Cayman Islands

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Leaning tree above calm turquoise sea, Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands, West Indies, Caribbean, Central America

Getty Images/Robert Harding World Imagery

Overview

Some 2.5 million tourists visit the Cayman Islands each year. Most of them are cruise-ship passengers, who spend a few hours shopping, sunbathing or swimming with stingrays before pulling out of port. Others hunker down near Seven Mile Beach, enjoying their all-inclusive resort on one of the Caribbean's most beautiful stretches of sand. And a lucky few venture further.

01 / Attractions

Must-see attractions

Cemetery Beach
Grand Cayman
Ask a local where they like to spend a sunny day and they will likely direct you to this gorgeous strip of sand at the northern end of Seven Mile Beach…
Smith's Cove
Grand Cayman
Easily one of the best snorkeling spots on Grand Cayman, this series of coves has shallow, calm water, pretty rock formations and a nice variety of sea…
Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park
Grand Cayman
Come here to see a veritable treasure trove of the island’s native species. A series of walking trails traverses the lovely landscaped gardens, which…
Seven Mile Beach
Grand Cayman
Although it’s really only about 5½ miles long, this gorgeous strand has flawless white sand and crystal-blue waters – it's just as pretty as a postcard…
Cayman Turtle Center
Grand Cayman
This is essentially a sea-turtle petting zoo. There are lots of turtles swimming in tanks, and guests are invited to handle the young ones (who are…
Starfish Point
Grand Cayman
Red-cushion sea stars dot this little patch of sand and sea, which can sometimes be crystal clear and sometimes murky and yellow, depending on what the…
Wreck of the 10 Sail Monument
Grand Cayman
In 1794 a convoy of 10 British merchant ships wrecked on the reef off the East End. Local residents came to the aid of the convoy, rescuing all but eight…
Pedro St James
Grand Cayman
The island's oldest building, this Caribbean great house was built in 1780 by one of Cayman's founding families (with enslaved people doing the heavy…