island adventures | art & events | RESTAURANT SCENE | spas & stays
The Cayman Islands
Beaches & watersports
Cerulean-blue sea kisses white coral sands along Grand Cayman’s world-famous Seven Mile Beach. Beyond its vivid waters, the expansive beach (which—fun fact—is actually closer to six miles in length) is known for the array of watersports on offer from its shores. Its position on the leeward side of the island means the waters are typically calm enough for stand-up paddleboarding or kayaking. But there’s plenty of action for thrill-seekers, too: kitesurfing, jet skiing or snorkeling excursions, for example.
Those eager to venture off the beaten path will find many secluded sands to explore. With its outdoor dining tables, shaded areas and verdant landscape, Cayman Brac Public Beach is a prime setting for a tranquil beach picnic. At Little Cayman’s Point of Sand, a true “deserted island”-style beach awaits. As its name implies, the sand here is set in an angular formation that seems to beckon you outward. With the year-round warm temperatures and crystal-blue waters, you won’t need to be told twice.
Three islands, endless experiences
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Cayman Islands National Museum
Island adventures
Art & events
Restaurant scene
Spas & stays
Cayman Brac
Dive and see the underwater world
Plan your trip
Grand Cayman
Stingray City
Lobster
Local artist's thatching
The Crystal Caves
Paddleboarding
Cayman Cookout
Pirates Week
Pom Pom, the rooftop bar at Hotel Indigo
Palm Heights on Grand Cayman
Black Urchin Private Residence
Botanika Union spa (left); Paddleboard yoga (right)
Paddleboarding
Cayman Art Week
Luca
Island hopping
One of the most unique aspects of Cayman is the destination's ability to deliver on diverse vacation wish lists, thanks to its three distinct islands. Spending time on all three is the best way to understand each one’s unique vibe. With a little planning and help from daily inter-island flights from Cayman Airways, a dreamy island-hopping getaway is within reach.
Immerse yourself in the local culture on Grand Cayman. Unwind in a barefoot-chic cottage on Little Cayman and kayak to tiny Owen Island off the southwest shore. Enjoy views from the Cayman's highest point on the bluffs of Cayman Brac, then partake in some of the world's best diving. As an added bonus, you'll feel as though you’ve had three vacations instead of one.
Museums & galleries
The Cayman's idyllic landscapes have long inspired both native Caymanian and visiting artists to create. The National Gallery of the Cayman Islands on Grand Cayman is a treasure trove of such works, showcasing culturally relevant and thought-provoking pieces from both established and emerging artists. The gallery's permanent exhibits include the Intuitive Art and Early Pioneers collection, engaging both aesthetically and as a journey through the island's growing reputation as a hub for visual arts. Admission to the gallery is free.
Art fans can also witness (and purchase) works by Caymanian artists in galleries and open studios across George Town.
Housing an ever-changing lineup of human and natural history exhibits, the small yet impactful Cayman Islands National Museum in George Town is another must-visit.
Culinary events
Food lovers will find no shortage of events worth travelling for. Cayman Cocktail Week (Oct. 23-30) features a fun lineup of tastings and parties. The Cayman Cookout (Jan. 14-19) is considered one of the Caribbean’s premier food festivals and brings together world-class talent such as José Andrés, Emeril Lagasse and Daniel Boulud. Hosted by celebrity chef Eric Ripert at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman—the only resort in the Caribbean to receive Forbes Five Star ratings for its hotel, spa and restaurant—the event combines unforgettable food and wine experiences with an unparalleled island setting. For a more extended culinary celebration, Cayman Restaurant Month (October) offers specially priced multi-course menus at participating restaurants island-wide, making it an ideal time to sample the destination's diverse dining scene at an exceptional value.
Pirates Fest and beyond
Cayman Islands history is punctuated by tales of pirates—the real-life Blackbeard among them—who prowled Caymanian coasts in the 17th and 18th centuries. These buccaneers aimed to capture Spanish galleons filled with new-world treasures on their routes to Europe, and were often successful. This storied past is celebrated each November with the annual Pirates Fest, which spans all three islands. Heritage days, lively street parties, live music, fireworks and costume competitions create weeks of spirited celebrations, with each island adding its own flair. Check the event website for updates on each island's celebrations.
There's an annual event for sporty types, too—namely, the Cayman Islands Marathon (Dec. 7), which also offers a half marathon, a four-person relay and a Kids Fun Run. See more festivals and events here.
Noteworthy spots
Often called the “Culinary Capital of the Caribbean,” the Cayman Islands offers far more than just a vibrant food festival scene. Amid the islands' 300+ restaurants, you'll find an impressively high number of exceptional dining options. Fresh-caught seafood is a clear highlight, complemented by garden-fresh vegetables and organic meats prepared with both traditional and international flair.
