Do you have a Beach Bucket List? If so, Seven Mile Beach should be on it! Recently voted” Caribbean’s Best Beach” by Caribbean Travel and Life Magazine, the crescent-shaped white sand beauty is legendary to Caribbean travelers. Located on Grand Cayman just north of George Town, Seven Mile Beach is actually 6.3 miles long and is host to most of the luxury hotels and upscale restaurants on the island. It is open to the public as all the beaches are in the Cayman Islands you can rub shoulders with locals, cruise ship day-trippers and Caribbean travel junkies. Enjoyed for its calm warm water, soft sand and small coral reefs, decent snorkeling can be found just offshore. Most everything is allowed on the beach, such as grilling and letting your dog run free without a leash. Just don’t play loud music or take off your clothes. That’s a no-no! In September of 2004, Grand Cayman was hit hard by hurricane Ivan severely damaging virtually all the resorts but all have recovered and are at full capacity.
Where To Stay On Seven Mile Beach?
Seven Mile Beach Grand Cayman Beach Suites
Readers of Expedia named the Beach Suites the #1 luxury resort on 7 Mile Beach as well as making Frommers top 25 luxury hotels in the Caribbean. Formerly the Hyatt the resort has undergone major improvements and has now 53 spacious suites that include four 2 bedroom suites that feature fully furnished 680 sq ft terraces that look out on to the aqua blue Caribbean Sea. The resort has several restaurants including Hemingway’s voted in the top 3 restaurants in the Caribbean by Wine Spectator magazine. The restaurants are open to the public so reservations are suggested for lunch and dinner. Want golf? The resort has the premier Jack Nicklaus designed course – The Britannia Golf course that winds its way beside the sea and lakes. The Grand Cayman Beach Suites awaits discerning travelers that don’t mind paying for luxury.
Caribbean Club
Boasting 37 large 1-3 bedroom suites with balconies that seem to actually touch the water, this is one spectacular location to kick it large. This place is more like a home away from home. Just have the gourmet kitchen stocked for you before you arrive or order up an in-room massage. Also, enjoy the free cabanas and pool with its tranquil waterfall. The Caribbean club offers its charms for the traveler that lives large. Just a minute walk away from the closest beach, this unfussy hotel surrounded by tropical greenery is 2.7 km from Cayman Islands National Museum and 3.1 km from The Blue Tip Golf Course.
Comfort Inn and Suites
Budget traveler alert! Comfort Inn suites come with kitchenettes, coffee makers, flat screen TVs, and a complimentary hot breakfast. Upgraded units have sitting rooms and sofa beds and the 1-2 bedroom suites have a full kitchen and living room. The resort also has a fitness room, restaurants, and pool with bar. With prices starting in the $200s, it’s a value that can’t be beat.
Excursions On Seven Mile Beach
Go to Hell
Located in west bay just a short drive from 7 Mile Beach, Grand Cayman is the town of Hell. With its black limestone formations, Red Fire house and post office, you can send a letter home postmarked from Hell.
Cayman Turtle Farm
If you have little ones, you must visit the Cayman Turtle Farm. See full sized turtles from around the world and swim with them in the lagoon. There is a large shark and other predators for close up viewing as well as smaller tanks where you can hold and take photos with baby turtles.
Stingray City
After years of being fed by local fishermen, the stingrays are so tame you can pet, fondle and interact with these gentle creatures. You can take a short boat trip to the shallow sandbars of the North sound for approximately $45 for adults $25 for children.
My View
Seven Mile Beach is great for travelers who enjoy a luxurious beach experience with all creature comfort available within walking distance. You can still find old Caribbean charm nearby and great excursions threw out the island. I recommend Seven Mile Beach highly as a safe, convenient, family-oriented Caribbean destination.
Honorable Mention
More things to do and see when visiting the Cayman Islands.
1) Camana Bay
If the crowd at Seven Mile Beach is getting you down, make a day trip and visit Camana Bay. Enjoy the calm waters , white sand and serenity. Grab a bite from the food stands and find a nice palm tree to enjoy it under. Go snorkeling and see the many fish that will surround you and eat from your hands.
2) Public Beach
There are many beaches with signs that say public beach. I suggest the ones on the south side of the island. Most public beaches come with a BBQ and bathrooms. Never crowded, you can meet locals. Remember, this is an English speaking island so don’t be shy.
3) White sand beach
Located near Star Fish Beach on thesouth-westt side ofthe island is White Sand Beach. It features some of the calmest, warm, turquoise water on the island. A great place to go if you have small children. Bring your own water and snacks.
4) Casa Caribe
Probably my favorite place to stay while in the Caymans. Set back from the main road with spectacular ocean views consisting of twenty four roomy two- and three-bedroom condo’s. Located next to everything including the strand shopping plaza. Don’t stress, you can walk to most anywhere you want to go.
Scuba diving
You can’t really go wrong anywhere on the island, but if I had to pick a spot to scuba dive, it would be the reef just outside of Sting Ray City. Take the early morning boat to avoid the crowds. Enjoy beautiful coral formations and the fish that rule the reef
5) West Bay Road
Take this iconic road to Hell, the turtle farm, shopping and beaches. Need something to do? Just get on the road and see where it takes you.
Stephen Kent
Caribbeansbest.org
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