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Planning a trip to Grand Cayman? You’ve come to the right place!
This Caribbean paradise is a haven for anyone seeking adventures, whether that’s in the sea, on the land, or in the jungle. We’ve had so many memorable experiences on Grand Cayman, so we promise that this island has something special in store for you.
Of course, with so much to offer, it can be tough to know where to start. We’ve rounded up a list of the best things we’ve ever done in Grand Cayman. From swimming with stingrays and nighttime snorkeling with glowing bioluminescence to jet skiing and luxurious boat tours, we’re going to cover it all. Stay tuned for an unforgettable island getaway!
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!

The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our personal FAVORITE thing we did in Grand Cayman was this Stingray City experience! We visited the famous Stingray City sandbar to swim with and feed stingrays in the shallow water. Plus, it included stops at two of the island’s best snorkeling spots!
Things to do in Grand Cayman
1. Swim with stingrays at the famous Stingray City


- Duration: 3 hours
- Time: 9 am – 2:30 pm
- Highlights: Seeing friendly stingrays at Stingray City, hand-feeding stingrays, snorkeling at the Barrier Reef and the Coral Gardens
- Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, live commentary on board, use of snorkeling equipment, local guide, fruit juice and water
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 1,300+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
If there’s one experience in Grand Cayman that you absolutely cannot miss, it’s visiting Stingray City on this tour! This is a unique series of shallow sandbars in the North Sound, where there are dozens (if not hundreds) of friendly stingrays.
When we visited, we had a unique chance to not only see them up close but interact with and feed them. It was insanely cool!
The tour started with a warm welcome from the crew, who made our trip so much fun. When we arrived at Stingray City, we loved wading in the waist-deep water, and we even got to feed the stingrays by hand. They were so graceful as they glided around us, and the whole experience was truly surreal.
The fun didn’t end there, either. After Stingray City, the boat took us onto Coral Gardens and the Barrier Reef, which are two of Grand Cayman’s best snorkeling spots. The island’s underwater world is truly mesmerizing, and swimming among the schools of tropical fish was one of the highlights of our time on the island. Plus, the snorkel gear was all brand new and top-notch, so the entire experience was seamless.
Stingray City is more than just another excursion. It’s truly magical, and a must-do experience. If you only have time for one activity on Grand Cayman, you should definitely book this tour!
This tour often sells out so make sure to grab your spot here!
2. Go night snorkeling in Bioluminescence Bay


- Duration: 2 hours
- Time: 6:35 pm
- Highlights: Visiting Bioluminescent Bay, snorkeling among the glowing bioluminescent plankton, enjoying drinks on board the boat
- Inclusions: Boat transport, soft drinks, beer, snorkel equipment
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 900+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
There are few things in this world as magical as experiencing bioluminescence. So when we stumbled across this nighttime snorkeling tour, you know we just had to book it! We’re so glad we did because it was one of the best things that we have ever done in Grand Cayman.
We were welcomed on board the boat with beers and upbeat music by the friendly crew, and we set off towards Bioluminescent Bay. As we drew closer, we began to see the sparkling blue plankton light up the water, so we couldn’t wait to jump in and explore it further!
Once we started snorkeling in the bay, we truly felt like we had entered another world. Bioluminescence is caused by tiny organisms in the water that light up with every movement, creating a surreal, fairy-like glow. That’s the best way we can describe it, but it’s one of those things that you have to experience for yourself.
There was the option to stay on the boat, so even if you can’t swim, you can still observe the glowing water. The guides were also super engaging and funny, as they shared fascinating insights about the local marine life and the phenomenon of bioluminescence.
If you’re visiting Grand Cayman, snorkeling with the bioluminescence is a must-do. It’s a chance to see nature in one of its most dazzling forms – literally! We will definitely book this experience again the next time we’re on the island.
Don’t miss your chance to join this once-in-a-lifetime tour!
3. Explore the island on an e-bike


