10 Best Towns and Villages in the Cayman Islands

George Town is the main port for cruise ships docking at Grand Cayman. The colourful, bustling town is ripe for exploration with popular landmarks like the Fort George ruins and Heroes Square. Take a stroll along Harbour Drive to admire the 19^th-century architecture and pop into the museums and art galleries.

Other popular activities in George Town include duty-free shopping and sampling fantastic local cuisine along Cardinal Avenue. If you’re an early bird, head to the Farmers’ Market on Huldah Avenue to sample local fruits and purchase souvenirs.

Seven Mile Beach is a stunning stretch of coastline on Grand Cayman, around 10 minutes north of George Town (the island’s capital city). The golden sand beach is blessed with several coral reefs just offshore, which you can enjoy on your own with a snorkel and mask.

This area is home to a wide array of hotels and resorts. You can find everything from romantic 5-star resorts to family-run guesthouses. It’s also close to the airport, in case you’re flying in and require a convenient base for a short trip.

Rum Point is an area surrounding a beautiful beach on the northern coast of Grand Cayman. This popular place has a wide variety of accommodation to choose from, with plenty of beach activity throughout the year. It’s most popular with groups and couples as there’s a lively scene in the beach bars, along with opportunities for fishing, jet skiing, and snorkelling.

If you’re looking for a few hours of seclusion, head to the end of Water Cay Road to check out Starfish Point. As you might expect from such a name, the shallow coastline is peppered with starfish. Do watch out for jellyfish around August and September, though.

West Bay sees far fewer tourists than much of Grand Cayman, and therein lies its attraction. If you're looking for a peaceful, residential vibe for you and your family, this is a great region to base yourself in since it’s only 20 minutes north of George Town.

Popular spots in West Bay include Cayman Turtle Centre, Dolphin Cove, and Baker’s National Park, which is home to protected beaches and mangrove forests. West Bay Beach has a healthy reef just offshore where you can see a wide variety of fish and turtles. The sea can be rough at times, so it's best to wear a lifejacket if you’re exploring the reef.

Bodden Town is a relaxed beach town on Grand Cayman’s south coast that combines beautiful windswept beaches with some historical charm. Its beaches have fewer activities to enjoy than in most other places in the Cayman Islands, but you’ll find more budget accommodation close to the beach.

Spend a few hours at Bodden Town Mission House, one of the oldest buildings on the island, which shows how settlers lived in the 1800s. There’s a famous legend on the island that the notorious pirate Neal Walker hid his plundered treasure in several caves close to Bodden Town. There’s even a fun attraction dedicated to the legend that the whole family will enjoy. Head to the underground Pirates Caves, home to swashbuckling tales and a large group of fruit bats.

The East End is a lesser-visited spot to head to if you want to get away from the tourist festivities. This far-eastern region of Grand Cayman is more popular with dog walkers and locals having a family barbecue than selfie-snapping visitors. The town itself has several local restaurants serving fish fry and other regional dishes, along with a couple of guesthouses and a post office – it’s a far cry from the resorts along Seven Mile Beach.

To explore the East End, it’s best to rent a car. The area has several blowholes on the water’s edge, which creates some extreme sights on windy days when the water pumps up through the rock. Head to Lovers Wall and you’ll find several nearby.

North Side is a coastal region on the windy north coast of Grand Cayman. The local town attracts long-staying visitors and retirees, who enjoy the local flavour of life up here. After relaxing on the beach, head to Crystal Caves to explore the otherworldly stalactites. Lovers of the great outdoors will enjoy the 2-mile Mastic Trail hike.

This region is around 1 hour from George Town, which keeps visitors low and the beaches peaceful. If you’re looking for something to do after sunset, take a 10-minute drive along the coast to Rum Point.

Cayman Brac's West End is home to the airport, a supermarket, and several esteemed resorts. This is as bustling as it's ever likely to get on this relaxed island. You will find dive operators offering trips to the beautiful coral reefs just offshore, including the MV Captain Keith Tibbets shipwreck.

The best beaches in Cayman Brac are found close to the West End, all along South Side Road – Brac Reef Beach being a particular highlight. If you’re in the mood to explore the rugged landscape, take a trip to Rebecca’s Cave and Salt Water Pond Walk.

The Bight is a charming coastal stretch on Cayman Brac with a modest choice of accommodation that ranges from family-run guesthouses to luxury villas. The area is popular with nature lovers who want to explore the rugged coastline and lush interior of the island. Several hiking trails start from the Bight, running through a Parrot Reserve that is a delight for birdwatchers.

Nearby, you’ll find the Cayman Brac Museum, a small but interesting complex with exhibits on shipbuilding and other local industries of the earliest settlers.