Standouts include Pom Pom, where the chic modern-rustic aesthetic, elevated Caribbean cuisine and stunning rooftop views all compete for attention. Fun and casual Bonny Moon serves craft cocktails it playfully dubs “drinkies” alongside a menu that ranges from light beach snacks to whole branzino. Japanese-inspired Lucky Rabbit, Mexican cocina LOCO also continue to generate buzz among food lovers.
Perennial favorites
No traveller should leave Cayman before sitting down to a meal at Ms. Piper's Kitchen + Garden, where the words "live a little" are etched on the glass and, one might imagine, whispered over comforting dishes like cassava cheese bread and Korean ribs. At beachfront Coccoloba Bar & Grill, the menu mingles Mexican street food faves (chicharrones, for example) with fresh Caribbean seafood.
Cayman's also home to world-class fine dining locales. Blue by Eric Ripert (the celebrity chef who founded the aforementioned Cayman Cookout festival) inside The Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman offers a sumptuous tasting menu and a sommelier-approved wine list. Tillies' refined yet approachable menu spans breakfast, lunch and dinner, with an extensive raw bar available from lunchtime on. The Brasserie, Agua and Luca are just a few more fine dining restaurants to seek out on your trip—reservations recommended.
Wellness and relaxation
Cayman's wealth of world-class spas and wellness experiences make it an appealing place for travellers in need of R&R. The Manuka Body Therapy experience is just one example of the holistic treatments on offer at Botanika Union at the Grand Cayman Marriott Resort. Forbes Five Star-awarded The Spa at Seafire incorporates locally sourced ingredients—sea salt, seaweed and Caymanian coffee, for example—in its treatments. The luxurious Ritz-Carlton Spa, Grand Cayman offers massages tailored to athletes, expectant mothers and aromatherapy fans—plus an array of glow-inducing body treatments.
Wellness also thrives at Palm Heights, where the hotel’s innovative Garden Club blends nature, nutrition and movement with plant-based treatments and wellness programs, while Yogi Wall on Cayman Brac offers daily yoga classes in varying styles. For sports and socializing, Pickleball Cayman features 36 courts, professional coaching and a lively bar and restaurant hub.
Hotels & resorts
Beyond Cayman's pampering spa resorts, you'll find accommodations to suit every travel style. VIDA, a luxury boutique property in Grand Cayman’s West Bay, is a recent addition known for its sustainability focus, offering guided movement and meditation sessions along with an onsite café serving smoothies and locally sourced plates. On Seven Mile Beach, Hotel Indigo offers a full-service beach club, infinity pools and modern beach-chic guest rooms with ocean-view balconies.
Families might consider amenity-rich hotels like the Grand Cayman Marriott Resort and the Wyndham Reef Resort Grand Cayman (which offers an optional all-inclusive dining plan). Accommodations at all-suite boutique hotel Palm Heights provide room to spread out—along with stunning ocean views.
Other ways to stay
Condo and villa rentals are a popular choice for those seeking home-like amenities, extra space or extended stays (work from paradise, anyone?). You'll find options for every taste and budget, from exquisite waterfront homes to cozy retreats tucked away in quiet corners of the islands.
For the latter, family-owned Botanica is a top choice, featuring lovely cottages in a serene setting that's still convenient to the beach and local businesses. Caribbean Club and Plantana offer stays in chic Seven Mile Beach condominiums. For customised stays, on-island management companies like Cayman Villas represent accommodations varied enough to check off just about any vacation must-haves.
Book your Cayman Islands vacation today. Air Canada, WestJet and Porter offer four-hour nonstop flights from Toronto to Grand Cayman, with easy connections across Canada. Explore Visit Cayman Islands now to discover special offers and start planning your unforgettable getaway.
Those seeking a serene, unplugged getaway will find it here, too. A quick flight to the striking seaside cliffs and tiny towns of Cayman Brac or the tranquil, sparsely populated nature retreat called Little Cayman will do nicely. A tour of the islands’ luxurious spas or an extended wellness-focused getaway can enhance the restorative effects.
Read on to see how the Cayman Islands fulfills on a wide variety of vacation wish lists.
Hiking on Cayman Brac
Seven Mile Beach
Ms. Piper's Kitchen (left); Coccoloba Bar & Grill (right)
Hotel Indigo Grand Cayman
VIDA Cayman
art &
events
RESTAURANT
SCENE
spas &
stays
T he waters of the Cayman Islands are renowned for their incredible clarity and gemstone-blue hues. As with many aspects of this Caribbean destination—located just a four-hour nonstop flight from Toronto—what lies below the surface is even more impressive. Underwater cliffs and reefs teeming with kaleidoscopic marine life solidify Cayman’s status as one of the world’s top snorkeling and diving destinations.
