10 Best Beaches in the Cayman Islands

Rum Point lies north of Grand Cayman, far from the cruise ship crowds of the country's capital, George Town. You can find many huts, beach chairs, picnic tables, and hammocks near the shore. Great food and drinks are available from nearby establishments, such as Wreck Bar & Grill – try its famous rum-infused Mudslide cocktail. Young children and novice swimmers will enjoy the beach's shallow water.

Kayaking, windsurfing, parasailing, stand-up paddleboarding, and jet skiing are some of the best things to do in Rum Point. Interested in marine life? You can go snorkelling in Barrier Reef, where over 100 coral species and colourful fish reside. There are also daily tours to the Stingray Sandbar.

West Bay Beach's coastline is rocky in some spots, but it offers one of the best sunset viewing experiences in the Cayman Islands. The beach is also the take-off point of diving tours to the Kittiwake Shipwreck & Artificial Reef. 

If you want to enjoy a horseback-riding experience, you can join Spirit of the West's Caribbean Sea Swim or Moonlight Stroll. West Bay also has a unique attraction called Hell, a black spiky limestone formation that’s as wide as half a football field.

Seven Mile Beach isn't exactly 7 miles, but more like 5.5 to 6 miles of sand on Grand Cayman's western coast. Because it’s a public beach, you're free to walk the entirety of its coral sand waterfront. Equipment for water sports is available for rent.

You'll find many of the main island's hotels and condos around Seven Mile Beach. With its flour-soft sand and casuarinas and coconut trees, this beach is one of the Cayman Islands' most beautiful stretches. It’s just 6 km north of George Town and visible from the main road.

Starfish Point is a snorkeller's delight, with around a dozen sea stars visible on the sandy floor of its shallow waters. But if you want to see more of them in their seagrass habitat, you'll have to go beyond its drop-off that's about 3 metres deep. These colourful creatures are safe to hold as long as they stay submerged in water.

Overlooking North Sound, Starfish Point is around 41 km northeast of George Town.  Many yacht operators can take you to this secluded beach – some even offer water-skiing, wave-running, and wakeboarding as additional activities.

Spotts Beach is a great place to spot sea turtles in Grand Cayman. These gentle creatures feed on its seagrass beds in the early mornings and late afternoons. Start your day here with a nice sunrise view, followed by breakfast under the shade of a cabana.

There’s a barrier reef some 90 metres from the coast, where coral, parrotfish, silvery-yellow jacks, and snappers reside. However, it’s best suited for experienced snorkellers and swimmers due to strong currents and the absence of lifeguards.

Smith's Barcadere (formerly known as Smith Cove) is located in South Sound, around 4.5 km of George Town. You can spend the whole day exploring fish life amid calm waters surrounded by limestone outcrops. A squid might just swim up close to you from the beach’s coral-covered rocks.

It's best to check Grand Cayman port's ship schedules when planning your visit to ensure there won't be any obstructions and fewer tourists. Outdoor showers and picnic tables are available at Smith's Barcadere.

Barker’s National Park features an undeveloped beach with a narrow but long shoreline that's protected by dense mangrove trees and reefs. Located on Grand Cayman's northwest coast, this is a great spot for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.

The beach is a haven for resident and migratory birds, such as brown pelicans, herons, and egrets. The Antillean nighthawk has a nesting ground on Volgunner's Pond. Kitesurfing novices and veterans alike come to Barker’s National Park for its favourable wind conditions and moderate swells.