In 1503, Christopher Columbus came upon a group of islands in what today is known as the Caribbean
Sea. The people who lived there called the atolls caiman, their word for crocodile.
I recently followed Chris in exploring those points of land and discovered that they have much to offer today’s travelers. From the typical sun, sand and surf attractions and a lengthy list of activities to intriguing history, the Caymans present a choice of things to see and do usually found in much larger destinations.
Mention Caribbean and “beaches” come to mind. Those on the Cayman Islands are varied and inviting, and most consist of picture postcard perfect soft white sand.
Seven Mile beach on Grand Cayman, which erosion has shrunk to 5.5 miles long, has been named one of the Caribbean’s “Ultimate Beaches” by Caribbean Travel & Life magazine.
Nestled at the end of Seven Mile is Cemetery Beach, named for its location adjacent to a burial ground. Wandering among the weathered headstones I found that they relate pages from the islands’ past.
That antiquity is worth exploring and recalling. Over time, those who found their way to this archipelago included shipwrecked sailors, pirates and deserters from British troops in Jamaica.
Grand Cayman, the largest of the three islands (22 miles long, eight miles wide), is home to Stingray City, the name given to shallow sandbars which are home to a gathering of those unusual creatures. After receiving assurances that I could walk among and even pet the strange looking animals, I got close up and personal with several of them.
Little Cayman lives up – or, rather, down — to its name. It’s one of the last undeveloped islands of any size in the Caribbean and is a place of unspoiled natural beauty and relaxation.
On Cayman Brac, I encountered rugged terrain and hidden caves, some of which were used by pirates as safe havens to stash their treasure. This is a bird watcher’s paradise, where more than 200 species of residents and migrators have been recorded.
The Cayman Islands National Museum brings alive the islands’ seafaring history. Intricate ship models are displayed near relics recovered from shipwrecks which dot the surrounding reefs.
Visitors to the Central Caribbean Marine Institute learn about the life and death of coral, reef restoration, and other solutions to declining ocean health.
A typical Caymanian house over a century old greeted me at the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park. It’s surrounded by wetlands, forested areas and manicured gardens, and serves as home for Blue Iguanas, an endangered animal which is endemic to Grand Cayman.
A different scene greets visitors to Georgetown, the capital city of the Cayman Islands with a population of about 40,000. Despite that relatively small size, the metropolis plays a big role in the local tourism scene.
Up to four cruise ships at a time may dock in the harbor, delivering passengers eager to take advantage of tax-free shopping opportunities and experience a quick taste of what the islands has to offer. Some check out a smattering of historic buildings and landmarks which bring to life the town’s and islands’ colorful past.
That story, combined with a wide choice of present-day things to see and do, make the Cayman Islands an inviting destination. So do the facts that you may use U.S. money, inviting pubic beaches seem to be everywhere and, for snorkelers, colorful reefs and equally colorful marine life are just offshore.
For more information log into visitcaymanislands.com.
Victor Block is an award-winning travel journalist focusing on tourism geared to people over the age of 50. He is also a member of the Society of American Travel Writers.
Victor Block is an award-winning travel journalist focusing on tourism geared to people over the age of 50. He is also a member of the Society of American Travel Writers.
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16 Jan 2026
0 Commentsseven mile beach
In 1503, Christopher Columbus came upon a group of islands in what today is known as the Caribbean
Sea. The people who lived there called the atolls caiman, their word for crocodile.
I recently followed Chris in exploring those points of land and discovered that they have much to offer today’s travelers. From the typical sun, sand and surf attractions and a lengthy list of activities to intriguing history, the Caymans present a choice of things to see and do usually found in much larger destinations.
Mention Caribbean and “beaches” come to mind. Those on the Cayman Islands are varied and inviting, and most consist of picture postcard perfect soft white sand.
Seven Mile beach on Grand Cayman, which erosion has shrunk to 5.5 miles long, has been named one of the Caribbean’s “Ultimate Beaches” by Caribbean Travel & Life magazine.
Nestled at the end of Seven Mile is Cemetery Beach, named for its location adjacent to a burial ground. Wandering among the weathered headstones I found that they relate pages from the islands’ past.
That antiquity is worth exploring and recalling. Over time, those who found their way to this archipelago included shipwrecked sailors, pirates and deserters from British troops in Jamaica.
Grand Cayman, the largest of the three islands (22 miles long, eight miles wide), is home to Stingray City, the name given to shallow sandbars which are home to a gathering of those unusual creatures. After receiving assurances that I could walk among and even pet the strange looking animals, I got close up and personal with several of them.
Little Cayman lives up – or, rather, down — to its name. It’s one of the last undeveloped islands of any size in the Caribbean and is a place of unspoiled natural beauty and relaxation.
On Cayman Brac, I encountered rugged terrain and hidden caves, some of which were used by pirates as safe havens to stash their treasure. This is a bird watcher’s paradise, where more than 200 species of residents and migrators have been recorded.
The Cayman Islands National Museum brings alive the islands’ seafaring history. Intricate ship models are displayed near relics recovered from shipwrecks which dot the surrounding reefs.
Visitors to the Central Caribbean Marine Institute learn about the life and death of coral, reef restoration, and other solutions to declining ocean health.
A typical Caymanian house over a century old greeted me at the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park. It’s surrounded by wetlands, forested areas and manicured gardens, and serves as home for Blue Iguanas, an endangered animal which is endemic to Grand Cayman.
A different scene greets visitors to Georgetown, the capital city of the Cayman Islands with a population of about 40,000. Despite that relatively small size, the metropolis plays a big role in the local tourism scene.
Up to four cruise ships at a time may dock in the harbor, delivering passengers eager to take advantage of tax-free shopping opportunities and experience a quick taste of what the islands has to offer. Some check out a smattering of historic buildings and landmarks which bring to life the town’s and islands’ colorful past.
That story, combined with a wide choice of present-day things to see and do, make the Cayman Islands an inviting destination. So do the facts that you may use U.S. money, inviting pubic beaches seem to be everywhere and, for snorkelers, colorful reefs and equally colorful marine life are just offshore.
For more information log into visitcaymanislands.com.