The same “more than meets the eye” principle also applies to the islands themselves. At first glance, you may see them as a relaxing tropical haven—and two luxury hotel additions only underscore that viewpoint. But that's not the whole story.
Grand Cayman is a stage for art, music and culinary events that bring in some of the world’s biggest names. On top of the famed diving opportunities, there’s a host of thrilling land and sea adventures on offer—ATV riding, parasailing and cave tours.
Land experiences
The Cayman Islands is also the site of on-land adventures that justify tearing yourself away from the postcard-perfect beaches, at least temporarily. The Cayman Crystal Caves is a standout on that list. Tours through three cave sites provide up-close views of thousands of stalactites and stalagmites that protrude from the cave ceilings. Set on Grand Cayman’s north side, these naturally occurring underground caves formed millions of years ago but were only opened to the public in 2016. Tripadvisor users rank the caves among the top attractions worldwide, placing them alongside iconic landmarks such as the Empire State Building and the Eiffel Tower. Hiking, rock climbing, and biking are just a few of the other on-land adventures awaiting active travelers to the Cayman Islands.
Kayaking on Little Cayman
island
adventures
Beaches & watersports
Cerulean-blue sea kisses white coral sands along Grand Cayman’s world-famous Seven Mile Beach. Beyond its vivid waters, the expansive beach (which—fun fact—is actually closer to six miles in length) is known for the array of watersports on offer from its shores. Its position on the leeward side of the island means the waters are typically calm enough for stand-up paddleboarding or kayaking. But there’s plenty of action for thrill-seekers, too: kitesurfing, jet skiing or snorkeling excursions, for example.
Those eager to venture off the beaten path will find many secluded sands to explore. With its outdoor dining tables, shaded areas and verdant landscape, Cayman Brac Public Beach is a prime setting for a tranquil beach picnic. At Little Cayman’s Point of Sand, a true “deserted island”-style beach awaits. As its name implies, the sand here is set in an angular formation that seems to beckon you outward. With the year-round warm temperatures and crystal-blue waters, you won’t need to be told twice.
Land experiences
The Cayman Islands is also the site of on-land adventures that justify tearing yourself away from the postcard-perfect beaches, at least temporarily. The Cayman Crystal Caves is a standout on that list. Tours through three cave sites provide up-close views of thousands of stalactites and stalagmites that protrude from the cave ceilings. Set on Grand Cayman’s north side, these naturally occurring underground caves formed millions of years ago but were only opened to the public in 2016. Tripadvisor users rank the caves among the top attractions worldwide, placing them alongside iconic landmarks such as the Empire State Building and the Eiffel Tower. Hiking, rock climbing, and biking are just a few of the other on-land adventures awaiting active travelers to the Cayman Islands.
Island hopping
One of the most unique aspects of Cayman is the destination's ability to deliver on diverse vacation wish lists, thanks to its three distinct islands. Spending time on all three is the best way to understand each one’s unique vibe. With a little planning and help from daily inter-island flights from Cayman Airways, a dreamy island-hopping getaway is within reach.
Immerse yourself in the local culture on Grand Cayman. Unwind in a barefoot-chic cottage on Little Cayman and kayak to tiny Owen Island off the southwest shore. Enjoy views from the Cayman's highest point on the bluffs of Cayman Brac, then partake in some of the world's best diving. As an added bonus, you'll feel as though you’ve had three vacations instead of one.
Museums & galleries
The Cayman's idyllic landscapes have long inspired both native Caymanian and visiting artists to create. The National Gallery of the Cayman Islands on Grand Cayman is a treasure trove of such works, showcasing culturally relevant and thought-provoking pieces from both established and emerging artists. The gallery's permanent exhibits include the Intuitive Art and Early Pioneers collection, engaging both aesthetically and as a journey through the island's growing reputation as a hub for visual arts. Admission to the gallery is free.
Art fans can also witness (and purchase) works by Caymanian artists in galleries and open studios across George Town.
Housing an ever-changing lineup of human and natural history exhibits, the small yet impactful Cayman Islands National Museum in George Town is another must-visit.
Culinary events
Food lovers will find no shortage of events worth travelling for. Cayman Cocktail Week (Oct. 23-30) features a fun lineup of tastings and parties. The Cayman Cookout (Jan. 14-19) is considered one of the Caribbean’s premier food festivals and brings together world-class talent such as José Andrés, Emeril Lagasse and Daniel Boulud. Hosted by celebrity chef Eric Ripert at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman—the only resort in the Caribbean to receive Forbes Five Star ratings for its hotel, spa and restaurant—the event combines unforgettable food and wine experiences with an unparalleled island setting. For a more extended culinary celebration, Cayman Restaurant Month (October) offers specially priced multi-course menus at participating restaurants island-wide, making it an ideal time to sample the destination's diverse dining scene at an exceptional value.
