Cayman Islands Water Sports

Located in the crystal clear blue waters of the Caribbean Sea, the Cayman Islands offer a remarkable range of water activities for visitors, catering to all levels of adventure seekers. With sparkling white beaches, both well known and remote, all three islands – Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman – promise an unforgettable holiday on the water.

We’ve created a comprehensive list of Cayman’s watersports operators. Plus we’ve listed freediving separately to make it easier for the ‘deep snorkeling’ enthusiast to find instruction.

Water Sports Operators

In our Watersports directory, we’ve listed all the vendors who provide equipment rentals and services other than Scuba Diving. In this listing you will find the businesses that provide kayaks, snorkeling, submarine tours, WOW Balls, sailing charters, wave runner tours, snuba, banana boats, kite boarding and kite surfing, parasailing, skiing, and paddle boards. Scuba Diving operators and Deep Sea Fishing charters are listed separately.

Freediving

Those who want to explore underwater on their own breath may want to take classes in freediving. Also known as ‘deep snorkeling’, freediving lets you stay down longer and descend farther so you can see the reef and fish up close. Most instructors offer to get you to 50ft on your first lesson. No noise, no bubbles, no heavy tanks – just you and the fish.

10 things you can do on or in the water in Cayman

Diving

The Cayman Islands are known worldwide for fabulous diving, with some of the best sites anywhere found within these crystal clear waters. Whether it is shore diving, boat diving, live-aboard, or free diving, the excellent visibility in our clear, warm water makes exploring our marine environment a memorable experience. Shallow reefs with ample light make for great photographic opportunities.

Snorkelling

The pristine Caribbean Sea offers snorkelers a chance to discover everything from fabulous coral reefs to fish of all colours to sea turtles taking a swim alongside them. Just an few strokes from shore, Cayman's reef walls and patches are found around all three islands. View an amazing array of colorful and interesting fish, site for lobster, eels, octopus and rays, glide over coral canyons or even investigate the tiny marine life hiding in shallow grass beds. It's a whole new world under the surface.

Boat Trips

Take an organized boat tour out to Stingray City and the Coral Gardens or plan your own unique trip to any number of great locations including Starfish Point and Kaibo. Take a picnic for the day, or a special basket for a sunset tour. Try a replica pirate ship, or board a cabin cruiser or party boat. There is a wide array of boat types and package or private tours to get you out on the water.

Sailing

Conditions on the water are usually perfect all year round for both new and experienced sailors. Rent small boats by the hour at the beach concessions. Or arrange for a larger charter through water sports operators that range from affordable vacation options to luxury cruises.

Jet skiing

Rent a jet ski along Seven Mile Beach and ride the waves along one of the most beautiful stretches of white sand beach anywhere in the world. Play around the North Sound with idyllic Rum Point as your base. Group tours to offshore snorkeling sites are also on offer.

Reef Fishing

Grab a rod and try your luck along the shores of Seven Mile Beach or head to the other side of Grand Cayman to the North Sound to see what’s biting. Local Cayman fisherman operate many charters taking you to the best fishing sites. Equipment is typically included, so even the novice can enjoy a day of rod and reel on the water.

Deep Sea Fishing

Many a fisherman has come away with a prized catch of wahoo, blue marlin or yellowfin tuna after a day out on the plentiful waters of the Caribbean. Comfortable boats with all the necessary gear take you out to the locally famed 12 Mile banks and other fishing hot spots.

Water skiing and Para-sailing

The many water sports operators can arrange a boat and gear to get you up on water skis to satisfy your need for speed. Or opt for a bird's-eye view of Seven Mile Beach by para-sailing over the deep blue waters that are so clear you can see the reefs and walls below the water's surface.

Sea swims

The Cayman Islands is squarely on the map for several very popular races including the famous and internationally well-attended Flowers Sea Swim. All are welcome, from beginners out for fun to the serious contender. A calendar of 7 races during the sea swim season offers distances from 800m to 5k, and even takes you over to Cayman Brac where the current-assisted competition in the sound will get you one of the fastest race times of your life.

Take a Submarine Trip

Both submarines and semi-submarines offer visitors a chance to experience the amazing underwater life which abounds in the Cayman Islands, without having to put on a wetsuit or wear a snorkel. View the reefs and amazing variety of life that inhabits them through the large glass windows of the semi-submarine; or dive to 100 feet without getting wet on the submarine.