The star of Grand Cayman, George Town is a bustling port of call welcoming thousands of paradise-seeking tourists daily. Its status as the capital city of the Cayman Islands makes it an important global financial hub and commerce center.
Don’t let this destination’s laid-back reputation fool you into thinking there aren’t plenty of sightseeing opportunities and things to do in GeorgeTown Grand Cayman. When you come, you can enjoy tax-free shopping, captivating museums and historic sites, incredible beaches, fascinating ruins, rich art galleries, snorkeling spots showcasing underwater wonders, opportunities to swim with wildlife, and so much more.
A tour we think you'll love
Wondering how to plan a vacation? Follow this guide for what to do in George Town Grand Cayman to soak in every bit of fun from this Caribbean hot spot.
1) Discover The Enchantment Of Stingray City
Get ready to have an emotional, spiritual, and fun experience as you commune with native wild stingrays in Grand Cayman’s North Sound. Open to human visitors, Stingray City consists of a series of shallow sandbars populated by beautiful stingrays that are acclimated to people.
You’ll enjoy up-close, friendly interactions with these creatures as they glide along in the water all around you! By avoiding sudden movements and only wearing reef friendly sunscreen, you can ensure a peaceful, respectful visit.
The only catch is that you can’t get to Stingray Island on your own. Luckily, Captain Marvin’s is here to plan the whole experience for you. Our Stingray City tour experiences offer you:
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Roundtrip transportation to Stingray City with the option for lounging or lunch at Kaibo in Rum Point after visiting the local caves.
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2-3 glorious hours at the sandbar to touch and feed local stingrays. The shallow, crystal-clear water creates once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunities.
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The guidance of a friendly, experienced captain. Captain Marvin’s has been bringing Cayman Islands visitors to Stingray City for more than 70 years.
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Use of our life vests and snorkel gear.
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Multiple add-on options! We are also the #1 Grand Cayman tour company for snorkeling at Barrier Reef or Coral Gardens, visits to Starfish Point, guided conch diving in Grand Cayman during conch season, or a snorkeling combo experience on our new motor catamaran.
If you want to experience the best things to do in GeorgeTown Grand Cayman, let us take care of helping you plan a whole day on the water at Stingray City and surrounding attractions.
Our iconic tours are perfect for couples, bachelor and bachelorette parties, families, and more. Book your unforgettable adventure with us today!
2) Go Back In Time At The Fort George Ruins
Nestled on George Town Harbor, this fort made of limestone and coral dates back to the 1700s. However, it was in commission as recently as World War II. The Fort George Ruins site stands today as an official historic site that attracts history buffs from around the world.
Visitors can explore old wall remnants and cannons while touring the ruins. While old Fort George can be explored in just a few minutes, its proximity to the cruise ports makes it an easy attraction to hit if you’re walking over from one of the cruise ships.
Pro Tip: Don’t forget your camera! The views of the harbor from the fort are amazing, especially in the morning or late afternoon. It’s a great time to take pictures and enjoy the place without too many people around.
3) Relax At A Popular Beach
It’s obvious that no guide on what to do in George Town Grand Cayman can be complete without mentioning the beautiful beaches here. Wondering where you can stretch out over some warm, soft sand?
Here’s a rundown of the beaches tourists fall in love with when they come to George Town:
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Seven Mile Beach – Considered the quintessential Grand Cayman beach, Seven Mile is simply where everyone goes for sunbathing and fun on the water. Its walkability from The Westin Grand Cayman and other beachfront resorts makes it a popular tourist spot. An array of fun beach bars and restaurants with to-die-for views keeps things lively here. With so many shops where you can rent snorkel gear or paddling equipment, Seven Mile is also a top choice for water sports on the island. For people coming on cruise ships who don’t have their own rental cars, Seven Mile Beach is easily accessible using a bus that runs to and from George Town several times a day.
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Governor’s Beach – This popular beach that’s adjacent to Seven Mile Beach attracts crowds due to the fact that it’s just a couple of steps from the Government House. Plan to pop in to witness a breathtaking sunset after a busy sightseeing day. Like Seven Mile Beach, Governor’s Beach is frequently visited by guests staying at The Westin Grand Cayman and other resorts.
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Spotts Beach – Offering a slightly quieter setting, Spotts Beach is a great place to see turtles in the wild in Grand Cayman. This beach is less than half an hour from George Town but it’s definitely worth the trip for a relaxing day by the water!
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Smith Cove – For a more secluded beach, head to Smith Cove just outside of the port area to splash in the turquoise waters of the South Sound. The sheltered cove provides exceptional shallow areas for family swims.
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Hog Sty Bay – If you want something more secluded, Hog Sty Bay has a natural, amenity-free beach with a sandy seabed that’s ideal for snorkeling with gear from a local dive shop.
