Turquoise water, soft coral-sand beaches, and famously friendly locals—welcome to the Cayman Islands. Once a haven for turtlers and shipwreck salvagers, today the Cayman trio—Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman—draws travelers for world-class snorkeling and diving, coastal cuisine, and a laid-back Caribbean pace.

Across the islands, you’ll find standout experiences: Stingray City’s gentle rays at the North Sound sandbar, bioluminescent bays that glow under moonless skies, strolls through Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park to meet endangered blue iguanas, and the dramatic limestone Bluff of Cayman Brac. Food is a highlight too, from seaside fish shacks to stylish, chef-driven spots at Camana Bay.

Practical notes: The Caymans drive on the left, U.S. dollars are widely accepted (change often in Cayman Islands Dollars), and reef-safe sunscreen is essential. Book popular water tours early, avoid handling starfish, and remember that cruise days crowd George Town—plan beach time or East End excursions then.

Grand Cayman

Grand Cayman is the archipelago’s lively hub—home to Seven Mile Beach, George Town’s harbor, and the calm North Sound. Think soft-sand mornings, reef-snorkeling afternoons, and golden sunsets at oceanfront bars. Top sights include Stingray City, Rum Point, Smith Barcadere, Camana Bay’s Observation Tower mosaic, and the blue iguanas at the Botanic Park.

• Where to stay: Base near Seven Mile Beach for walkability and dining; choose East End for quiet reef time. Browse stays on VRBO (George Town) or compare hotels on Hotels.com (George Town).
• Getting there & around: Fly into Owen Roberts International (GCM). Search fares via Trip.com or Kiwi.com. Taxis are easy, but a rental car helps for East End and North Side exploring.

Day 1: Arrival, Seven Mile Beach, and Sunset Bites

Afternoon: Arrive at GCM and settle into your hotel or condo near Seven Mile Beach. Shake off the flight with a swim at Governor’s Beach—clear water, gentle entry, great first-day vibes.

Evening: Start with ceviche and small plates at Bàcaro (Cayman Yacht Club) or garden-to-table fare at Ms. Piper’s Kitchen + Garden—both beloved for creative Caribbean flavors and breezy settings. For dessert, stroll Camana Bay for a scoop at Gelato & Co. and sunset views from the waterfront.

Day 2: Stingray City, Starfish Point, and West Bay Eats

Morning: Coffee and a light breakfast at Jessie’s Juice Bar (Camana Bay)—try the cold-pressed juices or the acai bowl. Head to the marina for the classic Stingray City experience.

Afternoon: Join a three-stop boat trip to meet gentle rays at the sandbar, snorkel coral gardens, and visit starfish habitat at Starfish Point (3.5–4 hours, ~$60–$110 per person, usually includes gear and water). Book one of these highly rated options:

• Starfish Point, Stingray City & Coral Garden (3-STOP Adventure)

  

• Stingray City Experience Plus Two Snorkeling Stops

  

Evening: West Bay for a casual, oceanfront dinner: Macabuca (dockside conch fritters, lionfish tacos, and sunset). If you prefer a polished sit-down, Cracked Conch upstairs does refined Caribbean seafood. Nightcap on the deck under the stars.

Day 3: Crystal Caves, Botanic Park & Bioluminescent Bay

Morning: Breakfast at Cimboco—Cayman-style scrambled eggs or cinnamon swirl French toast. Drive North Side for guided tours through the Cayman Crystal Caves: stalactites, stalagmites, and a jungle canopy walk.

Afternoon: Continue to Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park to spot the endemic blue iguanas and stroll the color garden. Lunch nearby at Over the Edge (North Side) for freshly caught fish and sea views.

Evening: Early dinner at Tukka East (Caribbean-meets-Aussie; watch for frigate birds). Then head to the North Sound for a bucket-list glow on a bioluminescent bay tour (2–2.5 hours; plan around moon phase):

• Grand Cayman - Bioluminescent Bay Tour

  

Day 4: Snorkel Spots, Eco E-Bike, and Camana Bay Dining

Morning: Hit one of Grand Cayman’s favorite shore spots—Smith Barcadere for easy reef snorkeling or Cemetery Beach for turtles and rays in calm water. Coffee to go from Café del Sol.

