Grand Cayman, one of the three Cayman Islands, is a tropical paradise where the lines between fantasy and reality blur. This world-renowned tourist destination welcomes you with turquoise waters, sparkling sand, swaying palm trees, and dazzling marine life. Although the entire island is only 22 miles long, this gem proves that good things do, indeed, come in small packages:
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Find Your Happy Place In Grand Cayman!
Want to know the best area to stay in Grand Cayman? Captain Marvin’s will show you special places that make the island amazing. With us, you’ll embark on the experience of a lifetime, swimming with friendly stingrays that you can feed and touch.
The excitement doesn’t stop there. We also offer fishing trips, snorkeling the Barrier Reef and Coral Gardens and much more. Start your adventure and book your tour now!
Grand Cayman is all about fun things to do and unique places to visit. Keep reading to learn about some of the best the island has to offer and the best places to stay:
Seven Mile Beach
Actually only six miles long, legendary Seven Mile Beach is a gorgeous stretch of crystalline waters caressing fine-spun, white sand. Pristine and free from vendors hawking souvenirs, this renowned Cayman Islands beach has won awards from USA Today, TripAdvisor and Condé Nast Traveler as one of the most beautiful beaches. Seven Mile Beach is located south of West Bay and offers everything from exciting water sports like jet-skiing to quiet sunset strolls.
It’s lined with restaurants, beachside bars and hotels, including the five-star Westin Grand Cayman and the luxurious Ritz Carlton. Michelin-starred chef, Eric Ripert, helms the Ritz Carlton kitchen. These are two of the best places to stay on Grand Cayman. You can also book a vacation rental for a more personalized experience.
If you’d like a quieter retreat for your Grand Cayman vacation, visit tranquil Cemetery Beach, nestled on the north side of Seven Mile Beach. Named for a historic cemetery nearby, it’s perfect for losing track of time in its peace and solitude.
Arrrrgh Matey, Visit Rum Point!
Perfect for a day trip, Rum Point is a great place to stay! Located on Grand Cayman’s north side, this laid-back beach is about an hour’s drive from Seven Mile Beach, where it’s easy to get a rental car. With hammocks strung from swaying palm trees and warm, shallow waters, this beach is an enticing tropical getaway.
One of Rum Point’s claims to fame is the decadent mudslide cocktail from the Wreck Bar. This rich drink combines vodka, Kahlua, and Irish cream liqueur for a truly indulgent treat. If you’ve had one too many, you might want to get a room at one of the several vacation rentals lined near Rum Point:
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Rum Point Resort
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Sea Lodges of Cayman Kai
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Fischer’s Reef – Grand Cayman Villas
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Reef Romance
These accommodations are among the best places to stay near Rum Point, offering comfort and convenience for your tropical escape. Plus, these spots are close to famous locations, making it easy to fill your day with fun things to do at Rum Point, including:
Stingray City
No bucket list is complete without a Stingray City visit. It’s a magical place in the North Sound where you can enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime vacation experience petting, hugging and playing with fun-loving stingrays. Even though they might seem dangerous, these Southern stingrays are actually so friendly and frisky that they’re nicknamed “puppies of the sea.”
One of Cayman’s major attractions, it has two sections: Stingray Sandbar and Deep Stingray City (Valley of the Rays). Stingray Sandbar is only about three feet deep, so it’s perfect for wading. You can hang out with the stingrays, and hand-feed them squid.
Valley of the Rays on Grand Cayman Island is 15 feet deep, making it ideal for scuba diving. About one mile from Stingray Sandbar, it’s one of the world’s best shallow dive sites. There are fewer stingrays here, so divers have a less crowded encounter.
Good To Know: Yes, stingrays can sting. But if you’re kind to them, they’ll be kind to you. Always follow your guide’s instructions.
Crystal Caves
A realm of otherworldly formations awaits you in Grand Cayman’s Crystal Caves. Located under a flourishing rainforest on the north side of Grand Cayman, the three caves have hundreds of jagged crystal stalactites and stalagmites.
These formations were created one water drop at a time over millions of years. You’ll also enjoy a crystal-clear reflecting pool and harmless fruit bats dangling and darting. To keep everyone safe, you have to take a guided tour, which lasts about an hour and a half.
Fun Fact: Pirates, including the infamous Blackbeard, used these caves to hide in and store treasure.
Starfish Point
Starfish Point is an idyllic spot tucked into the north side of Grand Cayman, close to Rum Point. The waters of this beach are dotted with gorgeous red cushion sea stars that are easily seen in the shallow, clear waters.
Look for sea stars in early morning or late afternoon, when they’re closer to the shore. Although it may be tempting to hold them or take a selfie with them, they can’t breathe out of the water and will quickly die.
Fun Fact: Sea stars push their stomach out of their body to eat, a fascinating adaptation that allows them to digest food externally before pulling it back in.
Bioluminescent Bay
Nighttime will never be quite the same to you after you experience Bioluminescent Bay. Located on Grand Cayman’s north side near Rum Point, the bay was named after an otherworldly spectacle called bioluminescence. This is a vibrant green-blue glow that microscopic organisms emit when they’re disturbed.
