Grand Cayman Island
Aerial View of Grand Cayman Island
A Brief History
Inhabited since well before the arrival of Columbus in 1503 by the Taínos, the Grand Cayman Island is the largest of the three Cayman Islands, located in the western Caribbean Sea. A British colony for over 300 years, the island served as a hub for pirates and turtle hunters, but today the island is a thriving financial center and tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the world with its luxurious resorts, scenic beaches, and rich cultural heritage.
Festivals & Celebrations
The Cayman Islands International Fishing Tournament (CIIFT) is the Islands’ premier sportfishing experience for over 25 years and will be held on April 25 – May 2, 2023. The tournament features a mix of local and international anglers competing for cash and prizes in various categories.
Capella Music Festival is a summer music experience in Grand Cayman taking place on Saturday, April 29, 2023 at the Festival Green located in Camana Bay. Featuring Cayman’s top artists, bands and DJs alongside an exciting line up of Legendary International artists.
Cayman Carnival Batabano is the national carnival of the Cayman Islands, held annually in May at the start of the turtle nesting season. It’s a joyous, cultural celebration throughout the Caribbean – a kaleidoscope of music, dance and pageantry, rooted in the region’s diverse historical influences.
Find the very best of Cayman’s diverse cuisines, local produce and drinks at the Taste of Cayman Food & Drink Festival. Held on May 13, 2023 at the Festival Green, Camana Bay, it is a true foodie festival.
Plenty to See & Do
From exploring the island's natural beauty to indulging in its world-class shopping and dining, there is something for everyone. Here are some of the top things to see and do on Grand Cayman Island:
Seven Mile Beach
One of the most famous beaches in the Caribbean, its sparkling white sand and crystal-clear waters make it the perfect place for sunbathing, swimming, or simply relaxing. The waterfront here is open to the public; you can walk the full length of the shore regardless of where you’re staying.
George Town
George Town is the capital city and a popular port for Caribbean cruise ships. This quaint town is host to a variety of activities, from luxurious glass-bottom boat tours, fascinating rum distillery tours and beautiful art galleries to submarine tours, snorkeling, diving, and parasailing.
Cayman Crystal Caves
Situated in a lush tropical forest, the Cayman Crystal Caves is the island’s newest nature tourist attraction. Experience the unique and beautiful caves where you’ll see crystal structures and otherworldly formations formed by single drops of water and the slow passage of time.
Cayman Turtle Farm
At this sanctuary for endangered sea turtles, visitors can learn about these fascinating creatures and even swim with them in a lagoon as part of a complete interactive wildlife conservation experience.
Water Sports
Choose from fishing, paddle boarding, kayaking, Jet-Skiing, parasailing, kitesurfing, snorkeling and sailing. Cayman is one of the top dive destinations anywhere, with 365 sites marked with moorings. The waters are about 77°F year-round with some of the best visibility in the world.
Shopping
Camana Bay is a bustling shopping district with an enormous array of boutiques, shops, and restaurants that cater to all tastes and budgets. Grand Cayman shopping is duty-free, and prices can be as much as 30-percent less expensive here.
Exploring
Guided tours, hiking, horseback riding and more will take you through an environment overflowing with diverse plants and wildlife.
Wellness
Enjoy a day at one of their luxurious spas or keep up with your workout goals at one of the fitness centers. Yoga studios throughout the island offer classes at advanced and beginners’ levels, both indoors and beachside.
The Culinary Capital of the Caribbean
Be sure to taste one of these essential Cayman dishes with roots in Caymanian traditions and culture:
Conch: Stew, soup, fritters, or with a crisp salad.
Johnny Cake: A small, deep-fried batter bread.
Jerk Chicken: Commonly seasoned with allspice and scotch bonnet peppers.
Cayman-Style Lobster: Cooked with scotch bonnet peppers and hot sauce.
Cayman-Style Beef: Shreds of beef slow-cooked and tossed with hot spices, left to soak in its own juices. It’s the tenderest meat you’ll ever taste.
Fish and Fritters: Enjoy snapper, grouper, and whole Mahi Mahi marinated in lime, salt, and pepper for seasoning and fried with onions, butter, peppers, and spices.
Coconut Shrimp: Combines Cayman's tender shrimp with one of the island’s most popular fruits.
Heavy Cake: Made from cassava, coconut milk, sugar, and a selection of unique spices for a dessert that has been a favorite in the Islands for centuries.
Dining Out
Grand Cayman is a food lover's paradise. Here are some of the best places to try:
www.ritzcarlton.com
Blue by Eric Ripert
The freshest seafood and expertly crafted cocktails. A variety of dishes that showcase the island's local ingredients, and the atmosphere is chic and upscale.
The Ritz Carlton
Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman
ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/caribbean/grand-cayman/dining/blue
www.tillies.ky
Tillies
Located on iconic Seven Mile Beach, Tillies is classic seaside dining, featuring fresh local produce, grills, salads and dishes inspired the Greater Antilles region, its namesake.
747 West Bay Road
Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman
www.tillies.ky
www.gtyachtclub.com
George Town Yacht Club
A casual dining experience with a nautical theme, featuring a variety of dishes that showcase the island's local ingredients.
The Barcadere Marina
North Sound Road, Grand Cayman
www.gtyachtclub.com
www.thaiorchid.ky
Thai Orchid
An interesting and exotic dining experience, with food prepared by authentic Thai chefs.
West Bay Road Queen's Court Plaza
Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman
www.thaiorchid.ky
www.pappagallo.ky
Ristorante Pappagallo
A romantic dining experience with a variety of Italian-inspired dishes. Intimate and elegant.
444 Conch Point Road
West Bay KY1-1301, Grand Cayman
www.pappagallo.ky
Places to Stay
Grand Cayman Island is home to a variety of luxury hotels and resorts that offer the ultimate in relaxation and comfort. From world-class amenities to breathtaking views, these properties are the perfect place to unwind and indulge during your stay on the island.
www.ritzcarlton.com
The Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman
This luxurious resort features 378 rooms and suites with private balconies, and ocean views. The hotel offers snorkeling, diving, or spa treatments in addition to multiple dining options, including a beach club and an Italian restaurant.
Click here for more information about the resort.
www.seafireresortandspa.com
Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa
This chic resort features 60 luxurious one, two and three-bedroom suites, each with a private terrace and breathtaking ocean views. Enjoy three swimming pools, a fitness center, and a full-service spa.
Click here for more information about the resort.
www.marriott.com
The Westin Grand Cayman Resort & Spa
A beautiful resort offering 422 guest rooms with stunning views of the ocean or lush gardens, a large pool, a fitness center, and a full-service spa, as well as several restaurants serving gourmet cuisine.
Click here for more information about the resort.
What More Can I Tell You?
If it isn’t already, put the Grand Cayman Island on your bucket list! I promise you that this gorgeous little island will exceed any expectation you’ve ever had of a vacation. As always, safe travels!