Grand Cayman is the largest of the 3 Cayman Islands. Rich with flora and fauna, adorned with white coral sand beaches, and plenty of night-life, this Caribbean island is a popular tourist haven and cruise port stop.

During our visit, we were based in the Capital City, Georgetown, which is in the West Bay District. From there, we toured some of the attractions in the area.

At the Tortuga Rum Co, we enjoyed sampling a variety of rum flavors, as well as an extremely moist and flavorful rum cake. 

We took a small tour bus to HELL. This area has black spongy limestone pinnacles covering an area of approximately 1/2 the size of a football field. It truly does look like what one would envision hell to be. There is a viewing deck that allows different vantage points, and inside the little souvenir shop, even the devil himself will stamp your passport to prove you’ve been to Hell – kitschy but a fun touch. Another experience that was appropriate to the theme was that it was pure hell navigating through a dark, delapitated bar to find a restroom!

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One of our hi-lights was spending time on 7-Mile Beach. This crescent-shaped public beach of pure white, powdery coral sand is among the best we’ve visited. Although it’s busy, attendants are helpful to find a chaise for you. Huge buffets are served beach-side, and there are both cabanas and beach bars to get out of the sun.  The sand is soft, the water is warm, the sun is hot, and the rum punch is cold – what more could one ask for?

Roosters run freely on the beach and on the city streets. We learned that poultry isn’t a part of the local diet, so these fowl “rule the roost”

City Center in Georgetown is clean and vibrant with Caribbean music, shopping, monuments, and art work. The intricate tile-work in the stairwell of a viewpoint was amazing.

We enjoyed the relaxing time we spent on this jewel of an island. Will we return? With so many other places to explore, it’s hard to say. 

I grew up in the Cayman Islands. I didn’t play video games or watch TV. I would basically come home from school, throw down my backpack, grab my machete, and go hike and chop down trees to make a fort.

Armie Hammer