When planning your trip to Grand Cayman, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is where to stay. Each area of our island offers a unique experience, from vibrant waterfront dining and world-class diving to secluded beaches and rugged coastlines. Whether you’re here for relaxation, adventure, or unforgettable diving trips with Sunset Divers, choosing the right location can make all the difference.
At Sunset House, we know Grand Cayman inside and out. While we might be biased toward our wonderful home of George Town, we’re using this blog to provide you an overview of the main areas visitors choose to stay in — so you can decide which best suits your style of travel!
Scroll down to get started! And please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team if you have any questions.
George Town – The Heart of Grand Cayman’s Action (And Home to Sunset House!)
If you want to be at the center of everything Grand Cayman has to offer, George Town is the place to stay. As the capital of the Cayman Islands, this lively area is packed with fantastic restaurants, duty-free shopping, and — most importantly — some of the best dive sites in the Caribbean.
Things to Do in George Town
- Scuba Diving & Snorkeling: Sunset House offers incredible shore and boat diving, with famous sites like the USS Kittiwake and Amphitrite, the Mermaid Statue, just offshore.
- Explore the Waterfront: Stroll along the harbor, watch the cruise ships come in, or grab a cocktail at one of the many oceanfront bars.
- Visit the Cayman Islands National Museum: Learn about our island’s rich history and natural and cultural heritage. The Cayman Islands National Museum is a living connection to our country’s past.
- Try Local Food: Dig into authentic Caribbean flavors at spots like Rackam’s, Casa Nova by the Sea, and our very own My Bar and Seaharvest restaurant.
If sampling the best food and drink is an essential part of your vacation, be sure to read our blog The Best Places to Eat in Grand Cayman when you have finished here.
Accommodation in George Town
Sunset House, of course! We’re a warm and welcoming hotel for divers, by divers. This means we have all the amenities and small touches that the most avid divers and snorkelers love. And at Sunset House, we have what other accommodations can only dream of… our very own house reef! When combined with our laid-back island vibe and brilliant resort amenities, there’s no better place to stay!
We are proud to be one of Grand Cayman’s foremost dive hotels, But we’re also not exclusively for divers! We welcome plenty of non-diving holidaymakers looking to explore our part of paradise too. Everyone is welcome!
Browse the courtyard and ocean-view rooms at Sunset House and let’s start planning your stay! You can also combine your accommodation with diving adventures thanks to our custom Grand Cayman dive packages.
Getting to George Town, Grand Cayman
George Town is only a 10-minute drive from Owen Roberts International Airport (GCM), making it one of the most convenient locations on our island. Rental cars, taxis, and buses are all easily accessible. And if you ever want to walk from our resort to the center of George Town, it’s around a 15- to 20-minute walk along the coast, or three-quarters of a mile.
Seven Mile Beach – The Iconic Grand Cayman Beachfront Experience
If your dream Cayman vacation involves soft white sand, luxury resorts, and postcard-worthy sunsets, Seven Mile Beach is for you. This world-famous stretch of coastline is home to some of our island’s most high-end resorts, bustling beach bars, and crystal-clear waters. However, it’s important to note that Seven Mile Beach’s popularity comes with our island’s largest crowds and busiest areas. If you’re looking for a tranquil, peaceful break, you may want to turn your attention elsewhere.
Things to Do in Seven Mile Beach
- Relax on the Beach: This is one of the best beaches in the Caribbean, perfect for sunbathing and swimming.
- Visit Camana Bay: A modern, open-air shopping and dining district, Camana Bay is just minutes from the beach.
- Watersports: Looking for adventure on your vacation? Try parasailing, paddleboarding, or sailing!
- Sunset Catamaran Cruise: Enjoy an evening on the water with a cocktail in hand as the colors of a beautiful Cayman sunset sweep across the sky.
Accommodation in Seven Mile Beach
- The Westin Grand Cayman – A luxury beachfront resort with world-class amenities.
- Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa – A chic, modern, and ultra-stylish 5-star hotel.
- Palm Heights – A boutique hotel with a cool, retro vibe.
