Grand Cayman’s North Side and East End are where the island starts to feel less like a Seven Mile Beach vacation and more like an actual island. That can be wonderful. It can also be inconvenient if your family expected restaurants every three minutes and groceries to magically appear in the fridge. Some links in this article are Amazon affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you buy through them at no extra cost to you.
Our short answer: yes, the North Side and East End are worth the drive with kids, but not as a rushed afterthought. Plan the day, bring the boring gear, and do not underestimate distance just because Grand Cayman looks small on a map.
If you are staying near Rum Point or Cayman Kai, read our transportation guide for that side of the island.
Rum Point: easiest North Side beach base
Rum Point is the North Side stop that makes the most sense for families. Calm shallow water, shade, food nearby, and a slower pace all help. It is not the island’s best snorkeling, but it can be one of the easiest family beach days when you want to settle in.
We would use Rum Point as the anchor for a North Side day. Not a quick photo stop. A real beach stop.
Best for:
- calm water
- families with younger kids
- beach day plus food
- pairing with Starfish Point or Kaibo
Watch for:
- the drive from Seven Mile Beach
- checking current restaurant/service hours
- not over-scheduling the same day
Starfish Point: a stop, not the whole day
Starfish Point is unique and worth seeing if you are already on that side. The water is shallow, the setting is pretty, and seeing starfish near shore is memorable.
But it is not a full beach day for most families. There are no big facilities, no reef snorkel, and not much to do after everyone has looked around and taken careful photos.
The rule is simple: do not pick up the starfish. Let the kids know before you arrive so you are not negotiating marine biology ethics in shin-deep water.
Kaibo and Cayman Kai: useful if you know the rhythm
Kaibo and Cayman Kai make a lot of sense if you are staying in the area or building a North Side day. Kaibo gives you food, marina energy, and a practical stop near the quieter beaches and villas.
This side of the island works best when you embrace the slower rhythm. It is not where we would stay if the family wants constant restaurant choice and easy nightlife. It is where we would stay if the plan is kitchen, beach, boat, quiet, repeat.
Crystal Caves: the non-beach anchor
Cayman Crystal Caves is one of the better reasons to drive north/east when your family needs a break from beach days. It is structured, guided, and different enough to feel like an actual outing.
We would do it earlier in the day, wear comfortable shoes, bring water, and avoid stacking it with too many other plans. Caves plus Rum Point can be a solid day. Caves plus Rum Point plus Starfish plus Blowholes plus dinner across the island is how vacation becomes a clipboard.
The Blowholes: quick, wet, and better with real shoes
The Blowholes are a fun stop on a driving day around the island. You watch the waves push through the rock and shoot water upward, which is exactly the kind of simple natural spectacle kids understand immediately.
The CuratedCayman note we love here is practical: the rocks can destroy flimsy flip-flops. This is a better stop with sturdy sandals or water-friendly shoes.
mysoft Kids Water Shoes Quick Dry Non-Slip Toddler Water Skin Barefoot Sports Swimming Beach Pool Shoes for Boys & Girlsamazon.comColliers and Barefoot Beach: quiet, but condition-dependent
Colliers Public Beach can be a peaceful East End stop with parking, picnic areas, and public facilities. Barefoot Beach is more remote and beautiful when conditions are right.
We would not choose either for a first beach day with small kids. We would choose them when the family wants quiet, has a rental car, and is prepared to bring supplies.
This is where we would absolutely bring a cooler.
BAGPARKK Insulated Cooler Backpack,33/45 Cans Multifunctional Double Deck Leakproof Cooler Bag with Sternum Strap,Large Capacity Lightweight Travel Camping Beach Backpackamazon.comMorritt’s / East End stays: peaceful, with tradeoffs
Staying on the East End can be great if your family wants a slower trip, diving, quiet, and a break from the Seven Mile Beach crowds. It is not the base we would pick for constant restaurant hopping or easy access to the west side.
The tradeoff is isolation. That can be the whole point, or it can become annoying by day three. Be honest about your family before booking.
We would choose East End lodging if:
- we want quiet
- we have a rental car
- we plan to cook some meals
- we are okay with fewer nearby options
- diving or nature matters more than nightlife
What we would bring for this side
The farther you get from Seven Mile Beach convenience, the more the basics matter:
Reef Safe Sunscreen Travel Lotion SPF 50 - Hawaii & Mexico Approved, Biodegradable, Zinc, Vitamin E, Oxybenzone & Octinoxate Free, Water Resistant, Organic Ingredients, Made in USA by Coral Safeamazon.com
BJPKPK Insulated Water Bottles with Straw Lid, 32oz Metal Large Water Bottle with 3 Lids, Reusable Leak Proof BPA Free Thermo, Stainless Steel Tumblers for Sports, Gym, Travel-Oceanamazon.com
Cooler Backpack, 33 Cans Backpack Cooler Insulated Leak Proof, Portable Lightweight Beach Camping Picnic Thermal Backpack, Soft Ice Chest Cooling Bag Lunch Backpack for Men and Womenamazon.comOur verdict
The North Side and East End are worth it if you plan them as their own version of Grand Cayman, not as extra errands after Seven Mile Beach.
Our family version:
- Rum Point as the beach anchor.
- Starfish Point as a respectful short stop.
- Kaibo/Cayman Kai for food and slow-day logistics.
- Crystal Caves as the structured non-beach outing.
- Blowholes as a quick driving-tour stop.
- Colliers or Barefoot when the family wants quiet and conditions cooperate.
Do it right and this side of the island makes the trip feel bigger. Do it rushed and it just feels far.