Grab a kayak and see the magic happen when your paddle touches these tiny creatures, or join our unforgettable Bioluminescence Tour under a starlit sky. This immersive journey is perfect for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike, creating memories that will sparkle long after your trip ends.
Fun Fact: Bioluminescence also happens in fireflies, glow worms, jellyfish and even some fungi.
George Town – Where Paradise Meets Money
George Town is the capital of the Cayman Islands and a major port for cruise ships. This charming town is also a world-famous offshore finance hub, with more than 600 bank and investment companies. It’s lively and colorful and is also popular because its merchandise is duty-free and not taxable. Luxury items such as jewelry, designer clothes and perfume are much cheaper than in the United States.
People visiting George Town can choose from different places to stay, from fancy hotels to cozy guesthouses, making it a great spot to explore the lively capital. George Town has many interesting places to see, including:
Cayman Islands National Museum
The Cayman Islands National Museum is in Grand Cayman’s 180-year-old Old Courts Building. This charming museum has over 8,000 items and three sections: the Natural History Gallery, the Cultural History Gallery and the Old Gaol. The Caymans’ rich story is told through paintings, ceramics and fabrics
Devil’s Grotto And Eden Rock
Devil’s Grotto and Eden Rock are two excellent snorkeling and scuba diving spots in George Town. Walking distance from the cruise port, each site offers a labyrinth of intricate caves and tunnels. Sunlight filters down through the honeycombed rocks, angelically lighting up marine life including tarpon, barracuda and parrotfish.
Pro Tip: Plan your visit between June through August if you want to see silversides, fish that form a surreal silver “curtain” as they swim together.
West Bay Beach
Located in – you guessed it – West Bay, this quiet Cayman Islands beach has unspoiled charm and a laid-back, Caribbean vibe. A tranquil alternative to busier beaches, this hidden gem on Grand Cayman offers feather-soft sand and gin-clear water.
Bordered by a vibrant coral reef system teeming with dazzling fish, West Bay Beach is a snorkeler’s paradise. The beach is also conveniently located near great restaurants and local markets that offer fresh seafood.
If you want to stay in the area, there are many holiday rentals to choose from, including cozy beachfront cottages and fancy villas. These places are great for enjoying everything West Bay has to offer.
Fun Fact: West Bay is where the USS Kittiwake was sunk in 2011 to create an artificial reef.
East End
The East End of Grand Cayman has a more authentic, off-the-beaten-path atmosphere than the bustling Seven Mile Beach and George Town areas. It’s ruggedly beautiful and less developed, but it conveniently has a grocery store, restaurants and vacation rentals nearby. If you visit the East End, check out:
Collier’s Beach
Collier’s Beach is a relaxed, scenic beach known for its isolation and tranquility. If your idea of paradise is having a beach all to yourself, Collier’s is rarely busy, even during high season. It has turtle grass, shallow waters and a peaceful atmosphere. Collier’s beach is a quiet escape that’s great for strolling on the vanilla sand, fishing from the dock or kitesurfing on a windy day.
For a home away from home, you can’t beat a vacation rental at Collier’s beach. Many have free WiFi, fully equipped kitchens, dishwashers, BBQ grills and washing machines. Vacation rentals are some of the best places to stay in Grand Cayman if you don’t like hotels.
Cayman Parrot Sanctuary
The Cayman Parrot Sanctuary is an attraction devoted to rehabilitating the endangered Cayman parrot. Its mission is to give abandoned, neglected and abused birds a second chance.
It also has other native animals including rabbits, guinea pigs, reptiles and an agouti named Lil’ Bit. Since opening in 2020, the sanctuary has successfully released over 30 parrots back into the wild.
East End Blow Holes
For a can’t-be-beat OMG experience, visit the East End Blow Holes. They’re a sensational natural attraction created when waves crash along the rocky shore, skyrocketing ocean water through openings in the limestone. Some of these geysers reach heights up to 20 feet, especially during rough seas or strong winds. It’s best to go during high tide for the most dramatic sprays.
Pro Tip: The rocks are uneven and slippery, so wear sturdy, closed-toed shoes.
Bodden Town – A City With History
Formerly the capital of the Cayman Islands, Bodden Town is a picturesque village with an authentic Caribbean soul. Bodden Town has a peaceful beach where all you need is a chilled drink, a book and a swaying hammock.
Historically significant, the town was important for trade and early industries like wrecking and turtling. Quaint traditional cottages still pepper the area, along with lavish homes, condos and private villas.
Live Life To The Fullest With A Grand Cayman Adventure!
At Captain Marvin’s, we pride ourselves on being one of Grand Cayman’s most knowledgeable and trusted tour companies. With experience spanning seven decades, we offer amazing adventures, including our pioneering Stingray City excursion, snorkeling at dazzling coral reefs, magical Bioluminescent Bay tours, fishing charters and much more.
Our local expertise means we know all the best spots to explore and stay on Grand Cayman. Ready to create unforgettable memories? Book your adventure with us today!
