10 Best Beaches in Grand Cayman

Cemetery Beach is a serene, less-crowded alternative to busy Seven Mile Beach. It's perfect for visitors or locals seeking calm, crystal-clear water and pristine white sand. A short walk past the historic cemetery leads you to a soft shoreline, shaded by Seagrape trees and some of the island’s best snorkeling.

Just a six-minute swim offshore, you’ll find a vibrant reef around 30 feet deep, home to colorful tropical fish, coral formations, and the occasional sea turtle. While currents can be strong at times, confident swimmers will love the adventure. With minimal crowds and few watersports, Cemetery Beach remains one of Cayman’s most peaceful, secluded beach experiences.

Explore Cayman Editor's Tip:

There can sometimes be a riptide current at Cemetery Beach and once, I got caught in it. I have also heard friends mention the same thing. If you feel the current taking you away from shore, or you find it is really hard work swimming back to the beach, the chances are you are in the middle of a riptide event. Don't panic, get your bearings whilst you tread water. Then, swim parallel to the shore (I swam northwards). After about ten meters swimming lateral to shore, turn in and swim to the beach. If you feel like you are not making progress, turn back to swim laterally again and repeat. Once you are out of the riptide, you'll notice it is much less effort to swim to the shore.

Smith's Barcadere better known as Smith’s Cove—is one of Grand Cayman’s most loved beaches, particularly treasured by locals. This picturesque cove features crystal-clear turquoise water, soft sand, and dramatic natural rock formations that make it perfect for swimming, snorkeling, exploring, and even a little safe rock jumping.

Visit on a non–cruise ship weekday for a peaceful, crowd-free experience ideal for relaxing and soaking up the sun. With clean restrooms, showers, shaded picnic tables, and incredible coastal scenery, Smith’s Barcadere offers a charming, family-friendly alternative to Seven Mile Beach and is an absolute must-visit in the Cayman Islands.

Explore Cayman Editor's Tip:

If a tranquil and relaxing beach experience is your preference, I would recommend avoiding the beautiful Smith's (Cove) Barcadere over the Easter weekend, if that's when you are visiting here or planning on going. It is a Cayman tradition to make camp on the island's beaches over that period and it can be loud and rowdy throughout the day and night at that time of the year. Any other time, it is one of the most idyllic beaches on the island, and even thought its popular, it's still possible to find your own little shaded nook amongst the trees.

Governor’s Beach is located on iconic Seven Mile Beach right beside the Governor’s Residence. This super-popular but never overly-crowded spot is loved for its powder-soft white sand, crystal-clear water, and unforgettable Cayman sunsets. This popular public beach is perfect for swimming, snorkeling around the nearby reef, sunbathing, and spending the day with friends or family.

You’ll find a few shaded picnic spots near the parking area, but the real highlight is the wide, open beachfront—ideal for bringing your own chairs, umbrellas, and refreshments. Spacious, scenic, and beautifully laid-back, Governor’s Beach is one of the best spots on Seven Mile Beach to relax, unwind, and enjoy pure island bliss.

Explore Cayman Editor's Tip:

A very short walk away, opposite at Governor's Square or next door at The Westin, there are several restaurants and bars, and even a pizza truck, where you can get take-out and bring it back to the beach. Other vendors based in the nearby hotels are also ready to supply watersports equipment amongst other things. When hitting the beach with the family, I always like to nip down Seven Mile Beach and collect wings and pizza from Gino's in Caribbean Plaza, about a three minute drive away.

Starfish Point is a secluded, family-friendly beach famous for its abundance of vibrant starfish resting in shallow, crystal-clear water. With calm conditions and gently sloping sand, it’s perfect for snorkelling, wading, and letting kids safely explore the marine world up close.

Easily accessible by car or boat, Starfish Point offers ample parking, public restrooms, and peaceful natural beauty without crowds or vendors—though Rum Point’s dining and amenities are just nearby. If you’re looking for one of Cayman’s most unique and unforgettable beach experiences, Starfish Point is a must-visit.

Explore Cayman Editor's Tip:

Over the years, I have come to be aware of two things about Starfish Point. Firstly, I have come across sea itch (jellyfish lava) close to shore on more than one occasion, which can be prickly and uncomfortable on the skin. And secondly, no matter how much people are warned, they still take the starfish clear out of the water for pictures. Please don't do this, they cannot breathe air and therefore slowly suffocate and die.

Public Beach is the largest and most popular stretch of sand on Grand Cayman’s famous Seven Mile Beach, located along West Bay Road just south of the Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa. With its wide expanse of soft white sand, crystal-clear turquoise water, and (hopefully) endless sunshine, it’s the perfect spot for swimming, snorkeling, watersports, and fun-filled beach days with family and friends. Whether you’re relaxing on the shore or diving into adventure, Public Beach delivers the the quintessential tropical beach experience, whatever that may be for you.

Spott's Beach is a snorkeller's paradise. There are very few amenities, just the basics such as a portaloo and the odd, shaded picnic table. There are no vendors, so make sure to bring your own refreshments, if making an afternoon of it. The snorkelling, sunbathing and swimming are all first rate here and there is sufficient parking. Keep an eye on children, due to the current.

Cayman Kai Public Beach offers excellent snorkelling in crystal-clear waters. There's basic restrooms, a single cabana and substantial parking. Convenient on-site washrooms ensure a comfortable visit. This is a secluded and tranquil oasis, the type of Cayman escape that requires you to bring your own cooler, seating and shade, but its definitely worth the extra effort. There's no on-site vendors or amenities, but then that is part of its castaway charm. However, there are plenty of amenities available a few minutes drive away at Rum Point and Kaibo Beach Restaurant.

West Bay Public Beach is a serene shoreline spot that caters to a laid-back day in the sun. Situated on the quiet north end of Seven Mile Beach, it offers ample, white sandy space for relaxation and embraces the typical Caribbean vibe. The beach provides a decent range of amenities, including a limited number of public changing rooms and toilets. Alfresco restaurant is nearby for a convenient lunch option and Foster’s Republix supermarket is within walking distance for those interested in a picnic. Public cabanas with seating, shaded areas, and a small number of parking spaces near the ramp enhance the overall convenience.

Colliers Beach is large and relatively flat on the eastern tip of the island. The sand is not particularly deep, so it may suit the elderly to visit this spot, as it is level and very easy to walk on. It beckons visitors with simple amenities, including a dock, basic wooden cabanas and picnic areas for leisure. On the periphery there are several trees providing shade. If travelling by car, there are ample car parking spaces and the site has facilities such as showers and toilets. If using public transport, there is a bus stop conveniently located at the entrance to the beach area.

Heritage Beach - If ever there was a spot in Cayman where you could lose track of time for good, it would be this beach. Close to the road but far from reality, it has the feel of a lakeside retreat in southern France, rather than a beach in the Caribbean. It is far easier to soak up the tranquility to be found there, rather than swimming or some other activity, and it is perfect for a picnic in a picturesque setting. Parking is quite limited, with a small driveway available for maneuvering, but there is a single central cabana surrounded by beautiful flora and fauna.

Explore Cayman Editor's Tip:

As you tour around the Eastern districts, I firmly believe that this picnic stop is a must-visit. It is by no means a prime beach location for swimming or snorkelling, but there is definitely something magical about it. Whispers of the past and echoes of a simpler, less stressful time whistle through the Casuarina Pine trees at the water's edge. It might have been the rum, but I am sure I heard something as my thoughts drifted off towards the horizon!