Discover the Best Non-Touristy Things to Do in Grand Cayman in 2025

Everyone knows Grand Cayman for its sparkling beaches and incredible dive sites, but there’s so much more to this Caribbean paradise if you know where to look. Forget the guidebook clichés; the real magic lies in the spots most tourists miss.

So, if you’re the kind of traveler who loves hidden gems, quirky adventures, and stories that make your friends jealous, here’s your ultimate list of non-touristy things to do in Grand Cayman.

1. Lose Yourself on the Mastic Trail – A Paradise for Nature Lovers

Ever wondered what Grand Cayman looked like hundreds of years ago? Take a stroll (or should I say hike?) through the island’s lush, old-growth forest on the Mastic Trail. This is no manicured park—it’s raw, untouched wilderness. You’ll pass towering mahogany trees, spot Cayman parrots squawking overhead, and feel like you’ve stepped into another world.

Pro tip: Go early in the morning when the sun is kinder, and don’t forget your bug spray unless you want to donate blood to the local mosquitoes!

2. Hang Out with Starfish at Starfish Point

Starfish Point is the opposite of busy Seven Mile Beach—it’s peaceful, uncrowded, and downright magical. Wade into the shallow, crystal-clear water, and you’ll find brightly coloured starfish just chilling at the bottom. But be cool—don’t pick them up, or you’ll stress them out. Instead, snap a photo and enjoy this slice of paradise like the locals do: slowly, and with a cold drink in hand.

3. Get Your Quirky Fix at the Cayman Shoe Tree

Yes, you read that right—a tree covered in shoes. What started as an environmental statement has turned into a quirky roadside attraction near South Sound. Locals and travelers alike leave their old sneakers, flip-flops, or even high heels hanging from its branches. It’s colourful, weird, and totally Instagram-worthy. Bonus points if you leave your mark (literally) on the island.

4. Paddle Through a Sea of Stars at Bioluminescent Bay

Imagine kayaking through pitch-black waters and watching them light up with tiny, glowing sparkles every time your paddle moves. Sounds unreal, right? Well, it’s very real at Bioluminescent Bay. This is hands down one of the coolest things you’ll ever do. Book a night tour, and don’t forget to bring your sense of wonder—this is Mother Nature showing off.

5. Visit Davinoff’s Concrete Sculpture Garden

Tucked away on the East End is Davinoff’s Sculpture Garden, where you’ll find oversized concrete sculptures of the island’s iconic wildlife—think giant iguanas and sea turtles. It’s quirky, creative, and perfect for snapping photos. And hey, it’s free, so why not stop by?

6. Bareback Riding at Barker’s Beach

A horseback ride on a secluded beach is a dream for many, but here in Grand Cayman, you can take it to the next level. Pampered Ponies Riding Tours offers horseback riders of all levels a chance to gallop the white sands of Barker’s National Park and a chance to ride through the crystal clear waters.

7. Feel the power Blowholes

On the East End of Grand Cayman, you’ll find these crazy natural formations where the sea bursts through limestone rock, shooting water high into the air. It’s loud, dramatic, and oddly soothing to watch. Just don’t stand too close unless you’re in the mood for a salty shower.

8. Dive Down to a Mermaid

If you’re a diver, you absolutely have to meet Amphitrite, the 9-foot-tall bronze mermaid statue hiding beneath the waves at Sunset Reef. She’s elegant, a little mysterious, and has been chilling underwater since Canadian artist Simon Morris created her. It’s like visiting an underwater museum, but way cooler.

9. Escape to the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park

Looking for some peace and quiet? Head to this hidden gem, where you can wander through lush gardens filled with tropical plants, peacocks, and the famous blue iguanas. The Heritage Garden is a favourite, with its charming wooden cottage and a glimpse into the Cayman of yesteryear. Don’t miss the Orchid House—trust me, it’s stunning.

10. Hunt for “Hell” (It’s Not What You Think!)

Yep, you can visit Hell in Grand Cayman. This tiny spot got its name from sharp, black limestone formations that look like they belong in some devilish underworld. Sure, it’s kitschy, but it’s also kind of fun. Send a postcard from the Hell Post Office (how many people can say they’ve done that?), and grab a cheesy souvenir while you’re there.

11. Visit Grand Cayman Observation Tower

Grand Cayman is notoriously flat, and this lack of elevation can make it difficult to see the island from a higher vantage point. For a different perspective, climb the 75-foot tall observation tower in Camana Bay for a unique view of the island. This gorgeous, underwater-themed tower has been tiled with a breathtaking mosaic of over three million tiles. As you climb, the mosaic transforms in color from lighter to darker hues, representing the color shift found in Grand Cayman’s pristine waters. 

12. Enjoy Wildlife Encounters at the Cayman Turtle Center 

This is the Cayman Islands’ most-visited land-based attraction. The Cayman Turtle Center attracts over 300,000 visitors each year. The operation’s objective is the conservation of sea turtles and other island species, as well as related research and education.

The Cayman Turtle Center is also an important part of the country’s economy, serving as a world-class tourist attraction. It is the only institution in the world that successfully breeds green sea turtles, releases captive-bred sea turtles into the wild and allows visitors to get “up close and personal” with sea turtles through exhibits and supervised encounters. This Grand Cayman island favorite “must-see” also includes local and Caribbean birds, marine predators, crocodiles, and other island animals.

13. Explore Skull Cave in Cayman Brac

If you feel like exploring further, take a short flight to Cayman Brac and check out the Skull Cave located on the north side of Cayman Brac Island. If you are traveling there by car, take the turnoff to West End Road just south of the airport runway. Once you reach West End Road, continue straight along the road until it ends at the cliff edge overlooking the Caribbean Sea. There are no signs directing visitors to the cave itself, so keep an eye out for the distinctive opening into the rock face.

14. Rock Climbing on Cayman Brac

After your visit to the Skull Cave, try your hand at rock climbing and rappelling on Cayman Brac. With the highest point of elevation in the Cayman Islands of over 141ft, Cayman Brac is a favored destination for rock climbers and rappellers, offering ocean caves and unique terrain suitable for all climbing levels. 

15. Attend the Batabano Cayman Carnival

To experience Grand Cayman’s rich and vibrant culture, plan your stay around the yearly Batabano Cayman Carnival, which takes place every May. Named after the tracks left on the sand by sea turtles, Batabano is a lively celebration that blends music, dance, colorful costumes, and rich cultural heritage. 

Join the thousands of welcoming locals who gather in the streets to experience the energetic celebration featuring incredible parades, choreography, intricate costumes, and floats. 

Bonus: Take a Distillery Tour at Cayman Spirits Co. 

Explore Grand Cayman’s custom-built 5000 sqft distillery at the Cayman Spirits Company, and sample fresh batches of the island’s handcrafted spirits. Distillery tours provide visitors with a behind-the-scenes look at their unique approaches and local creations, like the Seven Fathoms Rum which is distilled beneath the ocean’s surface. 

And of course, no tour is complete without ending it off with a tasting of the distillery’s most infamous spirits, including Seven Fathoms Rum, Governor’s Reserve Rum, and Gun Bay Vodka. 

Grand Cayman’s Best-Kept Secrets Await

There’s more to Grand Cayman than resorts and crowded tourist stops. Whether you’re kayaking under a blanket of stars, hiking ancient trails, or hanging out with a mermaid, these non-touristy things to do in Grand Cayman will give you stories to tell and memories to treasure.

Ready to dive in? Check out our Grand Cayman vacation rentals and start planning your escape to paradise today.