While the Cayman Islands are only spread across a 100-square-mile territory, these isles are bursting with things to see and do — from swimming with stingrays and kayaking in bioluminescent bays to exploring caves!
At Rum Point Club, we love discovering the Cayman Islands as much as our visitors, and we even have a range of exciting Activities at Rum Point Beach Club. Whether you come to the Cayman Islands for an outdoor adventure or to experience the local culture, all of this and more awaits.
We’ve created this blog detailing 10 unique experiences in the Cayman Islands that will appeal to a range of tastes. If you have any questions about our activities or the club, feel free to get in touch.
1. Meet the Puppies of the Sea at Stingray City
Stingray City is probably the most famous attraction in the Cayman Islands — and for good reason. At this sandbar in the North Sound, you’ll find an incredible number of stingrays swimming in the clear blue sea. You can get in the waters and swim with them and touch them, providing one of the most incredible marine encounters! Known as the “puppies of the sea”, these stingrays are perfectly friendly and are well-accustomed to humans. Just be mindful of touching them carefully and follow the Stingray Handling Guidelines.
The only way to visit Stingray City is on a boat tour, which you can easily take right from Rum Point Club. If you’re short on time, you can join our 1.5-hour Stingray City Tour from Rum Point, Grand Cayman for a quick meet and greet with the stingrays. Alternatively, you can opt for our longer Grand Cayman Stingray City Trip from Rum Point which includes snorkeling at a nearby reef.
2. Tour the Cayman Crystal Caves
While people often visit the Cayman Islands to experience its white-sand beaches and turquoise waters, Grand Cayman is home to an incredible underground world. The Cayman Crystal Caves have been formed over millions of years, creating breathtaking hollows filled with stalactites and stalagmites.
These caves can only be accessed on a guided tour, where you’ll be able to learn about their formation and even see a lucid underground lake. The entire tour takes 1.5 hours, including a walk in the tropical forest above the caves.
3. Encounter Marine Life at Cayman Turtle Center
If you want a guaranteed encounter with sea turtles, then make your way to the Cayman Turtle Center. Here, you can safely swim in a lagoon among green sea turtles. These endangered creatures are bred at the center and then released into the wild. The center is one of the few places where you can see the entire cycle of a turtle’s life!
You can also experience close encounters with sharks and barracudas at the Predator Reef, visit an aviary home to peafowls and Cayman parrots, or explore the Butterfly House where native species flutter about.
4. Kayak the Magical Bioluminescent Bay
Right near Rum Point, an incredible event occurs at night. The waters light up in radiant blue colors, creating an otherworldly scene. At Bioluminescent Bay you can experience the natural phenomenon of bioluminescence, where living organisms emit light upon movement.
While it may be tempting to swim in blue waters, it’s not recommended due to the amount of jellyfish here. Rather, take a kayak out at night where your oars will move the waters and cause the tiny creatures to make a show!
5. Dive at the Kittiwake Shipwreck
Off the coast of Seven Mile Beach lies one of the Cayman Islands’ most renowned diving spots. The navy vessel USS Kittiwake was deliberately sunk here in 2011 to create an artificial reef. Today, it’s among the best diving locations in the Caribbean. Snorkelers can even swim above it since its highest point is just 15 meters below the surface.
But for the best experience, you can go scuba diving among its five decks and discover the corals that have already made this wreck home. Have a look at our parent company Red Sail Sports for snorkeling and diving excursions to USS Kittiwake!
6. Have a Drink at Cayman Spirits Co. Distillery
While you’re in the Caribbean, you have to have a taste of rum. The liquor originated in the West Indies centuries ago and continues to be the drink of choice on the islands. At Cayman Spirits Co. Distillery in George Town, you can go on a tour of Grand Cayman’s only distillery and discover how the drink is made. Then, enjoy tastings of vodka and rum — including one that is crafted 42 feet underwater!
7. Explore the Queen Elizabeth II Royal Botanic Park
The Queen Elizabeth II Royal Botanic Park offers a lush oasis in Grand Cayman. Spanning 65 acres, the park is home to tropical foliage, native plants, and the Grand Cayman Blue Iguana — only found on Grand Cayman. These endangered animals are being bred at a facility at the park in order to conserve their population.
You can enjoy a leisurely stroll among the varied gardens, encountering endemic orchids, butterflies, and a tranquil lake. You may even run into a blue iguana!
8. Hike the Mastic Trail
To experience even more of the Cayman Islands’ natural abundance, take a hike on the Mastic Trail. In the Mastic Reserve, you can embark on a 2.3-mile-long trek through untouched forests and spot birds, reptiles, and butterflies. Keep your eyes peeled for the Cayman parrot native to the islands as well as the Mastic tree that gave the reserve and trail its name! Make sure to wear good shoes and bug spray, and bring a camera to capture the pristine wilderness.
For more ideas on off-the-beaten-path experiences, check out our blog on 7 Non-Touristy Things to Do in Grand Cayman.
9. Visit the Oldest Stone Building in the Cayman Islands
Pedro St. James Castle offers an intriguing insight into island history. This national historic site is the oldest existing stone building in Cayman and is known as the “Birthplace of Democracy in Cayman Islands” since it was where the first parliament was decided.
Originally built by slave labor in the 18th century and once serving as a jail, Pedro St. James has survived lightning strikes, fires, and hurricanes. It stands today as an important heritage site that will transport visitors back in time.
10. Savor the Flavors of Cayman at Rum Point
With so much to see and experience on the Cayman Islands, you’re sure to work up an appetite. So why not dine on Cayman fare at our Solis Restaurant? Relish a fresh menu of locally sourced ingredients and try our take on traditional dishes like conch croquetas. Wash it all down with a cocktail at The Rum Deck, including the Mudslide which originated right here at Rum Point Club. If you have any questions about our menu or services, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Until then, we can’t wait to welcome you to Rum Point.
