Cayman IslandsTravel Guide

George Town, the capital city, is where the magic happens. Most of the best restaurants, shopping and beaches can be found here. Want to stay as close to the beach as possible? Cayman Villas is a great choice. It’s located along the edge of the popular Seven Mile Beach and within walking distance of Stingray City (more about this attraction later!). Live the island life in your own villa by the sea! Hampton by Hilton Grand Cayman is another favourite close to the beach and attractions – it has its own swimming pool, a fitness centre and even pet-friendly rooms!

West Bay is a fantastic area for those travelling with children. It’s slightly more upmarket than George Town, with plenty of hotels offering kid-friendly facilities. Beach Living at Conch Point Villas is right on the doorstep of West Bay Beach and suitable for larger families keen on a luxurious self-catering getaway. Facilities in addition to the stunning beach include a golf course, tennis court and horse riding.

When you visit the Cayman Islands, you can expect to feel that tug on the purse strings, but it is possible to find a bit more budget-friendly accommodation – especially if you stay in Bodden Town. Such as Casa Tortuga – Cayman Villas, which caters for six people and offers gorgeous views of the Caribbean Sea, a private beach and a swimming pool. There’s also self-catering apartment accommodation at Turtle Nest Inn. Only eight apartments, some with ocean views, means a peaceful, laid-back stay – your way.
 

If you’ve opted to stay on Cayman Brac, the four-star Le Soleil D'or, which calls itself a Caribbean Farm Inn, has everything you need and more – a variety of accommodation including family rooms, a private beach, and a restaurant, where the ingredients used are fresh from the farm.

Little Cayman’s budget-friendly winner is the three-star Little Cayman Beach Resort. Catering for all kinds of guests, from divers to those needing a bit of pampering, it features a dive shop, an on-site spa and a hot tub.
 

A popular attraction for great snorkelling opportunities, Stingray City is a group of sandbars off the coast of Grand Cayman. As you might’ve guessed, this area is home to friendly stingrays and many other marine creatures. Get as close to nature as possible by booking a snorkelling tour with one of the many local operators. Many also offer boat excursions, kayaking and private charters.

See a collection of local visual art that preserves and reflects the culture and heritage of the Cayman Islands at the National Gallery on Grand Cayman. More than an art gallery, you can spend hours here, strolling through the sculpture garden and labyrinth, and browsing in the gift shop.

Tropical island weather and nightlife go together like gin and tonic. Hit one of the many bars across the islands (Insider tip: the George Town port) or the beach clubs for cocktails with an ocean view, followed by dancing on the sand. West Bay Road is known for the most nightclubs, while live music, the arts and dance performances are hosted at the FJ Harquail Cultural Centre on Grand Cayman, making it an ideal dinner theatre venue.  

Cayman Brac is known for its dramatic landscape and rare plants and animals. Several marked hiking trails lead you past historic sites and through wetlands and forests, home to more than 200 species of birds. Diving is also a drawcard – the reefs are teeming with marine life and a bonus is the shipwreck of a  Russian frigate just waiting to be explored.

The longest-standing stone building in the Cayman Islands, Pedro St. James, is an essential stop-off for history buffs, just a short drive from central George Town. It was erected in the 18^th century by an Englishman as his luxury home. It has since been restored and filled with authentic 18th-century furniture and artefacts.

 

The mysterious Crystal Caves are hidden in a tropical forest on Grand Cayman. You’ll be able to explore them with a guide, who’ll talk you through the facts about the unique crystal formations, how the caves formed over millions of years, and the species of wildlife that live in the forest. You’ll also hear how the caves once served as a hideout for opportunistic pirates – keep your eyes peeled for hidden treasures rumoured to be left behind!

The appropriately named Little Cayman is the smallest of the islands, with Blossom Village as its capital. It’s popular for fishing and the diving here is among the best in the world. Include the Bloody Bay Wall Marine Park on your diving itinerary, where you’ll encounter the Caribbean’s deepest drop-off of 2 000m (6 000ft).

