Cayman Islands · British Overseas Territory
- Position
- 19.3°N · 81.4°W
- Region
- Cayman Islands
Overview
The largest of the Cayman Islands
Grand Cayman is the largest of the three Cayman Islands, a self-governing British Overseas Territory in the western Caribbean, about 366 km south of Cuba. Its capital, George Town, sits on the west coast, just south of Seven Mile Beach.
On the north side of the island, a barrier reef encloses the North Sound, a vast, shallow lagoon of sandbars and seagrass. This is where most private charters spend their day: at the Stingray City Sandbar, along the north shore at Starfish Point and Rum Point, and anchored in water so clear the bottom seems within arm's reach.
Cayman takes conservation seriously. The Department of Environment manages an extensive system of marine parks and the stingray interaction zones, with clear rules on anchoring, feeding and what may be taken from the water. Your operator must also hold the right permit to take guests to Stingray City, which we confirm before suggesting a vessel.
Cayman Brac and Little Cayman, the Sister Islands, lie well over 100 km to the east-northeast. They are separate destinations rather than day-charter stops.
Stingray City
Two sites, one unforgettable encounter
In the northeast of the North Sound, just inside a channel through the reef, southern stingrays gather in remarkable numbers. The habit began when fishermen cleaned their catch here, and divers began feeding the rays in the 1980s.
There are two sites. At the Sandbar, the water is only about 3 ft deep, so you can stand among the rays. Stingray City itself is a deeper snorkel and dive site nearby.
Both are official Wildlife Interaction Zones under the National Conservation Act. Interacting with the rays is allowed only within these zones, commercial operators need an annual Department of Environment permit to bring guests, and visitors follow the official handling guidance.
Wildlife Interaction Zone rules
- No footwear in water shallower than 4 ft
- No anchoring in water shallower than 3 ft or within 20 ft of reef
- Feed only approved food (squid or ballyhoo)
- Nothing may be taken, alive or dead
- No fish feeding outside the zones, and no feeding sharks anywhere
Where you'll cruise
North Sound and beyond
Stingray City Sandbar
The highlight for most guests, visited with a permitted operator and under the interaction zone rules.
Starfish Point
A shallow north-shore beach known for cushion sea stars. Starfish, like all echinoderms, may not be taken from Cayman waters, and they should not be lifted out of the water.
Rum Point & Kaibo
Beach and restaurant stops across the North Sound. A ferry also runs from Camana Bay to Kaibo.
Seven Mile Beach
Grand Cayman's famous west-coast beach, in reality closer to six miles long, and the backdrop for sunset cruises.
Reef moorings
Free public moorings, white with a yellow stripe, mark many snorkel and dive sites. Your captain will choose them based on the wind and swell.
Marine parks
Cayman's protected waters
The Cayman Islands Marine Parks, first created in 1986, were expanded in 2021 to cover around half of the islands' coastal waters. They are managed by the Department of Environment.
- In Marine Reserve zones nothing may be taken, and boats use fixed moorings; smaller vessels may anchor in sand only, never touching coral.
- Anchoring that damages coral is an offence anywhere in Cayman waters.
- Gloves are not permitted while diving or snorkeling.
Your captain knows the zones and follows them; we simply ask guests to enjoy the reefs with care.
Seasons
Dry season runs from November to April; the wet season is from May to October.
Hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30. Grand Cayman lies within the region's storm tracks, and Hurricane Ivan caused severe damage in 2004.
Current fleet & availability
Ask about boats in Grand Cayman
Tell us your date, group size and whether Stingray City, Starfish Point or a sunset cruise is top of the list. We will check permitted vessels and availability.
Related destinations
More of the Caribbean
Grand Cayman FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About Yacht Charters in Grand Cayman
Straight answers to the questions travelers ask most about chartering in Grand Cayman. If yours is not here, ask us when you request a quote.
Can we visit Stingray City on a private charter?
Yes, as long as the operator holds the annual Department of Environment permit for the Wildlife Interaction Zones. We confirm this before suggesting a vessel.
What is the difference between Stingray City and the Sandbar?
The Sandbar is a shallow area about 3 ft deep where you can stand among the rays. Stingray City is a deeper nearby site for snorkeling and diving.
Can we feed the stingrays at Stingray City?
Only approved food, squid or ballyhoo, and only inside the official interaction zones, following the Department of Environment's guidance.
Can we wear water shoes at the Sandbar?
Footwear is not allowed in water shallower than 4 ft within the interaction zones.
Can we pick up starfish at Starfish Point?
No. Starfish may not be taken from Cayman waters, and they should not be lifted out of the water.
Can boats anchor anywhere around Grand Cayman?
No. Marine Reserve zones use moorings or sand-only anchoring for smaller vessels, and damaging coral with an anchor is an offence everywhere.
Is Seven Mile Beach really seven miles long?
It is closer to six miles, but no less beautiful.
Can we take a day trip to Cayman Brac or Little Cayman?
Not realistically. The Sister Islands are well over 100 km away and are separate destinations.
When is hurricane season in the Cayman Islands?
June 1 to November 30, with most activity from mid-August to mid-October.
Is Stingray City near Seven Mile Beach?
No. Stingray City and the Sandbar lie in the northeast of the North Sound, the shallow lagoon on the island's north side. Seven Mile Beach is on the west coast and is better known as the backdrop for sunset cruises.
Where is Rum Point, and can our boat stop there?
Rum Point and the Kaibo beach club are on the north shore, across the North Sound, and a ferry also runs to Kaibo from Camana Bay. Whether your vessel can stop there is confirmed when you request a quote.