Pro Tip: Discover why people are addicted to Caribbean beaches! Make time for at least one beach day when you come to George Town!
4) Visit The National Gallery Of The Cayman Islands
This is the pride of the Cayman Islands! As one of the best historical sites in the Caribbean, the National Gallery of the Cayman Islands offers two floors of culturally relevant pieces and exhibits from local artists.
Explore a 9,000-square-foot building with accompanying sculpture garden to view the national art collection, art library, and lecture hall. Consider attending a lecture on campus! The National Gallery hosts dozens of cultural events that are open to the public each month.
Pro Tip: Check the gallery’s schedule for special events and lectures before your visit. Attending one of these events can give you deeper insights into the art and culture of the Cayman Islands, making your experience even more enriching!
5) Tour An Authentic Cayman Islands Distillery
Cayman Spirits Co. is the maker of Seven Fathoms Premium Rum, Governor’s Reserve Rum, Gun Bay Vodka, and H.H. Hutchings’ Liqueurs. The company’s facility in Grand Cayman offers tours that end with rum and vodka samples.
If you’ve been looking for rum factory tours in Grand Cayman, you should know that this is the island’s only distillery. Book early to beat the crowds because this is quickly becoming one of the most popular spots in George Town.
6) Discover The Resilience Of Caymanians At The Cayman Islands National Museum
The Cayman Islands National Museum is an essential destination when you visit George Town. Established during the 1970s to collect and preserve the natural and cultural history of the Cayman Islands, the museum is housed within the island’s oldest surviving public building.
The historic nature of the museum building feels fitting as you tour two floors of exhibits and galleries showcasing 9,500 artifacts spanning important periods in local maritime and economic history. Special exhibits are dedicated to the resiliency of residents in the face of devastating storms that have swept through the Cayman Islands over the decades.
Pro Tip: If Cayman Islands history fascinates you, be sure to make a stop at Heroes Square between Parliament and the clock tower in the center of George Town. Heroes Square is home to fountains, plaques, and sculptures dedicated to those who have died in war.
7) Find Local Treasures At The Cayman Craft Market
You’re going to come home from Grand Cayman with some incredible souvenirs! Cayman Craft Market offers a truly one-of-a-kind shopping experience in a spirited and bustling downtown market where local artisans proudly display their wares.
This is the go-to spot for cruise ship guests looking for unique Grand Cayman treasures to bring home. Following a short stroll from the port, you’ll spend an afternoon gliding from stall to stall to shop for jewelry, paintings, polished and raw shells, and local jams and spices. This is also the best spot to source rare semi-precious rocks that are unique to this portion of the Caribbean.
Good To Know: Make sure to have some cash with you! Having cash on hand will allow you to easily purchase those unique souvenirs and local treasures without any hassle! The Cayman Islands Dollar (KYD) is the official currency of the Cayman Islands. Under the fixed exchange rate, $1 equals CI$1.2.
8) Hang Around Bayshore Mall To Shop Without Tax In The Cayman Islands
They simply don’t make malls like this back at home. Catering to global shoppers with refined taste, this glamorous waterfront mall in George Town offers a myriad of high-end shops with the perk of duty-free purchasing.
Acclaimed shops within the Bayshore Mall complex include the famous Kirk Gallery and Cartier Boutique.
Additionally, many stores offer complimentary gift wrapping, making it easy to pick up beautiful presents for your loved ones. Just be sure to bring your passport, as you may need it to take advantage of the duty-free shopping benefits.
9) Enjoy Exceptional Waterfront Dining At Cayman Cabana
While Grand Cayman offers lots of great restaurants, everyone’s in a rush to get to Cayman Cabana after docking on the island. Combining luxury dining and sustainability with brilliance, the restaurant uses locally sourced, eco-conscious food choices and fresh catches from local fishermen in its menu.
Plan a visit to enjoy coconut ceviche, red snapper, or Caribbean lobster that comes highly recommended, and don’t miss out on trying one of their signature cocktails for a refreshing treat!
To enhance your dining experience, consider sitting on the outdoor patio where you can enjoy stunning views of the waterfront. The relaxed atmosphere, paired with the sound of the waves, makes it the perfect spot to unwind after a day of exploring.
Ready To Visit George Town? Start Planning Your Grand Cayman Adventure!
Of all the incredible things you’ll do here, there’s nothing like communing with wild stingrays at Stingray City. You’ll truly feel like you’re dreaming as you share gentle, peaceful waves in the sky-blue water with these majestic creatures.
Decades of human contact have made these stingrays uniquely passive and friendly. Of course, your guides here at Captain Marvin’s will give you all of the information you need to safely and respectfully get in the water.
We make planning the type of adventures you only see on travel shows easy. Don’t settle for anything less than the best Grand Cayman experience. Book your spot on one of the many excursions today!
