When visitors first set eyes on Grand Cayman Island, they see a flat stretch of land that barely rises out of the water. But despite what its appearance may suggest, Grand Cayman is not lacking in awe-inspiring geographical features. To see them, visitors just have to look down.
Just offshore, coral reefs and walls plunge dramatically into the abyss, creating superb conditions for diving and snorkeling.
Grand Cayman is a largely stress-free place to vacation. Beaches are wide, sandy and fringed with palm trees, so beach-lovers have no shortage of coastline to enjoy. Crime is relatively rare; islanders are friendly, speak English and enjoy the highest standard of living in the Caribbean. Duty-free shopping in George Town is also a big attraction.
Grand Cayman serves as the base of operations for most visitors heading to the islands. Even those traveling to Little Cayman or Cayman Brac—which are even more laid-back and minimalist than the "big island"—will find that time on Grand Cayman is well-spent and a welcome break from the almost imperceptible pace of life elsewhere. For diversity in restaurants and shopping, and for sailing and diving options, it’s also by far the best place to start. And in many cases it also serves a valuable utilitarian purpose: A visitor to the other islands will need to go there to get anything beyond essential supplies.
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