Whether you're seeking a family holiday in the sun, with plenty of activities for the kids, retreat from your hectic work life for a week to relax on the beach (cocktail in hand) or you are ready to head out into nature and explore some incredible scenery -- on Grand Cayman all of it is possible. With its sun-soaked beaches, rich historical sights, and thrilling activities all set in beautiful surroundings, Grand Cayman really is the ideal destination for everyone.

Good to Know:

• Getting There: Unless you're visiting the island as part of a Caribbean cruise, you'll be arriving at the Owen Roberts International Airport, located near the capital, George Town. There are direct flights to major cities in the US, Canada, and the UK. Upon arrival, taxis and rental cars are widely available to take you to your hotel.
• Getting Around: Getting around the island is easy using taxis or the public bus system. Alternatively, why not hire some bikes to explore the (rather small) island?
• Where to Stay: Accommodation ranges from luxury oceanfront resorts to smaller boutique hotels. Staying near Seven Mile Beach puts you close to fine dining and nightlife, while the East End offers a quieter, more secluded experience.
• How Long to Visit: We recommend a visit of at least 4 full days to experience all major sights while also having plenty of downtime to simply enjoy the beaches and warm Caribbean waters.
• When to Visit: December to April is the dry season, making it a popular time to travel. However, Grand Cayman remains a year-round destination, with various events and festivals taking place throughout the off-season.
• Similar Destinations: Beyond the Caribbean, the Maldives also offer a luxurious island experience with water sports and leisure options.

Highlights:

Beaches:

Grand Cayman's beaches are as versatile as they are stunning. The popular Seven Mile Beach is not just a stretch of powdery white sand; it's also a bustling area where you can enjoy water sports and dine in world-class restaurants. At the opposite end of the spectrum, Starfish Point is far quieter and away from the crowds, where you can walk along the shore and often spot the namesake starfish. At Rum Point families can enjoy picnics and barbecues by the shallow sea where children can play safely. Finally, Smith's Barcadere, or Smith Cove is a snorkeller's paradise with clear waters and coral formations just offshore.

Bioluminescent Bay:

The bioluminescent bay at Rum Point is a surreal and magical experience, best enjoyed by a kayak tour at night. Each paddle stroke sets off a cascade of light as the bioluminescent plankton in the water create a beautiful natural light show. Guided kayak tours are available, as well, and ensure your safety while providing you with an educational narrative about this extraordinary phenomenon.

Crystal Caves:

Located in the North Side district, the Crystal Caves invite you to delve deep into the subterranean beauty of Grand Cayman. Inside, you'll find impressive stalactite and stalagmite formations that took thousands of years to form. A guided tour is usually an hour-long journey through three of these spectacular caves. Bring your camera, as pools of water reflect the intricacies of the cave ceiling, making it a photographer's dream.

Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Gardens:

These botanical gardens provide a sanctuary for a wide variety of native Caymanian flora and fauna. Here you'll find endemic orchids, as well as the Blue Iguana Recovery Program, which aims to protect and restore the populations of this endangered species. As you walk the extensive trails, you'll pass themed gardens, a lake filled with water lilies, and even a traditional Caymanian house that illustrates part of the island's cultural history. The gardens are also a popular spot for birdwatchers, with many local and migratory species making their home here.

The Mastic Trail:

This 7.4-kilometer (4.6-mile) trail crosses the largest remaining area of unspoiled native forest on Grand Cayman. As you hike, you'll see a wide variety of plant species, some of which are unique to the Cayman Islands, and you might even spot the Cayman Parrot or the West Indian Woodpecker.

Scuba Diving:

The underwater world around Grand Cayman is a spectacle not to be missed. A popular dive site is Governor's Beach, which features a variety of coral formations that provide a perfect habitat for other vibrant marine life. For a more adventurous dive, the Kittiwake Shipwreck is a decommissioned US Navy ship that has been turned into an artificial coral reef. Explore the different levels of the sunken ship, each of which has its own unique fish and coral habitat.

Hell:

A highlight of West Bay, Hell is an attraction that captures the imagination with its jagged, black limestone formations. Believed to be the result of millions of years of bio-erosion, these formations are a stark contrast to the island's otherwise lush landscapes. The site has inspired many tales and legends, but despite its ominous name, Hell is quite a lively place, often visited by tourists wanting to take a selfie with the quirky 'Welcome to Hell' sign.