Grand Cayman

Grand Cayman, the largest of the Cayman Islands, is a Caribbean destination covering 76 square miles. The island has white sand beaches like Seven Mile Beach, underwater adventures at Stingray City, and vibrant coral reefs for diving and snorkeling. In George Town, you can shop at duty-free stores, while across the island you can observe local wildlife and taste Caymanian cuisine.

Geography and Climate of Grand Cayman

Grand Cayman is a flat island, with its highest point reaching only 60 feet above sea level. The island extends approximately 22 miles in length and 8 miles across at its widest point. The tropical climate maintains temperatures around 80°F (27°C) throughout the year. November to April marks the dry season, while May to October brings more rainfall. Hurricane season runs from June to November, though Grand Cayman's western Caribbean location results in fewer direct hits compared to some other islands in the region.

Seven Mile Beach

Seven Mile Beach stretches along Grand Cayman's western coast. Despite its name, the beach actually measures about 5.5 miles in length. All beaches in Grand Cayman are public property, allowing you to walk the entire stretch. Along the way, you'll pass numerous resorts, restaurants, and beach bars. The calm, clear water is suitable for swimming and snorkeling. You can rent beach chairs and umbrellas from vendors, or bring your own towel to relax on the white sand.

Stingray City

At Stingray City, you can interact with southern stingrays in the shallow waters of Grand Cayman's North Sound. Tour boats take visitors to a series of sandbars where these wild animals gather. Standing in waist-deep water, you'll be surrounded by dozens of stingrays. Experienced tour operators guide you on how to touch and feed these animals safely. The shallow depth makes this experience accessible to both swimmers and non-swimmers.

Scuba Diving and Snorkeling

Grand Cayman has over 200 dive sites, including coral reefs, wall dives, and shipwrecks. One notable site is the USS Kittiwake, a ship intentionally sunk to create an artificial reef. For snorkeling, head to spots like Eden Rock and Devil's Grotto where you might see colorful fish, sea turtles, and nurse sharks. Many dive shops on the island provide equipment rentals and guided tours for divers of all experience levels.

Local Cuisine

Grand Cayman's cuisine reflects Caribbean flavors and international influences. Seafood is common, with conch, mahi-mahi, and snapper appearing on many menus. Try local dishes such as conch fritters, Cayman-style beef, or turtle stew (made from farm-raised turtles). For a casual meal, look for fish fry shacks along the beach. More upscale restaurants are located in the Seven Mile Beach and George Town areas. To drink, sample beers from the Cayman Islands Brewery or cocktails made with Seven Fathoms Rum, which is distilled on the island.