Things to Do in West Bay

8 Top Things to Do in West Bay

Your guide to exploring West Bay in the Cayman Islands.

Emily Richardson image Jessica Wright image
By
Last updated 14 December, 2023

The charming district of West Bay is a mostly residential area with winding roads, quaint Caribbean-style houses. It is home to the Cayman Turtle Centre and offers exciting watersports and great restaurants.

Encounter wildlife and nature at the Cayman Turtle Centre. Here you can 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! Plus, you can 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, or you can even participate in a turtle release or be a ‘Keeper for a Day’! There is a courtesy shuttle bus from SMB to the Cayman Turtle Centre

Turtle Twister waterslide

Make a great big splash with the twisting, turning, 40ft Turtle Twister waterslide!

Explore Barkers National Park and get away from it all on a deserted beach, located at the north-eastern end of West Bay. There are no facilities and the entire area closes at dusk.

Diving & Snorkelling

Explore some great shore dives and snorkel spots in West Bay. 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. Turtle Reef is located by Sun Divers– it’s 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.

Grab lunch and a cold drink after your epic snorkel or dive.

Sun Divers, located on the Cracked Conch and Macabuca premises, will rent you dive gear to explore Turtle Reef at your own leisure. If you prefer, take a dive guide with you, or for non-divers, rent snorkel gear and explore the top of the wall.

Divetech offers shore diving, boat diving and snorkelling. You can get your beginners or advanced divers certification and even learn how to cull lionfish.

Kitesurfing

Kitsurfing is an extremely 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.

Kitesurf Cayman
5.0
34 Google reviews

Kitesurfing Lessons

Recommended ages: 8-70

Vary
From US$370

Horseback Riding

Saddle up and go horseback riding along Barkers Beach. Choose from morning, afternoon, sunset or moonlight rides on their gorgeous, well-trained horses. You can even swim with the horses in the sea for a truly unique Caribbean experience.

Create a lifetime of cherished memories riding with Pampered Ponies and experience their gentle world-class horses as you take a morning, midday, afternoon or moonlight horseback ride along Cayman’s most pristine remote beaches and nature trails. Ride and swim on horseback on an uninhabited stretch of beach along Grand Cayman’s north shore, Barker’s National Park.

For a truly unique experience look no further than Spirit of the West (SOTW) who offer horseback rides along the remote Barkers Beach. Take in the stunning views of the white sandy beach and turquoise waters as you trek along the edge of the Caribbean Sea. All the horses at SOTW are magnificent, gentle creatures that are well looked after and well trained, meaning that even novice riders will feel at ease

Windsurfing

Cayman’s windy season make it a great place for this wind-powered sport and both newcomers and seasoned professionals can enjoy windsurfing here. Kitesurf Cayman offer windsurfing lessons for beginners. Equipment rental is also available.

Book a private two-hour lesson with an experienced instructor Kitesurf Cayman as you will be surfing down the Cayman shoreline enjoying the spectacular views!

Kitesurf Cayman
5.0
34 Google reviews

Windsurf Lessons

Recommended ages: 8-70

Vary
From US$300

Take a Trip to Hell and enjoy the opportunity to send your friends a ‘postcard from HELL’! Hell is a unique geological wonder of rugged blackened limestone, estimated to be 10-15 million years old. A flock of white migratory birds can be seen nesting in the rocks during late December/early January.

Dining in West Bay

Restaurants situated in West Bay all offer stunning sea views and a wide range of delicious and innovative menu options. Not far from Seven Mile Beach, West Bay is a great option when wanting something a little quieter and off the beaten path.

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