Grand Cayman’s Best Kept Secrets | Unique Things to Do in 2024

Everyone knows the Cayman Islands offer some of the world’s best diving but did you know you can go bareback swimming, hike in old-growth forests, or visit a mermaid? From popular attractions to lesser-known spots, Grand Cayman has something for everyone, including fantastic photo opportunities for those enjoying a family vacation. 

Check out our list of some of the most unique things to do on Grand Cayman, and see what makes this Caribbean island a one-of-a-kind vacation spot!

Go Snorkeling at Starfish Point

Starfish Point, located on Grand Cayman’s north coast near Rum Point and Kaibo, is famous for its large population of starfish, which are mostly found in deeper waters, though some venture into shallower areas. The beach features gradually deepening waters, reaching about 10 feet at its deepest. Starfish Point is about a 45-minute drive from George Town and an hour from Seven Mile Beach, making it a perfect spot to explore with snorkeling gear.

Stingray City – Where the Wild Things Swim

Stingray City is located on Grand Cayman’s North Side. The Cayman Islands‘ major island is Grand Cayman. Stingray City allows visitors to get up close and personal with stingrays in shallow waters so clear that you’ll wonder if you’re in a backyard pool.

Visitors interact with Southern Stingrays while standing on a sandbar in shallow water. These stingrays can reach a diameter of 4 to 5 feet wide and can weigh up to 75 pounds. 

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. 

Enjoy a Bareback Swim in the Sea

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.

Finding Hell in Paradise

Certainly one of the most unique Grand Cayman attractions is Hell. Roughly 20 mins from George Town, – it’s a tourist spot adjacent to Seven Mile Beach. The boldly named attraction got its fame from sharply protruding limestone formations – now adorned with a devil sculpture. Hell has a souvenir shop, picture portrait stations, and, of course, a post office where you can send a message directly from the underworld.

Cayman Islands’ Mastic Trail – A Paradise for Nature Lovers

The National Trust for the Cayman Islands offers a guided tour of the Mastic Trail. The trail takes you through one of the Caribbean’s last remaining old-growth forests. The hiking path is just over two miles long and can take up to three hours to complete. There will be plenty of chances to see native parrots, West Indian Woodpeckers, and Caribbean Doves; as well as unique flora like cedar, mahogany, and the gigantic mastic.

Visit the Heritage Garden at Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park

The Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park, located just off the Mastic Trail and 10 minutes north of Sag Harbor, is a hidden gem featuring a variety of native plants and roaming animals like peacocks and blue iguanas. The park is divided into four themed areas: the Heritage Garden, Orchid House, Spice Plantation, and Blue Iguana Conservation Center, making it easy to explore.

Visitors can start at the Heritage Garden near the main gate, home to common Long Island plants and a wooden house for resident blue iguanas. The Orchid House boasts colorful flowers, while the Spice Plantation offers a sensory experience with tropical spices like ginger, cinnamon, and vanilla.

Davinoff’s Concrete Sculpture Garden

Now located in the Children’s area at the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park, explore a wide variety of large intricate sculptures designed by local artist David Quasius. Many of the sculptures represent large-scale versions of Grand Cayman’s most famous wildlife, with some sculptures weighing from 1,500 to 2000 pounds! The concrete park provides a great photo opportunity for visitors from all over the world.

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.

Visit the Blowholes

On the East End of Grand Cayman, natural forces create a unique natural attraction that you won’t want to miss. In this scenic spot, erosion has created holes in the limestone foundation along the shores, allowing the tide to flow underneath and spout jets of water up into the air, creating a blowhole effect. 

It’s a great place to witness the power of the sea and makes for a great photo op, but beware, the limestone surface can be uneven, and slippery and if you stand too close, there’s a good chance you’ll get wet!

Kayak in Bioluminescent Bay

Grand Cayman is known for its many beaches and beautiful resorts, but there are plenty of other things to see here too. One of the most interesting activities is to join a night kayaking tour to Bioluminescent Lagoon. You’ll paddle out into the lagoon where you’ll see hundreds of thousands of tiny bioluminescent creatures glowing like stars in the dark. 

Stop by the oddest tree in the Cayman Islands

Visitors to Grand Cayman can drive, jog, or walk to the South Sound to see the Cayman Shoe tree up close and personal. The tree, which began as a warning about litter and recycling now showcases a 12’ high collection of shoes. People continue to contribute to the tree and it has evolved into a popular roadside attraction and a colorful Instagram backdrop.

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.

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. 

Diving to Discover a Mermaid

The Siren of Sunset Reef is a 9-foot-tall bronze underwater mermaid statue and is located 55’ deep in offshore coral reef waters.

The piece is titled ‘Amphitrite, Siren of Sunset Reef’ named by way of a contest won by a fourteen-year-old girl who won a vacation to the islands for her entry. The statue was created by Canadian artist Simon Morris. Amphitrite was the queen of the seas in Greek mythology, married to Poseidon, the god of the waves.

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. 

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. 

The Iconic Seven Mile Beach on Grand Cayman Island

Seven Mile Beach is one of Grand Cayman’s most popular tourist destinations, so it’s a stretch to include it on a list of odd attractions. Despite its name, Seven Mile Beach is only 5.5 miles long. At length, there are plenty of uniquely calm, and uniquely scenic spots to lay down your beach towel and lather up!

Grand Cayman offers a wealth of activities and exciting adventures just waiting to be explored. If any of these unique activities have you planning a vacation to Grand Cayman Island, check out our full list of luxurious Cayman Vacation Rentals, the perfect base for an unforgettable Grand Cayman Adventure!