13 of the Best Beaches in Grand Cayman for Families

As the largest of the three islands that form the Cayman Islands, Grand Cayman hosts the capital city, George Town, the government offices of the territory, and the largest population among the three.

However, Grand Cayman is more popularly known for something else, which is its pristine beaches. Most of them have unique features that give them an identity – such as harboring plenty of starfish – so you can tour all the beaches and have different experiences with your loved ones.

If you happen to visit the territory, here are the best beaches in Grand Cayman for families that you need to explore.

Why not also check out our guide to the best Cayman Islands all-inclusive family resorts?

Seven Mile Beach

Despite its name, Seven Mile Beach is roughly 6.3 miles long, and this reduction is a result of erosion, which decreases its length annually. However, the coastline is still the most popular one in Grand Cayman primarily due to two reasons.

First, the entire stretch is public, and second, the area hosts most of the luxurious hotels and resorts on the island. Therefore, anyone can spend the day at the shore and eat at the restaurants in these resorts because they are open to the public, not just their guests.

The sparkling waters of the Atlantic draw many families to this area. Plus, there are some reefs offshore, such as Cemetery Reef, where you can spend some time snorkeling or scuba diving with your partner and kids. You can also choose to parasail or work on your tan.

Over time, the expansive waterfront has received international recognition and earned several awards, such as the Best Caribbean Beach from the Caribbean Travel + Life Magazine. As a bonus, the capital city is not far from Seven Mile beach, so you can travel back to the city in the evening if you reside in one of the hotels there. Or, you can take a day trip to go do some site-seeing or shopping.

Pack your family’s bags because this beach is one you definitely don’t want to miss. 

Governors Beach

Since the Seven Mile Beach is quite long, it has sections that count as separate beaches. One of them is Governors Beach, which covers the area just in front and beside the Governor’s house.

A visit here puts an incredible view right in front of your eyes. You can enjoy the view while resting under the shade of sea grape trees, eating the fruit that falls from them every June and July. You and your partner can take a relaxing stroll on the sand or enjoy a drink while floating on the water while the kids play on the beach.

However, if you are up for some more adventure, the area is perfect for snorkeling. You will have to swim at least 100 yards out to get to the coral, so make sure your kids are up for the swim. However, it’s definitely worth it since you get to see a spectacular show of marine life unfolding right in front of your eyes.

Some people play games at the waterfront in the afternoon, so you can join them if you don’t want to get in the water.

Hotels like the Residences Seven Mile Beach are close by, and you can book your stay there or get a day pass to enjoy the luxurious private cabanas and two pools if you want to get out of the sand.

East End Beach

Located in the less developed East End neighborhood of the Island, East End Beach is a pristine, almost unspoiled beach that gives incredible sea views. It is a great place to meet the friendly residents of this area, especially during weekends where the area hosts local events.

Also known as Colliers Beach, the location is perfect for catching breathtaking sunrises or stealing some romantic moments with your better half while the kids are distracted by the beach.

Another unique feature about the shore is that there is a lot of turtle grass in the water, making it a perfect habitat for baby fish because they can swim freely without worrying about predators. This feature can be a great exploration opportunity for your little ones. 

If you want to grab a bite, there are not many hotels around compared to what you get in Seven Mile Beach, but you can try the local fish fry, where they serve snappers and Mahi Mahi.

That said, there are a few top hotels in the area that are perfect for families because they are all-inclusive and offer several amenities for kids, such as a kids’ pool and babysitting. They include the Wyndham Reef Resort in Colliers Bay and Morritts Tortuga Club near Colliers Public Beach.

West Bay Beach

West Bay Beach is on the opposite side of East End Beach, on the west end of Grand Cayman. Like Governors Beach, West Bay is a part of the Seven Mile stretch and forms the north end of the shore.

The area has all essential amenities, including changing rooms and restrooms. If you and the kids get hungry, there are multiple restaurants nearby. 

