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The Cayman Islands are a series of three islands; Little Cayman, Grand Cayman, and Cayman Brac. These islands are a great destination for couples and families and often a stop many cruise ships make. If you have a port stop in Grand Cayman here are a few ideas for activities you might enjoy.
Seven Mile Beach is the most famous beach on the islands and has been consistently ranked as the ultimate beach vacation location in many publications and listings. It’s on the western shore of the island with many beach bars, restaurants, a playground and other amenities. If you’re new to snorkeling this is a great location to give it a try. The water is very clear and you’ll see plenty of marine life close to shore. If you’re an advanced diver you can scuba dive in the current-free waters surrounding the island to see even more marine life, shipwrecks, and explore the coral reefs.
Stingray City is a favorite tourist attraction, and to be sure what you’ll find here are lots of tourists interested in feeding the Atlantic Southern stingrays that call the shallow sandbar home. Boatswains Beach Turtle Farm is another opportunity to interact with local wildlife. There are also opportunities to swim with dolphins on the island. The Grand Cayman’s were originally dubbed Las Tortugas by Christopher Columbus due to the massive amounts of this animal he found nearby. However the animals are now endangered. One of the main missions of the farm is to provide edible turtle meat so that local islanders don’t hunt the wild turtles to extinction. Visitors can see the turtle life cycle up close and personal either through a dry tour or a wet tour.
If you’re more of a land lover, add the Mastic Trail to your to-see list. This 200 year old path winds its way through a mangrove swamp and woodland area on the island. Plan for several hours and take a guided tour to learn more about the area and indigenous wildlife. Relax and be pampered at one of the spas or mobile massage stations scattered throughout the island. There are also several yoga studios to rejuvenate and regain your balance while soaking in the Caribbean sun and sounds.
Some of the best food in the Caribbean is found in the Grand Cayman’s so skip the ship food and opt for something on land. Fried conch fritters, BBQ, and fresh caught seafood are just a few local offerings to be enjoyed. Restaurants here work hard to get it right and along with sourcing their own local food on land some even have fishermen on their payroll to ensure they get the freshest, best catch possible. You’ll be able to find places like Vivine’s Kitchen serving extremely authentic Cayman food and high class establishments like Blue by Eric Ripert pairing local flavors with principles of haute cuisine.
Whether you’re an adventure seeker wanting to experience something new around every turn or just looking for the best opportunity to relax and eat delicious food, you’ll be happy on Grand Cayman!
Have you traveled to Grand Cayman? What was your most memorable experience there?
I have never been to the Caymans but know people who have. They loved it and have returned several times. I am hoping to get there one day.
Oh my gosh. What an amazing experience. I have never been there but it is my dream some day to travel more. This looks like a beautiful place.
I have never been on a cruise, but they look like so much fun. To visit the Cayman Islands would be a dream vacation. What beauty!
I’ve never been on a cruise been have read that it’s a great vacation and surprisingly affordable considering all the benefits. Sounds like you had fun. Thanks for the great article.
This looks amazing! I would love to have a vacation like this!
This looks amazing and some great ideas that are kid friendly are just what we need–may book a cruise next year-so this is perfect-thanks!
This is beautiful and amazing. I have never been there but would love t o visit there one day. Thanks for sharing.
My family wold love that trip! We love a good cruise excursion!
WOW, so beautiful! My family and I would love to have a vacation like this we are way overdue. Beautiful pictures!!
I have not, although it sounds like a wonderful experience!
How beautiful! Maybe someday I will have the chance to go.
What a REALLY fun vacation! I haven’t been to the Grand Cayman, but it’s on my wish list!
I’ve visited the Grand Caymen Island recently… Second week of September and it was beautiful!!! There were lizards, LIME GREEN.. HUGE lizards everywhere. They were equivalent to Texas squirrels. I was amazed. We didn’t do an excursion, but what we did do was walk about six and a half miles down the island road and just explore. We ended up at a place called Campana Bay. It was beautiful as well. There were shops and a little Bay front with a hammock. It was pretty private and a ways from the boat so there weren’t many cruisers around. We took a bus ride back and only paid $2.50 for two of us. Plus we tipped… It was a fantastic stop on our cruise
Wish there was a place for pictures!!
We didn’t do an official excursion! It did take us awhile to find a gold mine which was swimming in the coral reef marine park. The fish were HUGE!! Can’t remember what kind but they were photographed in this post. I’ll have to remember Campana Bay for next time! I’m dying at the “Texas Squirrel” analogy! lol Thanks for stopping by.