7 Must Visit Tourist Attractions in The Cayman Islands

A British Overseas Territory in the Western Caribbean, the Cayman Islands offer some of the best diving in the world. Crystal-clear waters in striking shades of blue slosh upon the shores of this trio of tropical isles, which includes Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman. Coral reefs ring all three islands, shipwrecks are scattered off their shores, and steep underwater walls teem with marine life.

The popular cruise port of Grand Cayman is the largest and most Americanized of the three islands. Stunning Seven Mile Beach is its crown jewel, with a range of water sports and beachfront resorts.

Besides basking on the island's powdery shores, other popular things to do include swimming with stingrays, diving, snorkeling, hiking, duty-free shopping in the colorful capital of George Town, and escaping to the island's tranquil East End. Grand Cayman is also where you'll find the most happening Cayman Islands nightlife.

# Seven Mile Beach

Sublime Seven Mile Beach frequently graces lists of the best beaches in the Caribbean, and for good reason. Fringed with casuarinas and coconut palms, this ravishing sweep of flour-soft sand and turquoise sea is the kind of place you dream about.

Despite its name, it's actually only about 5.5 miles, but even with cruise ship passengers flocking to its shores, this broad stretch of beach provides a peaceful patch of sand for everyone. It's also usually free of roaming vendors.

# Stingray City

Anyone with a fear of stingrays will be cured after this trip. Stingray City is one of the most famous shallow water snorkel and dive sites in the Caribbean and one of Grand Cayman's top tourist attractions.

Custom-built boats zip out to a shallow sandbar surrounded by crystal-clear water where you can feed, kiss, and cuddle these satiny creatures. If you're a little frightened to touch them, you can kneel on the sandy bottom and just watch in awe as these gentle creatures glide all around you.

# George Town

George Town, an offshore banking hub and Cayman's attractive capital, comes alive when cruise ships arrive. Shopping is one of the most popular things to do here, and many of the duty-free shops and art galleries are housed in colorful gingerbread buildings along the harbor front.

This cute tourist town also offers a clutch of other worthwhile tourist attractions. Cayman Islands National Museum displays historical and ecological exhibits.

# Diving in the Cayman Islands

Surrounded by reefs, the Cayman Islands are one of the best diving destinations in the Caribbean. Best of all, many of the top sites lie only minutes from shore. Diving highlights include diverse coral formations, caverns, grottos, tunnels, wrecks, and steep walls, and the visibility is typically excellent

Off Grand Cayman, Stingray City is one of the most famous shallow dives in the world.

# Atlantis Submarines

Atlantis Submarines offers a chance for you to experience the underwater world without getting wet. This 48-passenger submarine plunges to depths of 30 meters, where you can peer through the submarine's large viewing windows at kaleidoscopic vistas. Tropical fish, shallow reefs, underwater canyons, and even shipwrecks are just some of the sights to enjoy.

The company also offers night submarine tours and shallow-water excursions in their Seaworld Observatory.

# Cayman Turtle Centre: Island Wildlife Encounter

Ever wanted to snorkel with turtles? At Cayman Turtle Centre, you can do this and so much more.

This research and breeding farm houses two species of sea turtles: green sea turtles and a small number of endangered Kemp's Ridley sea turtles. The center raises turtles for local consumption to counteract poaching in local waters and is also a conservation facility, releasing turtles into the wild. But that's not all. You'll find a diverse array of attractions here, with something for every member of the family.

# Bloody Bay Marine Reserve, Little Cayman

The smallest and sleepiest of the three Cayman Islands, Little Cayman is known for its superb fishing and diving. Bloody Bay Marine Reserve lies just offshore here, with wreck sites and the famous Bloody Bay Wall.

Divers and anglers flock to the Southern Cross Club, a venerable resort with a top-notch dive operation and expert fishing guides, who take you to prowl the flats for bonefish or cast a line in the island's Tarpon Lake.