Grand Cayman is a tropical paradise known for its pristine beaches, turquoise waters, vibrant culture, and warm Caribbean hospitality. It’s no surprise, then, that so many first-time travelers eventually return for a second visit — or maybe even a third, fourth, or fifth! Our tiny island in the heart of the Caribbean is packed with incredible things to see and do, no matter how many times you’ve been here.
Popular attractions such as Seven Mile Beach and Stingray City often dominate itineraries and feature in lists of the best things first-timers should do in Grand Cayman with good reason. But our island offers so much more for those willing to explore beyond the beaten path.
At Rum Point Club, we’re home to The Rum Deck and Solis restaurant, so we know all about helping visitors to the quieter corners of Grand Cayman have an unforgettable time! We’re delighted to share our insider knowledge with you, so let’s get started on our picks for the best hidden gems in Grand Cayman for returning travelers.
If you have any questions for our team as we go, please just contact us for the answers you need.
Before we uncover our island’s hidden gems, it’s worth revisiting some of Grand Cayman’s iconic attractions. These popular spots have earned their fame for good reason and are always worth a return visit.
Our sister company, Red Sail Sports, is your gateway to these renowned experiences. Browse their full range of Stingray City Grand Cayman tours — including early morning and sunset excursions — to find the cruise that best suits your needs. If you’re a qualified diver, check out the 2-Tank Kittiwake Wreck Dive in Grand Cayman, especially if you missed it on your previous visit.
And with an array of beach activities and watersports from Seven Mile Beach to enjoy too, you can easily re-familiarize yourself with our island’s most-loved adventures.
While Seven Mile Beach may be home to some of Grand Cayman’s most famous attractions and experiences, there are plenty of hidden gems to be found here too!
Indulge in a touch of elegance with afternoon tea at The Ritz-Carlton. Served in the hotel’s Silver Palm restaurant lounge, this sophisticated offering features freshly baked pastries, finger sandwiches, and premium teas. The experience is perfect for a relaxing afternoon between adventures. And best of all, access is granted on a walk-in basis only, so you don’t need to make reservations.
Our island is a melting pot of delectable cuisines, so consider afternoon tea your introduction to Culinary Scene, Dining, and Nightlife in Grand Cayman.
If your trip coincides with April or May, don’t miss the Cayman Carnival Batabano. This vibrant festival celebrates Caribbean culture with colorful costumes, parades, and music. It’s a true highlight of our cultural calendar. There is an adult parade, which takes place in the first week of May, and a junior parade, which can fall either in late April or early May.
The name Batabano refers to the tracks in the sand left behind by sea turtles as they crawl out of the ocean and onto the beach for nesting.
There’s nothing quite like enjoying a vacation adventure on your terms, and that’s exactly what you can do with a private boat charter in Grand Cayman with Red Sail Sports. Escape the crowds and create your own itinerary with a private snorkel tour! Customize your schedule to include secluded beaches, vibrant coral reefs, or even a sunset cruise.
If you are staying along Seven Mile Beach, enjoy complimentary pick-up from your hotel lobby and embark on a truly unique experience aboard a 27′ Boston Whaler Vantage that is yours for the day.
Discover local talent and enjoy live music at Next Door, a cozy and stylish bar in Camana Bay, near Seven Mile Beach. Its laid-back ambiance and creative cocktails make it a perfect spot to unwind. With speakeasy vibes, frequent live jazz performances, a menu with locally sourced ingredients, and an aperitivo-inspired happy hour, you may find yourself coming back here more than once!
Need some more convincing? We also included a visit to Camana Bay as one of the best things to do after dinner in the Cayman Islands!
Immerse yourself in our cultural heritage at the National Gallery of the Cayman Islands. The museum features a rotating collection of contemporary and traditional art, as well as educational programs for kids and adults. In addition to the exhibition halls, NGCI is also home to the beautiful, landscaped Sculpture Gardens and The Art Café, both of which are welcoming spaces ideal for a break after admiring all that artwork!
Wine enthusiasts will appreciate the curated experiences served up by The Tasting Room. Choose from guided tastings, wine flights, or exclusive bottles to savor in an intimate setting. Both locations are in the Seven Mile Beach area, with The Tasting Room Wine Bar in Camana Bay and the Wine Cellar mere steps from the beach itself, near Caribbean Plaza. Every sip is a celebration at The Tasting Room, making both spots a must-visit for all wine lovers.
