No trip to Grand Cayman would be complete without a visit to the world-famous Seven Mile Beach. With its turquoise waters, flour-soft white sand, and swaying palm trees, it’s often the first image that comes to mind when people picture the Caribbean. But while it’s undeniably one of our island’s must-see attractions, not everyone chooses to stay there — especially divers.
At Sunset House, based just a short distance south of Seven Mile Beach in George Town, we welcome travellers who want to experience Grand Cayman’s most iconic beach without sacrificing their access to the best Grand Cayman dive trips. This Seven Mile Beach guide is written with our guests in mind — those who prefer reef walls to resort pools, and tank dives to tourist crowds.
So, whether you’re planning a quick afternoon on the sand or a full day soaking in the scene, here’s your guide to Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman. And if you have any questions for our team as we go, please just get in touch.
What Makes Seven Mile Beach So Special?
Consistently ranked among the best beaches in the Caribbean — and the world — Seven Mile Beach is Grand Cayman’s showpiece shoreline. The beach sweeps along the western edge of our island, beginning just north of George Town and running up towards West Bay. Despite its name, it’s closer to six miles long, but we’re not counting!
What makes Seven Mile Beach special is its natural beauty and the versatility it offers visitors. The dazzling azure water is calm and clear, perfect for swimming, snorkelling, watersports, or just floating. The sand is soft and white, ideal for an afternoon with a good book and a beach towel, an early morning or sunset stroll, or even a game of volleyball. Palm trees provide pockets of shade, and the whole area carries a laid-back, tropical charm that’s hard to resist.
It comes as no surprise that Seven Mile Beach also featured in our own picks for the most beautiful beaches in the Cayman Islands!
Getting to Seven Mile Beach from Sunset House
Staying at Sunset House, Grand Cayman’s hotel for divers by divers, means you’re just minutes away from Seven Mile Beach, but without having to stay in the heart of its bustling resort district. From our spot in George Town, it’s an easy 5- to 10-minute drive north, depending on which part of the beach you’re heading to.
Taxis are readily available, or you can rent a car for added flexibility. Some of our guests even choose to cycle up the coast, enjoying the sea breeze and scenic views along the way. Many find that a morning dive here at Sunset House — such as the 2-Tank AM Dive in Grand Cayman — pairs perfectly with an afternoon on the beach, giving you the best of both worlds in one unforgettable day.
Best Things to Do in Seven Mile Beach
You won’t run out of ways to enjoy Seven Mile Beach. It offers more than just beautiful scenery, though there’s plenty of that, too! Perhaps unsurprisingly, swimming and playing in the sea are among the main draws for many visitors. The water here is calm and shallow for a fair distance out, making it safe for families, solo travellers, and everyone in between.
If snorkelling is more your style, there are some excellent options right off the beach. But one of the most popular is Cemetery Reef; it’s toward the northern end of the beach and one of our choices for the best places to snorkel in the Cayman Islands. It offers easy-entry snorkelling with vibrant marine life and, just as importantly, it’s easy to park here! Just bear in mind, our very own reef at Sunset House is widely regarded as one of the best spots for snorkeling and shore diving in Grand Cayman!
Those feeling adventurous can try paddleboarding, jet-skiing, or kayaking. There are plenty of vendors along the beach offering rentals and guided activities.
Seven Mile Beach is open to the public, and you can walk its entire length if you feel the urge! There aren’t any private parts, as such, but some of the resorts allow guests exclusive access to the beach directly from their premises. And out on the sand, these resorts provide private use of facilities like sun loungers and cabanas. The best public access points are at Governor’s Beach, Cemetery Beach, and Public Beach, all of which offer quieter alternatives to the busier stretches immediately outside hotels and resorts.
Like so many areas in Grand Cayman, Seven Mile Beach delivers when it comes to dining. Beachfront bars and restaurants such as Coccoloba, Tillie’s, and the Library by the Sea cocktail bar offer a range of local and international cuisine — perfect for sundowners and sunset dinners.
Looking for more local restaurant and bar recommendations? Don’t miss our picks for the best places to eat in Grand Cayman, including our own Seaharvest Restaurant and My Bar.
Tips for Visiting Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman
Like any popular destination, a few local tips can make your Seven Mile Beach visit more enjoyable. For starters, go early if you’re seeking a quieter experience, especially near the public access points. While the beach is rarely overcrowded, mornings tend to be more peaceful.
Be sure to bring reef-safe sunscreen to help protect the marine environment. Our blog What is Reef-Safe Sunscreen and What is its Importance? explains everything you need to know about this important topic! A reusable water bottle is a smart idea, too, as the sun can be deceptively strong, even when you’re cooling off in the sea.
Parking is available at several public beach areas, but these lots can fill up fast during peak hours or on cruise ship days. If in doubt, ask our front desk team at Sunset House — we’re always happy to offer up-to-date advice and directions.
Why Divers Choose Sunset House — Even If They Visit Seven Mile Beach
Seven Mile Beach may have the name recognition, but when it comes to diving, Sunset House is where the real action is. Our oceanfront location in George Town gives divers immediate access to some of the best underwater experiences around Grand Cayman, from our legendary house reef to iconic sites like the Mermaid and the wreck of the Kittiwake, with the latter just a short boat ride away.
In fact, our Kittiwake Grand Cayman Dive is the perfect example of just how close we are to Seven Mile Beach’s highlights without being too deep in the hustle and bustle of this tourist area. The Kittiwake Wreck sits in the crystal-clear water off this world-famous beach. But our guests can visit this premier dive site with Sunset Divers on our very own excursion, which leaves from and returns to Sunset House.
While many of the large beachfront resorts along Seven Mile Beach cater to casual holidaymakers, Sunset House has been for divers by divers since the very beginning. Our on-site dive shop, experienced instructors, custom-built dive boats, and relaxed, diver-friendly atmosphere set us apart.
So, why do many of our guests visit Seven Mile Beach? Simple: for the sand, the scenery, and a break between dives. But when it comes to where they sleep, suit up, and set out for adventure, Sunset House is still the obvious choice.
Book Your Stay at Sunset House, Grand Cayman!
Seven Mile Beach is a must-visit spot for anyone coming to Grand Cayman. It’s beautiful, accessible, and packed with activities, dining, and picture-perfect views. But while it may be tempting to stay right on the sand, those who want to dive deeper — literally and figuratively — know there’s a better option.
At Sunset House, we offer the perfect base to explore our stunning island. Enjoy your dives, discover local culture in George Town, then pop up to Seven Mile Beach whenever the mood strikes. It’s the best of both worlds, and it’s waiting for you here.
Ready to plan your trip? Browse the rooms at Sunset House or find out more about our Dive+Stay custom dive packages in Grand Cayman, the ideal way to combine your accommodation and dive trips in a more cost-effective way.
Do you have any pre-booking questions for us? Please just get in touch for all the help you need.