Getting to Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman
Seven Mile Beach is about 15 minutes from the airport. Taxis are available, but renting a car is a good idea if you plan to explore beyond the beach. Seven Mile Beach is also easily accessible from George Town and Sunset House. In fact, the southern end of the beach is actually in the George Town district. It’s only around a 10-minute drive from Sunset House to the middle of the Seven Mile Beach area.
Will this be your first time visiting our island home? We recommend reading our First Timer’s Guide to Grand Cayman when you have finished here for even more vacation inspiration!
North Side – A Secluded, Nature-Focused Escape
For those who prefer peace and quiet over bustling resorts, North Side is a fantastic choice. This part of our island is known for its natural beauty, small guesthouses, authentic Caribbean vibes, and easy access to Rum Point and Starfish Point. Naturally, the flip side of this is the additional time and expense it takes to reach this part of Grand Cayman. Guests with limited time on our island are best advised to discount the North Side and focus more on enjoying the areas closest to the cruise ship dock and airport, namely George Town and Seven Mile Beach.
Things to Do in North Side
- Visit Rum Point: Lounge in a hammock, sip a mudslide, and enjoy the calm azure waters.
- Explore Starfish Point: A shallow, clear-water beach — one of our picks for the most beautiful beaches in the Cayman Islands — where you can see colorful starfish in their natural habitat.
- Experience Bioluminescent Bay: Take a kayak tour at night to see the water glow with mesmerizing bioluminescent organisms.
- Hike the Mastic Trail: A historic nature trail through a rare tropical dry forest and expansive nature reserve that is home to plants, trees, and wildlife unique to our island.
Accommodation in North Side
- Rum Point Resort – Luxury condos with five-star amenities, including a private beach and a heated infinity pool.
- Beachfront Villas & Airbnbs – Many visitors opt for private rentals in this area.
Getting to North Side, Grand Cayman
Despite its name, the North Side district stretches all the way down to the south coast too, if only to a minor point. As such, the time it takes to reach the North Side depends on your destination. But as a general guide, it takes around 50 minutes to drive from Owen Roberts International Airport to Rum Point Beach, the most northerly point of North Side.
A rental car is highly recommended for journeys to this area as buses are limited and taxis are expensive.
East End – The Rugged, Adventurous Side of Cayman
For those who love adventure and getting off the beaten path, the East End district offers a wilder, less-developed side of Grand Cayman. This area is perfect for divers, nature lovers, and anyone looking to escape the crowds. On the opposite side of the island to Seven Mile Beach, George Town, the airport, and the cruise ship dock, the East End is often overlooked by visitors, especially those short on time, but it is full of hidden gems!
Things to Do in East End
- Scuba Diving: Some of the best dive sites, including Babylon and The Maze, are found off the east coast.
- Explore the Blowholes: During high tide and rough seas, incoming waves shoot up through natural holes in the rock, much like a geyser.
- Go to the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park: A beautiful natural sanctuary in the heart of Grand Cayman that is home to the rare Blue Iguana.
Accommodation in East End
- Wyndham Reef Resort – A quiet, all-inclusive beachfront resort with unspoiled beaches and beautiful seascapes.
- Morritt’s Resort – A relaxed condo-style resort great for families. A peaceful haven with spectacular ocean views and white sand beaches.
Getting to East End, Grand Cayman
Much like North Side, how long it takes to reach East End depends on whereabouts you’re going. But the drive from the airport to Colliers Public Beach, one of the most easterly points of Grand Cayman, typically takes around 45 minutes. Anyone planning on visiting or staying in the East End will need a rental car to make their lives a lot easier!
As we near the end of this guide, let us point you in the direction of another — What Time of Year is Best to Visit the Cayman Islands? Now that you’ve got a better idea of where to stay, it’s time to decide when you’ll travel!
Book Your Stay at Sunset House Grand Cayman
We hope you’ve enjoyed this whistlestop tour around the best parts of Grand Cayman to stay in. Each area has its unique charm and positives. But with the perfect mix of diving, delicious dining, and local culture, George Town (and Sunset House!) is the standout choice.
So, let’s start planning your stay! Discover more about our custom Grand Cayman dive packages and build the kind of vacation you’ve always dreamed of. And if you have any questions for the Sunset House team, please just get in touch for the answers you need.