Afternoon: Join a nature-focused ride with a pro naturalist on an e-bike (small-group, ~3 hours) to learn about mangroves, coastal plants, and local history:

• Small Group E-Bike Grand Cayman Ecological Half-Day Tour

  

Evening: Fresh, coastal dining in Camana Bay: Agua (elevated seafood crudos and handmade pasta), Abacus (Caribbean produce-driven plates), or Union Grill & Bar (steaks and craft cocktails). If you love tarpon feeding at dusk, swing by The Wharf before dinner.

Cayman Brac

Cayman Brac trades bustle for wild edges—rugged cliffs, sea caves, and trails along its dramatic Bluff. Divers come for drop-offs and caves; hikers explore Skull Cave, Great Cave, and the lighthouse footpath above churning seas. Expect slow sunsets, stargazing, and easy-going local eateries.

• Where to stay: Choose a small hotel with a pool and shore access or a seaside villa. Browse VRBO (Cayman Brac) or compare on Hotels.com (Cayman Brac).
• Getting there: Morning flights from Grand Cayman (GCM) to Cayman Brac (CYB) take ~40 minutes, ~$120–$200 roundtrip. Search and compare fares on Trip.com or Kiwi.com.

Day 5: Fly to Cayman Brac, Caves and Clifftop Views

Morning: Fly GCM → CYB (~40 minutes). Pick up a taxi or car. Coffee and johnny cakes from a local bakery, then head to Skull Cave and Great Cave; bring a light—the formations are fantastic.

Afternoon: Lunch at Star Island Restaurant (hearty local plates) and a relaxed snorkel at a sheltered shore entry. Drive the coastal road to the east end for windy sea views.

Evening: Sunset drinks and dinner at the Tipsy Turtle Bar (casual grill favorites, ocean breezes). After dark, stargaze from the Bluff—on clear nights, the Milky Way feels close.

Day 6: Lighthouse Footpath, Parrot Preserve, and Island Time

Morning: Breakfast by the pool, then hike the Lighthouse Footpath for cliff views and nesting seabirds. Pack water; shade is limited.

Afternoon: Walk the Brac Parrot Reserve to look for the island’s endemic parrot. Lunch at Captain’s Table (fish sandwiches, burgers, cool drinks). Optional shore dive or guided boat trip with a local operator for walls and swim-throughs.

Evening: Easygoing dinner—grilled fish, conch chowder, and a slice of key lime pie. Early night or fireside chat under the stars.

Day 7: Return to Grand Cayman and Departure

Morning: Fly CYB → GCM (~40 minutes). If time allows, a last swim at Spotts Beach where turtles often graze in gentle surf.

Afternoon: Fish tacos at Sunshine Grill (famous hand-cut fries) or pizza from Ragazzi, then airport check-in for your afternoon flight. Search any last-minute flight changes via Trip.com or Kiwi.com.

Evening: Wheels up with salt on your skin and a phone full of sunsets.

Optional/Alternative Experiences on Grand Cayman

• Stingray Sandbar, Snorkeling, and Starfish Point

  

• Stingray City and Starfish Experience with Coral Reef Snorkeling

  

Dining short list (current favorites): Heritage Kitchen (West Bay fish fry), Macabuca/Cracked Conch (sunset), Ms. Piper’s (garden plates), Agua and Abacus (Camana Bay), Union Grill & Bar (steaks/cocktails), Bàcaro (small plates), Sunshine Grill (tacos), Ragazzi (wood-fired pizza), Over the Edge (North Side), Tukka East and Tukka West (Caribbean-Aussie seafood).

Tip: For the smoothest flow, schedule Stingray City early in the trip to reschedule if winds pick up, and time your bioluminescent bay night to a darker moon phase for the brightest glow.

From Seven Mile Beach mornings to cliff-top sunsets on the Brac, this 7-day Cayman Islands itinerary blends signature sights with quiet corners and serious flavor. Book your flights and stays, pack reef-safe sunscreen, and get ready for a week of warm water, easy smiles, and unforgettable Caribbean color.