The East End is an often underrated corner of Grand Cayman. This relaxed and quiet district doesn’t have the same tourist hubbub as West Bay, with the famed Seven Mile Beach. However, this doesn’t make it any less alluring. For a truly local experience, you can’t go wrong with the East End.
At Tortuga Divers, we have made the East End our home thanks to its excellent dive sites and beaches. We offer a range of East End Diving Tours and East End Activities & Watersports that rival the west of the island!
The appeal of East End lies in its natural and historic attractions. If you want to get to know Grand Cayman, the East End is the place to be! Keep reading to find out the five best sights in East End, Cayman Islands, or feel free to get in touch with us if you have any questions about our tours.
Visit the Wreck of the Ten Sail Memorial
The Wreck of the Ten Sail Memorial commemorates the worst shipwreck in the history of the Cayman Islands, where 10 ships were wrecked in a single night. On 8 February 1794, the 10 ships travelling by convoy from Jamaica met their end on a reef. Some of the ships had sailed ahead against orders and were the first to be wrecked on the reef, and in an attempt to avert disaster, the following vessels inadvertently crashed into each other.
Local Caymanians came to the rescue of the ships’ crew and managed to save all but eight people. Today, you can visit a memorial dedicated to the event near Gun Bay. From the park, you can see where the ships were wrecked, as well as a plaque dedicated by Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip.
The Wreck of the Ten Sail is one of the East End’s most historic and understated attractions, which makes it a top pick in our blog, East End Grand Cayman: Exploring the Hidden Gems.
Tour East End Lighthouse Park
The East End has been named the “graveyard of the Caribbean” due to the number of shipwrecks that have occurred on its shores — as seen with the Wreck of Ten Sail. But by the end of the 19th century, more ships were expected to arrive at the East End, creating the need for a lighthouse.
By 1918, a new lighthouse was built at the highest point on a bluff, with a perfect view overlooking five of the reefs. It served until 1937 and was eventually replaced by a solar-powered lighthouse. This is the lighthouse you see today, and it still operates to warn ships arriving on East End. You can visit the lighthouse, although you can’t climb it, and gain a more fascinating insight into the island’s maritime history.
Admire the Incredible Blowholes
One of the most breathtaking attractions on the East End is the Blowholes. As the water reaches the rocky shoreline, it breaks through holes in the rock and bursts out like a hot geyser! This phenomenon is best seen at high tide or before a storm when the ocean is swelling and rough.
Located on the western side of East End just off Sea View Road, the Blowholes are free to access. You can even walk up close to them, but make sure you wear good shoes to protect your feet. And be careful not to get too close — you’ll definitely get sprayed by the water!
Meet the Animals at Cayman Parrot Sanctuary
If you want to safely get up close to the animals found on Cayman Islands, make a stop at the Cayman Parrot Sanctuary. This sanctuary is home to the native Cayman Parrot, which is only found on Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac. These birds, while they are the national bird of the Cayman Islands, have been threatened by the illegal pet trade and habitat loss. At the sanctuary, they have found refuge, and visitors are able to come face-to-face with their beauty.
There are also a number of other animals at the sanctuary, including colorful birds which may perch on your shoulder, agouti, snakes, guinea pigs, and rabbits. A great outing for the whole family, you’ll gain a new appreciation for the wildlife of the islands.
Have a Picnic at Heritage Beach
Heritage Beach got its name for being a donated piece of land, whose owners sought to protect it from rapid development. This pristine beach is now a public oasis, where nature has been able to thrive and people can freely enjoy it.
While the waters are not suitable for swimming, the beach has a stage and boat ramp to host events throughout the year. It’s also an idyllic picnic spot, with beautiful scenery making the perfect backdrop for lunch or sundowners.
Discover More of the East End with Tortuga Divers
While our five best sights in East End are all on land, even more wonders await beneath the waves. You can join one of our East End Diving Tours for an unparalleled experience underwater, encountering abundant marine life and spectacular reefs. If you don’t yet know how to dive, we also offer Grand Cayman Diving Courses to help you begin your journey. Should you have any questions about East End or our tours, feel free to contact us.
