Things to Do in the Eastern Districts

The Eastern Districts (Savannah, Bodden Town, East End and North Side) of Grand Cayman are scenic, unspoilt, quieter and less developed than the manicured sands and luxury resorts of Seven Mile Beach. You will find a wealth of things for the whole family to enjoy, from cultural activities to diving, or kayaking to just relaxing on the beach.

Top 5 Cultural Activities

• Pedro St. James Castle was built in 1780 and is set in over seven acres of manicured gardens overlooking the sea. Explore the castle that is often termed “the birthplace of democracy” in the Cayman Islands. It is also where, in 1835, it was announced to the community that slavery had ended in the British Empire. Don’t miss the multimedia show or the rum tasting!
• The Mission House was built in the 1800s. Once owned by Presbyterian missionaries, this traditional Caymanian house is a time capsule of life in the 1800s, with some of the original antiques still on show. Closed in September. CI$8 for adults and CI$4 for children under 12. (345) 749 1121.
• Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park is a 65–acre site made up of a woodland walking trail, floral colour gardens, an undisturbed lake and wetlands for wildlife, a heritage garden with an old Caymanian house where you can learn how early settlers lived. You will also see butterflies, birds, turtles, agoutis, reptiles and the indigenous and endangered Blue Iguana.
• The Mastic Reserve and Trail is the largest area of untouched, old growth dry forest remaining on the Island. It represents some of the last remaining examples of the Caribbean’s dry, subtropical, semi-deciduous dry forest and is home to a wide variety of animals unique to the Cayman Islands. Tours available for CI$24. (345) 749 1121.
• Lighthouse Park was a port of entry in the 19th century with vessels departing on fishing and turtling expeditions. It’s the site of Cayman’s first lighthouse where a light keeper was employed to hoist a lantern to the top of the mast at 6pm daily. Today visitors can climb to the top of the lighthouse and enjoy the incredible views out to sea. (345) 749 1121.

Other Activities in the Eastern Districts

• Beachcomb in Bodden Town where the sand is littered with turtle grass, interesting coral and shells that the sea has washed up on the beach. There are restroom facilities at Coe Wood Public Beach. Further along the coast is Heritage Beach which is also strewn with turtle grass and has a great view.
• Dive the Walls in East End which are known for their dramatic corals and drop offs. Many of the 55 dive sites in this area are a short boat ride away. You will see brightly hued sponges, corals, sea fans, turtles, eagle rays, angelfish, reef sharks and grouper to name a few of the 500 species of fish documented here. For dive trips contact Ocean Frontiers located in East End.
• Kayak the Mangroves with Cayman Kayaks who take small groups into the mangroves on eco–adventure tours. Look out for starfish, sea anemones and jellyfish.
• Experience Bioluminescence which is found in the mangroves off Cayman Kai. Explore with an easy kayak ride or aboard and marvel at this magical world (on moonless nights). For this unforgettable experience call Cayman Kayaks who also have an electric boat.
• Relax at Rum Point or Cayman Kai, where with their white sandy beaches, calm waters and lots of shade, it is easy to while away the whole day! Kaibo is a tranquil spot located right at the tip offering relaxed beachfront dining and a great menu. There’s a quiet beach to relax on while you watch the boats coming and going from the dock. Drive further on and you’ll find Starfish Point, a secluded area where starfish rest in the calm, shallow water. Rum Point is usually fairly busy, with lots of beach loungers, hammocks and has a casual restaurant/bar.
• Explore new Snorkelling Spots on this side of the Island. Find plenty of coral formations, sea fans and schooling fish. Choose one of Ocean Frontiers’ numerous snorkelling tours which range from early morning trips to see the Stingrays to sunset tours with champagne! Snorkelling under the dock at Morritt’s is also fun as you’ll spot tarpon and a whole host of brightly coloured fish.
• Take a Driving Tour around the Eastern Districts with Cayman Safari or see our recommended Eastern Districts Driving Tours.
• Try Bird Watching and marvel at the abundance of native and migratory birds. that Cayman attracts. The National Trust (345) 749 1121 conducts  bird watching tours at the Botanic Park and the Mastic Trail. Governor Michael Gore’s Bird Sanctuary in Spotts/Newlands is another popular destination for migratory birds. Turn into the Spotts Newlands Road off Shamrock Road and then take the first right onto Pennsylvania Avenue.
• Book a guided tour of the Crystal Caves though Cayman Safari where you’ll see stalactite and stalagmite crystal structures and other worldly formations. Located in Old Man Bay. (345) 945 4698.
• Shopping options There is a Foster’s Food Fair grocery store in East End and Chisholm’s Grocery in North Side. You’ll find a Jacques Scott Wines & Spirits shop on Frank Sound Road, so stop by to stock up on liquor for your condo or beach and boat trips! You can hunt for presents and keepsakes in the gift shops at Kaibo Espresso, Pedro St. James and the Botanic Park. Kaibo Espresso also has a gas station. Visit our shopping page for information on shopping in the rest of Grand Cayman.