Are you in the middle of planning your trip to Grand Cayman? It’s an exciting process, especially when picking which of our Grand Cayman East End diving tours you will join. But as with any trip, choosing where to stay can feel like a big decision.
Although our island is only around 22 miles long from east to west, each area offers a different experience. Some visitors dream of lively beachfront resorts and plenty of restaurants within walking distance, while others are searching for quieter beaches, spectacular diving, and a slower pace of life.
The good news is that there isn’t a wrong answer. The best place to stay in Grand Cayman depends entirely on the type of holiday you want to have. At Tortuga Divers, we’re naturally fond of our home in the East End. But as part of the Red Sail family, we also know the strengths of Seven Mile Beach, George Town, and the North Side.
Here’s our guide to the best areas in Grand Cayman to help you find the perfect base for your trip.
Staying in Grand Cayman’s East End: The Best Choice for Divers and Nature Lovers
If you’re looking for a more authentic side of Grand Cayman, the East End should be at the top of your list. Known as the quieter corner of our island, the East End offers a slower pace, fewer crowds, and easy access to some of our island’s most spectacular underwater experiences. It’s ideal for divers, snorkellers, families, and anyone who prefers natural beauty over busy tourist hubs.
This is the place that Tortuga Divers calls home, where visitors can enjoy diving trips, snorkelling adventures, watersports, and beach activities with a friendly local team. The reefs here are among the highlights of Grand Cayman East End travel, with dramatic walls, vibrant coral formations, and an abundance of marine life waiting beneath the surface.
Above the water, you’ll find attractions including the East End Blowholes, the Wreck of the Ten Sails Memorial, and peaceful stretches of coastline perfect for unwinding.
If you’re interested in discovering more, our blog East End Grand Cayman: Exploring the Hidden Gems and our Ultimate Guide to Watersports on Grand Cayman’s East End are packed with inspiration.
Accommodation Options in Grand Cayman’s East End
The East End offers a relaxed collection of resorts that appeal to travellers seeking space and tranquillity.
Morritt’s Resort remains a popular choice, with beachfront accommodation, family-friendly facilities, and direct access to Tortuga Divers’ activities. You can find us onsite at the Morritt’s Tortuga Club.
Nearby, Wyndham Reef Resort offers all-inclusive convenience and beautiful ocean views. But wherever you stay in the East End, our team is your gateway to unforgettable experiences in the water and on the beach!
Getting Around Grand Cayman’s East End
The East End sits around 45 to 50 minutes from Owen Roberts International Airport. Hiring a car is highly recommended for a multi-day stay. It not only allows you to explore this beautiful part of the island at your own pace, but it also eliminates the need to rely on public transport (which is irregular and a drain on precious time) and taxis (which will become overly expensive given the distances involved).
Our parent company, Red Sail Sports, has the informative guide How to Get Around Grand Cayman on its website. Be sure to read it when you have finished here for a broader look at getting around our island home.
Staying in Grand Cayman’s Seven Mile Beach: Convenience and Variety
Seven Mile Beach is Grand Cayman’s most famous address, and it’s easy to understand why. This iconic stretch of white sand is lined with resorts, restaurants, bars, and activities. If it’s your first visit to our island and you want plenty of choice on your doorstep, Seven Mile Beach could be the ideal base.
Visitors can spend their days relaxing on the beach, enjoying water sports, dining at renowned restaurants, or heading out on excursions. Red Sail Sports operates along Seven Mile Beach, offering everything from diving trips and sailing excursions to snorkelling adventures and Stingray City tours.
We recommend reading their Ultimate Guide to Seven Mile Beach for a closer look at this iconic Cayman destination.
Seven Mile Beach Accommodation Options
Some of Grand Cayman’s best-known resorts can be found here, including:
- The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman
- Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa
- The Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa
- Grand Cayman Marriott Resort
- Hotel Indigo Grand Cayman
Looking for more budget-friendly options? You can find several mid-range hotels and vacation rentals dotted along the beach.
Seven Mile Beach Transport Links
Seven Mile Beach is only around 15 minutes from the airport, making it one of our island’s most convenient locations. If you’re only planning to stay in this area, you don’t necessarily need to hire a car. Taxis and ride share apps (Drift and Island: GO! are the most popular) are ideal for short journeys here and there.
And you can still make the trip over to Rum Point across the North Sound! Red Sail Sports’ Rum Point Dinner Ferry departs from Safehaven Marina and transports you across the sound to the North Side. There, you will enjoy a tasty beachside dinner at Rum Point Club.
Staying in Grand Cayman’s North Side: Relaxed Family Holidays
The North Side strikes a balance between accessibility and seclusion. Less busy than Seven Mile Beach but still close to many of Grand Cayman’s attractions, this area appeals to families, couples, and travellers looking for a laid-back atmosphere.
Rum Point is the area’s standout attraction, offering calm waters, beautiful beaches, and a relaxed Caribbean setting. Visitors can also explore the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park, the Mastic Trail, and nearby Starfish Point.
Accommodation Options in Grand Cayman’s North Side
Accommodation tends to focus on low-key condos, villas, and charming beachfront cottages. Consider Ocean Paradise (secluded luxury homes), The Retreat at Rum Point, and the collection of independent villas available for hire.
Wherever you stay, Rum Point Club provides an excellent option for beachfront dining and easy access to fun-filled watersports and beach activities.
North Side Transport Links
The North Side is approximately 45 to 50 minutes from the airport. For the same reasons as staying in the East End, a hire car is recommended to make the most of your time.
Staying in Grand Cayman’s George Town: Culture and Convenience
As the capital of the Cayman Islands, George Town offers a different side of island life. It’s ideal for visitors on shorter stays or those who want to be close to shops, restaurants, and transport links. The Cayman Islands National Museum, local galleries, and duty-free shopping can all be found here.
George Town also places you within easy reach of both Seven Mile Beach and the airport. This is also where cruise passengers disembark onto our island, so it can become busy here at certain times of the week.
George Town Accommodation Options
Visitors can have a range of options to choose from, including hotels, guesthouses, and holiday rentals to suit a variety of budgets. Two standout hotels in the capital are Sunset House and One | GT.
George Town Transport Links
George Town is only around 10 minutes from Owen Roberts International Airport, making it one of the easiest places to reach after arriving on the island. And given its proximity to Seven Mile Beach, taxis and ride-share services tend to satisfy most needs.
Which Part of Grand Cayman is Best for Divers?
For divers, the answer often comes down to the type of experience you’re seeking. The East End offers quieter dive sites, exceptional reef access, and a more personal atmosphere. Seven Mile Beach provides convenient access to popular west coast sites like the Kittiwake wreck, while the North Side is well placed for exploring the famous North Wall.
Our blog Grand Cayman Dive Sites: East End vs North Wall can help you decide which experience suits you best.
So, Where Should You Stay in Grand Cayman?
Ultimately, the answer depends on the holiday you want to create. If you love convenience and plenty of entertainment, Seven Mile Beach is a fantastic choice. Families seeking a relaxed beach holiday may find the North Side ideal, while George Town suits travellers who value practicality and culture.
But if your idea of paradise involves outstanding diving, peaceful beaches, fewer crowds, and the chance to experience a more authentic side of island life, the East End is hard to beat.
Explore our range of Grand Cayman East End diving trips, as well as our watersports and beach activities, and discover why so many visitors fall in love with this special corner of Grand Cayman.
Do you have any questions for the Tortuga Divers team? Please don’t hesitate to contact us for the answers you need.
