given the clear warm sea it's no surprise that water sports predominate, the greatest variety being available on Grand Cayman. Scuba diving and snorkeling are by far the most popular; visibility can exceed 100 feet. There are numerous offshore reefs, and further out by boat lies the Cayman Trench, several miles deep and teeming with sea life. For those who prefer to stay dry, a glass-bottom boat or an air-conditioned submarine will shuttle sightseers down to this amazing world underwater.

There is as much to do on top of the water: deep-sea fishing, bone fishing on the flats around Little Cayman, windsurfing (especially good on the breezy East End of Grand Cayman), jet skiing, parasailing, sailing, and simply swimming or floating around on the salty sea. Children especially enjoy the Grand Cayman turtle farm where they can watch hatchlings and hold baby turtles.

For those who like to swing a golf club, Grand Cayman has well-maintained and challenging courses including The Links at Safehaven (greens fees US$60), an 18-hole, par 71 championship course. At the Hyatt Regency, the Britannia Golf Resort (greens fees US$40-90) is the only Jack Nicklaus-designed course in the Caribbean and is actually two courses in one: a par 58 executive-style, or short, course, and a par 70 championship course.
 

The sister islands offer some distinct nature-based sports. Cayman Brac sets itself apart from the other Caymans with the many hiking trails that cross the island. Be sure to wear sturdy shoes as some of the trails are over sharp iron shore coral, and bring water as it's easy to get dehydrated in the heat.

On the less strenuous side, there's excellent bird watching on Little Cayman where the centre of the island is dominated by a mangrove swamp. The National Trust building is situated right on the swamp and has viewing decks complete with telescopes. The red-footed booby, black frigate and snowy egret are commonly seven here. If you're unfamiliar with tropical birds, the volunteers inside the Trust building will be happy to orient you.

Cayman Islands
     travel guide

Cayman Islands
overview
Where to go
When to go
Getting there
Costs & currency
Communications
Food and drink
Brief history
Best of Cayman Islands
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diving, hiking
Festivals and holidays
Scuba diving

Caribbean guide

Explore Cayman Islands

Cayman Brac

Grand Cayman

Grand Cayman
Stingray City
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The Town
North and East
Seven Mile Beach and
West Bay

Little Cayman

Little Cayman
diving and fishing
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