Top 7 Snorkeling Spots Around Grand Cayman You Can’t Miss

Exploring Grand Cayman by private boat means you get to dive right into some of the clearest, most vibrant waters in the Caribbean. Imagine skimming across calm, turquoise seas and slipping into the water surrounded by colorful schools of fish, majestic rays, and intricate coral formations—all without the crowds. Here are seven of our favorite snorkeling destinations that make every minute on a private boat charter unforgettable.

Stingray City
Few places compare to the thrill of hand-feeding southern stingrays as they glide past you on the sand flats. In early mornings, when the water is mirror-smooth and you have more elbow room, it almost feels like having your own private aquarium. Many U.S. visitors arrive wide-eyed and leave with photos that look too good to be true.

Coral Gardens
Just a short hop from Stingray City, Coral Gardens is a shallow reef paradise where even snorkel first-timers feel at ease. Here, parrotfish chomp on coral, butterflyfish dart in and out of crevices, and the reef seems to glow beneath the midday sun. Applying reef-safe sunscreen before hopping in helps protect these delicate ecosystems.

Cemetery Reef
Anchored mooring balls mark a historic shipwreck site now teeming with life. It’s not unusual to spot trumpetfish hovering motionless, while silversides shimmer like liquid silver clouds. Listen closely and you might hear the distant rasp of schooling fish. Your captain will know which mooring buoy offers the calmest waters, so you can glide in silently.

Eden Rock & Devil’s Grotto
Two reefs linked by an underwater cavern—this spot delivers a true sense of adventure. Swim through the archways of Devil’s Grotto under a cathedral-like canopy of coral and feel the blue light filter around you. Lobsters peek from crevices, and moray eels slither between rocks, offering glimpses of hidden marine life.

Smith’s Barcadere (Smith’s Cove)
Perfect for families or anyone wanting a gentler snorkeling experience, Smith’s Cove presents a calm, protected bay with easy beach access. After exploring the finger-coral formations just offshore, you can relax on shore-provided picnic tables and use clean restroom facilities. It’s an ideal break between reef adventures.

North Wall
For certified snorkelers craving a thrill, the North Wall’s dramatic drop-off plunges hundreds of feet. Here, deep-water currents bring larger species—reef sharks, eagle rays, and massive schools of snapper—into view. A quick safety briefing and current check from your captain ensure you experience this vertical reef safely.

Cemetery Point (The Grotto)
Distinct from Cemetery Reef, this submerged cave system rewards those willing to swim just a little further. Passing through narrow swim-throughs into air pockets beneath the limestone gives you a moment of awe before surfacing to see sunlight streaming in like a spotlight. Always snorkel with a buddy and light up your path for maximum visibility.

Each snorkeling spot around Grand Cayman offers its own magic—from the playful stingrays at the sandbanks to the eerie beauty of underwater caverns. When planning your private boat charter, consider a full-day itinerary so you can linger at each location without rushing back to port. Packing light snacks, plenty of water, and an underwater camera will keep you fueled and ensure you bring home memories that last a lifetime.