If you happen to know someone with a boat around, you can bring it to dock at the easily accessible boat ramp on the pier.

For those looking for a true adventure perfect for kids and adults alike, this beach has some great opportunities. The USS Kittiwake, a Chanticleer class submarine rescue vessel, sunk off the shore off this coastline and formed an artificial reef. 

Since the waters are calm and clear in this area, and there is an artificial reef plus natural ones, you can try snorkeling just a few yards offshore and discover incredible underwater treasures. 

Generally, the shore is not as crowded as the Seven Mile area, so if you are looking for some privacy with your family on the west end of the island, this beach with its lush green palms is the ideal spot.

George Town is about 20 minutes away via the Esterly Tibbetts Highway, so you can take a day trip to West Bay if you stay in the city.

Coral Beach

Located on the southern section of Seven Mile Beach, Coral Beach consists of 300+ feet of pristine white sand that dips into the crystal-clear waters of the pacific.

Such a wide surface makes the shore perfect for building sandcastles, hosting parties, spending some quiet romantic time with your partner, or watching sunsets.

The area features boutique-style venues with restaurants serving local Caribbean-style food and cocktails for the parents. 

You can spend the day in one of the private cabanas owned and operated by these joints, play volleyball on the sand, drink coconut water, or try out some of the available watersports, such as paddleboarding.

Since it is part of the Seven Mile Beach, you can also take the kids snorkeling on the reef that stretches along the shore just a few yards into the sea.

Rum Point

Located in the northern part of the island, the shore has beautiful white sand and clear shallow waters that make it safe for kids to play in.

The northern side of Grand Cayman Island is also tranquil and scenic. The shore is perfect for relaxing, and couples can grab the hammocks or spend quality time under the shady trees.

When hunger strikes, there is delicious food all around the place. Some of the most common joints include the Rum Point Club and the Wreck Bar & Grill, which serve Caribbean-inspired delights. There are picnic tables spread out across the coast, so you can enjoy lunch at your favorite spot.

Apart from chilling and swimming, there is much more you can do at this shore. Rum point offers snorkeling equipment, and there are changing rooms and huts where you can switch into your swimming costume before heading out.

They also offer volleyball nets, so if you are a crew of about four or more people, you can try out the sport. 

You can access Rum Point by ferry or car, which takes about 45 minutes from most hotels.

Starfish Point

Starfish Point is a secluded shore on the northern side of Grand Cayman that gets its name from the numerous starfish in its waters.

The water is very shallow close to land, but it dips drastically at some point to about 10-feet deep, so it might not be the safest option for younger kids.

However, red cushion sea stars thrive in the deep areas and occasionally show up in the shallow waters when searching for food, so you should stroll around and take photos if you find them.

The deep, crystal clear waters also provide the perfect environment for snorkeling, so you can dive to spot marine life, including many more starfish on the seafloor.

That said, there is no coral at Starfish Point, so you will not see as many fish and marine life as on the other beaches.

If you and your family do not want to swim, the Starfish coast is scenic, and you can spend your time walking or chilling around its beauty. There is a lot of vegetation, so you can stay under the trees or sunbathe.

You can get to Starfish Point either by road or boat, but most people prefer boats, so the traffic on the water is high. When snorkeling, avoid swimming under the boat routes to prevent injuries.

Smith Cove

Located about 5-10 minutes south of George Town near the cruise ship port, Smith Barcadere or Smith Cove is the first beach a cruise ship passenger can walk to after getting to Grand Cayman for a photo opportunity.

The shore has all the amenities your family needs, from outdoor showers to picnic benches for setting up lunch when you get hungry and public restrooms to change into your swimsuit.

Once you change, you will have the beautiful turquoise waters and white sand at your disposal, and you can swim freely when close to the shore.

Smith Cove is also perfect for snorkeling because there is a coral about 30 yards offshore with lots of fish. It is only about a minute away when swimming from shore, and first-timers can get there quickly as well.

