Planning your first trip to Grand Cayman? You probably already know about the white-sand beaches, warm Caribbean water, and famous diving. But there are plenty of things about the island that aren’t quite as obvious.
From a beach that doesn’t live up to its name (at least in terms of distance) to an underwater attraction created by local fishermen, here are some Grand Cayman facts worth knowing before you arrive.
And while you’re with us, be sure to explore our own Beach Activities in Grand Cayman and selection of Boat Tours.
1. Grand Cayman Is One of Three Islands
Grand Cayman is the largest of the three Islands, alongside Cayman Brac and Little Cayman. It’s also home to George Town, the territory’s capital and main commercial centre.
The islands are a British Overseas Territory in the western Caribbean, around 480 miles southwest of Miami and 170 miles northwest of Jamaica. Grand Cayman is where most international visitors arrive, and it’s home to many of the territory’s best-known attractions.
2. Seven Mile Beach Isn’t Seven Miles Long
Perhaps Grand Cayman’s most famous geographical fact is that Seven Mile Beach doesn’t quite measure up to its name. The crescent-shaped stretch of sand is actually around 6.3 miles long.
That missing 0.7 miles hasn’t done much to harm its reputation. Seven Mile Beach is known for its soft white sand and clear water, but there’s much more to do here than sunbathe. The west coast is also a base for snorkelling, sailing, watersports, and some of Grand Cayman’s finest scuba diving.
3. Grand Cayman Is a World-Class Diving Destination
There’s a reason divers return to Grand Cayman year after year. Around the island, you’ll find wall dives, shallow coral reefs, wrecks, swim-throughs, and a remarkable variety of marine life.
The west coast alone has more than 50 dive sites, including the famous Cayman Wall. Another highlight is the ex-USS Kittiwake, a 251-foot former US Navy submarine rescue vessel that was deliberately sunk off Seven Mile Beach to create an artificial reef.
Certified divers can explore both on Red Sail’s Grand Cayman scuba diving trips. Never tried it before? You can also learn to scuba dive in Grand Cayman, with options for complete beginners.
4. The Stingrays at Stingray City Are Wild
Stingray City is one of Grand Cayman’s most famous attractions, but the name can give first-time visitors the wrong impression. It isn’t an aquarium or marine park or a city . The southern stingrays here are wild animals living in their natural environment.
Their unusual relationship with humans has a long history. Fishermen traditionally stopped in the calm waters of the North Sound to clean their catch, throwing scraps overboard. Stingrays began gathering for an easy meal and gradually became accustomed to human visitors.
Today, they still gather around the shallow sandbar, where the water is only a few feet deep.
5. You’ll See Both Cayman and US Dollars
The official currency is the Cayman Islands dollar (CI$), but US dollars are also widely accepted, making things relatively straightforward for American visitors.
It’s still worth checking which currency a price is quoted in before paying. The Cayman Islands dollar has a higher value than the US dollar, and change may be given in local currency.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted too, particularly at hotels, restaurants, shops, and established tour operators.
6. Warm Weather Isn’t Limited to Winter
Winter is Grand Cayman’s busiest tourist season, but it certainly isn’t the only time to visit.
Temperatures remain warm throughout the year, and the sea is one of the island’s biggest attractions in every season. The wetter months can bring tropical showers, but that doesn’t necessarily mean entire days of rain.
Travelling outside the winter peak can also mean fewer visitors at some popular locations. If much of your itinerary involves boat excursions and watersports, there’s no need to assume Cayman is exclusively a winter destination.
7. You Can’t Drive to Stingray City
This sounds obvious once you know what Stingray City is, but it’s useful information when planning your itinerary.
Stingray City sits offshore in the North Sound and is only accessible by boat. There isn’t a ferry service or road connection.
Red Sail operates Stingray City excursions from different parts of Grand Cayman. From Rum Point, the famous sandbar can be reached in around 15 minutes by boat, making it easy to include in a day spent exploring the quieter northern side of the island.
8. There’s Much More to Grand Cayman Than Seven Mile Beach
Seven Mile Beach deserves its reputation, but first-time visitors shouldn’t assume that everything happens along the west coast.
Head east and the island becomes noticeably quieter. The East End is known for its reefs, caves, swim-throughs, and diving, while North Side brings you towards Rum Point, Starfish Point, and the North Sound.
Grand Cayman is relatively easy to explore by rental car, taxi, or public bus, so it’s worth setting aside some time to see another side of the island.
See More of Grand Cayman with Red Sail Sports
Some Grand Cayman facts are best appreciated once you’re actually here. You can read about the Cayman Wall, Stingray City, and the island’s clear Caribbean waters, but seeing them for yourself is another matter.
Red Sail Sports has been operating in Grand Cayman since 1987. Browse our Grand Cayman tours and activities to find scuba diving, Stingray City trips, snorkelling, sailing, watersports, and more ways to make the most of your first visit.
