Top 12 Beautiful Places to Visit in the Cayman Islands

In a region of beautiful tropical islands with dazzling beaches, the Cayman Islands manages to stand above the rest.

Abounding in natural beauty, this Caribbean destination boasts pristine beaches, lush tropical forests, and some of the best dive sites in the world. Here are the top 12 most beautiful places to visit in the Cayman Islands…

1. Seven Mile Beach – the most beautiful beach in the Cayman Islands

No trip to the Cayman Islands would be complete without spending time on Seven Mile Beach. Often voted as the most beautiful beach in the Caribbean, this is exactly the reason why people fall in love with the region.

With inviting turquoise waters, beautiful white sand, and palm trees swaying in the warm breeze, it’s a remarkable locale to live out your Caribbean dreams. Swim, snorkel, sunbathe – this is a beach you don’t want to miss.

2. Kittiwake Shipwreck – a unique place to explore on the Cayman Islands

In a region filled with spectacular dive sites, the Kittiwake shipwreck is one of the best to explore in the entire Caribbean.

Deliberately sunk in 2011 for divers, there are plenty of pathways through the interior of this former US Navy ship. It’s a spooky and unreal experience and one that will stay with you long after you’ve returned home. If you’re going under, don’t forget to take out travel insurance.

3. Rum Point – one of the most popular and best spots to visit on the islands

The tranquil northern side of Grand Cayman Island is home to the illustrious Rum Point. With perfectly white sand, clear shallow water, and hammocks swinging underneath swaying palms, this beach is the definition of island paradise.

Picnic tables allow you to bring your own food for the trip, but many opt to try the fresh seafood served at the Rum Point Club, one of the island’s most famous foodie destinations. You won’t go hungry here.

4. Crystal Caves – a beautiful natural attraction to explore on Grand Cayman

Lying at the heart of Grand Cayman are the Crystal Caves. This is one of the most pristine and beautiful natural attractions in the Cayman Islands – the island’s tourism authority only recently started allowing tours.

Inside you’ll find beautiful stalagmite and stalactite crystals, shaped over thousands of years. Knowledgeable guides also take groups to visit an open-ceiling cave, and another with a beautiful lake of sapphire water.

It’s a truly special experience in Grand Cayman.

5. Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park – an idyllic Caribbean Garden

Located near the East End of Grand Cayman, Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park is a gorgeous example of a Caribbean garden, perfect to immerse yourself in the nature of the region.

Paths meander through lush tropical gardens, past dazzling flower beds, and underneath shady trees.

Guests are also welcome to retire to the historic tea house, and can also spy some Cayman Blue Iguana’s scampering around the small lake.

6. Starfish Point – one of the most stunning places to visit in the Cayman Islands

Even more of the local wildlife can be seen at Starfish Point – no points for guessing what kind. This idyllic stretch of sand is of course home to plenty of colorful starfish, living on the sandy seafloor.

You can easily see the starfish by going for a quick snorkel, but be careful not to disturb them.

Don’t forget to pack yourself a picnic lunch as well, as you can easily spend a whole day here.

7. Hell – ancient rock formations which is one of the best places to visit in Cayman Islands

Going to Hell might not sound like a whole lot of fun, but on Grand Cayman Island, it’s a must-do.

The name refers to a collection of black limestone rock formations, lying chaotically amidst some lush island foliage. After having a poke around this ancient and beautiful area, don’t forget to send your friends a postcard – greetings, from Hell!

8. Owen Island – a perfect spot for a kayaking adventure

For those spending some time on Little Cayman, Owen Island is a beautiful destination to maroon yourself for a day of swimming, exploring, and relaxing. Visit in the summer and you might even have the entire island to yourself.

But before you can do all that, you’ve got to get across to the island. Located a short way off Little Cayman, it’s the perfect opportunity to rent a kayak and paddle across for a bit of an adventure.

9. Bloody Bay Coral Reef Wall – one of the most beautiful dive sites in the Cayman Islands

It’s time to head back underwater for another jaw-dropping location: the Bloody Bay Wall. This is the most famous dive site in the Cayman Islands – and with good reason.

Starting at 25 feet underwater, this colorful coral reef wall stretches down an incredible 1000 feet further into the depths of the ocean. Filled with bright sponges, beautiful corals, and tropical marine life, diving here is an incredible experience in the Cayman Islands.

10. Cemetery Beach – one of the best beaches on the Cayman Islands

While it might not sound like it, Cemetery Beach is actually a very gorgeous stretch of sand to visit. Especially when it comes to watching a sunset.

Rather than jostle for space on Seven Mile Beach further south, head a little bit north to this secluded spot to enjoy the final stages of an afternoon. It’s peaceful, relaxing, and utterly gorgeous.

11. Mastic Trail – a beautiful hiking trail to visit in the Cayman Islands

The Mastic Trail is a great choice for those who want to leave the Caribbean beaches for a day and get into some nature.

This gravel path meanders through some of Grand Cayman’s most gorgeous landscapes, including a mangrove swamp and a 2 million-year-old woodland area. It’s an easy-going route and takes about 2 to 3 hours to walk the entire length and return to the car park.

12. East End – a beautiful place with a rich culture in the Cayman Islands

To get away from the hotels and development around George Town, visitors should make a beeline for the East End. It’s the perfect area to experience the rich culture of the Cayman Islands.

This region has a more rural and off the beaten track feel, with traditional Cayman cuisine, culture, and a relaxed pace of life. It’s also a great place for those solo travelers in the Caribbean looking for a quiet place to explore and recharge.

It feels as if we’ve barely scratched the surface of the Cayman Islands; there are plenty more natural attractions to discover, not to mention the brilliant festivals, shopping, and cuisine.

Long or short, any trip to the Cayman Islands will be one to remember!

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Emma Clair Kelly

With itchy feet, an inquisitive nature and an ardent wanderlust, Emma Clair has always been a traveller at heart. Hailing from the Emerald Isle she calls a small coastal town near Dublin home, but has lived in a few countries including Saigon, Vietnam where she resided for over a year. She counts supping on Bloody Marys on a rooftop in Manhattan, downing Singapore slings at the Raffles Hotel, daring a paraglide on the Grand Cayman, spending an exotic Christmas in Malaysia and exploring the Angkor Wat, Cambodia as her all time favourite travel moments. Although, she’ll always have a special place in her heart for the city where she makes her annual pilgrimages – Paris, her true city of lights.