Top 10 Must-See Attractions in Grand Cayman
A few must-see attractions should not be missed if you’re planning a trip to Grand Cayman. Whether you’re looking to check off a bucket list item, explore a new city, or soak up some local culture, these are the best things to do in Grand Cayman!
The Stingray City sandbar has been a popular gathering point for southern stingrays for decades. Today, tour providers offer a chance to get up close and personal with these majestic creatures.
1. Camana Bay Observation Tower
One of the island’s most impressive structures, Camana Bay’s 75-foot observation tower offers 360-degree views of Seven Mile Beach, George Town, and the North Sound. Taking a double helix staircase to the top of this free must-do attraction, visitors are enchanted by a floor-to-ceiling mosaic that depicts the beautiful reefs and marine life around the Cayman Islands.
As you ascend, the entire family will feel like they’re diving from the sea bed to the surface, with the mosaic constructed from countless tiles in 114 different colors. Using inspiration from dive spots across the Cayman Islands, this stunning piece of art is one of the largest undersea mosaic installations in the world.
2. Camana Bay Market
Located just steps from Seven Mile Beach, Camana Bay is a vibrant waterfront community with many activities for the whole family. From world-class shopping and dining to unique attractions and various health and fitness services, there’s something for everyone here.
So, what should I not miss in Grand Cayman explore the town’s bustling Town Centre with its Caribbean-inspired architecture, a myriad of amenities, and outdoor gathering spaces. The development is built around New Urbanism, a planning model that promotes ‘walkability’ by encouraging streets to connect to shady courtyards and green spaces.
Shop for fresh, locally grown produce at the Farmers Market, where you’ll find various vegetables, fruits, breadfruit, callaloo, and peppers.
3. Cayman Crystal Caves
The island’s newest nature tourist attraction is situated in a lush tropical forest on the North Side, Cayman Crystal Caves. Each visitor receives a guided tour of the tropical forest and three spectacular caves.
This is a unique and beautiful experience that you must not miss out on. It combines natural beauty with exciting adventure.
You’ll visit a unique, verdant tropical forest home to glistening rock formations and pristine pools of water. You’ll also venture into the underground caves to admire stalactite and stalagmite crystal structures formed by single drops of water over thousands of years.
4. Turtle Lagoon
Turtle Lagoon is home to various sea creatures, including octopus and eagle rays. It’s an exhilarating snorkeling experience and a great chance to get close to these majestic creatures.
The tour starts with a trip to Stingray City, where you will be guided and shown how to feed these adorable animals. From there, you’ll head to Coral Gardens, where you will be equipped with snorkel gear and life preservers to have an unforgettable time in the water.
5. Seven Fathoms Distillery
The only distillery in Grand Cayman, Seven Fathoms Distillery is a must-visit for all spirits enthusiasts. Here, rum is distilled in small batches using cane juice grown on the island. Then, it’s aged in year-old bourbon barrels placed 42 feet underwater for two years—a process unique to distilled spirits.
6. Stingray City
Located offshore from Rum Point in the North Sound Harbor, Stingray City (also known as Valley of the Rays) is the best place to snorkel and interact with stingrays. The shallow waters are just a few feet deep, but dozens of wild southern stingrays congregate here to swim and clean off.
Many tour companies in the area offer tours to Stingray City. This is a popular activity for travelers of all ages, so book your time in advance.
7. Fritters
If you’re looking for a tasty snack or appetizer to accompany your rum drink, look no further than Grand Cayman’s best conch fritters. These fried shellfish come in various flavors, but our favorite is the Fish Shack version.
Another popular local dish is turtle stew, a spicy stew often served with beans and rice. If you want to get adventurous, visit a turtle farm and try it yourself!
8. Turtle Stew
When Columbus sighted the Cayman Islands in 1503, they were named Las Tortugas, or the “turtle islands.” These beautiful creatures were the primary source of meat for settlers in the Caribbean, and even today, they’re still a delicacy on Grand Cayman.
While fishing nearly wiped out turtle populations in the 1600s, today’s conservation efforts are helping to bring them back from the brink without compromising a centuries-old culinary tradition. The Cayman Turtle Farm, one of the top Grand Cayman attractions, breeds and releases sea turtles to meet the demand for local delicacies and help protect endangered species.
9. Cayman Turtle Farm
The Cayman Turtle Centre (formerly the Cayman Turtle Farm) is the world’s most extensive land-based sea turtle breeding and conservation facility. It is also one of the best attractions to see in Grand Cayman.
The breeding farm, located next to the sea, has been around since 1968. It was founded to help save the endangered green sea turtle, a species of marine turtle that has been declining in numbers due to poaching by people who eat turtle meat.
10. Cayman Islands National Museum
Located in George Town’s Old Courts Building, the Cayman Islands National Museum showcases the natural and cultural history of the Cayman Islands through dynamic programs, exhibits, and displays. Residents and school groups enter for free.
Among the permanent exhibits are Caymanian art and culture, a display of the island’s natural heritage, and an animatronic of Miss Annie Huldah Bodden, a former parliamentarian and lawyer who played a role in shaping the development of the Cayman Islands.
