Are you looking for unique things to do in Grand Cayman? If you have a trip to the Cayman Islands coming up, there’s no doubt you’re looking forward to visiting some of the most popular tourist attractions. You’re also probably looking for some non touristy things to do in Grand Cayman.
Fortunately, the unique ecosystem here creates opportunities for amazing excursions off the beaten path. From exploring a bioluminescent bay to enjoying a horseback ride along a secluded beach, nature lovers will never tire of the beauty found here.
A tour we think you'll love
Here’s a highlight reel of all the things you must do when visiting Grand Cayman:
1) Have The Full Cayman Island Stingray Experience
Have you heard about world-famous Stingray City? Nestled in Grand Cayman’s North Sound, this incredible attraction is made up of a series of shallow sandbars with a robust stingray population. Visitors are free to get into the water to mingle with these gentle, socialized stingrays. Being in the water with these beauties in their natural habitat is a true once-in-a-lifetime experience.
There’s no better option for cruising to Stingray City than Captain Marvin’s. Our experienced captains and crew cover every detail. In fact, we offer seven tour options in total that bring you out on the sea to experience places that few tourists ever get to see.
Add one of these unforgettable experiences to your Grand Cayman itinerary:
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Bioluminescence tour beginning with a cruise to Starfish Point for starfish viewing and a magnificent sunset
We offer an amazing way to plan a group outing in the Cayman Islands that will bring you to enchanted landscapes. Our tours are designed to delight guests of all ages! If you’re looking for unique things to do in Grand Cayman, let our experienced team help you plan an affordable, convenient tour experience that brings you to Stingray City, gorgeous sea caves, and beyond!
Book your spot with Captain Marvin’s today to see why we’ve been the #1 Grand Cayman boat company for 60 years!
2) Escape To Rum Point And Other Beach Gems
Rum Point is an amazing spot for a little getaway in Grand Cayman. Located on Grand Cayman’s north side, this spot doesn’t attract swarms of tourists like some of the popular spots in George Town because it’s a 50-minute drive from the main port. The private beach here is the kind of place where you swing on a hammock between two palm trees. You’ll even find a nice restaurant with a bar where you can enjoy lunch with cocktails.
While it stands among the most beautiful beaches of the Cayman Islands, the one thing Rum Point doesn’t offer is great snorkeling. If you’re eager to snorkel in the Caribbean Sea, two great spots are Seven Mile Beach and Cemetery Beach. Both feel a world away from civilization even though they are conveniently located near George Town.
Seven Mile Beach is a crescent-shaped beach with coral sand. It’s been named the best beach in the Caribbean by more than one publication over the years. The shallow water here allows for easy swimming and snorkeling.
Meanwhile, Cemetery Beach offers amazing snorkeling via Cemetery Reef. While its located on the northern portion of Seven Mile Beach, the beach here is raw and secluded. With the reef being located more than 140 feet from the shore, it’s recommended that only strong swimmers with snorkeling experience come here! The big treat is that you’re somewhat likely to see some larger turtles or smaller sharks in the water with you as you get deeper.
Extra Fun: For a unique adventure, check out the guided horseback rides offered by tour operators inside Barker’s National Park. It’s a fantastic way to experience the beauty of Grand Cayman from a different perspective!
3) Learn About Local Wildlife At Blue Iguana Conservation Center
This is a breeding facility for native blue iguanas on Grand Cayman. Many people don’t know that the endangered blue iguana has lost much of its natural habitat on the east side of Grand Cayman to human encroachment over the decades. Blue Iguana Conservation Center has helped to elevate the island’s blue iguana population substantially since 1990.
For visitors, learning about these creatures is a fun and educational experience. Many of the “residents” at this facility weigh in at more than 25 pounds! Don’t miss a chance to see these majestic creatures in person while learning about the important conservation efforts being made in the Cayman Islands.
Spending a few hours here is easy! Simply show up for a relaxed self-guided nature walk around the facility. Your walk will bring you through semi-wild habitats where both adult and juvenile iguanas spend their days munching on vegetation and sunning themselves.
4) Walk Through The Crystal Caves
Grand Cayman’s underground caves are spectacular! Make your way through a tropical forest to come upon enormous caverns filled with giant stalactites and stalagmites that shimmer with nearly supernatural beauty.
What’s amazing about the Crystal Caves is that they weren’t discovered until the 1990s. They have only officially been open for tours since 2016.
Here are a few highlights to look forward to during your visit:
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Breathtaking formations – Marvel at the stunning natural formations that have taken thousands of years to create. Each cave is unique, showcasing intricate designs that will leave you in awe.
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Guided tours – Knowledgeable guides lead you through the caves, sharing fascinating stories and insights about the geology and history of the area. You’ll learn about the formation of the caves and the unique ecosystem that thrives within them.
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Wildlife spotting – Keep your eyes peeled for the diverse wildlife that calls the caves home. You might spot bats, unique insects, and even some rare plants that thrive in this underground environment.
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Photography opportunities – The ethereal beauty of the caves makes for incredible photo opportunities. Don’t forget your camera to capture the shimmering stalactites and the enchanting atmosphere!
Pro Tip: Wear comfortable shoes and bring a light jacket, as the temperature inside the caves can be cooler than outside. Also, consider visiting during the early morning or late afternoon for a quieter experience.
5) Stop To Smell The Orchids At The Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park
This beautiful 65-acre botanic garden hosts its fair share of native wildlife. There’s actually a stunning lake that’s a known breeding ground and habitat for several rare aquatic birds found only in the Caribbean. Yes, blue iguanas are also known to roam through the gardens!
Other highlights include:
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Xerophytic Garden – Explore cacti and succulents suited for dry conditions.
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Lake and Wetland Zone – The spot bordering a buttonwood swamp is ideal for birdwatching!
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Butterflies – Many of the 57 butterfly species found in the Cayman Islands are seen in the gardens.
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Woodland Trail – This area is where visitors are most likely to see wildlife. Even blue iguanas have been known to scurry around!
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Orchids – This park is home to 10 of the 28 native orchid species in the Cayman Islands.
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Heritage Garden – This classic garden is home to plants and flowers that have played important roles in Grand Cayman’s history.
The fun doesn’t end once you’re done touring the grounds. The Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park has a two-story Caymanian-style home that features a gift shop and courtyard full of water features and tropical plants. Shop for gifts and keepsakes to bring back home!
See Rare Attractions In Grand Cayman
Grand Cayman offers unmatched relaxation, serene wildlife, and unforgettable excursions for those who are willing to put the tiniest bit of extra effort into finding attractions off the beaten path. At Captain Marvin’s, we’ve spent 60 years bringing guests to Stingray City, Starfish Point, the local bioluminescent bay, and beyond to show them natural beauty not found anywhere else on the planet.
Our highly popular boat tours to Stingray City let you mingle with sea life while relaxing in the warm sea. There’s no worry about pestering these gentle, socialized creatures because the nature of the setting means that they can simply swim away if they feel stressed.
Don’t miss the chance to make unforgettable memories in the Cayman Islands. We offer easy scheduling, affordable rates, and safe experiences guided by welcoming locals who have been exploring these waters for decades! Book your spot with Captain Marvin’s today!
