Wouldn’t you rather be lounging in a hammock on a beach somewhere warm, where sun and alcohol are abundant and worries are not? Well, thanks to that stupid groundhog, we’re promised 6 more grueling weeks of winter. If you are lucky enough to get out of your winter funk and travel to this tropical paradise then I want to help!
After visiting Grand Cayman last September, it’s easily become one of my favorite islands I’ve traveled. I mean…the white sand beaches, beautiful people and crystal clear water might have something to do with it, but that’s only the tip of the iceberg! From jetting around the island to indulging in the best dishes on the island…Grand Cayman is sure to wow everyone!
I want to give you MY inside scoop on all the activities in Grand Cayman that DON’T SUCK!
Sail on a Yacht
Did someone say yacht? Yes, I did! What better way to see the beautiful ocean than sipping mimosas on board a gigantic boat. Move over Beyonce, the bitch is comin through. I had the pleasure of being aboard Cayman Luxury Charters that took me to a few amazing spots that I will name later in this post! Let’s just say, it’s the only way to do it!
Kiss a stingray
Let’s all take a moment to remember the great Crocodile Hunter…and let’s not end up like he did shall we? These stingrays are much friendlier. No visit to Grand Cayman is complete without visiting Stingray City! Now, it’s not an actual city, but rather a feeding ground where stingrays graze your belly and swim around you.
The guys at Luxury Cayman was able to make a pit stop here for us. (They also told us that a group of Asians wore high heels here because they thought it was an actual city hahah) Can’t help but laugh at that one. Anyways, mix some crystal clear water with stunning stingrays and you got yourself the perfect match!
Take a flavour tour
The single most important aspect of any trip aside from alcohol is food. So when you put the two together it’s a match made in heaven. What is a flavour tour you might ask? Well, it’s similar to a progressive dinner. You start by getting a wine tasting where you meet, then through-out the night, you hop from different local restaurants trying their signature dishes and drinks! It’s so much fun to experience such a diverse menu; plus, you get to meet some new friends!
Horseback riding through the ocean
Like most trips, I was not able to experience EVERYTHING that was on my list, but that just means I have to go back again! Never been a fan of horses for some reason, I think my imagination tricks me into thinking they are going to run, make me fall and then drop kick me. Stupid brain. BUT in a way, they are amazing animals. That’s why I think any person would be delighted to take these majestic creatures for a spin in the water! Can’t comment on which agency would be best for contacting, but I can say it would make for some awesome photo ops!
Watch the sunset at Kimpton Seafire Resort & Spa
It’s called Kimpton Seafire for a reason. The view from the hotel is just remarkable overlooking Seven Mile Beach. The perfect place to grab a bite at their waterfront restaurant and watch as the sun sets fire over the ocean.
Read all about my stay at Kimpton Seafire Resort & Spa in Grand Cayman!
Happy Hour at Calico Jacks
Honestly, when you’re on island time..every hour is happy hour. Just as you watch the sunset at Kimpton Seafire, a short walk down the beach will have in front of the famous Calico Jacks! Known for it’s laid back beach vibes where the locals and tourists alike love to hang out, it’s the best place to get the party started! Here you will find people from all over the world who have either moved to the island for work or are simply visiting. Regardless, the people and the drinks are extra sweet!
Snorkel / Scuba dive a shipwreck
It ain’t no Titanic, but it will do! The USS Kittiewake is the ultimate Caribbean shipwreck! This ship way back when had close to 50 years of active service in the US Navy as a submarine support vessel until it was sunk near Seven Mile Beach. It has been a favorite and should not be missed! Although it use to sit upright, Mother Nature gave it a punch, turning it completely on its side. For past divers, it’s like a whole new world opened up! Whether it’s your 1st or 10th time diving it, you’re sure to discover something new!
Eat lunch at Camana Bay
Camana Bay is like the heart of this beach city. Boasting waterfront views, fresh restaurants and no shortage of alcohol in sight. Okay, it has local shops and everything else…but alcohol is my main focus. Its modern architecture sprinkled with island flare makes it the perfect spot to grab some lunch! If you don’t end up taking the flavour tour (which starts and ends here) then make sure to at least pick a restaurant and chow down.
