Grand Cayman Island Getaway: Best Beaches & Local Finds

As someone based in Atlanta, I love how easy it is to slip into island mode with a quick 2.5-hour flight to Grand Cayman Island. It’s one of those destinations that keeps calling us back—whether we’re swimming with stingrays, enjoying a beachfront breakfast, or just watching the sunset over Seven Mile Beach with a rum punch in hand.

This guide blends my personal favorites with some must-know tips so you can plan your own unforgettable island escape.

Why Visit Grand Cayman Island?

• Quick, direct flight from the U.S. (just 2.5 hours from Atlanta)
• White sand and clear blue waters at Seven Mile Beach
• Snorkel with stingrays and dine on fresh conch
• Eat your way through waterfront restaurants and beach bars
• Explore quirky spots like “Hell” and the Turtle Centre

Getting Around Grand Cayman Island

Driving? They drive on the other side of the road (yes, British-style—on the left!).

Public buses are more like minivans and easy to catch during the day, but they stop running around sundown.

Tip: We’ve rented a car before, but walking and shuttles can cover a lot if you’re staying along Seven Mile Beach.

Where We Stay

On our first visit, we stayed at the Marriott Grand Cayman, and it was a great intro to island life. The hotel is lovely and centrally located, though it’s worth noting that it has experienced some beach erosion over the years—which can affect the beachfront experience depending on the season. More recently, we’ve started renting a condo on Seven Mile Beach, and we love the extra space, kitchen, and beachfront access—it just feels like home.

If you’re looking for resort options, The Westin, Ritz-Carlton, and Kimpton Seafire Resort are all excellent choices with beachfront access, upscale amenities, and great dining.

Best Beaches in Grand Cayman

Seven Mile Beach

You’ll hear about it everywhere, and for good reason. It’s stunning. The water is crystal clear, the sand is soft and white, and there’s plenty of room to swim, snorkel, or just relax. Most resorts and condos line this beach, so you’re always steps away from paradise.

Other Beach Areas Worth Exploring

• Rum Point – A relaxed spot on the north side with shallow waters, great for families.
• Starfish Point – A quiet beach where you can wade in and spot starfish (please look, don’t touch!).
• Spotts Beach – Less crowded and a great place to possibly see sea turtles in the early morning.

Dining Favorites: Where We Love to Eat

• Rackam’s – Go for the sunset and stay to watch the tarpon feeding right off the deck. Such a cool experience!
• The Wharf – Perfect for a romantic dinner with ocean views.
• Abacus in Camana Bay – Their all-you-can-eat lobster nights (Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday) are worth planning your week around.
• Coconut Joe’s – A casual spot down the street from our condo that we love for breakfast or an easy bar-and-grill-style dinner.
• And don’t forget to stop by Tortuga Rum Cake Factory for free

Stingray City & Snorkeling with Captain Marvin’s

If there’s one excursion you can’t miss on Grand Cayman Island, it’s Stingray City—and we always book through Captain Marvin’s. What we love most is that it’s a smaller, more intimate experience compared to the large tour boats that can be packed with hundreds of people. With Captain Marvin’s, it feels personal, friendly, and easygoing—just the way you want it on island time.

On our last trip, we did the full-day tour:

• Snorkeling at two coral reef spots
• Visiting Stingray City
• A beach break with lunch
• And a bonus: fresh conch diving (when in season), where they made conch ceviche right on the boat (delicious and unforgettable!)

The stingrays are so gentle and used to people—you can touch them, feed them, and even get a smooch for good luck. Captain Marvin’s crew makes sure everyone feels safe and has a great time.

Cayman Turtle Centre: More Than You’d Expect

This isn’t just a “kids’ attraction.” The Cayman Turtle Centre combines conservation, research, and fun in one place. You can see massive green sea turtles, learn about their habitat, and even swim in a lagoon with turtles.

There are also sharks, birds, and even a waterslide and pool if you want to cool off. We love that our visit also supports important marine conservation work on the island.

Sending Postcards from “Hell”

Yes, there’s actually a town called Hell in Grand Cayman—and it’s every bit as quirky as it sounds. Picture sharp black limestone rock formations, a tiny post office, and souvenir shops filled with fiery puns. There’s even a bar and a post office—because really, what else do you need when you’re visiting Hell?

We always send a postcard or two back home stamped from “Hell”—it’s touristy but fun, and worth the quick detour.

Other Places to Explore on Grand Cayman Island

• Smith Cove – A small, scenic beach with amazing snorkeling and photo ops.
• Pedro St. James Castle – Cayman’s oldest building with gorgeous ocean views and a dose of history.
• Camana Bay – Great for shopping, walking around, and grabbing coffee or gelato.
• George Town – The capital city, full of local culture, duty-free shopping, oceanfront dining, and colorful murals. It’s a great place to explore on foot.

Wrapping Up Your Island Escape

If you’re looking for a tropical destination that’s easy to get to from the U.S., full of adventures, and packed with postcard-perfect views, Grand Cayman Island is your spot.

Whether you’re snorkeling with stingrays, sipping cocktails on Seven Mile Beach, or just soaking in the sun, this island delivers every time.

Ready to book your flight? Pack your sunscreen, leave room in your bag for rum cake, and get ready to fall in love with island life.

Planning More Travel?

Check out my Casco Viejo, Panama guide or explore the colorful Dutch-Caribbean charm of Curaçao for another unforgettable getaway.