Grand Cayman is famous for Seven Mile Beach, luxury resorts, and world-class diving. And while those highlights deserve their reputation, they’re only part of the story. If you’re planning a dive holiday and want more than sun loungers and souvenir shops, our island has a quieter, more authentic side waiting to be explored.
The key is heading away from the busiest areas and discovering the places locals love. From wild coastal scenery to small, family-run businesses and laid-back beach spots, there are plenty of non-touristy things to do in Grand Cayman that show you a very different side of our island. And many of them are found in the East End!
If you’re staying on our island’s east coast, you’re already perfectly placed to experience our Grand Cayman East End diving tours. But as you’ll see below, there are many more highlights to discover off the tourist trail.
Explore Grand Cayman’s East End
The East End is the quiet side of Grand Cayman, and it feels a world away from Seven Mile Beach. Here, the pace is slower, the beaches are quieter, and the scenery is more natural. This part of our island is all about wide open spaces, sea views, and a strong sense of local character.
For divers, it’s an ideal base. Tortuga Divers operates from Morritt’s Resort, giving easy access to dramatic wall dives and uncrowded reef sites. But it’s also the perfect starting point for exploring the best things to do in the East End of Grand Cayman that go beyond diving.
If you’re looking for hidden gems in Grand Cayman and want to experience our island like a local, the East End is a must for your itinerary.
The East End Blowholes — A Grand Cayman Natural Wonder
One of the most striking natural sights on this side of our island is the East End Blowholes on Sea View Road. Formed by waves crashing through narrow openings in the ironshore (jagged limestone rock formations along the coast), they send bursts of seawater into the air when the sea is running.
They’re especially impressive after strong winds or rougher conditions, and because they’re away from the main tourist routes, you’ll often have the place to yourself. It’s a simple stop, but one that really shows off Cayman’s wild coastal beauty and feels genuinely off the beaten path.
We also included the Blowholes in our picks for the best sights in the East End of Grand Cayman. Check out the full list for even more non-touristy travel inspiration!
Taste Grand Cayman’s Sweet Life with a Reagan’s Honey Beekeeping Tour
For a true Grand Cayman local experience, a visit to Reagan’s Honey is well worth your time. This family-run operation just outside of Savannah, on the George Town-Bodden Town boundary, provides truly unique guided beekeeping tours. This experience offers a fascinating insight into honey production while outlining the importance of bees to our island’s environment.
You’ll learn about the different types of honey produced in Grand Cayman, how the hives are managed, and why bees play such a vital role in local ecosystems. It’s educational, relaxed, and refreshingly non-commercial. If you enjoy supporting small businesses and learning something new, this is one of the best hidden gems in Grand Cayman.
Are you looking for more reading about our incredible natural world and the animals that call it home? We think you’ll love our Guide to Grand Cayman’s Diverse Ecosystem.
Support Local Conservation at the Cayman Parrot Sanctuary
Another great stop for travellers who care about wildlife is the Cayman Parrot Sanctuary. This small, conservation-focused attraction is home to Cayman parrots and other rescued animals.
Rather than being a big, busy zoo, the sanctuary focuses on education and awareness.
A visit here fits perfectly into an off-the-beaten-path Grand Cayman itinerary. You’ll learn about some of our native species and the challenges they face, all in a quiet, rural setting. And as a hands-on experience, you can even feed and interact with the lovable creatures here, but on their terms, of course!
The sanctuary is also located only a short drive from Collier’s Public Beach, one of the best beaches in Grand Cayman’s East End. If you’re looking to fit in some time relaxing on a secluded white-sand beach during your stay, this is the perfect place!
Immerse Yourself in Cayman History at Pedro St James
Looking to add some culture and history to your trip? Pedro St James is a must-see! Often called the birthplace of democracy in the Cayman Islands, this historic site offers a glimpse into the past of the place we call home. You’ll find it in Savannah, in the Bodden Town district, so it makes a great double-header with Reagan’s Honey Beekeeping Tour.
Set on a bluff overlooking the sea, the grounds are beautiful and peaceful. You can explore the restored Great House, walk the gardens, and learn about our island’s early settlers. It’s a calm, thoughtful contrast to beach days and dive trips, and a great way to understand more about how the modern Cayman Islands came to be.
Get a Different Perspective with a Private Grand Cayman Boat Charter
If you want to get out on the water without the crowds, a private boat charter is one of the best ways to do it. With Red Sail Sports, Tortuga Divers’ sister company, you can create your own day on the sea.
A private boat charter in Grand Cayman means you choose where you go and how long you stay. That might be a quiet snorkelling spot, a secluded sandbar, or a relaxed cruise along the coastline. It’s a flexible, personal way to see Grand Cayman from the water and enjoy places most visitors never reach.
Embrace a Slower Pace in Rum Point and at Rum Point Club
Rum Point sits in Grand Cayman’s North Side district and has long been a favourite with locals.
The beach here is calm and shallow, making it ideal for swimming, snorkelling, and fun-filled beach activities. There’s often a laid-back crowd, especially at weekends, and the whole area has a friendly, social feel. A visit to Rum Point Club, another sister company of ours, is a great way to enjoy good food, drinks, and beach time without the big-resort atmosphere.
And as an added bonus, the famous Starfish Point, another off-the-beaten-path gem in Grand Cayman, is only a short drive from the heart of Rum Point.
Eat Like a Grand Cayman Local at Heritage Kitchen
To get a true taste of Grand Cayman, head to Heritage Kitchen. This small, casual eatery serves traditional Caymanian food like jerk chicken, fried fish, and curry goat. It’s simple, local, and full of flavour.
You won’t find fine dining here, but you will find some of the best comfort food on the island. It’s the kind of place locals love and visitors often miss, making it one of the most rewarding local experiences on Grand Cayman.
As we finish this set of recommendations in West Bay, you may be wondering where to dive: off the east coast or the west? Let us help you make your decision easier with our blog Is East or West Better When Diving in Grand Cayman?
Book Your Diving in Grand Cayman’s East End
Now you know more about the best non-touristy things to do in Grand Cayman, let’s start planning more experiences for your time here. Browse our range of Grand Cayman East End diving tours and find out all about exploring our stunning underwater world.
And if you have any pre-booking questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
