The Cayman Islands are known for having incredible beaches with sparkling turquoise water and white sand. The most famous beach on Grand Cayman is Seven Mile Beach, which is actually just over six miles long. The beach itself is a reason to visit the island. This long stretch of sand is where you’ll find many resorts and hotels, and several different public areas such as Cemetery Beach Grand Cayman.
While all beaches in the Cayman Islands are public up to the water line, there are several designated spots along Seven Mile Beach for the public with public facilities.
at a glance:
- Location: On the west coast of Grand Cayman, towards the north end of Seven Mile Beach
- Cost: Free
- Activities: Swimming, snorkeling
- Facilities: Restrooms and showers
How to get to Cemetery Beach
Cemetery Beach is located towards the north end of Seven Mile Beach along the west coast. From the airport, it’s about a 15-20 minute drive along the main road. If you’re staying on Seven Mile Beach, it’s a quick taxi or it’s an easy drive up the island. Likewise, if you’re coming over on a cruise, you can easily get a taxi there as well.
Like the name suggests, Cemetery Beach is right next to the West Bay Cemetery. To access the beach, there’s a small pathway that runs alongside the cemetery that will take you to the sand.
Parking:
Right across from the West Bay Cemetery is a designated parking lot for people who want to go to Cemetery Beach. The beach is usually quiet so you shouldn’t have any trouble parking here.
Facilities:
In the parking lot is where you’ll find the only facilities: restrooms and an outdoor shower in a bright yellow building. It’s right next to the street, so it’s not directly on the beach. Once you reach the sand, there aren’t any facilities available.
Cemetery Beach Grand Cayman
If you’re not staying directly on Seven Mile Beach with beach access from a resort, it’s hard to know where the best place to go is. It’s nearly seven miles long after all. Because it’s one of the main things to do on Grand Cayman, there are lots of public access walkways and areas.
We decided to check out some of the public areas and ended up at Cemetery Beach. The parking is easily accessible and the pathway to the beach is nice and peaceful.
I will say though that the type of tree that lines the cemetery and the walkway are trees that drop a lot of tree needles. They were all over the ground towards the entrance which isn’t great to walk on or lay a towel down on. But if you walk further down the beach, there are some more sandy areas without so much of the tree stuff.
There are large trees along the cemetery fence that are great shaded areas if you need a break from the sun. Otherwise, there’s plenty of sandy areas to throw your stuff down. This is a quiet part of the beach–perfect for beach naps and reading.
For the most part, the water here has a sandy shore, but there are a few rocky sections on the beach. Not enough though that you can’t swim here. This a great beach for swimming and snorkeling if you swim out a ways! There’s a variety of fish and the potential to see stingrays and turtles.
Good For:
People who want a quiet spot along the beautiful Seven Mile Beach to swim and snorkel. People who don’t need many amenities for their day at the beach.
What’s Nearby
- Governors Beach – Another public section of Seven Mile Beach that is right next to the Governor’s house.
- Hell Grand Cayman – An area of black limestone rock formations.
- Cayman Turtle Centre – A turtle conservation where you can swim and snorkel with turtles.
- Kittiwake Shipwreck & Artificial Reef – Directly out in the water is a popular wreck for snorkeling and diving. (You can’t swim to it–you’ll have to take a tour.)
What to Bring
- Sand Free Beach Tote
- Light Weight Beach Towel
- Collapsible Water Bottle
- Reef Safe Sun Screen
- Water Proof Phone Case
- Snorkeling Gear
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