41 Best Sights in Cayman Islands

Roughly 2 miles east of the Brac Reef and Carib Sands/Brac Caribbean resorts, just past the wetlands (the unsightly gate is visible from the road; if you hit the Bat Cave you've passed it), lie a series of strands culminating in this beach, relatively deserted despite its name. The surf is calm and the crystalline water fairly protected for swimming. There are picnic tables and showers in uncertain condition. Snorkeling is quite good. Amenities: showers. Best for: snorkeling.

This North Sound beach has hammocks slung in towering casuarina trees, picnic tables, casual and "fancier" dining options, a well-stocked shop for seaworthy sundries, and Red Sail Sports, which offers various water sports and boats to explore Stingray City. The barrier reef ensures safe snorkeling and soft sand. The bottom remains shallow for a long way from shore, but it's littered with small coral heads, so be careful. The Wreck is an ultracasual hangout serving outstanding pub grub from fish-and-chips to wings, as well as lethal mudslide cocktails. Just around the bend, another quintessential beach hangout, Kaibo, rocks during the day. Amenities: food and drink; parking (no fee); showers; toilets; water sports. Best for: partiers; snorkeling.

The central section of the south coast features several lengthy ribbons of soft ecru sand, only occasionally maintained, with little shade aside from the odd coconut palm, no facilities, and blissful privacy (aside from some villas). Amenities: none. Best for: solitude; swimming, walking.

A busy, white-sand beach with gleaming turquoise waters, this popular stretch of sand just off West Bay Road is peppered with towering, shady palms that throw a welcome shade on the hot sand. Popular with families due to the play park and amenities nearby, you can walk from major hotels or hop in a taxi for a day at this picture-perfect beach. On weekends this vast beach is packed with families hanging out listening to music and having picnics, indulging in water activities, or having a beachside picnic. Amenities: parking (no fee); showers; toilets; water sports. Best for: snorkeling, swimming.

South of the Grand Old House, this tiny but popular protected swimming and snorkeling spot makes a wonderful beach wedding location. The bottom drops off quickly enough to allow you to swim and play close to shore. Although slightly rocky (its pitted limestone boulders resemble Moore sculptures), there's little debris and few coral heads, plenty of shade, picnic tables, restrooms, and parking. Surfers will find decent swells just to the south. Note the curious obelisk cenotaph "in memory of James Samuel Webster and his wife Arabella Antoinette (née Eden)," with assorted quotes from Confucius to John Donne. Amenities: parking (no fee); toilets. Best for: snorkeling; sunset; swimming.

On weekends families often barbecue at this idyllic spot caught between ironshore cliffs and a barrier reef (with fine snorkeling). You might even see some wild turtles swimming here. Follow South Church Street through the South Sound past Red Bay; at a little cemetery there's a turnoff to the beach with a car park. Amenities: none. Best for: snorkeling; solitude; sunrise; walking.

A remote beach just off the northern coast of Cayman, Starfish Point attracts beautiful starfish to its turtle-grass-lined shores and emerald green, warm waters. Watch the sunset, wade in the water, and explore the sandy shoreline. Amenities: parking (no fee). Best for: solitude; sunset; walking.

Sitting pretty along the South Sound, Surfer's Beach lures surfers and skimboarders to its occasional herculean waves and soft shoreline. Perfectly positioned for swell when there's a cold front, it's usually deserted and quiet, adding to its undeniable allure. This pristine coastline is ideal for watching adrenaline junkies ride the waves, sunbathing in solitude, and, at the end of the day, watching the sun dipping into the turquoise-streaked sea. Amenities: parking (no fee). Best for: solitude, sunset, surfing.

If you want an isolated, unspoiled beach, bear left at Rum Point at North Side, and follow the road to the end. When you pass a porte cochere for an abandoned condo development, you'll see the soft, sandy beach. Wade out knee deep and look for the large, flame-hued starfish. (Don't touch—just look.) Locals also call it Starfish or Ivory Point. Amenities: none. Best for: solitude; swimming.

Famous for its picturesque palm trees and aquamarine waters, West Bay's Public Beach is a popular tourist stop. With parking and picnic areas, it's a great choice for a day of beach-bumming. Zip around on a Jet Ski, or take some snaps just chilling on your lounger. This stunning crescent-shape beach offers incredible snorkeling and sunset views. Take a stroll out to the water's edge, where you can gaze at the brightly colored coral, or strap on your snorkel and expect to see blue tangs and other species of fish. Amenities: food and drink; parking (no fee); toilets; water sports. Best for: snorkeling; sunset; swimming; walking.

This lonely, lovely park on Grand Cayman's windswept eastern tip commemorates the island's most (in)famous shipwreck. On February 8, 1794, the Cordelia, heading a convoy of 58 square-rigged merchant vessels en route from Jamaica to England, foundered on one of the treacherous East End reefs. Its warning cannon fire was tragically misconstrued as a call to band more closely together due to imminent pirate attack, and nine more ships ran aground. Local sailors, who knew the rough seas, demonstrated great bravery in rescuing all 400-odd seamen. Popular legend claims (romantically but inaccurately) that King George III granted the islands an eternal tax exemption. Queen Elizabeth II dedicated the park's plaque in 1994. Interpretive signs document the historic details. The ironically peaceful headland provides magnificent views of the reef (including more recent shipwrecks); bird-watching is superb from here half a mile south along the coast to the Lighthouse Park, perched on a craggy bluff.