In this article, we review the 25 best snorkeling spots in Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands.
1. Bioluminescent Bay
This is by far the most unique snorkeling experience in the Cayman Islands, if not the world.
Witness thousands of bright sparkles in front of your mask at night as you snorkel in the Bio Bay.
Click the link below to learn more about snorkeling in the Bioluminescent Bay:
Bioluminescent Bay Grand Cayman
2. The Barrier Reef
The Barrier Reef in Grand Cayman is a coral reef that extends along the north, east & south side of the island.
There is a very high density of coral & fish. There are other types of marine life, such as lobsters, eels, turtles and stingrays.
Click the link below to read our article about the Barrier Reef:
3. Coral Gardens
Coral Gardens is an area of coral heads located in North Sound, near Stingray City.
This snorkel spot can only be reached by boat.
Click the link below to read our article about Coral Gardens:
4. Eden Rock
This is a popular snorkel spot located in George Town, Grand Cayman.
Click the link below to read our article about this snorkel spot:
5. Cemetery Beach
There is a reef that is about 60 yards offshore from Cemetery Beach.
Due to the relatively long distance, this is a snorkel spot that only people with existing snorkel experience should attempt.
Click the link below to read our full article on Cemetery Beach:
6. Seven Mile Beach
Seven Mile Beach has different areas that you can snorkel at.
The snorkeling here isn’t the best, but there are still some spots worth checking out.
Click the link below to read our article where we review the best snorkel spots on Seven Mile Beach:
Seven Mile Beach snorkel spots
7. Cheeseburger Reef
This snorkel spot got its name due to being located next to “Burger King” in George Town, Grand Cayman.
Click the link below to read our article about Cheeseburger Reef:
8. Spotts Beach
Spotts Beach is located on the South Side of Grand Cayman.
It’s a 20 minute drive from George Town, and 30 minute drive from Seven Mile Beach.
There are a lot of wild turtles here. There is also a barrier reef where you can snorkel at.
Click the link below to learn more about Spotts Beach:
9. Wreck of the Gamma
This shipwreck is located on the southern end of Seven Mile Beach in Grand Cayman.
Click the link below to learn more about the Wreck of the Gamma:
10. Smith Cove
Smith Cove is a 10-minute drive from George Town.
The beach here is beautiful and the snorkeling is impressive as well.
Click the link below to read our article about Smith Cove:
11. Stingray City Sandbar
Stingray City Sandbar is a naturally occurring sandbar in the middle of the sea.
It is home to over 50 wild “Southern Stingrays”. Snorkeling here is amazing because you can see all of the stingrays around you as they look for food.
Click the link below to read our article about Stingray City:
12. Starfish Point
Starfish Point is a secluded beach in Grand Cayman that has dozens of starfish.
There is no coral here, but it is still a good snorkel spot because you can see many starfish on the sea floor as you snorkel the area.
Click the link below to read our article about Starfish Point:
13. Barefoot Beach
Barefoot Beach is located on the east side of Grand Cayman.
This snorkel spot is not for beginners because you have to swim about 70-yards offshore to reach the barrier reef. However, if you can reach the reef, you will see a wide range of fish and coral.
Click the link below to read our full article about Barefoot Beach:
14. Macabuca
Macabuca is a restaurant and bar that also has great snorkeling from shore.
It is located in West Bay, and is a 10-minute drive from Seven Mile Beach. They have ladders that go into the water so that you can easily enter & exit the water.
Click the link below to learn more about Macabuca:
15. Paradise
Paradise is a restaurant located on the waterfront in George Town, Grand Cayman.
There is good shore snorkeling here. There is lots of coral and fish. They have steps that go into the sea, allowing for easy access.
It is only a 5 minute walk from the cruise ship port to Paradise.
16. Sunset House
Sunset House is located in South Sound, Grand Cayman.
They have ladders that go into the water, meaning that you can enter and exit the water easily.
The water here is about 15 feet deep, and there is a lot of fish and coral. There is also a restaurant & bar.
17. Boggy Sands Reef
Boggy Sands Reef is located at the northern end of Seven Mile Beach.
This area can be difficult to access, and the reef itself is quite far offshore, meaning that this spot is not recommended for beginners.
18. Cobalt Coast
Cobalt Coast is a small dive resort in West Bay, Grand Cayman.
There are large areas of coral directly offshore from here, meaning that you can snorkel without needing a boat.
19. Lighthouse Point
Lighthouse Point is another dive resort in West Bay that has great shore snorkeling.
You will definitely see a lot of fish here. There is also a small restaurant that you can eat at after snorkeling.
20. USS Kittiwake
The USS Kittiwake is an ex-US Navy ship.
It was purposely sunk in 2011 to create a new dive and snorkel site. You need to take a boat to snorkel here.
Click the link below to read our article about the Kittiwake:
21. Morritt’s Resort
Morritt’s Resort is located on the east side of Grand Cayman.
There is a pier that extends into the sea. Under this pier is a lot of fish and coral.
This is a nice shore snorkel spot if you are staying on the east side of Grand Cayman.
22. Turtle Farm
The Turtle Farm is a popular attraction in Grand Cayman.
Inside the Turtle Farm is a series of pools where they breed turtles.
There is also a large snorkel pool where you can snorkel with fish and turtles. Although this isn’t part of the sea, it is still an interesting experience.
Click the link below to read our article about the Turtle Farm:
23. Wreck Of The Cali
The Wreck of the Cali used to be a good snorkel spot in George Town, Grand Cayman.
However, in 2021, the Port Authority banned snorkelers at this spot because it fell within a specific zone that doesn’t allow snorkelers.
If you want to snorkel at a shipwreck, then you should check out the Wreck of the Gamma or the USS Kittiwake as alternatives.
24. Devil’s Grotto
Devil’s Grotto is a popular snorkel spot just south of Eden Rock.
You will see a lot of fish here, especially tarpon, which are a large silver fish.
25. Governor’s Beach
Governor’s Beach is a section of Seven Mile Beach.
The snorkeling here isn’t amazing, but there is still some coral and fish to be found about 60 yards offshore.
Does Grand Cayman have good snorkeling?
Grand Cayman has very good snorkeling. People visit Grand Cayman from all over the world to snorkel and scuba dive.
Where can you snorkel on 7 Mile Beach?
There are many snorkel spots along Seven Mile Beach. Wreck of the Gamma, Kittiwake shipwreck, Boggy Sands Reef, Cemetery Beach and much more.
Can you snorkel off the beach in Grand Cayman?
Yes, you can snorkel from the beach in Grand Cayman. Smith Cove and Barefoot Beach are great shore snorkel spots.
Final thoughts
The Barrier Reef is the best daytime snorkel spot in Grand Cayman.
Snorkeling with the bioluminescence in the Bio Bay is the best night time snorkel experience.