- Duration: 3 hours
- Time: 9 am, 10 am, or 2 pm
- Highlights: Cycling along coastal paths and through mangrove forest trails, using easy electric bikes, spotting tropical plants and animals, learning about the history of the Cayman Islands, Hell Rock formation, Old Homestead, Seven Mile Beach, Cemetery Beach, West Bay Dock, Barker’s National Park
- Inclusions: Use of e-bike, helmet, English-speaking guide
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 250+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
This e-bike tour was not only a fun experience, but it was such an effective way to get to know Grand Cayman. We highly recommend it for first-time visitors to the island, although it often sells out, so make sure to book it in advance.
One of the best parts of the tour was that our guides, Ryan and John, were so funny and friendly. Using an e-bike was also a fantastic way to conserve energy and beat the island heat. We covered over 14 miles (22.5 kilometers) on this tour, but we barely broke a sweat!
The route was fantastic, and we stopped at many of the island’s most unique spots, starting at Seven Mile Beach, which is unbelievably beautiful. We’re talking postcard perfection, only better!
One of the best stops of the day was Cemetery Beach, which was not only stunning but gave us a fascinating insight into the island’s culture and heritage. We also glimpsed what island life was like a century ago at the Old Homestead, and we got to go to Hell. Not literally, of course – that’s the name of the island’s unique black limestone rock formation. We even got to send postcards from the post office!
Finally, we rode through Barker’s National Park, which is breathtaking, with isolated beaches and an abundance of wildlife. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or an adventurer, this tour has it all!
This bike tour often sells out, so reserve your spot easily here!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
4. Go on a day trip to the Crystal Caves


- Duration: 3.5 hours
- Time: 9 am, 12 pm, or 1 pm
- Highlights: Strolling through the tropical forest, exploring inside the Crystal Caves, learning about local plant and animal life, discovering the history of the caves
- Inclusions: Hotel or port pickup and drop-off, professional guide, skip-the-line entry to the caves, guided cave and jungle walk
- Rating: 4.5 stars (check 280+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: No
- Price: Check price here!
The unique crystal caves are one of Grand Cayman’s most incredible natural attractions! As much as we loved the island’s beaches, we were also keen for a more rugged jungle adventure, so we booked this fun day trip to see the caves!
The drive to the north side of the island was scenic, but the real magic arrived as we hopped out of the tour vehicle and entered the lush green jungle. Our guide, Yves, told us captivating stories about the caves as we walked through the forest towards them, and helped us to spot some wildlife.
Yves took us to three different caves, and what we loved about the tour was that each cave offered something different. The first was home to intricate stalagmite and stalactite formations, and a serene pool of water reflecting them. It was magical! Meanwhile, another cave housed a small colony of bats, which was thrilling to spot!
The caves were stunning, but between exploring them, we also got to stroll through the surrounding forest, where Yves helped us identify unique plants and wildlife. The walking was relatively easy, and the paths were well-maintained and accessible to most fitness levels.
All in all, visiting the crystal caves is a must for nature enthusiasts and adventurers who are looking to uncover a different side of Grand Cayman. They are beyond spectacular!
Book this fun cave adventure ASAP!
5. See Grand Cayman’s best sights on a jet ski tour


- Duration: 3 hours
- Time: 6 am – 7 pm
- Highlights: Exhilarating jet ski ride, snorkeling, visiting Stingray City, Starfish Point, and Rum Point
- Inclusions: Jet ski rental, guide, life vest, snorkeling equipment
- Rating: 4.7 stars (check 60+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
If going jet skiing in the Cayman Islands isn’t a bucket list experience, then I don’t know what is! Zooming through the bright blue water, seeing epic marine life, and visiting beautiful beaches truly made us feel like rock stars.
I had never driven a jet ski before this tour, but our guide, Alex, was incredibly patient and walked me through everything. And once I got the hang of it, I spent the entire time with a huge smile on my face – in fact, we both did!
The first stop on our whirlwind adventure was Stingray City, where we jumped into the warm, shallow waters and got to hand-feed gentle stingrays. It was a surreal experience, and I had to pinch myself to make sure I wasn’t dreaming.
Then, we zipped over to Rum Point, a picturesque beach known for its laid-back vibe – hence the name! We went swimming and snorkeling in the clear, shallow waters, and we also had some time to relax on the white sand beach.
Then, the final stop of the day was the secluded Starfish Point, which is one of the most amazing places we have ever been snorkeling! As the name suggests, the waters are dotted with colorful starfish, and this epic spot was the perfect place to wrap up the tour.
This tour was a dream come true!
Book this jet ski adventure in advance and get FREE 24-hour cancellation!
6. Book a private luxury boat to explore at your own pace


