The Cayman Islands is known for the glitz and glamour of its high end boutiques, coral sand beaches, and luxury yachts moored in the harbour but there is much more to Grand Cayman than meets the eye. There is a thriving expat community, so much wildlife, and the rustic feel of the more traditional east coast. Tourists travelling to the Cayman Islands for vacation are in for more than a simple beach break.  

W I L D L I F E

The island and its crystal-clear waters are home to a wide array of wildlife, much of which is accustomed to the presence of humans. Sting Ray City for example is a sandbar where fishermen used to clean their catch, dumping the fish guts into the water, and so the sting rays now flock to the sound of a motor. Visitors can jump into the shallow water and feed and pat the sting rays. 

At Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park, one can see the blue iguanas found only on Grand Cayman Island. Tours are offered of the breeding facility which helped to bring the species from the brink of extinction with only 13 lizards to the 1000 lizards that live today. The tour is conducted by warden Alberto Estevanovich whose voice the lizards recognise and come running to see him. After seeing the blue iguanas, wander through the botanic gardens, marvelling at the collection of native and international flora. 

The Turtle Centre is another popular spot, but it houses more than just turtles, with a nine-foot-long crocodile, and a predator tank. Guests can snorkel in a saltwater lagoon with a myriad of fish and sea turtles. The main highlight of the trip though is the turtles and guests can learn all about the ongoing conservation effort for these beautiful creatures. If you’d prefer to swim with wild turtles though, head to Spott’s Beach. 

A must-do for all visitors to Grand Cayman is a bioluminescence experience. Boats and kayaks leave from Rum Point and head away from the light pollution so guests can experience the full magnificence of this experience. Watching the water glow all around you will be a major highlight of the trip.  

W E L L N E S S

Grand Cayman is not touted as a wellness destination, but with a plethora of outdoor sports offerings, and plenty of spas to choose from, it is a fantastic choice for a wellness holiday. 

Most hotels on the island offer regular yoga sessions, with outdoor yoga becoming a staple on activity schedules of luxury resorts. Fitness is very important to the locals and expats on Grand Cayman and so there are plenty of companies offering outdoor fitness classes locally as well. From paddleboard yoga, to beach meditation, to kitesurfing, there is something for everyone. 

If a spa treatment is more your idea of wellness, there are plenty of options available. All of the luxury hotels on the island have amazing spas with extensive lists of treatments. The entire seven miles of Seven Mile Beach is packed with nail salons and day spas if you wanted to try out some more luxe-options.

Speckled throughout the island are wellness cafes for those who wish to nourish their body as well as their mind and soul. Menus will include things like acai bowls, breakfast burritos, smoothies, buddha bowls, and salads. There is no shortage of options for vegans, vegetarians, and those on a gluten free diet.  

E A T I N G & D R I N K I N G O U T

Our local cuisine is focused around seafood with turtles being one of the national dish. Other popular meats are cayman style beef and jerk chicken. Some local specialties to try are cassava stretchers, rum cake, fish ‘n fritters, rundown, a coconut milk stew with fish, pumpkin, onions, and peppers. Due to a large number of expats from a range of different countries, there are a lot of international restaurants available across the island.

Read our latest post on the thriving foodie scene that’s in Grand Cayman here.

Whether your looking for a relax vacation in the east or a lux spa day the Grand Cayman have just what you’re looking for.