If you’re dreaming of turquoise, crystal-clear waters and white sandy beaches, look no further than Grand Cayman Island! This Caribbean paradise is only a short, direct flight from Houston — less than 3 hours away! Whether you’re planning a romantic escape or a family vacation, Grand Cayman has something for everyone.
Grand Cayman is part of the British Overseas Territory of the Cayman Islands, so you’ll notice subtle touches of British charm — from driving on the left side of the road to being greeted at the airport by a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II.
My hubby and I visited grand Cayman for our 10th wedding anniversary. To find out more about our annual retreats, read my blog post “Why Every Couple Needs a Yearly Romantic Getaway” HERE.
Where to Stay on Grand Cayman
Seven Mile Beach is world-famous for a reason. Stretching along the island’s west coast, this stunning beach is consistently ranked among the top beaches in the world for its calm, crystal-clear waters and soft white sand.
We stayed at The Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort, and it couldn’t have been more perfect. The beach is pristine and calm — ideal for young children or blissful relaxation. It also offers fantastic snorkeling right from shore. We had so much fun searching for “buried treasure” and pretty shells. We even spotted a barracuda gliding past Us!
The resort itself is beautiful, with excellent amenities, beachfront dining, and plenty of lounge chairs shaded by palms and umbrellas. It’s the perfect home base for your Grand Cayman adventure.
Top Things to Do in Grand Cayman
1. Visit Stingray City (Absolute Must!)
No trip to Grand Cayman is complete without visiting Stingray City — a series of shallow sandbars in the North Sound where friendly southern stingrays swim freely.
We booked our tour Captain Marvins Watersports , and we can’t recommend them enough. Their small group tours make for a more personalized experience, and our guides were fantastic — sharing island history, snorkeling tips, and making our stingray encounter unforgettable.
We chose Tour #5: Stingray City, Starfish Point & Snorkel , and it was hands-down the highlight of our trip. We’ll definitely be booking with Captain Marvin again when we return — next time with our kids!
2. Experience the Bioluminescent Bay
Another can’t-miss experience is the Bioluminescent Bay Tour, one of the few places in the world where you can see glowing organisms light up the water around you. It’s a magical, once-in-a-lifetime experience — best enjoyed on a moonless night.
3. Take a Sunset Sail
If you love sunsets (and who doesn’t?), book a Sunset Sail through Red Sail Sports. The crew was friendly, accommodating, and even helped capture some amazing photos for us. Watching the sun dip below the horizon from the water is absolutely breathtaking.
Best Restaurants in Grand Cayman
The Westin Restaurants – Convenient and delicious options, from breakfast to poolside lunches. Their on-site coffee and breakfast bar was a daily favorite. We also enjoyed the Fish Tacos and the Paella Night.
Peppers Bar & Grill – A lively local spot with authentic Caribbean food and island vibes.
Luca Restaurant – Upscale Italian cuisine with a beautiful ocean view and an excellent wine list.
Yoshi Sushi – Located across from The Westin, this restaurant serves fresh, beautifully presented sushi in a unique ground-level seating setting. (Pro tip: make a reservation; it’s popular with both locals and tourists!)
Explore George Town
When you’re ready for a break from the beach, head to George Town, the capital of Grand Cayman.
This charming port city is filled with duty-free shopping, local art galleries, and colorful colonial-style buildings.
Fun fact: George Town is one of the Caribbean’s leading financial hubs, yet it still maintains its relaxed island charm with friendly locals and seaside cafés.
Must-Do Next Time (Already Planning Our Return!)
Cayman Turtle Centre (West Bay)
One of the oldest sea turtle conservation centers in the world, the Cayman Turtle Centre offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You can swim with green sea turtles, explore the marine lagoon, and learn about conservation efforts to protect these incredible creatures.
Perfect for families — educational, fun, and unforgettable.
Cayman Crystal Caves (Northside)
The Cayman Crystal Caves are a breathtaking natural wonder. You’ll explore three magnificent caves filled with stalactites, stalagmites, and sparkling crystal formations. The guided tour lasts about two hours and offers an adventurous change of pace from the beach.
Grand Cayman Travel Tips
Mind Hurricane Season: The best time to visit Grand Cayman is December through April, when the weather is dry, sunny, and mild. We visited in August (hurricane season) and lucked out with perfect weather.
Protect Yourself from the Sun: The Caribbean sun is strong! Bring UPF shirts, wide-brim hats, and plenty of reef-safe sunscreen — or you might end up buying a $50 sun shirt like we did.
Currency Tips: The island uses the Cayman Islands Dollar (KYD), but U.S. dollars are widely accepted. Most restaurants and taxis accept credit cards; carry a bit of cash for tips or smaller purchases.
Fun Facts About Grand Cayman
- Grand Cayman is the largest of the three Cayman Islands in the western Caribbean.
- Seven Mile Beach is actually about 6.3 miles long — but who’s counting when it’s this gorgeous?
- The island’s flat terrain gives it exceptionally clear turquoise waters — a snorkeler’s dream.
- Grand Cayman was once a pirate hideout during the Golden Age of Piracy.
- The island is known for being one of the safest destinations in the Caribbean, with friendly locals and a relaxed atmosphere.
Final Thoughts
Grand Cayman truly lives up to its reputation as a tropical paradise. Between the soft sand, turquoise water, incredible food, and unforgettable excursions, it’s a destination you’ll want to return to again and again.
Next time, we’ll be exploring the Turtle Centre, Crystal Caves, and Bioluminescent Bay — but honestly, even another sunset on Seven Mile Beach would be worth the trip alone.
Have you been to Grand Cayman? Share your experience in the comments below, I love to hear from you!