Hidden Gems: The 10 Best Grand Cayman Beaches

Grand Cayman beaches are known worldwide, and it all starts with the legendary Seven Mile Beach, considered the best beach in Cayman. Stretching along the island’s west coast, this powdery ribbon of white sand is lined with luxury resorts, beach bars, and calm turquoise water perfect for swimming. It’s the island’s social heartbeat, where sunbathers relax, paddleboarders drift past, and every sunset feels like a postcard moment.

But there’s a whole other side to the island that many visitors never experience. Beyond the famous stretch of Seven Mile Beach, you’ll find quiet coves, calm waters, and hidden shorelines that locals treasure.

If you’re looking for non-touristy things to do in Grand Cayman, these hidden beaches (and one incredible off-shore experience) are the perfect escape. Here are ten hidden gems in Grand Cayman that show off the island’s natural beauty and relaxed island life:

1. West Bay Public Beach – Local Vibes & Family Fun

If you want to mix a little culture with your beach day, West Bay Public Beach is a great choice. Along with swimming and snorkeling, you’ll often find locals playing dominoes or barbecuing on weekends. Try a fresh coconut from a vendor or grab authentic Caymanian food at Heritage Kitchen just down the road.

Facilities include showers and restrooms, making it one of the best beaches on Grand Cayman for families.

2. Starfish Point – A Must-See Grand Cayman Beach

Starfish Point is one of those must-see spots in Grand Cayman that feels straight out of a postcard. Located in Cayman Kai, this beach offers shallow, calm waters where red starfish gather in the seagrass. It’s a favorite stop for boat excursions, but you can also reach it by car; just come early for a peaceful experience.

There are basic restroom facilities and plenty of parking, and you’ll find both Rum Point Club and Kaibo Beach Restaurant just a few minutes away — perfect for a meal or cool drink before or after your visit.

3. Barkers Beach – Untouched Beauty in West Bay

Hidden inside Barkers National Park, this secluded beach feels like your own private paradise. It’s long, wild, and often empty — perfect for anyone seeking quiet. The clear, shallow water and shady trees make it an ideal spot for a relaxing swim or a nap under the palms.

You may see colorful kite surfers offshore; it’s a great spot for lessons too! There are no restaurants, bars, or facilities nearby, so be sure to pack a lunch and a cooler with drinks before you go.

4. Cemetery Beach – Serenity Meets History

On the north end of Seven Mile Beach, Cemetery Beach is a peaceful stretch away from the bustle. Its unusual name comes from Cayman’s early settlers, who used the island's sandy coastline as a burial ground.

The snorkeling here is beautiful — clear water, healthy coral, and plenty of fish — but it’s best to snorkel with a buddy and use a snorkel buoy and flag so boats can see you.

There’s a large free car park across the street with good restroom facilities, so try to avoid parking directly on West Bay Road if possible. From there, it’s a short walk down a sandy path to the beach.

5. Kaibo Beach – Laid-Back Island Luxury

Kaibo is where locals unwind: a quiet corner of paradise near Rum Point. Spend the day swimming in shallow water, lounging in hammocks, or enjoying Caribbean cuisine at Kaibo Beach Restaurant.

This is one of the most relaxing beaches and a great spot in Grand Cayman for families. Combine it with a visit to the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park or Cayman Crystal Caves for more unique things to do in Grand Cayman.

6. Rum Point Beach – Classic Cayman Charm

No list of Grand Cayman beaches is complete without Rum Point. Once known for its lively beach bar, this northside favorite has mellowed into a relaxed spot perfect for swimming, snorkeling, or enjoying a drink under the palms.

The newly refreshed Rum Point Club, located just minutes from Starfish Point and Kaibo Beach, serves delicious local food and cool cocktails with a stunning view — definitely a must-see in Grand Cayman. There’s plenty of parking, shaded picnic tables, and public restrooms, making it easy to spend the day.

You can also visit by boat — it’s a beautiful ride across the North Sound and an easy addition to a Crazy Crab private charter.

7. Smith Cove (Smith’s Barcadere) – A Local Favorite

Just south of George Town, Smith Cove is a small, picture-perfect beach with clear water and rugged ironshore. Snorkel from the shore and you might spot stingrays, schools of fish, or quirky little invertebrates tucked into the rocks.

