Here’s a summary of exciting things to do in Grand Cayman:
- Helicopter Thrill Ride
- Explore the Crystal Caves
- Bioluminescence Tour
- Seven Mile Beach
- Flavour Tour Camana Bay
- West Indies Wine Company
- Mizu – Thai Fish Curry
- Teppanyaki Dinner at Camana Bay
- Dessert at Gelato and Co
- Starfish Point
- Scuba Diving
- Snorkeling
- Stingray City Luxury Tour
- The Spa at Ritz Carlton
- Camana Bay
- Ferry to Rum Point
Things to Do in Grand Cayman
The Cayman Islands, renowned for their picturesque landscapes, are made up of three islands: Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman. Grand Cayman Island, where we established our base, is home to the majority of the top attractions and adventures.
Adventure Activities on the Cayman Islands
1. Helicopter Thrill Ride
Cayman Islands Helicopters offers exhilarating helicopter tours. Our pilot Guy set the perfect tone by playing upbeat tunes as we soared over the stunning waters of the Cayman Islands.
Witnessing the dramatic shift from light sapphire blue waters to deep dark hues of the Cayman Trench from above is breathtaking. This trench is a popular dive site that attracts divers from around the globe, making it the top diving spot in the Caribbean.
During the flight, we glimpsed Stingray City, the Kittiwake Wreck, and all of Grand Cayman. This tour is a must-try! Visit Cayman Islands Helicopters for more information.
2. Explore the Crystal Caves
The Crystal Caves, located on the North Side of the island, is an underground cave system that has just recently opened to the public. Due to their pristine condition, these privately owned caves offer a unique experience.
Filled with stalactites, stalagmites, underground lakes, and open ceilings, the guided tours provide insight into the local flora and fauna.
- Visit Crystal Caves for more details.
3. Bioluminescence Tour
Experiencing bioluminescence is a must! These fascinating microscopic organisms illuminate the water when disturbed. We chose Cayman Kayaks for this tour and were delighted with our decision. Owner Tom, passionate about conservation, operates the only tour using an electric catamaran, which minimizes environmental impact.
Departing from Rum Point, these unforgettable bioluminescence tours allow you to explore the magic of glowing waters. Tom offered insights into the marine ecosystem as we enjoyed this stunning natural phenomenon.
- Learn more at Cayman Kayaks.
4. Seven Mile Beach
Grand Cayman boasts the idyllic Seven Mile Beach, a popular destination for both relaxation and activities. Opportunities for snorkeling, water sports, and enjoying the sun abound.
We stayed at the Ritz Carlton, right on Seven Mile Beach, and appreciated its amenities.
Visitors can rent paddleboards, windsurfing boards, and beach cabanas here, making it unnecessary to ever leave the resort. Strolling along the beach, we marveled at the captivating turquoise waters, a unique feature of the island’s landscape.
Adventures in Food on Grand Cayman
Grand Cayman is hailed as the Culinary Capital of the Caribbean, and for good reason. With over 200 restaurants led by talented chefs, you can enjoy Caribbean-infused dishes alongside international cuisines.
5. Flavour Tour Camana Bay
Take the Flavour Tour in Camana Bay for a delightful culinary experience. For $89 per person, you will enjoy tastings at top restaurants paired with drinks at each stop.
6. West Indies Wine Company
Our tour began at the West Indies Wine Company, where we sipped bubbly and mingled with fellow guests before heading down the charming walking street.
It turned out that everyone on the tour had returned multiple times, demonstrating the tour’s popularity among frequent visitors.
7. Mizu – Thai Fish Curry
At Mizu, we enjoyed a flavorful Thai fish curry featuring mahi-mahi, as well as marinated lamb paired with almonds. Much of the food served is sourced locally, reflecting a farm-to-table ethos.
To cap the experience, we savored Brooklyn cheese cake alongside sparkling wine. If you find yourself wanting more, you can enjoy additional wine at the West Indies or save your ticket for another visit.
8. Teppanyaki Dinner at Camana Bay
This culinary experience at Mizu is a feast for the senses, as Chef Johnny prepares a dazzling display right in front of you. The teppanyaki grill overlooks the water, and guests gather around to witness his entertaining performance creating unforgettable culinary moments.
For a better impression of the show, make sure to watch the video shared above!
9. Dessert at Gelato and Co
Dave and I consider ourselves gelato aficionados, having sampled many authentic varieties in Italy. Gelato and Co. is among the best, owned by an Italian who serves handcrafted ice creams and sorbets.
Things to Do in the Water in the Cayman Islands
When visiting the Cayman Islands, experiencing the water is essential. The variety of water activities available is extensive.
10. Starfish Point
On the North side, Starfish Point features a calm beach where you can observe starfish in their natural habitat. While you are welcome to touch them, ensure they remain in the water to protect their well-being.
11. Scuba Diving
Grand Cayman is renowned for some of the best dive sites in the Caribbean, offering both shore and boat dives. The Cayman Trench, plunging to significant depths, is particularly appealing to divers, complemented by clear waters and rich marine life.
12. Snorkeling
If scuba diving isn’t your thing, snorkeling is an equally rewarding option. There are numerous snorkeling sites accessible from the shore, such as Wreck of the Call and Smith Cove.
If you have access to a charter boat, further spots like Coral Gardens near Stingray City await exploration.
Luxury Travel on Grand Cayman
Grand Cayman is a premier destination for luxury travel enthusiasts seeking indulgent experiences.
13. Stingray City Luxury Tour
A visit to Stingray City is essential during your time on the island. We enjoyed a private charter, allowing us to engage closely with the friendly stingrays.
This lovely sandbar has been a gathering spot for these creatures for years, as fishermen historically cleaned their catches nearby.
14. The Spa at Ritz Carlton
The spa at the Ritz Carlton is favored by tourists and locals alike. It’s the ideal destination to unwind after a day of fun and sun.
Couples massages offer a romantic touch, while the serene waiting areas create a perfect atmosphere for relaxation.
Camana Bay
Camana Bay is a charming urban center that captivates visitors with its vibrant atmosphere. The friendly locals and chic surroundings create a welcoming environment reminiscent of downtown Yorkville in Toronto.
15. Camana Bay Observation Tower
A visit to the Camana Bay Observation Tower offers stunning 360-degree views of Grand Cayman. While the elevator provides a swift ride to the top, consider taking the stairs down to fully appreciate the artistic decor.
16. Farmers and Artisan’s Market
Every Wednesday, from 12 noon to 7 pm, the market at Camana Bay features locally produced food and crafts. Stroll the palm-lined street and engage with friendly vendors, making sure to grab a jar of Cayman Pepper Patch jelly—it’s a treat!
17. Ferry to Rum Point
Ferries from Camana Bay to Rum Point run frequently, taking you to a stunning dockside location in just 20 minutes. It’s an ideal spot for sunsets, and don’t miss dining at Kaibo Restaurant for local seafood. Be sure to try their signature mudslide cocktail!
Other Things to Do in Grand Cayman
- Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park
- Cruise Ship Port of George Town
- Cayman Turtle Centre
- Cayman Turtle Farm
- West Bay Tour
Our trip to Grand Cayman was made possible by Camana Bay, providing an exceptional shopping and dining experience by the waterfront.