In the Cayman Islands, you’ll discover a diver’s delight: vibrant coral vistas, thriving wrecks, rare sponges and other special species. What’s more, you’ll find them all just a few feet from our shores. Read five more reasons to visit.

Beaches

It’s on nearly every postcard: Seven Mile Beach is that idyllic, wide swath of white sand spanning Grand Cayman’s west side. Kids splash in the breaking waves. Adults take advantage with long walks. Honeymooners lounge, soaking up the sun or taking in one of the Caribbean’s best sunsets.

This is the most popular beach pick, but it’s far from the islands’ only. Walk or ask your cabbie to take you to Cemetery Beach, an excellent snorkel spot. Smith Barcadere is a favorite among visitors and locals alike. But for the most secluded beaches, hop over to Little Cayman and borrow a kayak to explore Owen Island; there, your only company will be passing southern
stingrays.

Water sports

If it seems like almost everyone in the Cayman Islands spends happy hour gabbing about turtle sightings and wall dives, it’s because they do. A favorite pastime in the Cayman Islands is scuba diving, and this trio of islands has 365 named sites — including wrecks like M.V. Captain Keith Tibbetts off Cayman Brac — seemingly endless reefs and those world-famous walls.

But there’s more than one way to enjoy the calm, clear waters. Along Seven Mile Beach, you can paddle-board, parasail, snorkel or kayak. Head to Kaibo Beach Bar, located at the eastern end of the North Sound, for kite boarding lessons or just to watch wave riders catch air.

Cuisine

In a beautiful destination with exceptional cuisine, no palate will be disappointed. With more than 200 restaurants — from fi ne dining to beach side fare, the Cayman Islands has become regarded as being the Culinary Capital of the Caribbean. Blue Cilantro’s ever-changing menu of Indian-infusion dishes includes items such as diver scallops with tomato chutney.

Blue by Eric Ripert specializes in tasting menus with experiences like raw tuna paired with foie gras. For those wanting to keep it simple, Macabuca Bar & Grill offers a Monday-night all-you-can eat barbecue special with ribs, chicken, pasta and more. And of course, eat like the locals do and grab some classic Caymanian cuisine at Grape Tree Cafe — fried fi sh with fritters are a must-have! Regardless of where you end up, you’ll wish you could stay longer to explore more of the delicious cuisine of the Cayman Islands.

Nightlife

Think the beach is only for daytime fun? Check out Calico Jack’s full moon parties and you’ll find that the shore can be just as hot at night. For that toes-in-the-sand, beer-in-hand relaxed vibe, head to Royal Palms, where live music is often part of the scene. Want to skip the sand?

Then head inland for wine bars, like West Indies Wine Company, where you can sample one-, three or five ounce pours, plus craft beers — and don’t forget the bubbles! Those with energy to spare can mingle late into the night at several spots, including
Obar Nightclub with DJs and a packed dance floor.

Accommodations

Yes, there are hotels with room service. Yes, there are villas with kitchens. These islands offer a mix of accommodation choices to satisfy every style of traveler. Dive resorts allow you to roll out of bed and right onto a reef bound boat.

Hotels and a large selection of condominiums throughout all
three islands provide outstanding ocean views while putting you no more than a few paces from the sand. On Cayman Brac, those seeking pure solitude can rent a guesthouse where the only sounds are waves, birds and falling coconuts.