Cayman Islands Travelers Recommend

Because of their coral reefs, turquoise waters, and rich local culture, three days might seem like too short a vacation to the Cayman Islands. However, 72 hours still provide plenty of time to see what this slice of paradise has to offer. Here’s how to make the most of your time. 

Day 1: Grand Cayman Orientation

Start your Cayman Islands vacation by getting your bearings on Grand Cayman Island, home to the island capital of George Town. As well as allowing you to skip the hassle of car hire, tours typically take you to the King George Watchtower, Tortuga Rum Cake Factory, Seven Mile Beach, Governor’s Residence, and the National Museum, providing a excellent introduction to what the island has to offer. 

This afternoon, return to Seven Mile Beach—considered one of the best beaches in the Western Hemisphere—to relax on the golden sands. If you’ve got an appetite for adventure, try out one of the water sports on offer. Finish off your first day with a romantic sunset cruise; choose an excursion with dinner onboard for an effortless evening on the water.

Day 2: Outdoor Adventure

The Cayman Islands are made for outdoor adventure, so devote day two to exploring the outdoors. Kick off your day on a tour of Grand Cayman’s famous Crystal Caves, which are filled with stalactites, stalagmites, and other interesting cave formations, or head to Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park for a serene escape from the crowds—keep an eye out for the Cayman blue iguana. 

As afternoon temperatures rise, cool off at sea. Snorkel in the clear waters of Stingray City; go deeper during a scuba diving lesson; or explore the coast on a Jet Ski. If you’d prefer to stay dry, admire underwater worlds from the comfort of a glass-bottom boat. This evening, make an excursion to Grand Cayman’s Bioluminous Bay to swim and snorkel among bioluminescent plankton. 

Day 3: Island Hopping

There’s much more to the Cayman Islands than Grand Cayman, and today’s your chance to experience a different kind of island life. See the islands from above on a day trip to Little Cayman Island, renowned for its scuba diving, or opt to explore Cayman Brac, known for its laid-back vibe and distinctive limestone bluff. 

If you’d prefer to stay on Grand Cayman, take a tour of the East End, considered the quieter side of the island, or treat your tastebuds to a food-and-walking tour and Caribbean rum tasting combo. No matter how you spend your day, plan to feast on fresh seafood at dinner; the islands are especially known for conch, seafood chowder, and Caribbean lobster.

With its vibrant coral gardens, hundreds of different species of fish, and abundant marine life, the sparkling clear waters of the Cayman Islands offer a trove of underwater wonders. From snorkeling tours to Stingray City, here are the best ways to admire the sea life around Grand Cayman Island. 

Stingray City

The conservation area of Stingray City is one of the best snorkeling spots in the Cayman Islands. Stretching across the sandbar of the North Sound, the main draw is the chance to see wild stingrays in their natural habitat. Tours often include visits to the nearby Coral Garden and Starfish Beach.

Snorkeling and Submarine Tours

Set sail aboard a catamaran or submarine to cruise around Grand Cayman’s National Marine Park, home to an incredible variety of sea creatures. Dive in to snorkel in the Caribbean Sea or admire the barrier reef from the submarine’s underwater viewing area. Look out for nurse sharks, sea turtles, stingrays, and sea sponges as well as tropical fish such as sergeant majors, parrotfish, and snapper.

Boat Cruises

Join a group tour or feel like a VIP on a private charter boat and cruise out to Seven Mile Beach, the North Sound Lagoon, or along the island’s west coast. Stop off along the way to marvel at the glowing waters of Bioluminous Bay, spot starfish at Starfish Point, or enjoy lunch at Rum Point.

Water Sports

If swimming and snorkeling aren’t enough to get your adrenaline pumping, venture even farther underwater on a scuba diving excursion, sign up for a kitesurfing lesson, or try out some of the latest trends in water sports like JetBlading, parasailing, or stand-up paddleboarding.