Pirates Fest and beyond
Cayman Islands history is punctuated by tales of pirates—the real-life Blackbeard among them—who prowled Caymanian coasts in the 17th and 18th centuries. These buccaneers aimed to capture Spanish galleons filled with new-world treasures on their routes to Europe, and were often successful. This storied past is celebrated each November with the annual Pirates Fest, which spans all three islands. Heritage days, lively street parties, live music, fireworks and costume competitions create weeks of spirited celebrations, with each island adding its own flair. Check the event website for updates on each island's celebrations.
There's an annual event for sporty types, too—namely, the Cayman Islands Marathon (Dec. 7), which also offers a half marathon, a four-person relay and a Kids Fun Run. See more festivals and events here.
Noteworthy spots
Often called the “Culinary Capital of the Caribbean,” the Cayman Islands offers far more than just a vibrant food festival scene. Amid the islands' 300+ restaurants, you'll find an impressively high number of exceptional dining options. Fresh-caught seafood is a clear highlight, complemented by garden-fresh vegetables and organic meats prepared with both traditional and international flair.
Standouts include Pom Pom, where the chic modern-rustic aesthetic, elevated Caribbean cuisine and stunning rooftop views all compete for attention. Fun and casual Bonny Moon serves craft cocktails it playfully dubs “drinkies” alongside a menu that ranges from light beach snacks to whole branzino. Japanese-inspired Lucky Rabbit, Mexican cocina LOCO also continue to generate buzz among food lovers.
Perennial favorites
No traveller should leave Cayman before sitting down to a meal at Ms. Piper's Kitchen + Garden, where the words "live a little" are etched on the glass and, one might imagine, whispered over comforting dishes like cassava cheese bread and Korean ribs. At beachfront Coccoloba Bar & Grill, the menu mingles Mexican street food faves (chicharrones, for example) with fresh Caribbean seafood.
Cayman's also home to world-class fine dining locales. Blue by Eric Ripert (the celebrity chef who founded the aforementioned Cayman Cookout festival) inside The Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman offers a sumptuous tasting menu and a sommelier-approved wine list. Tillies' refined yet approachable menu spans breakfast, lunch and dinner, with an extensive raw bar available from lunchtime on. The Brasserie, Agua and Luca are just a few more fine dining restaurants to seek out on your trip—reservations recommended.
Wellness and relaxation
Cayman's wealth of world-class spas and wellness experiences make it an appealing place for travellers in need of R&R. The Manuka Body Therapy experience is just one example of the holistic treatments on offer at Botanika Union at the Grand Cayman Marriott Resort. Forbes Five Star-awarded The Spa at Seafire incorporates locally sourced ingredients—sea salt, seaweed and Caymanian coffee, for example—in its treatments. The luxurious Ritz-Carlton Spa, Grand Cayman offers massages tailored to athletes, expectant mothers and aromatherapy fans—plus an array of glow-inducing body treatments.
Wellness also thrives at Palm Heights, where the hotel’s innovative Garden Club blends nature, nutrition and movement with plant-based treatments and wellness programs, while Yogi Wall on Cayman Brac offers daily yoga classes in varying styles. For sports and socializing, Pickleball Cayman features 36 courts, professional coaching and a lively bar and restaurant hub.
Hotels & resorts
Beyond Cayman's pampering spa resorts, you'll find accommodations to suit every travel style. VIDA, a luxury boutique property in Grand Cayman’s West Bay, is a recent addition known for its sustainability focus, offering guided movement and meditation sessions along with an onsite café serving smoothies and locally sourced plates. On Seven Mile Beach, Hotel Indigo offers a full-service beach club, infinity pools and modern beach-chic guest rooms with ocean-view balconies.
Families might consider amenity-rich hotels like the Grand Cayman Marriott Resort and the Wyndham Reef Resort Grand Cayman (which offers an optional all-inclusive dining plan). Accommodations at all-suite boutique hotel Palm Heights provide room to spread out—along with stunning ocean views.
Other ways to stay
Condo and villa rentals are a popular choice for those seeking home-like amenities, extra space or extended stays (work from paradise, anyone?). You'll find options for every taste and budget, from exquisite waterfront homes to cozy retreats tucked away in quiet corners of the islands.
For the latter, family-owned Botanica is a top choice, featuring lovely cottages in a serene setting that's still convenient to the beach and local businesses. Caribbean Club and Plantana offer stays in chic Seven Mile Beach condominiums. For customised stays, on-island management companies like Cayman Villas represent accommodations varied enough to check off just about any vacation must-haves.
Book your Cayman Islands vacation today. Air Canada, WestJet and Porter offer four-hour nonstop flights from Toronto to Grand Cayman, with easy connections across Canada. Explore Visit Cayman Islands now to discover special offers and start planning your unforgettable getaway.