Discover the Hidden Gems of the Cayman Islands Beyond the Shoreline

While the Cayman Islands are famous for their stunning coral reefs and spectacular snorkeling and diving experiences, along with iconic spots like Seven Mile Beach and Rum Point, there's a wealth of activities waiting to be explored. Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman present a variety of outdoor adventures—think hiking, biking, spelunking, and golfing—that let you enjoy the islands without needing swimwear, goggles, or fins.

Uncover the limestone caves and cliffs of Cayman Brac and Grand Cayman

The Cayman Islands rise from the depths of an undersea mountain range known as the Cayman Ridge, crowned by large coral formations. While the islands are predominantly flat, the tallest point is The Bluff on the eastern shore of Cayman Brac, where a limestone cliff ascends to 140 feet and meets the coastline. (The term “Brac” is Gaelic for “bluff.”)

Rock Iguana Ltd. stands as Cayman’s inaugural rock climbing and adventure tourism provider, founded by a group of friends and family eager to explore and highlight this unique island. Equip yourself with ropes, harnesses, belays, and carabiners, and tackle various sections and heights of rugged limestone formations, each offering stunning views of the captivating azure waters, tailored to your skill level.

For those who prefer spelunking, take a walking tour through the Cayman Crystal Caves at Old Man Bay on Grand Cayman. These caves, once submerged underwater, were shaped over millennia by fossilized shells, marine life deposits, and water erosion, leading to dramatic stalactite and stalagmite formations. Historically, pirates used the caves as hideouts, and legends suggest treasures may still lie hidden within.

Tee off at Grand Cayman’s golf courses or enjoy a game of pickleball

What could be more delightful than playing golf surrounded by swaying palm trees with a stunning coastal view? North Sound Golf Club on Grand Cayman is the islands' sole 18-hole course, established in 1994 by Roy Case, who drew inspiration from classic Scottish courses. This par 71 layout boasts a championship rating of 73.1 and features five sets of tees. The 11th hole showcases a breathtaking ocean vista, and you might spot tropical birds and inquisitive iguanas between shots. In addition to a pro shop and an open-air bar, you can practice your swing at their aqua driving range, where balls are launched into the water.

Also located on Grand Cayman, with sweeping views of the North Sound, The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, Grand Cayman offers a nine-hole, 36-par course designed by Greg Norman. Nestled among saltwater lagoons, this course includes a pro shop, equipment rental, and opportunities for private lessons.

For pickleball enthusiasts—or competitive couples, families, or friend groups looking for some fun—the Cayman Islands provide a beautiful tropical setting for the sport. At Pickleball Cayman, you’ll find 12 shaded courts that shield players from the Caribbean sun, and all 20 courts are equipped with floodlights for evening play. Professional coaches are available to help you improve your skills. After your games, unwind at The Roost, a delightful spot surrounded by royal and coconut palms, where you can enjoy refreshing drinks and snacks on a lush lawn and garden.

Cycle through the serene landscapes of the East End

Grand Cayman’s East End offers a serene and rustic charm, making it the perfect area to explore on a bike. ECO Rides Cayman provides various bike tours that uncover the history, heritage, sights, and natural beauty of this peaceful part of Grand Cayman. Visit attractions such as the Colliers Wilderness Reserve, a 190-acre refuge for the endangered blue iguana, or the Wreck of the Ten Sails, a fleet of ten ships from Jamaica that met their fate on the reef in 1794. You can also witness seawater erupting from the caves at the Blowholes. Don’t forget to pause for a photo by the heart-shaped plaque at Lovers Wall—it might just be the most charming photo op on the islands.

Discover parks, trails, and nature preserves

Each island boasts trails that reward hikers with breathtaking views and opportunities to encounter native plants and wildlife. On Grand Cayman, the flat, two-mile Mastic Trail winds through a protected mangrove forest inhabited by bananaquit birds, tree frogs, and hermit crabs. Nearby, the 65-acre Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park features seven attractions, including a color-themed floral garden, an orchid boardwalk showcasing four endemic species unique to the world, and a woodland trail that supports the National Trust’s Blue Iguana Conservation program. For an adrenaline rush, consider taking an ATV tour through Barkers National Park.

On Little Cayman, the Salt Rock Nature Trail spans three miles from Blossom Village to Salt Rock Dock, a deep-water harbor historically utilized by sailing schooners since the 1800s. In just an hour or two, you’re likely to encounter native and migratory land birds, iguanas, butterflies, orchids, and bromeliads along the way.

The 281-acre Parrot Preserve on Cayman Brac is home to species such as the native parrot, vitelline warbler, and red-legged thrush. Additionally, the Lighthouse Footpath offers a 2.5-mile hike along coastal cliffs, where you can observe brown boobies and frigate birds before reaching the lighthouse, the highest point in the Cayman Islands.