The Cayman Islands might be on your radar as a cruise port city, but Grand Cayman has so much more to offer than as a cruise stop. Schedule a few of these best things to do in Grand Cayman.
You’ll enjoy the change of pace and surprising finds.
While scuba diving in the Cayman Islands is an incredible draw, snorkeling is a welcome option for those who can’t or don’t want to go deep. Add a Waverunner jet ski, and it’s a fun, fast-paced day. You’ll cover around three different reefs and have fun on the surface too.
Out from the resorts on Seven Mile Beach and the touristy streets of Georgetown, there’s East End. About an hour’s drive, the area can be comfortably covered on two wheels along Queen’s Highway. Be sure to stop by the monument to the royals when they last visited–which also means the highway’s re-paving ensures a smooth ride.
Located in a business park, this restaurant might be a surprising find. La Brasserie is one of two farm-to-table establishments on the island, and the farmer is also the wife to the house chef. From banana trees to pepper plants, take a stroll around the greenhouse before or after your meal. Order the truffle grilled cheese for a flavour explosion too.
Again, up toward East End, the Crystal Caves are buried beneath the jungle-like tropical landscape. The caves were just found and escalated in 2016 and opened not long after. Walk among the stalactites and stalagmites for an eye-popping afternoon.
To the east on the island and near the caves is also the park that protects indigenous Blue Iguanas. These reptiles are quickly being overtaken by Green Iguanas. Visit the preserve to see the lethargic blue species and help support the effort to keep populations growing.
Take a catamaran to Stingray City just ahead of the sunset. Going at this hour will make for a near-private experience thanks to the departure of the cruise ships. After you disembark into the clear blue waters, wait for the stingrays to fly through the water toward you.
Pet the slippery wings and enjoy watching them swim up to you. Back on board, pick up a local beer that helps with the preservation of wildlife. So, enjoy a nice spread of food as you sail back at sunset.
A private sailboat or catamaran is the way to travel to Kaibo, an eatery on the coast of Rum Point. They have a wonderful seafood menu and strong mixed drinks but save room for a Mud Slide. This alcoholic drink is more of a dessert than anything thanks to the ice cream and coffee- and chocolate-flavoured liqueurs mixed in. Sit downstairs with your toes in the sand.