However, if you are a pro, there is a barrier reef further offshore, and you can take a boat to get there to enjoy a more spectacular view of marine life.

After swimming, you can take your kids to explore the gift shops nearby that sell local art and other items that qualify as souvenirs.

In the evening, the area provides the perfect spot to watch the sunset before going back to your hotel.

Library Beach

Located on the East End, Library Beach is a highly secluded area that receives few guests, so it is ideal for couples to stroll along the white sandy beaches while kids play happily in the sand.

The coastline is short, and there are no amenities due to the low volume of visitors, but it is a gateway to the ocean for snorkeling or swimming.

However, the water is a little grassy and rocky, so it might not be the best place for swimming. You might spot baby fish on this grass, though, because it helps them hide from predators and grow freely. If your kids are budding oceanographers, this might be an incredible opportunity for them.

As for food, you can pack some for your trip or explore the few restaurants around. They include Eagle Ray’s Bar & Grill, Taco Cantina Mexican, and Eastern Star Bar & Fish Fry, all within a 3-mile radius.

Since the East End is far away from most developments, including the port and airport, it makes more sense to get a rental car. It is cheaper than taking a taxi, and you will have enough space to fit all the luggage in one car.

Also, it gives you the flexibility to explore the area, which might have beautiful hidden spots. Discovery should be part of your family vacation, not just visiting one beach or staying in the hotel.

Spotts Beach

As part of the southeast coast, Spotts Beach is the ideal place to watch the sunset. The reflection produced by the water on this south side creates a magnificent sight that sets up the perfect background for enjoying a bottle of wine with your partner as you watch your kids play on the sand.

Sports Beach stretches for about half a mile and has multiple features distributed along its length. You can expect to find rock pools, tree shade, sandy coves, waterfront condos, homes, iron shore cliffs, clear water, and white sand.

Rumor has it that there are small families of turtles along the shore, so if you don’t spot them on the sand, try snorkeling. The best time to spot them is in the morning or evening, but you might get lucky during the day. There is low boat traffic in the waters surrounding the beach, so diving is not that risky. 

However, the water currents can be strong, and there are no lifeguards, so proceed with caution and don’t let your young ones go too far out.

You can set up picnics and barbecues at the available tables and benches when it is time for lunch, then chill at the cabanas as you take in the fresh breeze.

Barefoot Beach

Barefoot Beach is on the northeast section of Grand Cayman and takes about an hour to get there by car from the popular Seven Mile Beach.

There is no official entrance or parking lot in this area, so when you get there, you will have to park your vehicle by the roadside, then walk down to the shore. In most cases, you will find few people, if any, so you will have all the privacy you need.

Barefoot Beach has a barrier reef about 100 yards out, and you should bring your snorkeling gear to explore the marine life. Since there are no boats around, the only way to get to the reef is by snorkeling from the shore, so proceed with caution, especially if it is windy.

The long swim to the reef is not worth the risk, so it is better for kids and beginner swimmers to avoid it. Enjoy the crystal clear waters while close to the shore.

Generally, the East End neighborhood of Grand Cayman does not receive as many tourists and is not as developed as the west, so there are no hotels along Barefoot Beach. You will have to pack food for the trip if you don’t want the hassle of looking for a hotel or resort.

Boggy Sands Beach

Located along the Boggy Sand Road, this shore is a part of the Seven Mile Beach and is one of the most secluded sections along the stretch. It also forms one of the best parts of the Seven Mile waterfront due to its white sand and clear turquoise waters.

You can get to the artificial Kittiwake shipwreck reef plus other natural reefs in the area from this point if you like snorkeling.

If sunbathing and the sun becomes too hot, the nearby tree shades and cabanas will keep you covered. You and the kids can also grab a bite at one of the numerous hotel restaurants that line the waterfront or even book your stay there and have easy access to the shore daily.