While the western side of Grand Cayman lures tourists with the famed Seven Mile Beach and numerous diving opportunities, the East End of Grand Cayman is frequently underrated. Where few visitors go, this corner of the island has some of the most pristine and bountiful snorkelling locations that should not be missed!
At Red Sail Sports, we run a number of Grand Cayman Boat Excursions that take visitors around the island to incredible reefs. And while we mostly operate on West Bay, we know there is so much more to explore.
Check out our guide to the six best snorkelling spots in East End, Grand Cayman to plan your next diving trip. And if you have any questions about our tours, don’t hesitate to contact us.
Dive Beneath Mimi’s Dock at Morritt’s Resort
Mimi’s Dock Bar is not just the first and only dock bar in the Cayman Islands — it’s one of the best snorkelling spots too! The tranquil, crystal-clear waters beneath the dock are practically swarming with fish. Schools of tropical fish, tarpon, and even the occasional stingray all frequent here.
Better yet, the waters here are shallow and easily accessible, making this a perfect location for families with young children to snorkel. You can even rent your masks, fins, and snorkels from our sister company Tortuga Divers, who are located at Morritt’s Resort. Once you’re done swimming with the fish, you can return to Mimi’s Dock Bar for a drink and a bite to eat!
Snorkel the Barrier Reef at Barefoot Beach
About 100 yards from the shore of Barefoot Beach, you’ll find a stunning barrier reef. Because it’s quite a swim out, snorkelling here is only recommended for experienced snorkelers. For those who are able, you’ll be in for a treat!
This reef is teeming with life, with diverse and vibrant corals decorating the ground. Snapper, scorpionfish, black triggerfish, barracuda, and even stingrays and turtles have been spotted here. The waters are also shallow, making it easy to get up close to the magic.
Discover Sulfur Vents at Anchor Point
For one of the most unusual snorkelling excursions in Grand Cayman, you have to go to Anchor Point. Located just to the west of Barefoot Beach, Anchor Point is where you’ll find underwater sulfur vents!
In the water, head about 10 to 15 feet away from the shore, where you’ll see a coral mass near where the vents are. You’ll know you’ve made it once you see the greenish plumes in the water! You’ll see some more coral and some small fishes milling about here, making for a truly unique underwater spectacle.
To find out more about what you can encounter beneath the waters, check out our blog: What is There to See When Snorkelling in the Cayman Islands?
Explore the Wreck of the Geneva Kathleen
Clearly, the area around Barefoot Beach is the place to be, because, to the right of the beach, you’ll find an incredible shipwreck you can snorkel to. The Geneva Kathleen was a three-masted schooner that was wrecked on the East End in 1930, leaving behind a scattering of remnants on the ocean floor.
From Barefoot Beach, the wreck is located about 150 yards away to the east. You’ll swim over grass meadows before coming across the remains of the wreck peeking from the sand. Continuing on, you’ll see winch wheels, anchor chains, and bollards now covered in coral!
Swim with the Fishes of Charlie’s Shoal
This little-known snorkelling site is a true secret treasure of Grand Cayman. Charlie’s Shoal is located near Collier’s Public Beach by the intersection of Austin Connolly Drive and Collier’s Wilderness Road. There’s a small gap between boulders with a footpath leading to the shore from where you dive in. Swimming out about 100 to 200 yards, you’ll come across beautiful coral boulders and formations!
Dive Deep at Sunset Reef
Only accessible by boat, the stunning Sunset Reef is a real hidden gem. This pristine location is best visited when the sun goes down, as implied by the name. You’ll find an array of life here, including angelfish, lobster, and stingrays. Sunset Reef is often visited on boat tours alongside Sunrise Reef and South Channel Gardens for a real immersion into the East End’s snorkelling sites.
Snorkel Grand Cayman with Red Sail Sports!
Grand Cayman’s snorkeling and diving are world-renowned and there’s little doubt you’ll want to see every corner of the island! Once you’ve finished exploring the East End, you can join us at Red Sail Sports for our Stingray City Grand Cayman Island Tours or our Seven Mile Beach Snorkeling Excursions! And if you want to go even deeper underwater, we offer plenty of diving trips too. If you have any questions about our tours, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
