring their expertise to Ave. The brunch buffet meanders its way from the host station through two dining rooms, and special brunch cocktails and champagne complement the meal.
Before you leave The Kimpton Seafire, step into Library By the Sea. Featuring “literary drinks” dedicated to classic authors and a library of first edition books like Old Man & the Sea and a Dali-illustrated Alice in Wonderland, this bar opened in 2023 and is the perfect place to unwind with a craft cocktail and a good book.
Finally, for a truly bespoke dinner experience, hire local catering group Chellamella to cook for you and your group. Everything – and I mean everything – is made from scratch, including capers, fish shavings, sauces, and even the customized menus and ceramic bowls for your salad. Chellamella will come to your villa or cater your dinner at the location of your choosing.