Take pictures with starfish
CAUTION: These sea creatures are NOT to be held out of the water against their will for too long. Just a couple of seconds, otherwise you will severely hurt them or worse…kill them.
Now that I’ve scared enlightened you, go have some fun! There is a beautiful stretch of beach situated at the North Side of Grand Cayman Island where starfish are plenty. Called Starfish Point/ Beach for obvious reasons, this stop is a must do! More-so because of how incredibly clear the water is.
Ride on a jet ski
My favorite activities anywhere always involves exciting activities. Jet skiing might not be “shit your pants” exciting, but it definitely beats beach biking while having to dodge naked little kids and their sand castles. To me, jet skiing allows you to see the island from a different point of view and more of it in case you don’t have a lot of time. The people at Red Sail hooked me up with not only a jet ski but the coordinates to the USS Kittiewake so I didn’t even have to book a separate tour to see it! That’s customer service!
Have dinner at Yara
Yup, I am insisting that you try this place out. Normally I simply state my opinion and let you, the reader decide if it’s a place you’d visit but this is different. YOU MUST EAT HERE. World-renowned chef Dylan Benoit was kind enough to serve me one of the best steaks I’ve ever had in my life! Mouthwatering from start to finish. If steak isn’t your jam, don’t worry. Yara has other delicacies to try like Octopus Carpaccio and Lemongrass Snapper Ceviche just to name a few. Trust me when I say, this place has to be on your list!
What’s crazy is that when I was down in Key West, I thought the food would be insane! Fresh caught that day and straight to our dinner plate. Low and behold almost every meal I had there was like a pile of dog shit covered in bread crumbs…Grand Cayman, on the other hand, knows how to do food!
From the shore to the starfish to the shipwrecks, I think Grand Cayman should be on the top of your travel radar! I feel so bad knowing that I neglected it as a contender for a tropical paradise vacay. Seriously, shame on me! Don’t be living under a damn rock as I have been, book your next vacation to Grand Cayman today!!
Why do I sound like a late night infomercial? haha.
ps. Shout out to Deep Blue Images for my kick-ass pictures and friendships that will last a lifetime…Cayman Luxury Charters for catering to my every want and desire’s (lots of mimosas), Kimpton Seafire Resort & Spa and Tony Wilbert for making all my wildest dreams come true on this trip. As always, opinions are my own and you know that I’d tell you if I hated anything..but I didn’t. It was a magical trip.
pss. If you thought this post was perf (as always) head over to my YouTube channel to take a look at my Grand Cayman video highlighting everything I did!
marvellous. I am totally blown away by the images. That’s an awesome place to spend time. 🙂
Cool guide with lots to do! Diving is a must there, I would love to see the USS Kittiewake, must be amazing! And I think I would definitely give the horseback riding a try.
These activities don’t suck at all. I enjoyed your carefree description of these activities. If I ever make it to Grand Cayman, I think I would particularly enjoy scuba diving shipwrecks and horseback riding through the ocean.
Grand Cayman looks amazing! I agree that food is the most important part of a trip, so I’m sure I’d like to eat at Yara and try the flavour tour. But I would also like to get so close to a starfish. My name means star, so I am just crazy about starfish!
Wow, Grand Cayman is such a lovely tropical paradise. I want to experience sailing on yacht it seemed like really fun. The beach is really awesome and would love to douse myself in that turquoise water. Thank you so much for sharing this with us.
okay okay SIGN ME UP! This sounds like the PERFECT vacation. I need the jet ski, the yacht & alllll the alcohol 🙂 Literally the perfect vacation ever. & your orange suit is too cute.
Thanks girl!! Definitely an awesome vacation!! Suit is from Forever 21!!!
We’ve only been there once and it was on a cruise but I loved it. Would love to have a few days to do all of these activities. Great information.
Awesome adventures you have in Cayman islands! We also have a beach with many starfishes, but we encourage guests to not to touch them, in order not to disturb its nature.
Where is your next destination?
South Africa in a few weeks!!!
Oh what a gorgeous place! The stingray encounter was absolutely amazing. I wish I could also see and experience Grand Cayman. Thanks for the inspiration. 🙂