- Duration: 2 – 3 hours
- Time: 8 am – 7 pm
- Highlights: Visiting Stingray City, Rum Point, Starfish Point, snorkeling, cruising on a luxurious private boat, snorkeling with bioluminescence (nighttime option)
- Inclusions: Private boat transport, captain, guide, customizable itinerary, cooler box with ice, bottled water, snorkel and safety equipment
- Rating: 5 stars (check 400+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check prices here!
If you’re looking for the ultimate day out on the water in Grand Cayman, then you cannot beat this private luxury charter!
This isn’t your average group tour with a crowded boat and a rigid schedule. It’s a customizable experience tailored to your preferences, and if you book it, it’s sure to be the highlight of your vacation!
We were so excited from the moment we stepped onto the boat. I mean, with daybeds, WiFi, and even a shower on board, we were incredibly well-catered for. Plus, we had total control over the itinerary, although we think that the basic suggested itinerary is pretty fantastic. I mean, does it get better than feeding stingrays and snorkeling with starfish?
Depending on your chosen duration, there’s the option to add stops like Rum Point or Kaibo Beach Bar. Meanwhile, if you go at night, you can snorkel with bioluminescent plankton, which is nothing short of magical.
We also have to give a huge shout-out to the crew, who were super passionate and went above and beyond to ensure that we had an incredible day. Honestly, whether you want a 2-hour nighttime tour or a 3-hour daytime adventure, this private charter delivers an unforgettable experience.
Book this VIP tour now and you can choose to pay later!
Where to Stay in Grand Cayman

Now that you know all of the best ways to explore the island, it’s time to find the perfect place to stay. From luxurious accommodations to budget-conscious rooms, Grand Cayman has plenty of options for your trip.
To help you choose the best place for your budget and taste, I’ve rounded up my favorite hotels:
Luxury – $$$
The Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa is a beautiful lifestyle resort on Seven Mile Beach, providing a fabulous luxury stay for guests. With an onsite spa and three dining locations, it’s the perfect oasis. It features modern rooms and an open-air design with water vistas, winding gardens and pristine pools.
Prices vary depending on the time of year, but rooms often are between $700-$1,500 USD. Check all the options and book this luxury stay on Booking.com.
Mid-range – $$
The Grand Cayman Marriott Resort is a fantastic mid-range option. Guest rooms have an elevated and contemporary look that captures the essence of the oceanfront property. The hotel offers several onsite dining options with ocean views or poolside, and guests can relax at the spa or in the charming courtyard.
Prices typically range from $400 USD to $700 USD per night. You can check availability for your travel dates on Booking.com.
Budget – $
The Locale Hotel Grand Cayman is a budget-friendly option in paradise for solo travelers, couples, or families. With free Wi-Fi and complimentary breakfast, you’ll stay connected and start your day off right. The saltwater pool is the perfect place to relax, and it’s just a short walk to Seven Mile Beach.
Rooms range from $300-$450 USD per night and you can visit Booking.com to make your reservation.
For more options, see all of Grand Cayman’s hotels listed here!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!

As you can tell, there are so many options to experience the beauty of Grand Cayman. From swimming with stingrays and tropical fish to exploring on a private boat, there are adventures for everyone. We hope you enjoy the island as much as we did!
If you’re looking for a getaway to other tropical destinations, check out all of our blogs on the Caribbean. There are so many gorgeous spots to visit, and we tell you the best ways to experience them!