3 perfect days in Grand Cayman


It's not all sparkling waters, powder-white sands, and blissful spas on Grand Cayman (although you'll find plenty of these).
The island's marine adventures are pretty out-of-the-world, from swimming with stingrays to snorkeling with sea turtles, and there's a great culinary scene, too. Food lovers fly in for the annual Cayman Cookout at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, and to sample island classics like piping hot johnny cakes, conch stew, and the cassava-based “heavy cake. Plus, you can plan your trip around only-here events like the Cayman Carnival Batabano, when the streets come alive with colorful feathers and addictive soca tunes.
To get the most out of your visit, we've put together this 3-day itinerary, with Tripadvisor reviews and ratings so that you can be sure to check out the places that other travelers have loved, too.
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DAY ONE

MORNING: Dive into the Sea and Dine under the Stars
Fuel up for a fun first day with coffee and breakfast at Cimboco where everything from local ackee and salt fish to fluffy pancakes are on the menu along with fresh squeezed juice and lots of coffee.
Then it’s off to Stingray City. The sandbar here attracts friendly stingrays that are accustomed to humans. You can swim and snorkel with the stingrays and may even get a wet kiss, which, legend has it, brings 10 years of good luck.
STINGRAY CITY AREA TOUR OPTIONS
- For big groups, splurge for a private boat charter with Five Star Charters, a luxury charter company that offers great vibes and first-class service.
- For a smaller group, Red Sail Sports offers daily Stingray City tours which also include snorkeling opportunities over shallow coral reefs and a visit to Starfish Point (a magnet for starfish).
- Get revving with some jet ski action on a private charter for up to a dozen people on this tour, which also includes snorkeling and a stop at Starfish Point.
AFTERNOON
Head over to Pepper’s Bar & Grill to sample authentic Caymanian food like jerk honey wings and seasonal breadfruit. It’s a great spot to recharge and meet residents who often pop in for a daily happy hour.
Following lunch, walk to Camana Bay – a vibrant new shopping district offering a mix of high-end shops, local boutiques, and scenic views. Take a leisurely stroll and grab one of the popular organic brews from Island Naturals Cafe. Also near Camana Bay is the National Gallery of the Cayman Islands, where visitors can enjoy up to 75 new exhibits per month, many of which are from local artists.
Travelers say: “The National Gallery of the Cayman Islands was a great visit. Lots of great art produced by Caymanian artists in both a temporary exhibit and permanent collection. There was also an outdoor sculpture garden and cafe on premises. Worth the stop for all fans of art and culture.” —@nathand
EVENING
Walk a few blocks to Next Door for a daily happy hour that includes complimentary appetizer boards as well as 20% off beer and wine held from 5 to 7 p.m. The cocktail menu focuses on local ingredients, including the island's flowers; try the Ever Green, a mixture of soursop, green apples, golden kiwi, and vodka.
For dinner, walk across the street to Union Bar & Grill – a Cayman classic that keeps crowds coming back for dishes like a passion fruit ceviche with a scotch bonnet sorbet, and a smoked mahi fish cake with hollandaise sauce and truffle crumb.
DAY TWO

MORNING: Historical Explorations and Artistic Endeavors
Begin your day by exploring George Town, the capital and buzzing center of the Cayman Islands. Walk along the colorful streets and enjoy some duty-free shopping if that’s your thing. Head over to Hudlah Avenue to experience the George Town Farmer’s Market, which offers 100% authentic Cayman products from farmers, artisans, and chefs; it's open every day but Sunday.
For breakfast, South West Collective offers a number of smoothies and breakfast bowls or try one of their “brekkie burgers” to fuel up before a day of exploring.
AFTERNOON
Next, venture to the south shore of Bodden Town, the circa 1800s former capital of the island before it became George Town. On the way, grab an award winning beer at Cayman Islands Brewery and make a stop for a game at Pickleball Cayman, the island’s newest and largest pickleball center.
Enjoy lunch at Thatch & Barrel with their addictive plantain flatbread and views of the ocean in the historical Pedro St. James, the oldest existing stone building in the Cayman Islands.
Following lunch, enjoy a guided tour of Pedro St. James National Historic Site. The building jail, courthouse, and a parliamentary house,that touches on the history of the Cayman Islands and offers panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea from the Pedro St. James Bluff and historic grounds.
EVENING
If you’re headed back to the capital side of the island, make a stop for local arts and crafts at Pure Art, opened for 30 years inside a charming cottage home. for some local art and crafts. If thirst hits, don’t miss a tasting of local spirits at nearby Cayman Spirits Co.
GEORGE TOWN AREA TOUR OPTIONS
- Skip the line and explore Pedro St. James with this guided 2-hour tour which includes a 3-D movie theater experience
- Get a taste of local rums with a tasting and distillery tour at Cayman Spirits Co.
- Add some shopping to your afternoon of rum tasting with this tour that includes transportation around the area, too.
Enjoy an eclectic mix of foods from around the world in the backyard of Ms. Pipers Kitchen + Garden. Ms. Piper’s cottage is a collection of keepsakes of her travels which inspires the dishes and cocktails, including Korean ribs with roasted pineapple and an exquisite salad with charred corn, feta cheese, crispy cancha, tajin, and sour cream dressing. For after drinks, make a stop at the oceanfront Cayman Cabana, also popular for its farm-to-table Thursday dinners.
Travelers say: “Ms. Pipers Kitchen + Garden spot is rich with atmosphere! Nestled in an amazing garden with a fabulous decor. The food is an intriguing blend of vacation cuisine combining flavors from around the globe. Amazing cocktails and desserts! The service is impeccable, friendly and professional.” — @PhyllisA
DAY THREE

