8 Top Things to Do in West Bay
Your guide to exploring West Bay in the Cayman Islands.
The district of West Bay is a mostly residential area with winding roads and quaint Caribbean-style houses. It is home to the Cayman Turtle Centre, the Cayman Cultural Centre, some amazing horseback riding, and it offers exciting watersports and world-class restaurants.
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1. Experience Nature & Explore Cayman's Rich History
In West Bay, you can get up close and personal with native animals and wildlife at the Turtle Centre, discover secluded beaches along the coast, and find out more about Cayman's cultural past at the Collections Centre.
Create a splash on the twisting, turning, 40ft slide!
Encounter wildlife and nature at the Cayman Turtle Centre. Swim with turtles and other colourful marine life, take a ride on the Turtle Twister waterslide and visit exotic birds in the Caribbean Aviary. There is also a nature trail, two lagoons, waterfalls and a Predator Reef tank where sharks and other marine predators live!
You can also meet the turtles, which range from tiny hatchlings to adults weighing over 500 pounds. Don’t miss the chance to participate in a turtle feeding, a turtle release or be a ‘Keeper for a Day’! There is a courtesy shuttle bus from Seven Mile Beach to the Cayman Turtle Centre.
Cayman Collection Centre
Explore Cayman’s history and heritage and to discover the unique and vibrant story of the Cayman Islands at the Cayman Collections Centre. Take a trip back in time to the first days of the Cayman Islands; find out how early communication worked, how we thatched and made rope, and learn all about the islands' maritime past.
Get away from it all at Barkers National Park; a deserted beach located at the north-eastern end of West Bay. Walk the warm waters and search the shallow seagrass for small fish, crabs and beautiful shells.
Note: there are no facilities at Barkers Beach and the entire area closes at dusk.
2. Diving & Snorkelling
You'll find some of the best shore dives and snorkel spots in West Bay.
- Turtle Reef is located by Indepth Watersports at Macabuca restaurant. This is an easy shore dive and has a mini wall with lots of fish, vibrant coral and a cave where huge tarpon love to hang out. You can also hop in and snorkel to see lots of colourful fish.
- Divetech offers shore diving, boat diving and snorkelling. Don’t miss the 13ft statue of the mythological creature ‘Guardian of the Reef’ which makes for a great underwater photo.
- Cemetary beach is one of the best snorkel spots on Grand Cayman. Just swim out to sea for 5-10 minutes to find the most vibrant part of the reef. Turtles, barracuda and all kinds of fish are regularly spotted here.
Grab lunch and a cold drink after your epic snorkel or dive.
3. Bicycle Tours
Rent a bicycle and explore rugged West Bay on two wheels! Many of the hotels have bikes that you can borrow if you want to head out on your own, or head to Paddle Wheel Adventures who will take you on a guided bicycle tour of the area on their easy-to-use e-bicycles so you can go as easy or hard as you like!
West Bay Loop by E-Bike
Get off the beaten track by e-Bike around rugged West Bay.
Recommended for all ages
4. Kitesurfing
Kitesurfing is a popular sport in the Cayman Islands. With steady winds, warm waters, sheltered lagoons, and reef breaks providing excellent waves, it's a haven for both beginners and experienced kiteboarders aged 8-70.
Learn to kitesurf on Barkers Beach with Kitesurf Cayman, a phenomenal experience that gets the adrenaline pumping. Rent equipment and hit the water, or book a lesson with an expert instructor and learn how to kitesurf in waist-deep calm waters.
Kitesurfing Lessons
Learn to kitesurf on Barkers Beach with Kitesurf Cayman.
Recommended ages: 8-70
5. Horseback Riding
Saddle up and go horseback riding along Barkers Beach. Choose from morning, afternoon, sunset or moonlight rides on good-natured, well-trained horses. You can even swim with the horses in the sea for a truly unique Caribbean experience.
6. Windsurfing
Cayman’s windy season makes it a great place for this wind-powered sport. Both newcomers and seasoned professionals can enjoy windsurfing here, and Kitesurf Cayman offers lessons for beginners.
Beginners can book a private two-hour lesson with an experienced instructor, while seasoned pros can rent equipment and go out solo!
Windsurf Lessons
Learn to windsurf on Barkers Beach with Kitesurf Cayman.
Recommended ages: 8-70
7. Send a Postcard from Hell
Take a trip to Hell and send your friends and family a ‘postcard from HELL’!
Hell is a unique geological wonder of rugged blackened limestone, estimated to be 10-15 million years old! This eerie landscape is a far cry from the sugar-soft sand of Seven Mile Beach and must be seen! During late December/early January, a flock of white migratory birds can be seen nesting in the rocks.
Hell
8. Dine in West Bay
Restaurants in West Bay all offer stunning sea views and a range of delicious and innovative options. Not far from Seven Mile Beach, West Bay is a great option when wanting something a little quieter and off the beaten track.