Cover: Grand Cayman Islands

Grand Cayman, the largest of the three Cayman Islands and a British Overseas Territory, is a premier Caribbean destination renowned for the iconic Seven Mile Beach, world-class scuba diving, and the unique stingray sandbar, Stingray City. Located in the western Caribbean, this affluent island offers a blend of luxury, adventure, and relaxation, featuring duty-free shopping in the capital, George Town, alongside natural attractions.

Where is this paradise?

Grand Cayman is the largest island in the Cayman Islands, a British Overseas Territory located in the Western Caribbean Sea. It lies approximately 480 miles south of Miami, 277 miles south of Cuba, and 310 miles northwest of Jamaica. The capital, George Town, is on the island’s western shore.

Trip Experience

A small country about a tenth of the size of Rhode Island. A peek into historical records reminds me the island was discovered in the 1500s, later to be colonized by the British.  That the reason for the discovery was not spices but turtles, makes me even more fascinated.  The turtle meat must have made good fodder for the hungry sailors along a less traveled route.  Along with its sister island Jamaica, the British ruled the colonies till the mid twentieth century. While this little country is self governed, it remains still a British Overseas Territory and it is little surprise that the British legacy lives on.

A few hours into landing on a scorching stretch of runway, I am greeted by lizards and their cousins slithering fearlessly as I cautiously step around them. Later, I settle down into views that are multiple hues of blue. Snorkelers dot the expanse of the ocean bobbing rhythmically with the gentle waves. I watch them with envy as I have accepted the fact that I am no swimmer, at least not in the ocean.  A ship with its happy cruisers in its belly announces its departure by a long throaty toot.   Little speedboats and water skiers roar past each other, their wakes faithfully trailing along. I watch the little black birds that alight by my feet, I more scared than them.  I float into a gentle slumber to wake up to realize everything looks the same except the sun setting into the dusky waters reminding me of the hours that have ticked by.

I realize I have done absolutely nothing.

Caymanians pride themselves on their kindness, smiling their smiles that compete with the bright sunshine.  The local eclectic food offers a cuisine, a blended taste of their society – of locals, immigrants and everyone in between. The imbibe of their pride, Rum, offered in all kinds of concoctions everywhere, all the time, shows the best of their own spirit. I partake in the exquisite meals washed down with exotic libations, chatting up with people from all over the globe in a space in which I am unfamiliar, yet fully at home.

I am yet to emerge out of my reverie.

I am yet to answer my own question.

Perhaps the roar of the jet engines on my flight back home will.

Highlights

A long weekend or a 5-day itinerary is ideal for exploring Grand Cayman’s highlights at a balanced pace. This itinerary covers popular beaches, marine activities, and natural attractions.

Day 1: Seven Mile Beach

Spend the afternoon relaxing on the white sands of the famous Seven Mile Beach area, swimming, or enjoying resort amenities like snorkeling or paddleboarding.

Enjoy an oceanfront dinner.

Day 2: Marine Life Encounters
Take a morning boat excursion to the famous Stingray City sandbar to interact with and feed wild stingrays in  their natural habitat. Many tours combine this with stops for snorkeling at the Coral Gardens.

In the afternoon, visit the Cayman Turtle Centre to see and learn about sea turtles and even swim in their lagoons.
For dinner, try local Caribbean cuisine at a spot like Heritage Kitchen or Peppers.

Day 3: Island Exploration – North Side & East End
Drive to the North Side to explore the stunning limestone formations at the Cayman Crystal Caves on a guided walking tour. Pre-booking is recommended.

Visit the unique geological site known as Hell, where you can view black limestone formations and send a postcard from the “Hell Post Office”.

Enjoy lunch with a view at Tukka East End, an Australian-owned beachfront restaurant.

Spend the evening back in the Camana Bay area, a vibrant waterfront spot with shops and restaurants like Agua or Pani.

Day 4: Culture, History, and Bioluminescence

Explore George Town, the capital, visiting the Cayman Islands National Museum for a dose of local history.
Visit the historic Pedro St. James National Historic Site, the oldest stone building in Grand Cayman.

In the evening, take a kayak tour of the incredible Bioluminescent Bay, a magical experience to see the water light up with every movement.

Day 5: Relaxation and Departure
Enjoy a final, leisurely morning on a quieter beach like Starfish Point (remember not to touch the starfish) or Smith Cove.
Grab a final local meal, perhaps tacos at Sunshine Grill or a casual bite at Macabuca Tiki Bar.