MORNING: Nature's Wonders Above and Below the Surface
Get up close and personal with sea turtles at the Cayman Turtle Centre, where you can swim, feed, interact with the reptiles, or take a dive down the waterslide. The 23-acre conservation centre is a working farm and a great educational opportunity.
AFTERNOON
Following a morning with the turtles, enjoy a seaside lunch at Macabuca Bar & Grill– a tiki bar located in the West Bay with uninterrupted views of the sea. The conch ceviche and seared scallops with spiced tomato hummus are always good menu options.
After lunch, take a quick trip to Hell (yes, you read it right!). The group of short, black limestone formations that gave this quirky attraction its devilish name are a popular attraction.
TURTLE CENTRE AREA TOUR OPTIONS
- Cruise trails that include forested mangrove paths on this 3-hour e-bike tour through Grand Cayman’s most beautiful natural attractions.
- Hop in a brightly colored mini car and cruise around Pirate Caves and more on this fun, and very unique, tour.
- Speed along the waves on a Jet Ski tour that splashes through the waves on the way to see Grand Cayman’s extensive marine life.
EVENING
Catch a ferry from Camana Bay to Rum Point, popular for its shallow waters and snorkeling. Here, you can take an evening Bioluminescent Bay glass-bottom boat tour. The glowing microorganisms in the water create a spectacle that you won’t soon forget.
After your glowing ocean adventure, head over to Kaibo for a beachside dinner that offers a fusion of local and international cuisines. Catch a ferry back to Camana Bay after dinner to end your three-day experience in Grand Cayman.
Travelers say: “We had the most amazing experience at Kaibo Rum Point Restaurant. The coconut curry sauce with fried fish and fries is definitely recommended. You will not be disappointed! My husband also enjoyed their rice and beans. The customer service experience was awesome! Their managers and staff were friendly, very attentive, welcoming and pleasant, matching up with the restaurant's beautiful ambience. We recommend this restaurant to anyone seeking a safe place to relax and enjoy quality service, music and food.” —@MonjosieW
Know Before You Go
Hurricane season in the Cayman Islands typically runs from June to November. The high-season months of November through Easter draw crowds for great weather, but is also when you may encounter higher prices, especially around the winter holidays and spring break.
Most attractions are open every day except for Sunday.
Most businesses are open from Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. While some are also open on Saturday, Sunday is a different story, when only hotels and some restaurants are open.
One of the most popular choices to stay is Seven Mile Beach where a near perfect shoreline is dotted with multiple accommodations to choose from. One top option is The Ritz Carlton, Grand Cayman which combines a picture-perfect setting with culinary delights, including hosting the famous annual Cayman Cookout. The Kimpton Seafire Resort & Spa, is a 246-room haven with beach cabanas and a prime oceanside location.
Public transportation: A public mini-bus transport system connects all districts of Grand Cayman and can be identified by numbers in a colored circle and usually have “PUBLIC BUS” across the top of the windshield. To catch one, just wave it down, and to get off, say “stop please.” Payment is made in cash only, most local fares are CI$2 (about $2.50) per trip.
By taxi: You can call a taxi, hail one on the street, or pick one up at a hotel. Uber and Lyft are not available on Grand Cayman.
By car: It’s easy to rent a car from places like Andy’s to explore the island at your own pace.
Airport transfers: Taxis are readily available at the airport on a first-come, first-serve basis. Pre-booked buses are available from companies like Majestic Tours and Amvivo. Most rental car companies are right across the street from the terminal exit.