Pristine beaches, handsome heritage sites, and otherworldly marine encounters await visitors to Grand Cayman. There are many fun things to do in the Grand Cayman Islands that set the bar high for captivating cultural, culinary, and natural attractions.
Swim alongside Atlantic stingrays at Stingray City, an interactive experience on the north side of Grand Cayman. You can splash alongside turtles at the Cayman Turtle Centre on the island’s west side.
Stingray City
Stingray City is one of the top things to do in the Cayman Islands and a bucket list-worthy experience. Imagine standing on a shallow, crystal-clear sandbar in the North Sound, surrounded by dozens of the planet’s most fascinating creatures — southern stingrays.
The story of how Stingray City came to be is unique: In the 1970s, fishermen cleaning their catch would throw fish guts overboard into the waters. Wild stingrays began to gather in the area and eat the scraps, eventually correlating the sound of the fishermen’s boat engines to food.
Stingray City is a popular tourist attraction; the stingrays are very well-trained and used by humans. However, it’s important to remember that stingrays are wild animals and can become agitated if threatened. Learning about the proper interaction protocols with these creatures is essential for an enjoyable and safe experience.
Cayman Turtle Centre
This is a great option for kids who love turtles; it is a large facility with multiple breeding pools and a touch tank. You can hold a baby turtle in the tank if it is done correctly and responsibly. It is optional for us, but this is an excellent option if you want to see a different side of the Cayman Islands and something unique.
The center also has a 1.3 million gallon saltwater lagoon where you can swim with turtles and other marine life. The turtles there are bred to be released into the wild at various stages of their lives.
However, the center is now being criticized for treating turtles after World Animal Protection uncovered shocking conditions in a new undercover investigation. On the eve of World Turtle Day, TripAdvisor announced removing tickets to Cayman Turtle Centre, owned by Carnival Cruise Lines, due to public outcry.
Crystal Caves
Besides a beautiful beach, five-star resorts, and upscale banking services, Grand Cayman is also home to several otherworldly marine encounters. Untamed hiking trails, handsome heritage sites, and other memorable experiences await this Caribbean island.
While scuba diving at the Cayman Islands, you can spot dolphins, stingrays, and sharks. You can even swim with sea turtles at the Cayman Turtle Centre.
On land, hike along the Mastic Trail, a nature path traverses the Cayman Islands’ dense forests and reveals native flora and fauna. Alternatively, discover local art at the National Gallery. Or, if you’re into three-dimensional works of art, check out Davinoff’s Concrete Sculpture Garden up the road from the Crystal Caves for sculptures depicting various animals. The Cayman Crystal Caves is one of the island’s newest attractions and a must-visit for any natural lover. Tucked away in a tropical forest on the island’s north side, these caves feature pathways that lead through stalactites and stalagmites.
Skull Cave
Exploring a limestone cave is a fun way to experience Grand Cayman’s subterranean beauty. Whether you want to live out your inner pirate at the kid-friendly Skull Cave or be enchanted by stalactites and limestone pillars at Crystal Caves, this is an opportunity to see the islands from a different perspective.
If you’re up for some hiking, the Mastic Trail is a lovely way to get in touch with nature and spot some of the island’s native wildlife. Bring mosquito spray and wear comfortable shoes for this popular activity.
One of the more challenging caves at Lava Beds National Monument, Skull Cave is named for the many animals (bighorn sheep, antelope, and even humans) and two bat skulls found within its depths. Fortunately, its immense size precludes anyone from feeling claustrophobic while exploring this cave. This is a good cave for beginners to explore.
Georgetown Shopping
Whether you’re on a cruise stopover or visiting as a leisurely island resident, you will find yourself with fun things to do in Cayman. From high-end boutiques to locally crafted souvenirs, you’ll enjoy a variety of luxury shopping experiences.
From leather goods to trinkets made from coral and native wood, artisans create a variety of unique arts and crafts. A trip to the Cayman Craft Market near the George Town cruise terminal is a good place to begin your journey.
If you want to shop at a more exclusive destination, head to The Ritz-Carlton on-site shopping area. Here, you can pick up high-end clothing, culinary tools, and beach gear in a convenient location. The store also carries rare antiques and collectible coins recovered from shipwrecks. You’ll also find jewelry and local souvenirs.
Beach Day
Beaches are a big part of Grand Cayman Islands life. They’re also where you can get to know the Caribbean’s most fascinating marine creatures.
National Beach Day was founded in 2014 by animal activist and family lifestyle expert Colleen Paige to show appreciation for beaches while reminding people they must be maintained so future generations can enjoy them. While soaking up the sunshine is part of the equation, National Beach Day encourages you to help keep your favorite shoreline clean by picking up trash as you go.
The best time to visit Grand Cayman is between October and April, when temperatures are warmer and dry. However, this British Overseas Territory is breathtaking all year round. Whether on Seven Mile Beach or looking for a more secluded shore, you’ll find plenty of unmissable things to do in Grand Cayman. From scuba diving to exploring the ex-USS Kittiwake shipwreck, you’ll discover that there is more to this island paradise than pretty beaches and five-star resorts.