South of Seven Mile Beach, George Town is the capital of the Cayman Islands. George Town is also the name of the wider district that the city is in, as well as Owen Roberts International Airport and around half of Seven Mile Beach (the southern end).
Beer lovers should make a stop at the Cayman Islands Brewery, home to local favorites like Caybrew and White Tip Lager. Enjoy a tasting flight and take home a souvenir from the beer-inspired gift shop. The onsite Tap Room, located in the heart of the brewery, is the perfect place to pull up a chair and enjoy a refreshing drink with the aroma of hops lingering on the air.
Explore our country’s rich history and culture at the Cayman Islands National Museum. Interactive exhibits cover everything from maritime heritage to traditional crafts. The rotation of dynamic exhibits, educational programs, and ever-evolving collections allows the museum to fulfill its role as a living connection to our islands’ fascinating past. This ensures that present and future generations never lose sight of our country’s unique cultural and natural heritage.
Take a distillery tour at Cayman Spirits Co. and learn about the craftsmanship behind their award-winning rums and vodkas. Fuelled by the spirit of true artisans, this is a local enterprise that still adheres to traditional distilling methods, even after their success and growth over the years. Don’t leave without sampling the famous Seven Fathoms Rum!
For a tranquil seaside experience, head to Spotts Beach, a tiny slither of white sand on the south coast. Located just off Shamrock Road, it’s a great place to spot sea turtles grazing in the shallow azure waters, especially during the early morning hours. We love the local vibe at Spotts Beach so much that we included it in our picks for the best beaches in Grand Cayman.
Will you be in the George Town area during your trip? Be sure to read our blog Awesome Things to Do in George Town, Cayman Islands for even more travel inspiration!
We leave the hustle and bustle of Seven Mile Beach and George Town on the west coast and head east to the quieter side of Grand Cayman. First up is the North Side district!
We may be biased, but Rum Point Club is a must-visit here on the North Shore! Our idyllic beachside location is the perfect place to dine, drink, play, and put your toes in the sand. At both The Rum Deck and Solis restaurant, you can feel warm, laid-back Caymanian hospitality at its finest.
Enjoy our signature mudslides, fresh seafood, and stunning views of the North Sound. Whether you’re here for a casual lunch or an evening dinner by the beach, you’ll find an unforgettable experience in paradise.
Looking for even more inspiration for your trip to North Side? We think you’ll love the local tips in our blog 10 Fun Things to Do in Rum Point.
Discover one of our island’s geological wonders at the Cayman Crystal Caves. Visitors can only view the caves on a guided tour, so it’s essential to book before setting out. Your tour will take you through a lush tropical forest that surrounds the cave, but the highlights are waiting for you below ground! Your guide leads you through three stunning caves adorned with stalactites and stalagmites — the open-ceiling cave, the roots cave, and the lake cave. Oh, and there are resident bats here, too!
The good news is that children love the Crystal Caves as much as adults, if not more so! This is why we included it in our choices for the top things to do in the Cayman Islands with kids!
A serene spot ideal for families and nature lovers, Starfish Point is home to dozens of red-orange starfish that thrive in the shallow, clear waters. Remember to admire them responsibly without removing them from the water! This picturesque spot is only a 5-minute drive from Rum Point Club, so it’s easy to combine the two.
The beach here is called Water Cay. The water starts shallow but then drops to around 10 ft. This is the point where you can see the starfish on the sandy floor. Snorkeling here is another popular activity with families and features in our Local Grand Cayman Family Activity Guide.
Nature enthusiasts will love the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park, where you can stroll through colorful gardens and even spot the rare blue iguana. The park is located on the boundary between North Side and the East End and consists of seven main attractions:
There’s also a two-acre lake to sit beside when you want to get off your feet! With all this and more to see on a visit, it’s no wonder Queen Elizabeth II Royal Botanical Park featured in our picks for the top 10 things to do on Grand Cayman.
Have you ever experienced water glowing with bioluminescence on a dark, moonless night? Well, you can take your chance at Bioluminescent Bay! Cayman Kayaks offers eco-friendly tours that allow you to witness the glowing microorganisms in an intimate, serene setting. Our island home is renowned for its underwater wonders, and Bioluminescent Bay is a true highlight.
