If you're planning a trip to Grand Cayman, you've probably heard of Seven Mile Beach. It's the postcard-perfect stretch of sand that put the island on the map. But there's another beach that savvy travelers — especially families — are discovering: Cemetery Beach.
We live just a 3-minute walk from Cemetery Beach, and after hosting hundreds of families, we've learned exactly what makes each beach special. Here's the honest comparison.
Seven Mile Beach: The Famous One
The Good:
- Stunning, wide stretch of white sand
- Crystal-clear turquoise water
- Beach bars, restaurants, and resorts within walking distance
- Water sports rentals readily available
- Great for people-watching and that classic Caribbean vibe
The Reality Check:
- It's crowded, especially near resorts and during cruise ship days
- Finding a quiet spot can be challenging
- Beach chairs often "reserved" by resorts
- The snorkeling is... okay, but nothing special
- Parking can be tricky
Cemetery Beach: The Local Secret
Why Families Love It:
- Significantly less crowded — often feels like your private beach
- Some of the best shore snorkeling on the entire island
- Natural shade from casuarina trees (parents, you know how valuable this is)
- Shallow entry perfect for little ones
- Free parking right at the beach
- Sea turtles are regular visitors
The Trade-offs:
- No beach bars or food vendors (pack a cooler!)
- Fewer amenities
- The name takes some explaining to the kids
The Snorkeling Factor
This is where Cemetery Beach truly shines. While Seven Mile Beach offers decent swimming, the reef at Cemetery Beach is spectacular. Within 50 feet of shore, you'll find:
- Vibrant coral formations
- Tropical fish in every color imaginable
- Sea turtles grazing on sea grass
- Spotted eagle rays gliding past
- The occasional nurse shark (don't worry, they're harmless!)
We've had guests tell us that Cemetery Beach snorkeling rivals expensive boat excursions they've taken elsewhere.
Our Verdict
Choose Seven Mile Beach if:
- You want the classic resort beach experience
- Beach bars and restaurants are a priority
- You're traveling without kids and want to mingle
Choose Cemetery Beach if:
- You're traveling with family
- Snorkeling is on your must-do list
- You prefer a quieter, more natural setting
- You want to see sea turtles in the wild
The best part? From BeachLane, you can walk to Cemetery Beach in 3 minutes and drive to Seven Mile Beach in 8. Why choose when you can have both?
Ready to experience Cemetery Beach for yourself? Book your stay at BeachLane and wake up just steps from the island's best-kept secret.