Camana Bay is known as a shopping hotspot but it’s also where you’ll come across the islands’ top-rated restaurants. Abacus, famous for its Caribbean fish and cooked-to-perfection steak, is just one of them. The seasonal menu means that there’s always something new added, but you try not to miss out on the prime ribeye steak on the bone or the grilled Caribbean lobster. We’re also sure you’ll be a fan of the fare at Blue by Eric Ripert. Situated inside the fancy Ritz-Carlton Hotel, it offers the Caribbean’s only AAA Five Diamond dining experience, prix fixe tasting menus (multi-course menus at a fixed price) and a collection of hundreds of incredible wines from around the globe. 
 

If you’d prefer to fill up on something with fewer frills, the local street-food culture and beach fare won’t disappoint. There are many food trailers throughout Grand Cayman, most of which tend to line the public beaches. Look out for Al La Kebab, close to Seven Mile Beach, specialising in meat skewers fresh from the grill, and Red Bay Jerk Chicken, stationed at Grand Harbour, and serving delicious spicy chicken.

So, there’s not only Caribbean cuisine on the menu – you can get your Mexican fix on Grand Cayman too. The Casa 43 Mexican Kitchen and Tequila Bar is as authentic as they come. Think pitchers of margaritas, tequilas (of course) and Mexican favourites like tacos, fajitas and churros. Always busy and vibey, just arrive!

On Little Cayman, the Hungry Iguana Restaurant at the Paradise Villas is known for its incredible ocean view paired with unfussy food like curries, burgers and fries, chicken wings and great cocktails.

Visiting Cayman Brac? Then head over to the Tipsy Turtle Bar. Set on the beach and part of a resort, luckily, it’s open to the public. Dishing up light meals and a barbeque on Friday nights with live music, there’s also a stunning deck for sundowners. is as authentic as they come. Think pitchers of margaritas, tequilas (of course) and Mexican favourites like tacos, fajitas and churros. Always busy and vibey, just arrive!

On Little Cayman, the Hungry Iguana Restaurant at the Paradise Villas is known for its incredible ocean view paired with unfussy food like curries, burgers and fries, chicken wings and great cocktails.

Visiting Cayman Brac? Then head over to the Tipsy Turtle Bar. Set on the beach and part of a resort, luckily, it’s open to the public. Dishing up light meals and a barbeque on Friday nights with live music, there’s also a stunning deck for sundowners.

There are plenty of little markets scattered across Grand Cayman, but The Hamlin Stephenson Farmers’ Market in George Town is the most popular. While the locals flock there to grab the freshest fruit and veggies, there’s also a wide array of trinkets and treasures for you to discover. Souvenirs can also be snapped up at the unique gift shop which is part of the Cayman Islands National Museum. It’s situated at the entrance so you can’t miss it.

Smith Cove is one of the most picture-perfect beaches, so no wonder it’s the most photographed beach in George Town. A small bay, surrounded by rocks, there are picnic tables and shady spots available, making it popular with families. Be sure to check out the local art and souvenirs at the nearby Pure Art Gallery & Gifts before heading back to your hotel.

The crescent shaped Seven Mile Beach stretches, as its name implies, for almost seven miles, and is the longest beach in the Caribbean. Home to many of Grand Cayman’s most luxurious resorts, this public beach can get very busy during high season. Some of the popular water sports here are wind surfing, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding.

The beaches on Little Cayman are smaller than those on Grand Cayman, with the most popular called Point of Sand. It’s best known for snorkelling and gorgeous pink sand, and picnic tables are also available.

To experience untouched, nearly deserted beaches, head to the southwest coast of Cayman Brac. This is also where you’ll find Owen Island, accessible only by kayak. There are no buildings or residents here, so it’s a completely unique experience.  

Cemetery Beach is West Bay’s pride and joy – a great snorkelling destination and among the best beaches in Grand Cayman. It’s actually part of Seven Mile Beach but more like a quiet corner of it. Wondering where the name comes from? There’s a nearby cemetery that’s behind the beach. The waters here are calm, making it ideal for swimming, and the beach is dotted with shady trees.