Unsurprisingly, this bioluminescent experience was one of our recommendations for the best cool and unusual things to do in the Cayman Islands.
Grand Cayman’s Mastic Trail is unique in numerous ways — not only is it one of our island’s only spots for hiking, it’s also one of the Caribbean’s last remaining untouched old-growth forests. The trail itself is located within the interior Mastic Reserve and is a designated heritage site managed by the National Trust for the Cayman Islands.
To explore this natural wonderland, you must make a reservation and pay an entrance fee. Your experience includes a walk along the 2.3-mile trail with an expert guide. Keep an eye out for all manner of wildlife, including frogs, bird species, butterflies, crabs, lizards, and non-poisonous snakes.
Let’s finish where we started — back at Rum Point Club! In addition to mouthwatering meals and delicious drinks, we also offer Grand Cayman beach toys for rent. And while you can hit the water in kayaks, sailboats, and on Waverunners, we’ve chosen stand-up paddleboarding on a twinkling azure sea as a hidden gem.
With our stand-up paddleboard rentals in Grand Cayman, you can combine fitness, fun, and exploring the beautiful Rum Point coastline. Glide over calm waters while taking in breathtaking views of the North Sound.
If you prefer the idea of renting a Waverunner, we recommend heading to our blog Should You Try a Jet Ski in Grand Cayman? when you have finished here.
Grand Cayman’s east coast is secluded, peaceful, and a joy for returning visitors to explore. Given how few tourists make it to this side of the island, you can argue that the entire district is a hidden gem!
Let’s round off our picks for hidden gems in Grand Cayman for returning travelers with two of the East End’s best beaches — behind only Rum Point, of course! For those seeking solitude, Colliers Public Beach and Barefoot Beach provide peaceful escapes where it’s sometimes possible to be the only person present!
Barefoot Beach is on the North Shore and is such a hidden gem that it’s not even signposted. You’ll just have to drive slowly and keep an eye out for it! However, it is only a short walk from the main road, so it is relatively easy to access. Far away from the crowds of Seven Mile Beach, you can settle in for a relaxing day and even enjoy a snorkel — after reading our Snorkeling Guide to Grand Cayman, of course!
Collier’s Beach is on the east coast and is another tranquil spot loved by locals for its shady palm trees and picnic areas. In fact, we included having a BBQ on Colliers Beach as one of our picks in the blog Where do Locals Go to Have Fun in the Cayman Islands? If you’re an early riser, this is also a great spot to watch a breathtaking sunrise. The beach faces east, providing gorgeous views first thing in the morning.
The East End is a diver’s paradise, and Tortuga Divers, another of our sister companies, offers unparalleled diving experiences. With their Grand Cayman East End diving trips, you can explore pristine reefs, plunging walls, and eerie wrecks in this less-visited part of the island. Because few of the divers who explore the wonders of the western and northern coasts make it this far east, dive sites in the East End are in exceptional condition.
Marvel at the natural beauty of The Blow Holes, where waves crash against the rock, sending geysers of water into the air. But what’s the secret? Well, as the water reaches the rocky shoreline, it bursts through holes in the rock and fires upward into the air! To see The Blow Holes at their best, you need to visit at high tide or, even better, before a storm, when the sea is rough and swelling.
You can find The Blow Holes on the western side of East End, just off Sea View Road. They are free and easily accessible, but just make sure you wear sturdy shoes!
Learn about Grand Cayman’s maritime heritage at the Wreck of the Ten Sails Memorial. This site commemorates the worst shipwreck in the history of the Cayman Islands. On 8 February 1794, 10 ships were wrecked in a single night. They had been traveling by convoy from Jamaica but ultimately ran aground on a reef. Sadly, eight people aboard the 10 ships lost their lives, but this number would have been much higher without the rescue efforts of local Caymanians.
As we near the end of this guide, you may be wondering where to base yourself on your upcoming trip. We got you covered! Read our blog What Part of Grand Cayman Should You Stay In? for some local tips and insights.
We hope you’ve found these hidden gems in Grand Cayman for returning travelers inspiring! Everyone at Rum Point Club would love to welcome you to The Rum Deck or Solis restaurant and show you an authentic slice of Caribbean island life.
Why not browse our menus and start planning your trip to North Side? Remember, we’re here to help however we can, so please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions for our team.