Facilities include showers, restrooms, and picnic tables, making it an easy and comfortable stop. It’s a popular hangout for locals in the evenings, so plan a morning visit for solitude.

8. Spotts Beach – Swim with Sea Turtles

Spotts Beach offers something unforgettable: the chance to see sea turtles grazing in the seagrass! Visit early morning or late afternoon for the best chance to spot them. Remember, admire but don’t touch; even gentle contact can harm them.

This beach has shade pavilions, portable restrooms, and a laid-back vibe that makes it one of the most magical hidden gems in Grand Cayman.

9. Collier’s Beach – Peaceful East End Escape

Located on Grand Cayman’s quiet East End, Collier’s Beach offers serenity and space to breathe. You’ll find restrooms, showers, and shaded picnic areas — perfect for a full beach day.

For lunch, try Grapetree Café nearby or adventurous eats like lionfish tacos at Tukka. It’s far from the crowds, so bring supplies and enjoy one of the most peaceful Grand Cayman beaches.

10. Stingray City Sandbar – Not a Beach, But Totally Awesome

Okay, so it’s not technically one of the Grand Cayman beaches, but you can’t talk about amazing places to swim and not mention Stingray City Sandbar. Imagine standing in waist-deep, crystal-clear water over soft, powdery white sand while dozens of gentle southern stingrays glide gracefully around you.

It’s one of the best Cayman experiences, one that you’ll never forget — calm, shallow, and completely safe when correctly guided. The stingrays here are wild but friendly, and meeting them up close is pure magic.

You can only get here by boat, and the best way to do it is with a Crazy Crab private boat charter. With two guides on board, we’ll help you feed and handle the stingrays safely, share their fascinating history, and ensure your encounter is respectful and unforgettable.

One Day by Land, One Day by Sea

All of these Grand Cayman beaches are accessible by car, but a few — Starfish Point, Rum Point Beach, Kaibo Beach, and of course Stingray City Sandbar — are even more special when visited by boat.

Let our local Crazy Crab guides take you there on your own private boat charter. Arrive in style, skip the crowds, and combine your day beach stops with must-see favorites in Grand Cayman like Coral Gardens or a Bioluminescent Bay night tour.

Our boats are designed for comfort and convenience, with bathrooms, freshwater showers, and two friendly guides on every trip. They comfortably accommodate up to 12 guests, so your whole crew can explore Grand Cayman your way.

Build Your Trip with our Adventure Planner or make your Crazy Crab private charter booking now.

Quick Answers to Common Questions about Grand Cayman Beaches

What are the best Grand Cayman beaches for snorkeling?

Cemetery Beach and Spotts Beach are two of the best Grand Cayman beaches for snorkeling. Cemetery has clear water and healthy coral close to shore, while Spotts Beach attracts sea turtles grazing in the seagrass. Both offer calm conditions on most days and easy access for confident snorkelers.

What are the best Grand Cayman beaches for kids?

Starfish Point and Kaibo Beach are two of the best Grand Cayman beaches for kids, thanks to their shallow, calm water and gentle sandy entry. Starfish Point lets little ones spot starfish up close, while Kaibo offers natural shade, easy swimming, and a family-friendly restaurant just steps away.

What are the best Grand Cayman beaches for swimming?

Seven Mile Beach and Rum Point Beach are the best Grand Cayman beaches for swimming. Seven Mile Beach offers calm, wide-open water with a smooth sandy bottom perfect for long swims. Rum Point is shallow, sheltered, and consistently gentle, making it ideal for swimmers of all ages.

What are the best Grand Cayman beaches to soak up local culture?

West Bay Public Beach and Smith’s Cove are the best Grand Cayman beaches for local culture. West Bay comes alive on weekends with barbecues, domino games, and fresh coconuts. Smith’s Cove draws residents in the late afternoons for swims, cliff jumps, and those iconic Cayman sunsets.

What are the best Grand Cayman beaches for quiet relaxation?

Barkers Beach and Collier’s Beach are the best Grand Cayman beaches for quiet relaxation. Barkers offers a remote, untouched coastline perfect for solitude, while Collier’s delivers calm water, shade pavilions, and wide open space on the East End — far from crowds and noise.